@article {pmid40623149, year = {2025}, author = {Gallimore, M and Krackow, E}, title = {An Examination of Developmental Factors in False Confessions.}, journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-22}, doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2513918}, pmid = {40623149}, issn = {1744-5183}, abstract = {We examined possible developmental factors associated with false confessions. Participants (N = 33) between 13-and-37-years-old (M = 21.79, SD = 6.20) completed a delay discounting task and a pencil-and-paper measure of impulsivity. A researcher accused the participant of having engaged in an accidental wrongdoing. Approximately half the participants confessed. When chronological age and impulsivity scores of confessors and nonconfessors were examined, neither differed significantly, although Bayesian analyses provided moderate evidence that participants who confessed were older. Additionally, some analyses were conducted by creating developmental groups in which participants were divided into ongoing and completed executive functioning (EF) groups, using age as a proxy for EF. False confessions did not differ by EF-proxy developmental group. However, an analysis of the instability of false confession across oral and written modes revealed significant developmental group effects based on specific mode of confession. The reasons people provided for their choice to confess or not confess were examined and are consistent with cases depicted in the literature of false confessions. Forensic implications, as well as the overlap between this work and that of Steven Jay Lynn are discussed.}, } @article {pmid40613544, year = {2025}, author = {Bai, XD and Liu, YC and Ge, SY and Fei, WC}, title = {Clinical Trial of Salmon Nasal Cartilage-Derived Proteoglycans on Human Facial Antiaging: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {7}, pages = {e70218}, pmid = {40613544}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Middle Aged ; Female ; *Nasal Cartilages/chemistry ; Adult ; Male ; *Proteoglycans/administration & dosage/adverse effects/pharmacology ; Salmon ; Animals ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects ; Skin/drug effects ; Administration, Oral ; Face ; Treatment Outcome ; Dietary Supplements ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Proteoglycans (PGs) derived from salmon nasal cartilage are believed to have antiaging effects on the skin. However, comprehensive evaluations of their impact on various skin parameters in Chinese populations remain limited.

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

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

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

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that daily oral intake of 20 mg PG effectively improves skin health by enhancing elasticity, hydration, and reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles and pigmentation.}, } @article {pmid40608153, year = {2025}, author = {Damini, S and Blum, CR and Sumasgutner, P and Bugnyar, T}, title = {When to mob? plasticity of antipredator behavior in common ravens' families (Corvus corax) across offspring development.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {55}, pmid = {40608153}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Crows/physiology/growth & development ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Social Behavior ; *Behavior, Animal ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The ability to respond appropriately to predators is essential for survival. Because response options vary with predation context, anti-predator behavior is often flexible, context dependent and shaped by learning. Corvids engage in predator mobbing, which contains a vocal component (scolding) and predator-directed behaviors (approaches, attacks). Individuals typically gang up for mobbing and pass on information about predators; yet their expression of antipredator behavior is influenced by factors such as social status, age, and rearing conditions. Here we investigated the development of antipredator behavior in ravens, specifically the onset of mobbing and the extent to which these responses are affected by parental agitation. We exposed 12 captive families to a potentially dangerous human (DH) at two stages of offspring development: shortly after fledging and near independence. We tested the hypotheses that (i) parents are more protective when the offspring are young and that (ii) offspring show more predator-directed behaviors with increasing age. We found that (i) adults mobbed significantly more during the early test period and (ii) offspring were less likely to ignore the DH and showed increased engagement during the late test period. These findings suggest that parental anti-predator investment diminishes as offspring develop greater motoric and cognitive abilities. This reduced investment may encourage offspring to independently assess and respond to threats. Yet, they hardly engage in mobbing while they are with their parents. Future studies may clarify if the increase in offsprings' interindividual variance in both mobbing components are indicative for the emergence of individuality.}, } @article {pmid40589659, year = {2025}, author = {Nadarajan, V and Thota, B and Dogaroiu, A and Kim, L and Niksic, A and Peters, V and Ngo, TC and Barillas, J and Kenkel, J}, title = {A Decade in Focus: Examining Lessons Learned From Office-Directed Injectables in an Academic Practice.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {ojaf013}, pmid = {40589659}, issn = {2631-4797}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Noninvasive facial rejuvenation procedures have continued to grow in popularity, with botulinum toxin and injectable soft-tissue fillers being the most common.

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

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

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

CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin and soft-tissue fillers are safe with low complication rates when administered by an experienced provider. These procedures may serve as a starting point for patients pursuing antiaging treatments and an opportunity to establish continuity of care for providers.}, } @article {pmid40588966, year = {2025}, author = {Giunti, G and Mylonopoulou, V and Rivera-Romero, O and Isomursu, M}, title = {Power Dynamics Analysis of Participatory Design in Digital Health Research: Case Study.}, journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics}, volume = {328}, number = {}, pages = {454-458}, doi = {10.3233/SHTI250760}, pmid = {40588966}, issn = {1879-8365}, mesh = {Humans ; *Power, Psychological ; *Patient Participation/methods ; *Community-Based Participatory Research/organization & administration ; Digital Health ; }, abstract = {Digital health adoption remains a challenge requiring engagement from patients, healthcare professionals, and family members. Participatory design (PD) enables stakeholders to co-create tools but the relationship among stakeholders influences power dynamics. We explored power dynamics in a series of PD workshops with patients, healthcare professionals and family members taking place in 4 different countries. Data was collected through participant observation, recordings, and facilitator interviews, then analyzed using French and Raven's Bases of Power framework. Findings indicate that each stakeholder group holds distinct types of power that impact the design process. Patients brought referent and informational power derived from lived experiences. Healthcare professionals often wielded expert and legitimate power, while family members sometimes exerted coercive or reward power.}, } @article {pmid40588685, year = {2025}, author = {Brown, JL}, title = {What are 40 Acres and a Mule Worth in the Twenty-First Century? A Rapid Review of Modern Reparative Initiatives to Address Socioeconomic and Health Inequality Among Black Americans.}, journal = {Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {40588685}, issn = {2196-8837}, abstract = {The historical call for reparations for Black Americans has recently regained relevance. Reparations aim to address not only generational inequality established during slavery but also the perpetuation of socioeconomic and health disparities over time via Jim Crow, redlining, police brutality, and other forms of structural and systemic racism. Using Public Health Critical Race Praxis (PHCRP), this rapid review assesses the landscape of reparative initiatives across the United States at the governmental and organizational levels, analyzing the eligibility criteria, political ideologies, and goals of various stakeholders. Additionally, it examines the potential ability of reparations initiatives to reduce socioeconomic and health inequality. Key themes identified include American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) should be eligible for reparations; the overall goals of reparative initiatives differ between governments and organizations; reparations extend far beyond direct payments; and reparations initiatives are influenced by one another but largely uncoordinated. The ways in which these themes align with PHCRP and the extensive policy implications are discussed.}, } @article {pmid40586182, year = {2025}, author = {Chang, H and Tao, K and Yang, Y and Wang, Y and Ge, M and Wang, X and Tang, S and Yu, H}, title = {Novel Cyclized Hexapeptide-9 Outperforms Retinol Against Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Active- and Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Trial.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {7}, pages = {e70290}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.70290}, pmid = {40586182}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; *Vitamin A/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; *Oligopeptides/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Skin/drug effects ; Healthy Volunteers ; Treatment Outcome ; Aged ; *Peptides, Cyclic/administration & dosage ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The functionality and regenerative capacity of skin progressively deteriorate with aging. Topical use of peptides with a hyper-safety profile has been implicated in replacing retinol for skin anti-aging use, but is limited due to low stability and poor skin permeability.

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

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

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

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, CHP-9 is more potent than retinol in improving skin aging-related symptoms, especially for long-term use. Cyclization of collagen peptides may present a preventive/therapeutic option for skin aging.}, } @article {pmid40578306, year = {2025}, author = {Tavares, S and Crow, J}, title = {Advocacy Spotlight Series : Jennifer Crow.}, journal = {European journal of cardiovascular nursing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/eurjcn/zvaf093}, pmid = {40578306}, issn = {1873-1953}, } @article {pmid40578069, year = {2025}, author = {Rademacher, N and McLeod, MC and Williams, CP and Awan, S and McElroy, KE and Saini, G and Gogineni, K and Luningham, JM and Aneja, R and Gutnik, LA}, title = {Association between travel burden and surgical timeliness for women with breast cancer in Georgia.}, journal = {American journal of surgery}, volume = {247}, number = {}, pages = {116484}, doi = {10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116484}, pmid = {40578069}, issn = {1879-1883}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates associations between patient distance traveled to surgical care and receipt of timely breast cancer surgery in Georgia.

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

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

CONCLUSION: Understanding mechanisms driving surgical care delays and their effects on breast cancer outcomes is critical to reducing inequities in breast cancer care.}, } @article {pmid40574575, year = {2025}, author = {Krackow, E and Rashed, J and Thompson, I}, title = {Does Hypnosis Aid Memory Retrieval?: A Review of Steven Jay Lynn's Research.}, journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-10}, doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2508410}, pmid = {40574575}, issn = {1744-5183}, abstract = {Steven Jay Lynn was one of the most prolific clinical psychologists who made major contributions to the scientific literature in numerous areas, including in the area of hypnosis and memory. We review this work, limited to studies appearing in empirical journals, with special emphasis on research methodology. Hypnosis did not enhance accurate recall in any study and in some cases impeded recall. In numerous studies, hypnosis increased recall of never-experienced events; this recall persisted over time, and participants were at least moderately confident in their recall of these never-experienced events. We discuss the branching off of this work into the courts and psychotherapy.}, } @article {pmid40573526, year = {2025}, author = {Yang, Z and Yu, J and Liu, M and Peng, T and Wang, H}, title = {A Method for Predicting Trajectories of Concealed Targets via a Hybrid Decomposition and State Prediction Framework.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {25}, number = {12}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/s25123639}, pmid = {40573526}, issn = {1424-8220}, abstract = {Accurate trajectory prediction of concealed targets in complex, interference-laden environments present a formidable challenge for millimeter-wave sensor tracking systems. To address this, we propose a state-of-the-art autonomous prediction framework that integrates an Improved Sequential Variational Mode Decomposition (ISVMD) algorithm with an Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), synergistically optimized by the novel Red-billed Blue Magpie Optimizer (RBMO). The ISVMD enhances signal reconstruction by transforming noisy target echo signals into robust feature sequences, effectively mitigating the impacts of environmental disturbances and intentional concealment. Subsequently, the RBMO-optimized ELM leverages these feature sequences to predict the future trajectories of concealed targets with high precision. The RBMO further refines critical parameters within the ISVMD-ELM pipeline, ensuring adaptability and computational efficiency across diverse scenarios. Experimental validation using real-world data demonstrates that the RBMO-ISVMD-ELM approach surpasses state-of-the-art algorithms in both accuracy and robustness when predicting the trajectories of concealed ground targets, achieving optimal performance metrics under demanding conditions.}, } @article {pmid40573437, year = {2025}, author = {Vilibić-Čavlek, T and Barbić, L and Klobučar, A and Vucelja, M and Bogdanić, M and Sabadi, D and Kutleša, M and Gjurašin, B and Stevanović, V and Curman Posavec, M and Bjedov, L and Boljfetić, M and Jozić-Novinc, T and Škara, R and Tomljenović, M and Hruškar, Ž and Al-Mufleh, M and Potočnik-Hunjadi, T and Rončević, I and Savić, V}, title = {Re-Emergence of Usutu Virus and Spreading of West Nile Virus Neuroinvasive Infections During the 2024 Transmission Season in Croatia.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v17060846}, pmid = {40573437}, issn = {1999-4915}, support = {NPOO 1//European Union NextGenerationEU project supported by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia/ ; 653316//European Virus Archive goes Global (EVAg) project that has received funding from the Europe-an Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme/ ; }, mesh = {Croatia/epidemiology ; Animals ; Humans ; *West Nile Fever/epidemiology/transmission/virology/veterinary ; Horses/virology ; *West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; *Flavivirus/genetics/isolation & purification/immunology ; *Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/virology/veterinary ; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Female ; Seasons ; Male ; Birds/virology ; Phylogeny ; Middle Aged ; Culicidae/virology ; Adult ; Adolescent ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Immunoglobulin M/blood ; Child ; Mosquito Vectors/virology ; Immunoglobulin G/blood ; }, abstract = {Neuroinvasive arboviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and Toscana virus (TOSV) have (re-)emerged with increasing incidence and geographic range. We analyzed the epidemiology of arboviral infections in Croatia during the 2024 transmission season. A total of 154 patients with neuroinvasive diseases (NID), 1596 horses, 69 dead birds, and 7726 mosquitoes were tested. Viral RNA was detected using RT-qPCR. IgM/IgG-specific antibodies were detected using commercial ELISA or IFA, with confirmation of cross-reactive samples by virus neutralization test. RT-qPCR-positive samples were Sanger sequenced. Arboviral etiology was confirmed in 33/21.42% of patients with NID. WNV was most frequently detected (17/11.03%), followed by TBEV (10/6.49%), USUV (5/3.24%), and TOSV (1/0.64%). WNV infections were reported in regions previously known as endemic, while in one continental county, WNV was recorded for the first time. USUV infections re-emerged after a six-year absence. In addition to human cases, acute WNV infections were recorded in 11/395 (2.78%) of horses and two dead crows. WNV IgG seropositivity was detected in 276/1168 (23.63%) and TBEV IgG seropositivity in 68/428 (15.88%) horses. None of the tested mosquito pools were positive for WNV and USUV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of WNV lineage 2 and Usutu Europe 2 lineage. Climate conditions in 2024 in Croatia were classified as extremely warm, which could, at least in part, impact the quite intense arboviral season. The spreading of flaviviruses in Croatia highlights the need for continuous surveillance in humans, animals, and vectors ("One Health").}, } @article {pmid40572814, year = {2025}, author = {Bayir, MC and Mensur, E}, title = {XGBoost-Based Modeling of Electrocaloric Property: A Bayesian Optimization in BCZT Electroceramics.}, journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {18}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {40572814}, issn = {1996-1944}, support = {FA9550-21-2-0296//United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research/ ; }, abstract = {Electrocaloric materials, which exhibit adiabatic temperature change under an applied electric field, are promising for solid-state cooling technologies. In this study, the electrocaloric response of lead-free BaxCa1-xZryTi1-yO3 (BCZT) ceramics was modeled to investigate the effects of composition, processing, and measurement conditions on performance. A high-accuracy XGBoost regression model (R[2] = 0.99, MAE = 0.02 °C) was developed using a dataset of 2188 literature-derived data points to predict and design the electrocaloric response of BCZT ceramics. The feature space incorporated compositional ratios, processing parameters, measurement settings, and atomic-level Magpie descriptors, along with Curie temperature to account for phase-transition behavior. Feature importance analysis revealed that electric field, measurement temperature, and proximity to the Curie point are the most critical factors influencing ΔTEC. Bayesian optimization was applied to navigate the design space and identify performance maxima under unconstrained and realistic constraints, offering valuable insights into the nonlinear interactions governing electrocaloric performance. Under room temperature and moderate-field conditions (24 °C, 40 kV/cm), the optimized ΔTEC achieved a value of 1.03 °C for Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.40Ti0.60, to be processed at 1090 °C for 3 h during calcination, 1300 °C for 2 h during sintering. By integrating experimental insight with machine learning and optimization, this study offers a refined, interpretable framework for accelerating the design of high-performance electrocaloric ceramics while reducing the experimental workload.}, } @article {pmid40572647, year = {2025}, author = {Jin, Y and Li, N and Chen, Z and Zeng, K and Wang, J and Sheng, A and Fu, H and Hu, L and Mao, J}, title = {Clinical Characteristics and Genetic Variants in Children with PAX2 Mutation-Associated Disorders.}, journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)}, volume = {61}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {40572647}, issn = {1648-9144}, support = {2022YFC2705103//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2022YFC2705100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; LTGD24H050002//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *PAX2 Transcription Factor/genetics/analysis ; Female ; Male ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Mutation/genetics ; Phenotype ; Genetic Variation/genetics ; Genotype ; }, abstract = {Background and Objectives: PAX2 serves as a critical transcription factor integral to the process of embryogenesis. Variations in the PAX2 gene could result in the aberrant development of numerous organs. Despite the identification of numerous mutations within the PAX2 gene, the correlation between specific genotypes has yet to be fully clarified. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical phenotypes and genotypes associated with PAX2 mutation-induced disorders in pediatric patients of Chinese descent. The aim of our study was to forecast the pathogenic potential of these genetic mutations and to ascertain possible correlations between genotypic variations and the clinical manifestations of disorders linked to PAX2 mutations. Materials and Methods: We recruited 14 pediatric subjects with PAX2 mutations, meticulously examining the clinical characteristics and genetic alterations present in these individuals. Computational techniques were utilized to evaluate the pathogenicity, stability, and biophysical characteristics. A range of computational tools were employed for this assessment, including PredictSNP, MAGPIE, iStable, Align GVGD, ConSurf, and SNP effect. Results: The age at onset ranged from prenatal to 12 years. Five patients progressed to end-stage renal disease. Proteinuria and bilateral renal hypoplasia were observed in 92% of cases. Ocular and auditory abnormalities were also noted. We identified eleven different PAX2 mutations, including five novel variants not previously reported in the literature. We predicted that all mutations, with the exception of p.F27-L33 del and N188S, exhibited high pathogenicity scores. In particular, R117P and R140W are strongly associated with disease pathogenicity and are likely to cause more significant damage than other gene mutants. Conclusions: This study expands the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of PAX2-related disorders in the pediatric population. The identification of five novel variants enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of these conditions. Despite recurrent mutations, marked phenotypic heterogeneity persists, underscoring the need for further research.}, } @article {pmid40566893, year = {2025}, author = {Çelik, S and Arslan, L and Özarslan, C and Mart, M}, title = {Psychometric Properties of the Social Attribution Task and Its Relationship With Cognitive Functions.}, journal = {Psychiatry investigation}, volume = {22}, number = {6}, pages = {687-698}, pmid = {40566893}, issn = {1738-3684}, support = {1919B012206375//TUBITAK 2209-A program project/ ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Social Attribution Task-Multiple Choice (SAT-MC) battery is one of tests used to evaluate social cognitive capacity. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the SAT-MC for the first time in healthy adults and in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, then to investigate the effect on SAT-MC performance of clinical variables in schizophrenia patients.

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

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

CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that SAT was valid and reliable in evaluating social attribution skills in both a healthy and a schizophrenia sample group. Social attribution skill was found to be related to the perceptual reasoning and abstract thinking skills of neurocognition. The social cognition dimension was determined to be related to the theory of mind skills. Insufficient social attribution skills, seen especially in schizophrenia patients, can lead to social withdrawal and isolation by disrupting interactions and relationships with others.}, } @article {pmid40563936, year = {2025}, author = {Gryz, J and Krauze-Gryz, D and Brach, M}, title = {Wildfire-Driven Shifts in Bird and Red Fox Activity: A Case Study from Biebrza National Park.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {40563936}, issn = {2079-7737}, support = {This work was supported by the Forest Fund from the State Forests under contract number EZ.0290.1.24.2020 with the Biebrza National Park.//Polsih State Forests/ ; }, abstract = {Fires of natural or anthropogenic origin shape some ecosystems on Earth; this disturbance can maintain the landscape and influence many processes like vegetation structure, carbon, and hydrological cycle, climate, and others [...].}, } @article {pmid40561730, year = {2025}, author = {Payne, H}, title = {G.G. Simpson's changing attitude towards quantum evolution.}, journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of science}, volume = {112}, number = {}, pages = {60-69}, doi = {10.1016/j.shpsa.2025.06.007}, pmid = {40561730}, issn = {0039-3681}, abstract = {This paper conducts a study of the published responses to a key process - quantum evolution - in G.G. Simpson's paleontological masterpiece Tempo and Mode in Evolution (1944), with the primary goal of revealing the reasons for Simpson's changed views, as indicated in his next book Major Features of Evolution (1953), on the importance of quantum evolution. I argue that the primary force that drove this change was not pressure from other leading synthesis thinkers like Mayr and Dobzhansky but rather empirical paleontological considerations. I consider the implications this has for the supposed hardening of the synthesis as defended by Stephen Jay Gould and for our understanding of the status of paleontology in the post-synthesis period. I claim that paleontology's secondary status in the immediate post-synthesis period resulted from the internal workings of paleontology and not merely pressures from allied biological disciplines.}, } @article {pmid40559580, year = {2025}, author = {Gherman, CM and Balea, A and Györke, A and Kalmár, Z and Ionică, AM and Villena, I and Spano, F and de Craeye, S and Cozma, V}, title = {Prevalence and Toxoplasma gondii Genotypes Circulating in Five Wild Corvid Species from Romania.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {40559580}, issn = {2076-0817}, mesh = {*Toxoplasma/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; Romania/epidemiology ; Animals ; *Genotype ; *Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology ; Prevalence ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Antibodies, Protozoan/blood ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can potentially infect all warm-blooded animals, including birds, which, due to their high dispersal capabilities, are considered a significant candidate group of sentinel animals that reveal environmental contamination with this protozoan. In the present study, the serologic and molecular prevalences of T. gondii infection were determined in 333 corvids from Romania. Paired meat juice (n = 333) and heart samples (n = 244) were collected and analyzed using the modified agglutination test for antibodies, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA, and SAG2 molecular marker sequencing for genotyping. The overall T. gondii antibodies prevalence was 19.5%, with 48.1% infected jackdaws, 72.8% rooks, 89.7% hooded crows, 77.5% magpies, and 42.9% jays. Of 244 heart samples analyzed with PCR amplification, only 3 (1.2%) resulted positive and were shown to belong to genotype III through the sequencing of the SAG2 amplicon. This is the first extensive study on T. gondii in crows from Romania.}, } @article {pmid40559547, year = {2025}, author = {Garcia, YLNL and Gomes, AJC and Neto, GG and Ando, NF and Rodrigues, CS and Cesario, RA and Domit, C and Lima, FH and Ferreira, HL and Araújo, JP and Silva, BLD and Spilki, FR and Thomazelli, LM and Gamon, THM and Assis, IB and Durigon, EL and Oliveira, DBL and Costa, VGD and Calmon, MF and Rahal, P}, title = {Potential New Avian Species as Carriers of Diverse Circoviruses.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/pathogens14060540}, pmid = {40559547}, issn = {2076-0817}, support = {88887.805202/2023-00//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Circovirus/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; *Circoviridae Infections/veterinary/virology/epidemiology/transmission ; *Birds/virology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Bird Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; *Carrier State/virology/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Avian species pose risks for transmitting viruses, including avian circoviruses, that could be a threat for conservation and introduction into commercial flocks. This study investigated the presence of circovirus in 81 avian species from different regions of Brazil, including the northwest region of São Paulo and the coast of Paraná. Blood samples and oropharyngeal, cloacal, and other organ swabs were collected. The samples were extracted and screened using nested PCR for the replicase gene. In positive cases, the samples were sequenced. Regarding the results, a total of 1528 swab samples were collected from 601 birds, of which 24 (4%, 95% CI: 2.4-5.6) tested positive for various circovirus subtypes. Most positive birds (92%, 22/24) were from the northwest region of São Paulo, mainly from the city of São José do Rio Preto (54%, 12/22). The study also identified the presence of circovirus subtypes in avian families that were not previously described. Furthermore, the presence of raven circovirus in the blood sample of a Nyctibius griseus (potoo), suggests the possibility of a new carrier of the virus. Ultimately, the findings underscore the complexity of the viral ecology of avian circoviruses, highlight the necessity of enhancing future studies, and emphasize the need to support health assessment of wildlife, including marine birds.}, } @article {pmid40550692, year = {2025}, author = {Liao, DA and Schwarzbach, E and Nieder, A}, title = {Exploring Neural Dynamics in the Auditory Telencephalon of Crows using Functional Ultrasound Imaging.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0016-25.2025}, pmid = {40550692}, issn = {1529-2401}, abstract = {Crows, renowned for advanced cognitive abilities and vocal communication, rely on intricate auditory systems. While the neuroanatomy of corvid auditory pathways is partially explored, the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are largely unknown. This study used functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) to investigate sound-induced cerebral blood volume (CBV) changes in the field L complex of the auditory telencephalon in two female crows. FUSi revealed frequency-specific CBV responses, showing a tonotopic organization within the field L complex, with low frequencies in posterior dorsal region and high frequencies in the anterior ventral region. Machine learning analyses showed fUSi signals could be used to classify sound types accurately, in both awake and anesthetized states. Variable CBV responses to longer sound stimuli suggest a delineation of subregions within the field L complex. Together, these findings highlight the potential of fUSi for providing high-resolution insights into functional systems in corvids, enabling future exploration of experimental task-related cognitive dynamics.Significance Statement This study highlights the use of functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) to explore auditory processing in crows, marking the first application of this technique in songbirds. By revealing the frequency map of the crow's auditory system and demonstrating the ability of fUSi to classify sound types, the research uncovers the neural dynamics supporting complex auditory functions. The findings suggest conserved auditory organization across avian species and provide insights into the evolution of audio-vocal behaviors in birds. This work paves the way for future studies on the neural underpinnings of cognition and communication in corvids, offering significant implications for comparative neuroscience and neuroethology.}, } @article {pmid40547778, year = {2025}, author = {Kumar, S and Singh, R and Kampani, S and Gopal, KM}, title = {Policy mandates for Ayush in National Health Policy-2017: Achievements, impediments, and future prospects.}, journal = {Journal of family medicine and primary care}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {1597-1603}, pmid = {40547778}, issn = {2249-4863}, abstract = {The Ayush sector has seen multidimensional growth in the last 10 years, especially since its inception as the Ministry of Ayush in 2014 from the earlier Department of Ayush. This expansion is evident across various facets of the sector, notably reflected in the allocation within the union budget, the surge in exports of herbal medicines, the proliferation of educational institutions, the establishment of integrated Ayush hospitals, and the integration into the broader public healthcare system. The National Health Policy 2017 (NHP-2017) is the cornerstone guiding document for all health-related matters, including Ayush systems. It advocates for transitioning from a standalone to a comprehensive three-dimensional mainstreaming of Ayush services, emphasising the intricate integration of Ayush into the public healthcare system and adopting Ayush-based promotive and preventive strategies for fostering healthy lifestyles. Significant strides have been undertaken in recent years to realise the mandates outlined in NHP-2017. Noteworthy initiatives include the approval of 12,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs - Ayush (erstwhile Health and Wellness Centres), the establishment of co-located Ayush facilities across three tiers of public healthcare, the provision for Ayush academic departments in all new and forthcoming AIIMS establishments, and, more recently, the publication of guidelines related to Indian Public Health Standards for Ayush. However, several challenges persist, such as the skewed distribution of Ayush facilities, the non-inclusion of Ayush packages from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and logistical issues about the supply chain of medicines in co-located facilities. Addressing these challenges is imperative for achieving a seamless integration of Ayush systems into the mainstream public healthcare framework and fulfilling the policy mandate designated to Ayush. Such integration holds promise for contributing to realising universal health coverage, national health objectives, and the overarching goal of health for all. This paper delves into the policy imperatives for Ayush within the public health domain as stipulated by NHP-2017, examining its progress, identifying challenges, and proposing potential solutions.}, } @article {pmid40539864, year = {2025}, author = {Llinares-Segura, J and Alarcón, A and Mendoza, ME and Green, JP and Capafons, A}, title = {The Development and Use of the Valencia Scales of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis.}, journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-27}, doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2507720}, pmid = {40539864}, issn = {1744-5183}, abstract = {The importance of attitudes and beliefs in relation to people's behavior, both in general and within the context of psychological treatment, is undeniable. This is especially true in the field of hypnosis, where misinformation and myths are widespread. In response to a request from, and as a tribute to, Professor Steven Jay Lynn, we summarize the status of the Valencia Scales of Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis, both the client (VSABH-C) and therapist (VSABH-T) versions. A literature review was conducted in May 2024 across nine databases. The only inclusion criterion was that the studies had to cite and/or use either or both versions of the VSABH scales as a measurement instrument. A total of 73 references were selected and classified into four categories: psychometric analyses, use of the scales, citations, and unpublished references. The findings indicate that the VSABHs are widely used, useful, robust, and versatile scales with international projection, and its 37-item version is recommended. Scholars and practitioners are encouraged to continue the psychometric and applied study of these scales and to undertake adaptation processes in different languages, cultures, and samples, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the International Test Commission (ITC) rather than relying solely on reverse translations.}, } @article {pmid40531062, year = {2025}, author = {Montgomery, GH and Green, JP and Apelian, C and Zahedi, A and Polizzi, CP and Terhune, DB and Lynn, SJ}, title = {Hypnosis at the Crossroads: A Primer of the Past and Visions for the Future.}, journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-39}, doi = {10.1080/00207144.2025.2508407}, pmid = {40531062}, issn = {1744-5183}, abstract = {The field of hypnosis has intrigued clinicians and researchers alike for more than 200 years. Below, a review of hypnosis is presented from historical, theoretical, experimental, and clinical perspectives in order to provide those readers less aware of the field with a broad foundation. The literature reveals that while theoretically driven experimental research has led to groundbreaking clinical applications, there remains much to be done regarding dissemination of efficacious interventions and our understanding of underlying mechanisms responsible for observed effects. The goal is to inspire readers to pursue innovative work to improve our understanding of hypnosis and the quality of life of patients through clinical application. Along the way, we highlight empirical findings and selective writings of Dr. Steven Jay Lynn who was a tireless champion of hypnosis and psychotherapy.}, } @article {pmid40526687, year = {2025}, author = {Yadav, SK and Bakhsh, A and Sharma, D}, title = {Who pays for surgical care in the global south? A narrative review.}, journal = {PLOS global public health}, volume = {5}, number = {6}, pages = {e0004781}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pgph.0004781}, pmid = {40526687}, issn = {2767-3375}, abstract = {For decades, surgical care was sidelined in global health policy, perceived as costly, complex, and secondary to communicable disease control. However, the past two decades have witnessed a paradigm shift, with evidence highlighting surgery's critical role in addressing nearly 30% of the global disease burden. Landmark efforts like the 2015 Lancet Commission on Global Surgery and WHO Resolution WHA68.15 underscored that safe, timely, and affordable surgical care is indispensable to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, despite increasing advocacy, a fundamental question remains inadequately addressed: who pays for surgical care in the Global South? This narrative review explores the current landscape of surgical financing in low- and middle-income countries, examining domestic public funding, insurance-based models, donor assistance, diaspora contributions, and the persistent burden of out-of-pocket payments. While some initiatives-such as India's AB PM-JAY and organizations like Smile Train and KidsOR-illustrate scalable financing models, most low- and middle-income countries still rely on fragmented, underfunded systems that lead to catastrophic health expenditures. Moreover, political neglect, lack of standardized surgical metrics, and low visibility within global health frameworks continue to hinder sustained investment. The review further highlights the cost-effectiveness and economic benefits of surgical interventions, positioning surgery not only as a clinical imperative but also as a strategic investment in national development. Emphasizing the emerging concept of value-based surgery, it argues for integrating frugal innovations and systems-based approaches into health financing frameworks. To achieve equitable and sustainable surgical systems in the Global South, the global health community must address the multifaceted barriers to financing-economic, structural, and political. The review calls for strategic investments, better data, and policy integration to ensure that surgical care is no longer a privilege but a universal right.}, } @article {pmid40526551, year = {2025}, author = {Zuo, Z and Dong, J and Wu, Y and Qu, Y and Wu, Z}, title = {PADiff: Reconstruction From Patch to Pixel With Normality-Guided Diffusion Model for Unsupervised Anomaly Localization.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems}, volume = {PP}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2025.3572438}, pmid = {40526551}, issn = {2162-2388}, abstract = {Anomaly localization (AL) is an indispensable and challenging task in manufacturing. Recently, diffusion models have been widely used to localize anomalies through discrepancies between original and reconstructed representations, which is based on the hypothesis that diffusion models regard anomalies as noise and reconstruct them to normal representations. However, anomalies usually deviate from prior standard Gaussian distribution and diffusion models cannot reconstruct anomaly parts as normal patterns well due to powerful generalization. These issues hinder the application of diffusion models in AL and lead to suboptimal performance. As a remedy, we present a novel framework for AL based on the diffusion model, dubbed PADiff. To enable the diffusion model to reconstruct abnormal regions to normal regions in an anomaly image, we propose to guide the diffusion model in the reconstruction process using its normal counterpart. High-quality guided normal counterpart plays a key role in our method. Therefore, we propose a patch-substitution strategy to obtain a high-quality-guided normal counterpart. Specifically, we first construct a normal patch memory bank using normal training samples. With a normal memory bank, we find potential anomaly patches in testing images and substitute them with most similar normal patches in the memory bank. After substitution, pseudo-normal images are generated to guide the diffusion model. To make our method more data-efficient, we divide an image into patches and propose patch-wise training and reconstruction. As one of our innovations, we propose to encode each patch into positional embedding and add it on time embedding, which introduces patch-level representation and position information in the diffusion model. Extensive experiments are conducted on three commonly used anomaly detection datasets (MVTec-AD, VisA, and BTAD) to showcase the state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance of the proposed PADiff. The source code is publicly available at https://github.com/Jay-zzcoder/padiff.}, } @article {pmid40522119, year = {2025}, author = {Yadav, K and Hazarika, J and Rohullah, M and Chosenyah, M and Chandrasekar, R}, title = {Thermo-Welded Periodic Arrays of Fluorescent Polymer Microspheres for Rollable Coupled-Resonator Optical Waveguides.}, journal = {Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e2502583}, doi = {10.1002/smll.202502583}, pmid = {40522119}, issn = {1613-6829}, support = {SERB-STR/2022/00011//SERB-New Delhi/ ; CRG/2023/003911//SERB-New Delhi/ ; DST/INT/RUS/RSF/P-71/2023(G)//DST-RSF/ ; }, abstract = {Polymer microspherical resonators that trap light are crucial structures for on-chip and on-board integration in nanophotonic applications. Using advanced micromanipulation and thermo-welding methods, welded polystyrene-based coupled-resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) are successfully created with customized lengths, shapes, and optical characteristics. Through the thermal fusion of blue, green, and red fluorophore-doped polystyrene microspheres, multi-fluorescent cohesive units are created from dimeric to henicosameric periodic arrangements. Detailed micro-spectroscopy studies reveal CROWs' capability to support optical whispering-gallery modes. The periodic arrangements of different fluorophore-doped resonators within the CROW facilitate efficient guided transmission of light via both active and passive mechanisms in opposite directions. The welded structures exhibit mechanically driven rolling motion, confirming their integration as cohesive units. These findings highlight the versatility and performance of thermo-welded polymer microsphere-based waveguides, paving the way for scalable, low-cost photonic devices in sensing, modulation, and light guiding, emphasizing their role in future integrated photonics.}, } @article {pmid40514777, year = {2025}, author = {Gasparini, M and Scandola, M and Salati, E and Margiotta, R and Barbetti, S and Diana, S and Amato, S and Gambina, G and Bruno, G and Vanacore, N and Moro, V}, title = {The need to adapt neuropsychological tests to population changes. An update of the Italian normative data for three tests: Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices and COWAT -FAS.}, journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-12}, doi = {10.1080/13803395.2025.2519295}, pmid = {40514777}, issn = {1744-411X}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The study aims to update normative data for three of the tests which are most widely used in the Italian clinical services for dementia screening: the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, the Coloured Progressive Matrices test and the Controlled Oral Word Association test. In fact, the obsolescence of normative data is a crucial problem for cognitive tests, and their periodical updating is recommended because of the Flynn Effect: the longer the time which has passed since standardization, the greater the likelihood is that scores will overestimate real abilities.

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

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

CONCLUSIONS: The study provides updated scores for the Italian population for three tests widely used in clinical and experimental settings. The effects of aging, education, and gender on cognitive performance are confirmed, as well as the Flynn effect and the necessity for periodical updating of normative data for neuropsychological tests.}, } @article {pmid40510728, year = {2025}, author = {Punde, P and Mishra, N and Joshi, A and Ramgadiya, A}, title = {A modified high infraorbital with lateral crow feet extension incision (Punincision) for body of zygoma fractures and zygoma implants: Original research.}, journal = {National journal of maxillofacial surgery}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {71-76}, pmid = {40510728}, issn = {0975-5950}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the infraorbital incision with lateral crow feet extension to treat fractures present towards the body of zygoma.

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

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

CONCLUSION: This modified incision was found to be effective for fractures near the center of body of zygoma in terms of easiness of fracture site exposure and fixation in less time.}, } @article {pmid40504381, year = {2025}, author = {de Quadros, RM and Júnior, JAC and Raffi, MF and Casagrande, RA and Bassini-Silva, R}, title = {Collyriclum faba (Bremser, 1831) (Digenea: Collyriclidae) in the Azure jay, Cyanocorax caeruleus (Vieillot, 1818): the first report of the parasite in Brazil.}, journal = {Veterinary research communications}, volume = {49}, number = {4}, pages = {221}, pmid = {40504381}, issn = {1573-7446}, mesh = {Animals ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Trematoda/isolation & purification/classification ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Passeriformes/parasitology ; Female ; }, abstract = {This study aims to document the first record of the trematode Collyriclum faba in Brazil. This species parasitizes various bird groups, including Passeriformes, Galliformes, and domestic birds, across Europe, Northeast Asia, and the Americas. An Azure Jay (Cyanocorax caeruleus) found in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, exhibited an unusual enlargement and obliteration of the pericloacal region by an approximately 4 cm diameter, multilobular mass was firm in consistency. A sample of the excised tissue was extracted and sent for histopathological analysis, revealing eight adult C. faba specimens within the cyst. Each cyst cavity contained two parasites, surrounded by fibrous connective tissue, forming multiple cavitations. Longitudinal and transverse sections of the trematodes showed a tegument-covered body with parenchymal lining inside the cavity. The uterus contained numerous thick-walled, yellowish-brown eggs. The parasites were encircled by a predominant infiltrate of macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and diffuse heterophils, accompanied by bacterial colonies, resulting in the formation of a parasitic heterophilic granuloma.}, } @article {pmid40501980, year = {2025}, author = {Wang, X and Kostrzewa, C and Reiner, A and Shen, R and Begg, C}, title = {A Bayesian Approach for Identifying Driver Mutations within Oncogenic Pathways through Mutual Exclusivity.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2025.05.27.656485}, pmid = {40501980}, issn = {2692-8205}, abstract = {Distinguishing driver mutations from the large background of passenger mutations remains a major challenge in cancer genomics. Evidence-based approaches to nominate driver mutations are often limited by the availability of experimental or clinical validation for specific variants. As clinical sequencing becomes integrated into patient care, computational methods provide powerful opportunities to analyze expanding genomic datasets and identify functional candidates beyond the current knowledge base. Among various analytical frameworks, mutual exclusivity, the observation that mutations in two or more genes tend not to co-occur within the same tumor, has been particularly attractive. Building on this principle, we propose BayesMAGPIE, a refined version of a statistical method, MAGPIE, developed previously for identifying driver genes within oncogenic pathways. The new method introduces two key innovations. First, it incorporates information on mutation type using a Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework, enabling the distinction between potential differences in functional effects among variants within the same gene, thereby improving the accuracy of driver identification. Second, it models gene-specific driver frequencies with a Dirichlet prior which effectively controls the sparsity of the inferred driver set and aligns with the biological expectation that most tumor types are driven by a small number of genes. We evaluate BayesMAGPIE through extensive simulation studies to assess its estimation bias and accuracy in driver identification, and benchmark its performance against MAGPIE using TCGA data from eight cancer types.}, } @article {pmid40491745, year = {2025}, author = {Gupta, U and Kumar, N}, title = {Feathers, folklore, and eco-literacy: Stories ascribe cultural keystone status to avian scavengers in South Asian cities.}, journal = {Ornithological applications}, volume = {127}, number = {1}, pages = {duae056}, pmid = {40491745}, issn = {2732-4621}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {We examined the cultural significance of commensal avian scavenger species-vultures, kites, and crows-and their exploitation of anthropogenic resources and sentiments within Delhi's urban landscapes. For this, we investigated the intrinsic values attributed to these birds by people, which are indicative of complex, rapidly urbanizing social-ecological systems. Semi-structured interviews revealed folk perceptions intertwined with socio-cultural narratives and traditions, shaped by observations of avian morphology, ecology, and behavior. Birds' nesting habits, habitats, home ranges, and foraging behaviors affected people's perceptions, while ecosystem services inspired zoomorphism and anthropomorphism via vernacular-nomenclature (e.g., chidiya collectively for songbirds, giddha for scavenging raptors). Culturally rooted perceptions, which informed ritual feeding practices and shaped prevalent attitudes toward commensal species, fostered mutual tolerance, and brought people into closer contact with urban biodiversity. Such physical and cultural proximity is a defining characteristic distinguishing tropical urban ecosystems from their Western counterparts. We also uncovered the web of social-technological influences on animal-related folk stories. The urbanization of perceptions in vulture extinction zones revealed shifts in social-ecological relationships with wildlife. It adds cultural dimensions to the currently appreciated keystone status of vultures, vital for their erstwhile coexistence at extremely high densities in South Asia. Urban transformations, technological advancements, and media exposure potentially reshaped human-animal interface, with media misinformation affecting personalized ecologies. Conflicts and health concerns arose from media narratives on garbage-consuming animals. Our findings offer insights to prevent severing of people and nature connections due to urbanization (e.g., technological applications can integrate scientific knowledge with biocultural narratives and folklore), promoting a new-age eco-literacy.}, } @article {pmid40482599, year = {2025}, author = {Isoda, N and Hiono, T and Hew, YL and Takaya, F and Nguyen, BL and Kobayashi, D and Fujino, K and Sakoda, Y}, title = {Dynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus infection with multiple introductions in a crow flock in an urban park in Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {121}, number = {}, pages = {102367}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2025.102367}, pmid = {40482599}, issn = {1878-1667}, abstract = {Since 2021, high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b has been circulating globally, not only in domestic poultry but also in wild birds, both migratory and resident species. In March to May 2022, March to April 2023, and January to April 2024, crow die-offs were reported in an urban garden in Hokkaido, Japan, raising suspicions of HPAIV infection. Since August 2022, all dead carcasses were investigated for HPAIV detection and isolation. Phylogenetic analysis of the H5 hemagglutinin gene revealed that all detected HPAIVs belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b, a dominant lineage in Hokkaido since early 2022. Two distinct subgroups were identified: G2d (in 2022-2024) and G2a (in 2024). A maximum clade credibility tree, based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of the isolates, suggested that multiple distinct types of HPAIVs were introduced into the garden in rotation during the winters of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Infectious HPAIVs were isolated not only from the lungs and brains but also from the rectal contents of the dead crows, with no apparent difference in viral titers between the two subgroups. The case reproduction numbers of HPAIV infection in the crow flock ranged from 0.52 and 1.57 in the spring of 2022 and from 0.55 to 1.78 in the spring of 2023, suggesting that the contiguous HPAIV infections in the crows were due to multiple introductions into the flock. Crow can play a key role of potential spread to other animals, poultry and wildlife in urban areas or humans in rural areas.}, } @article {pmid40481186, year = {2025}, author = {Zhang, X and Huang, C and Gui, W}, title = {A multi-strategy improved crow search algorithm for multi-level thresholding image segmentation.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {20033}, pmid = {40481186}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The standard crow search algorithm suffers from low convergence accuracy, insufficient stability, and susceptibility to getting stuck in local optima. To tackle these formidable challenges, this paper proposes a novel multi-strategy improved crow search algorithm (MSICSA) specifically designed for multi-level image segmentation. The proposed approach incorporates three key enhancements: firstly, opposition-based learning (OBL) is utilized to improve the quality of initial solutions within MSICSA; secondly, an adaptive awareness probability mechanism is introduced to better balance the trade-off between exploration and exploitation; lastly, two differential mutation operators are developed to enhance global search capabilities, increase population diversity, and reduce the risk of converging on local optima. To validate the performance of the proposed algorithm, two sets of experiments are conducted. In the first set of experiments, CEC 2020 benchmark test functions are selected to compare the performance of MSICSA with other group intelligent optimization algorithms. In the second set of experiments, Otsu's method and fuzzy entropy are employed as objective functions for performing multilevel threshold segmentation on twelve grayscale images. The experimental results demonstrate that MSICSA outperforms seven comparison algorithms in terms of both convergence speed and segmentation quality.}, } @article {pmid40474401, year = {2020}, author = {Freeberg, TM}, title = {On mark-test replication and mirror self-recognition in magpies.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {134}, number = {4}, pages = {361-362}, doi = {10.1037/com0000256}, pmid = {40474401}, issn = {1939-2087}, abstract = {We have known about the importance of replication and reproducibility since our earliest science classes. In animal behavioral studies, the major texts on methods in the field stress the importance of study replication. Nonetheless, there has been a growing call in animal behavior for greater efforts to replicate published studies. An interesting avian candidate for the mark-test is the magpie, Pica pica. Over 10 years ago, a study revealed evidence of two magpies (out of five tested) passing the mark-test (Prior, Schwarz, & Güntürkün, 2008). Given the importance of this finding to the field of comparative cognition, and the aforementioned arguments about the need for increased efforts to replicate such findings, Soler et al. (2020) set out to replicate the earlier magpie study with a slightly larger sample size. The magpies were caught in the wild as adults (whereas those in the earlier study were adults that had been hand-raised in the lab; Prior et al., 2008). During the experiment itself, Soler and colleagues (2020; this issue) tried to follow the experimental steps of the earlier study as closely as possible. Magpies were marked on their throats with different sizes and colors of stickers and were presented with either a mirror or a size-matched cardboard stimulus. Although the magpies showed different social and self-directed behavior in the context of the mirror as compared with the cardboard control stimulus, they did not pass the mark-test. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid40470745, year = {2025}, author = {Avilés, JM and de la Cruz, C and González-Medina, E and Villegas, A and Valencia, J and Masero, JA}, title = {Body size as a mediator of climatic effects: Insights from a long-term study of social Iberian magpies.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {106}, number = {6}, pages = {e70130}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.70130}, pmid = {40470745}, issn = {1939-9170}, support = {2PR02A080//Junta de Extremadura/ ; IB18089//Junta de Extremadura/ ; IPR99A020//Junta de Extremadura/ ; PRI09A057//Junta de Extremadura/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Body Size/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Climate Change ; Reproduction ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Climate ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The importance of considering body size in assessing evolutionary responses to climatic change is increasingly recognized, as body size correlates with morphological, physiological, and ecological traits that are climate-sensitive and influence fitness. However, the role of body size in mediating climatic effects in vertebrates remains poorly understood. Here, we examined structural body-size responses to natal and adult-experienced climate in a social bird and assessed whether body size mediates the direction of climatic effects. Using 26 years of data on cooperatively breeding Iberian magpies Cyanopica cooki, we found that adult males reared in late spring nests were smaller than those hatched earlier in the breeding season. This pattern was driven by smaller females, which reproduced later and produced smaller sons. Larger males born in hottest years had lower lifetime fledgling production, while larger males experiencing hotter springs as adults produced more fledglings over their lifetime. Additionally, larger males born in driest years or raised in nests with many brood mates had shorter lifespans. Despite a significant increase in temperature in the study area over 26 years, the average tarsus length of males has not changed, likely due to opposing effects of natal and adult climate on body size. Our findings illustrate how inherited body size mediates climatic effects at different life stages, with these effects acting in contrasting directions on fecundity, resulting in apparent trait stasis despite ongoing climate warming.}, } @article {pmid40467686, year = {2025}, author = {Shawky, EM and Hamdy, R and Elgindi, MR and Baky, MH}, title = {UPLC-HRMS-MS profiling of Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa aerial parts and investigation of the anti-inflammatory effect.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {19718}, pmid = {40467686}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Components, Aerial/chemistry ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry/analysis ; Animals ; Mice ; Flavonoids ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; }, abstract = {Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa (Forssk.) P.H. Raven, also known as L. stolonifera, is an aquatic herb belonging to family Onagraceae and widely distributed in canals and drains in the Nile Delta, Egypt. The main goal of the current study is to investigate the metabolic profile of L. adscendens aerial parts using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS/MS) and investigation of its anti-inflammatory activity. A total of 168 metabolites were identified by UPLC-MS/MS analysis in negative and positive modes belonging to several phytochemical classes including phenolics (57), flavonoids (26), terpenoids (25), sterols (23), fatty acids (11), coumarins (7) organic acids (5), sugar derivatives (5), lactones (4), acids (3), and glycoside (2). The UPLC-MS analysis of L. adscendens revealed identification of a diverse array of phytochemicals which contribute to its potential pharmacological properties. The identification of bioactive metabolites in L. adscendens aerial parts including gallic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, and betulinic acid can impart biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated for L. adscendens methanol and ethyl acetate extract using nitric acid inhibition assay revealing IC50 of 26.4 and 23.9 µg/ml, respectively, compared to resveratrol as a standard anti-inflammatory with IC50 value of 14.2 µg/ml. These findings can highlight the importance of L. adscendens aerial parts as a potential source of bioactive metabolites.}, } @article {pmid40463953, year = {2025}, author = {Eibner-Gebhardt, MW and Fleischer, RC and Campana, MG}, title = {A historical Hawaiian Avipoxvirus genome reconstructed from an 1898 museum specimen.}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {112153}, pmid = {40463953}, issn = {2589-0042}, abstract = {Avipoxvirus is an avian pathogen that likely contributed to the declines and extinctions of endemic Hawaiian birds since its 19th century introduction. We surveyed 719 DNA libraries, including 639 representing 440 Hawaiian bird specimens, for evidence of Avipoxvirus infection. We reconstructed a 5.2× Avipoxvirus genome from an 1898 Hawaii 'amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens) specimen. Its sequence matched an extant Hawaiian Avipoxvirus strain, supporting the strain's persistence in Hawaii over the last century. We identified the earliest molecularly verified case of Avipoxvirus in the Hawaiian Islands in an 1887 'alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) specimen and reconstructed a partial Avipoxvirus genome from this specimen. Both specimens' Avipoxvirus strains were most closely related to canarypox virus, suggesting that introduced passerines may be the source of Avipoxvirus in Hawaiian endemic land birds. These findings clarify the origins and evolution of Avipoxvirus in Hawaii and provide evidence for the broader role of pathogens in driving biodiversity loss.}, } @article {pmid40455535, year = {2025}, author = {Shen, J and Palmeri, TJ}, title = {Modeling the dynamics of real-world perceptual expertise.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/xlm0001496}, pmid = {40455535}, issn = {1939-1285}, support = {//National Science Foundation/ ; //Vanderbilt University/ ; }, abstract = {Novices are faster to verify categories at intermediate ("basic") levels of abstraction (bird) than superordinate (animal) or subordinate (blue jay) levels, whereas experts are equally fast at subordinate and intermediate levels. One explanation ("entry-level hypothesis") is that for novices, categorization at intermediate levels is faster because it is the "entry level" into conceptual knowledge; experts become as fast at the subordinate level because the subordinate level becomes an alternative entry level. An alternative explanation ("differentiation hypothesis") is that for novices, categorization at intermediate levels is faster because that level is more differentiated and informative, not that it happens first; experts become as fast at the subordinate level because representations of objects at that level become more differentiated. We evaluated these hypotheses by fitting the diffusion decision model to accuracy and response time data from online participants with various psychometrically measured levels of birding expertise. We identified the alternative hypotheses with diffusion decision model parameters: Differences in nondecision time across category levels are arguably associated with the entry-level hypothesis, whereas differences in drift rate are arguably associated with the differentiation hypothesis. We fitted the diffusion decision model using a Bayesian hierarchical framework to estimate individual differences in model parameters across conditions. Behaviorally, we replicated the entry-level shift online. Theoretically, we found that differences in categorization speed across levels of expertise were captured by differences in both drift rate and nondecision time across levels. These results provide insights into the changes in representations and processes with the development of perceptual expertise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid40452390, year = {2025}, author = {Xin-Li, and Lingling-Hu, and Weimin-Song, and Qian-Lu, }, title = {Safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of periorbital skin photoaging.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, doi = {10.1080/14764172.2025.2513380}, pmid = {40452390}, issn = {1476-4180}, abstract = {Periorbital skin photoaging is a common cosmetic problem.Presently, conventional treatment methods cannot achieve satisfactory results. Periorbital skin aging may benefit from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. However, there is little experimental evidence on the safety and efficacy of PRP in the treatment of periorbital skin photoaging. To examine the safety and efficacy of PRP injection in the treatment of periorbital skin photoaging, PRP was injected into the periorbital skin of 20 patients, and patient satisfaction was assessed at the first month (M1), the second month (M2), and the third month (M3) after treatment. Two experienced dermatologists independently evaluated the patient's skin before and after treatment according to internationally accepted guidelines. The objective indicators of skin hydration, melanin index, erythema index, skin brightness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, and skin thickness were measured. Some subjective indicators, including pigmentation around the eyes, suborbital wrinkles, and static crow's feet, were significantly improved. Some objective indicators, including skin brightness, skin thickness, and collagen strength, were also significantly improved. Eye bags and TEWL slightly improved, but the differences were not statistically significant. The overall patient satisfaction with the treatment was high, no serious complications were noted, and the recovery profile was favorable. PRP injection was safe and effective for the treatment of periorbital skin photoaging.}, } @article {pmid40448730, year = {2025}, author = {Lamien-Meda, A and Harl, J and Lieber, A and Unterköfler, MS and Eigner, B and Wortha, LN and Müller, F and Heddergott, M and Fuehrer, HP}, title = {Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in common ravens (Corvus corax) from Germany.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {124}, number = {6}, pages = {56}, pmid = {40448730}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Germany/epidemiology ; *Crows/parasitology ; Prevalence ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Haemosporida/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Trypanosomatina/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; *Blood/parasitology ; Filarioidea/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Common ravens (Corvus corax) are intelligent scavengers that adapt to diverse environments, playing a key ecological role, but their health and ecosystem contributions can be affected by parasites. This study investigates the prevalence and diversity of blood parasite infections in common ravens using molecular techniques. Blood samples (n = 42) were collected from dead common ravens in Germany and screened for filarioid nematodes, trypanosomatids, and haemosporidian parasites. The results showed that 26.2% of the common ravens were PCR-positive for at least one parasite, with some cases of mixed infections. Filarioid nematodes were found in 16.7%, trypanosomatids in 4.8%, and haemosporidian parasites in 16.7% of the common ravens. Sequencing revealed the presence of four Leucocytozoon CytB lineages and one Haemoproteus lineage. The findings suggest that common ravens in Germany are often infected with diverse avian blood parasites, with a higher prevalence of filarioid nematodes. Further research is needed to confirm the circulation of these parasites in the common raven population and to identify the specific filarioid nematode species present in Germany.}, } @article {pmid40442496, year = {2025}, author = {Bhojani-Lynch, T and Shah-Desai, S and Bichet, JC and Magalhães, B and Poupard, K}, title = {Real-World Evidence on the Routine Use, Efficacy, and Safety of a Hyaluronic Acid-Based Dermal Filler in the Periorbital Region.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {40442496}, issn = {1432-5241}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The appearance of the periorbital region is essential in facial aesthetic perception and is a frequent concern of patients seeking rejuvenation. TEOSYAL® PureSense Redensity 2 (R2) has a 10-year track record of effectively and safely treating the under-eye area, specifically the tear trough.

METHODS: A prospective, observational study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of R2 in a real-world setting for aesthetic indications. Participants received at least one treatment injection with R2, and investigators followed their routine injection techniques and indications. The primary endpoint was the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score recorded 3 months post-injection. Secondary efficacy outcomes included subject and investigator satisfaction, as well as GAIS scores at later timepoints. Safety was monitored by documenting common treatment responses (CTRs) and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS: The 136 subjects enrolled in EYELIGHT received 958 initial injections, of which 451 (47.1%) were performed with R2: 89 (35.3%) tear trough, 61 (24.2%) palpebromalar groove, 45 (17.9%) outer canthus, 38 (15.1%) crow's feet, and 19 (7.5%) brow. A GAIS improvement of more than 70% was achieved for the tear trough and remaining periorbital indications, with most subjects reporting satisfaction with treatment (84.3%). Treatment effect was observed up to 12 months post-injection. All CTRs were mild or moderate and resolved within a month. No severe AEs were reported.

CONCLUSION: Real-world evidence confirmed the 10-year long success of R2 as an effective and safe treatment of the tear trough. Based on this evidence, its use extends beyond the tear trough, showing effectiveness and safety in the whole periorbital area.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 {pmid40425099, year = {2025}, author = {Helal, ZH and Soriano, NF and Chung, DH and Lee, DH and Tocco, N and Gazeyoglu, F and Hyeon, JY and Risatti, GR}, title = {Molecular epidemiology of West Nile Virus in Raptors, Connecticut, USA, 2022: A case series with whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.}, journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {105769}, doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2025.105769}, pmid = {40425099}, issn = {1567-7257}, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, circulates in an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes, with raptors serving as key amplifying hosts. Despite their importance in WNV surveillance, complete genome sequences from raptors remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of WNV in raptors from Connecticut, USA. Samples were collected in 2022 from the brain tissue of deceased red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, Cooper's hawks, a peregrine falcon, and American crows. Complete protein-coding sequences (CDSs) of 19 WNV isolates were obtained using multiplex tiling reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) developed in this study and Illumina iSeq100 sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses revealed our sequences were grouped into two monophyletic clusters and two singletons within lineage 1, showing genetic similarities to WNV strains detected in mosquitoes in New York (2012-2015) rather than earlier strains from Connecticut (1999-2008). Bayesian analysis indicated at least four independent introductions, with the estimated time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for Clusters 1 and 2 in April 2009 and February 2010, respectively. The mean substitution rate was 4.30 × 10[-4] substitutions/site/year. All sequences contained the T249P mutation in NS3, which has been linked to reduced virulence in avian models. These findings provide valuable reference data for future WNV genomic surveillance studies, emphasizing the role of raptors as sentinel species and the need for ongoing genomic surveillance to monitor WNV evolution, transmission, and potential public health risks.}, } @article {pmid40418245, year = {2025}, author = {Hunter, H and Blackburn, G and Ashton, BJ and Ridley, AR}, title = {Group size affects spontaneous quantity discrimination performance in wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {41}, pmid = {40418245}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Reward ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {Animals may benefit from the ability to discriminate between quantities in their environment; for example, when choosing between foraging patches differing in food availability or assessing the size of rival groups. Numerous studies utilising spontaneous quantity discrimination tasks have found that a wide range of species possess the ability to discriminate between quantities, with large interspecific differences being found in these capabilities. However, the causes of variation in quantity discrimination have received less attention, particularly when considering intraspecific variation. Here, we use a spontaneous quantity discrimination task to (i) investigate if Western Australian magpies possess quantity discrimination abilities, and (ii) determine the factors that underlie individual variation in this ability. We found that magpies were able to discriminate between two discrete quantities of a food reward and chose the larger quantity of food more often than expected by chance, with their accuracy increasing as the difference between the two quantities of food items increased (i.e. as the ratio decreased). Individual performance on the assay was significantly affected by group size, with individuals from smaller groups choosing the larger quantity of food more often than individuals from larger groups when presented with the 2 vs. 5 combination. This group size difference may arise because individuals from smaller groups benefit more from enhanced quantity discrimination abilities compared to individuals from larger groups due to the greater risk of competition and loss of resources from intergroup conflict with larger groups. Our study is the first to investigate and identify group size as a source of intraspecific variation in spontaneous quantity discrimination abilities and highlights the importance of considering the causes of individual variation in cognitive performance.}, } @article {pmid40411979, year = {2025}, author = {Zhang, L and Han, Y and Yan, H and Zhang, C and Li, X and Liang, J and Tang, C and Wu, W and Deng, W and Xie, G and Guo, W}, title = {Decreased left brain specialization in bipolar disorder patients and its association with neurotransmitter and genetic profiles: A longitudinal study.}, journal = {Asian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {109}, number = {}, pages = {104539}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104539}, pmid = {40411979}, issn = {1876-2026}, abstract = {Brain specialization plays a crucial role in human behavior and cognition. Previous studies have suggested abnormal specialization in psychiatric disorders; however, the specialization patterns of bipolar disorder (BD) and the effects of medication on these changes remain unclear. According to Crow's hypothesis regarding the key role of language in the origin of psychoses, BD patients (BDPs) may exhibit abnormal language-related specialization. Here, we aimed to explore brain specialization alterations of BDPs before and after pharmacological treatment. The autonomy index, based on resting-state images, was used to assess brain specialization in 82 BDPs and 88 healthy controls (HCs). Among patients, 43 BDPs who underwent 3 months of pharmacological treatment completed the follow-up. Using autonomy index as input, support vector regression (SVR) analysis was conducted to predict treatment response. Additionally, we conducted cross-sample correlation analyses between autonomy index and genetic profiles or the densities of neurotransmitter receptors/transporters. At baseline, BDPs exhibited reduced autonomy index in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) relative to HCs. However, no significant alterations were observed following pharmacological treatment. Using autonomy index, the SVR model could predict treatment response for BDPs with a correlation coefficient of 0.705. Brain specialization patterns were correlated with six genes and neurotransmitters including dopaminergic (D1R, D2R, and DAT) and serotonergic (5-HT2A) transmission. In line with Crow's hypothesis, we found reduced brain specialization in a key node of the language network (LN) in BDPs. We also provided potential genetic and biological mechanisms underlying BD.}, } @article {pmid40410321, year = {2025}, author = {Ghochani, G and Aghajani, A and Rajabi, MT and Zand, A and Yaseri, M and Rafizadeh, SM}, title = {Comparison of Two Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Preparations (Masport and Dysport) for Upper Face Rhytides: A Randomized Clinical Trial.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {40410321}, issn = {1432-5241}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin type A has played a key role in the treatment of facial rhytides. We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of Masport and Dysport as botulinum toxin type A preparations in the treatment of upper face rhytides.

METHODS: A double-blind randomized, clinical trial was conducted on adults with at least mild severity (scale 1) for lateral canthal (crow's feet), glabellar, and frontal lines at maximum contraction positions (dynamic status), regardless of their static scales (rest position). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Masport or Dysport. Rhytides in each area were scaled at baseline and at post-injection weeks 2, 8, 12, and 16. Self-satisfaction were assessed at follow-ups.

RESULTS: For both groups, a decrease in dynamic rhytides was observed at week 2 compared to baseline (all Ps < 0.05). Although dynamic rhytides increased again in subsequent follow-ups, they remained significantly lower than baseline levels until week 12 (all Ps < 0.05). By week 16, no differences were observed compared to baseline (all Ps > 0.05). While at week 2, both dynamic and static scales were higher in the Masport group (all Ps < 0.05), this difference did not persist for most of them at weeks 12 and 16. Satisfaction scores were similar between the groups throughout all follow-ups (all Ps > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The onset and duration of action for Masport and Dysport are similar in the treatment of upper face rhytides at equal doses. While Dysport may initially show a stronger effect than Masport in treating upper face rhytides, this advantage does not persist in the long term.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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 {pmid40408204, year = {2025}, author = {Kwiatkowski, J and Krawiec, K}, title = {Staged Self-Supervised Learning for Raven Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems}, volume = {PP}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2025.3561069}, pmid = {40408204}, issn = {2162-2388}, abstract = {This study presents and investigates abstract compositional transformers (ACTs), a class of deep learning (DL) architectures based on the transformer blueprint, designed to handle abstract reasoning tasks that require completing spatial visual patterns. We combine ACTs with choice-making modules and apply them to Raven progressive matrices (RPMs), logical puzzles that require selecting the correct image from the available answers. We devise a number of ACT variants, train them in several modes and with additional augmentations, subject them to ablations, demonstrate their data scalability, and analyze their behavior and latent representations that emerged in the process. Using self-supervision allows us to successfully train ACTs on relatively small training sets, mitigate several biases identified in RPMs in past studies, and achieve SotA results on the two most popular RPM benchmarks.}, } @article {pmid40407737, year = {2025}, author = {De León-Hernández, A and Martínez-Hernández, A and Bolivar-Tellería, I and Bosch-Sánchez, A and Cabrera-Padilla, MF and López-López, CO}, title = {A Method for Custom-Contoured Cushion Fabrication Based on Pressure Mapping for Wheelchair Users to Prevent Pressure Ulcers: Feasibility Quasi-Experimental Study.}, journal = {JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {e68612}, doi = {10.2196/68612}, pmid = {40407737}, issn = {2369-2529}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers constitute a major health care burden, characterized by significant morbidity, diminished quality of life, and elevated treatment costs. Wheelchair users are predisposed to pressure ulcers due to sustained ischial and sacral interface pressures resulting from prolonged periods of sitting. Implementation of pressure-relieving interventions, including specialized seating systems engineered to redistribute load and augment the weight-bearing surface area, is critical for mitigating the risk of pressure ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate a methodology for the custom fabrication of pressure relief cushions, through the user-cushion interface pressure mapping to reduce high-pressure areas and increase contact area in wheelchair users.

METHODS: First, a validation study was carried out with 7 healthy volunteers. The pressure was determined with an FSA sensor (BodiTrak BT1510, Vista Medical Manufactures), and the cushion profile was obtained through a linear relation with pressure values. In the second phase, 10 cushions for wheelchair users were manufactured and tested. The resulting data from buttock pressure using a flat foam, Jay X2 (gel-foam), ROHO high profile (air), and customed-contoured cushions were analyzed and compared using the following 4 variables: peak pressure, peak pressure index, mean pressure, and contact area.

RESULTS: In the validation study, the statistically significant difference between the flat and the custom-contoured cushion showed a better performance in pressure relief for the custom cushion (mean pressure 27.3, SD 4.5 mm Hg and 34.6, SD 3.5 mm Hg; P<.001). Regarding the study with wheelchair users, custom-contoured cushions had lower peak pressure (mean 91.3, SD 36 mm Hg), peak pressure index (mean 69.5, SD 33.7 mm Hg), and mean pressure (34.2, SD 17.4 mm Hg) against flat, Jay X2, and ROHO high profile cushions (P<.005). The contact area (mean 1457.6, SD 254.1 cm2) was greater for the contoured cushion (P<.001) than for flat and ROHO high profile (Permobile) cushions; nevertheless, it was not significantly different from Jay X2 (P=.59).

CONCLUSIONS: The main finding is that the buttock pressure mapping method produces custom-contoured cushions that, compared with commercial cushions, have good pressure distribution and increased contact area. These results suggest that pressure mapping is a good alternative for manufacturing affordable custom-contoured cushions that can prevent the development of pressure ulcers.}, } @article {pmid40403206, year = {2025}, author = {Zhu, C and Wang, Z and Peng, Y and Xiao, W}, title = {An improved Red-billed blue magpie feature selection algorithm for medical data processing.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {5}, pages = {e0324866}, pmid = {40403206}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Humans ; *Data Mining/methods ; Machine Learning ; Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods ; }, abstract = {Feature selection is a crucial preprocessing step in the fields of machine learning, data mining and pattern recognition. In medical data analysis, the large number and complexity of features are often accompanied by redundant or irrelevant features, which not only increase the computational burden, but also may lead to model overfitting, which in turn affects its generalization ability. To address this problem, this paper proposes an improved red-billed blue magpie algorithm (IRBMO), which is specifically optimized for the feature selection task, and significantly improves the performance and efficiency of the algorithm on medical data by introducing multiple innovative behavioral strategies. The core mechanisms of IRBMO include: elite search behavior, which improves global optimization by guiding the search to expand in more promising directions; collaborative hunting behavior, which quickly identifies key features and promotes collaborative optimization among feature subsets; and memory storage behavior, which leverages historically valid information to improve search efficiency and accuracy. To adapt to the feature selection problem, we convert the continuous optimization algorithm to binary form via transfer function, which further enhances the applicability of the algorithm. In order to comprehensively verify the performance of IRBMO, this paper designs a series of experiments to compare it with nine mainstream binary optimization algorithms. The experiments are based on 12 medical datasets, and the results show that IRBMO achieves optimal overall performance in key metrics such as fitness value, classification accuracy and specificity. In addition, compared with nine existing feature selection methods, IRBMO demonstrates significant advantages in terms of fitness value. To further enhance the performance, this paper also constructs the V2IRBMO variant by combining the S-shaped and V-shaped transfer functions, which further enhances the robustness and generalization ability of the algorithm. Experiments demonstrate that IRBMO exhibits high efficiency, generality and excellent generalization ability in feature selection tasks. In addition, used in conjunction with the KNN classifier, IRBMO significantly improves the classification accuracy, with an average accuracy improvement of 43.89% on 12 medical datasets compared to the original Red-billed Blue Magpie algorithm. These results demonstrate the potential and wide applicability of IRBMO in feature selection for medical data.}, } @article {pmid40389693, year = {2025}, author = {Wang, Z and Zhan, P}, title = {Eye-tracking-based hidden Markov modeling for revealing within-item cognitive strategy switching.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {57}, number = {6}, pages = {175}, pmid = {40389693}, issn = {1554-3528}, support = {24YJA190019//the MOE (Ministry of Education in China) Project of Humanities and Social Sciences/ ; 31900795//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Markov Chains ; *Problem Solving/physiology ; *Eye-Tracking Technology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; *Eye Movements/physiology ; }, abstract = {Identifying cognitive strategies in problem-solving helps researchers understand advanced cognitive processes and their applicable contexts. Current methods typically identify strategies for each item of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, capturing only between-item cognitive strategy switching (CSS). Although within-item CSS is recognized, methods to dynamically identify and reveal it are lacking. This study introduces the concept of an eye movement snippet, a basic unit for studying within-item CSS, along with a new eye-tracking process measure that quantifies the sequence length of alternatives viewed in a snippet. Combined with hidden Markov modeling, we propose a new method for dynamically identifying within-item cognitive strategies and revealing their switching. Using eye-tracking data from a matrix reasoning test, we demonstrate the value of the proposed method through a series of analyses. The results indicate that during problem-solving: (1) participants predominantly used two strategies-constructive matching and response elimination; (2) there is a high probability of switching from constructive matching to response elimination, but not vice versa; (3) more difficult items lead to more frequent strategy switching; (4) frequent strategy switching decreases time spent in the matrix area and on problem-solving planning; (5) frequent strategy switching correlates with incorrect answers for some items; and (6) frequent strategy switching increases total response time. Additionally, within-item CSS showed three distinct patterns as the test progressed, with significant differences in participants' intelligence levels and total test time among the patterns. Overall, the proposed method effectively identifies within-item cognitive strategies and their switching in matrix reasoning tasks.}, } @article {pmid40380315, year = {2025}, author = {Malin, KJ and Vance, AJ and Moser, SE and Zemlak, J and Edwards, C and White-Traut, R and Koerner, R and McGrath, J and McGlothen-Bell, K}, title = {The impact of social determinants of health on infant and maternal health using a reproductive justice lens.}, journal = {BMC pregnancy and childbirth}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {577}, pmid = {40380315}, issn = {1471-2393}, support = {1K23NR021043-01A1/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Social Determinants of Health/statistics & numerical data ; Pregnancy ; *Maternal Health/statistics & numerical data ; *Infant Health/statistics & numerical data ; Infant, Newborn ; United States/epidemiology ; *Social Justice ; Infant ; Adult ; Infant Mortality ; Prenatal Care/statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions continue to rise in the United States (US). Social determinants of health (SDOH) are recognized as significant contributors to infant and maternal health, underscoring the need for use of research frameworks that incorporate SDOH concepts. The Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT) theoretical framework is rooted in reproductive justice (i.e. reproductive rights and social justice-based framework) and emphasizes both structural and social determinants as root causes of health inequities. The impact of SDOH on maternal and infant mortality and morbidity can often be traced to structural determinants unique to the US, including slavery, Jim Crow laws, redlining, and the GI Bill.

AIMS: Using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) 8 database, we aimed to evaluate relationships between SDOH (as guided by the ROOTT Framework) and maternal and infant health outcomes.

METHODS: Data were analyzed from 11 states that included the SDOH supplement in their PRAMS 8 data collection. We used bivariate analyses to examine relationships between SDOH measures guided by the ROOTT framework (e.g. abuse during pregnancy, access to prenatal care, housing stability and education) and maternal morbidity (i.e., gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes) and infant outcomes (i.e., preterm birth, NICU admission, breastfeeding). Pre-identified covariates were controlled for in the logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS: Preterm birth, NICU admission, breastfeeding, and maternal morbidities were significantly associated with SDOH measures linked to structural determinants in the US. Abuse during pregnancy, access to prenatal care, housing, and education were all significantly associated with poorer infant health outcomes in the final regression models. Women who received prenatal care beginning in the 3[rd] trimester were twice as likely to develop gestational hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS: SDOHs rooted in structural determinants are important predictors of poorer maternal and infant health outcomes. Evaluating health outcomes using a reproductive justice framework reveals modifiable risk factors, including access to stable healthcare, safety, and housing. Comprehensive healthcare provision must ensure early and consistent access to healthcare and resources for safety and housing stability to support maternal and infant health.}, } @article {pmid40378360, year = {2025}, author = {Bhavnani, S and Ranjan, A and Mukherjee, D and Divan, G and Prakash, A and Yadav, A and Lal, C and Gajria, D and Irfan, H and Sharma, KK and Todkar, S and Patel, V and McCray, G}, title = {A non-specialist worker delivered digital assessment of cognitive development (DEEP) in young children: A longitudinal validation study in rural India.}, journal = {PLOS digital health}, volume = {4}, number = {5}, pages = {e0000824}, pmid = {40378360}, issn = {2767-3170}, abstract = {Cognitive development in early childhood is critical for life-long well-being. Existing cognitive development surveillance tools require lengthy parental interviews and observations of children. Developmental Assessment on an E-Platform (DEEP) is a digital tool designed to address this gap by providing a gamified, direct assessment of cognition in young children which can be delivered by front-line providers in community settings. This longitudinal study recruited children from the SPRING trial in rural Haryana, India. DEEP was administered at 39 (SD 1; N = 1359), 60 (SD 5; N = 1234) and 95 (SD 4; N = 600) months and scores were derived using item response theory. Criterion validity was examined by correlating DEEP-score with age, Bayley's Scales of Infant Development (BSID-III) cognitive domain score at age 3 and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) at age 8; predictive validity was examined by correlating DEEP-scores at preschool-age with academic performance at age 8 and convergent validity through correlations with height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), socioeconomic status (SES) and early life adversities. DEEP-score correlated strongly with age (r = 0.83, 95% CI 0.82 0.84) and moderately with BSID-III (r = 0.50, 0.39 - 0.60) and CPM (r = 0.37; 0.30 - 0.44). DEEP-score at preschool-age predicted academic outcomes at school-age (0.32; 0.25 - 0.41) and correlated positively with HAZ and SES and negatively with early life adversities. DEEP provides a valid, scalable method for cognitive assessment. It's integration into developmental surveillance programs could aid in monitoring and early detection of cognitive delays, enabling timely interventions.}, } @article {pmid40372593, year = {2025}, author = {Loconsole, M and Schnell, AK and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Clayton, NS}, title = {Uncertainty monitoring in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {37}, pmid = {40372593}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Uncertainty ; Animals ; Male ; *Metacognition ; Female ; Decision Making ; Memory, Short-Term ; Choice Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Metacognition- namely the capacity to reflect on one's own cognitive processes - provides animals with numerous evolutionary advantages. Metacognition abilities encompass enhanced decision-making in uncertain situations, more efficient resource management, error detection and correction, and improved problem-solving skills. Here, we investigate how Eurasian jays, Garrulus glandarius, monitor uncertainty through a working memory food-retrieval task. In this task, a desirable food item is hidden under one of two cups, which are then shuffled either once (easy treatment) or several times (difficult treatment). The jays then choose to either engage in locating the food or opt out by selecting a third cup that offers a less preferred food reward. Our findings reveal that the difficulty of the task significantly influenced the jays' choice, with a higher tendency to opt out during difficult trials. Individual performance analysis revealed that when jays that typically opted out of difficult trials chose to engage instead, they exhibited significant accuracy. This suggests their decisions were guided by a confidence assessment of their knowledge. Overall, our study indicates that Eurasian jays possess metacognitive abilities that enable them to evaluate their own certainty and make strategic decisions based on perceived task difficulty and confidence in their knowledge. These capabilities likely confer advantages in natural settings, such as caching behaviours, allowing jays to make well-informed decisions about when to store or retrieve food based on environmental cues and internal assessments of uncertainty.}, } @article {pmid40368805, year = {2025}, author = {Tokuda, T and Yoshioka, N and Tanaka, A and Kojima, S and Yamaguchi, K and Yanagiuchi, T and Ogata, K and Takei, T and Nakama, T}, title = {Comparison of Stent Strategy and Drug-Coated Balloon After JETSTREAM for Severely Calcified Femoropopliteal Artery Disease (CORVUS Study).}, journal = {Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1253/circj.CJ-25-0087}, pmid = {40368805}, issn = {1347-4820}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study compared procedural complications, patency, and adverse events between a stent strategy and drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment after using the JETSTREAM atherectomy device for severely calcified femoropopliteal (FP) lesions.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively analyzed multicenter data from 588 patients who underwent endovascular therapy for severely calcified de novo FP lesions between April 2018 and December 2023 at 8 centers in Japan. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on the revascularization method: stent strategy and DCB after JETSTREAM atherectomy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare primary patency, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR), and the occurrence of acute limb ischemia (ALI)/major amputation at 1 year. After PSM, 82 matched pairs of patients were identified, with no significant intergroup differences in baseline characteristics. The rates of primary patency, CD-TLR, ALI, and major amputation were similar between the 2 groups. However, the rate of distal embolization was significantly higher in the DCB after JETSTREAM group. (18.3% vs. 1.2%; P<0.001) Baseline characteristics had no interaction effects on the association between the 2 strategies and the 1-year restenosis risk.

CONCLUSIONS: DCB after JETSTREAM atherectomy demonstrated comparable safety, except for distal embolization, and high efficacy in patients with severely calcified FP lesions, suggesting that it may be an alternative revascularization method to the stent strategy.}, } @article {pmid40357133, year = {2025}, author = {Giri, T and Garcia-Pelegrin, E}, title = {Opportunistic Tool Use by Two Unexpected Corvid Species.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e71314}, pmid = {40357133}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {This Nature note reports the first documented instance of tool use in Sunda crows (Corvus enca) and provides additional evidence of this ability in house crows (Corvus splendens). At Singapore Zoo (December 2023), individuals from both species spontaneously manipulated a hooked stick to extract food rewards from enclosed containers. This observation extends the catalogue of tool-using corvids. We briefly review tool use across the corvid family and examine competing hypotheses regarding its evolution, including inherited predisposition from a tool-using ancestor and the development of general physical intelligence with food caching as a potential precursor. Our findings suggest that the cognitive foundation for tool use may be conserved across the corvid family, with expression contingent upon environmental demands rather than species-specific adaptations. This work contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the evolutionary origins of complex problem-solving in birds and the potential role of general physical intelligence in corvid cognition.}, } @article {pmid40341629, year = {2025}, author = {Piao, JZ and Lee, JH and Hu, KS and Kim, HJ}, title = {Positional Relationship Between the Orbicularis Oculi and Zygomaticus Complex Muscles by Ultrasonography: New Anatomical Insights for Crow's Feet Injection.}, journal = {Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/ca.24290}, pmid = {40341629}, issn = {1098-2353}, support = {NRF-RS-2023-00279373//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)/ ; }, abstract = {The orbicularis oculi muscle (OOc) is strongly associated with facial aging as its contraction causes the formation of crow's feet. Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection is a representative treatment targeting muscle. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anatomical relationship between the OOc and the zygomaticus complex muscles, and to visualize the distribution of the facial nerve that innervates the OOc, thereby providing reference data for BoNT injections targeting that muscle. The positional relationships and overlapping ranges between the OOc, zygomaticus minor (Zmi), and zygomaticus major (ZMj), and their distances from the skin, were measured on four different perpendicular planes using ultrasonography. Specimens of the OOc were stained with modified Sihler's stain. The mean distances between the lateral canthus horizontal plane (LCHP) and the zygomaticus complex muscles superior margin were 20.0, 17.9, 22.8, and 20.8 mm in perpendicular planes LC (lateral canthus), OR (orbital rim), M (midpoint of the frontal process of zygomatic bone), and J (Jugale point), respectively. The mean distances between the OOc and the skin were 4.9, 4.8, 5.5, and 4.7 mm in those perpendicular planes. The mean distances between the zygomaticus complex muscles and the OOc were 3.0, 3.1, 4.5, and 4.1 mm. The authors propose new insights for crow's feet injection based on anatomical information obtained from ultrasonography and Sihler's staining, which should contribute to minimizing complications and improving the efficacy of BoNT administration.}, } @article {pmid40341248, year = {2025}, author = {Zhao, J and Tang, J and Wang, Z and Munir, S and Jiao, R and Li, J and Chao, K and Wan, Q and Wang, L and Ye, C}, title = {Extraction, analysis, and antifungal activity study of algae antibiotic active substances in plateau lakes.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {5}, pages = {e0319853}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0319853}, pmid = {40341248}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology/isolation & purification/chemistry ; *Lakes ; Polyphenols/pharmacology/isolation & purification/chemistry ; Fusarium/drug effects ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Chlorella vulgaris/chemistry ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/isolation & purification/chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; }, abstract = {This study was carried out to assess the inhibitory activity of algae in plateau lakes against plant pathogenic fungi, and further conduct preliminary research and analysis on their antifungal active ingredients, in order to provide a certain basis for the development and utilization of algal secondary metabolite as anti-plant pathogenic fungal agents. Different solvent extraction methods using water, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol were conducted to extract polyphenol metabolites from Ulothrix, Chlorella vulgaris, and Microcystis pseudofilamentosa Crow. The composition of the extracts was analyzed based on the UPLC-MS/MS detection platform, and the antifungal activity was determined. The results showed that the content of polyphenol metabolites extracted from Ulothrix using methanol was the highest, followed by ethyl acetate and ethanol. The water extraction method resulted in the highest loss of polyphenolic metabolites. Three species of Fusarium oxysporum were used as indicator fungus to determine the antifungal activities of algae extracts. The three types of algae extracts showed good antimicrobial effects on F. oxysporum. The polyphenol metabolites extracted from Ulothrix using methanol demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, with up to 20 mm in diameter of inhibition zone. The metabolite with the weakest antifungal activity was M. pseudofilamentosa Crow, with an 8-mm diameter of inhibition zone. Based on the UPLC-MS/MS detection, 242 polyphenol metabolites were initially identified in the methanol extracts of the three algae, including 160 phenolic acids, 32 flavonoids, 17 flavonols, 7 dihydroflavones, 2 dihydroflavonols, 2 chalcones, 2 flavanols, 5 flavonoids, 5 lignans, and 10 coumarins. Principal component analysis, fold change analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were used to conduct differential metabolite screening and related metabolic pathway enrichment. The methanol extract samples of the three algae were mainly classified into two categories. Ten important differential metabolites and 15 important metabolic pathways were obtained. In addition, the methanol extracts of Ulothrix contained the largest variety of phenolic acid compounds, with a total of 75 phenolic acid compounds detected, which was followed by C. vulgaris, with 44 phenolic acid compounds detected, and M. pseudofilamentosa Crow, with 37 phenolic acid compounds. Compared with phenolic acid compounds, the quantitative differences of other polyphenols were smaller. Based on these results and those from the antifungal experimental analysis, phenolic acids in algae polyphenol metabolites are the main antifungal active ingredients.}, } @article {pmid40340778, year = {2025}, author = {Waddington, JL}, title = {From genetics and cerebral asymmetry, through motor dysfunction intrinsic to psychosis, to early intervention: elaborating the seminal contributions of Timothy J. Crow.}, journal = {Psychological medicine}, volume = {55}, number = {}, pages = {e143}, doi = {10.1017/S0033291725001254}, pmid = {40340778}, issn = {1469-8978}, } @article {pmid40340205, year = {2025}, author = {Labbe, D and Alsajjan, H and Abdulshakoor, A}, title = {Comparison of classic vs double concentrated dose botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of crow's feet.}, journal = {Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.anplas.2025.03.005}, pmid = {40340205}, issn = {1768-319X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: When it comes to administering botulinum toxin for treating rhytids, a standard approach is usually used by most providers in terms of dose concentration. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of a classic, none double concentrated dose vs. a double concentrated dose for treating crow's feet.

METHOD: We have injected the orbicularis oculi in a series of 10 patients with the left side as a control side using the classically concentrated dose (2 units per 0.5cm[3]) compared to the double concentrated dose on the right (2 units per 0.25cm[3]). The injections were administered using an auto-injecting syringe.

RESULTS: On control day 14, we noticed that the majority of patients had a more apparent reduction in wrinkles on the left-classically concentrated-side (wrinkling appeared to be more prominent on the double concentration right side). A benefit noticed in some patients was a more symmetrical appearance of periorbital rhytids and sometimes the eyebrows with the uneven doses.

CONCLUSION: We found that injecting a double concentrated dose of botulinum toxin does not necessarily mean better reduction in the appearance of wrinkles even with the retrograde injection technique. However, certain implications may be found in tailoring the dosing of botulinum toxin depending on the needs of the patient on opposite sides of the face as opposed to unifying the dose for both sides.}, } @article {pmid40339952, year = {2025}, author = {Perales, A and Aviño, J and Diaz-Martinez, A and Conde-Agudelo, A and Romero, R and Rojo, L and Serra, V}, title = {Prenatal exposure to vaginal progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth is not associated with abnormal psychopathological and cognitive profiles in dichorionic twins at 6 to 9 years of age: a follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial.}, journal = {American journal of obstetrics and gynecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajog.2025.04.056}, pmid = {40339952}, issn = {1097-6868}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Current evidence indicates that administration of vaginal progesterone to women with a twin gestation and a short cervix reduces the risk of preterm birth occurring at early gestational ages and of neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, the potential long-term effects of prenatal administration of vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth on the psychopathological and cognitive profiles of twins remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychopathological and cognitive profiles at 6 to 9 years of age of surviving children born to mothers who participated in a randomized controlled trial that compared two different daily doses of vaginal progesterone (200 mg and 400 mg) to placebo to prevent preterm birth in dichorionic twin gestations.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a follow-up study from a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with three parallel groups (placebo, vaginal progesterone 200 mg/day, and vaginal progesterone 400 mg/day administered from 20 to 34 weeks of gestation or delivery, whichever came first; randomization ratio 1:1:1). The Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18 questionnaire and the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test of non-verbal intelligence were applied to the participating mothers and their surviving children aged 6 to 9 years, respectively. The participant mothers, questionnaire collector, and database organizer were blinded to the intervention received in the original trial. The primary outcomes were behavioral, emotional, and social problems evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18 -18 questionnaire, and the intelligence coefficient percentile evaluated by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis using descriptive and analytical tests. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 206 children born to 104 mothers (35.4% of those included in the original randomized controlled trial) were included in the study: 75 were exposed to vaginal progesterone 200 mg/d, 63 to vaginal progesterone 400 mg/d, and 68 to placebo. Overall, there were no significant differences in maternal sociodemographic, pregnancy and neonatal characteristics between participants and non-participants in the follow-up study, as well as between the three participating study groups. The mean scores of the 11 psychopathological syndrome scales evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 to 18 questionnaire among children exposed to vaginal progesterone 200 mg/d, 400 mg/d or 200 & 400 mg/d were not significantly different to those among children exposed to placebo. There were no significant differences in the mean total Child Behavior Checklist score between the vaginal progesterone groups (31.08 ± 22.58 for the 200 mg/d group, 37.48 ± 28.59 for the 400 mg/d group, and 34.00 ± 25.60 for the 200 & 400 mg/d group) and the placebo group (34.60 ± 25.55) (P=0.38, 0.54, and 0.87, respectively). The mean percentiles of the Raven's test were slightly higher among children exposed to vaginal progesterone 200 mg/d (63.11 ± 27.03) and 400 mg/d (60.40 ± 31.51) than among those exposed to placebo (59.40 ± 30.64) although these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.44 and 0.85, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Exposure to 200 or 400 mg/day of vaginal progesterone in the second half of pregnancy for preterm birth prevention, had no effect on the psychopathological and cognitive profiles of dichorionic twins at 6-9 years of age.}, } @article {pmid40338023, year = {2025}, author = {Banks, S and Ware, IV and Dunson, A and Sibert, D and Nakayama, DK}, title = {Tragedy and Healing: The Impact of Two Black Surgeons in the Jim Crow South.}, journal = {Journal of the American College of Surgeons}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1097/XCS.0000000000001437}, pmid = {40338023}, issn = {1879-1190}, abstract = {In 1956, as racial conflict in the South reached a murderous climax, Thomas H. Brewer, Sr (1894-1956), a prominent Black physician and civic leader in Columbus, Georgia, was shot and killed by a White businessowner. When his assailant was released without charges, many of the town's Black physicians and professionals left town, fearing for their safety and unwilling to live under Jim Crow. In 1964, M. Delmar Edwards (1926-2009), graduating surgery resident at the nearby Tuskegee Veterans Administration Hospital, asked two White surgeons in Columbus-Seaborn Roddenbery, III, and Abraham Conger-to serve as preceptors over his last two years of training, a requirement for board certification. They agreed, and Edwards joined their practice. Edwards filled the void left by Brewer's death. He overcame White-only restrictions to the hospital medical staff, segregated wards, and professional shunning. He eventually served in leadership roles for the hospital, including chair of the department of surgery and vice president of the hospital system. Over the next decades, he encouraged more than 70 Black physicians to settle in Columbus as full members of the city's professional community. Their stories separated by only eight years, Brewer and Edwards embodied an inflection point in the civil rights movement: the transition between murderous injustice and the integration of the Black community into the social and political mainstream of the South brought on by a Supreme Court decision, an Act of Congress, and changes in the hearts of the American people.}, } @article {pmid40334748, year = {2025}, author = {Pinar-Martí, A and Ayala-Aldana, N and Ruiz-Rivera, M and Lertxundi, N and Subiza, M and González-Safont, L and Vioque, J and Riaño-Galán, I and Rodríguez-Dehli, C and Iglesias-Vázquez, L and Arija, V and Fernández-Barrés, S and Romaguera, D and Pascual-Rubio, V and Fabregat-Sanjuan, A and Healy, D and Basagaña, X and Vrijheid, M and Guxens, M and Foraster, M and Julvez, J}, title = {Maternal prenatal nut and seafood consumption and child neuropsychological function from 4 to 15 years of age: a population-based cohort study.}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.04.032}, pmid = {40334748}, issn = {1938-3207}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the role of maternal diet in early brain development is critical, as pregnancy represents a period of significant vulnerability and growth for the developing brain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between maternal nuts, total seafood and large fatty fish consumption during pregnancy and offspring neuropsychological function up to 15 years, considering the potential mediation of omega-3 fatty acids.

METHODS: This study was part of the Spanish Childhood and Environment (INMA) birth cohort, following 1737 mother-child pairs from pregnancy to age 15. Maternal diet was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, while children's neuropsychological function was measured through standardized computer-based tests. Attention (hit reaction time and its variability, HRT and HRT-SE) was measured with the Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test and the Attention Network Test. Working memory (detectability in 2-back, d2', and 3-back tasks, d3') was evaluated using the N-back task. Fluid intelligence was assessed with Raven's Progressive Matrices and the Test of Primary Mental Abilities. Linear mixed-effects regression models assessed the association of nuts, seafood and large fatty fish with neuropsychological outcomes, while generalized structural equation modelling was used for mediation analyses.

RESULTS: Higher maternal nut consumption was significantly linked to improved attention (HRT-SE β = -0.05, 95%CI = -0.09; -0.00) and working memory (d2' β = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.00; 0.09, and d3' β = 0.06, 95%CI = 0.02; 0.11) in offspring. Greater consumption of large fatty fish was associated with better attention (HRT-SE β = -0.06, 95%CI = -0.10; -0.02; and HRT β = -0.04, 95%CI = -0.08; -0.00) and fluid intelligence (β = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.02; 0.13). Omega-3 fatty acids mediated 8-14% of these effects on attention.

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal diet at pregnancy and omega-3 intake may support long-term cognitive development in children and adolescents.}, } @article {pmid40334149, year = {2025}, author = {Wang, JH and Sherry, AD and Bazyar, S and Sutera, P and Radwan, N and Phillips, RM and Deek, MP and Lu, J and Dipasquale, S and Deville, C and DeWeese, TL and Song, DY and Wang, H and Hobbs, RF and Malek, R and Dudley, SA and Greco, SC and Antonarakis, ES and Marshall, CH and Denmeade, S and Paller, CJ and Carducci, MA and Pienta, KJ and Oz, OK and Ramotar, M and Leenstra, JL and Park, SS and Abramowitz, MC and Desai, N and Berlin, A and Stish, BJ and Tang, C and Tran, PT and Kiess, AP}, title = {Outcomes of Radium-223 and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Versus Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancers: The RAVENS Phase II Randomized Trial.}, journal = {Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {JCO2500131}, doi = {10.1200/JCO-25-00131}, pmid = {40334149}, issn = {1527-7755}, abstract = {PURPOSE: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have shown progression-free survival (PFS) benefits of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) without androgen deprivation therapy for oligometastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (omCSPC). Most patients with bone metastatic (BM) omCSPC recur with additional bone disease after MDT. We hypothesized the BM-targeting alpha-emitter radium-223 dichloride (Ra223) could target subclinical bone disease and delay progression.

METHODS: This is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label phase II RCT. Eligible men with recurrent omCSPC with ≥one bone metastasis (≤three on conventional imaging and/or ≤five on molecular imaging) were randomly assigned (1:1) to stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR) MDT alone or SABR MDT with Ra223 (six cycles). Primary end point was composite PFS.

RESULTS: From August 9, 2019, to March 2, 2023, 64 patients were randomly assigned, 33 to SABR MDT and 31 to SABR MDT/Ra223 balancing for key covariates. Most SABR MDT/Ra223 patients (87%) received six cycles of Ra223. The median PFS was 11.8 months with SABR MDT and 10.5 months with SABR MDT/Ra223 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.42 [95% CI, 0.79 to 2.56]; P = .24). Seven patients (11%) experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (no grade 4 or 5), 2 of 33 (6%) with SABR and 5 of 30 (17%) with SABR MDT/Ra223. Patients with high-risk (HiRi) pathogenic mutations in ATM, BRCA1/2, RB1, or TP53 had worse PFS (HR, 5.95 [95% CI, 1.83 to 19.3]; P = .003). Greater T-cell receptor (TCR) unique productive rearrangements were prognostic for improved PFS independent of the treatment arm (aHR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.21 to 0.96]; P = .04).

CONCLUSION: Adding Ra223 to SABR MDT in BM omCSPC does not delay progression of disease. We provide evidence for an HiRi mutational signature and TCR repertoire as prognostic biomarkers in omCSPC treated with SABR MDT, highlighting the importance of collecting biological correlates in RCTs for omCSPC.}, } @article {pmid40320498, year = {2025}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Cheplakova, MA and Kubenko, KN}, title = {Some Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) understand how a loose string works.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {15569}, pmid = {40320498}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Behavior, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {In a loose-string task an out-of-reach tray baited with food can only be retrieved by simultaneously pulling on both ends of a string threaded through the loops on the tray. This task is used to assess an animal's ability to cooperate, with each animal only having access to one end of the string. Some studies use the loose-string task in a pre-training phase, during which animals are individually taught to pull both ends of the string. Usually, no additional tests are conducted to determine whether the animals have understood how the loose string works. It is conceivable that a lack of knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task could make it more challenging to grasp how the partner can assist with it. Here, we tested whether Hooded crows could acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task. Prior to the critical test (Phase 3), the birds were presented with two different tasks (Phase 1 and Phase 2) to allow them to acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the task. The results may indicate that, as a consequence of the experience gained, some crows may have begun to understand how the loose string works.}, } @article {pmid40319179, year = {2025}, author = {Rajan, P and Goswami, D and Vanlalhmuaka, and Datta, S and Rabha, B and Kamboj, DV}, title = {Acoustic behaviour and flight tone frequency changes in adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {15499}, pmid = {40319179}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology ; *Culex/physiology ; *Flight, Animal/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Wings, Animal/physiology ; Acoustics ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Species-specific wingbeat frequency of mosquitoes has already been shown to be useful in species identification. However, mosquito identification using their fundamental wingbeat frequency requires proper evaluation along with its morphological and ecological characters. An acoustic study was carried out on four species of laboratory reared mosquitoes Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles crawfordi, and Armigeres subalbatus. However, a detailed study on wingbeat frequency and its variation at different points of the adult life stages was conducted for Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. Recorded wingbeat beat frequency during the different point of adult life stages was analyzed using the Raven Pro 1.6.1 sound analysis software. Result showed that there was a significant difference in the fundamental frequency between four study species (F = 81.62; df = 151; p < 0.001). Wingbeat frequency of Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus observed to be low immediately after emergence from the pupal stage and gradually became peak during the swarming stage which is considered as the species' fundamental frequency. These change in wingbeat frequency during the early adult stages leads to uncertainty in species identification based on the fundamental frequency. Swarming and pairing activities in Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus exclusively depends on the convergence between male first harmonics (M1) and female second harmonics (F2) of their fundamental frequency and make combined harmonic frequency at 1400-1500 Hz. Interestingly, this study observed that the frequency of adult male and early stages of female did not converge at the M1-F2 harmonics, thereby preventing successful mating. It thus infers that the wingbeat frequency of active male and female have significant role in the selection of potential mates within the species.}, } @article {pmid40316871, year = {2025}, author = {Veit, W and Browning, H and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Davies, JR and DuBois, JG and Clayton, NS}, title = {Dimensions of corvid consciousness.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {35}, pmid = {40316871}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {*Consciousness ; Animals ; Animal Welfare ; *Crows ; }, abstract = {Corvids have long been a target of public fascination and of scientific attention, particularly in the study of animal minds. Using Birch et al.'s (2020) 5-dimensional framework for animal consciousness we ask what it is like to be a corvid and propose a speculative but empirically informed answer. We go on to suggest future directions for research on corvid consciousness and how it can inform ethical treatment and animal welfare legislation.}, } @article {pmid40309632, year = {2025}, author = {Yusuf, MA and Ranjan, R and Adhikary, D and Moureen, A and Hakim, M}, title = {Association of Paternal Diabetes With Hemorrhagic Stroke in Bangladeshi Women: The MAGPIE Study.}, journal = {Health science reports}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {e70809}, pmid = {40309632}, issn = {2398-8835}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic stroke (HS) accounts for ~10% of all first-time strokes, with an increasing incidence in Asia and a scarcity of information available about sex-related differences. This study investigates the independent predictors of HS among Bangladeshi women.

METHODS: The Multidimensional Approach of Genotype and Phenotype in Stroke Etiology (MAGPIE) study is a Bangladeshi observational study that recruited nationwide HS patients between 2022 and 2024. We utilized univariate analysis to identify risk patterns in the data sets, whereas a multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis identified the independent predictors of HS in women.

RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 1080 hemorrhagic patients with female predominance (59.5%) and similar age of onset to males (p = 0.38). Although males had significantly higher rates of hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.008), chronic constipation (p = 0.03), and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), females were found to have significantly higher body mass index (23.1 ± 3.1 vs. 21.4 ± 2.9; p < 0.001) and paternal diabetes (9.6% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.004) compared to male. Further, the age-adjusted multivariate LR model found paternal diabetes (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.5, p = 0.007) as a potential independent predictor of HS in females compared to males. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.67 (95% CI 0.63-0.70, p < 0.001) with 67.7% sensitivity and 58.2% specificity presents the goodness of fit of the model.

CONCLUSION: Bangladeshi women with a history of paternal diabetes have a 2.1-fold heightened risk of HS than men.}, } @article {pmid40308392, year = {2025}, author = {Elhaddad, M and Carrillo-Kashani, A and Tavakalyan, K and Massaband, BD}, title = {Dufourmentel Rhomboid Flap for Plantar Charcot Midfoot Ulcer: A Novel Reconstructive Approach.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, pages = {e81484}, pmid = {40308392}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Chronic plantar ulcers in Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy (CNO) present a significant challenge in limb salvage due to biomechanical instability, poor tissue quality, and high mechanical stress at weight-bearing sites. Traditional surgical techniques, such as exostectomy and tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL), effectively redistribute plantar pressure but often fail to provide durable soft tissue coverage. This study describes the first documented use of a Dufourmentel rhomboid flap for reconstructing a chronic plantar midfoot ulcer in a 59-year-old female with CNO and poorly controlled diabetes. The patient presented with a non-healing ulcer over a prominent osseous deformity, complicated by advanced neuropathy and a rocker-bottom foot. Surgical intervention included TAL, exostectomy, and meticulous wound debridement, followed by primary closure using a Dufourmentel flap to achieve tension-free, durable coverage. Postoperatively, the patient was managed with strict immobilization using a total contact cast and transitioned to a Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW) boot. Despite partial non-compliance with weight-bearing restrictions, the wound healed completely by six months, with no recurrence. This case highlights the Dufourmentel flap as an innovative and effective reconstructive option for complex plantar ulcers in CNO, offering enhanced soft tissue resilience and long-term stability. The integration of TAL, exostectomy, and biomechanically optimized wound closure provides a comprehensive approach to limb salvage in high-risk diabetic patients. Further research is warranted to evaluate the flap's long-term outcomes and broader applicability in Charcot foot reconstruction.}, } @article {pmid40308131, year = {2025}, author = {Aplin, L and Crates, R and Flack, A and McGregor, P}, title = {Social learning and culture in birds: emerging patterns and relevance to conservation.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {380}, number = {1925}, pages = {20240128}, doi = {10.1098/rstb.2024.0128}, pmid = {40308131}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {//Swiss Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI)/ ; //New South Wales Local Land Services under the Commonwealth of Australia's National Landcare program/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Social Learning ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Birds/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; *Culture ; }, abstract = {There is now abundant evidence for a role of social learning and culture in shaping behaviour in a range of avian species across multiple contexts, from migration routes in geese and foraging behaviour in crows, to passerine song. Recent emerging evidence has further linked culture to fitness outcomes in some birds, highlighting its potential importance for conservation. Here, we first summarize the state of knowledge on social learning and culture in birds, focusing on the best-studied contexts of migration, foraging, predation and song. We identify extensive knowledge gaps for some taxa but argue that existing evidence suggests that: (i) social learning and culture are taxonomically clustered and that (ii) reliance on social learning in one behavioural domain does not predict reliance across others. Together, we use this to build a predictive framework to aid conservationists in species-specific decision-making under imperfect knowledge. Second, we review evidence for a link between culture and conservation in birds. We argue that understanding which behaviours birds are likely to learn socially can help refine conservation strategies, improving the trajectories of threatened populations. Last, we present practical steps for how consideration of culture can be integrated into conservation actions including reintroductions, translocations and captive breeding programmes.This article is part of the theme issue 'Animal culture: conservation in a changing world'.}, } @article {pmid40304112, year = {2025}, author = {Coban, I and Erkmen, FY and Aktaş, GD}, title = {Dynamic Periocular Wrinkle Patterns: An Anatomical Study on Young Adults.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {5}, pages = {e70215}, pmid = {40304112}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {294//Scientific Research Projects Board of Izmir Democracy University/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Skin Aging/physiology ; Male ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Photography ; *Face/anatomy & histology ; Healthy Volunteers ; Eyelids/anatomy & histology ; Observer Variation ; Reproducibility of Results ; Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aging causes facial wrinkles, especially dynamic wrinkles related to mimic movements, predisposing areas to static wrinkles from a young age, notably in the periorbital region. This study aims to analyze dynamic wrinkle patterns on periorbital skin during mimic movements in healthy young adults to identify wrinkle precursor regions.

METHODS: Dynamic periorbital wrinkle patterns were analyzed in 184 healthy adults (93 females, 91 males) aged 18-24 years. Standardized facial photographs were taken at rest and during various mimic movements. The periorbital region was divided into superior, inferior, lateral, and medial subregions; wrinkle patterns were classified and analyzed. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were assessed.

RESULTS: In the upper periorbital region, the most common wrinkle pattern was oblique lines extending from the medial and lateral canthus to the upper corners (Type 3, 56%). Inferiorly, the most common pattern was a linear wave from the lateral canthus to the lateral margin (Type 3, 25.5%). Medially, no specific pattern (Type 6, 33.2%) and an arrowhead-like motif directed toward the medial canthus (Type 2, 20.7%) were prevalent. Laterally, radial waves extending from the lateral canthus to the lateral brow tip were most common (Type 1, 34.8%). The absence of a distinct wrinkle pattern in the medial region was more common in men than in women (48.4% vs. 17.6%). Males were more likely to have wrinkle patterns consisting of oblique short lines in the inferolateral direction in the inferior region (Type 2, 31.2%). Miniature crow's feet-like wrinkles were more common in females.

CONCLUSION: This study presents a new classification of dynamic wrinkle patterns in the periorbital region in young adults, highlighting sex differences.}, } @article {pmid40303116, year = {2024}, author = {Sohier, C and Breman, FC and Vervaeke, M and De Regge, N}, title = {West Nile Virus Monitoring in Flanders (Belgium) During 2022-2023 Reveals Endemic Usutu Virus Circulation in Birds.}, journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases}, volume = {2024}, number = {}, pages = {4146156}, pmid = {40303116}, issn = {1865-1682}, mesh = {Animals ; Belgium/epidemiology ; *West Nile virus/isolation & purification ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; *West Nile Fever/veterinary/epidemiology/virology ; Birds ; *Flavivirus Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/virology ; *Flavivirus/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {The recent emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in some European countries has triggered an increase in animal and human cases across Europe. Wild birds, serving as key reservoirs for WNV and USUV, often act as crucial indicators for the introduction and spread of these viruses. Currently, there is no durable large-scale monitoring for WNV in Belgium, and specific monitoring for USUV is lacking. In Flanders, passive WNV monitoring in birds has been in place for many years, while initial efforts to initiate active monitoring started in 2022. Here, we present the results of a limited study conducted during the vector seasons of 2022 and 2023 in Flemish bird populations to actively and passively monitor the prevalence of WNV and additionally assess the presence of USUV. Several real-time reverse transcription-PCR tests were employed for virus detection, revealing the absence of WNV-RNA during both vector seasons. Conversely, USUV-RNA was identified in 2022 through active surveillance, affecting two (5.5%) out of 36 birds (Corvus corone), and in passive surveillance, impacting eight (72.7%) out of 11 birds (Turdus merula [6] and Rhea pennata [2]). In 2023, active surveillance was more extensive and identified 16 (7.2%) USUV-RNA positive birds (Buteo buteo [1], T. merula [14] and Athene noctua [1]) out of 222 examined birds, while passive surveillance detected two (7.1%) positive birds (T. merula [1], and Larus marinus [1]) out of 28. Viral sequence information was obtained from seven USUV-positive birds using whole genome sequencing or Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis placed all identified strains within the Africa 3 lineage. This restricted WVN monitoring effort in Flanders did not reveal WNV presence, but found indications of an endemic USUV circulation in Belgium. It is crucial to intensify monitoring efforts for WNV in the coming years, considering its endemic status in several European countries and its expanding geographical range in northern Europe.}, } @article {pmid40284799, year = {2025}, author = {Wang, Y and Cui, Q and Hou, Y and He, S and Zhao, W and Lancuo, Z and Sharshov, K and Wang, W}, title = {Metagenomic Insights into the Diverse Antibiotic Resistome of Non-Migratory Corvidae Species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.}, journal = {Veterinary sciences}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {40284799}, issn = {2306-7381}, support = {2022-HZ-812//the program of science and technology international cooperation project of Qinghai province/ ; }, abstract = {Antibiotic resistance represents a global health crisis with far-reaching implications, impacting multiple domains concurrently, including human health, animal health, and the natural environment. Wild birds were identified as carriers and disseminators of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). A majority of studies in this area have concentrated on migratory birds as carriers for the spread of antibiotic resistance over long distances. However, there has been scant research on the resistome of non-migratory Corvidae species that heavily overlap with human activities, which limits our understanding of antibiotic resistance in these birds and hinders the development of effective management strategies. This study employed a metagenomics approach to examine the characteristics of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in five common Corvidae species inhabiting the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The ARGs were classified into 20 major types and 567 subtypes. Notably, ARGs associated with multidrug resistance, including to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramins, tetracyclines, beta-lactam, and bacitracin, were particularly abundant, with the subtypes acrB, bacA, macB, class C beta-lactamase, and tetA being especially prevalent. A total of 5 types of MGEs (166 subtypes) were identified across five groups of crows, and transposase genes, which indicated the presence of transposons, were identified as the most abundant type of MGEs. Moreover, some common opportunistic pathogens were identified as potential hosts for these ARGs and MGEs. Procrustes analysis and co-occurrence network analysis showed that the composition of the gut microbiota shaped the ARGs and MGEs, indicating a substantial association between these factors. The primary resistance mechanisms of ARGs in crows were identified as multidrug efflux pumps, alteration of antibiotic targets, and enzymatic inactivation. High-risk ARGs which were found to potentially pose significant risks to public health were also analyzed and resulted in the identification of 81 Rank I and 47 Rank II ARGs. Overall, our study offers a comprehensive characterization of the resistome in wild Corvidae species, enhancing our understanding of the potential public health risks associated with these birds.}, } @article {pmid40303696, year = {2023}, author = {Ito, S and Bosch, J and Aguilar-Vega, C and Isoda, N and Martínez-Avilés, M and Sánchez-Vizcaíno, JM}, title = {Development of an Effective Oral Vaccine Dissemination Strategy against Classical Swine Fever for Wild Boar in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.}, journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases}, volume = {2023}, number = {}, pages = {9484441}, pmid = {40303696}, issn = {1865-1682}, mesh = {Animals ; *Classical Swine Fever/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Swine ; Japan/epidemiology ; Administration, Oral ; *Sus scrofa ; *Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology ; *Classical Swine Fever Virus/immunology ; }, abstract = {In September 2018, classical swine fever (CSF) reemerged in Japan after more than a quarter of a century. After the first notification on a pig farm, wild boars positive for CSF were found continuously in the surrounding area. Gifu was the first prefecture in Japan to disseminate oral vaccines to wild boars in March 2019, with vaccines spread to approximately 14,000 sites between 2019 and 2020. While these diligent measures seemed to have shown some effectiveness, several vaccine spray sites remained without wild boar emergence. Based on the vaccine dissemination records from these periods, this study conducted a statistical analysis to propose more effective vaccine dissemination sites. First, a generalized linear mixed model was used to identify factors correlated with wild boar emergence. Then, two spatial interpolation methods, inverse distance weighted (IDW) and Kriging, were adopted to create a probability map of wild boar emergence for the entire Gifu Prefecture. The analysis showed a positive correlation between wild boar emergence and the appearance of raccoons, raccoon dogs, and crows as well as road density and wild boar distribution index. In particular, raccoon (OR: 1.83, 95%CI: 1.25-2.68, p < 0.001), raccoon dog (OR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.25-2.66, p < 0.001), and medium level road density (OR: 1.56, 95%CI: 1.04-2.39, p = 0.04) were strongly correlated with wild boar emergence. The spatial interpolation approach resulted in better prediction accuracy for the Kriging method than for IDW by the root mean square error, but both approaches identified a high wild boar appearance probability area in southeastern Gifu and a low appearance probability area in central Gifu. Here we have demonstrated a tool to effectively disperse oral vaccine to wildlife.}, } @article {pmid40278933, year = {2025}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Bakley, TD and Fitzpatrick, JW and Barve, S}, title = {Food, weather, and population density, not number of helpers, drive overwinter survival in Florida Scrub-Jays.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {207}, number = {5}, pages = {68}, pmid = {40278933}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; Population Density ; *Weather ; Florida ; Seasons ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; }, abstract = {Survival is affected by many ecological factors including food, weather, population density, and predation pressure, but documenting survival rates together with all these associated variables requires long-term observational and ecological data from a large, marked population. We used 33 years of data on Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) demography, local weather, and food availability to assess determinants of jay survival during the non-breeding season (September to February). We used the known-fate model from program MARK to analyze the probability of survival for breeders and juveniles while independently testing multiple covariates. Breeder survival increased when territory size was larger, decreased when local population density was higher, and did not vary with mean daily minimum temperature in the winter. Juvenile survival slightly increased with mean daily minimum temperature in the winter but showed no association with territory size or local population density. For both breeders and juveniles, odds of survival increased with presence of both breeders in the territory and higher acorn availability, and decreased with higher total winter rainfall. Neither breeder nor juvenile survival was correlated with number of helpers or juveniles in the group. Our results emphasize the importance of environmental variables in driving adult and juvenile survival in this declining endangered bird.}, } @article {pmid40278429, year = {2025}, author = {Heled, E and Levi, O and Strobinsky, E and Zeilig, G}, title = {Non-Verbal Working Memory in Post-Stroke Motor Aphasia: A Pilot Study Using the Tactual Span.}, journal = {Neurology international}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/neurolint17040058}, pmid = {40278429}, issn = {2035-8385}, abstract = {Background: Working memory (WM) impairment is a potential consequence of motor aphasia resulting from left-hemisphere ischemic stroke. While verbal WM has been studied extensively in this disorder, research regarding non-verbal modalities remains limited, particularly visuospatial WM, tactile WM, and the relationship between them. Additionally, language impairments limit the ability to assess WM in aphasia patients, highlighting the necessity of non-verbal diagnostic tools in clinical practice. The current study's objectives were to compare tactile and visuospatial WM in patients with post-stroke motor aphasia and to validate the one-hand version of the Tactual Span task as a clinical measure of WM. Methods: A total of 29 participants-14 with post-stroke motor aphasia and 15 healthy controls-completed a battery of cognitive tests, including the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test, the Visuospatial Span, the Tactual Span, and a visual 1-Back task. Results: There was significantly lower performance across all WM tasks in the aphasia group compared to the controls. Additionally, the Tactual Span successfully discriminated between patients and controls, showing sensitivity estimates of 92.9% and a specificity of 66.7%, with a cut-off score of 4.5 (AUC = 0.91), for the forward stage. The backward stage revealed a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 73.3%, with a cut-off score of 3.5 (AUC = 0.83). Conclusions: The findings may suggest that non-verbal WM impairment in post-stroke aphasia affects both visuospatial and tactile modalities similarly. Furthermore, the Tactual Span appears to be sensitive to left-hemisphere stroke damage, suggesting its potential utility as a clinical tool for WM assessment in patients with motor aphasia.}, } @article {pmid40271352, year = {2025}, author = {Liu, H and Zhang, D and Zhu, Y and Ma, H and Xiao, H}, title = {Emotions spread like contagious diseases.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {1493512}, pmid = {40271352}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Emotional contagion, that is, the spontaneous synchronization of emotions among individuals, is the basic mechanism of social cohesion and survival of different species. Emotional contagion can be observed in humans and many animals, and it has become an effective means to protect individuals from danger. The study of emotional contagion in different animals is of evolutionary significance, and in human society, emotional contagion has an important impact on mental health and group behavior. However, the existing research still has obvious shortcomings in the similarities and differences of cross-species emotional contagion, the communication dynamics in virtual space and the infectious effect of positive emotions. This paper reviews the mechanisms of emotional contagion in different species, such as rodents, nonhuman primates, dogs, crows and zebrafish, highlighting evolutionary conservatism and species-specific adaptation, and analyzes the role of human children's behavioral mimicry in its early development. Furthermore, we extend the discussion of emotional contagion to virtual social networks, revealing the unique communication mechanism in online environment. In addition, by combing the sociological model and the emerging neurocognitive model, the complex process of emotional contagion can be explained more comprehensively. Through multidisciplinary perspective, it provides systematic theoretical and empirical support for us to understand emotional contagion.}, } @article {pmid40269659, year = {2025}, author = {Emmerich, E and Alcantara, E and Úngari, L and O'Dwyer, L and Pérez-Ponce de León, G and Silva, R}, title = {First integrative assessment of Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Travassos, 1921) (Digenea: Ochetosomatidae) parasite of Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966 (Reptilia: Viperidae) from Brazil.}, journal = {Journal of helminthology}, volume = {99}, number = {}, pages = {e57}, doi = {10.1017/S0022149X25000343}, pmid = {40269659}, issn = {1475-2697}, mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; Phylogeny ; *Bothrops/parasitology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; *Trematoda/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/anatomy & histology/ultrastructure ; DNA, Helminth/genetics/chemistry ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Mouth/parasitology ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Esophagus/parasitology ; Venomous Snakes ; }, abstract = {Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Travassos, 1921) was collected from the mouth and oesophagus of a pit viper, Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966 in São Sebastião do Paraíso Farm (21°51'48.26" S, 48°26'56.78" W), municipality of Boa Esperança do Sul, São Paulo State, Brazil. In this study, we provide the first molecular characterisation of this digenean using 28S rDNA and COI sequences, and its phylogenetic position within the Plagiorchiida is assessed. Furthermore, new morphological features are added to the diagnosis of the species, and scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs are presented. Sequences of the 28S rRNA gene of O. heterocoelium were successfully obtained and aligned with 35 digenean species belonging to Plagiorchiida. Only three congeners - O. aniarum (Leidy, 1890), O elongatum (Seo et al. 2024), and O. kansense (Crow, 1913) - have been sequenced for this molecular marker. The newly sequenced individuals of O. heterocoelium are 98.7% and 99.4% similar to O. aniarum and O. kansensis, respectively, and Ochetosoma is not recovered as a monophyletic group. Dasymetra nicolli Holl and Allison, 1935 and Lechriorchis tygarti Talbot, 1933 are nested with Ochetosoma.}, } @article {pmid40268688, year = {2025}, author = {Buniyaadi, A and Prabhat, A and Bhardwaj, SK and Kumar, V}, title = {Role of melatonin in physiological mitigation of sleep disruption in an unnatural temporal environment.}, journal = {Journal of neuroendocrinology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e70035}, doi = {10.1111/jne.70035}, pmid = {40268688}, issn = {1365-2826}, support = {//Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi/ ; }, abstract = {Illuminated nights reduce melatonin peak and disrupt sleep. Using this as the basis of the present experimental paradigm, we investigated whether nocturnal melatonin levels were crucial for sleep regulation in a diurnal vertebrate. Acclimated Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) were randomly segregated into three groups of 12 each. For the next 10 days, one group was maintained on 12 L:12 D, as before (LD control); for the other two groups, the absolute darkness was replaced with dim light at night (dLAN; L = ~150 lux, D = ~6 lux). Under dLAN, half an hour before light off time, the LD control and one dLAN group received intraperitoneally 200 μL of vehicle (0.75% physiological saline), while the other dLAN group received a similar 200 μL vehicle but containing melatonin at a dose of 50 μg bird[-1] day[-1]. Under dLAN, exogenous melatonin elevated nocturnal AANAT mRNA and plasma melatonin levels and induced changes in diurnal expressions of clock genes (PER2, CRY1, BMAL1, NPAS2, REVERB) in the pineal gland and hypothalamus, and of genes encoding melatonin receptors (MEL1a, MEL1b) and epigenetic modifiers (HAT1, HDAC2, HDAC4, DNMT3a) in the hypothalamus. Elevated nocturnal melatonin levels bettered sleep with positive effects on the hypothalamic expression of genes associated with nocturnal sleep (cytokine pathway: TLR4, TNFα, IL-1β, NOS1; calcium pathway: CAMK2, SIK3) and awake (ACHM3, EGR1, HOMER1a, OREXIN) states, and with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity (BDNF, EGR1, CREB). These suggested the role of melatonin in mitigation of the dLAN-induced sleep disruption. Nocturnal melatonin peak levels are a crucial component of the regulatory transcriptional pathways underlying the daily wake-sleep pattern, with far-reaching implications for sleep-related issues in diurnal species including perhaps humans inhabiting an over-lit environment with pervasive light pollution.}, } @article {pmid40264843, year = {2025}, author = {Sadik, AS and Datta, AK}, title = {Nesting on Cell Phone Towers: An Inexplicable Breeding Strategy by Asian Woollynecks Ciconia episcopus in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {e71353}, pmid = {40264843}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The Asian Woollynecks were once thought to be a rare winter migrant to the wetlands of Bangladesh, and until very recently, only a few incidents of nesting had been observed. New information shows expanding populations across their habitat, though little is known about their movement ecology, breeding ecology and preferences for artificial nest sites. In this paper, we documented some crucial nesting and breeding information on this species. We used camera traps as a means of passive monitoring and identified Large-billed crow Corvus macrorhynchos and House crow Corvus splendens as potential nest predators. Three nests were found in artificial structures, where anthropogenic activity, like disturbances during cell phone tower maintenance, or predators limit the breeding success of Asian Woollynecks.}, } @article {pmid40257903, year = {2025}, author = {Havoc, RC and Woody, WD}, title = {The shrouded self: Racial passing as a tool of survival in early 20th century psychology.}, journal = {History of psychology}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {170-178}, doi = {10.1037/hop0000277}, pmid = {40257903}, issn = {1939-0610}, abstract = {Josiah Moses faced repeated rejections from academic positions during 1905-1911 because of his Jewish identity, which at that time was viewed as his race. In 1911, after changing his name, Josiah Morse was hired at the University of South Carolina during the time of explicitly antisemitic Jim Crow. In this article, we reveal the deceptive tactics Moses/Morse used to pass as a White person who was not Jewish with the support of his former doctoral advisor, G. Stanley Hall. We conclude with the examination of the consequences of passing and Morse's influence in psychology and other communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid40251059, year = {2025}, author = {Gutiérrez-Ibáñez, C and Němec, P and Paré, M and Wylie, DR and Lefebvre, L}, title = {How do big brains evolve?.}, journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.03.008}, pmid = {40251059}, issn = {1872-8383}, abstract = {In both birds and mammals, variation in brain size predominantly reflects variation in mass or volume of the pallium (neocortex) and, to a lesser extent, of the cerebellum, suggesting convergent coevolution of brains and cognition. When brain measures are based on neuron counts, however, a surprisingly different picture emerges: The number of neurons in the cerebellum surpasses those in the pallium of all mammals (including humans and other primates) and in many but not all birds studied to date. In particular, parrots and corvids, clades known for cognitive abilities that match those of primates, have brains that contain more pallial than cerebellar neurons. Birds and mammals may thus have followed different evolutionary routes of pallial-cerebellar coordination behind enhanced cognitive complexity.}, } @article {pmid40247751, year = {2025}, author = {Ren, H and Zha, P and Liu, Y and Zhang, W and Meng, H and Di, T}, title = {Study on Moisturizing Effect of Dendrobium officinale, Sparassis crispa, and Their Compound Extracts.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, pages = {e70189}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.70189}, pmid = {40247751}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Filaggrin Proteins ; *Dendrobium/chemistry ; Humans ; Aquaporin 3/genetics/metabolism ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Hyaluronic Acid/metabolism ; Hyaluronan Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; Claudin-1/metabolism/genetics ; Epidermis/drug effects/metabolism ; *Polysaccharides/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Emollients/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recently, natural plants have been widely developed and applied in moisturizing cosmetics. Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale) is known as one of the "Nine Immortals" of Chinese herbal medicine, whereas Sparassis crispa (Wulf.) Fr. (S. crispa) is known as the "king of mushrooms"; both of which have excellent biological activity.

AIMS: To explore the effects of D. officinale polysaccharide (DOP) with different molecular weights and S. crispa on the expression of moisturizing-related genes and verify the moisturizing performance of their complex.

METHODS: PCR was carried out to explore the aquaporin 3 (AQP3), hyaluronic acid synthetase1 (HAS1), HAS2, and HAS3 genes expression. Immunofluorescence (IF) analysis was used to test the protein level expression of hyaluronic acid (HA), AQP3, claudin-1, and filaggrin (FLG) influenced by moisturizing composition in a reconstructed epidermis skin model. The ability of samples to resist cell drying damage was evaluated by a cell drying damage model. Furthermore, this study validated the effect of the compositions during their application in cosmetics through tests of skin moisture content, crow's feet, and skin elasticity.

RESULTS: The results showed that DOP with molecular weights of 100 k-500 kDa (Dalton) had higher effects on AQP3 gene expression compared to that with molecular weights of 10 k-100 kDa and 1 k-10 kDa. Additionally, the extract of S. crispa significantly promoted the expression of HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3 genes, which are genes encoding hyaluronic acid synthesis. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HA, AQP3, claudin-1, and FLG were significantly increased as a result of the moisturizing composition consisting of DOP (100 k-500 kDa) and S. crispa. The application of the moisturizing composition markedly increased the skin moisture content, improved eye wrinkles, and enhanced skin elasticity.

CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our study proved that D. officinale and S. crispa had good moisturizing effects, and as natural plant humectants, they may have broad applications in future moisturizing cosmetics.}, } @article {pmid40242372, year = {2025}, author = {Elman, C and Feltey, KM and Wittman, B and Stevens, C and Hartsough, MB}, title = {How the Struggle for Public Health in the Jim Crow South Reflected and Reinforced Systemic Racial Health Inequality.}, journal = {Du Bois review : social science research on race}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {93-117}, pmid = {40242372}, issn = {1742-058X}, support = {P2C HD065563/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; P30 AG034424/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The twenty-first century COVID-19 epidemic revealed a U.S. public health system that countenanced health inequities and a U.S. public that resisted disease containment policies. This crisis, however, was only the most recent chapter in a longer struggle in the United States to institutionalize public health. We focus on two early twentieth-century public health campaigns in the American South, the unhealthiest U.S. region at the time. Black southerners-denied basic health, political, economic, and social rights under a rising Jim Crow regime-self-organized health services networks, including through the Tuskegee Woman's Club, the Negro Organization Society of Virginia, and the Moveable School (1890s-1915). Around the same time, a philanthropic project, the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission (RSC, 1909-1914), seeded state-level public health agencies in eleven southern states, thereby installing public health in a top-down manner. We use archival data sources to explore key similarities and differences in the public health concerns and coalition-building approaches of each campaign and southern resistance to their efforts. We find Black-led campaigns often blurred the color line to form coalitions that provided services to the underserved while tackling environmental health risks at the community level. In contrast, RSC affiliates in southern states, as directed by RSC administrators, provided health services as short-term public dispensaries. Services reached Black and White communities willing to participate but in a manner that did not overtly challenge Jim Crow-era practices. Southern resistance to public health expansion persisted under each approach. The legacies of these struggles remain; the political-economic and ideological forces that limited public health expansion while marginalizing Black community health efforts reverberate in public health inequities today.}, } @article {pmid40242340, year = {2025}, author = {Aota, I and Takano, M and Izawa, EI}, title = {Effects of a short-term removal of the dominant male on vocalization in captive groups of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorynchos).}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {241458}, pmid = {40242340}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Dominance hierarchy is widespread among group-living animals as a conflict resolution strategy to avoid the cost and risk of fights among individuals. Dominance signals are well-known mechanisms that allow individuals to assess their opponent's fighting ability without physical contact, thereby maintaining dominance relationships. In fission-fusion societies, where group composition is fluid, dominance status can shift depending on the current group members. In such situations, vocal signals may be particularly useful as dominance signals due to their easy modification by the signaller. In this study, we investigated the relationship between rank-dependent behaviours and rank ascending by temporarily removing individuals from captive groups of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos). We removed either the first-ranked or third-ranked individuals from the group for 1 day and compared the behaviours of the remaining group members before the removal, during the removal and after the removed individuals rejoined the group. We found that the number of sequential ka calls, which is assumed to be a status signal, increased only during the removal of first-ranked individuals and decreased after they rejoined the group. These results suggest that sequential ka calls serve as dominance signals, and the subordinates flexibly adjust their vocalization depending on the presence of high-ranked individuals.}, } @article {pmid40242334, year = {2025}, author = {Husby, M and Slagsvold, T}, title = {The Neophobia Hypothesis: nest decoration in birds may reduce predation by corvids.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {250427}, pmid = {40242334}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Many birds suffer heavily from nest predation, selecting several behaviours to avoid the risk. Corvids are among the most serious nest predators. However, they are also among the most neophobic of any birds. We suggest that nesting birds may take advantage of this fear by decorating the nest with anthropogenic materials that are novel to the predators (termed the Neophobia Hypothesis). They may also add large, conspicuous feathers that may indicate a site where a bird has recently been killed. In a study in the field, we found that territorial Eurasian magpies Pica pica waited for a longer period to remove eggs from artificial nests decorated with a shiny metal teaspoon, or with large, white feathers compared to adjacent artificial control nests with no decoration. On a landfill, where the birds had become more habituated to forage among anthropogenic material, common ravens Corvus corax also avoided nests decorated with a teaspoon or with feathers. The study supports the hypothesis that birds may suffer less nest predation by corvids if they decorate the nest with anthropogenic material or with large feathers.}, } @article {pmid40238963, year = {2025}, author = {Nelson, M}, title = {Honoring Dr. Jay Siwek and 75 Years of American Family Physician.}, journal = {American family physician}, volume = {111}, number = {4}, pages = {293}, pmid = {40238963}, issn = {1532-0650}, } @article {pmid40233941, year = {2025}, author = {Mole, J and Ruffle, JK and Nelson, A and Chan, E and Shallice, T and Nachev, P and Cipolotti, L}, title = {A right frontal network for analogical and deductive reasoning.}, journal = {Brain : a journal of neurology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/brain/awaf062}, pmid = {40233941}, issn = {1460-2156}, support = {089231/A/09/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; //Department of Health's National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre's/ ; //National Brain Appeal/ ; MR/X00046X/1//Guarantors of Brain and the Medical Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {Two of the most well-studied types of reasoning are analogical reasoning (AR) and deductive reasoning (DR). Yet, our understanding of the relationship between reasoning abilities and their neuroanatomical basis remains surprisingly limited. We aimed to conduct fine-grained anatomical mapping of performance on tests of AR, DR and fluid intelligence (Gf), in a large sample of patients with unilateral focal frontal or posterior lesions and healthy controls. We assessed 247 prospectively recruited patients using two new tests: the Analogical Reasoning Test (ART) and the Deductive Reasoning Test (DRT); and the best-established measure of Gf: Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM). Non-parametric Bayesian stochastic block modelling was used to reveal the community structure of lesion deficit networks, disentangling functional from confounding pathological distributed effects. ART and DRT performance was significantly impaired in patients with frontal lesions [ART: F(2,238) = 18.93; P < 0.001; Frontal group worse than Posterior group and healthy controls, both P < 0.001; DRT: F(2,387) = 18.491; P < 0.001; Frontal group worse than healthy controls, P < 0.01]. Right frontal effects were evident on both tests. Thus, on the ART, right frontal patients were more impaired than left (P < 0.05). On the DRT, right frontal patients were more impaired than left frontal patients on questions with indeterminate solutions (P < 0.05) but not on questions with determinate ones. Non-parametric Bayesian stochastic block modelling implicated a right frontal network in ART and DRT performance. Strikingly, we found that this network was also implicated in performance on RAPM. Our study represents the most robust investigation of AR and DR in the focally injured brain. Our findings imply that a right frontal network is critical. The ART and DRT appear to be promising new clinical tests, capable of evaluating reasoning abilities and identifying right frontal lobe dysfunction.}, } @article {pmid40226647, year = {2024}, author = {Ceolato-Martin, C and Chevallier-Collins, C and Clément, JP and Charles, E and Lacroix, A and Ranoux, D}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA in Resistant Depression: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Facial Injection Sites (OnaDEP Study).}, journal = {Depression and anxiety}, volume = {2024}, number = {}, pages = {1177925}, pmid = {40226647}, issn = {1520-6394}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Male ; Female ; *Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant/drug therapy ; Middle Aged ; *Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy ; Adult ; *Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Background: OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnaA) injection in glabella area appears to be a promising treatment for major depression. However, one major concern of placebo-controlled studies on botulinum toxin injections is to ensure adequate blinding. Patients and Methods: In this context, all subjects of this trial received the active product (OnaA). After randomization, 58 patients with resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) received OnaA either in the glabella area (N = 29) or in the crow's feet area (N = 29). Subjects were blinded to the supposedly effective area against resistant depression and the examiner was not aware of the injected area. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of responders (50% or greater decrease in MADRS [Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale] score from baseline) in glabella group versus crow's feet group at week 6 after the OnaA injection. Results: The number of responders was significantly higher in the glabella group than in the crow's feet group with 13 responders out of 29 patients (44.8%) in the glabella group and five out of 28 patients (17.9%) in the crow's feet group (p=0.029). The rate of psychomotor agitation as measured by item 9 of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), associated with a shorter span of psychiatric disorder, was a potent positive predictive factor of positive response to treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that OnaA injected in the glabella muscles is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for MDD. We suggest that patients with a high score at item 9 of the HAM-D might be a subgroup of best responders. We assume that OnaA may act as a modulator of the activity of the primary sensorimotor cortex and then of the amygdala. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03484754.}, } @article {pmid40223762, year = {2025}, author = {Grossmann, D and Srivastava, S and Winkler, V and Brenner, S and Gupta, KJ and Paliwal, A and Singh, K and De Allegri, M}, title = {Determinants of outpatient healthcare-seeking behaviors among the rural poor affected by chronic conditions in India: a population-based cross-sectional study in seven states.}, journal = {Global health action}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {2480413}, doi = {10.1080/16549716.2025.2480413}, pmid = {40223762}, issn = {1654-9880}, mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; India/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Chronic Disease/therapy/epidemiology ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; Middle Aged ; *Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult ; *Ambulatory Care/statistics & numerical data ; Adolescent ; Poverty ; Health Services Accessibility ; Aged ; Insurance, Health ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) increases demand for outpatient healthcare. Yet, evidence on preferences and barriers to healthcare services for India's most disadvantaged population, the target of India's largest public health insurance scheme (PM-JAY), is lacking.

OBJECTIVE: We explore determinants of outpatient healthcare-seeking behavior among PM-JAY eligible individuals with CNCDs in rural areas of seven states.

METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from a household survey (conducted between November 2019 and March 2020), we employed multilevel multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with seeking care from informal (home treatment, pharmacies, traditional healers), formal public, or formal private providers, compared with no care. Anderson's behavioral model informed the selection of independent variables.

RESULTS: Of 51,820 individuals, 5,061 (9.8%) reported a chronic condition. Despite their disease, 1,168 (23.1%) reported not using regular outpatient care. Another 2,421 individuals (48.0%) used formal private, 922 (18.3%) used formal public, and 535 (10.6%) used informal care. Predictors of formal private care were higher socioeconomic status (RRR = 2.441, 95% CI [1.61, 3.70]) and health insurance coverage (RRR = 1.478, 95% CI [1.12, 1.95]). Residents of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat were more likely to use formal public care (RRR = 23.915, 95% CI [9.01, 63.44]). Suffering from Major CNCDs or experiencing limitations in daily activities increased the probability of using healthcare across all options.

CONCLUSION: Future research should explore the reasons for non-utilization of chronic care and the preference for private providers. Policies to enhance public healthcare utilization and expand insurance for outpatient care could improve access and reduce health inequities.}, } @article {pmid40221436, year = {2025}, author = {Al-Matarneh, FM}, title = {Integrating hybrid bald eagle crow search algorithm and deep learning for enhanced malicious node detection in secure distributed systems.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {12647}, pmid = {40221436}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {A distributed system comprises several independent units, each planned to track its tasks without interconnecting with the rest of them, excluding messaging services. This indicates that a solitary point of failure can reduce a method incapable without caution since no single point can achieve all essential processes. Malicious node recognition is a crucial feature of safeguarding the safety and reliability of distributed methods. Numerous models, ranging from anomaly recognition techniques to machine learning (ML) methods, are used to examine node behaviour and recognize deviances from usual patterns that may designate malicious intent. Advanced cryptographic protocols and intrusion detection devices are often combined to improve the flexibility of these methods against attacks. Moreover, real-time observing and adaptive plans are vital in quickly identifying and answering emerging attacks, contributing to the complete sturdiness of safe distributed methods. This study designs a Hybrid Bald Eagle-Crow Search Algorithm and Deep Learning for Enhanced Malicious Node Detection (HBECSA-DLMND) technique in Secure Distributed Systems. The HBECSA-DLMND technique follows the concept of metaheuristic feature selection with DL-based detection of malicious nodes in distributed systems. To accomplish this, the HBECSA-DLMND technique performs data normalization using the linear scaling normalization (LSN) approach, and the ADASYN approach is employed to handle class imbalance data. Besides, the HBECSA-DLMND method utilizes the HBECSA technique to choose a better subset of features. Meanwhile, the convolutional sparse autoencoder (CSAE) model detects malicious nodes. Finally, the dung beetle optimization (DBO) method is employed for the parameter range of the CSAE method. The experimental evaluation of the HBECSA-DLMND methodology is examined on a benchmark WSN-DS database. The performance validation of the HBECSA-DLMND methodology illustrated a superior accuracy value of 98.99% over existing approaches.}, } @article {pmid40216860, year = {2025}, author = {Si, S and Jiang, X and Su, Q and Carin, L}, title = {Detecting implicit biases of large language models with Bayesian hypothesis testing.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {12415}, pmid = {40216860}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; *Language ; Humans ; Bias ; Large Language Models ; }, abstract = {Despite the remarkable performance of large language models (LLMs), such as generative pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), across various tasks, they often perpetuate social biases and stereotypes embedded in their training data. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework that reformulates bias detection in LLMs as a hypothesis testing problem, where the null hypothesis [Formula: see text] represents the absence of implicit bias. Our framework leverages binary-choice questions to measure social bias in both open-source and proprietary LLMs accessible via APIs. We demonstrate the flexibility of our approach by integrating classical statistical methods, such as the exact binomial test, with Bayesian inference using Bayes factors for bias detection and quantification. Extensive experiments are conducted on prominent models, including ChatGPT (GPT-3.5-Turbo), DeepSeek-V3, and Llama-3.1-70B, utilizing publicly available datasets such as BBQ, CrowS-Pairs (in both English and French), and Winogender. While the exact Binomial test fails to distinguish between no evidence of bias and evidence of no bias, our results underscore the advantages of Bayes factors, particularly their capacity to quantify evidence for both competing hypotheses and their robustness to small sample size. Additionally, our experiments reveal that the bias behavior of LLMs is largely consistent across the English and French versions of the CrowS-Pairs dataset, with subtle differences likely arising from variations in social norms across linguistic and cultural contexts.}, } @article {pmid40216706, year = {2025}, author = {Jyani, G and Gedam, P and Sharma, S and Dixit, J and Prinja, S}, title = {Financial Viability of Private Hospitals Operating Under India's National Health Insurance Scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).}, journal = {Applied health economics and health policy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {40216706}, issn = {1179-1896}, support = {F.NO.T.11011/02/2017-HR/3176774//Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Private hospitals account for 46% of all hospitals empanelled in India's national health insurance scheme and contribute to 54% of all the hospitalizations under it. However, insufficient package prices are often cited as a constraint to viable hospital operations. This study assesses the financial viability of establishing such hospitals at district level, with a focus on determining the break-even threshold by forecasting the financial trajectory of hospitals.

METHODS: By utilizing primary data from 27 district hospitals across nine states in India on cost of providing healthcare services, a blend of bottom-up and top-down micro-costing methods was used to estimate financial cost across input resource categories, including land procurement, building construction, human resources, equipment, drugs, consumables, maintenance, and overheads. Revenue from inpatient services was estimated using healthcare provider payment rates under India's largest tax-funded health insurance scheme, coupled with patient volume data stratified by distinct diseases across different specialties. Revenue projections from outpatient services were extrapolated as a fixed proportion of their inpatient counterparts. A 10-year evaluation framework was employed to forecast the hospital operations using revenue-expenditure perspective. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to assess the extent of variations in the output owing to varying bed-occupancy levels and doctor-to-bed ratios.

RESULTS: For a model 100-bed private hospital operating at district level, the average annual expenditure and revenue are projected to be at Indian Rupee (₹)85.27 million (US $1.03 million) and ₹104.36 million (US $1.26 million), respectively, for the initial 10 years. Human resources constitute the primary share (40%) of total expenditure, followed by spending on drugs and consumables (20%). A sequential evaluation of annual revenue and expenditure reveals that hospitals reach breakeven by their fourth operational year, subsequently transitioning into a profitable phase.

CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests a viable financial trajectory for private hospitals at district level, following the pricing structure of government-sponsored health insurance scheme.}, } @article {pmid40215319, year = {2025}, author = {Schmidbauer, P and Hahn, M and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows recognize geometric regularity.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {11}, number = {15}, pages = {eadt3718}, doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adt3718}, pmid = {40215319}, issn = {2375-2548}, mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; Humans ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; }, abstract = {The perception of geometric regularity in shapes, a form of elementary Euclidean geometry, is a fundamental mathematical intuition in humans. We demonstrate this geometric understanding in an animal, the carrion crow. Crows were trained to detect a visually distinct intruder shape among six concurrent arbitrary shapes. The crows were able to immediately apply this intruder concept to quadrilaterals, identifying the one that exhibited differing geometric properties compared to the others in the set. The crows exhibited a geometric regularity effect, showing better performance with shapes featuring right angles, parallel lines, or symmetry over more irregular shapes. This performance advantage did not require learning. Our findings suggest that geometric intuitions are not specific to humans but are deeply rooted in biological evolution.}, } @article {pmid40212605, year = {2025}, author = {Jiang, X and Liang, W and Zhang, Y}, title = {Host personality and seasonal parasitism risk do not account for egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {26}, number = {}, pages = {101056}, pmid = {40212605}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {Brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts and many host birds have evolved a range of anti-parasitism strategies, including egg recognition and egg rejection. Recent studies have shown that host egg rejection behavior can vary according to personality traits and parasitism risk. However, these relationships have not been clearly determined. The aim of this study was to further investigate the influence of seasonal parasitism pressure and host personality traits on egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus). Our results showed no significant difference in the proportion of egg rejection between hosts with low (before the arrival of cuckoos) and high (after the arrival of cuckoos) parasitism pressure. In addition, no significant difference was detected in the proportion of egg rejection between bold individuals (shorter flight initiation distance, FID) and shy individuals (longer FID). We hypothesized that the relatively weak effect of the presence or absence of cuckoos on this species could be attributed to their inherently strong egg recognition abilities. Moreover, the quantification of host behavior along a single personality axis (boldness-shyness) may be insufficient to capture behavioral differences that arise from the combined effects of various personality traits. Our study provides novel insights into the influence of seasonal parasitism risk and personality traits on host egg rejection behavior.}, } @article {pmid40208017, year = {2025}, author = {Gwee, CY and Metzler, D and Fuchs, J and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Reconciling Gene Tree Discordance and Biogeography in European Crows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {e17764}, doi = {10.1111/mec.17764}, pmid = {40208017}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {WO 14262-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; INST 86/2050-1 FUGG//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; ERCStG-336536 FuncSpecGen/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, abstract = {Reconstructing the evolutionary history of young lineages diverging with gene flow is challenging due to factors like incomplete lineage sorting, introgression, and selection causing gene tree discordance. The European crow hybrid zone between all-black carrion crows and grey-coated hooded crows exemplifies this challenge. Most of the genome in Western and Central European carrion crow populations is near-identical to hooded crows, but differs substantially from their Iberian congeners. A notable exception is a single major-effect colour-locus under sexual selection aligning with the 'species' tree. To understand the underlying evolutionary processes, we reconstructed the biogeographic history of the species complex. During the Pleistocene carrion and hooded crows took refuge in the Iberian Peninsula and the Middle East, respectively. Allele-sharing of all-black Western European populations with likewise black Iberian crows at the colour-locus represents the last trace of carrion crow ancestry, resisting gene flow from expanding hooded crow populations that have homogenised most of the genome. A model of colour-locus introgression from an Iberian ancestor into hooded crow populations near the Pyrenées was significantly less supported. We found no positive relationship between introgression and recombination rate consistent with the absence of genome-wide, polygenic barriers in this young species complex. Overall, this study portrays a scenario where few large-effect loci, subject to divergent sexual selection, resist rampant and asymmetric gene exchange. This study underscores the importance of integrating population demography and biogeography to accurately interpret patterns of gene tree discordance following population divergence.}, } @article {pmid40204817, year = {2025}, author = {Bharath, S and Vasuki, A}, title = {Adaptive energy loss optimization in distributed networks using reinforcement learning-enhanced crow search algorithm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {12165}, pmid = {40204817}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Modern power distribution network incorporates distributed generation (DG) for numerous benefits. However, the incorporation creates numerous challenges in energy management and to handle the challenges it requires advanced optimization techniques for an effective operation of the network. Unlike traditional methods such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and standard Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), which suffer from premature convergence and limited adaptability to real-time variations, Reinforcement Learning Enhanced Crow Search Algorithm (RL-CSA) which is proposed in this research work solves network reconfiguration optimization problem and minimize energy losses. Unlike conventional heuristic methods, which follow predefined search patterns, RL-CSA dynamically refines its search trajectory based on real-time feedback, ensuring superior convergence speed and global search efficiency. The novel RL-CSA enables real-time adaptability and intelligent optimization for energy loss reduction in distributed networks. The proposed model validation is performed on the IEEE 33 and 69 Bus test systems considering diverse performance metrics such as power loss reduction, voltage stability, execution time, utilization efficiency for DG deployment, and energy cost minimization. Comparative results show that RL-CSA achieves a 78% reduction in energy losses, limiting power loss to 5 kW (IEEE 33-Bus) and 8 kW (IEEE 69-Bus) whereas traditional models converge at higher loss levels. The execution time is optimized to 1.4 s (IEEE 33-Bus) and 1.8 s (IEEE 69-Bus), significantly faster than GA, PSO, and CSA, making RL-CSA more efficient for real-time power distribution applications. By balancing exploration-exploitation using CSA while adapting search parameters through reinforcement learning, RL-CSA ensures scalability, improved DG utilization (98%), and better voltage stability (< 0.005 p.u.), making it a robust and intelligent alternative for modern smart grid optimization.}, } @article {pmid40199999, year = {2025}, author = {Chandralekha, M and Jayadurga, NP and Chen, TM and Sathiyanarayanan, M and Saleem, K and Orgun, MA}, title = {A synergistic approach for enhanced eye blink detection using wavelet analysis, autoencoding and Crow-Search optimized k-NN algorithm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {11949}, pmid = {40199999}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {RSPD2024R697//King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/ ; }, mesh = {*Blinking/physiology ; Humans ; *Electroencephalography/methods ; *Wavelet Analysis ; *Algorithms ; Machine Learning ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Deep Learning ; Adult ; }, abstract = {This research endeavor introduces a state-of-the-art, assimilated approach for eye blink detection from Electroencephalography signals. It combines the prominent strategies of wavelet analysis, autoencoding, and a Crow-Search-optimized k-Nearest Neighbors to enhance the performance of eye blink detection from EEG signals. This procedure is initiated by escalating the robustness of EEG data through jittering, which integrates noise into the dataset. Consequently, the wavelet transform is highly demanded during feature extraction in identifying the essential time-frequency components of the signals. These features are further distilled using an autoencoder to provide a dense, yet informative representation. Prior to introducing these features into the machine learning system, they were adjusted. Evidently, the hyperparameters of the k-Nearest Neighbors model have been fine-tuned using Crow Search Algorithm, inspired by the hunting characteristics of crows. This optimization method actively samples the search space to balance exploration and exploitation to identify the optimal configuration for the model. The k-NN model that has been optimized using the proposed method demonstrates significantly higher performance in the eye blink detection process in comparison to the deep learning models when equipped with decorous feature extraction and fine tuning. The effectiveness of the developed system has been ascertained according to the assessment indices such as accuracy, classification reports, and confusion matrix. Thus, the present work offers an optimal method of detecting the eye blink from the EEG signals assisting in the development of further EEG applications including user interfaces, fatigue level identification, and neurological disorders analysis through the enhancement of signal processing and optimization methods. It becomes evident after a detailed evaluation that conventional machine learning algorithms if implemented with correct feature extraction and fine-tuning surpass the deep learning approaches including the frameworks composed of Convolutional Neural Network and Principal Component Analysis and empirical mode decomposition by approximately 96% across all datasets. This proves the advantage of optimized traditional Machine Learning models over the Deep Learning models in realistic EEG-based eye blink detection.}, } @article {pmid40195903, year = {2025}, author = {Yu, F and Yu, C and Guo, S and Wang, X and Li, J and Li, Z}, title = {The risk perception and response of Azure-winged magpies: On the aspect of feeding behaviour and alarm calls.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.70044}, pmid = {40195903}, issn = {1365-2656}, support = {2022YFC3202104//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; BK20211151//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, China/ ; }, abstract = {Prey are expected to effectively perceive predation cues, recognise predators and adopt appropriate anti-predator strategies to enhance their chances of survival. Species with high cognitive abilities tend to be better at these processes, while empirical research is still lacking. The role of cognition in avoiding predation requires further investigation, especially in species with complex social structures and communication systems. Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) have demonstrated great talents in cognitive tasks. We conducted model presentation and playback experiments to test their predator detection and information transmission in the wild. We found that magpies exhibited distinct responses according to the model type (pigeon, falcon and cat) and eye condition of models (covered or uncovered). Individuals postponed the visit to the feeder and took less food in response to predator and eye-uncovered models. The cat model was perceived as a higher risk, and magpies would emit alarm calls with a wider bandwidth, a higher frequency of 5%, and a higher frequency of 95%. We also found that the playback of alarm calls could induce different anti-predator behaviours from conspecifics. Our study examined how Azure-winged magpies perceive information and make decisions to avoid predators. It indicates that the alarm calls of Azure-winged magpies function in encoding and sharing information, providing an in-depth understanding of complex vocal communication and risk cognition in birds.}, } @article {pmid40188266, year = {2025}, author = {Asha, MM and Ramya, G}, title = {Predator crow search optimization with explainable AI for cardiac vascular disease classification.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {11692}, pmid = {40188266}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/classification/diagnosis ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Algorithms ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {The proposed framework optimizes Explainable AI parameters, combining Predator crow search optimization to refine the predictive model's performance. To prevent overfitting and enhance feature selection, an information acquisition-based technique is introduced, improving the model's robustness and reliability. An enhanced U-Net model employing context-based partitioning is proposed for precise and automatic left ventricular segmentation, facilitating quantitative assessment. The methodology was validated using two datasets: the publicly available ACDC challenge dataset and the imATFIB dataset from internal clinical research, demonstrating significant improvements. The comparative analysis confirms the superiority of the proposed framework over existing cardiovascular disease prediction methods, achieving remarkable results of 99.72% accuracy, 96.47% precision, 98.6% recall, and 94.6% F1 measure. Additionally, qualitative analysis was performed to evaluate the interpretability and clinical relevance of the model's predictions, ensuring that the outputs align with expert medical insights. This comprehensive approach not only advances the accuracy of CVD predictions but also provides a robust tool for medical professionals, potentially improving patient outcomes through early and precise diagnosis.}, } @article {pmid40187177, year = {2025}, author = {Hu, W and Zhang, X and Shao, J and Wang, Y}, title = {Altruistic behavior in Chinese children with hearing impairment: Associations with power cognition and word comprehension.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {255}, number = {}, pages = {104981}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104981}, pmid = {40187177}, issn = {1873-6297}, abstract = {Altruistic behavior is a crucial manifestation in the socialization process of preschool children with hearing impairment, yet research on this topic among Chinese children remains limited. This study investigated the effects of power cognition and word comprehension on altruistic behavior in preschool-aged children with hearing impairment. A sample of 64 children, including both hearing-impaired and typically developing children, completed altruistic behavior tasks, power cognition tasks, word comprehension tasks, and the Raven's Combined Test. The results revealed that: (1) Children with hearing impairment exhibited significantly lower levels of altruistic behavior compared to typically developing children; (2) Both power cognition and word comprehension were positively correlated with altruistic behavior in children with hearing impairment; (3) Word comprehension mediated the relationship between power cognition and altruistic behavior in children with hearing impairment.}, } @article {pmid40184381, year = {2025}, author = {Ong, K and Norris, DR}, title = {Experimental evidence demonstrating how freeze-thaw patterns affect spoilage of perishable cached food.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {e0319043}, pmid = {40184381}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Freezing ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; }, abstract = {For the small number of temperate and boreal species that cache perishable food, previous research suggests that increasing freeze-thaw events can have a negative impact on fitness by degrading the quality of cached food. However, there is no experimental evidence that directly links freeze-thaw events to cache quality. To examine how the timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of freeze-thaw events influenced cached food mass loss, a proxy for caloric content, we conducted a series of month-long laboratory experiments by placing simulated caches (raw chicken placed between two pieces of black spruce Picea mariana bark) in programmable freezers. Freeze-thaw treatments were modelled after weather data from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, where a population of Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a species that caches perishable food for overwinter survival and to support late-winter breeding, has declined by > 70% since the 1980s. First, we found no evidence that an increased frequency of freeze-thaw events influenced mass loss, suggesting that microstructural damage caused by crystal reformation does not significantly influence cache quality. Instead, our experimental results demonstrated that mass loss was positively influenced by longer individual thaws, which likely reflects increased microbial growth, oxidation, and progressive drip loss. We also found that caches lost more weight when subjected to early freeze-thaw events compared to late freeze-thaw events. Finally, we show that milder freezes led to less mass loss and, unexpectedly, warmer than average thaws post-freeze also led to less mass loss. Our results suggest that longer thaw periods post-freezing and milder freezes cause or lead to significantly increased spoilage of perishable cached food. All of these temperature-related conditions are closely associated with long-term changes in climate and, thus, the effects on cache degradation reported in these experiments should be applicable to species caching perishable food in the wild.}, } @article {pmid40180641, year = {2025}, author = {Fielding, MW and Yates, LA and Buettel, JC and Stojanovic, D and Brook, BW}, title = {Carcass use by mesoscavengers varied across modified landscapes in the absence of top carnivores.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {207}, number = {4}, pages = {60}, pmid = {40180641}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {FL160100101//Australian Research Council/ ; CE170100015//Australian Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Carnivora ; *Feeding Behavior ; Raptors ; *Crows/physiology ; Australia ; }, abstract = {The decomposition of carrion is crucial to the functioning and nutrient cycling of ecosystems, and many species use this high-quality resource. However, the availability and reliability of carrion differs across environments. Modified landscapes, such as farms and roads, often produce a high density of carcasses, with disproportionate benefits for generalist mesoscavengers that can tolerate, or are attracted to, human presence. In this study, we placed carcasses strategically across two large islands in southern Australia and used camera traps to investigate how different scavengers locate and use carrion in forested, farmland and roadside habitats. Forest ravens, an avian generalist, were the dominant scavengers across all three habitat types but were three times more likely to discover carcasses deployed in modified landscapes. Raptors were twice as likely to discover and use carcasses in farmland habitats, indicating enhanced scavenging opportunities in these areas. The discovery rate and use of carcasses by feral cats did not differ between habitat types. In this setting, differences in carrion use between diurnal and nocturnal scavengers are potentially due to the absence of top mammalian carnivores (Tasmanian devils and quolls). Diurnal scavengers, such as forest ravens and raptors, followed expected habitat preferences, albeit with greater access to carrion due to increased persistence. However, feral cats demonstrated no preference for carcasses across habitats, likely due to the reduced landscape of fear. Overall, our study underscores the important role of native mammalian carnivores in structuring scavenger communities and further validates the value of trophic rewilding to restore key ecological functions.}, } @article {pmid40171387, year = {2025}, author = {Nishikawa, K and Idogaki, H}, title = {Effect of oral intake of heat-killed Fructobacillus fructosus OS-1010 on human skin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study.}, journal = {Bioscience of microbiota, food and health}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {122-127}, pmid = {40171387}, issn = {2186-6953}, abstract = {Fructobacillus spp. comprise a large genus of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria whose growth characteristics differ from those of other common lactic acid bacteria. The genus has been extensively investigated microbiologically and phylogenetically. However, knowledge regarding Fructobacillus nutritional benefits remains unclear. In particular, Fructobacillus fructosus OS-1010 (OS-1010) was recently shown to act on intestinal cells to release extracellular vesicle exosomes that act on distant target cells. The released exosomes reportedly enhanced the expression of longevity-associated genes and intracellular mitochondrial activity in muscle cells. OS-1010 is expected to be a functional ingredient that improves the function of distant tissues such as muscles and skin upon oral intake. This study examined the effects of the oral intake of heat-killed OS-1010 on human skin in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of healthy participants. Significant improvement in skin elasticity was observed after eight weeks of oral OS-1010 intake. Furthermore, although no significant difference was found between the two groups in a wrinkle-related parameter, the OS-1010 group demonstrated improvements in the percentage wrinkle area and overall average wrinkle depth of crow's feet, which were not observed in the placebo group. These results indicate that OS-1010 can contribute to the improvement in skin conditions.}, } @article {pmid39533155, year = {2025}, author = {Lara Green, R and Joanne Carrington, S and Shaw, DJ and Kessler, K}, title = {Investigating visual perspective taking and belief reasoning in autistic adults: A pre-registered online study.}, journal = {Autism : the international journal of research and practice}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {920-933}, doi = {10.1177/13623613241290880}, pmid = {39533155}, issn = {1461-7005}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Young Adult ; *Theory of Mind ; *Autistic Disorder/psychology ; Middle Aged ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder/psychology ; Reaction Time ; Adolescent ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {As many autistic individuals report mentalizing difficulties into adulthood, the current pre-registered study investigated potential differences in belief reasoning and/or visual perspective taking between autistic and non-autistic adults. The Seeing-Believing task was administered to 121 gender-balanced participants online (57 with a self- reported diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition and 64 without), as well as Raven's Progressive Matrices (on which the groups did not significantly differ) and the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Non-autistic adults replicated previous findings with this task, revealing slower responses to belief-reasoning than to perspective-taking trials. Autistic adults did not show significantly slower or more error-prone performance during perspective taking and/or belief reasoning. In fact, the autistic group committed significantly fewer mistakes, including fewer altercentric intrusions. The main group difference in response times was a steeper increase with increasing angular disparity between self and other in the autistic group. We discuss our findings in terms of differences in self-other control, but emphasise that our findings cannot be explained in terms of simplistic deficit-based notions of autism and suggest that autistic adults might favour slightly different strategies when judging another's perspective or belief.Lay abstractMany autistic individuals report difficulties in social situations, where they are required to think about what goes on in others' minds. These states of the mind can include how others perceive the world around them, their beliefs, or their desires. While research has shown that autistic children could be delayed in developing their full capacity in this regard, less is known about how adults process others' experiences and beliefs. Here we used a novel task and asked adults to participate online. Participants self-reported whether they had been diagnosed with autism or not and we split them into two groups depending on their response. We also asked participants to fill in a self-report questionnaire about social preferences and habits and we also asked them to conduct a test of their nonverbal reasoning ability. Importantly, the autistic and the non-autistic groups did not differ in their nonverbal reasoning abilities, and on our task, we observed that the autistic group committed fewer mistakes than the non-autistic group. Autistic participants were particularly fast and made fewer mistakes on those responses that overlapped with their own view and belief of reality. In conclusion, our findings do not support a simple view of autism in terms of deficits in either social or more general thinking abilities. Instead, autistic adults might favour slightly different ways of thinking about other's experiences and beliefs that is more firmly linked to their own experience and knowledge.}, } @article {pmid40168984, year = {2025}, author = {van Hasselt, SJ and Martinez-Gonzalez, D and Mekenkamp, GJ and Vyssotski, AL and Verhulst, S and Beckers, GJL and Rattenborg, NC and Meerlo, P}, title = {Sleep pressure causes birds to trade asymmetric sleep for symmetric sleep.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.008}, pmid = {40168984}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {Sleep is a dangerous part of an animal's life.[1][,][2][,][3] Nonetheless, following sleep loss, mammals and birds sleep longer and deeper, as reflected by increased electroencephalogram (EEG) slow-wave activity (SWA; ≈1-5 Hz spectral power) during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.[4][,][5] Stimulating a brain region during wakefulness also causes that region to sleep deeper afterwards,[6][,][7][,][8][,][9] indicating that NREM sleep is a local, homeostatically regulated process.[10][,][11] Birds and some marine mammals can keep one eye open during NREM sleep,[12][,][13] a behavior associated with lighter sleep or wakefulness in the hemisphere opposite the open eye-states called asymmetric and unihemispheric NREM sleep, respectively.[13][,][14][,][15][,][16][,][17][,][18][,][19][,][20][,][21][,][22][,][23] Closure of both eyes is associated with symmetric NREM or REM sleep. Birds rely on asymmetric and unihemispheric sleep to stay safe.[17][,][24][,][25] However, as sleeping deeply with only one hemisphere at a time increases the time required for both hemispheres to fulfill their need for NREM sleep, increased sleep pressure might cause birds to engage in symmetric sleep at the expense of asymmetric sleep.[26][,][27] Using high-density EEG recordings of European jackdaws (Coloeus monedula), we investigated intra- and inter-hemispheric asymmetries during normal sleep and following sleep deprivation (SD). The proportion of asymmetric sleep was lower early in the sleep period and following SD-periods of increased sleep pressure. Our findings demonstrate a trade-off between the benefits of sleep and vigilance and indicate that a bird's utilization of asymmetric sleep is constrained by temporal dynamics in their need for sleep.}, } @article {pmid40159384, year = {2025}, author = {Kocourek, M and Zhang, Y and Sandberg, L and Stehlík, P and Polonyiová, A and Olkowicz, S and Straková, B and Pavelková, Z and Hájek, T and Kušta, T and Lučan, RK and Kverková, K and Němec, P}, title = {Cellular scaling rules for brains of the galliform birds (Aves, Galliformes) compared to those of songbirds and parrots: Distantly related avian lineages have starkly different neuronal cerebrotypes.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-28}, doi = {10.1159/000545417}, pmid = {40159384}, issn = {1421-9743}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Songbirds, especially corvids, and parrots are remarkably intelligent. Their cognitive skills are on par with primates and their brains contain primate-like numbers of neurons concentrated in high densities in the telencephalon. Much less is known about cognition and neuron counts in more basal bird lineages. Here, we focus on brain cellular composition of galliform birds, which have small brains relative to body size and a proportionally small telencephalon and are often perceived as cognitively inferior to most other birds.

METHODS: We use the isotropic fractionator to assess quantitatively the numbers and distributions of neurons and nonneuronal cells in 15 species of galliform birds and compare their cellular scaling rules with those of songbirds, parrots, marsupials, insectivores, rodents and primates.

RESULTS: On average, the brains of galliforms contain about half the number of neurons found in parrot and songbird brains of the same mass. Moreover, in contrast to these birds, galliforms resemble mammals in having small telencephalic and dominant cerebellar neuronal fractions. Consequently, galliforms have much smaller absolute numbers of neurons in their forebrains than equivalently sized songbirds and parrots, which may limit their cognitive abilities. However, galliforms have similar neuronal densities and neuron counts in the brain and forebrain as equally sized non-primate mammals. Therefore, it is not surprising that cognitive abilities of galliforms are on par with non-primate mammals in many domains.

CONCLUSION: Comparisons performed in this study demonstrate that birds representing distantly related clades markedly differ in neuronal densities, neuron numbers and the allocation of brain neurons to major brain divisions. In analogy with the concept of volumetric composition of the brain, known as the cerebrotype, we conclude that distantly related birds have distinct neuronal cerebrotypes.}, } @article {pmid40131252, year = {2025}, author = {Yang, S and Liao, W and Zhou, Y and Peng, C and Wang, J and Zhang, Z}, title = {Normative modeling of brain morphometry in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {35}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/cercor/bhaf064}, pmid = {40131252}, issn = {1460-2199}, support = {82302293//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024NSFSC1782//Science and Technology Foundation of Sichuan Province/ ; KYTZ2023036//Talent Introduction Research Projects of Chengdu University of Information Technology/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Child ; *Brain/pathology/diagnostic imaging ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Adolescent ; *Epilepsy, Rolandic/pathology/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology ; Child, Preschool ; Electroencephalography ; }, abstract = {Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes is the most common pediatric epilepsy, characterized by an age-dependent onset that typically arises during childhood brain development and is followed by remission at puberty. However, the heterogeneity in children's brain development at the individual level complicates the challenge of personalized treatment. Our goal is to quantify individual deviations from the normative range of brain morphometric variation in children with Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and to assess their associations with clinical manifestations and cognitive functions. We have developed sex-specific normative models on regional subcortical volume, cortical thickness, and surface area data from 457 healthy children sourced from two datasets. These models were then utilized to map the brain morphometric deviations of children with Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (n = 187) and sex- and age-matched healthy controls (n = 108) from another dataset. In the Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes group, children exhibited a higher proportion of regions with infra-normal deviations in subcortical volumes, the number of regions with normative deviations correlated with disease duration, seizure frequency, and Raven's total score. Our findings suggest that a few extreme distributions of heterogeneous brain morphometric deviations are present in a minority of individuals, emphasizing the need to monitor brain abnormalities throughout the course of the disease.}, } @article {pmid40129562, year = {2025}, author = {Feng, W and Liu, H}, title = {Urticaria-Like Hypersensitivity Reaction Following Botulinum Toxin Injection: A Case Report of Possible Interaction with β-Lactam Antibiotics.}, journal = {International medical case reports journal}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {367-371}, doi = {10.2147/IMCRJ.S510203}, pmid = {40129562}, issn = {1179-142X}, abstract = {Botulinum toxin serotype A (BTX-A) is commonly used for treating facial dynamic wrinkles. The clinical safety of BTX-A has been proven, and it has few side effects; despite this, BTX-A has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. This case raises concerns about a possible interaction between botulinum toxin serotype A (CBTX-A) and β-lactam antibiotics, contributing to the limited literature on hypersensitivity reactions. Herein, we described the case of a 35-year-old woman who was injected with Chinese botulinum toxin serotype A (CBTX-A) to treat crow's feet. The treatment was performed after the patient had taken cefprozil for an upper respiratory tract infection. Subsequently, the patient developed urticaria-like symptoms that completely resolved within 24 hours after administration of antihistamines. This case emphasises the need for careful medication history review before botulinum toxin administration, especially in patients receiving β-lactam antibiotics, as hypersensitivity reactions may occur.}, } @article {pmid40127088, year = {2025}, author = {Richman, SN and Tomback, DF and Grevstad, N and Kobobel, D}, title = {Dining with wolves: Are the rewards worth the risks?.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {e0319565}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0319565}, pmid = {40127088}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {*Wolves/physiology ; Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Reward ; Colorado ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Where wild populations of gray wolves (Canis lupus) occur in North America, common ravens (Corvus corax) and, in western regions, black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) (Family Corvidae), show up quickly at wolf kills and scavenge carcasses, often feeding near wolves. Ravens and magpies also visit wolf enclosures at gray wolf sanctuaries in Colorado, USA, and attempt to take food from wolves, but there is no information regarding how often they obtain food or are injured or killed. Working at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, Divide, Colorado, we asked whether ravens and magpies associate with gray wolves at feeding time; what proportions of ravens and magpies obtain food per enclosure; whether individual wolves react differently to the birds; and if the birds are harmed by interacting with wolves. We also examined the effects of food type, amount, and air temperature on bird numbers. We counted raven and magpie numbers in wolf enclosures and wolf and bird behaviors during daily feeding tours across 20 visits and within eight wolf enclosures per visit. Wolf reactions within each enclosure were categorized as chasing or ignoring birds or removing food. Cumulatively, across all dates and enclosures, 33% of ravens and 43% of magpies obtained food within each enclosure. Because birds were not individually marked, these percentages could be higher. Individual wolves differed in responses to ravens and magpies but most often ignored bird presence. We found no effect of food type on bird numbers but a trend in reward probability with greater food amount for ravens. There were, however, statistically significant negative relationships between daily maximum and average temperature and raven numbers, and significant positive relationships between daily minimum and average temperature and magpie numbers. We conclude that dining with wolves represented a successful foraging strategy with low risk to ravens and magpies.}, } @article {pmid40124943, year = {2025}, author = {Lopez-Rodriguez, B and Sharma, N and Li, Z and van der Kolk, R and van der Boom, J and Scholte, T and Chang, J and Gröblacher, S and Esmaeil Zadeh, I}, title = {Magic Silicon Dioxide for Widely Tunable Photonic Integrated Circuits.}, journal = {ACS photonics}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {1321-1328}, doi = {10.1021/acsphotonics.4c01373}, pmid = {40124943}, issn = {2330-4022}, abstract = {Integrated photonic circuits have transformed data communication, biosensing, and light detection and ranging and hold wide-ranging potential for optical computing, optical imaging, and signal processing. These applications often require tunable and reconfigurable photonic components, most commonly accomplished through the thermo-optic effect. However, the resulting tuning window is limited for standard optical materials, such as silicon dioxide and silicon nitride. Most importantly, bidirectional thermal tuning on a single platform has not been realized. For the first time, we show that by tuning and optimizing the deposition conditions in inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICPCVD) of silicon dioxide, this material can be used to deterministically tune the thermo-optic properties of optical devices without introducing significant losses. We demonstrate that we can deterministically integrate positive and negative wavelength shifts on a single chip, validated on amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC), silicon nitride (SiN), and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platforms. This enables the fabrication of a novel tunable coupled ring optical waveguide (CROW) requiring only a single heater. In addition, we observe up to a 10-fold improvement of the thermo-optic tunability and demonstrate athermal ring resonators with shifts as low as 1.5 pm/°C. The low-temperature deposition of our silicon dioxide cladding can be combined with lift-off to isolate the optical devices, resulting in a decrease in thermal crosstalk by at least 2 orders of magnitude. Our method paves the way for novel photonic architectures incorporating bidirectional thermo-optic tunability.}, } @article {pmid40119198, year = {2025}, author = {Hahn, LA and Fongaro, E and Rose, J}, title = {Neuronal correlates of endogenous selective attention in the endbrain of crows.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {470}, pmid = {40119198}, issn = {2399-3642}, support = {Freigeist Fellowship 93299//Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung)/ ; Freigeist Fellowship 93299//Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung)/ ; Freigeist Fellowship 93299//Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung)/ ; Project A19 of the collaborative research center SFB1280 Projektnummer 316803389//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; Project A19 of the collaborative research center SFB1280 Projektnummer 316803389//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Attention/physiology ; *Neurons/physiology ; *Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Male ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to direct attention and select important information is a cornerstone of adaptive behavior. Directed attention supports adaptive cognitive operations underlying flexible behavior, for example in extinction learning, and was demonstrated behaviorally in both mammals and in birds. The neural foundation of such endogenous attention, however, has been thoroughly investigated only in mammals and is still poorly understood in birds. And despite the similarities at the behavioral level, cognition of birds and mammals evolved in parallel for over 300 million years, resulting in different architectures of the endbrain, most notably the absence of cortical layering in birds. We recorded neuronal signals from the nidopallium caudolaterale, the avian equivalent to mammalian pre-frontal cortex, while crows employed endogenous attention to perform change detection in a working memory task. The neuronal activity profile clearly reflected attentional enhancement of information maintained by working memory. Our results show that top-down endogenous attention is possible without the layered configuration of the mammalian cortex.}, } @article {pmid40111497, year = {2025}, author = {Suresh, M and Maragatharajan, M}, title = {Optimized ensemble model for accurate prediction of cardiac vascular calcification in diabetic patients.}, journal = {Acta diabetologica}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {40111497}, issn = {1432-5233}, abstract = {AIM: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major threat to diabetic patients, with cardiac vascular calcification (CVC) as a key predictive factor. This study seeks to improve the prediction of these calcifications using advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms. However, current ML and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods face challenges such as limited sample sizes, insufficient data, high time complexity, long processing times, and significant implementation costs.

METHOD: To predict CVC in diabetic patients, the Simple linear iterative clustering based Ensemble Artificial Neural Network (SLIC-EANN) model is proposed in this paper. In this research article, certain biochemical, imaging, and clinical data are used that are captured from Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) dataset. The proposed model employs preprocessing techniques such as image normalization, image resizing, and image augmentation to clean and simplify the input images. Then Localization of the cardiac vascular calcification is done using the simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm. The ensemble artificial neural network (EANN) classifies calcification severity by integrating outputs from three machine learning techniques Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Decision Tree (DT).

RESULTS: This method achieves an accuracy of 98.7% and an error rate of 1.3%, outperforming existing techniques.

CONCLUSION: A comprehensive analysis is conducted in this research article that concludes that the proposed model achieved better prediction performances of calcification in diabetic patients.}, } @article {pmid40109883, year = {2025}, author = {Palaniyappan, L and Liddle, PF}, title = {Seminal Contributions of Timothy J. Crow.}, journal = {Psychological medicine}, volume = {55}, number = {}, pages = {e75}, pmid = {40109883}, issn = {1469-8978}, mesh = {Humans ; History, 20th Century ; *Schizophrenia/history ; Psychotic Disorders/history ; History, 21st Century ; }, abstract = {We recall the life and work of Timothy J. Crow, whose contributions provided great insights into the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and continue to shape many questions in the field. We compile his key works relating to psychotic disorders, focusing on the trajectory of his theoretical stance. Our account is interlaced with our own interpretation of the evidence that influenced Crow's arguments over the years as well as his scientific method. Crow has had a significant impact on the neuroscience of schizophrenia. Many of his observations are still valid and several questions he raised remain unanswered to date.}, } @article {pmid40109554, year = {2025}, author = {Menge, BA}, title = {Impacts of Birds vs. Invertebrate Predators on Rocky Intertidal Community Structure.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {e71121}, pmid = {40109554}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Most studies of species interactions in rocky intertidal communities focus on invertebrate predators and herbivores interacting with sessile invertebrates and macrophytes. However, shorebirds are usually a conspicuous presence on rocky shores and eat sessile and mobile invertebrate prey, often including invertebrate predators and herbivores. Inspired by classic studies of strong bird predation effects in rocky intertidal habitats in Washington state (USA) and South Africa, I tested the effects of bird and invertebrate (sea stars, whelks) predation at multiple sites, wave exposures, and zones on the central Oregon coast from spring 1996 to fall 1997. To gain insight into the effects of birds relative to the effects of invertebrate predators, I used a crossed design, with bird exclusions (present and absent) and invertebrate predator removal (present and reduced). Compared to Washington state and South Africa, birds had little effect on the abundance of sessile or mobile prey in wave-exposed mid, wave-exposed low, and wave-protected mid zones at 2-4 sites. I suggest that differences between Oregon results and those in Washington and South Africa were driven by differences in bird abundance associated with whether the study site had resident colonies of shorebirds (primarily gulls, crows, and oystercatchers). That is, offshore islands often have resident breeding colonies such as in the Washington and South African studies, while sites in this study were all on the mainland where gulls were mostly transient visitors, while resident oystercatchers were usually limited to one or two pairs per site. Comparison with other marine and terrestrial experimental tests suggests that top-down effects of birds often vary in strength, and thus, future investigations should seek to understand the factors that underlie this variation.}, } @article {pmid40103280, year = {2025}, author = {Pennington, L and Potts, L and Murray, J and Geytenbeek, J and Laws, K and Sargent, J and Clarke, M and Swettenham, J and Lachkovic, J and Martin, C and McColl, E}, title = {The UK C-BiLLT: Validity and reliability of an online assessment of spoken language comprehension for children with severe motor disorders.}, journal = {International journal of language & communication disorders}, volume = {60}, number = {2}, pages = {e70025}, doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.70025}, pmid = {40103280}, issn = {1460-6984}, support = {GN2742//Action Medical Research/ ; //Great North Children's Hospital Foundation/ ; //Peter Sowerby Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Language Tests ; *Comprehension ; Infant ; United Kingdom ; Language Development Disorders/diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted ; Psychometrics ; Motor Disorders/diagnosis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Current UK measures of early spoken language comprehension require manipulation of toys and/or verbal responses and are not accessible to children with severe motor impairments. The Computer-Based Instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT) (originally validated in Dutch) is a computerized test of spoken language comprehension that children with motor disorders control using their usual response methods.

AIMS: To create a UK version of the C-BiLLT, evaluate its validity and reliability, and assess its practicability for children with motor disorders.

METHODS & PROCEDURES: The C-BiLLT was translated into British English and items were adapted to ensure familiarity to UK children. A total of 424 children (233 females, 191 males) aged 1:6-7:5 (years:months) without developmental disabilities were recruited from North East England. Children completed the UK C-BiLLT and Preschool Language Scales 5 (PLS-5) for convergent validity evaluation and either the visual reception subtest of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) (children aged 1:8-5:5) or Ravens Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) (ages 5:6-7:5) to assess divergent validity. A total of 33 children completed the UK C-BiLLT within 4 weeks of initial assessment for test-retest reliability assessment (intraclass correlation coefficient-ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and exploratory factor analysis examined structural validity. A total of 24 children (10 female, 14 male; aged 4-12 years) with non-progressive motor disorders who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), rated the UK C-BiLLT's ease of use and completed British Picture Vocabulary Scales (BPVS) and CPM as for convergent and divergent validity testing.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Internal consistency was high for children without motor disorders (α = 0.96). Exploratory factor analysis extracted two factors, together explaining 68% of the total variance. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.95; 0.90-0.98 95% confidence interval-CI). UK C-BiLLT scores correlated highly with PLS-5 (r = 0.91) and MSEL (r = 0.81), and moderately with CPM (r = 0.41); and increased across full-year age-bands (F(6, 407) = 341.76, p = < 0.001, η[2] = 0.83). A total of 19 children with motor disorders rated the UK C-BiLLT as easy/ok to use; two judged it hard; three declined to rate the ease of use. Their UK C-BiLLT scores correlated highly with BPVS (r = 0.77) and moderately with CPM (r = 0.57).

The UK C-BiLLT is a valid, reliable measure of early spoken language development and is potentially practicable for children with motor disorders. It may facilitate international research on the language development of children with motor disorders and evaluation of intervention at the national level.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Young children with motor disorders have difficulties accessing standardized assessments of language comprehension that require children to handle objects or to speak a response. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study demonstrates the validity and reliability of a UK translation of the C-BiLLT and suggests that the measure is feasible for children with motor disorders who use AAC and have a reliable method of response via computer access. What are the potential or clinical implications of this work? The UK C-BiLLT is a useful addition to the limited tools currently available to assess early spoken language comprehension of children with motor disorders.}, } @article {pmid40102499, year = {2025}, author = {Alabduallah, B and Al Dayil, R and Alkharashi, A and Alneil, AA}, title = {Innovative hand pose based sign language recognition using hybrid metaheuristic optimization algorithms with deep learning model for hearing impaired persons.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {9320}, pmid = {40102499}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {KSRG-2024- 238//King Salman Center for Disability Research/ ; }, mesh = {*Sign Language ; Humans ; *Deep Learning ; *Algorithms ; *Gestures ; *Persons with Hearing Disabilities ; Hand/physiology ; }, abstract = {Sign language (SL) is an effective mode of communication, which uses visual-physical methods like hand signals, expressions, and body actions to communicate between the difficulty of hearing and the deaf community, produce opinions, and carry significant conversations. SL recognition (SLR), the procedure of automatically identifying and construing gestures of SL, has gotten considerable attention recently owing to its latent link to the lack of communication between the deaf and the hearing world. Hand gesture detection is its domain, in which computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) help deliver non-verbal communication between computers and humans by classifying the significant movements of the human hands. The emergence and constant growth of DL approaches have delivered motivation and momentum for evolving SLR. Therefore, this manuscript presents an Innovative Sign Language Recognition using Hand Pose with Hybrid Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms in Deep Learning (ISLRHP-HMOADL) technique for Hearing-Impaired Persons. The main objective of the ISLRHP-HMOADL technique focused on hand pose recognition to improve the efficiency and accuracy of sign interpretation for hearing-impaired persons. Initially, the ISLRHP-HMOADL model performs image pre-processing using a wiener filter (WF) to enhance image quality by reducing noise. Furthermore, the fusion of three models, ResNeXt101, VGG19, and vision transformer (ViT), is employed for feature extraction to capture diverse and intricate spatial and contextual details from the images. The bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) classifier is implemented for hand pose recognition. To further optimize the performance of the model, the ISLRHP-HMOADL model implements the hybrid crow search-improved grey wolf optimization (CS-IGWO) model for parameter tuning, achieving a finely-tuned configuration that enhances classification accuracy and robustness. A comprehensive experimental study is accomplished under the ASL alphabet dataset to exhibit the improved performance of the ISLRHP-HMOADL model. The comparative results of the ISLRHP-HMOADL model illustrated a superior accuracy value of 99.57% over existing techniques.}, } @article {pmid40087823, year = {2022}, author = {Burgers, TA and Vanderwerff, KJ}, title = {Vision and Radar Steering Reduces Agricultural Sprayer Operator Stress without Compromising Steering Performance.}, journal = {Journal of agricultural safety and health}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {163-179}, doi = {10.13031/jash.15060}, pmid = {40087823}, issn = {1074-7583}, abstract = {HIGHLIGHTS: Stress was measured in professional sprayer operators who, while working, drove manually and with vision or radar steering. Vision and radar steering reduced the average operator stress rate by 48% relative to manual steering. The use of automatic guidance could have a dramatic positive effect on the health of sprayer operators. Sprayer steering performance was reported for professional operators and both vision and radar guidance for the first time.

ABSTRACT: Self-propelled agricultural sprayer operators work an average of 15 h d[-1] in peak season, and steering is the task that causes the operator the most stress because of the large number of stimuli involved. Automatic guidance systems help reduce stress and fatigue for operators by allowing them to focus on tasks other than steering. Physiological signals like skin conductance (electrodermal activity, EDA) change with stress and can be used to identify stressful events. The objective of this study was to determine if using a commercially available vision and radar guidance system (VSN[®], Raven Industries) reduces agricultural sprayer operators' stress compared to when they are steering manually. Four male professional sprayer operators participated in this study. Each operator performed his job duties normally in GPS-guidance-planted fields, at his self-selected speed, except to drive some passes manually and others with VSN in the same field. EDA was measured with an Empatica E4 wristband, and stressful events were quantified. Machine data (e.g., speed, RTK-GPS, and VSN metrics) were collected from each sprayer via CAN logs. The steering type, stress rate (e.g., stressful events min[-1]), and steering performance (cross-track error standard deviation, XTE SD) were determined for each pass. In total, 51 passes (23 manual, 28 VSN) in six fields were analyzed. Operators using VSN had a significant reduction (48% lower, p < 0.001) in their stress rate compared to when they were steering manually. There was no significant difference in the XTE SD for the steering type. The use of an automatic guidance system such as VSN could have a dramatic positive effect on the health of sprayer operators, especially during the long workdays of the peak spraying season, and could reduce the negative effects that stress and fatigue have on steering performance, mistakes, and accidents.}, } @article {pmid40084976, year = {2025}, author = {Heled, E and Levi, O}, title = {The effect of age and fluid intelligence on working memory in different modalities among elderly individuals: a moderated mediation analysis.}, journal = {Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-15}, doi = {10.1080/13825585.2025.2474472}, pmid = {40084976}, issn = {1744-4128}, abstract = {Working memory (WM), the capacity to temporarily hold and manipulate information, is evaluated using the span paradigm, which consists of forward and backward recall tasks to assess storage and manipulation, respectively. In accordance with the dedifferentiation theory, which suggests that different cognitive abilities compensate for the decline of others during the aging process, the current study aimed to examine whether fluid intelligence mediates the relationship between forward and backward recall across verbal, visuospatial, and tactile modalities while including age as a moderator. A total of 106 healthy older adults aged 60-89 years underwent the Digit Span, Visuospatial Span, Tactual Span, and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices Test. We found positive correlations between forward and backward recall in all three span tasks. Additionally, the tactile and visuospatial moderated mediation models were significant, whereas the tactile model seemed more robust. However, the verbal model was found to be non-significant. These findings suggest that storage and manipulation are associated across different modalities, but fluid intelligence becomes a more significant factor as age progresses, thus compensating for WM decline. Nevertheless, this pattern varies between modalities, indicating a WM modality-specific differentiation dependent on the cognitive load. Our findings have implications for understanding cognitive aging processes and theoretical frameworks concerning WM.}, } @article {pmid40079980, year = {2024}, author = {Burgers, TA and Kamarei, K and Vora, M and Horne, M}, title = {An Automated On-The-Go Unloading System Reduces Harvest Operator Stress Relative to Manual Operation.}, journal = {Journal of agricultural safety and health}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {89-106}, doi = {10.13031/jash.15992}, pmid = {40079980}, issn = {1074-7583}, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; *Automation ; *Occupational Stress/prevention & control ; Male ; Workload ; Farmers ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Crop Production/methods ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {HIGHLIGHTS: Stress was measured in harvest operators who performed on-the-go unloading manually and with an automated system. Automated unloading reduced the average grain cart and combine operator stress rate by 18% and 12%, respectively, compared to manual operation. Harvest operators usually worked more than 9 hours and often worked more than 12hours per workday during harvest. The use of automated unloading systems could positively affect the health of harvest operators.

ABSTRACT: On-the-go unloading improves harvest operational efficiency, but it requires skilled labor because it is challenging and stressful to balance numerous concurrent tasks. Harvest automation reduces workload, stress, and fatigue. The objective of this study was to determine if using a commercially available, automated on-the-go unloading system (Raven Cart Automation[TM], RCA, Raven Industries) would reduce operator stress compared to manual operation. Nine grain cart tractor operators and six combine operators participated in this study. Operators performed their typical harvest operation, except to alternate on-the-go unloading using RCA or operating manually. Skin conductance (electrodermal activity) was measured with an Empatica E4 wristband, and stressful events were quantified. Machine data was collected from the tractor and combine via CAN logs. Over 200 total unload events were analyzed. Grain cart and combine operators using RCA had an 18% (p = 0.022) and 12% (p = 0.18) reduction in stress rate, respectively, compared to operating the grain cart tractor manually. RCA reduced the tractor cross-track error standard deviation by 2.5 cm on straight passes (p < 0.0001). The use of an automated on-the-go unloading system reduces operator stress during harvest and could positively affect the health of operators, especially during the long harvest workdays.}, } @article {pmid40079265, year = {2025}, author = {Burger, NFV and Nicolis, VF and Botha, AM}, title = {Evaluating long-read assemblers to assemble several aphididae genomes.}, journal = {Briefings in bioinformatics}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/bib/bbaf105}, pmid = {40079265}, issn = {1477-4054}, support = {CSRU180414320893//National Research Foundation of South Africa/ ; WCT2001/02//South African Winter Cereal Industry Trust/ ; }, mesh = {*Aphids/genetics ; Animals ; *Genome, Insect ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; Software ; }, abstract = {Aphids are a speciose family of the Hemiptera compromising >5500 species. They have adapted to feed off multiple plant species and occur on every continent on Earth. Although economically devastating, very few aphid genomes have been sequenced and assembled, and those that have suffer low contiguity due to repeat-rich and AT-rich genomes. With third-generation sequencing becoming more affordable and approaching quality levels to that of second-generation sequencing, the ability to produce more contiguous aphid genome assemblies is becoming a reality. With a growing list of long-read assemblers becoming available, the choice of which assembly tool to use becomes more complicated. In this study, six recently released long-read assemblers (Canu, Flye, Hifiasm, Mecat2, Raven, and Wtdbg2) were evaluated on several quality and contiguity metrics after assembling four populations (or biotypes) of the same species (Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia) and two unrelated aphid species that have publicly available long-read sequences. All assemblers did not fare equally well between the different read sets, but, overall, the Hifiasm and Canu assemblers performed the best. Merging of the best assemblies for each read set was also performed using quickmerge, where, in some cases, it resulted in superior assemblies and, in others, introduced more errors. Ab initio gene calling between assemblies of the same read set also showed surprisingly less similarity than expected. Overall, the quality control pipeline followed during the assembly resulted in chromosome-level assemblies with minimal structural or quality artefacts.}, } @article {pmid40075987, year = {2025}, author = {Ciebiera, O and Czechowski, P and Morelli, F and Rubacha, S and Jerzak, L}, title = {Adaptation of Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica) to Urban Environments: Population Dynamics and Habitat Preferences in Zielona Góra (Poland) over 23 Years.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani15050704}, pmid = {40075987}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {This study investigates the changes in population size, distribution, and habitat preferences of the Eurasian magpie Pica pica in Zielona Góra over 23 years, emphasising the effects of urbanisation and habitat transformation. A comprehensive survey conducted in 2022 identified 953 magpie pairs, with an average density of 8.8 pairs/km[2] across the current administrative boundaries of Zielona Góra (without forests), and 27.7 pairs/km[2] in strictly urbanised zones. The highest densities were observed in the old town (36.5 pairs/km[2]) and residential blocks (34.5 pairs/km[2]), while peripheral areas, like allotment gardens and industrial zones, showed significantly lower densities. The nests were predominantly located in coniferous trees, especially spruces, marking a shift from the previously favoured poplars. The mean nest height was 11.8 m, varying by habitat type, with the highest nests found in the old town and parks. Environmental factors, such as proximity to trash bins, water sources, and tall trees, were significant predictors of nest density and placement. These findings underscore the magpie's adaptability to urban environments, influenced by the availability of anthropogenic resources, habitat structure, and surrounding urban features.}, } @article {pmid40075929, year = {2025}, author = {Juozaitytė-Ngugu, E and Švažas, S and Bea, A and Šneideris, D and Villanúa, D and Butkauskas, D and Prakas, P}, title = {Molecular Confirmation of Raptors from Spain as Definitive Hosts of Numerous Sarcocystis Species.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani15050646}, pmid = {40075929}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intestinal scrapings of the raptors from Spain. Sarcocystis spp. were identified in 82.5% of the intestinal samples studied by nested PCR and sequencing of the partial ITS1 region and 28S rRNA. A total of nine known Sarcocystis species, S. arctica, S. columbae, S. cornixi, S. glareoli, S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. cf strixi, S. turdusi, and Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax, and three genetically new organisms, Sarcocystis sp. Rod6, Sarcocystis sp. Rod7, and Sarcocystis sp. 22AvEs1, were identified in the intestines of raptors. This study is the first report of Sarcocystis spp. in the intestines of eleven raptor species from Spain. Furthermore, the new potential definitive hosts have been determined for seven Sarcocystis species. Co-infection of Sarcocystis spp. has also been observed, with more than one species found in 72.5% of birds. Nine different Sarcocystis species were identified in the intestinal samples of the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). In conclusion, raptors play an important role in the transmission of Sarcocystis spp.}, } @article {pmid40065382, year = {2025}, author = {Rudaitytė-Lukošienė, E and Rehbein, S and Calero-Bernal, R and Butkauskas, D and Prakas, P}, title = {Morphological and molecular characterisation of Sarcocystis capracanis, Sarcocystis cornagliai and Sarcocystis rossii n. sp. infecting the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex).}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {96}, pmid = {40065382}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {*Sarcocystis/genetics/classification/isolation & purification/ultrastructure ; *Sarcocystosis/veterinary/parasitology ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Austria ; *Goats/parasitology ; Goat Diseases/parasitology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/veterinary ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics/chemistry ; Diaphragm/parasitology ; Myocardium/ultrastructure ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The cyst-forming coccidia of the genus Sarcocystis (Sarcocystidae) are widespread protists of mammals, particularly of domestic and wild ruminants. Research on genus Sarcocystis in wild members of the subfamily Caprinae is, however, rather limited. Sarcocystis in the Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) have only been investigated in depth once and then solely by morphological techniques. In the current investigation we aimed to morphologically and genetically characterise Sarcocystis species of Alpine ibex in Austria.

METHODS: Sarcocysts detected in the diaphragm and myocardium muscles were morphologically described using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Isolated sarcocysts were molecularly identified and characterised at the level of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and cytochrome c oxidase I gene (cox1). The obtained sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS: Three Sarcocystis species, namely S. capracanis, S. cornagliai and S. rossii n. sp., were found in Alpine ibex. For the first time, we genetically characterised S. cornagliai, which is most closely related to Sarcocystis species that are transmitted by corvid birds. Sarcocysts of S. rossii n. sp. were found to be ribbon-shaped, with pointed tips. Hair-like protrusions about 5 μm in length were observed on sarcocyst walls. Observation of toluidine blue-stained semi-thin sections revealed that the sarcocyst of S. rossii n. sp. was thin-walled. Using TEM, cyst walls were observed to be similar to type 7a, with thin hair-like villar protrusions on the cyst wall, which were filled with many fine electron-dense granules. The ground substance layer was particularly thin, measuring 0.2-0.4 μm. The cox1 sequences of S. rossii n. sp. had the highest similarity to those of Sarcocystis arieticanis and Sarcocystis hircicanis. Sarcocystis rossii n. sp. had a close phylogenetic relationship with species that use canids as definitive hosts.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the role of the Alpine ibex as an intermediate host of three Sarcocystis species and sets a new host record for S. capracanis. It also provides the first molecular data on Sarcocystis from Alpine ibex and on S. cornagliai. In addition, a new species, S. rossii, was identified and described. Phylogenetic analyses suggested corvid birds and canids as potential definitive hosts for S. cornagliai and S. rossii n. sp., respectively.}, } @article {pmid40052146, year = {2025}, author = {Lingstädt, F and Apostel, A and Rose, J}, title = {"Distribution of dominant wavelengths predicts jackdaw (Corvus monedula) color discrimination performance".}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {1543469}, pmid = {40052146}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Color vision is an important perceptual ability in most species and a crucial capacity underlying any cognitive task working with color stimuli. Birds are known for their outstanding vision and tetrachromacy. Two jackdaws were trained to indicate whether they perceive two colors as same or different. The dominant wavelengths of the experimental colors were assessed to relate the birds' performance to the physical qualities of the stimuli. The results indicate that the differences or similarities in dominant wavelengths of the colors had a strong influence on the behavioral data. Colors related to a reduced discriminatory performance were colors of particularly close wavelengths, whereas differences in saturation or brightness were less relevant. Overall, jackdaws mostly relied on hue to discriminate color pairs, and their behavior strongly reflected the physical composition of the color set. These findings show that when working with color stimuli, not only the perceptual abilities of the particular species, but also the technical aspects concerning the color presentation have to be considered carefully.}, } @article {pmid40048071, year = {2025}, author = {Takakura, Y and Otsuki, M and Takagi, R and Houkin, K}, title = {A feasibility pilot study comparing tablets and smartphones for an app-based speed training program in older people: an open-label, randomized controlled PROBE trial.}, journal = {Cognitive processing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {40048071}, issn = {1612-4790}, abstract = {This feasibility pilot study examined whether the device type (tablet or smartphone) influences the effectiveness of a brain training program for older adults. Forty-four community-dwelling participants were randomly assigned to the tablet or smartphone group using a stratified block randomisation protocol based on age and sex. Each participant completed 12 supervised training sessions, each lasting approximately 40 min, over 3 to 4 months. Cognitive assessments included general intelligence, attention, memory, and executive function. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the effects of the device type and time (pre- vs. post-intervention). Of the 44 participants, 36 completed the program. No main or interaction effects were observed for device type. However, significant improvements over time were found in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, Frontal Assessment Battery, time required to complete Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, visual cancellation, and Trail-Making Test Part A. These results suggest comparable near-transfer benefits in attention and executive functions across tablets and smartphones. However, neither device produced far-transfer gains in memory measures. These findings underscore the feasibility and potential cost-effectiveness of smartphone-based training interventions for supporting cognitive health in later life.Trial Registration: Registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry on October 15, 2020 (UMIN000042123).}, } @article {pmid40046655, year = {2025}, author = {}, title = {Editor's Note: The war on good research: Debating research ethics and methods on the basis of Jay Levy's The war on people who use drugs: The harms of Sweden's aim for a drug-free society (Routledge, 2017).}, journal = {Nordisk alkohol- & narkotikatidskrift : NAT}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {14550725241298435}, pmid = {40046655}, issn = {1458-6126}, } @article {pmid40044491, year = {2025}, author = {Hussain, A and Ali, MJ}, title = {Lacrimal History - Part 39: Doyens of Dacryology Series - Jeffrey Jay Hurwitz (1944-2022).}, journal = {Seminars in ophthalmology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-3}, doi = {10.1080/08820538.2025.2474341}, pmid = {40044491}, issn = {1744-5205}, } @article {pmid40040463, year = {2025}, author = {Llewellyn, M}, title = {Ali Smith's queer autobiocritical aesthetics.}, journal = {Journal of lesbian studies}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-17}, doi = {10.1080/10894160.2025.2461903}, pmid = {40040463}, issn = {1540-3548}, abstract = {Ali Smith's allusive relationship to the literary and cultural canon is a prominent feature of her writing life. Smith's works offer a rich and diverse perspective on the magpie-like appreciation of cultural mo(ve)ments as accretive and cumulative sites of creative re/construction. But they also provide a sense of the writer as reader, thinker and re-visioner of personalised literary and cultural canons including not only books but paintings, films and music. In this essay, I explore Smith's work through what I term the "autobiocritical" - that is literary texts which serve to play with notions of identity, authorial positioning and critical approaches via an allusive, metafictional and theoretically informed exploration of fiction, form and self-representation. The essay focuses on Smith's Artful (2012) in which I suggest she engages in a complex process of homage and adaptation that is invested in the queering of the acts of reading, re-reading and critical perspective. Smith's subversive approach to the nature of critical analysis when divested of personality, character and readerly interaction presents a degree of cynicism and scepticism about the role of the aesthetic when anaesthetised from the quirks and individualities of character and of reading - that are central to Smith's aesthetic.}, } @article {pmid40038068, year = {2025}, author = {Gogola, JV and Joyce, MK and Vijayraghavan, S and Barnum, G and Wildenberg, G}, title = {NSF Workshop Report: Exploring Measurements and Interpretations of Intelligent Behaviors Across Animal Model Systems.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {533}, number = {3}, pages = {e70035}, doi = {10.1002/cne.70035}, pmid = {40038068}, issn = {1096-9861}, support = {//Neuronex: The fabric of the primate neocortex and the origin of mental representations, NSF 2015276/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Models, Animal ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Neurosciences/methods ; Brain/physiology ; }, abstract = {Defining intelligence is a challenging and fraught task, but one that neuroscientists are repeatedly confronted with. A central goal of neuroscience is to understand how phenomena like intelligent behaviors emerge from nervous systems. This requires some determination of what defines intelligence and how to measure it. The challenge is multifaceted. For instance, as we begin to describe and understand the brain in increasingly specific physical terms (e.g., anatomy, cell types, activity patterns), we amplify an ever-growing divide in how we connect measurable properties of the brain to less tangible concepts like intelligence. As our appreciation for evolutionary diversity in neuroscience grows, we are further confronted with whether there can be a unifying theory of intelligence. The National Science Foundation (NSF) NeuroNex consortium recently gathered experts from multiple animal model systems to discuss intelligence across species. We summarize here the different perspectives offered by the consortium, with the goal of promoting thought and debate of this ancient question from a modern perspective, and asking whether defining intelligence is a useful exercise in neuroscience or an ill-posed and distracting question. We present data from the vantage points of humans, macaques, ferrets, crows, octopuses, bees, and flies, highlighting some of the noteworthy capabilities of each species within the context of each species' ecological niche and how these may be challenged by climate change. We also include a remarkable example of convergent evolution between primates and crows in the circuit and molecular basis for working memory in these highly divergent animal species.}, } @article {pmid40038036, year = {2025}, author = {Han, J and Yang, X and Gong, Q and Liu, T and Tu, H and Lu, X and Yang, F and Ji, R and Hu, L}, title = {Ocular surface side effects of botulinum toxin type A injections in the treatment of lateral canthal wrinkles (Crow's Feet).}, journal = {Contact lens & anterior eye : the journal of the British Contact Lens Association}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {102389}, doi = {10.1016/j.clae.2025.102389}, pmid = {40038036}, issn = {1476-5411}, abstract = {PURPOSE: This study investigates the impact of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injections for lateral canthal wrinkles on the ocular surface.

METHODS: A total of 30 patients (30 eyes) who received BoNT-A injections were followed over a three-month period. Evaluations included tear meniscus height (TMH), strip meniscometry test, fluorescein tear film break-up time (FTBUT), corneal staining score, meibomian gland orifice and meibum quality score. Observations were recorded at baseline, one week, one month, and three months post-injection.

RESULTS: Upper and total eyelid meiboscore, meibomian gland orifice obstruction, and meibum quality score peaked at three months post-injection, while FTBUT was shortest during the same period, with significant differences observed across time points (P < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis indicated a significant reduction in FTBUT between baseline and three months (P = 0.048). Corneal staining scores were highest at one week, with significant differences across time points (P < 0.001); post-hoc analysis revealed a significant difference between one week and three months (P = 0.037). No significant changes were found in TMH or strip meniscometry test score (P = 0.374, P = 0.732).

CONCLUSIONS: BoNT-A injections may temporarily compromise ocular surface stability by decreasing tear film stability, disrupting meibomian gland function, and causing corneal epithelial disruption.}, } @article {pmid40033487, year = {2025}, author = {Huang, MH and Kuan, YH and Tu, PC and Chan, YE and Su, TP}, title = {Differential involvement of trait impulsivity, fluid intelligence, and executive function in creativity among euthymic patients with bipolar disorder.}, journal = {Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1097/JCMA.0000000000001221}, pmid = {40033487}, issn = {1728-7731}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: While anecdotal evidence suggests a link between bipolar disorder and heightened creativity, empirical studies are scarce, and the underlying cognitive mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between trait impulsivity, executive function, fluid intelligence, and creativity among euthymic patients with bipolar disorder.

METHODS: Euthymic outpatients with bipolar disorder and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Creativity was assessed using the Abbreviated Torrance Test for Adults and the Chinese Word Remote Associates Test, which examined divergent thinking and convergent thinking, respectively. Trait impulsivity was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, while cognitive flexibility was evaluated using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Fluid intelligence was assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices. General linear models were used to assess the associations between these cognitive measures.

RESULTS: Fifty-seven euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and fifty-six controls were recruited. Euthymic patients with bipolar disorder exhibited comparable overall creativity to controls but underperformed in convergent thinking. General linear models confirmed a negative association between trait impulsivity and creativity, primarily observed in patients with bipolar disorder. Cognitive flexibility positively correlated with creativity among patients with bipolar disorder, independent of fluid intelligence.

CONCLUSION: Our study showed that euthymic patients with bipolar disorder do not have heightened creativity. The findings underscore the importance of considering trait impulsivity and cognitive factors in understanding creativity in bipolar disorder.

LAY SUMMARY: Bipolar disorder (BD) is often linked to creativity, but scientific evidence on this connection is limited. Some individuals with BD may have creative strengths, while others struggle with cognitive challenges. This study explored how impulsivity, cognitive flexibility, and fluid intelligence affect creativity in euthymic patients with BD. Creativity was assessed by measuring divergent thinking (generating many different ideas) and convergent thinking (problem solving ability). The results showed that patients with BD do not have heightened creativity compared to healthy individuals. Importantly, higher impulsivity was linked to lower creativity, while better cognitive flexibility was associated with greater creativity in BD. The findings suggest that while BD does not enhance creativity, certain cognitive traits-such as lower impulsivity and stronger cognitive flexibility-may support creative thinking.}, } @article {pmid40031162, year = {2025}, author = {Wei, Q and Chen, D and Yuan, B}, title = {Multi-Viewpoint and Multi-Evaluation with Felicitous Inductive Bias Boost Machine Abstract Reasoning Ability.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on image processing : a publication of the IEEE Signal Processing Society}, volume = {PP}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1109/TIP.2025.3530260}, pmid = {40031162}, issn = {1941-0042}, abstract = {Great efforts have been made to investigate AI's ability in abstract reasoning, along with the proposal of various versions of RAVEN's progressive matrices (RPM) as benchmarks. Previous studies suggest that, even after extensive training, neural networks may still struggle to make decisive decisions regarding RPM problems without sophisticated designs or additional semantic information in the form of meta-data. Through comprehensive experiments, we demonstrate that neural networks endowed with appropriate inductive biases, either intentionally designed or fortuitously matched, can efficiently solve RPM problems without the need for extra meta-data augmentation. Our work also reveals the importance of employing a multi-viewpoint with multi-evaluation approach as a key learning strategy for successful reasoning. Nevertheless, we acknowledge the unique role of metadata by demonstrating that a pre-training model supervised by meta-data leads to an RPM solver with improved performance. Codes are available in: https://github.com/QinglaiWeiCASIA/RavenSolver.}, } @article {pmid40024953, year = {2025}, author = {Xia, Y and Ye, Y and Liu, M and Wang, Y and Shang, L and Wang, P and Sun, H}, title = {Impact of high lodine and fluoride intake on children's IQ in rural China.}, journal = {European journal of nutrition}, volume = {64}, number = {2}, pages = {104}, doi = {10.1007/s00394-025-03617-w}, pmid = {40024953}, issn = {1436-6215}, mesh = {Humans ; China ; Child ; Female ; Male ; *Fluorides/urine/analysis/administration & dosage ; *Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; *Intelligence/drug effects ; *Iodine/urine/administration & dosage ; Intelligence Tests ; Drinking Water/chemistry ; Cognition/drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Excessive intake of both fluorine and iodine can lead to various health effects. The potential influence of excessive fluorine and iodine intake on the intelligence of school-age children has become a notable concern.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between urinary fluoride (UF) levels, urinary iodine (UI) levels, and intelligence quotient (IQ).

METHODS: This study involved 711 children aged 8 to 12 from rural Jiangsu, China. Water iodine levels were measured using As[3+]-Ce[4+] catalytic spectrophotometry, while UI levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Fluoride levels in urine and drinking water were measured using the ion-selective electrode method. Children's cognitive function, evaluated through IQ scores, was assessed using the Combined Raven's Test. The results were considered significant at the P < 0.05 level.

RESULTS: The average IQ score was 107.6, the median UF was 281 µg/L, and the median UI was 1.39 mg/L. The correlation coefficient (β) and confidence interval (95%CI) for UF and UI on IQ were - 3.34 (-4.14, -2.43) and - 3.31 (-4.19, -2.41), respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). UF > 1.4 mg/L and UI ≥ 300 µg/L were negatively correlated with IQ scores in all school-age children (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), with β and 95% CIs of -3.59 (-5.45, -1.74), -4.06 (-5.91, -2.21), respectively. The interaction term (UF > 1.4 mg/L: UI ≥ 300 µg/L) was negatively correlated with IQ scores in all (P = 0.041) and female school-age children (P = 0.007), with β and 95%CIs of -4.43 (-8.66, -0.19) and - 8.87 (-15.16, -2.40), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: High levels of both fluoride and iodine intake negatively affect the IQ of school-age children. Monitoring and regulating these elements in children's diets is essential to prevent cognitive impairment.}, } @article {pmid40022279, year = {2025}, author = {Wang, Y and Chen, Z and Cai, Z and Ao, W and Li, Q and Xu, M and Zhou, S}, title = {Exploring Graph Theory Mechanisms of Fluid Intelligence in the DLPFC: Insights From Resting-State fNIRS Across Various Time Windows.}, journal = {Brain and behavior}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {e70386}, pmid = {40022279}, issn = {2162-3279}, support = {//the National Natural Science Foundation Project of China/ ; //Humanity and Social Science Research Project of Jiangxi Educational Committee/ ; //Technology Planning Project of Health Commission of Jiangxi Province/ ; //Graduate Innovation Special Fund of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; //Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Innovation Team Development Program/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods/standards ; Adult ; Young Adult ; *Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Time Factors ; Functional Neuroimaging/methods/standards ; Rest/physiology ; Brain Mapping/methods ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Brain imaging technologies can measure fluid intelligence (gF) levels more directly, objectively, and dynamically, compared to traditional questionnaire scales. To clarify the temporal mechanisms of graph theory in measuring gF, this study investigated the relationship between graph theoretical indicators in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and gF levels under various time windows.

METHODS: Using 30-min resting-state fNIRS (rs-fNIRS) data and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices from 116 healthy participants, the relationship between individual gF levels and DLPFC brain signals was analyzed using average degree (AD) and global efficiency (Eglob).

RESULTS: AD and Eglob in the resting-state DLPFC were significantly negatively correlated with the RAPM score. Considering the effectiveness and efficiency of gF measurement, a 2-min data collection might suffice, while for Eglob, more than 15-min collection was more effective.

CONCLUSION: These findings help clarify brain indicators and demonstrate the effectiveness of rs-fNIRS in intelligence measurement, providing a theoretical and practical basis for portable and objective gF assessment .}, } @article {pmid40020660, year = {2025}, author = {Linderoth, T and Deaner, L and Chen, N and Bowman, R and Boughton, RK and Fitzpatrick, SW}, title = {Translocations spur population growth but fail to prevent genetic erosion in imperiled Florida Scrub-Jays.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.01.058}, pmid = {40020660}, issn = {1879-0445}, abstract = {Land and natural resource use in addition to climate change can restrict populations to degraded and fragmented habitats, catalyzing extinction through the reinforced interplay of small population size and genetic decay. Translocating individuals is a powerful strategy for overcoming direct threats from human development and reconnecting isolated populations but is not without risks.[1] Habitat Management Plan analyses under section 7 of the U.S. Endangered Species Act determined that multiple subpopulations of Federally Threatened Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens, hereafter FSJ) belonging to a metapopulation on Florida's west coast were declining demographic sinks, occupying areas where agriculture and fire suppression had degraded and fragmented the habitat.[2] In order to increase the viability of the overall metapopulation, 51 FSJs from five of these small subpopulations in areas to be mined were translocated throughout 2003-2010 into a larger site of more contiguous, recently restored habitat at the core of the metapopulation, which contained a small resident population.[3] Prior to translocations and for nearly two decades afterward, this core population, referred to as the M4 core region (CR) population, was extensively monitored, yielding a nearly complete pedigree. We used this pedigree, along with temporal genomic analyses and simulations, to show that translocations coupled with habitat restoration generated rapid population growth, but high reproductive skew increased inbreeding and led to genetic erosion. This mechanistic understanding of mixed conservation outcomes highlights the importance of monitoring and the potential need for genetic rescue to offset consequences of reproductive skew following translocations, regardless of demographic recovery.}, } @article {pmid40019547, year = {2025}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Huang, N and Kelly, DM}, title = {Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) can discriminate between pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics, but not between heterospecifics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {19}, pmid = {40019547}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {BOF.PDO.2021.0035.01//University of Ghent/ ; RGPIN-2017-04944//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Male ; Female ; Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; Discrimination, Psychological ; }, abstract = {When foraging, individuals often need to assess potential risk from competitors. Within many food-caching (food-storing) species, individuals can modify their caching behavior depending on whether other individuals are present during the caching event. During caching, individuals may interact with not only conspecifics but also heterospecifics. However, the extent to which individual cachers can discriminate between conspecifics and heterospecifics that present a pilfering threat or not, has received little attention. During this study, we examined this issue with food-storing birds, highly social pinyon jays and less social Clark's nutcrackers. Cachers were given a choice to store their seeds in one of two visually distinct trays. Subsequently, one of the trays was given to an individual (either a conspecific or a heterospecific) who pilfered the caches, whereas the other tray was given to an individual (either a conspecific or a heterospecific) who did not pilfer the caches. When the two trays were returned to the cachers, they recached the seeds from the tray given to the pilfering observer individual more so than the tray given to the non-pilfering observer, but only when the pilferer was a conspecific. Our results suggest that the pinyon jays and nutcrackers could distinguish between conspecifics based on their pilfering behavior, but not between heterospecifics. Together, our results reconsider the ability of corvids to discriminate between individuals based on their pilfering risk and the importance of doing so while caching.}, } @article {pmid40011843, year = {2025}, author = {Singhal, R and Namdev, R and Kumar, A and Bhagol, A and S, S}, title = {Correlation of fluoride intake with haemoglobin level and intelligence quotient in 8-12 year aged children: an observational study from India.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {788}, pmid = {40011843}, issn = {1471-2458}, support = {F.N. 5/9/1458/2022-Nut//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; F.N. 5/9/1458/2022-Nut//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; *Fluorosis, Dental ; India ; *Hemoglobins/analysis ; *Fluorides/urine/analysis ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Intelligence/drug effects ; Drinking Water/chemistry ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fluorosis caused by excess intake of fluoride can affects various soft tissues of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, blood, brain tissues and thyroid gland apart from dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. Nonskeletal fluorosis is considered reversible if diagnosed early and treated promptly. Therefore, diagnostic methods that can be easily performed even by primary health care workers and depict any ongoing health problems, should be validated. Dental fluorosis, assessment of fluoride in urine and water are tests that fulfill these requirements. To date, no study has correlated haemoglobin (Hb) with dental fluorosis; moreover, studies focusing on intelligence quotient (IQ) had conflicting results and need further research. Hence, study was conducted to determine any relationship among different fluoride assessment parameters (severity of dental fluorosis, fluoride level in urine and drinking water) with IQ status and hemoglobin level of children aged 8-12 years, affected with or without dental fluorosis.

METHODS: A total of 300 children aged 8-12 years were evaluated for dental fluorosis via Dean's index, IQ level via Raven's coloured progressive matrices test, Hb level, and fluoride content in water and urine.

RESULTS: Water fluoride, age and gender were significantly associated with Hb. Intelligence was significantly related to urinary fluoride levels. Presence or absence of dental fluorosis and its severity were not significantly related to IQ or Hb.

CONCLUSIONS: Excess fluoride intake has adverse effects on hematological parameters and children's cognitive neurodevelopment, which were evaluated by current fluoride exposure markers, i.e., water and urinary fluoride. However, dental fluorosis cannot be used as a definitive assessment marker for these conditions, as it is not significantly correlated with these conditions.}, } @article {pmid40007017, year = {2025}, author = {Dirks, KR and Pinto, SM and Pham, KN and Byrne-Haber, TJ and Thompson, RW and Ratnayake, OC and Rovnak, J and Perera, R}, title = {The 24th Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v17020262}, pmid = {40007017}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Virology ; Colorado ; Virus Diseases/immunology ; Viruses/genetics/immunology ; Arboviruses/physiology ; Prions ; }, abstract = {Located in the Rocky Mountains within the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado State University's Mountain Campus in Pingree Park hosted the 24th Annual Rocky Mountain Virology Association's meeting in 2024. A total of 165 participants, both regional and international, participated in the 3-day event, which consisted of 48 talks and 42 posters. These presentations discussed developments in prion research, current affairs, and novel tools in virology; investigated arboviruses and their vectors, as well as molecular foundations of viral interactions; and provided increased understanding of viral immunology and vaccines. This year's Randall Jay Cohrs keynote presentation unveiled how viral infections disrupt intestinal homeostasis via Sting-dependent NK-kB signaling. This novel research demonstrated the importance of immunological pathways in the virus-induced disruption of homeostasis. Nested in the valley of the Rocky Mountains, participants could enjoy the fall colors and partake in hiking and fishing all while discussing science and networking amongst a variety of scientists. This report encapsulates selected presentations from the 24th Annual Rocky Mountain Virology Association meeting.}, } @article {pmid40003498, year = {2025}, author = {Grant, TJ}, title = {COVID-19 as a Mirror: Reflecting the Pandemic of Racism and the Historical Roots of Health Inequities.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ijerph22020273}, pmid = {40003498}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology/ethnology ; Humans ; *Racism/history ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics/history ; United States/epidemiology ; Health Inequities ; History, 20th Century ; Social Determinants of Health ; Black or African American ; History, 21st Century ; Health Status Disparities ; White ; }, abstract = {Historically, the attribution of biology to race has shaped societies and manifested in innumerable disparities and irreparable harm, especially in communities of color. From the earliest days of the United States to the present day, the dehumanization and "othering" of African Americans have caused deep racial inequities that have been perpetuated and embedded in American culture. The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the deep racial inequalities in the US, especially in health outcomes for communities of color. Structural racism has played a critical role in exacerbating disparities, with Black, Hispanic, Latinx, and Indigenous populations experiencing higher rates of severe disease and mortality. The interconnectedness of racism with the social determinants of health, concomitant with higher rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, increases vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Health disparities are compounded by implicit biases in the medical field, a lack of diversity among healthcare providers, and historical medical mistrust among marginalized groups. Underrepresentation in the medical field, biomedical sciences, and academia hinders efforts to address health disparities effectively. This essay seeks to raise awareness of how the concepts of race and racism have resulted in racial hierarchies that perpetuate systems of oppression and impede efforts toward racial and health equity. Specifically, this essay covers time periods in American history, including slavery, the Jim Crow Era, the Civil Rights Movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses how addressing race and racism and the achievement of racial health equity require targeted efforts to increase diversity in healthcare and biomedical fields, improve cultural competence, and foster trust between medical professionals and communities of color.}, } @article {pmid39997167, year = {2025}, author = {Okur, M and Aksoy, V}, title = {The Effect of a Working Memory Intervention Package on the Working Memory Performance of Primary School Students with Specific Learning Disabilities.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {39997167}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {This study examines the effects of a working memory (WM) intervention package on the WM performance of students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs). A pre-test post-test experimental design was applied with 40 students, divided equally into experimental (20 students) and control groups (20 students). Data were collected using the Working Memory Scale (WMS), Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), and the Working Memory Performance Tasks Form (WM-PTF). The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in WMS and WM-PTF scores relative to the control group (p < 0.006, d = 1.96 for WMS; d = 1.42 for WM-PTF). Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the increase in WM performance and intelligence scores, suggesting that intelligence may influence WM gains. In conclusion, the WM intervention package was significant in improving the WM performance of students with SLDs, indicating that such interventions have significant potential for enhancing cognitive functions and memory. These findings highlight the critical role of WM interventions in contributing to the cognitive development of students with learning difficulties.}, } @article {pmid39997165, year = {2025}, author = {Liu, Y and He, K and Man, K and Zhan, P}, title = {Exploring Critical Eye-Tracking Metrics for Identifying Cognitive Strategies in Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices: A Data-Driven Perspective.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/jintelligence13020014}, pmid = {39997165}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {The present study utilized a recursive feature elimination approach in conjunction with a random forest algorithm to assess the efficacy of various features in predicting cognitive strategy usage in Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. In addition to item response accuracy (RA) and response time (RT), five key eye-tracking metrics were examined: proportional time on matrix (PTM), latency to first toggle (LFT), rate of latency to first toggle (RLT), number of toggles (NOT), and rate of toggling (ROT). The results indicated that PTM, RLT, and LFT were the three most critical features, with PTM emerging as the most significant predictor of cognitive strategy usage, followed by RLT and LFT. Clustering analysis of these optimal features validated their utility in effectively distinguishing cognitive strategies. The study's findings underscore the potential of specific eye-tracking metrics as objective indicators of cognitive processing while providing a data-driven method to identify strategies used in complex reasoning tasks.}, } @article {pmid39993628, year = {2025}, author = {Gore, S and Mhamane, S and Jadhav, S and Padvi, N and Mhatre, A and Joshi, P and Sawakare, S and Samant, V and Chaturvedi, P and Pramesh, CS and Gupta, S and Budukh, A}, title = {Implementation challenges of government-funded health schemes for cancer treatment at Tata Memorial Centre.}, journal = {Journal of cancer policy}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {100564}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100564}, pmid = {39993628}, issn = {2213-5383}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The study aims to understand the Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY)health scheme awareness, challenges faced by the scheme beneficiaries, facilitators and out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for cancer treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.

METHODS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study approved by the Tata Memorial Centre Ethics Committee. We collected data by interviewing participants through a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS: Out of 515 participants, 489 (95%) were beneficiaries (patients/caregivers) of the schemes, 15 (2.9%) MJPJAY staff, 6 (1.1%) medical social workers (MSW), and 5 (1.0%) AB PM-JAY staff. Of the 489 beneficiaries, only 162 (33.1%) were aware of the scheme. Most patients were satisfied with the benefits of the scheme; of the 83 (17%) who were dissatisfied, 30 (36%) cited incomplete coverage at a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.26-0.46] and 19 (23%) 95% CI [0.14-0.32] cited OOPE as the reason for dissatisfaction. Participants opined a need to increase package coverage of cancer treatment and essential investigations. The beneficiaries highlighted delays in the approval process and technical issues of the scheme as potential areas of improvement.

CONCLUSION: Government health schemes are effective in improving treatment completion without impoverishment and have the potential to improve treatment outcomes and cancer survival. Study results indicate the need to increase awareness about these schemes in the general population, improving the health benefit packages for cancer treatment, with inclusion investigations, supportive care, nutritional care, palliative care, immunotherapy, chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and hormonal therapy.

POLICY SUMMARY: Government-funded health schemes are effective in reducing impoverishment related to healthcare costs and promoting Universal Health Coverage. However, periodic review of the breadth of coverage as well as feasibility of completing treatment using these packages is necessary to eliminate out-of-pocket expenditure and facilitate treatment completion.}, } @article {pmid39990470, year = {2025}, author = {Edwards, SV and Fang, B and Khost, D and Kolyfetis, GE and Cheek, RG and Deraad, D and Chen, N and Fitzpatrick, JW and McCormack, JE and Funk, WC and Ghalambor, CK and Garrison, E and Guarracino, A and Li, H and Sackton, TB}, title = {Comparative population pangenomes reveal unexpected complexity and fitness effects of structural variants.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2025.02.11.637762}, pmid = {39990470}, issn = {2692-8205}, abstract = {Structural variants (SVs) are widespread in vertebrate genomes, yet their evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood. Using 45 long-read de novo genome assemblies and pangenome tools, we analyze SVs within three closely related species of North American jays (Aphelocoma, scrub-jays) displaying a 60-fold range in effective population size. We find rapid evolution of genome architecture, including ~100 Mb variation in genome size driven by dynamic satellite landscapes with unexpectedly long (> 10 kb) repeat units and widespread variation in gene content, influencing gene expression. SVs exhibit slightly deleterious dynamics modulated by variant length and population size, with strong evidence of adaptive fixation only in large populations. Our results demonstrate how population size shapes the distribution of SVs and the importance of pangenomes to characterizing genomic diversity.}, } @article {pmid39987304, year = {2025}, author = {Qian, Y and Su, Q and Liu, W and Ma, L and Ma, M and Ma, L}, title = {The influence of socioeconomic status on intelligence in school-age children in Xuyong County: a mediation analysis of nutrition literacy and dietary diversity.}, journal = {European journal of nutrition}, volume = {64}, number = {2}, pages = {100}, pmid = {39987304}, issn = {1436-6215}, support = {06/00180176//Southwest Medical University/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Female ; Male ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; *Social Class ; *Diet/methods/statistics & numerical data ; China ; *Mediation Analysis ; *Health Literacy/statistics & numerical data/methods ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Nutritional Status ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: While children's nutrition in rural areas has garnered attention, the most studies focus on underweight, obesity and anemia, neglecting the importance of intelligence in children's current academic performance and future success. This study aimed to examine how food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) and dietary diversity score (DDS) mediate the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on the intelligence development, offering insights for improving childhood nutrition.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed a stratified cluster random sampling method and included 1704 children aged between 8 and 16 years. Questionnaires was used to collect demographic data, FNLIT, DDS and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) scores. SES was constructed using principal component analysis. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the interrelationship between the variables.

RESULTS: The mean scores for FNLIT, DDS, and SPM were 58.06 ± 7.00, 6.25 ± 1.64, and 37.60 ± 8.91, respectively. SES is positively correlated with SPM (B = 0.434, p < 0.01); FNLIT mediates the relationship between SES and SPM (B = 0.065, 95% CI: 0.035, 0.098). Among participants with DDS ≤ 6, DDS mediates the relationship between SES and SPM (B = 0.017, 95% CI: 0.0002, 0.044). For students with DDS ≤ 6, FNLIT + DDS has a positive mediated (B = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0004, 0.007), while for primary students, it show a negative effect (B = - 0.003, 95% CI: - 0.008, - 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Both FNLIT and DDS have impacts on children intelligence. Nutrition education and dietary interventions should prioritize children with low SES and inadequate DDS to enhance intellectual development.}, } @article {pmid39987138, year = {2025}, author = {Nazari, MA and Abbasi, S and Rezaeian, M and Heysieattalab, S and Safakheil, H and Nasrabadi, AM and Barzegar, Z and Joghataei, MT and Asgharian, Z and Ghobadzadeh, F and Alizadeh, M and Amini Yeganeh, P and Khayyat Naghadehi, A and Azizi, K and Alizadeh Chakharlou, M and Nasiri, A and Davoudkhani, M and Rezaeian, M and Safakheil, M and Katebi, A and Hasanzadeh Tahraband, M and Delkhahi, S and Soltani, H and Shahrabi Farahani, V and Ghasemkhani, K and Nazari, E and Farkhondeh Tale Navi, F}, title = {Iranian 6-11 years age population-based EEG, ERP, and cognition dataset.}, journal = {Scientific data}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {319}, pmid = {39987138}, issn = {2052-4463}, support = {12286//Cognitive Sciences and Technologies Council (CSTC)/ ; 12286//Cognitive Sciences and Technologies Council (CSTC)/ ; 12286//Cognitive Sciences and Technologies Council (CSTC)/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; *Electroencephalography ; *Cognition ; Iran ; Male ; Female ; Memory, Short-Term ; Evoked Potentials ; Learning Disabilities/physiopathology ; Brain/physiology ; Longitudinal Studies ; }, abstract = {This report presents an open-source dataset investigating neurodevelopmental profiles in children. The dataset consists of EEG, ERP, and cognitive assessments from 100 Iranian non-clinical participants (age range 6-11 years, Mean = 8.52 ± 1.5 SD). Notably, this is a smaller group drawn from a larger longitudinal ongoing study. The research aligns with the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and intervention efficacy for specific learning disabilities (SLD) using EEG/ERP measures and machine learning. Cognitive assessments included non-verbal intelligence (Raven Test), attention (IVA-2), and working memory tasks. EEG recordings captured resting-state (eyes closed/open) and brain activity during working memory tasks with numerical and non-numerical stimuli (ERPs). Additionally, demographic information such as age, gender, education, handedness, parental history of learning difficulties, and child symptom inventory-4 (CSI-4) were collected. This dataset provides a valuable resource for exploring the neurophysiological correlates of cognitive functions in typically developing children, which can advance our understanding of the neural foundations of cognitive development in children.}, } @article {pmid39985626, year = {2025}, author = {Daw, F and Beheim, BA and Wascher, CAF}, title = {Evolutionary drivers of caching behaviour in corvids.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {17}, pmid = {39985626}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Feeding Behavior ; Ecosystem ; }, abstract = {Caching has recurrently evolved across a range of animal taxa to withstand fluctuations in food availability and in the context of intraspecific competition. It is widespread in the corvid family, which exhibit considerable interspecific variation in their behavioural and morphological adaptations to caching. However, the evolutionary drivers responsible for this diversity have seldom been explored. The present study systematically reviews the literature on caching behaviour in corvids globally to determine (1) which food caching strategies species have adopted (specialist, generalist or non-cacher) and (2) whether ecological factors affect the occurrence of different strategies, namely (a) climate breadth, (b) trophic niche, (c) habitat breadth, (d) centroid latitude, (e) centroid longitude, (f) breeding system, and (g) body mass. In addition, the ancestral states of caching are reconstructed to assess the evolutionary trajectory of each strategy. Caching strategies were identified in 63 species from 16 genera (out of 128 corvid species and 22 genera). Ancestral state analysis suggested specialist caching as the ancestral state in corvids. Type of caching is associated with distance from equator and by average body mass, with generalist caching concentrated around the equatorial zone and among heavier corvids, while specialist caching occurring more commonly in smaller species found farther from the equator. Although specialist caching most likely was the ancestral state in corvids, both specialist and generalist caching evolved several times independently in the family of corvids. Our results show caching to be widespread in corvids and affected by body size and latitude but ecological factors such as topic niche and habitat breadth and breeding system, not to be strong drivers shaping caching behaviour.}, } @article {pmid39979404, year = {2025}, author = {Clark, FE and Burdass, J and Kavanagh, A and King, A}, title = {Palaeognath birds innovate to solve a novel foraging problem.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {4512}, pmid = {39979404}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Palaeognathae/physiology ; Problem Solving ; Cognition ; Birds/physiology/classification ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to innovate implies flexible cognition, and is used as a broad metric of intelligence. Innovation in birds has been intensively studied in the larger and more taxonomically diverse Neognathae clade (particularly crows and parrots) and overlooked in the smaller and more ancestral Palaeognathae clade. The current study provides the first known evidence of technical innovation in palaeognath birds. We tested the ability of nine individuals of three species to move a hole towards a chamber to access a food reward. This problem was different to traditional innovation puzzle-boxes where an obstacle is moved away from a food chamber. Three emus and one rhea produced a wheel-turning innovation, moving the hole in the most efficient direction (closer to the nearest food item) in 90% of cases. One rhea dismantled the task twice by removing the central bolt, which we suggest is a second type of innovation, and it did not persist once they innovated the wheel turning solution. Ostriches did not innovate. We classify innovation in palaeognaths as low level/simplistic, relying on general exploration and asocial trial and error learning. Our research suggests that technical innovation may have evolved far earlier in birds than previously thought, and palaeognath birds are a compelling taxonomic group for further cognitive research.}, } @article {pmid39978703, year = {2025}, author = {Plinio, SD and Perrucci, MG and Ferrara, G and Sergi, MR and Tommasi, M and Martino, M and Saggino, A and Ebisch, SJ}, title = {Intrinsic Brain Mapping of Cognitive Abilities: A Multiple-Dataset Study on Intelligence and its Components.}, journal = {NeuroImage}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {121094}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2025.121094}, pmid = {39978703}, issn = {1095-9572}, abstract = {This study investigates how functional brain network features contribute to general intelligence and its cognitive components by analyzing three independent cohorts of healthy participants. Cognitive scores were derived from 1) the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), 2) the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (RPM), and 3) the NIH and Penn cognitive batteries from the Human Connectome Project. Factor analysis on the NIH and Penn cognitive batteries yielded latent variables that closely resembled the content of the WAIS-IV indices and RPM. We employed graph theory and a multi-resolution network analysis by varying the modularity parameter (γ) to investigate hierarchical brain-behavior relationships across different scales of brain organization. Brain-behavior associations were quantified using multi-level robust regression analyses to accommodate variability and confounds at the subject-level, node-level, and resolution-level. Our findings reveal consistent brain-behavior relationships across the datasets. Nodal efficiency in fronto-parietal sensorimotor regions consistently played a pivotal role in fluid reasoning, whereas efficiency in visual networks was linked to executive functions and memory. A broad, low-resolution 'task-positive' network emerged as predictive of full-scale IQ scores, indicating a hierarchical brain-behavior coding. Conversely, increased cross-network connections involving default mode and subcortical-limbic networks were associated with reductions in both general and specific cognitive performance. These outcomes highlight the relevance of network efficiency and integration, as well as of the hierarchical organization in supporting specific aspects of intelligence, while recognizing the inherent complexity of these relationships. Our multi-resolution network approach offers new insights into the interplay between multilayer network properties and the structure of cognitive abilities, advancing the understanding of the neural substrates of the intelligence construct.}, } @article {pmid39976791, year = {2025}, author = {Accinelli, C and Bruno, V and Abbas, HK and Morena, C and Khambhati, VH and Shier, WT}, title = {Microplastic uptake by birds: from observation to development of a novel seed coating to prevent bird predation of corn seeds.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39976791}, issn = {1614-7499}, abstract = {The occurrence of microplastics in soil is an emerging issue that not only impacts soil ecology but also has the potential to affect terrestrial birds foraging in agricultural fields. Foraging birds may unintentionally take up soil-borne microplastics along with soil adhering to crop residues and seeds of cultivated species. Microplastic uptake by foraging terrestrial bird species, including Pica pica (magpie), Corvus cornix (hooded crow), and Columba palumbus (common wood pigeon), studied using camera traps, showed that the risk of MP uptake by these birds microplastics from compostable plastic bags was elevated by 27 and 78% when the microplastic particles were associated with corn seed grits or corn seeds, respectively. When these film fragments were coated with a slurry containing tannic acid, saponin, and juglone, microplastic uptake was significantly reduced. Similarly, coating corn seeds with this repellent slurry reduced seed predation by birds up to 86%, and completely wrapping corn seeds with a repellent plastic film resulted in no observed seed predation by birds. The same results were obtained when the wrapping film was replaced by a seed coating containing hairy cotton fibers which may have triggered a feather fear or repulsion response in the birds. This study demonstrated that covering corn seeds with natural repellents or hairy filaments provided complete protection from bird predation.}, } @article {pmid39970819, year = {2025}, author = {DeLisi, LE}, title = {A Tribute to Timothy J. Crow: 1938-2024.}, journal = {Schizophrenia research}, volume = {277}, number = {}, pages = {18-19}, doi = {10.1016/j.schres.2025.01.011}, pmid = {39970819}, issn = {1573-2509}, } @article {pmid39968405, year = {2025}, author = {Alamshah, AL and Marshall, BM}, title = {Distribution-wide morphometric data of Jungle Crows (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Data in brief}, volume = {59}, number = {}, pages = {111325}, pmid = {39968405}, issn = {2352-3409}, abstract = {Understudied, widespread species may harbour underappreciated variation in morphology. Museum specimens represent a rich source of morphometric data, and for many species this information is untapped. Here we present a dataset derived from standardised photography of museum specimens of Jungle Crows (Corvus macrorhynchos), a widespread Asian Corvid. We photographed 1105 crows, for which 1069 we managed to collect measurements of hard tissue (i.e., bill characteristics and tarsus length). We combined these measurements with museum-curated data on the locality of the specimens, resulting in a geotagged dataset of Jungle Crow morphology. The measured crows originated from across their distribution, representing the most comprehensive morphometric dataset for Corvus macrorhynchos to date. The dataset is a valuable resource for exploring the driving forces behind morphological variation in Corvus macrorhynchos, as well as a foundation for intraspecific comparison of proposed subspecies and interspecific comparisons of other bird species.}, } @article {pmid39966284, year = {2025}, author = {Double, KS}, title = {Survey measures of metacognitive monitoring are often false.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {57}, number = {3}, pages = {97}, pmid = {39966284}, issn = {1554-3528}, support = {DE230101223//Australian Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {Metacognitive monitoring is an extremely important ability that predicts a wide range of outcomes. However, do people have insight into their own metacognitive monitoring capacity? This study measured participants' perceived metacognitive monitoring abilities using a novel psychometrically validated questionnaire (Study 1) and then examined how well survey responses aligned with online measures of metacognitive monitoring (resolution, discrimination, sensitivity, efficiency) taken from confidence ratings participants made while performing a perceptual decision-making task and Raven's Progressive Matrices (Study 2). We found a negative correlation between the questionnaire responses and many of the online measures of metacognitive monitoring - those who reported being better at metacognitive monitoring, in fact tended to be worse according to the online metacognitive ratings. This occurred because, in general, high self-perceptions of monitoring ability were, in fact, related to higher confidence and lower cognitive performance. These findings suggest that we may have inaccurate insights into our own metacognitive monitoring capacity and questionnaire-based measures of metacognitive abilities may be problematic as they may represent unrealistic self-perceptions.}, } @article {pmid39961891, year = {2025}, author = {Larkum, AWD and Falkowski, PG and Edwards, D and Osmond, CB and Lambers, H and Sanchez-Baracaldo, P and Ritchie, RJ and Runcie, JW and Ralph, PJ and Westoby, M and Maberly, S and Griffiths, H and Smith, FA and Beardall, J}, title = {John Raven, FRS, FRSE: a truly great innovator in plant physiology, photosynthesis and much more.}, journal = {Photosynthesis research}, volume = {163}, number = {2}, pages = {18}, pmid = {39961891}, issn = {1573-5079}, mesh = {*Photosynthesis/physiology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Plant Physiological Phenomena ; Botany/history ; }, abstract = {This is a tribute to a truly inspirational plant biologist, Prof. John A. Raven, FRS, FRSE (25th June 1941- 23rd May 2024), who died at the age of 82. He was a leader in the field of evolution and physiology of algae and land plants. His research touched on many areas including photosynthesis, ion transport, carbon utilisation, mineral use, such as silicon, iron and molybdenum, the evolution of phytoplankton, the evolution of root systems, the impact of global change, especially on the acidification of the oceans, carbon gain and water use in early land plants, and ways of detecting extraterrestrial photosynthesis. Beginning his research career in the Botany School, University of Cambridge, John studied ion uptake in a giant algal cell. This was at the time of great strides brought about by Peter Mitchell (1920-1992) in elucidating the role of energy generation in mitochondria and chloroplasts and the coupling of ion transport systems to energy generation. With Enid MacRobbie and Andrew Smith, John pioneered early work on the involvement of ion transport in the growth and metabolism of plant cells.On leaving Cambridge John took up a lectureship at the University of Dundee in 1971, where he was still attached upon his death. His primary focus over the years, with one of us (Paul Falkowski), was on phytoplankton, the photosynthetic microalgae of the oceans. Still, his publication list of 5 books and over 600 scientific papers spans a very broad range. The many highly cited papers (see Table 1) attest to an outstanding innovator, who influenced a multitude of students and coworkers and a very wide readership worldwide. At the personal level, John Raven was a wonderful human being; he had an extraordinary memory, dredging up facts and little-known scientific papers, like a scientific magician, but at the same time making humorous jokes and involving his colleagues in fun and sympathetic appreciation. Table 1 Ten best cited articles (from google scholar) Citations Date Aquatic Photosynthesis, 3rd Edition P.G. Falkowski & J.A. Raven Princeton University Press, 2013 3854 2013 The evolution of modern eukaryotic phytoplankton P.G. Falkowski, M.E. Katz, A.H. Knoll, A. Quigg, J.A. Raven, et al Science 305, 354-360 1790 2004 CO2 concentrating mechanisms in algae: mechanisms, environmental modulation, and evolution M. Giordano, J. Beardall & J.A. Raven Annu. Rev. Plant Biol. 56 (1), 99-131 1648 2005 Algae as nutritional food sources: revisiting our understanding M.L. Wells, P. Potin, J.S. Craigie, J.A. Raven, S.S. Merchant, et al Journal of applied phycology 29, 949-982 1527 2017 Plant Nutrient acquisition strategies change with soil age H. Lambers, J.A. Raven, G.R. Shaver & S.E. Smith Trends in ecology & evolution 23, 95-103 1488 2008 Ocean acidification due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide J. Raven, K. Caldeira, H. Elderfield, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, P. Liss, et al The Royal Society, Policy Document, June 2005 1470 2005 Phytoplankton in a changing world: cell size and elemental stoichiometry Z.V. Finkel, J. Beardall, K.J. Flynn, A. Quigg, T.A.V. Rees & J.A. Raven Journal of plankton research 32, 119-137 1198 2010 Opportunities for improving phosphorus efficiency in crop plants E.J. Veneklaas, H. Lambers, J. Bragg, P.M. Finnegan, C.E. Lovelock, et al New phytologist 195, 306-320 951 2012 Adaptation of unicellular algae to irradiance: an analysis of strategies K. Richardson, J. Beardall & J.A. Raven New Phytologist 93, 157-191 914 1983 Nitrogen assimilation and transport in vascular land plants in relation to Intracellular pH regulation J.A. Raven & F.A. Smith New Phytologist 76, 415-431 893 1976 Temperature and algal growth J.A. Raven & R.J. Geider New phytologist 110, 441-461 867 1988 The role of trace metals in photosynthetic electron transport in O2 -evolving organisms J.A. Raven, M.C.W. Evans & R.E. Korb Photosynthesis Research 60, 111-150 840 1999.}, } @article {pmid39961427, year = {2025}, author = {Yatsuda, C and Izawa, EI}, title = {Sex difference of LiCl-induced feeding suppression and, autonomic and HPA axis responses in crows.}, journal = {Physiology & behavior}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {114846}, doi = {10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.114846}, pmid = {39961427}, issn = {1873-507X}, abstract = {Visceral sensation is crucial for feeding, emotion, and decision making in humans and non-human animals. Visceral discomforting stimulation activates stress-coping systems, such as the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pit-adrenal (HPA) axis, with varied responses and thresholds between sexes. Despite these systems working together during visceral discomfort, ANS and HPA have been separately investigated with few studies examining the co-occurrence of the ANS and HPA responses to visceral stimulations. The basic profiles of the ANS and HPA responses to visceral discomfort and sex differences in birds are poorly elucidated. This study investigated the effects of visceral stimulation via intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride (LiCl) on feeding behavior, ANS and HPA activities, and sex differences in crows. We identified the LiCl dose that suppressed the intake of a preferred food and compared the LiCl-induced feeding suppression between sexes. Changes in heart rate variability (HRV), as a proxy of sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels by LiCl injection were compared. Feeding suppression occurred at higher LiCl doses in males than in females. HRV analysis revealed that LiCl injection reduced HR and increased parasympathetic activity; however, it did not change sympathetic activity, with no sex differences in any variables. In contrast, LiCl injections at lower doses increased serum CORT levels more in males than in females. Our findings provide the first evidence of sex-specific response profiles to feeding suppression and ANS and HPA activities associated with LiCl-induced visceral discomfort in birds.}, } @article {pmid39960921, year = {2025}, author = {Park, SH and Park, SO and Jung, JA}, title = {Clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of home-used LED and IRED mask for crow's feet: A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study.}, journal = {Medicine}, volume = {104}, number = {7}, pages = {e41596}, doi = {10.1097/MD.0000000000041596}, pmid = {39960921}, issn = {1536-5964}, mesh = {Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Aged ; Low-Level Light Therapy/methods/instrumentation/adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Infrared Rays/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: As the elderly population continues to grow, the demand for antiaging products is increasing concurrently. On our face, wrinkles begin to form first around the eyes, where the skin is the thinnest. Previous studies have suggested that irradiating the skin with light-emitting diode (LED)/infrared emitting diode (IRED) light at 600 to 660 nm/800 to 860 nm, stimulates the cells of the dermis and epidermal tissue and is effective in wrinkle improvement and antiaging. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-level light therapy masks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, sham device-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at 2 institutions. Sixty Asian descent individuals between the ages of 30 and 65 years who showed type II to V skin type on the Fitzpatrick scale were included. Among participants with a score of 2 to 4 on the crow's feet grading scale (CFGS) at rest (without expression), those who sought temporary improvement in both crow's feet were selected. The participants were categorized into 2 groups: the experimental group, which used a device with a combination of 630 nm LED (max 10 mW/cm3) and 850 nm IRED (max 10 mW/cm3), and the control group, which used the sham device. Efficacy evaluation included various evaluations, including the CFGS as rated by independent raters, CFGS scores assigned by investigators, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale evaluation by both investigators and the participants.

RESULTS: After using the LED mask for 16 weeks, the CFGS score of the independent raters and investigators showed significant differences at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. In addition, considering the success criteria of this study, a comparison of independent raters showed an improvement rate of ≥69.2% (full analysis set [FAS]: 86.2%, per-protocol set [PPS]: 89.3%) and a difference of ≥49.2% from the control group (FAS: 69.5%, PPS: 72.6%). The change in scores from the baseline showed significant differences between the test group and the control groups at 8, 12, and 16 weeks for both independent raters and investigators.

CONCLUSION: LED and IRED phototherapies at 630 nm and 850 nm, respectively, are effective, safe, well-tolerated, and painless treatment for skin rejuvenation.}, } @article {pmid39957524, year = {2025}, author = {Barrón-Martínez, JB and Salvador-Cruz, J}, title = {Executive function abilities in Mexican people with Down syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual & developmental disability}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, pages = {116-126}, doi = {10.3109/13668250.2024.2410846}, pmid = {39957524}, issn = {1469-9532}, mesh = {Humans ; *Down Syndrome/psychology ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Executive Function/physiology ; Mexico ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Neuropsychological Tests ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; North American People ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim was to explore the executive function profile of a group of Mexican people with Down syndrome (DS) aged 12-30 years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: To analyse the relationships between mental, chronological age and eight domains of executive function.

METHOD: Participants were 42 people with DS with a chronological age (CA) of 12-30 years and a mean nonverbal mental age (MA) of 7 years. MA was evaluated with Raven's Progressive Matrices test and executive function with the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2); both were administered online.

RESULTS: The Monitor, Emotional Control, Initiative, and Organisation of Materials scales showed strengths, while Working Memory, Plan/Organise, Shift, and Inhibit scales showed weaknesses. CA correlated negatively with seven of the eight executive domains. Chronologically older participants showed less impairment in skills such as inhibition, emotional control, working memory, and monitoring. Nonverbal MA correlated negatively with two domains: emotional control and monitoring.

CONCLUSION: Participants' executive profile during the COVID-19 pandemic was consistent with that reported in studies prior to the pandemic.}, } @article {pmid39943112, year = {2025}, author = {Yakhlef, V and Magalhães-Sant'Ana, M and Pereira, AL and Azevedo, A}, title = {A Global Survey on the Perception of Conservationists Regarding Animal Consciousness.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/ani15030341}, pmid = {39943112}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Human perceptions of animal consciousness have evolved over time, influencing how they are treated. This study aimed to assess perceptions of animal consciousness in people working in conservation. An online survey of 87 participants evaluated their perceptions of animals' capabilities across 10 dimensions of consciousness, including self-consciousness, learning, and reasoning. The sum of the answers to the questions was validated as a "perception index" using a principal component analysis. Next, its variation according to taxonomic, demographic, professional factors, and the duration, type, and frequency of interaction with animals was assessed with generalized linear models and stepwise model selection. Participants' perceptions varied with taxonomic class and the level of education, with mammals obtaining higher indexes than birds (-0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.24, -0.03, p < 0.01) or reptiles (-0.41; 95% CI -0.55, -0.27, p < 0.01), and respondents holding a PhD exhibiting higher perception indexes than those with BScs (-0.19; 95% CI -0.32, -0.06, p < 0.01) or lower education (-0.18; 95% CI -0.32, -0.03, p = 0.01). The attribution of consciousness followed a phylogenetic pattern, but several exceptions (e.g., the octopus and raven) were noted on a finer scale supporting a multifactorial influence on the perception of animal consciousness that emerges upon a baseline phylogenetic pattern. Finally, the results suggest that conservationists are influenced by culture and scientific knowledge, as much as their personal experiences, when evaluating animals' perceptions, highlighting the need for further research on the convergence between perception, belief, and evidence.}, } @article {pmid39935089, year = {2025}, author = {Fink, B and Campiche, R and Shackelford, TK and Voegeli, R}, title = {Effects of under-eye skin and crow's feet on perceived facial appearance in women of five ethnic groups.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ics.13045}, pmid = {39935089}, issn = {1468-2494}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Age-related skin changes in the periorbital region caused by intrinsic (e.g. atrophy of collagen and fat) and extrinsic (e.g. sun exposure) factors, including skin wrinkling, hyperpigmentation, dark circles and lateral canthal lines ('crow's feet'), are a concern for women. We investigated the impact of under-eye skin and crow's feet on perceptions of women's faces in different ethnic groups.

METHODS: Facial images of women (n = 180) from five ethnic groups were rated for age, health and attractiveness by naïve assessors of the same ethnic group (n = 120). Digital image analysis was used to quantify visible skin characteristics in two facial regions, that is, under the eyes (colour, gloss, tone evenness and wrinkles) and in the crow's feet region (wrinkles only). Skin image measurements were used to predict face ratings in the full sample and separately by ethnicity.

RESULTS: Ethnic differences were detected for measurements of skin colour, gloss, tone evenness and wrinkles - the latter under the eyes and in the crow's feet region. Correlational and regression analysis indicated a major role of wrinkles (both regions) in predicting rated age, health and attractiveness from the facial portraits across ethnic groups, with some variation in the types or the predictive magnitude of skin characteristics.

CONCLUSION: The predictive utility of under-eye wrinkles and crow's feet for rated age, health and attractiveness correspond to women's reported concern with under-eye bags, dark circles and crow's feet. Despite some ethnic differences in these features, their impact on women's facial appearance ratings is similar across ethnic groups.}, } @article {pmid39929864, year = {2025}, author = {Khan, MA and Latif, M and Mansha, M and Hussain, T and Bin Jardan, YA and Metouekel, A and Dauelbait, M and Belkahia, H and Iqbal, F and Said, MB}, title = {Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of common house crows (Corvus splendens).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {4871}, pmid = {39929864}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Crows/genetics ; Pakistan ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; }, abstract = {The Common House Crow (Corvus splendens) exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, enabling its rapid expansion across continents. However, despite its wide distribution, there is a need for genetic studies to clarify its evolutionary history and population structure. This research employs DNA barcoding, focusing on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (Cox1), which is effective for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Blood samples were collected from 70 C. splendens specimens across seven cities in Punjab, Pakistan: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Pakpattan, Gujranwala, and Bahawalpur. Genomic DNA extraction was performed, and a partial sequence of the COX1 gene was amplified using PCR techniques. Sequencing of the Cox1 marker from 10 randomly selected specimens revealed nine distinct genetic variants. Interspecific analysis positioned our C. splendens sequences alongside various Corvus species available in GenBank, while intraspecific analysis identified a total of 15 genetic variants. These variants showed nucleotide identity rates ranging from 98.7 to 99.8%, with genetic distances between 0.002 and 0.013. The analysis indicated that the C. splendens group consists of a single heterogeneous clade with variants from multiple countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Nepal, South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Australia, and Singapore. This study significantly enhances our understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships within C. splendens populations, highlighting the necessity of genetic research to inform conservation strategies. Further research employing advanced molecular techniques and broader geographic sampling is essential to assess the genetic diversity and population dynamics of this adaptable species.}, } @article {pmid39928177, year = {2025}, author = {Zhang, R and Guo, R and Xin, Y and Jiang, Q and Qiu, J}, title = {A bibliometric analysis of immune response in oral cancer.}, journal = {Discover oncology}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {146}, pmid = {39928177}, issn = {2730-6011}, support = {20232BAB216073, 20242BAB25514//Jiangxi Natural Science Foundation/ ; GZY-KJS-2023-028//Key Projects of Jiangxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/ ; 82260194, 82403716//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of oral cancer, has a high mortality rate and unfavorable outcomes. Its tumor microenvironment (TME) is intricate and adaptable, with research frequently focusing on the immune reaction. Scholars are exploring ways to enhance survival by bolstering the immune response within the TME. However, a comprehensive trend analysis is lacking. Bibliometric analysis can address this by visualizing research patterns. This study aimed to map these trends in OSCC immunology from 2003 to 2023.

METHODS: An immunology-focused search on OSCC was executed within the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning 2003 to 2023. Despite its narrow focus, the search offers a telling glimpse of current researches in this domain. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, Citespace, Scimago Graphica, and R software.

RESULTS: From 2003 to 2023, the field has published 805 publications, predominantly from China and the United States. The most valuable contributing author is Friedman Jay, topping co-citation counts. The journal Oral Oncology is the leading journal with the highest publication volume. An analysis of keyword bursts indicated that research into nivolumab and chemotherapy is a prevalent area of interest within the clinical community. These findings suggest that neoadjuvant immunotherapy represents a promising avenue for future therapeutic development.

CONCLUSIONS: This study presented a summary of the current trends and research frontiers in the field of immunological aspects of OSCC. This summary can serve as a valuable reference and a source of new insights into this area of research.}, } @article {pmid39927110, year = {2024}, author = {Wrigley-Field, E}, title = {Stolen Lives: Redress for Slavery's and Jim Crow's Ongoing Theft of Lifespan.}, journal = {The Russell Sage Foundation journal of the social sciences : RSF}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {88-112}, doi = {10.7758/rsf.2024.10.2.04}, pmid = {39927110}, issn = {2377-8253}, abstract = {Reparations proposals typically target wealth. Yet slavery's and Jim Crow's long echoes also steal time, such as by producing shorter Black lifespans even today. I argue that lost time should be considered an independent target for redress; identify challenges to doing so; and provide examples of what reparations redressing lost lifespan could look like. To identify quantitative targets for redress, I analyze area-level relationships between Black lifespans and six measures of intensity of slavery, Jim Crow, and racial terror. Results reveal inconsistent relationships across measures, suggesting difficulties in grounding a target for redress in such variation. Instead, I propose that policies aim to redress the national lifespan gap between White and Black Americans. The article concludes with a typology of potential strategies for such redress.}, } @article {pmid39921575, year = {2025}, author = {Moll, FW and Kersten, Y and Erdle, S and Nieder, A}, title = {Exploring Anatomical Links Between the Crow's Nidopallium Caudolaterale and Its Song System.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {533}, number = {2}, pages = {e70028}, pmid = {39921575}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; *Crows/anatomy & histology/physiology ; *Neural Pathways/anatomy & histology/physiology ; *Telencephalon/anatomy & histology/physiology/cytology ; Male ; Neurons/physiology/cytology ; }, abstract = {Crows are corvid songbirds that exhibit remarkable cognitive control, including their ability to vocalize on command. The activity of single neurons from the crow's associative telencephalic structure nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) is correlated with the execution of this vocal and many non-vocal behaviors. However, whether anatomical connections directly link the crow NCL to its "song system" remains unclear. To address this, we used fluorescent tracers along with histological staining methods to characterize the connectivity of the crow's NCL in relation to its song system. Consistent with previous findings in other songbirds, we found that the NCL sends dense projections into the dorsal intermediate arcopallium (AID) directly adjacent to the song system's telencephalic motor output, the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA). Similarly, we demonstrate dense NCL projections into the striatum engulfing the basal ganglia song nucleus "area X." Both of these descending projections mirror the projections of the nidopallial song nucleus HVC (proper name) into RA and area X, with extremely sparse NCL fibers extending into area X. Furthermore, we characterized the distribution of cells projecting from the lateral part of the magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (MAN) to NCL. Notably, a separate medial population of MAN cells projects to HVC. These two sets of connections-MAN to NCL and MAN to HVC-run in parallel but do not overlap. Taken together, our findings support the hypothesis that the NCL is part of a "general motor system" that parallels the song system but exhibits only minimal monosynaptic interconnections with it.}, } @article {pmid39916800, year = {2025}, author = {Chantoufi, A and Canário, AM and Baud, T and Vallé, C and Baux, A and Jiguet, F}, title = {Seed and Color Preferences of Wild Carrion Crows From Cafeteria Experiments.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {e70944}, pmid = {39916800}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Birds can cause significant damage to agricultural fields, notably in Europe, where corvid species like carrion crows (Corvus corone) and rooks (Corvus frugilegus) target spring crops, posing challenges for conservation and wildlife management. Among targeted crops, sunflower and maize suffer the highest levels of damage from corvids' foraging. While both lethal and non-lethal strategies are employed to mitigate bird damage, their effectiveness is limited and context-dependent. Consequently, there is growing interest in identifying natural bird repellents. To improve our understanding of corvid food selection and explore potential non-lethal management strategies, we conducted (1) cafeteria trials with five common seed types (maize, sunflower, soy, pea, and wheat) and (2) two-choice color tests with maize seeds in four colors (blue, green, orange, and red) on an urban population of carrion crows accustomed to human presence. Results indicated a marked preference for sunflower and wheat, while soy and pea were largely avoided, and maize was moderately consumed. The crows also demonstrated a preference for green-colored maize over blue, orange, red, and natural maize seeds. These findings suggest that strategic planting of preferred crops like wheat alongside sunflower or maize may help mitigate damage. Further, incorporating colors into repellent seed coatings could reinforce the aversive learning process in birds, although color may play a less significant role in food selection when seeds are sown.}, } @article {pmid39911412, year = {2025}, author = {Tomita, KM and Matsuyama, H}, title = {Cleaning Interactions Between Crows and Sika Deer: Implications for Tick-Borne Disease Management.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {e70845}, pmid = {39911412}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Cleaning interactions between mammals and birds have been widely observed worldwide. Here, we report cleaning interactions between sika deer and crows in Japan, based on a field observations using camera traps and online research. Online research was performed on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and personal blogs. We finally collected 27 cases of cleaning associations between sika deer and crows. Crows associated with male more than female deer and mainly pecked their heads or necks, suggesting that crows remove Ixodid ticks from the deer's surface. Given that ticks on sika deer are vectors of several zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia and Borrelia spp., further studies should be conducted to examine the roles of crows as biocontrol agents of ticks and tick-borne diseases.}, } @article {pmid39904394, year = {2025}, author = {Hahn, LG and Hooper, R and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Pair-bond strength is consistent and related to partner responsiveness in a wild corvid.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {292}, number = {2040}, pages = {20242729}, pmid = {39904394}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; //Leverhulme Trust/ ; //Natural Environment Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Pair Bond ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {The need to maintain strong social bonds is widely thought to be a key driver of cognitive evolution. Cognitive abilities to track and respond to information about social partners may be favoured by selection if they vary within populations and confer fitness benefits. Here we evaluate four key assumptions of this argument in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula), corvids whose long-term pair bonds exemplify one of the putative social drivers of cognitive evolution in birds. Combining observational and experimental behavioural data with long-term breeding records, we found support for three assumptions: (i) pair-bond strength varies across the population, (ii) is consistent within pairs over time and (iii) is positively associated with partner responsiveness, a measure of socio-cognitive performance. However, (iv) we did not find clear evidence that stronger pair bonds lead to better fitness outcomes. Strongly bonded pairs were better able to adjust hatching synchrony to environmental conditions but they did not fledge more or higher quality offspring. Together, these findings suggest that maintaining strong pair bonds is linked to socio-cognitive performance and may facilitate effective coordination between partners. However, they also imply that these benefits are insufficient to explain how selection acts on social cognition. We argue that evaluating how animals navigate trade-offs between investing in long-term relationships versus optimizing interactions in their wider social networks will be a crucial avenue for future research.}, } @article {pmid39904153, year = {2025}, author = {Asano, D and Takeda, M and Gima, H and Nobusako, S}, title = {Development of fluid intelligence in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {158}, number = {}, pages = {104928}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2025.104928}, pmid = {39904153}, issn = {1873-3379}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) often presents alongside cognitive developmental delays and motor impairments. This study aimed to identify the function most closely linked to the development of fluid intelligence in individuals with CP, and to estimate the point at which the fluid intelligence of children with CP diverges from that of typically developing (TD) children.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) were used to evaluate the fluid intelligence of participants. Fifty-one participants with CP aged 4-18 years and 33 TD children aged 3-9 years were included in this study and underwent RCPM testing. The severity of CP was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS).

RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that within the three distinct functional levels, MACS was a significant predictor of fluid intelligence in children with CP (β = - 0.29, p < 0.05). Significant disparities in the development of fluid intelligence between the CP and TD groups emerge after 57.6 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings offer valuable insights into timely and functionally targeted interventions to prevent cognitive stagnation.}, } @article {pmid39896779, year = {2025}, author = {Feng, J and Wang, M and Zhang, Q and Xia, C}, title = {Winter Roost Preferences of Crows in Beijing City.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {e70931}, pmid = {39896779}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {During the winter season, an extensive population of crows (predominantly the carrion crow Corvus corone) seek refuge in Beijing's urban landscapes for roosting, subsequently generating noise and droppings that adversely affect the quality of life of residents. This study elucidates the selection criteria employed by crows in Beijing's urban areas for roosting sites. Drawing upon historical records and the outcomes of our survey, we observed a remarkable consistency in the selection of roosting locations by crows over time, with the same locations being preferentially chosen across different years. We also conducted a quantitative analysis of the habitat characteristics associated with the crow roosting sites. We discovered that crows demonstrate a preference for roosting sites situated in proximity to human structures, particularly towering buildings, which are often adjacent to broad roads. By understanding the factors that influence the selection of roosting sites by crows, policy-makers and urban planners can devise targeted interventions aimed at mitigating conflicts between humans and crows.}, } @article {pmid39896409, year = {2024}, author = {Banumathy, D and Vetriselvi, T and Venkatachalam, K and Cho, J}, title = {Quantum-inspired seagull optimised deep belief network approach for cardiovascular disease prediction.}, journal = {PeerJ. Computer science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e2498}, pmid = {39896409}, issn = {2376-5992}, abstract = {The early detection and accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases is vital to reduce global morbidity and death rates. In this work, the quantum-inspired seagull optimization algorithm (QISOA) combined with a deep belief network (DBN) is proposed to improve the identification of cardiovascular disorders. As part of preprocessing, cleaning, transformation, and standardization are performed to eliminate noise, inconsistencies, and scaling issues in the data. QISOA is used to optimize the weights and biases of the DBN model, enhancing its prediction efficiency. The algorithm incorporates quantum mechanics concepts to develop its exploration potential further, leading to faster convergence and increased global search efficiency. Optimized DBN provides efficient acquisition of hierarchical representations of the data, which results in improved feature learning and classification accuracy. The publicly accessible Cleveland Heart Disease dataset is used to assess the performance of the suggested model. Extensive experiments are conducted to demonstrate the superior performance of the QISOA-optimized DBN model compared to traditional machine learning and other metaheuristic-based models. Initially, machine learning models such as support vector machines, decision trees, Random Forests, multi-layer perceptrons, and fully connected networks were considered for comparison with the cardiovascular predictive performance of the DBN model. Further, meta-heuristic optimization algorithms such as particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, grey wolf optimization, cuckoo search optimization and crow search algorithm are combined with the machine learning models and the classification efficiency is evaluated. Additionally, few state-of-the-art techniques proposed in the existing literature are investigated and compared against the proposed model. It was evident from the comprehensive performance assessment of the proposed model that it yields a higher accuracy of 98.6% with precision, recall, and F1-scores of 97.6%, 96.8%, and 97.1%, respectively, compared to other traditional and existing models for cardiovascular disease prediction.}, } @article {pmid39886338, year = {2024}, author = {Bruno, F and Spadafora, P and Veltri, I and Cuconati, ML and Condino, F and Cerantonio, A and De Benedittis, S and Greco, BM and Di Palma, G and Gallo, O and Citrigno, L and Qualtieri, A and Cundari, M and Cavalcanti, F}, title = {Sex and APOE genotype modulate neuropsychological profile and depression in temporal lobe epilepsy.}, journal = {Frontiers in neuroscience}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {1514902}, pmid = {39886338}, issn = {1662-4548}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of focal epilepsy, often associated with cognitive impairments, particularly in memory functions, and depression. Sex and APOE ε4 genotype play a crucial role in modulating cognitive outcomes and depression in various neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. However, the combined effects of APOE genotype and sex on cognitive performance and depression in temporal lobe epilepsy have not been previously investigated.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (i) identify impaired cognitive performance and clinically relevant depression; (ii) explore the interaction between sex and APOE ε4 genotype on cognitive performance and depression in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy.

METHODS: We used a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to assess domains such as learning and memory, attention, executive functions, language, and visuo-spatial constructional skills and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. We also performed APOE genotyping to assess its role in the study. The final sample was composed by fifty-four patients (53.7% female). Cognitive performance and depression were analyzed using normative cut-off scores. To examine the main effects and interactions of sex and APOE ε4 carrier status on neuropsychological test scores and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, we also conducted a two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS: Female APOE ε4 carriers compared to normative cut-offs, exhibited poor performance on multiple test scores, including the MMSE, The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (immediate and delayed recall), The Corsi Block-Tapping Task, The Verbal Fluency Test, The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and The Pentagon-copying Test. Males showed impairment only in visuo-spatial short-term memory. ANOVA analysis revealed significant main effects of APOE ε4 status and sex on the MMSE, The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, The Verbal Fluency, The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and The Pentagon-copying Test scores. Specifically, female APOE ε4 carriers performed consistently worse than other groups on many tasks. For depression, only an effect of sex emerged. Females scored higher besides APOE genotype.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of considering both sex and APOE genotype when assessing cognitive performance in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The significant cognitive deficits we observed among females carrying the APOE ε4 allele highlight previously unexplored genetic and sex-related influences on cognition. This has potential implications for personalized therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted assessment and intervention.}, } @article {pmid39876722, year = {2025}, author = {Hahner, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Volitional spatial attention is lateralized in crows.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {292}, number = {2039}, pages = {20242540}, pmid = {39876722}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Attention ; *Cues ; *Functional Laterality/physiology ; Space Perception/physiology ; Visual Fields/physiology ; Male ; Reaction Time ; Female ; Volition/physiology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Like humans and many other animal species, birds exhibit left-right asymmetries in certain behaviours due to differences in hemispheric brain functions. While the lateralization of sensory and motor functions is well established in birds, the potential lateralization of high-level executive control functions, such as volitional attention, remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that carrion crows exhibit more pronounced volitional (endogenous) attention for stimuli monocularly viewed with the left eye and thus in the left visual hemifield. We trained four crows on Posner-like spatial cueing tasks using informative cues to evaluate their volitional top-down attention. The crows detected cued targets using either the left or right eye. As a measure of volitional attention, we calculated reaction time differences for detecting targets that were correctly (validly) and incorrectly (invalidly) cued, separately for the left and right visual hemifields. We found that cued targets were detected more quickly and efficiently in the left visual field compared with the right visual field. Because the left-eye system of the crow's brain processes information primarily from the left visual hemifield, these findings suggest that crows, like humans, exhibit superior executive control of attention in the left-eye/right hemisphere system of their brains.}, } @article {pmid39875490, year = {2025}, author = {Zheng, M and Wan, W and Fang, Z}, title = {Abstract visual reasoning based on algebraic methods.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {3482}, pmid = {39875490}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {2020AAA0109300//Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; 2020AAA0109300//Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; }, abstract = {Extracting high-order abstract patterns from complex high-dimensional data forms the foundation of human cognitive abilities. Abstract visual reasoning involves identifying abstract patterns embedded within composite images, considered a core competency of machine intelligence. Traditional neuro-symbolic methods often infer unknown objects through data fitting, without fully exploring the abstract patterns within composite images and the sequential sensitivity of visual sequences. This paper constructs a relation model with object-centric inductive biases, learning end-to-end multi-granular rule embeddings at different levels. Through a gating fusion module, the model incrementally integrates explicit representations of objects and abstract relationships. The model incorporates a relational bottleneck method from information theory, separating the input perceptual information from the embeddings of abstract representations, thereby restricting and differentiating feature processing to encourage relational comparisons and induce the extraction of abstract patterns. Furthermore, this paper bridges algebraic operations and machine reasoning through the relational bottleneck method, extracting common patterns of multi-visual objects by identifying invariant sequences within the relational bottleneck matrix. Experimental results on the I-RAVEN dataset demonstrate a total accuracy of 96.8%, surpassing state-of-the-art baseline methods and exceeding human performance at 84.4%.}, } @article {pmid39871427, year = {2025}, author = {Patil, VI and Patil, SR}, title = {Optimized Transfer Learning With Hybrid Feature Extraction for Uterine Tissue Classification Using Histopathological Images.}, journal = {Microscopy research and technique}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/jemt.24787}, pmid = {39871427}, issn = {1097-0029}, abstract = {Endometrial cancer, termed uterine cancer, seriously affects female reproductive organs, and the analysis of histopathological images formed a golden standard for diagnosing this cancer. Sometimes, early detection of this disease is difficult because of the limited capability of modeling complicated relationships among histopathological images and their interpretations. Moreover, many previous methods do not effectively handle the cell appearance variations. Hence, this study develops a novel classification technique called transfer learning convolution neural network with artificial bald eagle optimization (TL-CNN with ABEO) for the classification of uterine tissue. Here, preprocessing is done by the median filter, followed by image enhancement by the multiple identities representation network (MIRNet). Moreover, pelican crow search optimization (PCSO) is used for adapting weights in MIRNet, where PCSO is generated by combining the crow search algorithm (CSA) and pelican optimization algorithm (POA). Then, segmentation quality assessment (SQA) helps in tissue segmentation, and deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) helps in parameter selection that is trained by fractional PCSO (FPCSO). Furthermore, feature extraction is done and, finally, cell classification is done by TL with CNN, which is trained by the proposed ABEO algorithm. Here, ABEO is newly developed by the integration of the bald eagle search (BES) algorithm and artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA). Furthermore, ABEO + TL-CNN achieved a high accuracy of 89.59%, a sensitivity of 90.25%, and a specificity of 89.89% by utilizing the cancer image archive dataset.}, } @article {pmid39854035, year = {2025}, author = {Yip, CCH and Wong, TT and Wong, BHD and Hsu, LS}, title = {Development and validation of a short form for the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices using a machine learning approach.}, journal = {The British journal of developmental psychology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/bjdp.12542}, pmid = {39854035}, issn = {2044-835X}, support = {//University Research Committee (URC), The University of Hong Kong/ ; }, abstract = {Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) is a widely used assessment tool for measuring general cognitive ability in developmental and educational research, particularly in studies involving young children. However, administering the full set of the 36-item CPM can be burdensome for young participants, hindering its practicality in large-scale studies and reducing research efficiency. In the current study, a short form of the CPM was developed based on a sample of preschoolers (n = 336, mean age = 5.8 years) using penalised regression, a machine learning approach that allows for variable selection. The resulting 12-item CPM short form demonstrated a very strong correlation with the total score of the 36-item full form (r = .94). Further investigations into the short form's item stability, content validity, and concurrent validity collectively supported its psychometric properties as a reliable and valid alternative to the full form. The significance of the CPM short form is also discussed.}, } @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.}, } @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}, 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.}, } @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 {pmid39823308, year = {2024}, 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 = {197}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiaf024}, pmid = {39823308}, issn = {1532-2548}, support = {32272706//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {*Solanum lycopersicum/genetics/metabolism/growth & development ; *Gibberellins/metabolism ; *Sucrose/metabolism ; *Plant Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Plant Leaves/metabolism/genetics ; Phloem/metabolism ; }, 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}, 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}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Male ; Female ; *Exploratory Behavior ; *Mental Recall ; *Learning ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Attention ; }, 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 {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, VP 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 = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {383-396}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00160}, pmid = {39772751}, issn = {1535-3907}, mesh = {Humans ; *Machine Learning ; *Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods ; *Blood Proteins/metabolism/analysis ; *Protein Interaction Mapping/methods ; *Algorithms ; *Immunoprecipitation/methods ; Proteomics/methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {Immunoprecipitation coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (IP-MS/MS) methods are 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 = {}, 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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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 = {2025}, 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 = {182}, number = {}, pages = {217-227}, doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2024.11.008}, pmid = {39730262}, issn = {1973-8102}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; History, 19th Century ; *Frontal Lobe ; Academic Dissertations as Topic ; Brain Injuries ; Switzerland ; }, 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.}, } @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.}, } @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 = {2025}, 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 = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {e16565}, pmid = {39704133}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Single-Blind Method ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; *Forehead ; *Lip ; *Cheek ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Adult ; Male ; Treatment Outcome ; Face ; Aged ; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase/administration & dosage ; }, 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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @article {pmid39539237, year = {2025}, 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 = {36}, number = {1}, pages = {72-79}, doi = {10.1089/derm.2024.0301}, pmid = {39539237}, issn = {2162-5220}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/physiology ; Female ; India ; *Humidity/adverse effects ; *Climate Change ; *Phenotype ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Cohort Studies ; Hot Temperature/adverse effects ; Temperature ; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Aged ; Air Pollution/adverse effects ; }, 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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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 = {2025}, 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 = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {52-62}, pmid = {39492799}, issn = {2050-7895}, support = {P50 MD015706/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; R15 ES034901/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Microplastics/analysis ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Montana ; Soil Pollutants/analysis ; Oklahoma ; Refuse Disposal ; Waste Disposal Facilities ; }, 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.}, } @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.}, } @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 = {2025}, 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 = {66}, number = {1}, pages = {41-45}, pmid = {39460872}, issn = {1610-7365}, support = {PU/AD-3/URF-Extension/025191/23F85502/204//Periyar University/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Ecosystem ; Female ; India ; *Macaca radiata/physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; Male ; Crows/physiology ; Birds/physiology ; }, 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.}, } @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.}, } @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.}, } @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].}, } @article {pmid39419984, year = {2024}, author = {Lengyel, K and Rudra, M and Berghof, TVL and Leitão, A and Frankl-Vilches, C and Dittrich, F and Duda, D and Klinger, R and Schleibinger, S and Sid, H and Trost, L and Vikkula, H and Schusser, B and Gahr, M}, title = {Unveiling the critical role of androgen receptor signaling in avian sexual development.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {8970}, pmid = {39419984}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; *Receptors, Androgen/metabolism/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Signal Transduction ; *Chickens/metabolism ; *Testosterone/metabolism ; *Sexual Development ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Fertility ; }, abstract = {Gonadal hormone activities mediated by androgen and estrogen receptors, along with cell-autonomous mechanisms arising from the absence of sex-chromosome dosage compensation, are key factors in avian sexual development. In this study, we generate androgen receptor (AR) knockout chickens (AR[-/-]) to explore the role of androgen signaling in avian sexual development. Despite developing sex-typical gonads and gonadal hormone production, AR[-/-] males and females are infertile. While few somatic sex-specific traits persist (body size, spurs, and tail feathers), crucial sexual attributes such as comb, wattles and sexual behaviors remain underdeveloped in both sexes. Testosterone treatment of young AR[-/-] males fails to induce crow behavior, comb development, or regression of the bursa of Fabricius, which are testosterone-dependent phenotypes. These findings highlight the significance of androgen receptor mechanisms in fertility and sex-specific traits in chickens, challenging the concept of a default sex in birds and emphasizing the dominance of androgen signaling in avian sexual development.}, } @article {pmid39418618, year = {2024}, author = {Yearby, R}, title = {The Return of Jim Crow: Government Discrimination Against Women, LGBTQIA+ Individuals, and Racial/Ethnic Minority Individuals.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {114}, number = {12}, pages = {1331-1334}, pmid = {39418618}, issn = {1541-0048}, } @article {pmid39409738, year = {2024}, author = {Skoracki, M and Nielsen, ÓK and Sikora, B}, title = {Corvisyringophilus, a New Genus in the Family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) and Its Phylogenetic Position among Primitive Genera.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {14}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {39409738}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {UAM ID-UB 094/07/POB1/0013 (to M.S.)//Excellence Initiative Program "Mobility" of the UAM Research University/ ; UAM UD-UB 094/07/POB1/0012 (to B.S.)//Excellence Initiative Program "Mobility" of the UAM Research University/ ; }, abstract = {Syringophilidae is one of the most species-rich families in the superfamily Cheyletoidea, comprising approximately 420 species across 62 genera and two subfamilies. In this paper, we propose a new genus, Corvisyringophilus, and a new species, C. krummi gen. n. et sp. n., found in the wing covert quills of the Common Raven, Corvus corax Linnaeus, in Iceland. Corvisyringophilus is placed among the primitive genera of syringophilid mites, which possess the full complement of idiosomal and leg setae. Phylogenetic analysis based on morphological characters suggests that this genus forms a sister clade to Blaszakia Skoracki & Sikora, 2008, and Charadriphilus Bochkov & Mironov, 1998, which inhabit birds of the orders Musophagiformes and Charadriiformes, respectively. The study proposes that the current distribution patterns of quill mites, based on their morphological characteristics, may result from multiple host switching followed by co-speciation events, highlighting the complex evolutionary dynamics within this family.}, } @article {pmid39406878, year = {2024}, author = {Lequitte-Charransol, P and Robert, A and Jiguet, F}, title = {Increased adult movements and decreased juvenile apparent survival of urban crows during COVID-19 lockdowns.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {24135}, pmid = {39406878}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {ESOD//Ministère de l'Écologie, du Développement Durable et de l'Énergie/ ; }, mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality/prevention & control ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Quarantine ; Paris/epidemiology ; Urban Population ; Population Dynamics ; Cities/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The increasing abundance of animal species thriving in urban environments is a source of conflicts with managers and users of public spaces. Although opportunistic urban species often use resources originating from human food leftovers, the potential impact of a reduction in these resources on their demography is hard to quantify. The COVID-19 epidemic, which led many countries to set up lockdowns, gave us the opportunity to estimate the impact of a drastic reduction in such food resources and human activities on the demography of an urban bird population. Based on 7 years (2015-2021) of capture-mark-recapture of carrion crows (Corvus corone) in the city of Paris, France, we used multi-state models to examine the intra-annual (3-month time steps) apparent survival and movement patterns of crows during and outside COVID-19 lockdowns. We showed that the apparent survival of juvenile carrion crows decreased down during lockdown, while adult movements increased during this period, with more adult crows moving out of the urban district. Lockdown modified the demography of this urban crow population, suggesting that the reduction in food resources was sufficient to affect fitness and reduce carrying capacity.}, } @article {pmid39403249, year = {2024}, author = {Díaz-Rodríguez, C and Pérez-Córdoba, E}, title = {Influence of problem-solving ability and personality variables on the improvement and creativity of tactical decisions in basketball.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1450084}, pmid = {39403249}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Basketball players are increasingly required not only to read the tactical actions that take place in a game but also to make correct tactical decisions. This includes greater creativity in the type of solutions they must provide when faced with various tactical situations. To acquire these skills, young players need training in which personality and general intelligence variables significantly influence the learning process.

METHODS: A Perceptual Tactical Training (PTT) program was implemented, correlated with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and the Raven's Progressive Matrices test, to observe improvements in tactical perception and decision-making among young basketball players.

RESULTS: The PTT produced significant improvements in tactical solutions and tactical perception for all players. Players who scored high in general intelligence found it easier to perceive tactical situations but struggled to generate original tactical solutions. Conversely, players with high psychoticism and high general intelligence were more capable of creating innovative tactical solutions but did not excel in perceiving tactical game situations.

CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the individual differences in intelligence and personality traits among young players to enhance their tactical decision-making and creative abilities.}, } @article {pmid39397068, year = {2024}, author = {Syama, S and Ramprabhakar, J and Anand, R and Guerrero, JM}, title = {An integrated binary metaheuristic approach in dynamic unit commitment and economic emission dispatch for hybrid energy systems.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {23964}, pmid = {39397068}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The current generation portfolio is obligated to incorporate zero-emissions energy sources, predominantly wind and solar, due to the depletion of fossil fuels and the alarming rate of global warming. In the current scenario, power engineers must devise a compromised solution that not only advocates for the adoption of renewable energy sources (RES) but also efficiently schedules all conventional power generation units to balance the increasing load demand while simultaneously minimizing fuel costs and harmful emissions that are currently addressed by Unit Commitment (UC) and Combined Economic Emission Dispatch (CEED) problem solutions. However, the integration of renewable energy resources (RES) further complicates the UC-CEED problem due to their intermittent nature. Recently, metaheuristic algorithms are acquiring momentum in resolving constrained UC-CEED problems due to their improved global solution ability, adaptability, and derivative-free construction. In this research, a computationally efficient binary hybrid version of crow search algorithm and improvised grey wolf optimization is proposed, namely Crow Search Improved Binary Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm (CS-BIGWO) by inclusion of nonlinear control parameter, weight-based position updating, and mutation approach. Statistical results on standard mathematical functions prove the supremacy of the proposed algorithm over conventional algorithms. Further, a novel optimization strategy is devised by integrating enhanced lambda iteration with the CS-BIGWO algorithm (CS-BIGWO- λ) to solve a day-ahead UC-CEED problem of the hybrid energy system incorporating cost functions of RES. For the model, a day-ahead forecast of wind power and solar photovoltaic power is obtained by using the Levy-Flight Chaotic Whale Optimization Algorithm optimized Extreme Learning Machines(LCWOA-ELM). The proposed algorithm is tested for the UC-CEED solution of an IEEE-39 bus system with two distinct cases: (1) without RES integration and (2) with RES integration. Several independent trial runs are executed, and the performance of the algorithms is assessed based on optimal UC schedules, fuel cost, emission quantization, convergence curve, and computational time. For case 1, the proposed algorithm resulted in a percentage reduction of 0.1021% in fuel cost and 0.7995% in emission. In contrast, for test case 2, it resulted in a percentage reduction of 0.12896% in fuel cost and 0.772% in emission with the proposed algorithm. The results validate the dominance of the proposed methodology over existing methods in terms of lower fuel costs and emissions.}, } @article {pmid39394831, year = {2025}, author = {Kruger, L and Bambino, K and Schmalenberg, K and Santhanam, U and Orentreich, D and Orentreich, C and Logerfo, J and Saliou, C}, title = {Efficacy of Topical Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate-Peptide Product Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Facial Aging.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {e16621}, pmid = {39394831}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects/radiation effects ; Female ; *Lasers, Gas/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; *Face ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Cosmetic Techniques ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many people are interested in addressing visible signs of aging with non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Development of effective topical products will provide options to delay or support cosmetic procedures.

AIMS: This study assessed and compared the efficacy and tolerance of a topical product used over the course of 16 weeks to a single ablative laser treatment on women with moderate global photodamage on the face.

METHODS: Subjects in Cell 1 (Laser Cell) were treated over the entire face with a fractional CO2 laser system. Subjects in Cell 2 (Topical Serum Cell) were treated with a topical serum containing hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptides over the entire face, twice per day for 16 weeks. The study was composed of 71 women, with 29 in the Laser Cell (mean age 56.2) and 42 in the Topical Serum Cell (mean age 55.0), between 40 and 65 years old. Expert grading was used to determine efficacy parameters.

RESULTS: Participants in the Topical Serum Cell achieved more significant improvement (p < 0.05) in Marionette lines, fine lines (global face), wrinkles (global face), wrinkles (crow's feet), nasolabial folds, texture, smoothness (tactile), global hyperpigmentation, lift, and photodamage compared to participants in the Laser Cell. Participants in the Topical Serum Cell achieved parity in the look of fine lines (crow's feet), forehead lines, glabella, firmness/bounce (tactile), skin tone evenness, radiance.

CONCLUSIONS: While no statistically significant differences in tolerability were observed, treatment with the topical cosmetic product achieved parity or statistically better improvement in parameters compared to laser treatment at 16 weeks.}, } @article {pmid39390071, year = {2024}, author = {Lifshitz, H and Shnitzer-Meirovich, S and Koslovsky, M and Yozevitch, R}, title = {Exploring crystallized and fluid intelligence in down syndrome using graph theory.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {23738}, pmid = {39390071}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Down Syndrome ; Humans ; Male ; *Intelligence ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Intelligence Tests ; Middle Aged ; Intellectual Disability ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {This cross-sectional study examined the cognitive performance of crystallized intelligence (Gc) and fluid intelligence (Gf) in 340 individuals, comparing adults (aged 22-45) to adolescents (aged 16-21) in two groups of etiologies. Down syndrome (DS) and non-specific intellectual disability (NSID). The aim was to estimate whether their cognitive performance reflected accelerated, stable, or continuous trajectories. Participants were assessed using the Vocabulary, Similarities, Block Design, and Raven Matrix tests. ANOVA analysis indicated that adults exhibited higher scores than adolescents on three of the crystallized and fluid intelligence tests, with similar trends observed in the Raven Matrix test, thus supporting the Compensation Age Theory. Participants with NSID exhibited higher scores in Vocabulary than participants with DS. Participants with DS exhibited higher scores in Block Design and Raven than participants with NSID. There was no difference between the groups in Similarities, suggesting that the verbal ability of individuals with DS is not so impaired relative to participants with NSID. Graph analysis demonstrated divergent Gc-Gf networks between the two groups of etiologies. The DS etiology revealed more coherent connections between crystallized and fluid intelligence, especially in adulthood, compared to the diffuse and absent connections seen in adults with NSID. Thus, the relative strength in Similarities and the more coherent Gc-Gf interconnections in the DS etiology suggested a more coherent and not-so-impaired profile in a clear diagnostic etiology such as DS, especially in adulthood, compared to unclear genetic etiologies such as NSID. The findings hold educational implications for adults with ID with and without Down syndrome at least until their 40's as a time for growth and development, perhaps serving as a protective factor against possible cognitive decline in the future.}, } @article {pmid39374830, year = {2024}, author = {Gems, D and Kern, CC}, title = {Biological constraint, evolutionary spandrels and antagonistic pleiotropy.}, journal = {Ageing research reviews}, volume = {101}, number = {}, pages = {102527}, doi = {10.1016/j.arr.2024.102527}, pmid = {39374830}, issn = {1872-9649}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Aging/genetics/physiology ; *Genetic Pleiotropy ; *Biological Evolution ; Longevity/genetics/physiology ; }, abstract = {Maximum lifespan differs greatly between species, indicating that the process of senescence is largely genetically determined. Senescence evolves in part due to antagonistic pleiotropy (AP), where selection favors gene variants that increase fitness earlier in life but promote pathology later. Identifying the biological mechanisms by which AP causes senescence is key to understanding the endogenous causes of aging and its attendant diseases. Here we argue that the frequent occurrence of AP as a property of genes reflects the presence of constraint in the biological systems that they specify. This arises particularly because the functionally interconnected nature of biological systems constrains the simultaneous optimization of coupled traits (interconnection constraints), or because individual traits cannot evolve (impossibility constraints). We present an account of aging that integrates AP and biological constraint with recent programmatic aging concepts, including costly programs, quasi-programs, hyperfunction and hypofunction. We argue that AP mechanisms of costly programs and triggered quasi-programs are consequences of constraint, in which costs resulting from hyperfunction or hypofunction cause senescent pathology. Impossibility constraint can also cause hypofunction independently of AP. We also describe how AP corresponds to Stephen Jay Gould's constraint-based concept of evolutionary spandrels, and argue that pathologies arising from AP are bad spandrels. Biological constraint is a conceptual missing link between ultimate and proximate causes of senescence, including diseases of aging.}, } @article {pmid39372881, year = {2024}, author = {Kim, JS}, title = {Three-dimensional Analysis of Lifting Effects after High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (Ultraformer-MPT) across Seven Facial Aesthetic Units Considering SonoAnatomy.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {e6203}, pmid = {39372881}, issn = {2169-7574}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This investigation delves deep into the lifting degree for each area of noninvasive facial rejuvenation through high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The study meticulously examines the lifting effects of HIFU treatment across seven distinct facial aesthetic-units, using advanced three-dimensional scanner analysis.

METHODS: The study examined a cohort of 50 patients treated with HIFU. Pre- and immediate posttreatment evaluations were conducted using three-dimensional scanner analysis, allowing for precise quantification of lifting effects across seven aesthetic units. Treatment protocols were tailored to leverage five cartridges with micropulsed mode options, optimizing outcomes based on sonographic anatomy.

RESULTS: The forehead was lifted by 1.24 mm; crow's feet, 2.25; malar region, 2.46; posterior cheek, 3.40; jowl, 2.90; mandible, 3.09; and neck, 3.53.

CONCLUSIONS: The forehead showed a lift of 1.24 mm, attributed to the thin tissue requiring a cautious approach to avoid discomfort. A lift of 2.25 mm in the crow's feet area demonstrated the efficacy of HIFU in addressing fine lines and wrinkles. Significant lift of 2.47 mm in the malar region highlights HIFU's effectiveness in addressing mid-face laxity and restoring volume to the cheeks. The most substantial lift of 3.38 mm in the posterior cheek underscores targeted energy application for enhanced lifting and contouring. Notable lifting effect of 2.90 mm in the jowl area benefits sagging along the jawline, refining facial contour. Lift of 3.10 mm in the mandible shows improvement of lower facial laxity, defining the jawline. The highest lift of 3.55 mm in the neck region addresses laxity and sagging for a defined neck profile.}, } @article {pmid39355196, year = {2024}, author = {Agarwalla, S and Chandra, B and Kundu, GK}, title = {Influence of Age and Gender on Emotional Intelligence, Intelligence Quotient, Anxiety, and Behavior of Children in a Dental Setup.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {518-523}, pmid = {39355196}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Children's age is a significant predictor factor for their panic and conduct intraoperatively. A child's developmental stage influences their ability to handle stress in dental operations, and it seems that younger children are more anxious and have a better capacity to cope with dental procedures. Age and gender are said to have a significant influence on emotional quotient (EQ) and intelligence quotient (IQ), but the data regarding this is extremely sparse in the dental literature.

AIM: To find the impact of age and gender on EQ, IQ, panic, and conduct of children in an oral care setup.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 female and 50 male (total 107) children were considered participants aged 7-12 years. The study was executed in two sessions in the pediatric dentistry department. In the first session, "Bar-On emotional quotient inventory: youth version (Bar-On EQ-i: YV)" and the "Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM)" tests were administered to evaluate the EQ and IQ of the children, and a clinical psychologist supervised and guided the whole procedure. In the second appointment, anxiety was recorded using the "faces version of the modified child's dental anxiety scale (MCDAS(f))," whereas behavior was recorded with the "sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale." Interpretation of data was done by statistical methods.

RESULTS: The difference in IQ scores between the groups aged 7-9 and 10-12 years was not statistically significant. There was a statistically notable difference (p-value of 0.006) in the RCPM IQ scores among male and female participants, where female participants scored better. There was a statistically insignificant variation in total EQ scores between male and female participants. Based on age and gender, a statistically insignificant variation was noted in the anxiety scores (MCDAS(f)) among participants. A statistically notable difference (p-value of 0.018) was seen between the SEM scores of the 7-9 and 10-12 years age-groups. SEM scores of male and female participants showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION: There was no influence of age on the IQ and EQ scores of the participants. A gender difference was found in relation to the IQ scores and the intrapersonal and stress management subscales of EQ. Based on age and gender, there was a statistically nonsignificant difference between the anxiety scores (MCDAS(f)) of the participants. A statistically notable variation was seen between the SEM scores for behavior of the 7-9 and 10-12 years age-groups. Statistically insignificant variation was noted between the SEM scores of both genders.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Agarwalla S, Chandra B, Kundu GK. Influence of Age and Gender on Emotional Intelligence, Intelligence Quotient, Anxiety, and Behavior of Children in a Dental Setup. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):518-523.}, } @article {pmid39345526, year = {2024}, author = {Shah, SS and Diamond, J and Barve, S and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Chen, N}, title = {Lifetime fitness benefits of breeding site fidelity and low costs of inbreeding permit inbreeding tolerance in an avian cooperative breeder.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2024.09.21.614049}, pmid = {39345526}, issn = {2692-8205}, abstract = {Inbreeding, or breeding with close relatives, often decreases individual fitness, but mate choice in many species can increase inbreeding risk. Inbreeding is more likely in species with limited dispersal, such as cooperative breeders where non-parental individuals-often offspring from previous broods-provide parental care and frequently breed close to home. We leverage 32 years of data from a population of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), an avian cooperative breeder, to investigate whether mate choice, and its lifetime fitness outcomes, affects inbreeding tolerance. We find that both sexes show a stronger preference for geographically closer rather than less related mates. While female-biased dispersal mitigates inbreeding risk when pairing for the first time, limited movement away from the breeding territory by both sexes for later pairings (following mate death or divorce) results in higher relatedness between mates than expected under random mating. Males paired with close relatives and females that move longer distances experience equivalently reduced lifetime reproductive success. Fitness benefits of breeding site fidelity and relatively low fitness costs of inbreeding thus permit inbreeding tolerance in Florida Scrub-Jays. Understanding how and why mate choice contributes to inbreeding is crucial for informed conservation action for endangered species like the Florida Scrub-Jay.}, } @article {pmid39345301, year = {2024}, author = {Boadi, M and Gbedema, SY and Boakye, YD and Bayor, MT and Aboagye, EA}, title = {Wound Healing and Acute Dermal Toxicity Studies of Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P. H. Raven (Onagraceae) in Sprague-Dawley Rats.}, journal = {Journal of tropical medicine}, volume = {2024}, number = {}, pages = {9576349}, pmid = {39345301}, issn = {1687-9686}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The aerial part of Ludwigia octovalvis has been used traditionally in some parts of Asia for the management of wounds owing to the presence of phytochemicals such as tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids among others. The incidence of wounds, their associated complications, and the cost of wound care are on the increase globally, therefore, the need to develop alternative wound care agents. The aim of this study was to scientifically investigate the wound healing potential of the ethanolic extract of L. octovalvis using the excision wound healing model in rats and also carry out an acute dermal toxicity investigation of the plant extract.

METHOD: A 70% ethanol extract of L. octovalvis was prepared for the wound healing activity using the excision wound healing model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Aqueous creams (1, 3, and 10%) were prepared and topically applied to the wounds once daily according to the groups of animals. The wounds were assessed for rates of wound closure on days 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Re-epithelialization periods were also determined. Sections of wound tissues obtained on day 13 were subjected to histological investigations. An acute dermal toxicity of the plant extract was investigated.

RESULTS: L. octovalvis treatment (1, 3, and 10%) exhibited a mean percentage wound contraction range of 85.36 ± 7.22-94.14 ± 2.23 on day 11. The extract exhibited re-epithelialization periods of 17.3 ± 1.2, 19.8 ± 2.6, and 16.0 ± 1.7 days for the 1, 3, and 10% extract creams, respectively, whereas the cream-only and 1% silver sulfadiazine treatments resulted in a re-epithelialization period of greater than 28 days. Histopathological investigation revealed enhanced fibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition in the treatment groups. No adverse reaction was observed in the acute dermal toxicity study.

CONCLUSIONS: Extract of L. octovalvis exhibited wound healing by enhancing wound contraction, re-epithelialization, fibroblast infiltration, and collagen deposition at the wound site. The extract did not exhibit any toxic reaction in the acute dermal toxicity study.}, } @article {pmid39344034, year = {2024}, author = {Rengot, J and Prestat-Marquis, E and Aime, I and Campos, JR and Camel, E and François, G}, title = {SCAWA scales: A new digital tool for wrinkles clinical grading based on AI.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12995}, pmid = {39344034}, issn = {1468-2494}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Clinical assessment of wrinkle depth is essential for efficacy evaluations of anti-ageing products. Standardized photographic scales, representative of different wrinkle depths are often used by experts to assign subjects reliable grades. These tools, based on real pictures, usually exist as hard copies (printed books or sheets) for in vivo gradings. Our project aims at developing a methodology to create digital standardized computer-generated scales, allowing photograph and real-life gradings, and providing raters with greater comfort, accessibility, and flexibility in their construction, thanks to the artificial intelligence significative contribution.

METHODS: A completely new approach, based on machine learning, allows the creation of Standardized ColorFace® AI-based Wrinkle Assessment (SCAWA) scales. Instead of using real photographs, the scale images are computer-generated. A generative adversarial network (GAN) is trained to create realistic wrinkle samples that are finely controllable by exploring the GAN latent space. Finally, the scale images are selected among hundreds of artificial images depicting natural wrinkle appearances, such as the illustrated wrinkle evolution is well-detailed (small gaps between grades), morphologically stable, and mathematically linear according to a criterion of wrinkle conspicuous depth.

RESULTS: The created 12-point scale for crow's feet wrinkle evaluation on ColorFace® pictures is proven to be realistic, linear, and robustly and accurately usable for photograph assessments. The scale coherence in terms of image ranking has been validated, as well as its reliability and acceptability in real conditions of use. Additionally, the wrinkle grades obtained by the SCAWA scale are well correlated (R = 0.94) with the ones obtained by the Skin Aging Atlas on the same pictures. The AI methodology and digital format brought also interesting side results, such as an enhanced harmonization between experts and a higher representativeness, that is, a decrease of out-of-range pictures.

CONCLUSION: SCAWA scale makes the most of machine learning to provide an innovative digital tool to ease wrinkles in visual assessment of pictures, while optimizing linearity, homogeneity, and accuracy aspects. The experts' enthusiastic feedback about the scale format and quality is promising regarding the adaptation of the methodology to other signs and a larger distribution of this tool in the market of cosmetic product efficacy assessment.}, } @article {pmid39328063, year = {2024}, author = {Romero, FG and Beaudry, FEG and Hovmand Warner, E and Nguyen, TN and Fitzpatrick, JW and Chen, N}, title = {A new high-quality genome assembly and annotation for the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {39328063}, issn = {2160-1836}, support = {R35 GM133412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), a Federally Threatened, cooperatively-breeding bird, is an emerging model system in evolutionary biology and ecology. Extensive individual-based monitoring and genetic sampling for decades has yielded a wealth of data, allowing for the detailed study of social behavior, demography, and population genetics of this natural population. Here, we report a linkage map and a chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation for a female Florida Scrub-Jay made with long-read sequencing technology, chromatin conformation data, and the linkage map. We constructed a linkage map comprising 4,468 SNPs that had 34 linkage groups and a total sex-averaged autosomal genetic map length of 2446.78 cM. The new genome assembly is 1.33 Gb in length, consisting of 33 complete or near-complete autosomes and the sex chromosomes (ZW). This highly contiguous assembly has an NG50 of 68 Mb and a Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness score of 97.1% with respect to the Aves database. The annotated gene set has a BUSCO transcriptome completeness score of 95.5% and 17,964 identified protein-coding genes, 92.5% of which have associated functional annotations. This new, high-quality genome assembly and linkage map of the Florida Scrub-Jay provides valuable tools for future research into the evolutionary dynamics of small, natural populations of conservation concern.}, } @article {pmid39324792, year = {2024}, author = {Gallichotte, EN and Fitzmeyer, EA and Williams, L and Spangler, MC and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Ebel, GD}, title = {WNV and SLEV coinfection in avian and mosquito hosts: impact on viremia, antibody responses, and vector competence.}, journal = {Journal of virology}, volume = {98}, number = {10}, pages = {e0104124}, pmid = {39324792}, issn = {1098-5514}, support = {T32-AI162691//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; BII 2021909, BII 2213854//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; AI067380//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; T32 AI162691/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI067380/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *West Nile virus/immunology ; *West Nile Fever/virology/transmission/veterinary/immunology ; *Coinfection/virology/immunology ; *Culex/virology ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology ; *Viremia/virology ; *Encephalitis Virus, St. Louis/immunology ; *Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology ; *Bird Diseases/virology/transmission/immunology ; Encephalitis, St. Louis/virology/transmission ; Virus Replication ; Songbirds/virology ; Antibody Formation ; Birds/virology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) are closely related flaviviruses that can cause encephalitis in humans and related diseases in animals. In nature, both are transmitted by Culex, with wild birds, including jays, sparrows, and robins, serving as vertebrate hosts. WNV and SLEV circulate in the same environments and have recently caused concurrent disease outbreaks in humans. The extent that coinfection of mosquitoes or birds may alter transmission dynamics, however, is not well characterized. We therefore sought to determine if coinfection alters infection kinetics and virus levels in birds and infection rates in mosquitoes. Accordingly, American robins (Turdus migratorius), two species of mosquitoes, and vertebrate and invertebrate cells were infected with WNV and/or SLEV to assess how simultaneous exposure may alter infection outcomes. There was variable impact of coinfection in vertebrate cells, with some evidence that SLEV can suppress WNV replication. However, robins had comparable viremia and antibody responses regardless of coinfection. Conversely, in Culex cells and mosquitoes, we saw a minimal impact of simultaneous exposure to both viruses on replication, with comparable infection, dissemination, and transmission rates in singly infected and coinfected mosquitoes. Importantly, while WNV and SLEV levels in coinfected mosquito midguts were positively correlated, we saw no correlation between them in salivary glands and saliva. These results reveal that while coinfection can occur in both avian and mosquito hosts, the viruses minimally impact one another. The potential for coinfection to alter virus population structure or the likelihood of rare genotypes emerging remains unknown.IMPORTANCEWest Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) are closely related viruses that are transmitted by the same mosquitoes and infect the same birds in nature. Both viruses circulate in the same regions and have caused concurrent outbreaks in humans. It is possible that mosquitoes, birds, and/or humans could be infected with both WNV and SLEV simultaneously, as has been observed with Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses. To study the impact of coinfection, we experimentally infected vertebrate and invertebrate cells, American robins, and two Culex species with WNV and/or SLEV. Robins were efficiently coinfected, with no impact of coinfection on virus levels or immune response. Similarly, in mosquitoes, coinfection did not impact infection rates, and mosquitoes could transmit both WNV and SLEV together. These results reveal that WNV and SLEV coinfection in birds and mosquitoes can occur in nature, which may impact public health and human disease risk.}, } @article {pmid39315189, year = {2024}, author = {Huang, J and Zhang, X and Chang, Y}, title = {Effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin type A combined with blepharoplasty in treating sagging skin around the eyes.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {10}, number = {18}, pages = {e37407}, pmid = {39315189}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Researchers looked into the safety and effectiveness of blepharoplasty in conjunction with botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of periocular skin laxity.

METHODS: 92 patients who received treatment at our institution for periocular skin laxity were chosen as research subjects. Their admission time ranged from May 2020 to December 2022. Using various therapy modalities, the patients were split into two groups: an observational team (n = 46) and a controlling team (n = 46). They were respectively given blepharoplasty treatment intervention and botulinum toxin type A combined with blepharoplasty treatment intervention. Eyelid bags, crow's feet, skin radiance and aesthetic results, quality of life were analyzed before and after the intervention, and physician and patient' satisfaction with the results were compared.

RESULTS: 95.65 % was the effective rate of the observed group, which was 71.74 % compared with the control group, and significantly increased (P < 0.05). After interference, the score, aesthetic effect and quality of life grade of skin gloss, crow's feet and eyelid bags were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The complication rate in the observation group was 6.52 % was significantly higher than 30.43 % in the control group (P < 0.05). The patient satisfaction of the observation group was 93.48 %, significantly greater than the control group 69.57 % (P < 0.05); the customer satisfaction of the observation group was 95.65 %, which was significantly higher than the control group 82.61 % (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The combination of type A botulinum toxin and eye bag plastic surgery has a good effect on improving skin laxity around the eyes. It can significantly reduce eyelid bags and crow's feet, improve skin gloss, increase aesthetic effects, and comprehensively restore vitality to aged eye skin, improve life quality, and have high doctor-client contentment and safety.}, } @article {pmid39313949, year = {2025}, author = {Choi, SY and Koh, YG and Yoo, KH and Han, HS and Seok, J and Kim, BJ}, title = {A Randomized, Participant- and Evaluator-Blinded, Matched-Pair, Prospective Study Comparing the Safety and Efficacy Between Polycaprolactone and Polynucleotide Fillers in the Correction of Crow's Feet.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {e16576}, pmid = {39313949}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//This work was funded by DexLevo, Inc./ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Polyesters/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Prospective Studies ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Male ; *Polynucleotides/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Single-Blind Method ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dermal fillers have gained widespread popularity for facial cosmetic enhancement and anti-aging treatments. Recently, polycaprolactone (PCL) and polynucleotides (PN) fillers have emerged as promising options owing to their safety and long-lasting effects.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a novel PCL-based dermal filler (DLMR01) with purified PN filler (RJR: Rejuran) in correcting crow's feet wrinkles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, evaluator-blinded, prospective split-face study was conducted with 218 healthy Asian participants. The primary outcome was in the improvement rate of the Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS) at rest after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the improvement rate of the CFGS at expression and rest at earlier time points, changes in CFGS, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) assessment.

RESULTS: The results showed that DLMR01 was not inferior to RJR in improving crow's feet wrinkles, with a significantly higher CGFS improvement rate at week 12. Both fillers demonstrated good safety profiles, with mild and tolerable adverse events. No serious adverse events were reported during the study period.

CONCLUSION: DLMR01, a PCL-based dermal filler, showed effectiveness and safety in improving wrinkles described as crow's feet. The study suggests that DLMR01 could be a promising option for noninvasive anti-aging treatments.}, } @article {pmid39307930, year = {2024}, author = {Micula, A and Holmer, E and Ning, R and Danielsson, H}, title = {Relationships Between Hearing Status, Cognitive Abilities, and Reliance on Visual and Contextual Cues.}, journal = {Ear and hearing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39307930}, issn = {1538-4667}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Visual and contextual cues facilitate speech recognition in suboptimal listening conditions (e.g., background noise, hearing loss, hearing aid signal processing). Moreover, successful speech recognition in challenging listening conditions is linked to cognitive abilities such as working memory and fluid intelligence. However, it is unclear which cognitive abilities facilitate the use of visual and contextual cues in individuals with normal hearing and hearing aid users. The first aim was to investigate whether individuals with hearing aid users rely on visual and contextual cues to a higher degree than individuals with normal hearing in a speech-in-noise recognition task. The second aim was to investigate whether working memory and fluid intelligence are associated with the use of visual and contextual cues in these groups.

DESIGN: Groups of participants with normal hearing and hearing aid users with bilateral, symmetrical mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss were included (n = 169 per group). The Samuelsson and Rönnberg task was administered to measure speech recognition in speech-shaped noise. The task consists of an equal number of sentences administered in the auditory and audiovisual modalities, as well as without and with contextual cues (visually presented word preceding the sentence, e.g.,: "Restaurant"). The signal to noise ratio was individually set to 1 dB below the level obtained for 50% correct speech recognition in the hearing-in-noise test administered in the auditory modality. The Reading Span test was used to measure working memory capacity and the Raven test was used to measure fluid intelligence. The data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects modeling.

RESULTS: Both groups exhibited significantly higher speech recognition performance when visual and contextual cues were available. Although the hearing aid users performed significantly worse compared to those with normal hearing in the auditory modality, both groups reached similar performance levels in the audiovisual modality. In addition, a significant positive relationship was found between the Raven test score and speech recognition performance only for the hearing aid users in the audiovisual modality. There was no significant relationship between Reading Span test score and performance.

CONCLUSIONS: Both participants with normal hearing and hearing aid users benefitted from contextual cues, regardless of cognitive abilities. The hearing aid users relied on visual cues to compensate for the perceptual difficulties, reaching a similar performance level as the participants with normal hearing when visual cues were available, despite worse performance in the auditory modality. It is important to note that the hearing aid users who had higher fluid intelligence were able to capitalize on visual cues more successfully than those with poorer fluid intelligence, resulting in better speech-in-noise recognition performance.}, } @article {pmid39282745, year = {2024}, author = {Karaavci, FA and Dortbudak, MB and Demircioglu, M and Kocyigit, A}, title = {Investigation of Glandula Uropygialis in Different Avian Species Using Morphometric and Histological Methods.}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {53}, number = {5}, pages = {e13107}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.13107}, pmid = {39282745}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Birds/anatomy & histology ; Feathers/anatomy & histology ; Geese/anatomy & histology ; Columbidae/anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to identify the glandula uropygialis's macroanatomical and histological structure in male and female birds (stork, goose, eagle, pigeon, crow and sparrowhawk) that belong to different populations. A total of 58 specimens were used in the study. The study materials were delivered to our laboratory by nature conservation and national parks, and no animals were euthanised for this study. The longitudinal and transversal lengths, dorsoventral heights and feather length of the glandula uropygialis and papilla uropygialis were measured with a digital calliper. Haematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining were performed for histological examinations. The shape of the glandula uropygialis was found to be pear-shaped in pigeons and sparrowhawks, heart-shaped in geese, kidney-shaped in eagles and oval-fascule-shaped in storks. In the crow, the shape of the glandula uropygialis was different from the other species in that it was located dorso-caudally. Histomorphological examination of the glands of these species revealed that the gland generally consisted of two lobes, right and left, surrounded by connective tissue from the outside. The parenchyma of these lobes consisted of tubulo-alveolar secretory glands with a radial arrangement from the periphery to the centre. The glands within the lobes differed from the periphery to the centre and although the general histomorphological appearance was similar between bird species, some differences were observed between species. Similar stromal structure was observed in all bird species evaluated in the study. However, the reticular connective tissue forming the roof of the gland was found to be more developed in pigeons, especially in Masson's trichroma staining. The degenerative layer in the glands was more prominent in the eagle, followed by the goose and crow. Although a common general histological structure was observed among bird species, simple histomorphological differences were found between these formations, but no differences were found between the sexes. The results obtained will be compared with the findings of the aves class and will provide a data source for this special gland specific to birds. It is thought that the results obtained may help to determine the functional properties of the gland and contribute to the science of ornithology.}, } @article {pmid39282681, year = {2024}, author = {Ayoub, AEA and Aljughaiman, AM and Alghawi, MA and Morsy, A and Omara, EMN and Abdulla Alabbasi, AM and Renzulli, JS}, title = {Validation of Hamdan intelligence scale in upper elementary grades using the Rasch model: exploratory study.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1407734}, pmid = {39282681}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Hamdan Intelligence Scale (HIS) is the first intelligence scale that has been developed and normed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to examine the refinement, validity, and reliability of HIS in upper elementary grades using the Rasch model. A total of 4,301 students (34.3% Male; 65.7% Female) from grade 4 to 6 (32.1% grade 4; 33.7% grade 5; 34.2% grade 6) were administered to the HIS. The confirmatory factor analysis was first conducted to verify the fitness of the one-factor model of the HIS. The results of validity showed strong correlation coefficients between the HIS and the Aurora-g battery (0.83) and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM; 0.86). Moreover, the results of the developmental trends demonstrated that raw scores of the HIS increase with age and grade relatively constantly across composite scores. Unidimensionality was confirmed through the Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Principal Component Analysis of Residuals (PCAR). The low eigenvalues of the first contrast were below 2, and additionally, the infit and outfit mean squares ranged from 0.88 to 1.14 and 0.84 to 1.14. Rasch's person reliability result of 0.62 was acceptable reliability. The results provided strong support for the validity and reliability of using the Hamdan Intelligence Scale in the UAE environment.}, } @article {pmid39275229, year = {2024}, author = {Liu, S and Yu, X and Xing, Z and Ding, P and Cui, Y and Liu, H}, title = {The Impact of Exposure to Iodine and Fluorine in Drinking Water on Thyroid Health and Intelligence in School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Investigation.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {16}, number = {17}, pages = {}, pmid = {39275229}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {82173641//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; TJWJ2022MS045//The Scientific and Technological Project of Tianjin health/ ; TJSQNYXXR-D2-151//Tianjin high-level personnel training program/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; *Iodine/urine/deficiency ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Fluorine ; *Intelligence/drug effects ; *Drinking Water/chemistry/analysis ; *Thyroid Gland/drug effects ; China ; Thyroid Hormones/blood ; Adolescent ; Intelligence Tests ; }, abstract = {Iodine and fluorine, as halogen elements, are often coexisting in water environments, with nearly 200 million people suffering from fluorosis globally, and, in 11 countries and territories, adolescents have iodine intakes higher than that required for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders. It has been suggested that excess iodine and/or fluorine can affect thyroid health and intellectual development, especially in children, but their combined effect has been less studied in this population. This study investigated 399 school-age children in Tianjin, China, collected drinking water samples from areas where the school-age children lived, and grouped the respondents according to iodine and fluorine levels. Thyroid health was measured using thyroid hormone levels, thyroid volume, and the presence of thyroid nodules; intelligence quotient (IQ) was assessed using the Raven's Progressive Matrices (CRT) test; and monoamine neurotransmitter levels were used to explore the potential relationship between thyroid health and intelligence. Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses showed that iodine and fluorine were positively correlated with thyroid volume and the incidence of thyroid nodules in school-age children, and negatively correlated with IQ; similar results were obtained in the secondary subgroups based on urinary iodine and urinary fluoride levels. Interaction analyses revealed a synergistic effect of iodine and fluorine. A pathway analysis showed that iodine and fluorine were negatively associated with the secretion of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), which in turn were negatively associated with the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Iodine and fluorine may affect IQ in school-aged children through the above pathways that affect thyroid hormone secretion; of these, FT3 and TSH were negatively correlated with IQ, whereas FT4 was positively correlated with IQ. The relationship between thyroid hormones and monoamine neurotransmitters may involve the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, with FT4 hormone concentrations positively correlating with dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT) concentrations, and FT3 hormone concentrations positively correlating with DA concentrations. Monoamine neurotransmitters may play a mediating role in the effects of iodine and fluoride on intelligence in schoolchildren. However, this study has some limitations, as the data were derived from a cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China, and no attention was paid to the reciprocal effects of iodine and fluorine at different doses on thyroid health and intelligence in schoolchildren in other regions.}, } @article {pmid39270252, year = {2024}, author = {Zhu, H and Fang, Y and Wu, J and Wang, Z and Li, J and Cheng, X and Ji, H and Su, Y and Shieh, W}, title = {Narrow-bandwidth silicon photonic CROW filter for carrier-extracted self-coherent (CESC) detection.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {49}, number = {18}, pages = {5151-5154}, doi = {10.1364/OL.536778}, pmid = {39270252}, issn = {1539-4794}, abstract = {In this Letter, we report a second-order silicon photonic (SiP) coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) filter with an ultra-narrow 10-dB bandwidth of 1.75 GHz and a high extinction ratio (ER) of ∼50 dB. By utilizing this CROW filter, we demonstrated an innovative self-coherent detection, called carrier-extracted self-coherent (CESC) detection. By effectively suppressing signal components with the narrow-bandwidth CROW, full-field recovery can be achieved without expensive coherent lasers and sophisticated iteration algorithms. The performance of the CROW filter-based CESC system was further experimentally verified by retrieving 100 Gb/s QPSK signals.}, } @article {pmid39263731, year = {2025}, author = {Hu, B and Wang, J and Wang, Y and Li, Y and Wang, B and Xiang, C and Xing, Y and Han, S and Yuan, G and He, H}, title = {The First Report of Sphaerirostris picae Infection in the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) in Beijing, China.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {21-25}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2023.0101}, pmid = {39263731}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Beijing/epidemiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Passeriformes/parasitology ; China/epidemiology ; Trematode Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; }, abstract = {Background: Sphaerirostris picae is a parasitic species known for its ability to infect and transmit between hosts in the gastrointestinal tracts of wild avian species. However, there is limited information on its presence and impact on urban avian populations, particularly in China. Materials and Methods: In this study, morphological observations were conducted to detect the presence of Sphaerirostris sp. within the intestinal tract of the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) collected in Beijing, China. Further confirmation of the parasite's identity was achieved through phylogenetic analysis using COX1 gene sequencing to compare with previously documented Sphaerirostris picae isolates. Results: The morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of Sphaerirostris picae in the Oriental Magpie. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship with known Sphaerirostris picae isolates. This represents the first reported case of Sphaerirostris picae infection in magpies from Beijing, China. Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential health hazards posed by Sphaerirostris picae to urban avian populations and public health. The study suggests that additional research and surveillance efforts are necessary to better understand the risks associated with this parasite and to develop effective mitigation strategies.}, } @article {pmid39261348, year = {2024}, author = {Koçak, HK}, title = {The effect of cognitive intervention program on intelligence scores in preschool.}, journal = {Cognitive processing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39261348}, issn = {1612-4790}, abstract = {Dynamic assessment is an approach that aims to improve student performance through interventions. One of the important application areas of dynamic assessment is the assessment of intelligence. Within the scope of the study, after a Cognitive intervention program (CIP) was developed, its effects on intelligence scores were examined with a quasi-experimental research method. The CIP was prepared by adopting a dynamic assessment approach to improve the performance of students with expert support. This improvement would be provided by the clues and feedback given during the intervention within the scope of the CIP. The sample of the study included 173 students in the 5-6 age group (83 experimental group, 90 control group). The CIP developed by the researcher consisted of 54 worksheets and was applied to the experimental group for 9 weeks. The implementation of the worksheets was supervised by classroom teachers. The digital application of the Anadolu-Sak Intelligence Scale (d-ASIS) and Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM) were applied to both the experimental and control groups as pretests and posttests. The increases in the intelligence scores of the experimental and control groups were analyzed by MANOVA. The analysis showed that the intelligence levels of the experimental group increased significantly more than the control group in terms of both d-ASIS and RCPM total gain scores (posttest to pretest). This result indicated that the CIP, which was developed by adopting a dynamic assessment approach, supported cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid39260852, year = {2024}, author = {Chugh, Y and Sharma, S and Guinness, L and Sharma, D and Garg, B and Mehndiratta, A and Prinja, S}, title = {Establishing national hospital costing systems: insights from the qualitative assessment of cost surveillance pilot in Indian hospitals.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {14}, number = {9}, pages = {e082965}, pmid = {39260852}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {Humans ; India ; *Qualitative Research ; Pilot Projects ; *Hospital Costs ; Interviews as Topic ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Indian Government launched Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world's largest health insurance scheme, in 2018. To reform pricing and gather evidence on healthcare costs, a hospital cost-surveillance pilot was initiated among PM-JAY empanelled hospitals. We analysed the process and challenges from both healthcare providers and payer agency's perspectives and offer recommendations for implementing similar systems in lower- and middle-income countries.

DESIGN: We employed an open-ended, descriptive and qualitative study design using in-depth interviews (IDI) as the data collection strategy.

SETTINGS: The interviews were conducted in both virtual and face-to-face modes depending on the convenience of the participants. The IDIs for the National Health Authority (NHA) officials and all providers in Kerala were conducted virtually, while face-to-face interviews were conducted and in Haryana and Chhattisgarh.

PARTICIPANTS: Staff from 21 hospitals in three states (Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Kerala), including officials from State Health Agency (n=5) and NHA (n=3) were interviewed.

RESULTS: The findings highlight significant challenges in reporting cost data at the hospital level. These include a shortage of trained staff, leading to difficulties in collecting comprehensive and high-quality data. Additionally, the data collection process is resource-intensive and time-consuming, putting strain on limited capacity. Operational issues with transaction management system, such as speed, user-friendliness and frequent page expirations, also pose obstacles. Finally, current patient records data has gaps, in terms of quantity and quality, to be directly put to use for pricing.

CONCLUSION: Accurate cost data is vital for health policy decisions. Capacity building across healthcare levels is needed for precise cost collection. Integration into digital infrastructure is key to avoid burdening providers and ensure quality data capture.}, } @article {pmid39257567, year = {2024}, author = {Ham, JR and Pellis, SM and Pellis, VC}, title = {Oppositions, joints, and targets: the attractors that are the glue of social interactions.}, journal = {Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {1451283}, pmid = {39257567}, issn = {1662-5153}, abstract = {Social interactions are often analyzed by scoring segments of predefined behavior and then statistically assessing numerical and sequential patterns to identify the structure of the encounters. However, this approach can miss the dynamics of the animals' relationship over the course of the encounter, one that often involves invariant bonds, say a nose-to-nose orientation, with many different movements performed by both partners acting to counteract each other's attempts to break or maintain the relationship. Moreover, these invariant bonds can switch from one configuration to another during an interaction, leading from one stable configuration to another. It is this stepwise sequence of configurational stabilities that lead to functional outcomes, such as mating, aggression, or predation. By focusing on the sequence of invariant relational configurations, the deep structure of interactions can be discerned. This deep structure can then be used to differentiate between compensatory movements, no matter how seemingly stereotyped they may appear, from movement patterns which are restricted to a particular form when more than one option is available. A dynamic perspective requires suitable tools for analysis, and such tools are highlighted as needed in describing particular interactions.}, } @article {pmid39253095, year = {2024}, author = {d' Isa, R and Parsons, MH and Chrzanowski, M and Bebas, P and Stryjek, R}, title = {Catch me if you can: free-living mice show a highly flexible dodging behaviour suggestive of intentional tactical deception.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {11}, number = {7}, pages = {231692}, pmid = {39253095}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Intentional tactical deception, the employment of a tactic to intentionally deceive another animal, is a complex behaviour based on higher-order cognition, that has rarely been documented outside of primates and corvids. New laboratory-to-field assays, however, provide the opportunity to investigate such behaviour among free-living mice. In the present study, we placed laboratory-style test chambers with a single entrance near a forest outside Warsaw, where we observed the social interactions of two territorial murids, black-striped and yellow-necked mice, under food competition for seven months. Notably, among the social interactions, we video-recorded 21 instances of deceptive pursuer evasion. In the most obvious cases, an individual inside the chamber, to avoid an incoming mouse, hid by the chamber opening (the only means to enter or exit), paused until the pursuer entered and passed by, and then exploited the distraction of the back-turned pursuer by fleeing through the opening in a direction opposite to the one the pursuer came from. This deceptive dodging is the first evidence of a behaviour suggestive of intentional tactical deception among mice. As such, this deceptive behaviour may be of interest not only for rodent psychology but also, more generally, for the fields of non-human intentionality and theory of mind.}, } @article {pmid39252993, year = {2024}, author = {Prinja, S and Dixit, J and Nimesh, R and Garg, B and Khurana, R and Paliwal, A and Aggarwal, AK}, title = {Impact of health benefit package policy interventions on service utilisation under government-funded health insurance in Punjab, India: analysis of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).}, journal = {The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia}, volume = {28}, number = {}, pages = {100462}, pmid = {39252993}, issn = {2772-3682}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The design of health benefits package (HBP), and its associated payment and pricing system, is central to the performance of government-funded health insurance programmes. We evaluated the impact of revision in HBP within India's Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) on provider behaviour, manifesting in terms of utilisation of services.

METHODS: We analysed the data on 1.35 million hospitalisation claims submitted by all the 886 (222 government and 664 private) empanelled hospitals in state of Punjab, from August 2019 to December 2022, to assess the change in utilisation from HBP 1.0 to HBP 2.0. The packages were stratified based on the nature of revision introduced in HBP 2.0, i.e., change in nomenclature, construct, price, or a combination of these. Data from National Health System Cost Database on cost of each of the packages was used to determine the cost-price differential for each package during HBP 1.0 and 2.0 respectively. A dose-response relationship was also evaluated, based on the multiplicity of revision type undertaken, or based on extent of price correction done. Change in the number of monthly claims, and the number of monthly claims per package was computed for each package category using an appropriate seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) time series model.

FINDINGS: Overall, we found that the HBP revision led to a positive impact on utilisation of services. While changes in HBP nomenclature and construct had a positive effect, incorporating price corrections further accentuated the impact. The pricing reforms highly impacted those packages which were originally significantly under-priced. However, we did not find statistically significant dose-response relationship based on extent of price correction. Thirdly, the overall impact of HBP revision was similar in public and private hospitals.

INTERPRETATION: Our paper demonstrates the significant positive impact of PM-JAY HBP revisions on utilisation. HBP revisions need to be undertaken with the anticipation of its long-term intended effects.

FUNDING: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).}, } @article {pmid39241525, year = {2024}, author = {Shichijo, T and Ikeda, T and Higashide, D and Omori, A and Suzuki, T and Suzuki, M}, title = {Quantification of wildlife visits to pig farms via camera traps in Japan.}, journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine}, volume = {232}, number = {}, pages = {106318}, doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106318}, pmid = {39241525}, issn = {1873-1716}, mesh = {Animals ; Japan ; *Animals, Wild ; Swine ; Birds ; Mammals ; Sus scrofa ; Photography ; Animal Husbandry/methods/instrumentation ; Farms ; }, abstract = {Infectious diseases in livestock not only cause significant economic losses but also affect food security. Although wildlife may be involved in these infectious diseases by serving as reservoirs, research has primarily focused on livestock and related species. Moreover, while these species represent a potential threat in wildlife-borne infectious diseases, comprehensive surveys of the presence of various species are limited. In this study, we aimed to quantitatively investigate the occurrence of various mammals and birds at three pig farms in Japan. We conducted camera trap surveys from October 15, 2020, to March 24, 2022, and determined the relative abundance index inside and outside the sanitary control zone. Wild boar (Sus scrofa), sika deer (Cervus nippon), and Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) were photographed only outside the sanitary control zone. In contrast, small and medium-sized mammals, such as feral cats (Felis catus), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and rodent species (Muridae), and birds, such as the rufous oriental turtle dove (Streptopelia orientalis) and crows of the genus Corvus, were photographed both inside and outside the sanitary control zone. This comprehensive quantitative evidence suggests that various mammals and birds may be in indirect contact with livestock, highlighting the need to improve biosecurity at livestock farms. Moreover, while fences are effective against large mammals, they are inefficient against small to medium-sized mammals and birds. Therefore, the results of this study provide important insights into enhancing biosecurity on livestock farms by strengthening physical fencing, disinfecting clothing and equipment, and complying with standards of hygiene management.}, } @article {pmid39240772, year = {2024}, author = {Yonemoto, G and Cheung, TP and Vyce, SD and Gazes, MI}, title = {Vacuum-Assisted Eggshell-Type Bone Debridement with Implantation of Antibiotic-Impregnated Bone Substitute for Treatment of Calcaneal Osteomyelitis with Subsequent Charcot's Reconstruction: A Case Report.}, journal = {Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association}, volume = {114}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.7547/23-092}, pmid = {39240772}, issn = {1930-8264}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Osteomyelitis/surgery/etiology ; *Calcaneus/surgery ; *Debridement/methods ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; *Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use ; Arthropathy, Neurogenic/surgery ; Calcium Sulfate/therapeutic use ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods ; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy/methods ; }, abstract = {Charcot's neuroarthropathy complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis can be difficult to treat. Various surgical techniques describe how to manage these conditions. Eggshell-type debridement with application of antibiotic-impregnated bone substitute is a viable option that eliminates infected bone and allows staged reconstructive surgery. A 50-year-old woman with right midfoot Charcot's neuroarthropathy presented with osteomyelitis of the cuboid and fourth and fifth metatarsal bases after resection and failed antibiotic therapy. The patient eventually developed adductovarus, septic shock, and hematogenous osteomyelitis of the calcaneus, navicular, and lateral cuneiform. Vacuum-assisted eggshell-type debridement was performed, and the calcaneal defect was filled with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and calcium phosphate. Eight weeks after the initial surgery, the infection resolved; however, the patient had trouble walking. She underwent staged Charcot's reconstructive surgery with application of a dynamic multiplanar external fixator with gradual deformity and split-thickness skin graft to cover the residual plantar lateral foot wound. The second stage included septic fusion of the midfoot and subtalar joint from the frame. Twelve weeks postoperatively, radiographic union was achieved, the external fixator was removed, and the patient demonstrated a plantigrade foot. She was transitioned to a total-contact cast and allowed to bear weight as tolerated. Eighteen months after the initial procedure, the patient is wound-free and weightbearing in a CROW boot. This innovative eggshell-type debridement technique aspirates osteomyelitic cancellous bone while preserving cortical bone. It can be particularly useful in hematogenous osteomyelitis, where cortical integrity is not breached, or in situations where there is minimal cortical involvement. Specifically preserving the calcaneus, a major weightbearing bone, permits subsequent reconstructive surgical planning. At 18 months, there were no signs of osteomyelitis recurrence.}, } @article {pmid39234642, year = {2024}, author = {Hsu, WY and Hu, SW and Yen, CE}, title = {The relationship between the food intake frequency, weight status and intelligence in school children.}, journal = {Nutrition and health}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {2601060241277579}, doi = {10.1177/02601060241277579}, pmid = {39234642}, issn = {0260-1060}, abstract = {This study aimed to explore the relationship between food intake frequency, weight status, and intelligence among school children. A cross-sectional study involved 562 children (aged 6.3-12.7 years) randomly selected from five elementary schools in Taichung City, Taiwan. Demographic information was collected, and the children's body weight and height were measured to calculate their body mass index. A food frequency questionnaire assessed the participating children's dietary habits. Intelligence quotient scores were evaluated using Raven's colored progress matrices for first and second graders, and Raven's standard progressive matrices for third to sixth graders. This study found that there was no significant relationship in intelligence quotient scores between gender, birth order groups, and weight status. The higher consumption of pork liver, hamburgers, fruit juices, and the Taiwanese snack "Science Noodles" was associated with lower intelligence quotient scores among school children.}, } @article {pmid39228068, year = {2024}, author = {Forbes, SL and Huculak, M and Watson, CJ}, title = {Taphonomic impact of vertebrate scavengers on degradation and dispersal of remains, southeastern British Columbia.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {69}, number = {6}, pages = {1985-1995}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.15620}, pmid = {39228068}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {C150-2017-12//The Canada 150 Research Chairs/ ; RGPIN/6098/2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; British Columbia ; Swine ; *Feeding Behavior ; Postmortem Changes ; Body Remains ; Forensic Anthropology ; Seasons ; Ursidae ; }, abstract = {Vertebrate scavengers represent important taphonomic agents that can act on a body, particularly when in an outdoor environment. Understanding the effects of these agents will direct how and where to search for human remains and influence the likelihood of discovery in a particular region. The current study aimed to identify the taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in the peri-urban and rural regions of southeastern British Columbia. Vertebrate scavenger activity on pig carcasses was recorded remotely using trail cameras and analyzed to determine temporal scavenging profiles. Both the peri-urban and rural environments produced comparable scavenger guilds, namely: turkey vultures, American crows/northern ravens (classified as "corvids"), American black bears, and coyotes. Although the two locations had different study lengths due to variable degrees of scavenging, for the period that was common to both locations (summer to early fall), the black bear was the most frequent scavenger followed by coyote. However, the dispersal of remains by the mammalian scavengers was distinctly different between sites. Only 12%-33% of skeletal elements were recovered at the rural sites compared to 80%-90% recovered at the peri-urban sites, even though the latter sites had a longer study timeframe. The extended timeframe of the peri-urban sites confirmed that certain scavengers (e.g., turkey vultures and black bears) are only seasonally active in this region. These findings demonstrate the variability of scavenger behavior and the need to assign caution and local ecological knowledge when predicting scavenger trends. Such taphonomic information is relevant for human remains searches in regions with comparable scavenger guilds.}, } @article {pmid39227504, year = {2024}, author = {Cornero, FM and Clayton, NS}, title = {Object permanence in rooks (Corvus frugilegus): Individual differences and behavioral considerations.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39227504}, issn = {1543-4508}, abstract = {Piagetian object permanence (OP) refers to the ability to know that an object continues to exist when out of sight: In humans, it develops in six stages. Species of great apes, other mammals, and birds (parrots, corvids, and pigeons) have been shown to possess partial or full OP, which is a prerequisite for more complex physical cognition abilities they may possess. In birds, the greatest variation is in Stage 6 (invisible displacements) and in "A-not-B" errors-incorrectly persevering in searching an empty location rewarded previously. Caching abilities have been invoked as holding explanatory power over results in corvids, for which this error is sometimes completely absent. The rook (Corvus frugilegus), a cognitively advanced, social, caching corvid, has not yet been studied for OP. This study applies tasks of one OP scale commonly adapted for nonhuman animals, Uzgiris and Hunt's Scale 1, as well as later-conceived tasks 16 and S, to a sample of adult, captive rooks. One rook demonstrated full OP (Stage 6b, multiple invisible displacements), whereas other individuals varied, attaining between Stages 5a (single visible displacements) and 6a (single invisible displacements). Like some corvids, a few made transient "A-not-B" errors. Behavioral considerations potentially underlying observed individual variation in results in rooks, including dominance, neophobia, past experiences, and individual idiosyncrasies, are examined. Rooks, like other corvids, possess well-developed OP abilities, and these results support the idea that exertion of executive control is required to avoid "A-not-B" errors, rather than caching abilities or developmental age, as previously suggested.}, } @article {pmid39224166, year = {2024}, author = {Stone, MM and Afriandi, H and Suwanda, FN and Andono, A and Mahmud, R and Khairani, OK and Clark, AB and Webster, M and McGowan, K and Radcliffe, RW}, title = {Symbiosis between the Javan rhinoceros and slender-billed crow: A novel inferred cleaning mutualism.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {9}, pages = {e70224}, pmid = {39224166}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Over the past century, the Javan rhinoceroses' (Rhinoceros sondaicus) secluded nature and low population size have led to a gap in knowledge of their ecology. With fewer than 80 individuals surviving in a single population in West Java, Indonesia, the Javan rhinoceros is one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world. As part of a pilot bioacoustics study of the Javan rhinoceros in 2019, we systematically reviewed camera trap footage from the core Javan rhinoceros range in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP). In doing so, we discovered a previously unknown interaction between the Javan rhinoceros and the slender-billed crow (Corvus enca), in which the crow finds and eats ectoparasites from the rhinoceros (Figure 1). We describe this interaction and suggest that it may represent a cleaning mutualism with benefits for both the crow and the rhinoceros.}, } @article {pmid39215030, year = {2024}, author = {Malik, S and Patro, SGK and Mahanty, C and Lasisi, A and Al-Sareji, OJ}, title = {Hybrid raven roosting intelligence framework for enhancing efficiency in data clustering.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {20163}, pmid = {39215030}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {The field of data exploration relies heavily on clustering techniques to organize vast datasets into meaningful subgroups, offering valuable insights across various domains. Traditional clustering algorithms face limitations in terms of performance, often getting stuck in local minima and struggling with complex datasets of varying shapes and densities. They also require prior knowledge of the number of clusters, which can be a drawback in real-world scenarios. In response to these challenges, we propose the "hybrid raven roosting intelligence framework" (HRIF) algorithm. HRIF draws inspiration from the dynamic behaviors of roosting ravens and computational intelligence. What distinguishes HRIF is its effective capacity to adeptly navigate the clustering landscape, evading local optima and converging toward optimal solutions. An essential enhancement in HRIF is the incorporation of the Gaussian mutation operator, which adds stochasticity to improve exploration and mitigate the risk of local minima. This research presents the development and evaluation of HRIF, showcasing its unique fusion of nature-inspired optimization techniques and computational intelligence. Extensive experiments with diverse benchmark datasets demonstrate HRIF's competitive performance, particularly its capability to handle complex data and avoid local minima, resulting in accurate clustering outcomes. HRIF's adaptability to challenging datasets and its potential to enhance clustering efficiency and solution quality position it as a promising solution in the world of data exploration.}, } @article {pmid39212877, year = {2024}, author = {Sánchez Arteaga, J}, title = {"The Logic of Monsters:" Pere Alberch and the Evolutionary Significance of Experimental Teratology.}, journal = {Journal of the history of biology}, volume = {57}, number = {3}, pages = {379-401}, pmid = {39212877}, issn = {1573-0387}, mesh = {*Teratology/history ; *Biological Evolution ; Animals ; *Developmental Biology/history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 19th Century ; Caudata/genetics ; Anura ; }, abstract = {This paper offers an historical introduction to Pere Alberch's evolutionary thought and his contributions to Evo-Devo, based on his unique approach to experimental teratology. We will take as our point of reference the teratogenic experiments developed by Alberch and Emily A. Gale during the 1980s, aimed at producing monstrous variants of frogs and salamanders. We will analyze his interpretation of the results of these experiments within the framework of the emergence of evolutionary developmental biology (or "Evo-Devo"). The aim is understand how Alberch interpreted teratological anomalies as highly revealing objects of study for understanding the development of organic form, not only in an ontogenetic sense-throughout embryonic development-but also phylogenetically-throughout the evolution of species. Alberch's interpretation of monsters reflects the influence of a long tradition of non-Darwinian evolutionary thought, which began in the nineteenth century and was continued in the twentieth century by people such as Richard Goldschmidt, Conrad H. Waddington, and Stephen Jay Gould. They all proposed various non-gradualist models of evolution, in which embryonic development played a central role. Following this tradition, Alberch argued that, in order to attain a correct understanding of the role of embryological development in evolution, it was necessary to renounce the gradualist paradigm associated with the Darwinian interpretation of evolution, which understood nature as a continuum. According to Alberch, the study of monstrous abnormalities was of great value in understanding how certain epigenetic restrictions in development could give rise to discontinuities and directionality in morphological transformations throughout evolution.}, } @article {pmid39210516, year = {2024}, author = {Pesant, M-J and Ferrell, S and Köszegi, M and Baby, V and Grenier Saint-Sauveur, V and Valle Tejada, C and Lair, S and Gagnon, CA}, title = {Complete genome sequence of a Circovirus pigeon strain in lymphocyte-depleted bursa of Fabricius of a Common Raven (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Microbiology resource announcements}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e0037824}, pmid = {39210516}, issn = {2576-098X}, support = {RGPIN-2017-05240//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; 324663//FRQ | Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies (FRQNT)/ ; }, abstract = {A necropsy was performed on a Common Raven (Corvus corax) presenting an opportunistic fungal respiratory infection and a bursal lymphoid depletion with inclusion bodies, suggestive of a circovirus infection. High-throughput sequencing of circular DNA in the bursa of Fabricius revealed a complete genome sequence of a Circovirus pigeon strain.}, } @article {pmid39207215, year = {2024}, author = {Islam, A and Wille, M and Rahman, MZ and Porter, AF and Hosaain, ME and Hassan, MM and Shirin, T and Epstein, JH and Klaassen, M}, title = {Phylodynamics of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus in Bangladesh identifying domestic ducks as the amplifying host reservoir.}, journal = {Emerging microbes & infections}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {2399268}, pmid = {39207215}, issn = {2222-1751}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/virology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Ducks/virology ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Disease Reservoirs/virology ; *Chickens/virology ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics/pathogenicity/immunology/classification/isolation & purification ; Crows/virology ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Influenza A virus/genetics/pathogenicity/classification/immunology ; Poultry Diseases/virology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; }, abstract = {High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 first emerged in Bangladesh in 2007. Despite the use of vaccines in chickens since 2012 to control HPAI, HPAI H5Nx viruses have continued to infect poultry, and wild birds, resulting in notable mass mortalities in house crows (Corvus splendens). The first HPAI H5Nx viruses in Bangladesh belonged to clade 2.2.2, followed by clade 2.3.4.2 and 2.3.2.1 viruses in 2011. After the implementation of chicken vaccination in 2012, these viruses were mostly replaced by clade 2.3.2.1a viruses and more recently clade 2.3.4.4b and h viruses. In this study, we reconstruct the phylogenetic history of HPAI H5Nx viruses in Bangladesh to evaluate the role of major host species in the maintenance and evolution of HPAI H5Nx virus in Bangladesh and reveal the role of heavily impacted crows in virus epidemiology. Epizootic waves caused by HPAI H5N1 and H5N6 viruses amongst house crows occurred annually in winter. Bayesian phylodynamic analysis of clade 2.3.2.1a revealed frequent bidirectional viral transitions between domestic ducks, chickens, and house crows that was markedly skewed towards ducks; domestic ducks might be the source, or reservoir, of HPAI H5Nx in Bangladesh, as the number of viral transitions from ducks to chickens and house crows was by far more numerous than the other transitions. Our results suggest viral circulation in domestic birds despite vaccination, with crow epizootics acting as a sentinel. The vaccination strategy needs to be updated to use more effective vaccinations, assess vaccine efficacy, and extension of vaccination to domestic ducks, the key reservoir.}, } @article {pmid39201022, year = {2024}, author = {Colucci, F and Stefanelli, S and Contaldi, E and Gozzi, A and Marchetti, A and Pugliatti, M and Laudisi, M and Antenucci, P and Capone, JG and Gragnaniello, D and Sensi, M}, title = {Cognition in Patients with Spinocerebellar Ataxia 1 (SCA1) and 2 (SCA2): A Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Approach.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {16}, pages = {}, pmid = {39201022}, issn = {2077-0383}, abstract = {Background/Objectives: Cognitive impairment in spinocerebellar ataxia patients has been reported since the early-disease stage. We aimed to assess cognitive differences in SCA1 and SCA2 patients. Methods: We performed neuropsychological (NPS) and neurophysiological (auditory event-related potentials, aERPs) assessments in 16 SCA1 and 18 SCA2 consecutive patients. Furthermore, clinical information (age at onset, disease duration, motor disability) was collected. Results: NPS tests yielded scores in the normal range in both groups but with lower scores in the Frontal Assessment Battery (p < 0.05) and Visual Analogue Test for Anosognosia for motor impairment (p < 0.05) in SCA1, and the Trail Making Test (p < 0.01), Raven's progressive matrices (p < 0.01), Stroop (p < 0.05), and emotion attribution tests (p < 0.05) in SCA2. aERPs showed lower N100 amplitude (p < 0.01) and prolonged N200 latency (p < 0.01) in SCA1 compared with SCA2. Clinically, SCA2 had more severe motor disability than SCA1 in the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia Scale. Conclusions: SCA2 showed more significant difficulties in attentional, visuospatial, and emotional function, and greater motor impairment. In contrast, SCA1 showed less cognitive flexibility/phasic ability, probably affected by a more severe degree of dysarthria. The same group revealed less neural activity during nonconscious attentional processing (N100-N200 data), suggesting greater involvement of sensory pathways in discriminating auditory stimuli. NFS did not correlate with NPS findings, implying an independent relationship. However, the specific role of the cerebellum and cerebellar symptoms in NPS test results deserves more focus.}, } @article {pmid39195696, year = {2024}, author = {Iacob, D and Paduraru, E and Gabor, VR and Gache, C and Breaban, IG and Gurlui, S and Plavan, G and Jijie, R and Nicoara, M}, title = {Trace Metal Bioaccumulation in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) and Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) Residing in the Urban Environment of Iasi City, Romania.}, journal = {Toxics}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {39195696}, issn = {2305-6304}, abstract = {Nowadays, trace metal contamination within urban atmospheres is a significant and concerning global issue. In the present study, two synanthropic bird species, namely, the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) and the rook (Corvus frugilegus), were employed as bioindicators to assess the atmospheric trace metal pollution in Iasi City, Romania. The concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu were determined through high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF-AAS) of various tissues, including the liver, kidney, lung, heart, muscle, and bone, of feral pigeons and rooks collected in Iasi City. The order of trace metal concentrations in the tissues of feral pigeons and rooks in Iasi City was similar: Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Co. However, trace element values in most tissues were higher in the rook samples than in feral pigeon ones, except for Co, which had elevated levels in feral pigeon renal and cardiac tissues, and Cu, which registered the highest concentrations in feral pigeon liver and kidney tissues. While not statistically significant, Pb concentration values in the PM10 fraction of atmospheric particles positively correlated with Pb concentrations in rook kidney samples (p = 0.05). The concentration levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in the PM10 fraction of air particles showed a positive correlation with Cd levels in the samples of pigeon heart and rook liver, kidney, and heart, Pb levels in the samples of pigeon kidney, heart, and muscle and rook liver and bone, and Ni levels in the samples of pigeon liver, kidney, and bone and rook liver, muscle, and bone, respectively.}, } @article {pmid39195074, year = {2025}, author = {Rasouli, N and Malakouti, SK and Bayat, M and Mahjoubnavaz, F and Fallahinia, N and Khosrowabadi, R}, title = {Frontal Activity of Recent Suicide Attempters: EEG spectrum Power Performing Raven Task.}, journal = {Clinical EEG and neuroscience}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {140-149}, doi = {10.1177/15500594241273125}, pmid = {39195074}, issn = {2169-5202}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *Suicide, Attempted/psychology ; Female ; *Electroencephalography/methods ; Adult ; *Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology/psychology ; *Frontal Lobe/physiopathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Problem Solving/physiology ; Young Adult ; Executive Function/physiology ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {Background: Deficits in problem-solving may be related to vulnerability to suicidal behavior. We aimed to identify the electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum associated with the performance of the Raven as a reasoning/problem-solving task among individuals with recent suicide attempts. Methods: This study with the case-control method, consisted of 61 participants who were assigned to three groups: Suicide attempt + Major Depressive Disorder (SA + MDD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Healthy Control (HC). All participants underwent clinical evaluations and problem-solving abilities. Subsequently, EEG signals were recorded while performing the Raven task. Results: The SA + MDD and MDD groups were significantly different from the HC group in terms of anxiety, reasons for life, and hopelessness. Regarding brain oscillations in performing the raven task, increased theta, gamma, and betha power extending over the frontal areas, including anterior prefrontal cortex, dlPFC, pre-SMA, inferior frontal cortex, and medial prefrontal cortex, was significant in SA + MDD compared with other groups. The alpha wave was more prominent in the left frontal, particularly in dlPFC in SA + MDD. Compared to the MDD group, the SA + MDD group had a shorter reaction time, while their response accuracy did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Suicidal patients have more frontal activity in planning and executive function than the two other groups. Nevertheless, it seems that reduced activity in the left frontal region, which plays a crucial role in managing emotional distress, can contribute to suicidal tendencies among vulnerable individuals. Limitation The small sample size and chosen difficult trials for the Raven task were the most limitations of the study.}, } @article {pmid39172397, year = {2024}, author = {Gomes-Ng, S and Gray, Q and Cowie, S}, title = {Pigeons' (Columba livia) intertemporal choice in binary-choice and patch-leaving contexts.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/com0000387}, pmid = {39172397}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Auckland University of Technology/ ; }, abstract = {Typical approaches to study self-control present subjects with a simultaneous choice between a larger-later (LL) reinforcer and a smaller-sooner (SS) reinforcer. In contrast, in patch-leaving tasks, subjects choose between staying at a patch for an SS (or LL) reinforcer and leaving for an LL (or SS) reinforcer. Previous studies show that blue jays, monkeys, humans, and rats prefer the SS reinforcer in binary-choice tasks, whereas the same subjects prefer the LL reinforcer in equivalent patch-leaving tasks. The current study systematically replicated this research using pigeons. Six pigeons responded in a binary-choice task and in two patch-leaving tasks in which staying led to an LL (Patch-L) or SS (Patch-S) reinforcer. Across conditions, the SS reinforcer delay varied from 5 to 55 s; the LL reinforcer delay was always 60 s. In binary-choice conditions, subjects preferred the SS reinforcer. In Patch-L and Patch-S conditions, subjects preferred the LL and SS reinforcer, respectively, reflecting a bias to stay at the patch. This bias persisted when the stay response was more effortful and when the delays to both reinforcers were equal. This may reflect a species-specific win-stay bias and the differential consequences of staying (which led to a stimulus signaling food) versus leaving (which led to a stimulus never associated with food). Thus, we propose a conditioned-reinforcement account of intertemporal choice in patch-leaving contexts. We suggest several avenues for further investigations of the mechanisms underlying intertemporal choice in different contexts and question the economic equivalence of the operant and patch-leaving procedures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid39172108, year = {2024}, author = {Mason, LLK and Masuda, B and Swaisgood, RR and Flanagan, AM}, title = {Nest quality predicts the probability of egg loss in the critically endangered 'Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis).}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {43}, number = {5}, pages = {481-490}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21849}, pmid = {39172108}, issn = {1098-2361}, support = {//San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance/ ; //State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife/ ; //Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation/ ; //National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/ ; //U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ ; //Anonymous/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Endangered Species ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Animal Husbandry/methods ; Ovum/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animals, Zoo ; }, abstract = {Conservation breeding programs for endangered species face challenges, notably in the development of husbandry techniques, complicated by the impracticality of conducting controlled experiments. To reduce uncertainty regarding what works in conservation breeding programs, it is essential to capture data. In avian breeding programs, the construction of quality nests and appropriate incubation and handling of eggs by the parents are essential prerequisites to the successful production of offspring. Here, we study factors influencing nest-building and parental incubation outcomes in 'alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis), which is extinct in the wild and numbers fewer than 130 individuals in human care. Using parent-incubated egg data from 2018 to 2021 (171 clutches, 55 pairs), we evaluated the role of husbandry factors in determining the quality of nests constructed by 'alalā and the likelihood of nest quality and other social and environmental factors to predict egg loss (breaking, cannibalization, or ejection of an egg from the nest). More than half of all eggs laid failed to reach the hatch date. Nest quality was the most influential predictor of egg loss, with eggs in higher quality nests more likely to reach the hatch date. Male age also influenced egg loss, with very young (3 years old) and older males (⪞12 years old) experiencing more egg loss. Furthermore, the two facilities and two aviary types also differed in the quality of nests 'alalā constructed, indicating that nest-building behavior can be influenced by husbandry practices. These findings reduce uncertainty and provide insights for recommended management interventions to facilitate successful reproduction in human care.}, } @article {pmid39169572, year = {2024}, author = {Onal, C and Demirhan, B and Elmali, A and Guler, OC}, title = {Nomograms for detecting lymph node metastasis detected with surgery-Can you name any birds other than crow?.}, journal = {The Prostate}, volume = {84}, number = {15}, pages = {1413-1414}, doi = {10.1002/pros.24759}, pmid = {39169572}, issn = {1097-0045}, } @article {pmid39169115, year = {2024}, author = {Dos Santos, FAA and Barros, SC and Fagulha, T and Ramos, F and Henriques, AM and Duarte, A and Magalhães, A and Luís, T and Duarte, MD}, title = {First detection of Bagaza virus in Common magpies (Pica pica), Portugal 2023.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {19452}, pmid = {39169115}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {Project UIDB/00276/2020//FCT/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Portugal ; *Flavivirus/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Bird Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; Flavivirus Infections/virology/veterinary/transmission/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Bagaza virus (BAGV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae, genus Orthoflavivirus, Ntaya serocomplex. Like other viruses of the Ntaya and Japanese encephalitis serocomplexes, it is maintained in nature in transmission cycles involving viremic wild bird reservoirs and Culex spp. mosquitoes. The susceptibility of red-legged partridge, ring-necked pheasant, Himalayan monal and common wood pigeon is well known. Determining whether other species are susceptible to BAGV infection is fundamental to understanding the dynamics of disease transmission and maintenance. In September 2023, seven Eurasian magpies were found dead in a rural area in the Mértola district (southern Portugal) where a BAGV-positive cachectic red-legged partridge had been found two weeks earlier. BAGV had also been detected in several red-legged partridges in the same area in September 2021. Three of the magpies were tested for Bagaza virus, Usutu virus, West Nile virus, Avian influenza virus and Avian paramyxovirus serotype 1, and were positive for BAGV only. Sequencing data confirmed the specificity of the molecular detection. Our results indicate that BAGV is circulating in southern Portugal and confirm that Eurasian magpie is potential susceptible to BAGV infection. The inclusion of the abundant Eurasian magpie in the list of BAGV hosts raises awareness of the potential role of this species as as an amplifying host.}, } @article {pmid39148142, year = {2024}, author = {Martínez-Renau, E and Martín-Platero, AM and Bodawatta, KH and Martín-Vivaldi, M and Martínez-Bueno, M and Poulsen, M and Soler, JJ}, title = {Social environment influences microbiota and potentially pathogenic bacterial communities on the skin of developing birds.}, journal = {Animal microbiome}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {47}, pmid = {39148142}, issn = {2524-4671}, support = {PRE2018-085378//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; CGL2017-83103-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; CGL2017-83103-P//European Regional Development Fund/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Animal bacterial symbionts are established early in life, either through vertical transmission and/or by horizontal transmission from both the physical and the social environment, such as direct contact with con- or heterospecifics. The social environment particularly can influence the acquisition of both mutualistic and pathogenic bacteria, with consequences for the stability of symbiotic communities. However, segregating the effects of the shared physical environment from those of the social interactions is challenging, limiting our current knowledge on the role of the social environment in structuring bacterial communities in wild animals. Here, we take advantage of the avian brood-parasite system of Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) to explore how the interspecific social environment (magpie nestlings developing with or without heterospecifics) affects bacterial communities on uropygial gland skin.

RESULTS: We demonstrated interspecific differences in bacterial community compositions in members of the two species when growing up in monospecific nests. However, the bacterial community of magpies in heterospecific nests was richer, more diverse, and more similar to their cuckoo nest-mates than when growing up in monospecific nests. These patterns were alike for the subset of microbes that could be considered core, but when looking at the subset of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, cuckoo presence reduced the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera on magpies.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of social interactions in shaping the assembly of the avian skin bacterial communities during the nestling period, as exemplified in a brood parasite-host system.}, } @article {pmid39146098, year = {2024}, author = {Xu, M and Lei, P and Bai, Y and Chen, Z and Xie, X}, title = {Enhancement of Brillouin nonlinearities with a coupled resonator optical waveguide.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {49}, number = {16}, pages = {4541-4544}, doi = {10.1364/OL.533979}, pmid = {39146098}, issn = {1539-4794}, abstract = {Stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is a nonlinear optical phenomenon mediated from the coupling of photons and phonons. It has found applications in various realms, yet the acousto-optic interaction strength remains relatively weak. Enhancing the SBS with resonant structures could be a promising solution, but this method faces strict constraints in operational bandwidth. Here, we present the first demonstration to our knowledge of the broadband enhancement of Brillouin nonlinearities by a suspended coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) on an SOI platform. By comprehensively balancing the Brillouin gain and operational bandwidth, a 3-fold enhancement for the Brillouin gain coefficient (GB) and a broad operational bandwidth of over 80 GHz have been achieved. Furthermore, this 1.1 mm device shows a forward Brillouin gain coefficient of 2422 m[-1]W[-1] and a high mechanical quality factor (Qm) of 1060. This approach marks a pivotal advancement toward wide bandwidth, low energy consumption, and compact integrated nonlinear photonic devices, with potential applications in tunable microwave photonic filters and phonon-based non-reciprocal devices.}, } @article {pmid39142379, year = {2024}, author = {Seo, H and Ansai, E and Sase, T and Saito, T and Takano, T and Kojima, Y and Waki, T}, title = {Introduction of a snake trematode of the genus Ochetosoma in eastern Japan.}, journal = {Parasitology international}, volume = {103}, number = {}, pages = {102947}, doi = {10.1016/j.parint.2024.102947}, pmid = {39142379}, issn = {1873-0329}, mesh = {Animals ; Japan ; *Trematoda/classification/isolation & purification/anatomy & histology/genetics ; *Snakes/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; Snails/parasitology ; Trematode Infections/parasitology/veterinary/epidemiology ; Introduced Species ; Mouth/parasitology ; }, abstract = {In Japan, trematodes of the family Ochetosomatidae are not naturally distributed. However, the introduced ochetosomatid Ochetosoma kansense (Crow, 1913) has been reported from the oral cavity of native snakes in western Japan since 2010s. In this study, trematodes were isolated from the oral cavities of the native Japanese snakes, Elaphe quadrivirgata (Boie, 1826), E. climacophora (Boie, 1826), and Rhabdophis tigrinus (Boie, 1826), in the central Kanto region of eastern Japan. Morphological and molecular analyses of the isolated trematodes revealed that all trematodes were identifiable to a newly introduced ochetosomatid species to Japan, O. elongatum (Pratt, 1903), which originated from North America; Lechriorchis tygarti Talbot, 1933 was synonymized with O. elongatum based on identical molecular data and morphological similarity. To identify first intermediate hosts of O. elongatum, seven freshwater snail species were examined in eastern Japan. Molecular analysis was used to identify O. elongatum sporocysts in the freshwater snail Physella acuta (Draparnaud, 1805), which also originated from North America. The other six species did not host O. elongatum, suggesting that Ph. acuta is the only first intermediate host of O. elongatum in Japan. Although O. elongatum has been detected in Japan, its invasion route and period of introduction are unclear. Frequent imports of freshwater snails and wild snakes from North America, after the 1990s and 2005, respectively, presumably introduced O. elongatum in Japan.}, } @article {pmid39141936, year = {2024}, author = {Nelson, APK and Mole, J and Pombo, G and Gray, RJ and Ruffle, JK and Chan, E and Rees, GE and Cipolotti, L and Nachev, P}, title = {The minimal computational substrate of fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {179}, number = {}, pages = {62-76}, doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2024.07.003}, pmid = {39141936}, issn = {1973-8102}, mesh = {Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Cognition/physiology ; Young Adult ; Intelligence Tests ; Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {The quantification of cognitive powers rests on identifying a behavioural task that depends on them. Such dependence cannot be assured, for the powers a task invokes cannot be experimentally controlled or constrained a priori, resulting in unknown vulnerability to failure of specificity and generalisability. Evaluating a compact version of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM), a widely used clinical test of fluid intelligence, we show that LaMa, a self-supervised artificial neural network trained solely on the completion of partially masked images of natural environmental scenes, achieves representative human-level test scores a prima vista, without any task-specific inductive bias or training. Compared with cohorts of healthy and focally lesioned participants, LaMa exhibits human-like variation with item difficulty, and produces errors characteristic of right frontal lobe damage under degradation of its ability to integrate global spatial patterns. LaMa's narrow training and limited capacity suggest matrix-style tests may be open to computationally simple solutions that need not necessarily invoke the substrates of reasoning.}, } @article {pmid39140880, year = {2024}, author = {Machado, RB and Amorim, TOS and de Castro, F and Andriolo, A}, title = {Use of whistles for acoustic classification of delphinids (odontoceti: Delphinidae) in the Western South Atlantic Ocean.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {156}, number = {2}, pages = {1070-1080}, doi = {10.1121/10.0028170}, pmid = {39140880}, issn = {1520-8524}, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal/classification ; *Acoustics ; Atlantic Ocean ; *Dolphins/classification/physiology ; Sound Spectrography ; Brazil ; Species Specificity ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; }, abstract = {This study focuses on the acoustic classification of delphinid species at the southern continental slope of Brazil. Recordings were collected between 2013 and 2015 using towed arrays and were processed using a classifier to identify the species in the recordings. Using Raven Pro 1.6 software (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY), we analyzed whistles for species identification. The random forest algorithm in R facilitates classification analysis based on acoustic parameters, including low, high, delta, center, beginning, and ending frequencies, and duration. Evaluation metrics, such as correct and incorrect classification percentages, global accuracy, balanced accuracy, and p-values, were employed. Receiver operating characteristic curves and area-under-the-curve (AUC) values demonstrated well-fitting models (AUC ≥ 0.7) for species definition. Duration and delta frequency emerged as crucial parameters for classification, as indicated by the decrease in mean accuracy. Multivariate dispersion plots visualized the proximity between acoustic and visual match data and exclusively acoustic encounter (EAE) data. The EAE results classified as Delphinus delphis (n = 6), Stenella frontalis (n = 3), and Stenella longirostris (n = 2) provide valuable insights into the presence of these species between approximately 23° and 34° S in Brazil. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of acousting classification in discriminating delphinids through whistle parameters.}, } @article {pmid39140629, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, SS and Parikh, JR}, title = {A Radiologist's Wellness Journey: AJR Podcast Series on Wellness, Episode 5.}, journal = {AJR. American journal of roentgenology}, volume = {223}, number = {3}, pages = {e2431888}, doi = {10.2214/AJR.24.31888}, pmid = {39140629}, issn = {1546-3141}, mesh = {Humans ; *Radiologists ; Webcasts as Topic ; Burnout, Professional/prevention & control ; Periodicals as Topic ; Health Promotion/methods ; }, } @article {pmid39123837, year = {2024}, author = {Sankaranarayanan, S and Vijayakumar, R and Swaminathan, S and Almarri, B and Lorenz, P and Rodrigues, JJPC}, title = {Node Localization Method in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Combined Crow Search and the Weighted Centroid Method.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {24}, number = {15}, pages = {}, pmid = {39123837}, issn = {1424-8220}, support = {No. KFU241353//Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia/ ; No. 306607/2023-9//Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development-CNPq/ ; }, abstract = {Node localization is critical for accessing diverse nodes that provide services in remote places. Single-anchor localization techniques suffer co-linearity, performing poorly. The reliable multiple anchor node selection method is computationally intensive and requires a lot of processing power and time to identify suitable anchor nodes. Node localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is challenging due to the number and placement of anchors, as well as their communication capabilities. These senor nodes possess limited energy resources, which is a big concern in localization. In addition to convention optimization in WSNs, researchers have employed nature-inspired algorithms to localize unknown nodes in WSN. However, these methods take longer, require lots of processing power, and have higher localization error, with a greater number of beacon nodes and sensitivity to parameter selection affecting localization. This research employed a nature-inspired crow search algorithm (an improvement over other nature-inspired algorithms) for selecting the suitable number of anchor nodes from the population, reducing errors in localizing unknown nodes. Additionally, the weighted centroid method was proposed for identifying the exact location of an unknown node. This made the crow search weighted centroid localization (CS-WCL) algorithm a more trustworthy and efficient method for node localization in WSNs, with reduced average localization error (ALE) and energy consumption. CS-WCL outperformed WCL and distance vector (DV)-Hop, with a reduced ALE of 15% (from 32%) and varying communication radii from 20 m to 45 m. Also, the ALE against scalability was validated for CS-WCL against WCL and DV-Hop for a varying number of beacon nodes (from 3 to 2), reducing ALE to 2.59% (from 28.75%). Lastly, CS-WCL resulted in reduced energy consumption (from 120 mJ to 45 mJ) for varying network nodes from 30 to 300 against WCL and DV-Hop. Thus, CS-WCL outperformed other nature-inspired algorithms in node localization. These have been validated using MATLAB 2022b.}, } @article {pmid39118841, year = {2024}, author = {Hosoda, C and YunFeng, Z and Watanabe, J and Maruya, K and Tabuchi, R and Hosokawa, K and Matsuhashi, T}, title = {The importance of childhood social capitals in the future well-being of children.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1389269}, pmid = {39118841}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Elucidating the enduring effects of childhood social capital is vital for shaping future well-being. Here, we investigate the impact of childhood social capital (SC) and parental engagement on adult psychological well-being and cognitive performance.

METHODS: Utilizing a cohort of 292 Japanese university students, we assessed the influences of SC and parental time during childhood on adult outcomes. Participants retrospectively reported their early childhood experiences, focusing on social interactions and parental involvement.

RESULTS: Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between childhood SC and adult subjective well-being, particularly in its positive dimensions. Additionally, maternal involvement during childhood is associated with cognitive abilities in adulthood, as measured by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis highlights the substantial impact of childhood SC on adult well-being, elucidating the intricate interplay between social and parental contributions to developmental trajectories.

DISCUSSION: These results highlight the crucial roles of both parental and non-parental figures in fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development from childhood to adulthood, underscoring the importance of nurturing supportive relationships throughout early life to promote positive developmental outcomes.}, } @article {pmid39111859, year = {2024}, author = {Shimoda, M and Ishitsuka, K and Morisaki, N}, title = {[Development and psychometric properties of the Japanese version of Child and Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R) among Japanese youth].}, journal = {[Nihon koshu eisei zasshi] Japanese journal of public health}, volume = {71}, number = {10}, pages = {599-605}, doi = {10.11236/jph.23-113}, pmid = {39111859}, issn = {0546-1766}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; East Asian People/psychology ; Japan ; *Psychometrics ; *Resilience, Psychological ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Objectives Resilience is the ability to navigate adversity and recover from challenging situations. Developing resilience at a young age promotes mental health and provides benefits throughout one's lifespan. Validated measures for assessing resilience at a young age are required in both clinical practice and epidemiological studies. The Child and Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R) is a tool used worldwide to assess resilience in children and young people. The objective of this study was to develop a Japanese version of the CYRM-R and investigate its psychometric properties.Methods Children in grades 5-9 were recruited via a two-stage cluster random sampling taken from the Japan Adolescent and Youth (JAY) Longitudinal Cohort Study. The participants completed the Japanese version of the CYRM-R . The CYRM-R consists of two subscales, personal resilience and caregiver resilience, with a total of 17 items. The linguistic validity of the Japanese version of the CYRM-R was ensured through translation and back-translation.Cronbach's alpha coefficients were examined for the total score and the two subscales to assess the internal consistency of the Japanese version of the CYRM-R scale. In addition, correlation coefficients of the subscales were calculated. For factorial validity, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the same two-factor structure as in the original version to assess the model's goodness of fit. Results A total of 2,266 children (50.0% male) were included in the study. The overall Cronbach's alpha of the Japanese version of the CYRM-R obtained from this sample was 0.956; For the personal resilience subscale, Cronbach's alpha was 0.932; for the caregiver resilience subscale, it was 0.919. Significant positive correlations were also found between subscales (r = 0.827, p < 0.001). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using a two-factor structure for validity. The model fit was good (RMSEA = 0.085, SRMR = 0.041, CFI = 0.934).Conclusion The Japanese version of the CYRM-R maintained the same two-factor structure as the original version. The study findings showed that the Japanese version of the CYRM-R had adequate internal consistency and factorial validity for assessing resilience in children and youth. Therefore, this scale is a valuable tool for identifying individuals or groups at risk in terms of children's resilience and for evaluating the effectiveness of support and interventions.}, } @article {pmid39110762, year = {2024}, author = {Zandberg, L and Morfi, V and George, JM and Clayton, DF and Stowell, D and Lachlan, RF}, title = {Bird song comparison using deep learning trained from avian perceptual judgments.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {20}, number = {8}, pages = {e1012329}, pmid = {39110762}, issn = {1553-7358}, mesh = {Animals ; *Deep Learning ; *Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; *Finches/physiology ; Algorithms ; Computational Biology/methods ; Judgment/physiology ; Male ; Sound Spectrography/methods ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Our understanding of bird song, a model system for animal communication and the neurobiology of learning, depends critically on making reliable, validated comparisons between the complex multidimensional syllables that are used in songs. However, most assessments of song similarity are based on human inspection of spectrograms, or computational methods developed from human intuitions. Using a novel automated operant conditioning system, we collected a large corpus of zebra finches' (Taeniopygia guttata) decisions about song syllable similarity. We use this dataset to compare and externally validate similarity algorithms in widely-used publicly available software (Raven, Sound Analysis Pro, Luscinia). Although these methods all perform better than chance, they do not closely emulate the avian assessments. We then introduce a novel deep learning method that can produce perceptual similarity judgements trained on such avian decisions. We find that this new method outperforms the established methods in accuracy and more closely approaches the avian assessments. Inconsistent (hence ambiguous) decisions are a common occurrence in animal behavioural data; we show that a modification of the deep learning training that accommodates these leads to the strongest performance. We argue this approach is the best way to validate methods to compare song similarity, that our dataset can be used to validate novel methods, and that the general approach can easily be extended to other species.}, } @article {pmid39108544, year = {2024}, author = {Dai, M and Mo, J and Liao, X and Li, Z and Wu, H and Xia, S and Xu, Q}, title = {The complete mitochondrial genome of Mya japonica (Jay, 1857 Myida:myidae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {991-994}, pmid = {39108544}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The soft-shell clam Mya japonica (Jay, 1857) is a commercially important fishery resource. In this study, we identified the complete mitochondrial genome of M. japonica and performed a phylogenetic analysis to explore its genetic relationship with Mya arenaria. The genome is 21,396 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 23 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 5 D-Loop control regions. The atp8 gene was annotated in Myidae for the first time. Notably, the genome contains an additional trnM, consistent with M. arenaria. The length of the cox2 gene is 1,947 bp, which is 513 bp longer than that in M. arenaria. Its base composition is 29.14% A, 37.26% T, 10.89% C, and 22.71% G. Phylogenetic analysis based on 12 PCGs and 2 rRNAs indicates that M. japonica and M. arenaria form a sister group. In this study, the identification and phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of M. japonica provide significant information for future taxonomic and evolutionary research of the genus Mya.}, } @article {pmid39107974, year = {2024}, author = {Zang, S and Chen, J and Chevalier, C and Zhang, J and Li, S and Wang, H and Li, J and Chen, Y and Xu, H and Sheng, L and Zhang, Z and Qiu, J}, title = {Holistic investigation of the anti-wrinkle and repair efficacy of a facial cream enriched with C-xyloside.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {12}, pages = {4017-4028}, pmid = {39107974}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Female ; *Skin Cream/administration & dosage ; Adult ; *Filaggrin Proteins ; Middle Aged ; *Elasticity/drug effects ; Epidermis/drug effects ; Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects ; Face ; Treatment Outcome ; Glycosides/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the repairing and anti-wrinkle efficacy of the facial cream enriched with C-xyloside, aiming at comprehensively evaluating its skin anti- aging effect and clarify its potential mechanism of action.

METHODS: The repairing efficacy was studied on 3D epidermis skin model and the antiaging efficacy was studied on ex-vivo human skin. Two clinical studies were conducted with Chinese females. In the first study, 49 subjects aged between 30 and 50 with wrinkle concerns were recruited and instructed to apply the investigational cream containing C-xyloside for 8 weeks. Wrinkles attributes were assessed by dermatologist. Instrumental measurements on skin hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin elasticity were also conducted. In the second study, 30 subjects aged between 25 and 60 with self-declared sensitive skin and facial redness were recruited and instructed to apply the cream for 4 weeks. Biomarker analysis of the stratum corneum was conducted through facial tape strips.

RESULTS: The cream improved the histomorphology of the 3D epidermis skin model after SLS stimulation, and significantly increase the expression of LOR and FLG. On human skin, the cream improved the histopathology induced by UV, and significantly increased the protein content of COL I and COL III, collagen density and the number of Ki-67 positive cell of skin compared with model group (n = 3, p < 0.01). The results from the first clinical study demonstrate a significant increased the skin hydration and elasticity by 21.90%, 13.08% (R2) and 12.30% (R5), respectively (n = 49, p < 0.05), and the TEWL values decreased by 33.94% (n = 49, p < 0.05), after 8 weeks application of the cream. In addition, the scores for nasolabial folds, glabellar wrinkle, underneath eye wrinkles, crow's feet wrinkle and forehead wrinkle in the volunteers exhibited a significant reduction of 34.02%, 43.34%, 50.03%, 33.64% and 55.81% respectively (n = 49, p < 0.05). The (rCE)/(fCE) ratio of volunteers based on tape stripping significant increased after using the sample cream (n = 30, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The cream containing C-xyloside showed improvement of skin wrinkles and enhancement of skin barrier function. These efficacies may be attributed to the fact that the sample cream can increase the expression of skin barrier related proteins LOR and FLG, promote the maturation of cornified envelope, enhance collagen I and III protein expression and stimulate skin cell proliferation, to provide sufficient evidence supporting its antiaging efficacy of skin.}, } @article {pmid39106453, year = {2024}, author = {Hew, YL and Hiono, T and Monne, I and Nabeshima, K and Sakuma, S and Kumagai, A and Okamura, S and Soda, K and Ito, H and Esaki, M and Okuya, K and Ozawa, M and Yabuta, T and Takakuwa, H and Nguyen, LB and Isoda, N and Miyazawa, K and Onuma, M and Sakoda, Y}, title = {Cocirculation of Genetically Distinct Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N5 and H5N1 Viruses in Crows, Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {30}, number = {9}, pages = {1912-1917}, pmid = {39106453}, issn = {1080-6059}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/virology/epidemiology ; Japan/epidemiology ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics/pathogenicity/classification/isolation & purification ; *Crows/virology ; *Phylogeny ; Influenza A virus/genetics/classification ; }, abstract = {We isolated highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5 and H5N1 viruses from crows in Hokkaido, Japan, during winter 2023-24. They shared genetic similarity with HPAI H5N5 viruses from northern Europe but differed from those in Asia. Continuous monitoring and rapid information sharing between countries are needed to prevent HPAI virus transmission.}, } @article {pmid39073820, year = {2024}, author = {Krieger, N and Testa, C and Chen, JT and Johnson, N and Watkins, SH and Suderman, M and Simpkin, AJ and Tilling, K and Waterman, PD and Coull, BA and De Vivo, I and Smith, GD and Diez Roux, AV and Relton, C}, title = {Epigenetic Aging and Racialized, Economic, and Environmental Injustice: NIMHD Social Epigenomics Program.}, journal = {JAMA network open}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, pages = {e2421832}, pmid = {39073820}, issn = {2574-3805}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; *Epigenomics/methods ; *Aging/genetics ; Aged ; *Epigenesis, Genetic/genetics ; United States ; Racism/statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Social Justice ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with exposure to social and economic adversity and may increase the risk of premature morbidity and mortality. However, no studies have included measures of structural racism, and few have compared estimates within or across the first and second generation of epigenetic clocks.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether epigenetic age acceleration is positively associated with exposures to diverse measures of racialized, economic, and environmental injustice measured at different levels and time periods.

This cross-sectional study used data from the My Body My Story (MBMS) study between August 8, 2008, and December 31, 2010, and examination 5 of the Multi-Ethnic Atherosclerosis Study (MESA) from April 1, 2010, to February 29, 2012. In the MBMS, DNA extraction was performed in 2021; linkage of structural measures to the MBMS and MESA, in 2022. US-born individuals were randomly selected from 4 community health centers in Boston, Massachusetts (MBMS), and 4 field sites in Baltimore, Maryland; Forsyth County, North Carolina; New York City, New York; and St Paul, Minnesota (MESA). Data were analyzed from November 13, 2021, to August 31, 2023.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Ten epigenetic clocks (6 first-generation and 4 second-generation), computed using DNA methylation data (DNAm) from blood spots (MBMS) and purified monocytes (MESA).

RESULTS: The US-born study population included 293 MBMS participants (109 men [37.2%], 184 women [62.8%]; mean [SD] age, 49.0 [8.0] years) with 224 Black non-Hispanic and 69 White non-Hispanic participants and 975 MESA participants (492 men [50.5%], 483 women [49.5%]; mean [SD] age, 70.0 [9.3] years) with 229 Black non-Hispanic, 191 Hispanic, and 555 White non-Hispanic participants. Of these, 140 (11.0%) exhibited accelerated aging for all 5 clocks whose estimates are interpretable on the age (years) scale. Among Black non-Hispanic MBMS participants, epigenetic age acceleration was associated with being born in a Jim Crow state by 0.14 (95% CI, 0.003-0.27) SDs and with birth state conservatism by 0.06 (95% CI, 0.01-0.12) SDs, pooling across all clocks. Low parental educational level was associated with epigenetic age acceleration, pooling across all clocks, for both Black non-Hispanic (0.24 [95% CI, 0.08-0.39] SDs) and White non-Hispanic (0.27 [95% CI, 0.03-0.51] SDs) MBMS participants. Adult impoverishment was positively associated with the pooled second-generation clocks among the MESA participants (Black non-Hispanic, 0.06 [95% CI, 0.01-0.12] SDs; Hispanic, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.01-0.14] SDs; White non-Hispanic, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.08] SDs).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this cross-sectional study of MBMS and MESA participants suggest that epigenetic age acceleration was associated with racialized and economic injustice, potentially contributing to well-documented inequities in premature mortality. Future research should test the hypothesis that epigenetic accelerated aging may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying the well-documented elevated risk of premature morbidity and mortality among social groups subjected to racialized and economic injustice.}, } @article {pmid39069816, year = {2024}, author = {Connelly, F and Johnsson, RD and Mulder, RA and Hall, ML and Lesku, JA}, title = {Experimental playback of urban noise does not affect cognitive performance in captive Australian magpies.}, journal = {Biology open}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {39069816}, issn = {2046-6390}, support = {//Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; //Ecological Society of Australia/ ; DP170101003//Australian Research Council/ ; //La Trobe University/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Noise/adverse effects ; Australia ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Behavior, Animal ; Male ; }, abstract = {Exposure of wildlife to anthropogenic noise is associated with disruptive effects. Research on this topic has focused on behavioural and physiological responses of animals to noise, with little work investigating links to cognitive function. Neurological processes that maintain cognitive performance can be impacted by stress and sleep disturbances. While sleep loss impairs cognitive performance in Australian magpies, it is unclear whether urban noise, which disrupts sleep, can impact cognition as well. To fill this gap, we explored how environmentally relevant urban noise affected the performance of wild-caught, city-living Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen tyrannica) on a cognitive task battery including associative and reversal learning, inhibitory control, and spatial memory. Birds were housed and tested in a laboratory environment; sample sizes varied across tasks (n=7-9 birds). Tests were conducted over 4 weeks, during which all magpies were exposed to both an urban noise playback and a quiet control. Birds were presented with the entire test battery twice: following exposure to, and in the absence of, an anthropogenic noise playback; however, tests were always performed without noise (playback muted during testing). Magpies performed similarly in both treatments on all four tasks. We also found that prior experience with the associative learning task had a strong effect on performance, with birds performing better on their second round of trials. Like previous findings on Australian magpies tested on the same tasks in the wild under noisy conditions, we could not find any disruptive effects on cognitive performance in a controlled experimental laboratory setting.}, } @article {pmid39064646, year = {2024}, author = {Nobile, V and Dudonné, S and Kern, C and Roveda, G and Garcia, C}, title = {Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {16}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {39064646}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {n/a//Seppic Research and Innovation/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; *Antioxidants/pharmacology ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Female ; *Vaccinium myrtillus/chemistry ; Double-Blind Method ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Male ; Skin/drug effects ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects ; Fermentation ; Dietary Supplements ; Aged ; Anthocyanins ; }, abstract = {Strategies for successful aging, including the use of food supplements, are part of the approach to support skin youthfulness. To demonstrate the efficacy of fermented bilberry extract (FBE) against skin aging and uneven complexion, a clinical trial was carried out on 66 subjects with visible "crow's feet" wrinkles, mild-to-moderate skin slackness, and uneven skin tone. The wrinkle depth, skin smoothness (Ra) and roughness (Rz), skin firmness (R0) and elasticity (R2), skin coloration (ITA°), and skin antioxidant capacity were measured before and after 28 (D28), 56 (D56), and 84 (D84) days of product use (either FBE or a placebo). These parameters were also integrated with a clinical evaluation, carried out by a dermatologist, and a self-assessment questionnaire to align the measured efficacy with the visual or perceived efficacy. At D84, the wrinkle depth had decreased by 10.6%, Ra had improved by 7.9%, Rz had decreased by 7.3%, R0 had improved by 13.3%, R2 had improved by 12.4%, and skin antioxidant capacity had increased by 20.8%. ITA° increased by 20.8% and was accompanied by a decrease in the skin's redness component by 16.8% and an increase in the lightness component by 2.2%. The variation of all the above-mentioned parameters was statistically significant between the FBE and PL groups. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of FBE in improving skin aging and complexion evenness.}, } @article {pmid39061443, year = {2024}, author = {Terra de Oliveira, R and Lino, TB and Scarmagnan, GS and Miziara Barbosa, SR and de Souza Pegorare, ABG and Christofoletti, G}, title = {A Controlled Clinical Trial on the Effects of Aquatic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {39061443}, issn = {2076-3425}, support = {275/2022//Fundect/ ; }, abstract = {Several therapies have been developed to reduce cognitive decline associated with aging. Aquatic exercises, which are widely used to enhance functional capacity, may play a role in stimulating cognitive functions. This study investigated the effects of a 3-month aquatic exercise program on cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 31 participants were allocated to either the experimental (aquatic exercises) or control (no-exercise) group. The intervention program consisted of exercises conducted twice a week in a 1.2 m deep indoor pool. The main outcome measures were cognitive functions, assessed using Raven's Progressive Matrices test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of the exercise program. The effect sizes (η[2]p) were reported when a level of significance was achieved (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the participants who underwent aquatic exercises showed positive outcomes in Raven's Progressive Matrices test (p = 0.046; η[2]p = 0.131) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (p = 0.001, η[2]p = 0.589). Complementary analyses of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test indicated that the benefits of the aquatic exercise were observed in terms of the number of trials (p = 0.001, η[2]p = 0.478), number of errors (p = 0.001, η[2]p = 0.458), and number of non-perseverative errors (p = 0.001, η[2]p = 0.302). The results indicate that a period of three months of aquatic exercise was beneficial for stimulating specific aspects of the cognitive function of community-dwelling older individuals. Aquatic exercise should be prescribed to this population.}, } @article {pmid39060612, year = {2024}, author = {Blackburn, G and Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Hunter, H and Woodiss-Field, S and Ridley, AR}, title = {Investigating the relationship between physical cognitive tasks and a social cognitive task in a wild bird.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {52}, pmid = {39060612}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {DP200100566//ARC Discovery Grant/ ; DP200100566//ARC Discovery Grant/ ; DP200100566//ARC Discovery Grant/ ; DP200100566//ARC Discovery Grant/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Male ; Female ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Spatial Memory ; Social Cognition ; }, abstract = {Despite considerable research into the structure of cognition in non-human animal species, there is still much debate as to whether animal cognition is organised as a series of discrete domains or an overarching general cognitive factor. In humans, the existence of general intelligence is widely accepted, but less work has been undertaken in animal psychometrics to address this question. The relatively few studies on non-primate animal species that do investigate the structure of cognition rarely include tasks assessing social cognition and focus instead on physical cognitive tasks. In this study, we tested 36 wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) on a battery of three physical (associative learning, spatial memory, and numerical assessment) and one social (observational spatial memory) cognitive task, to investigate if cognition in this species fits a general cognitive factor model, or instead one of separate physical and social cognitive domains. A principal component analysis (PCA) identified two principal components with eigenvalues exceeding 1; a first component onto which all three physical tasks loaded strongly and positively, and a second component onto which only the social task (observational spatial memory) loaded strongly and positively. These findings provide tentative evidence for separate physical and social cognitive domains in this species, and highlight the importance of including tasks assessing both social and physical cognition in cognitive test batteries.}, } @article {pmid39059727, year = {2024}, author = {McKechnie, AE and Freeman, MT and Kemp, R and Wolter, K and Naidoo, V}, title = {Effects of lead on avian thermoregulation in the heat: An experimental test with pied crows (Corvus albus).}, journal = {Environmental toxicology and pharmacology}, volume = {110}, number = {}, pages = {104519}, doi = {10.1016/j.etap.2024.104519}, pmid = {39059727}, issn = {1872-7077}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Body Temperature Regulation/drug effects ; *Lead/toxicity/blood ; *Hot Temperature ; Basal Metabolism/drug effects ; Male ; Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects ; Female ; Body Temperature/drug effects ; }, abstract = {Many of the negative physiological effects of lead involve the hypothalamus, but the possibility that thermoregulation is affected has received little attention. We tested the hypothesis that lead exposure reduces avian thermoregulatory performance under hot conditions in pied crows (Corvus albus) experimentally exposed to lead in their diet. Crows in our high lead treatment (blood [Pb] = 87.3 ± 44.7 μg dL[-1]) showed significantly higher air temperature (Tair) inflections for evaporative water loss (EWL) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared to control (6.4 ± 1.8 μg dL[-1]) or intermediate (53.9 ± 23.7 μg dL[-1]) lead groups, which did not differ. EWL, RMR and body temperature (Tb) all increased more rapidly at Tair > Tb in the high lead treatment. In contrast, neither maximum Tair tolerated by the crows nor maximum Tb varied with treatment. Our data reveal that water and energy balance during hot weather is affected by lead exposure.}, } @article {pmid39057739, year = {2024}, author = {Gharaibeh, NY and De Fazio, R and Al-Naami, B and Al-Hinnawi, AR and Visconti, P}, title = {Automated Lung Cancer Diagnosis Applying Butterworth Filtering, Bi-Level Feature Extraction, and Sparce Convolutional Neural Network to Luna 16 CT Images.}, journal = {Journal of imaging}, volume = {10}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {39057739}, issn = {2313-433X}, abstract = {Accurate prognosis and diagnosis are crucial for selecting and planning lung cancer treatments. As a result of the rapid development of medical imaging technology, the use of computed tomography (CT) scans in pathology is becoming standard practice. An intricate interplay of requirements and obstacles characterizes computer-assisted diagnosis, which relies on the precise and effective analysis of pathology images. In recent years, pathology image analysis tasks such as tumor region identification, prognosis prediction, tumor microenvironment characterization, and metastasis detection have witnessed the considerable potential of artificial intelligence, especially deep learning techniques. In this context, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based methodology for lung cancer diagnosis is proposed in this research work. As a first processing step, filtering using the Butterworth smooth filter algorithm was applied to the input images from the LUNA 16 lung cancer dataset to remove noise without significantly degrading the image quality. Next, we performed the bi-level feature selection step using the Chaotic Crow Search Algorithm and Random Forest (CCSA-RF) approach to select features such as diameter, margin, spiculation, lobulation, subtlety, and malignancy. Next, the Feature Extraction step was performed using the Multi-space Image Reconstruction (MIR) method with Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). Next, the Lung Tumor Severity Classification (LTSC) was implemented by using the Sparse Convolutional Neural Network (SCNN) approach with a Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN). The developed method can detect benign, normal, and malignant lung cancer images using the PNN algorithm, which reduces complexity and efficiently provides classification results. Performance parameters, namely accuracy, precision, F-score, sensitivity, and specificity, were determined to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented hybrid method and compare it with other solutions already present in the literature.}, } @article {pmid39050654, year = {2024}, author = {Nakashima, Y and Hashizume, A and Kanda, A}, title = {A statistical approach to assess interspecific consumptive competition and functional redundancy in ephemeral resource uses using camera traps.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, pages = {e70031}, pmid = {39050654}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Camera traps have been widely used in wildlife research, offering significant potential for monitoring species interactions at ephemeral resources. However, raw data obtained from camera traps often face limitations due to observation censoring, where resource consumption by dominant animals may obscure potential resource use by less dominant animals. We extended time-to-detection occupancy modeling to quantify interspecific consumptive competition and redundancy of ecosystem functions through consumption between two species, while accounting for observation censoring. By treating resource use by rival species as censored data, we estimated the proportion of resources potentially used in the absence of rival species and calculated the loss caused by the rival species, which is defined as "Competition Intensity Index." We also defined the Unique Functional Contribution, which represents the net functional loss when a species is removed, calculated by excluding the contribution potentially substituted by the other species. We also considered resource degradation and computed the quantity of resources acquired by each species. This established framework was applied to predation data on bird nests by alien squirrels and other predators (Case 1) as well as scavenging on mammalian carcasses by two carnivores (Case 2). In Case 1, the introduction of squirrels significantly affected the breeding success of birds. Although nests were being preyed upon by native crows also, our model estimated that Unique Functional Contribution by the squirrels was 0.47. This means that, by eradicating the squirrels, the reproductive success of the birds could potentially increase by as much as 47%. In Case 2, the Competition Intensity Index for foxes was 0.17, whereas that for raccoon dogs was 0.46, suggesting an asymmetric effect of resource competition between the two species. The frequency distribution of wet mass available to the two species differed significantly. This approach will enable a more robust construction of resource-consumer interaction networks.}, } @article {pmid39049707, year = {2024}, author = {Fujita, Y and Biswas, KB and Kawai, Y and Takayama, S and Masutani, T and Iddamalgoda, A and Sakamoto, K}, title = {Mentha piperita leaf extract suppresses the release of ATP from epidermal keratinocytes and reduces dermal thinning as well as wrinkle formation.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {46}, number = {6}, pages = {972-981}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12996}, pmid = {39049707}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Humans ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; *Keratinocytes/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; *Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Mentha piperita/chemistry ; Adult ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To achieve a more beautiful and younger appearance, reducing wrinkles is a key concern. The process of wrinkle formation is complex and the development of truly effective cosmetic ingredients to reduce wrinkles remains a challenge. Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between wrinkles and skin thinning, suggesting that preventing skin thinning could also prevent wrinkle formation. In this study, we examined the role of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) in the progression of thinning, as eATP reportedly increases skin ageing factors, such as senescence-associated secreted phenotype (SASP) factors in epidermal cells. We determined the effects of Mentha piperita leaf extract on suppressing eATP to reduce thinning and wrinkles.

METHODS: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in the presence of M. piperita leaf extract. Dryness, high pH, and UVB radiation were used as extrinsic ageing factors. Intrinsic skin ageing was evaluated by comparing cells from adults (AD-NHEK) and newborns (NB-NHEK). A placebo-controlled in vivo study was carried out with a formulation containing 1% M. piperita leaf extract.

RESULTS: The eATP levels were significantly higher in AD-NHEK compared with that in NB-NHEK cells. M. piperita leaf extract significantly decreased eATP levels in adult cells. Extrinsic ageing factors increased eATP levels in NHEK, whereas M. piperita leaf extract significantly suppressed eATP under all conditions. The active components of M. piperita leaf extract, luteolin glucuronide and rosmarinic acid, also decreased eATP. Moreover, compared with placebo lotion, M. piperita leaf extract-formulated lotion markedly increased dermal thickness and reduced wrinkles associated with crow's feet and the neck area.

CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time that M. piperita leaf extract containing rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide has the potential to reduce eATP release from epidermal keratinocytes. An increase in eATP was observed not only during inflammation but also during natural ageing. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment revealing that 1% M. piperita leaf extract-containing lotion improved dermal thinning and wrinkles across multiple areas is attributed to the amelioration of dermal thinning. Thus, our data suggest the possibility of a novel cosmetic approach for reducing skin ageing by reducing eATP-mediated dermal thinning.}, } @article {pmid39044204, year = {2024}, author = {Mohanty, SK and Wadasadawala, T and Sen, S and Maiti, S and E, J}, title = {Catastrophic health expenditure and distress financing of breast cancer treatment in India: evidence from a longitudinal cohort study.}, journal = {International journal for equity in health}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {145}, pmid = {39044204}, issn = {1475-9276}, mesh = {Humans ; *Breast Neoplasms/economics/therapy ; Female ; India ; *Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data ; Longitudinal Studies ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Catastrophic Illness/economics ; Cohort Studies ; Aged ; Financing, Personal/statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To estimate the catastrophic health expenditure and distress financing of breast cancer treatment in India.

METHODS: The unit data from a longitudinal survey that followed 500 breast cancer patients treated at Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai from June 2019 to March 2022 were used. The catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) was estimated using households' capacity to pay and distress financing as selling assets or borrowing loans to meet cost of treatment. Bivariate and logistic regression models were used for analysis.

FINDINGS: The CHE of breast cancer was estimated at 84.2% (95% CI: 80.8,87.9%) and distress financing at 72.4% (95% CI: 67.8,76.6%). Higher prevalence of CHE and distress financing was found among rural, poor, agriculture dependent households and among patients from outside of Maharashtra. About 75% of breast cancer patients had some form of reimbursement but it reduced the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure by only 14%. Nearly 80% of the patients utilised multiple financing sources to meet the cost of treatment. The significant predictors of distress financing were catastrophic health expenditure, type of patient, educational attainment, main income source, health insurance, and state of residence.

CONCLUSION: In India, the CHE and distress financing of breast cancer treatment is very high. Most of the patients who had CHE were more likely to incur distress financing. Inclusion of direct non-medical cost such as accommodation, food and travel of patients and accompanying person in the ambit of reimbursement of breast cancer treatment can reduce the CHE. We suggest that city specific cancer care centre need to be strengthened under the aegis of PM-JAY to cater quality cancer care in their own states of residence.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2019/07/020142 on 10/07/2019.}, } @article {pmid39041009, year = {2024}, author = {Bonde, BM and Stien, A}, title = {Ecological implications of the pink salmon invasion in northern Norway-Aggregative responses and terrestrial transfer by white-tailed eagles.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, pages = {e70001}, pmid = {39041009}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Over the last 10 years, the spawning population of invasive pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) has increased in the river systems in northern Norway to a level that is causing concern about their impact on endemic fauna and ecosystem processes. The scale of transfer of pink salmon carcasses into the terrestrial ecosystem is likely to be a key determinant of terrestrial impact. Bears (Ursus sp.) are responsible for most such transfers in North America but are rare in Norway. The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is common however, and a candidate to be a main cause of such transfers. To evaluate this hypothesis, data on the abundance of white-tailed eagles and pink salmon were collected along the river Skallelv in northern Norway in 2021, a year the pink salmon spawned in the river, and in 2022, a year no pink salmon spawned in the river. The abundance of white-tailed eagles along the river was much higher the year pink salmon spawned in the river. Furthermore, white-tailed eagles were observed aggregating and catching pink salmon where and when pink salmon were present at the spawning and post-spawning stages. Based on our observations, we suggest that the white-tailed eagle is the main species involved in the transport of pink salmon from the river into the riparian zone in northern Norway and that other scavengers, in particular the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and common raven (Corvus corax), play an important role in transporting pink salmon carcasses from the riparian zone to the wider terrestrial ecosystem.}, } @article {pmid39030682, year = {2024}, author = {Varnado, K and Richardson, S and Somyoo, N and Mejia-Downs, A and Dial, M}, title = {How Integrating the 5 Pillars of Community Practice Can Transform Physical Therapist Education and Reduce Health Disparities.}, journal = {Physical therapy}, volume = {104}, number = {9}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/ptj/pzae103}, pmid = {39030682}, issn = {1538-6724}, mesh = {Humans ; *Physical Therapy Specialty/education ; United States ; Healthcare Disparities ; Social Determinants of Health ; Physical Therapists/education ; Cultural Diversity ; Cultural Competency ; }, abstract = {Patient history assists clinicians in determining the most appropriate tests to identify the symptoms' source and select appropriate interventions. Therefore, a subjective history is an essential component of patient management. When physical therapist practitioners transition into academia, they must understand how the history of the education system may affect learners. Health disparities are related to the lack of workforce diversity and skills in cultural responsiveness, and the education system is critical in addressing the impact of future providers on health disparities. Developing a doctor of physical therapy program to address health disparities requires an analysis of the historical context of the US educational and health care systems, along with traditional components of physical therapist education. This country's education system was built upon a 2-tiered system, where minoritized individuals struggled to overcome barriers imposed by legislation and societal beliefs. Jim Crow laws continued this unequal access to education, and the recent Supreme Court ruling to deny race-based affirmative action continues these inequities. This historical context informed the construction of the College of Saint Mary Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The program's mission led to using less traditional educational approaches; thus, the pillars of practice took form. The 5 pillars evolved to include social determinants, inclusive faculty and student recruitment and retention practices, equitable grading, culturally responsive pedagogy, and community development. The purpose of this paper is to present a historical overview of the US education system and its influence on physical therapist education. Furthermore, it will illustrate how this historical context inspired the 5 Pillars of Community Practice from College of Saint Mary and discuss the challenges and interventions related to these pillars. There are tremendous disparities in educational outcomes and patient services in the United States. Disparities are most significant in those with historically marginalized identities. If those disparities are to improve, a change is required in the people providing care to patients. The best way to accomplish this is by transforming how future providers are educated.}, } @article {pmid39017034, year = {2024}, author = {Yi, KH and Wan, J}, title = {Anatomical considerations of medial eye wrinkles: Guidelines for botulinum neurotoxin injections.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {11}, pages = {3503-3507}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.16474}, pmid = {39017034}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Female ; Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects/standards ; Middle Aged ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Facial Muscles/drug effects/anatomy & histology ; Eyelids/drug effects ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {Crow's feet lines in the lateral canthal region are a common concern among aging patients, initially appearing as dynamic wrinkles during facial expressions and becoming more pronounced with age. Botulinum neurotoxin temporarily paralyzes muscles by inhibiting acetylcholine release, smoothing wrinkles and enhancing skin's youthful appearance. Effective treatment requires tailored approaches considering individual anatomy and muscle activity. Recent cadaveric studies identified the tear trough muscle, emphasizing its role in infraorbital support and aging. Clinically, patients often present medial eye wrinkles after BoNT treatment for crow's feet, prompting exploration of underlying mechanisms and management strategies. Three cases demonstrated that medial BoNT injections in the orbicularis oculi muscle significantly improve medial eye wrinkles and tear trough appearance. The study underscores the importance of understanding muscle hyperactivity and anatomical variations for precise treatment. Enhanced injection techniques targeting specific areas can achieve better outcomes and minimize complications, particularly in culturally sensitive regions where facial expressions are valued. This research highlights the necessity for comprehensive anatomical knowledge and patient-specific treatment strategies to address medial eye wrinkles effectively.}, } @article {pmid39005308, year = {2024}, author = {Di Tullio, RW and Wei, L and Balasubramanian, V}, title = {Slow and steady: auditory features for discriminating animal vocalizations.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39005308}, issn = {2692-8205}, support = {R01 EB026945/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {We propose that listeners can use temporal regularities - spectro-temporal correlations that change smoothly over time - to discriminate animal vocalizations within and between species. To test this idea, we used Slow Feature Analysis (SFA) to find the most temporally regular components of vocalizations from birds (blue jay, house finch, American yellow warbler, and great blue heron), humans (English speakers), and rhesus macaques. We projected vocalizations into the learned feature space and tested intra-class (same speaker/species) and inter-class (different speakers/species) auditory discrimination by a trained classifier. We found that: 1) Vocalization discrimination was excellent (> 95%) in all cases; 2) Performance depended primarily on the ~10 most temporally regular features; 3) Most vocalizations are dominated by ~10 features with high temporal regularity; and 4) These regular features are highly correlated with the most predictable components of animal sounds.}, } @article {pmid38989962, year = {2024}, author = {Warma, S and Warma, H and Merja, A and Patel, N and Patel, M}, title = {Revitalizing skin, hair, nails, and muscles: Unlocking beauty and wellness with vegan collagen.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {11}, pages = {3740-3756}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.16443}, pmid = {38989962}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; *Collagen/administration & dosage ; Female ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; *Hair/drug effects/growth & development ; Male ; Nails/drug effects ; Vegans ; Beauty ; Muscle Strength/drug effects ; Skin/drug effects ; Elasticity/drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Collagen, a key protein in the body maintains hair, skin and bone health and its production tends to decrease in synthesis as humans age. The demand for vegan collagen-builder has increased worldwide due to increased adaptability to vegan diet.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study was designed aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vegan collagen builder (VEGCOL™️) at different dosages (2.5, 5, and 10 g) in adult participants.

METHODS: Total 66 subjects (22 subjects/dose) aged 30 to 50 years were enrolled, and 63 subjects completed the study. Duration of study was 60 days. Evaluations included change in skin elasticity, hydration, crow's feet area wrinkles, fine lines, skin, Glogau skin age, change in pain scale score, muscle strength and subject perception assessment about test treatment use.

RESULTS: After 60 days of treatment, there was significant improvement in hair growth rate by 45.01%, 38.54% and 50.37% with p < 0.01 for doses 2.5, 5, and 10 g respectively. Additionally, 19.64% (p < 0.0001) and 20.51% (p < 0.0001) increase in hair density and hair thickness respectively was observed with 10 g dose. 2.5 g dose resulted in 33.03% (p < 0.01) increase in skin smoothness and 49.94% (p < 0.0001) decrease in crow's feet area wrinkles, decreased retraction time by 21.71 milliseconds (p < 0.05). 52.54% reduction in pain score (p < 0.001). No any adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION: Vegan collagen-builder effectively improved multiple age-related concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, joint pain, muscle strength and hair growth. All respondents perceived the product as beneficial in improving the aesthetics of the skin, hair, and nails. The findings support the use of vegan collagen-builder as safe and efficacious in promoting healthier skin, stronger muscles, and improved hair and nail conditions.}, } @article {pmid38989559, year = {2024}, author = {Rodriguez, DCP and Weber, KC and Sundberg, B and Glasgow, A}, title = {MAGPIE: An interactive tool for visualizing and analyzing protein-ligand interactions.}, journal = {Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society}, volume = {33}, number = {8}, pages = {e5027}, pmid = {38989559}, issn = {1469-896X}, support = {R00GM135529/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Software ; Ligands ; *Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; Protein Binding ; Models, Molecular ; }, abstract = {Quantitative tools to compile and analyze biomolecular interactions among chemically diverse binding partners would improve therapeutic design and aid in studying molecular evolution. Here we present Mapping Areas of Genetic Parsimony In Epitopes (MAGPIE), a publicly available software package for simultaneously visualizing and analyzing thousands of interactions between a single protein or small molecule ligand (the "target") and all of its protein binding partners ("binders"). MAGPIE generates an interactive three-dimensional visualization from a set of protein complex structures that share the target ligand, as well as sequence logo-style amino acid frequency graphs that show all the amino acids from the set of protein binders that interact with user-defined target ligand positions or chemical groups. MAGPIE highlights all the salt bridge and hydrogen bond interactions made by the target in the visualization and as separate amino acid frequency graphs. Finally, MAGPIE collates the most common target-binder interactions as a list of "hotspots," which can be used to analyze trends or guide the de novo design of protein binders. As an example of the utility of the program, we used MAGPIE to probe how different antibody fragments bind a viral antigen; how a common metabolite binds diverse protein partners; and how two ligands bind orthologs of a well-conserved glycolytic enzyme for a detailed understanding of evolutionarily conserved interactions involved in its activation and inhibition. MAGPIE is implemented in Python 3 and freely available at https://github.com/glasgowlab/MAGPIE, along with sample datasets, usage examples, and helper scripts to prepare input structures.}, } @article {pmid38989155, year = {2023}, author = {Guzmán Naranjo, M and Jäger, G}, title = {Euclide, the crow, the wolf and the pedestrian: distance metrics for linguistic typology.}, journal = {Open research Europe}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {104}, pmid = {38989155}, issn = {2732-5121}, abstract = {It is common for people working on linguistic geography, language contact and typology to make use of some type of distance metric between lects. However, most work so far has either used Euclidean distances, or geodesic distance, both of which do not represent the real separation between communities very accurately. This paper presents two datasets: one on walking distances and one on topographic distances between over 8700 lects across all macro-areas. We calculated walking distances using Open Street Maps data, and topographic distances using digital elevation data. We evaluate these distance metrics on three case studies and show that from the four distances, the topographic and geodesic distances showed the most consistent performance across datasets, and would be likely to be reasonable first choices. At the same time, in most cases, the Euclidean distances were not much worse than the other distances, and might be a good enough approximation in cases for which performance is critical, or the dataset cover very large areas, and the point-location information is not very precise.}, } @article {pmid38980174, year = {2024}, author = {Kawar, K}, title = {Retracted: The Relationship Between Oral and Written Language in Narrative Production by Arabic-Speaking Children: Fundamental Skills and Influences.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {67}, number = {11}, pages = {4534-4548}, doi = {10.1044/2024_JSLHR-23-00717}, pmid = {38980174}, issn = {1558-9102}, abstract = {NOTICE OF RETRACTION: https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_Nov2024ASHA.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between oral and written language skills in narrative production among Arabic-speaking children, focusing on cognitive and linguistic abilities. It examines the differences in narrative parameters between oral and written narratives and explores the associations between these parameters and cognitive and linguistic skills.

METHOD: The research involved 237 sixth-grade Arabic-speaking students from low-socioeconomic status schools in Israel. Each participant was instructed to orally tell a narrative and to write another narrative based on two sets of six sequential pictures. Various narrative features were analyzed, including word count for length, type-token ratio (TTR) for lexical diversity, mean length of utterance (MLU) for morphosyntax, and number of episodes for macrostructure. Cognitive linguistic measures, including Raven's Progressive Matrices, reading comprehension (RC), and morphological awareness (MA) were also assessed.

RESULTS: The study found significant differences between oral and written narratives regarding lexical diversity and macrostructure. Participants exhibited significantly higher TTR in written narratives compared to oral narratives, whereas the number of episodes was significantly higher in oral narratives than in written ones. However, no significant differences were observed in narrative length or MLU. Moreover, the study identified significant predictors for various aspects of written narratives, particularly MA and RC, which significantly predicted TTR, MLU, and macrostructure. Additionally, the inclusion of word count in oral narratives significantly enhanced the explained variance for narrative length and macrostructure in written language.

CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the importance of the oral-written interface in both micro- and macrostructure representations in both oral and written modalities. They suggest that cognitive and linguistic skills, such as MA and RC, play a crucial role in narrative production. The findings have implications for educational practices and literacy outcomes in the Arab world, enhancing the understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in written language production among Arabic-speaking children.}, } @article {pmid38965805, year = {2024}, author = {Robic, J and Lata, W and Nkengne, A and Bigouret, A and Vie, K}, title = {The impact of air pollution on the facial skin of Caucasian women using real-life pollutant exposure measurements.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {30}, number = {7}, pages = {e13669}, pmid = {38965805}, issn = {1600-0846}, support = {//Laboratoires Clarins/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; *Air Pollution/adverse effects ; *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Face ; Geographic Information Systems ; Paris ; *Particulate Matter/adverse effects ; Pollen ; Skin/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Smartphone ; White People ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: To date, studies examining the effect of air pollution on skin characteristics have relied on regional pollution estimates obtained from fixed monitoring sites. Hence, there remains a need to characterize the impact of air pollution in vivo in real-time conditions. We conducted an initial investigation under real-life conditions, with the purpose of characterizing the in vivo impact of various pollutants on the facial skin condition of women living in Paris over a 6-month period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A smartphone application linked to the Breezometer platform was used to collect participants' individual exposures to pollutants through the recovery of global positioning system (GPS) data over a 6-month period. Daily exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 µm and PM 10 µm), pollen, and air quality was measured. Facial skin color, roughness, pore, hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle measurements were taken at the end of the 6-month period. Participants' cumulated pollutant exposure over 6 months was calculated. Data were stratified into two groups (lower vs. higher pollutant exposure) for each pollutant.

RESULTS: 156 women (20-60 years-old) were recruited, with 124 women completing the study. Higher PM 2.5 µm exposure was associated with altered skin color and increased roughness under the eye. Higher PM 10 µm exposure with increased wrinkles and roughness under the eye, increased pore appearance, and decreased skin hydration. Exposure to poorer air quality was linked with increased forehead wrinkles and decreased skin elasticity, while higher pollen exposure increased skin roughness and crow's feet.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests a potential correlation between air pollution and facial skin in real-life conditions. Prolonged exposure to PM, gases, and pollen may be linked to clinical signs of skin ageing. This study highlights the importance of longer monitoring over time in real conditions to characterize the effect of pollution on the skin.}, } @article {pmid38962998, year = {2024}, author = {Factor, L and Vasconcellos, GSFM and Carvalho, VV and Acedo, T and Cortinhas, C and Chebel, RC and Baruselli, PS}, title = {Effects of supplementation of grazing Nellore cows with β-carotene and vitamins A + D3 + E + biotin on follicle diameter, oestrus, establishment of pregnancy, and foetal morphometry.}, journal = {Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene}, volume = {59}, number = {7}, pages = {e14660}, doi = {10.1111/rda.14660}, pmid = {38962998}, issn = {1439-0531}, mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Vitamin A/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Dietary Supplements ; *beta Carotene/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Vitamin E/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Estrus/drug effects ; *Biotin/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Cholecalciferol/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Ovarian Follicle/drug effects ; Diet/veterinary ; Vitamins/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Animal Feed ; Lactation ; Fetus/drug effects ; }, abstract = {The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of supplementation of Nellore (Bos indicus) cows with β-carotene + vitamins A + D3 + E + biotin on body condition score (BCS), oestrus, pregnancy, and foetal morphometry. Lactating cows (n = 497) from two herds were balanced for BCS and calving period [early calving (EC); late calving (LC)] and were assigned randomly to: Control (n = 251)-supplementation with a mineral supplement; and SUP (n = 246)-supplementation with the mineral supplement fed to control + β-carotene (150 mg/day) + vitamin A (40,000 IU/day) + vitamin D3 (5000 IU/day) + vitamin E (300 mg/day) + biotin (20 mg/day). Cows were supplemented from Days -30 to 30 (Day 0 = timed artificial insemination; TAI). Pregnancy was diagnosed 30 days after TAI and foetal crown-rump distance and thoracic diameter were measured at 30 and 77 days of gestation. Cows in the SUP treatment were more likely to have BCS ≥3.0 on Day 0 (63.0 ± 3.1 vs. 60.2 ± 3.1; p < .01) and were more likely to gain BCS from Days -30 to 30 (57.7 ± 3.3 vs. 44.1 ± 3.3%; p < .01). Fewer LC cows in the SUP treatment were detected in oestrus at the time of the first TAI (Control: LC: 75.4 ± 4.4 vs. SUP: LC: 64.0 ± 5.2 vs. Control: EC: 65.3 ± 4.0 vs. SUP: EC: 71.8 ± 3.7; p = .04). There was a tendency for the SUP treatment to increase pregnancy to the first TAI (64.2 ± 3.0 vs. 56.6 ± 3.1%; p = .08). A greater percentage of SUP cows was detected in oestrus at the time of the second TAI (70.1 ± 5.0 vs. 52.3 ± 4.8%; p = .01). The SUP treatment increased pregnancy to the second TAI among LC cows (SUP: LC: 75.9 ± 8.0% vs. Control: LC: 50.0 ± 8.3% vs. Control: EC: 52.0 ± 5.9% vs. SUP: EC: 41.4 ± 6.5%; p = .02). The SUP treatment increased foetal size (crown-rump; p = .04 and thoracic diameter; p < .01) at 30 days of gestation and, despite decreasing crow-rump length at 77 days after the first TAI among EC cows (p < .01), it increased the thoracic diameter at 77 days after the first TAI independent of calving season. Our results support that pregnancy establishment and foetal growth can be improved when grazing Nellore cows are supplemented with β-carotene and vitamins A + D3 + E + biotin.}, } @article {pmid38954382, year = {2024}, author = {de Almeida, AT and de Sanctis Pecora, C and Marques, ER and Contin, L and de Almeida, CT and da Cunha, AL}, title = {Assessment of the Efficacy and Durability of IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of the Upper Face in Adult Women.}, journal = {Dermatology and therapy}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, pages = {2093-2108}, pmid = {38954382}, issn = {2193-8210}, support = {001/2022//Merz Pharmaceuticals/ ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) is used in the treatment of dynamic wrinkles and the aesthetic repositioning of facial structures. The duration of its muscular effect typically extends for around 4 months. However, the residual aesthetic benefit can be observed for a longer period. To date, the long-term aesthetic benefit of incobotulinumtoxinA in facial aesthetics has not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate longitudinally the duration and aesthetic benefits of incobotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of the upper face in adult women.

METHODS: A quasi-experimental, evaluator-blind, clinical trial involving 28 adult women (30-60 years old) with facial movement lines, undergoing treatment of the upper face with incobotulinumtoxinA by two injectors, following an individualized protocol (ONE21 and glabellar contraction patterns) was performed. Participants were evaluated on the day of the intervention (day 0) and days 30, 120, 180, and 240, and subjected to standardized photographs. The following outcomes were evaluated blindly at each visit: Merz Aesthetics Facial Contraction Scale (MAS), GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale), and patient satisfaction. Adverse effects were evaluated at each visit.

RESULTS: Participants ranged in age from 30 to 60 years, 93% were self-declared white, and most of their baseline MAS scores for dynamic lines were moderate and severe. All the parameters presented significative reduction from baseline until day 180. At day 240, the dynamic MAS scores were lower than baseline for forehead lines in 15.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-30.0%) of the participants, for glabellar lines in 38.5% (95% CI 18.8-58.1%), and for crow's feet lines in 26.9% (95% CI 9.0-44.8%). Aesthetic improvement compared to baseline was identified in 35% (CI 95% 23‒50%) of the participants at day 240, and 62% (CI 95% 42‒81%) of the sample kept reporting some satisfaction with the procedure.

CONCLUSION: The aesthetic treatment of the upper face with incobotulinumtoxinA demonstrates enduring clinical benefits, and patient satisfaction lasting up to 180 days in most participants. The length of efficacy, which exceeded those reported in the literature, may be attributed to the use of techniques based on individualized assessment such as ONE21 and glabellar patterns of contraction.}, } @article {pmid38951235, year = {2025}, author = {Battista, P and Aresta, S and Tagliente, S and Merlo, F and Mongelli, D and Lagravinese, G and Falcone, R and Palmirotta, C and Turi, G and Castellari, M and Zonno, A and Gelao, C and Picciola, E and Fiore, P and Battel, I and Minafra, B}, title = {Exploring the Neuropsychological Correlates of Swallowing Disorders in People with Parkinson's Disease: a Cross-Sectional Study.}, journal = {Dysphagia}, volume = {40}, number = {1}, pages = {292-304}, pmid = {38951235}, issn = {1432-0460}, mesh = {Humans ; *Parkinson Disease/complications/physiopathology/psychology ; *Deglutition Disorders/physiopathology/etiology/psychology ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Aged ; *Executive Function/physiology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Middle Aged ; *Attention/physiology ; Deglutition/physiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; }, abstract = {Around 80% of persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) present symptoms of dysphagia. Although cognitive impairment may contribute to dysphagia, few studies have investigated the association between the PD neuropsychological profile and objective measures of swallowing dysfunction. Since the swallowing function comprises involuntary but also voluntary actions, we hypothesize that specific measures of attention and executive functions can be underlined in PD-related dysphagia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to extensively investigate the correlation and the relationship between attentive and executive functions and safety/efficiency of pharyngeal phase of swallowing in people with PD. All participants received a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and were evaluated using the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS); the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (IT-YPRSRS), and the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS-IT). Participants also underwent a neuropsychological assessment covering global cognitive status, attention, and frontal executive functions. Correlations and associations between neuropsychological measures and swallowing components were calculated. Twenty-one participants with PD (mean age 69.38 ± 6.58 years, mean disease duration 8.38 ± 5.31 years; mean MDS-UPDRS III 43.95 ± 24.18) completed all evaluations. The most significant correlations were found between attentive functions (i.e., Stroop Time), and executive functions (i.e., Raven's Progressive Matrices, Digit Backward and Semantic Fluency), and FOIS-IT, PAS, and IT-YPRSRS sinuses and valleculae. These associations were not influenced by disease duration. These results suggest that a dysfunction to attentional processes and/or to executive functions can contribute to penetration and the presence of pharyngeal residue in participants with middle-stage PD.}, } @article {pmid38949222, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, X and Wu, G and Qiu, C and Yang, W and Yao, T and Zhang, Z and He, Y}, title = {Research Progress of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Recent 20 Years Based on Visual Bibliometric Analysis.}, journal = {Seminars in ophthalmology}, volume = {39}, number = {8}, pages = {639-650}, doi = {10.1080/08820538.2024.2373268}, pmid = {38949222}, issn = {1744-5205}, mesh = {*Central Serous Chorioretinopathy/diagnosis ; Humans ; *Bibliometrics ; *Biomedical Research ; Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To dynamically track the publications on central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and depict the research status and hot spots to guide future research.

METHODS: Gather all papers published in this area between 2004 and 2024 in the WOSCC databases comprehensively, assess their trends, and characterize the contributions of various nations, authors, institutions, and journals. In addition, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R software are used to obtain the most popular keywords for the topic.

RESULTS: A total of 2,203 papers were published across 1,863 institutions in 59 countries. Among these, 6,907 authors contributed to publications in 300 journals and generated a total of 35,638 citations. The number of publications continues to grow steadily. Notably, Jay Chhablani's team/Lab stands out as the leading contributor with ownership of 84 publications. Through keyword network analysis and clustering techniques, risk factor-related clustering, imaging-related clustering, pathogenesis-related clustering, and treatment-related clustering were identified. Furthermore, keyword analysis has unveiled emerging frontier areas including pachychoroid disease, choroidal vasculature abnormalities, PDT therapy, and optical coherence tomography that have garnered increasing interest.

CONCLUSION: This study presents a comprehensive review of central serous retinopathy research conducted in the past two decades, highlighting key trends and exploring emerging research frontiers within this field. As such, it provides valuable references and suggestions for researchers engaged in studying this topic.}, } @article {pmid38948655, year = {2024}, author = {Isik, K and Odabaşı, Z}, title = {An interesting cause of wrist drop: The crow position in yoga and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies.}, journal = {Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation}, volume = {70}, number = {2}, pages = {282-284}, pmid = {38948655}, issn = {2587-1250}, abstract = {Hereditary neuropathy with liability pressure palsies (HNPP) is usually caused by compression and is an episodic, painless, recurrent hereditary neuropathy with focal motor and sensory involvement. It begins in adolescence and young adulthood. The most commonly affected nerves in HNPP are the ulnar, peroneal, radial, and median nerves. In this article, we present a 31-year-old female patient with a previously undescribed case of HNPP, which presented with wrist drop due to the trapping of the radial nerve in the spiral groove after the crow position in yoga.}, } @article {pmid38948538, year = {2024}, author = {Cavill, EL and Morales, HE and Sun, X and Westbury, MV and van Oosterhout, C and Accouche, W and Zora, A and Schulze, MJ and Shah, N and Adam, PA and Brooke, ML and Sweet, P and Gopalakrishnan, S and Gilbert, MTP}, title = {When birds of a feather flock together: Severe genomic erosion and the implications for genetic rescue in an endangered island passerine.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {17}, number = {7}, pages = {e13739}, pmid = {38948538}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {The Seychelles magpie-robin's (SMR) five island populations exhibit some of the lowest recorded levels of genetic diversity among endangered birds, and high levels of inbreeding. These populations collapsed during the 20th century, and the species was listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List in 1994. An assisted translocation-for-recovery program initiated in the 1990s increased the number of mature individuals, resulting in its downlisting to Endangered in 2005. Here, we explore the temporal genomic erosion of the SMR based on a dataset of 201 re-sequenced whole genomes that span the past ~150 years. Our sample set includes individuals that predate the bottleneck by up to 100 years, as well as individuals from contemporary populations established during the species recovery program. Despite the SMR's recent demographic recovery, our data reveal a marked increase in both the genetic load and realized load in the extant populations when compared to the historical samples. Conservation management may have reduced the intensity of selection by increasing juvenile survival and relaxing intraspecific competition between individuals, resulting in the accumulation of loss-of-function mutations (i.e. severely deleterious variants) in the rapidly recovering population. In addition, we found a 3-fold decrease in genetic diversity between temporal samples. While the low genetic diversity in modern populations may limit the species' adaptability to future environmental changes, future conservation efforts (including IUCN assessments) may also need to assess the threats posed by their high genetic load. Our computer simulations highlight the value of translocations for genetic rescue and show how this could halt genomic erosion in threatened species such as the SMR.}, } @article {pmid38945195, year = {2024}, author = {Desai, JK and Trangadia, BJ and Patel, UD and Patel, HB and Kalaria, VA and Kathiriya, JB}, title = {Reply to comment on "Neurotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol in adult zebrafish: Evaluation of behaviour, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology of brain" by Jay K. Desai. et al. [Environmental Pollution 334 (2023): 122206].}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {357}, number = {}, pages = {124441}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124441}, pmid = {38945195}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; *Phenols/toxicity ; *Zebrafish ; *Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; *Brain/drug effects/metabolism ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; Neurotoxicity Syndromes ; }, } @article {pmid38943372, year = {2024}, author = {Beran, F and Heckel, DG}, title = {Escalation by duplication: Milkweed bug trumps Monarch butterfly.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {33}, number = {14}, pages = {e17443}, doi = {10.1111/mec.17443}, pmid = {38943372}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics ; *Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics/metabolism ; *Asclepias/genetics/chemistry ; Cardenolides ; Gene Duplication ; Cardiac Glycosides/pharmacology ; Larva ; }, abstract = {The iconic Monarch butterfly is probably the best-known example of chemical defence against predation, as pictures of vomiting naive blue jays in countless textbooks vividly illustrate. Larvae of the butterfly take up toxic cardiac glycosides from their milkweed hostplants and carry them over to the adult stage. These compounds (cardiotonic steroids, including cardenolides and bufadienolides) inhibit the animal transmembrane sodium-potassium ATPase (Na,K-ATPase), but the Monarch enzyme resists this inhibition thanks to amino acid substitutions in its catalytic alpha-subunit. Some birds also have substitutions and can feast on cardiac glycoside-sequestering insects with impunity. A flurry of recent work has shown how the alpha-subunit gene has been duplicated multiple times in separate insect lineages specializing in cardiac glycoside-producing plants. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Herbertz et al. toss the beta-subunit into the mix, by expressing all nine combinations of three alpha- and three beta-subunits of the milkweed bug Na,K-ATPase and testing their response to a cardenolide from the hostplant. The findings suggest that the diversification and subfunctionalization of genes allow milkweed bugs to balance trade-offs between resistance towards sequestered host plant toxins that protect the bugs from predators, and physiological costs in terms of Na,K-ATPase activity.}, } @article {pmid38937886, year = {2025}, author = {Dassanayake, TL and Ariyasinghe, DI and Baminiwatta, A and Hewawasam, C}, title = {Age-stratified norms for Raven's standard progressive matrices for Sri Lankan adults.}, journal = {The Clinical neuropsychologist}, volume = {39}, number = {1}, pages = {203-217}, doi = {10.1080/13854046.2024.2370908}, pmid = {38937886}, issn = {1744-4144}, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Sri Lanka ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Reference Values ; Age Factors ; *Aging/physiology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to create age-stratified norms for the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) for Sri Lankan adults.

METHODS: A sample of 610 adults (age: 18-72 years; education: 1-19 years), underwent the 60-item version of the SPM under individual supervision of a test administrator. The sample was stratified into 5-year age bands, and the norms are presented as percentile tables and percentile curves.

RESULTS: The age-related changes were more accurately predicted by a curvilinear model (overall R[2] = 0.961) than a linear regression model (R[2] = 0.639). The SPM norms are presented as age-stratified percentile tables, as well as sex-, age- and education-adjusted multiple regression equations. The highest percentiles in the younger end of the age spectrum showed a ceiling effect. In the context of age-stratified US (1993) and British (1992) norms, older individuals in the Sri Lankan sample scored much lower than their Western counterparts. However, the difference narrowed in the younger age bands, showing no difference among the 18-to-22-year age bands in the three countries.

CONCLUSIONS: This age-by-country interaction can be partly explained by poorer education in the older individuals in the present sample compared to those in the US and UK standardization samples. SPM norms presented in this paper fill a hiatus in assessment of general intellectual ability in Sri Lankan adults. Given that Sri Lanka improves its educational, socioeconomic and health standards faster than the nations who have already reached higher standards, these norms would require re-standardization in the coming decades.}, } @article {pmid38931431, year = {2024}, author = {Kobylarz, D and Paprotny, Ł and Wianowska, D and Gnatowski, M and Jurowski, K}, title = {Silent Bird Poisoning in Poland: Reconfirmation of Bromadiolone and Warfarin as the Proximal Causes Using GC-MS/MS-Based Methodology for Forensic Investigations.}, journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38931431}, issn = {1424-8247}, abstract = {The extensive use of rodenticides poses a severe threat to non-target species, particularly birds of prey and scavengers. In this study, a GC-MS/MS-based method was used to unlock the cause of bird deaths in Poland. Organs (liver, heart, kidney, and lungs) collected during autopsies of two rooks (Corvus frugilegus) and one carrion crow (Corvus corone corone), as well as fecal samples, were analyzed for the presence of anticoagulant coumarin derivatives, i.e., warfarin and bromadiolone. As for warfarin, the highest concentration was found in crow samples overall, with concentrations in the feces and lungs at 5.812 ± 0.368 µg/g and 4.840 ± 0.256 µg/g, respectively. The heart showed the lowest concentration of this compound (0.128 ± 0.01 µg/g). In the case of bromadiolone, the highest concentration was recorded in the liver of a rook (16.659 ± 1.499 µg/g) and this concentration significantly exceeded the levels in the other samples. By revealing the reality of the threat, these discoveries emphasize the need to regulate and monitor the trade in rodenticides.}, } @article {pmid38927338, year = {2024}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Barve, S}, title = {Gazing Strategies among Sentinels of a Cooperative Breeder Are Repeatable but Unrelated to Survival.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38927338}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Vigilance is a common behavioural adaptation to increase the chances of detecting predators before it is too late to escape. Behavioural traits are often repeatable among individuals over the long term, suggesting differences in personality. Earlier studies have documented individual consistency in the time allocated to vigilance. However, little is known about individual consistency in the ways vigilance is achieved from one moment to another and whether different patterns of vigilance among individuals are associated with survival. We aimed to determine whether sentinels of a cooperative breeder showed individual consistency in their vigilance and if individual variation was related to annual survival. During sentinel bouts from vantage points, Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) turn their heads from side to side to monitor their surroundings. Over three field seasons, we found that the head-turning frequency was repeatable in breeders but not in juveniles or non-breeding helpers. The moderate repeatability in breeders was not related to survival. Our results suggest that the head-turning frequency in sentinels of the Florida scrub-jay is repeatable in breeders but not in less experienced juveniles or helpers and, therefore, likely becomes more repeatable as individuals age. The assumption that individual variation in vigilance is related to survival was unsupported in our study and requires further study.}, } @article {pmid38923365, year = {2024}, author = {Dardas, LA and Al-Ammouri, I and Sweis, S and Eid, A and Abid, M and Pan, W}, title = {Beyond the heart: Cognitive and verbal outcomes in Arab children with congenital heart diseases.}, journal = {Birth defects research}, volume = {116}, number = {6}, pages = {e2374}, doi = {10.1002/bdr2.2374}, pmid = {38923365}, issn = {2472-1727}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child ; *Heart Defects, Congenital/psychology ; *Quality of Life/psychology ; *Arabs/psychology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Jordan ; Wechsler Scales ; Intelligence Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study investigates how congenital heart diseases (CHD) characteristics and interventions affect cognitive and verbal skills in Arab children, while also uncovering previously unexplored connections between these skills and the quality of life (QoL) scores as perceived by both children and parents.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan, involving 62 children with CHD aged 6-16. Data were collected through standardized intelligence tests (namely The Raven's Progressive Matrices Test and The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) and QoL assessments.

RESULTS: Sex, disease severity, cyanosis, CHD defect status, conducted operations, and types of interventions did not significantly influence cognitive scores. However, a significant difference was observed in Wechsler's scores between cyanotic and non-cyanotic children (p < .01) and between severe and moderate cases (p = .01). Further, a significant positive correlation was identified between Wechsler's Scores and QoL reported by parents (r = 0.33, p < .01). This correlation was particularly pronounced in the social and school functioning dimensions of QoL.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for personalized care approaches for children with CHDs based on their individual characteristics. While cognitive abilities did not directly correlate with children's QoL reports, a significant positive correlation between verbal skills and QoL reported by parents underscores the importance of effective communication in assessing a child's overall well-being. Future research should further examine the cognitive development in this population, employing neurocognitive investigations and longitudinal studies to gain a deeper understanding of their cognitive profiles and trajectories.}, } @article {pmid38921693, year = {2024}, author = {Ma, Y and Yin, J and Xuan, H and Ren, X and He, J and Wang, T}, title = {Personality Traits and Family SES Moderate the Relationship between Media Multitasking and Reasoning Performance.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38921693}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {32000761//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 20YJC880095//Humanities and Social Science Fund of Ministry of Education of China/ ; 2020FDD04//China Association of Higher Education/ ; }, abstract = {The prevalence of media multitasking has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on cognitive abilities. Despite increasing attention given to this topic, there remains no consensus on how media multitasking is related to cognitive performance. This study aims to shed light on this issue by examining whether and how personality traits and family socioeconomic status (SES) moderate the relationship between media multitasking and reasoning performance. To this end, a large sample of university students (n = 777) completed a battery of measures, including the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, the Media Multitasking Inventory, the Big Five Inventory, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Grit Scale, and the Family SES Questionnaire. Results revealed a negative correlation between media multitasking and reasoning performance. However, this relationship was substantially moderated by conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and family SES. Specifically, media multitasking was more detrimental to reasoning performance among individuals with lower levels of conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and family SES, whereas it was less detrimental to counterparts with higher levels of these personality traits and family SES. The proposed moderation model, for the first time, not only offers novel insights into the theoretical accounts regarding how media multitasking relates to cognitive abilities, but also identifies the protective factors that may buffer the negative impacts of media multitasking.}, } @article {pmid38915110, year = {2024}, author = {Shields, W and Kenney, A and Shiang, E and Malizia, R and Billie, H}, title = {Unintentional injury prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native communities: a scoping review of the Indian Health Service Primary Care Provider newsletter.}, journal = {Injury epidemiology}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {27}, pmid = {38915110}, issn = {2197-1714}, support = {R49 CE003090/CE/NCIPC CDC HHS/United States ; R49CE003090/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; 5R49CE003090/CE/NCIPC CDC HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Unintentional injuries disproportionately impact American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. Developing effective and culturally tailored data collection and intervention programs requires an understanding of past prevention efforts in AI/AN communities, but limited peer-reviewed literature on the topic is available. This scoping review aims to summarize efforts that have been published in the Primary Care Provider newsletter, a source of gray literature available through the Indian Health Service.

METHODS: The research team obtained all injury related articles in the Provider newsletter and excluded those that did not describe an unintentional injury prevention effort. Included articles were organized chronologically and by topic, and outcomes were described in a data abstraction form.

RESULTS: A total of 247 articles from the Provider newsletter were screened, and 68 were included in this review. The most number of articles were published in 2007 (n = 15). Many focused not specifically on one tribal community but on the AI/AN community as a whole (n = 27), while others reported that certain tribes were the focus of study but did not identify tribes by name (n = 24). The following is a list of 14 tribal communities explicitly mentioned: Omaha, Cherokee, Ute, Yakama, Chippewa, Apache, Ho-Chunk, The Crow Tribe, Tohono O'odham Nation, Fort Mojave Tribe, Chemehuevi Tribe, The Rosebud Tribe, Navajo, and The Pueblo of Jemez. Published unintentional injury prevention efforts have covered the following 7 topics in AI/AN communities: falls, motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, improving data, burns, children, and other.

CONCLUSION: This scoping review makes available and searchable information on injury prevention work conducted in and for AI/AN communities that is not currently found in the peer-reviewed literature.}, } @article {pmid38913736, year = {2025}, author = {Ichien, N and Stamenković, D and Whatley, MC and Castel, AD and Holyoak, KJ}, title = {Advancing with age: Older adults excel in comprehension of novel metaphors.}, journal = {Psychology and aging}, volume = {40}, number = {1}, pages = {6-16}, doi = {10.1037/pag0000836}, pmid = {38913736}, issn = {1939-1498}, support = {//National Science Foundation/ ; //Canon Corporation/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Comprehension/physiology ; *Metaphor ; Middle Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Young Adult ; *Intelligence/physiology ; *Aging/psychology/physiology ; Adolescent ; Age Factors ; }, abstract = {Older adults may experience certain forms of cognitive decline, but some forms of semantic memory remain intact in older age. To address how metaphor comprehension changes with age and whether metaphor comprehension relies more heavily on analogical reasoning (supported by fluid intelligence) or on conceptual combination (supported by crystalized intelligence), we compared performance of younger and older adults. In two experiments, healthy older adults (54-88 years) scored lower on a measure of fluid intelligence (Ravens Progressive Matrices) but higher on a measure of crystalized intelligence (Mill Hill Vocabulary Test) relative to younger adults (18-34 years). Groups were equally successful in comprehending relatively easy metaphors (Study 1), but older adults showed a striking advantage over younger adults for novel literary metaphors (Study 2). Mixed-effects modeling showed that measures of fluid and crystalized intelligence each made separable contributions to metaphor comprehension for both groups, but older adults relied more on crystalized intelligence than did younger adults. These age-related dissociations clarify cognitive effects of aging and highlight the importance of crystalized intelligence for metaphor comprehension in both younger and older adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid38906144, year = {2024}, author = {Harten, L and Chen, X and de Marcas, L and Rachum, A and Handel, M and Goldshtein, A and Levi, MF and Rosencwaig, S and Yovel, Y}, title = {Time-mapping and future-oriented behavior in free-ranging wild fruit bats.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {13}, pages = {3005-3010.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.046}, pmid = {38906144}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Chiroptera/physiology/psychology ; Feeding Behavior ; Male ; Female ; }, abstract = {Episodic memory and mental time travel have been viewed as uniquely human traits.[1][,][2][,][3] This view began to shift with the development of behavioral criteria to assess what is referred to as "episodic-like memory" in animals.[4][,][5] Key findings have ranged from evidence of what-where-when memory in scrub-jays, rats, and bees; through decision-making that impacts future foraging in frugivorous primates; to evidence of planning based on future needs in scrub-jays and tool use planning in great apes.[4][,][6][,][7][,][8][,][9][,][10][,][11][,][12][,][13] Field studies of these issues have been rare, though there is field-based evidence for future-oriented behaviors in primates.[8][,][10][,][14][,][15] We report evidence that free-ranging wild fruit bats rely on mental temporal maps and exhibit future-oriented behaviors when foraging. We tracked young bats as they navigated and foraged, documenting every tree they visited over many months. We prevented the bats from foraging outside for different time periods and monitored their foraging decisions, revealing that the bats map the spatiotemporal patterns of resources in their environment. Following a long period in captivity, the bats did not visit those trees that were no longer providing fruit. We show that this time-mapping ability requires experience and is lacking in inexperienced bats. Careful analysis of the bats' movement and foraging choices indicated that they plan which tree to visit while still in the colony, thus exhibiting future-oriented behavior and delayed gratification on a nightly basis. Our findings demonstrate how the need for spatiotemporal mental mapping can drive the evolution of high cognitive abilities that were previously considered exclusive to humans.}, } @article {pmid38897044, year = {2024}, author = {Kampouri, M and Margetaki, K and Koutra, K and Kyriklaki, A and Daraki, V and Roumeliotaki, T and Bempi, V and Vafeiadi, M and Kogevinas, M and Chatzi, L and Kippler, M}, title = {Urinary iodine concentrations in preschoolers and cognitive development at 4 and 6 years of age, the Rhea mother-child cohort on Crete, Greece.}, journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)}, volume = {85}, number = {}, pages = {127486}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127486}, pmid = {38897044}, issn = {1878-3252}, mesh = {Humans ; *Iodine/urine ; Greece ; Female ; Male ; *Cognition/physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Child Development/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding child iodine intake and neurodevelopment is scarce.

METHODS: We aimed to assess the impact of child iodine intake at 4 years of age on cognitive and motor development at 4 and 6 years among 304 children from the Rhea cohort on Crete, Greece. Child iodine intake was assessed via urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and adjusted for specific gravity. Child cognitive and motor development was assessed using the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) at 4 years of age and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), and Trail Making Test (TMT) at 6 years. Associations were explored using multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses with UIC categorized according to WHO criteria [insufficient intake <100 µg/L, adequate 100-299 µg/L (reference group), excessive ≥300 µg/L].

RESULTS: The children's median UIC was 249 µg/L (25-75th percentile: 181-344 μg/L). Children with UIC <100 μg/L had lower scores in the motor scale at 4 years (MSCA-motor scale: B=-10.3; 95 %CI -19.9, -0.6; n=10) and in intelligence at 6 years (RCPM-total score: B=-3.6, 95 %CI -6.8, -0.5; n=9) than children in the reference group. No associations were found with the general cognitive scale at 4 years or with TMT and FTT scales at 6 years. Children with UIC ≥300 μg/L had lower cognitive scores both at 4 (MSCA; B= -3.5; 95 %CI -6.9, -0.1; n =101) and 6 years of age (RCPM-total score; B= -1.2; 95 %CI -2.3, -0.0; n =98) than children in the reference group. No associations were observed with the motor scale at 4 years or with TMT and FTT scales at 6 years.

CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that both low and excessive iodine intake at preschool age may adversely affect child cognitive abilities. Additionally, low iodine intake may also impact motor abilities.}, } @article {pmid38889775, year = {2024}, author = {Hashizume, A and Koda, R and Nakashima, Y}, title = {Infection risk associated with carnivore carcasses may govern trophic interactions between maggots and insectivorous passerine birds.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {20240069}, pmid = {38889775}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Food Chain ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Raccoons/physiology ; Larva/physiology ; Japan ; Feeding Behavior ; }, abstract = {Infection risk by pathogenic agents motivates hosts to avoid using resources with high risks. This, in turn, results in increased availability of these resources for other species that are more tolerant of infections. For instance, carcasses of mammalian carnivores are frequently avoided by conspecific or closely related carnivores, allowing them to be almost exclusively used by maggots. This may lead to novel interactions with other species. This study investigated the consumption of maggots from carnivore carcasses by non-corvid passerines. We successfully monitored 66 raccoon carcasses in Hokkaido, Japan, from 2016 to 2019. Vertebrates only scavenged 14 carcasses before maggot dispersal; the other 52 carcasses produced abundant maggots that regularly fed at least 12 species of non-corvid passerines. Surprisingly, predation occurred at a distance from the carcasses, mainly after maggot dispersal for pupation, despite the higher efficiency of feeding on maggot masses on the carcasses. Birds are likely to reduce the potential risk of infection from the carcass and/or from maggots on the carcasses. Overall, only 1% of maggots were consumed. Our results suggest that necrophagous flies could benefit from the infection risk associated with carnivore carcasses, which may decrease scavenging by other carnivores and constrain maggot consumption by insectivorous birds.}, } @article {pmid38878496, year = {2024}, author = {Relimpio, D and Serna Moreno, MDC and Horta Muñoz, S and Viaplana, E and Mancera, JC and Urniza, A and de la Fuente, J and Gortázar, C}, title = {Improved stability and specificity of baits for oral administration of substances to wild boar.}, journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine}, volume = {229}, number = {}, pages = {106241}, doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106241}, pmid = {38878496}, issn = {1873-1716}, mesh = {Animals ; *Sus scrofa ; Administration, Oral ; Swine ; Vaccination/veterinary/methods ; Animal Feed/analysis ; Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Honey/analysis ; Zea mays ; Animals, Wild ; Sugars ; }, abstract = {Oral vaccination is one of the most effective interventions for disease control in wildlife. As a result of the recent global reemergence of African swine fever and ongoing classical swine fever and animal tuberculosis, oral vaccination of Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) receives increased interest. Several baits for wild boar and feral pigs have been described, but developing more stable and personalized formulations is important. This paper proposes a new bait formulation primarily composed of corn flour, piglet feed, sugar, and honey as a binder to obtain improved elasticity. The bait consists of a matrix with no protective coats, has a hemispherical shape (ø 3.4 ×1.6 cm), and displays an anise aroma and blue color. The color and aroma did not affect bait choice by wild boar, while bait coloring contributed to avoid consumption by non-target species (corvids). Baits with the new formulation were significantly more resistant to humidity and high temperatures than previous versions. Simulations suggest that baits with the new formulation are elastic enough to resist impacts from a maximum altitude of 750 m. Thus, the new bait prototype solves several problems of previous bait formulations while keeping a format that can be selectively consumed by piglets and adult wild boar.}, } @article {pmid38874516, year = {2024}, author = {Chen, J and Moubadder, L and Clausing, ES and Kezios, KL and Conneely, KN and Hüls, A and Baccarelli, A and Factor-Litvak, P and Cirrillo, P and Shelton, RC and Link, BG and Suglia, SF}, title = {Associations of childhood, adolescence, and midlife cognitive function with DNA methylation age acceleration in midlife.}, journal = {Aging}, volume = {16}, number = {11}, pages = {9350-9368}, pmid = {38874516}, issn = {1945-4589}, support = {R01 AG058704/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HD058515/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *DNA Methylation ; Female ; Male ; Adolescent ; Middle Aged ; *Cognition/physiology ; Child ; Aging/genetics ; Adult ; Intelligence/genetics ; Cognitive Aging ; }, abstract = {Prior studies showed increased age acceleration (AgeAccel) is associated with worse cognitive function among old adults. We examine the associations of childhood, adolescence and midlife cognition with AgeAccel based on DNA methylation (DNAm) in midlife. Data are from 359 participants who had cognition measured in childhood and adolescence in the Child Health and Development study, and had cognition, blood based DNAm measured during midlife in the Disparities study. Childhood cognition was measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT). Adolescent cognition was measured only by PPVT. Midlife cognition included Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR), Verbal Fluency (VF), Digit Symbol (DS). AgeAccel measures including Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPACE were calculated from DNAm. Linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders were utilized to examine the association between each cognitive measure in relation to each AgeAccel. There are no significant associations between childhood cognition and midlife AgeAccel. A 1-unit increase in adolescent PPVT, which measures crystalized intelligence, is associated with 0.048-year decrease of aging measured by GrimAge and this association is attenuated after adjustment for adult socioeconomic status. Midlife crystalized intelligence measure WTAR is negatively associated with PhenoAge and DunedinPACE, and midlife fluid intelligence measure (DS) is negatively associated with GrimAge, PhenoAge and DunedinPACE. AgeAccel is not associated with VF in midlife. In conclusion, our study showed the potential role of cognitive functions at younger ages in the process of biological aging. We also showed a potential relationship of both crystalized and fluid intelligence with aging acceleration.}, } @article {pmid38865769, year = {2024}, author = {Graziosi, G and Lupini, C and Favera, FD and Martini, G and Dosa, G and Trevisani, G and Garavini, G and Mannelli, A and Catelli, E}, title = {Characterizing the domestic-wild bird interface through camera traps in an area at risk for avian influenza introduction in Northern Italy.}, journal = {Poultry science}, volume = {103}, number = {8}, pages = {103892}, pmid = {38865769}, issn = {1525-3171}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/virology ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Animals, Wild ; Poultry Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Chickens ; Birds ; }, abstract = {Direct or indirect interactions between sympatric wildlife and poultry can lead to interspecies disease transmission. Particularly, avian influenza (AI) is a viral epidemic disease for which the poultry-wild bird interface shapes the risks of new viral introductions into poultry holdings. Given this background, the study hereby presented aimed to identify wild bird species in poultry house surroundings and characterize the spatiotemporal patterns of these visits. Eight camera traps were deployed for a year (January to December 2021) in 3 commercial chicken layer farms, including free-range and barn-type setups, located in a densely populated poultry area in Northern Italy at high risk for AI introduction via wild birds. Camera traps' positions were chosen based on wildlife signs identified during preliminary visits to the establishments studied. Various methods, including time series analysis, correspondence analysis, and generalized linear models, were employed to analyze the daily wild bird visits. A total of 1,958 camera trap days yielded 5,978 videos of wild birds from 27 different species and 16 taxonomic families. The animals were predominantly engaged in foraging activities nearby poultry houses. Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), and Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) were the most frequent visitors. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), an AI reservoir species, were observed only in a farm located next to a fishing sport lake. Time series analysis indicated that wild bird visits increased during spring and winter. Farm and camera trap location also influenced visit frequencies. Overall, the results highlighted specific species that could be prioritized for future AI epidemiological surveys. However, further research is required to assess their susceptibility and infectivity to currently circulating AI viruses, essential for identifying novel bridge hosts.}, } @article {pmid38859176, year = {2024}, author = {Aslan, B and Franchi, R and Biasi, S and Ali, S and Pavesi, L}, title = {On the spectral response of a taiji-CROW device.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {32}, number = {9}, pages = {15177-15198}, doi = {10.1364/OE.514629}, pmid = {38859176}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {Physical systems with topological properties are robust against disorder. However, implementing them in integrated photonic devices is challenging because of the various fabrication imperfections and/or limitations that affect the spectral response of their building blocks. One such feature is strong backscattering due to the surface wall roughness of the waveguides, which can flip the propagating modes to counterpropagating modes and destroy the desired topological behavior. Here, we report a study on modeling, designing and testing an integrated photonic structure based on a sequence of two taiji microresonators coupled with a middle link microresonator (a taiji-CROW device, where CROW stands for coupled resonator optical waveguides). Our study provides design constraints to preserve the ideal operation of the structure by quantifying a minimum ratio between the coupling coefficients and the backscattering coefficients. This ratio is valuable to avoid surface roughness problems in designing topological integrated photonic devices based on arrays of microresonators.}, } @article {pmid38857943, year = {2024}, author = {Sharma, D and Chauhan, AS and Guinness, L and Mehndiratta, A and Dhiman, A and Singh, M and Prinja, S}, title = {Understanding the extent of economic evidence usage for informing policy decisions in the context of India's national health insurance scheme: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY).}, journal = {BMJ global health}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38857943}, issn = {2059-7908}, mesh = {Humans ; India ; *Health Policy ; *National Health Programs/economics ; Policy Making ; Decision Making ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world's largest tax-funded insurance schemes. The present study was conducted to understand the decision-making process around the evolution (and revision) of health benefit packages (HBPs) and reimbursement rates within PM-JAY, with a specific focus on assessing the extent of use of economic evidence and role of various stakeholders in shaping these policy decisions.

METHODS: A mixed-methods study was adopted involving in-depth interviews with seven key stakeholders involved in HBP design and reimbursement rates decisions, and a survey of 80 government staff and other relevant stakeholders engaged in the implementation of PM-JAY. The data gathered were thematically analysed, and a coding framework was developed to explore specific themes. Additionally, publicly available documents were reviewed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making processes.

RESULTS: Findings reveal a progressive transition towards evidence-based practices for policy decisions within PM-JAY. The initial version of HBP relied heavily on key criteria like disease burden, utilisation rates, and out-of-pocket expenditures, along with clinical opinion in shaping decisions around the inclusion of services in the HBP and setting reimbursement rates. Revised HBPs were informed based on evidence from a national-level costing study and broader stakeholder consultations. The use of health economic evidence increased with each additional revision with consideration of health technology assessment (HTA) evidence for some packages and reimbursement rates based on empirical cost evidence in the most recent update. The establishment of the Health Financing and Technology Assessment unit further signifies the use of evidence-based policymaking within PM-JAY. However, challenges persist, notably with regard to staff capacity and understanding of HTA principles, necessitating ongoing education and training initiatives.

CONCLUSION: While substantial progress has been made in transitioning towards evidence-based practices within PM-JAY, sustained efforts and political commitment are required for the ongoing systematisation of processes.}, } @article {pmid38854476, year = {2024}, author = {Lee, JS and Yoon, YC and Kim, JM and Kim, YH and Kang, YH and Shin, YC}, title = {Liquid collagen from freshwater fish skin ameliorates hydration, roughness and elasticity in photo-aged skin: a randomized, controlled, clinical study.}, journal = {Nutrition research and practice}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {357-371}, pmid = {38854476}, issn = {1976-1457}, abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Collagen is commonly used in diverse forms as a functional component in skincare products. On the other hand, the effects of collagen on human skin are controversial. Dietary collagen hydrolysates from freshwater Pangasius hypophthalmus fish skin ameliorated photo-aged skin of hairless mice. This study conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine if liquid fish collagen (Collagen-Tripep20™, Tripep20) as a drink strengthens skin health and quality.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: In this clinical trial, 85 subjects aged 35-60 yrs were diagnosed with photo-aged skin. Eighty-five subjects were randomized to receive either Tripep20 (n = 44) or placebo (n = 41). Seventy-eight subjects fully participating for a 12-week period consumed 1,000 mg of Tripep20 (n = 41) or placebo (n = 37) in a 50-mL bottle as a daily drink. The intend-to-treat and per-protocol populations were 85 and 78, respectively. Skin hydration, wrinkles, and elasticity were assessed at 0 (baseline), 6, and 12 weeks during the study period.

RESULTS: Skin hydration in the Tripep20 group was significantly higher from 6 weeks (P < 0.001) than the baseline. After 12 weeks, the Crow's-feet visual score and skin roughness (Ra, Rq, and Rmax) were significantly improved in the Tripep20 group than in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Consuming liquid collagen Tripep20 greatly enhanced skin elasticity (Gross R2, Net R5, and Biological elasticity R7) in 6 weeks compared to the placebo group. The Tripep20 group showed a significant increase in skin elasticity from the baseline after 6 and 12 weeks (P < 0.001). Neither abnormal symptoms nor adverse events were encountered during the study period in subjects ingesting Tripep20 or placebo. The changes in parameters related to hematology and clinical chemistry were within the normal ranges.

CONCLUSION: Oral consumption of liquid collagen Tripep20 was safe and well-tolerated. The results of this study show that freshwater fish-derived liquid collagen Tripep20 can be used as a healthy functional food ingredient to improve skin moisturizing, anti-wrinkling, and elasticity in an aging population.}, } @article {pmid38845349, year = {2024}, author = {Cho, E and Pinzur, MS and Schiff, AP and Hamid, K}, title = {Outcomes Following Surgical Correction of Talocalcalcaneal Joint Dislocation in Diabetes Associated Charcot Foot Arthropathy.}, journal = {Foot & ankle international}, volume = {45}, number = {9}, pages = {972-978}, doi = {10.1177/10711007241255373}, pmid = {38845349}, issn = {1944-7876}, mesh = {Humans ; *Arthropathy, Neurogenic/surgery/complications ; Retrospective Studies ; *Joint Dislocations/surgery/complications ; Middle Aged ; Female ; *Diabetic Foot/surgery/complications ; Male ; Subtalar Joint/surgery ; Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Arthrodesis/methods ; External Fixators ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Growing clinical interest in the treatment of acquired foot deformity due to diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy has led to multiple reports of favorable clinical outcomes in patients when their acquired deformity is at the midfoot level. Clinical failures and less than optimal clinical outcomes are achieved when the deformity is at the hindfoot or ankle levels.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent surgical correction of diabetes-associated Charcot foot arthropathy with talocalcaneal dislocation over an 18-year period. Reduction of the talocalcaneal dislocation, and maintenance of the correction with percutaneous pins and circular external fixation after subtalar joint preparation for fusion, was used as the method of surgically achieving a clinically plantigrade foot. Clinical outcomes were based on resolution of infection, limb salvage, and the ability to ambulate with commercially available therapeutic footwear.

RESULTS: Forty-three feet in 39 patients were included. A favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 32 of 43 feet (74%) with 26 (60%) considered to have an "excellent" result with minimal shoeing issues and 6 (14%) considered to have a "good" outcome based on their need for a custom shoe modification and/or some form of short ankle-foot orthosis. Eleven feet (26%) were judged to have a "poor" clinical outcome and among those 11 feet, 6 underwent partial, or whole-foot amputation, 2 had persistent wounds, and 5 required the use of a standard ankle foot orthosis or Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW).

CONCLUSION: Subtalar dislocation in Charcot arthropathy is a complex clinical problem. In our series, reduction and maintenance of the reduction after subtalar dislocation was essential for a favorable clinical outcome.}, } @article {pmid38841999, year = {2024}, author = {Babu, KR and Prasad, JL and Bhaskar, NL and Kumar, PN}, title = {Study on Universal Health Coverage Scheme in India - The Stumper to Private Hospitals.}, journal = {Hospital topics}, volume = {102}, number = {3}, pages = {193-199}, doi = {10.1080/00185868.2024.2359553}, pmid = {38841999}, issn = {1939-9278}, mesh = {Humans ; *Hospitals, Private/economics/statistics & numerical data ; India ; *Universal Health Insurance/statistics & numerical data/economics/trends ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many governments have introduced health insurance schemes for the poor sections of society to save them from catastrophic health expenditure. Private hospitals play a key role in India, as they are in significant number in secondary and tertiary care services. Private hospitals have to fund their infrastructure, staff salaries from the revenue of previous year. In this study, we compared money received by a private medical college hospital bed through government insurance scheme patient and private paying patient.

METHODS: Observational study, comparing money reimbursed for top ten procedures treated in private medical college hospitals by Ayushman Bharat (AB) fund and the price offered by a paying patient in similar bed.

RESULTS: On average 600 patients received medical care through the AB scheme per month at our tertiary care super-specialty hospital. Highest numbers were seen in specialties like cardiovascular, and cancer treatments and infectious diseases under general medicine specialty. The costs considered were surgeon's cost, medicines, devices, and hospitalization costs. The laparoscopic procedures were incurring a loss of 130%, knee replacements about 50%, coronary bypass grafting thankfully due to controlling of prices by central government is incurring a loss of 10%. The package amount offered accounts to 26-52% only of the costs incurred by the private hospitals.

CONCLUSION: The private academic hospitals need 25% to 50% more than current prices offered, across various procedures.}, } @article {pmid38841134, year = {2024}, author = {Anastasiu, P and Miu, IV and Gavrilidis, AA and Preda, C and Rozylowicz, L and Sirbu, C and Oprea, A and Urziceanu, M and Camen-Comanescu, P and Nagoda, E and Memedemin, D and Barbos, M and Boruz, V and Cislariu, A and Don, I and Fagaras, M and Frink, JP and Georgescu, IM and Haruta, OI and Hurdu, BI and Matis, A and Milanovici, S and Muncaciu, S and Neacsu, AG and Neblea, M and Nicolin, AL and Niculescu, M and Oroian, S and Pop, OG and Radutoiu, DI and Samarghitan, M and Simion, I and Soare, LC and Steiu, C and Stoianov, E and Strat, D and Szabo, A and Szatmari, PM and Tanase, C and Mirea, MD and Manta, N and Sirbu, IM}, title = {Alien plant species distribution in Romania: a nationwide survey following the implementation of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {e119539}, pmid = {38841134}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biological invasions pose an increasing risk to nature, social security and the economy, being ranked amongst the top five threats to biodiversity. Managing alien and invasive species is a priority for the European Union, as outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Alien plant species are acknowledged to impact the economy and biodiversity; thus, analysing the distribution of such species provides valuable inputs for the management and decision-making processes. The database presented in the current study is the first consolidated checklist of alien plant species that are present in Romania, both of European Union concern and of national interest. This database complements a prior published distribution, based only on records from literature, bringing new information regarding the occurrence of alien plants in Romania, as revealed by a nationwide field survey. We consider this database a valuable instrument for managing biological invasions at both national and regional levels, as it can be utilised in further research studies and in drafting management and action plans, assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions and implementing management actions.

NEW INFORMATION: We present the results of the first nationwide survey of alien plant species in Romania, conducted between 2019 and 2022, in the framework of a national project coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests and the University of Bucharest. The present database complements and updates the database published by Sirbu et. al (2022), which included occurrence records published until 2019. The new database includes 98323 occurrence records for 396 alien plant species in 77 families, with most species belonging to the Asteraceae family. One alien plant species in our database, the black locust Robiniapseudoacacia L., had more than 10,000 occurrence records. The distribution database also includes information on newly-reported invasive alien plant species of European Union concern in Romania (i.e. the floating primrose-willow Ludwigiapeploides (Kunth) P.H.Raven) and documents the presence of plants in 44 additional families compared to Sirbu et al. (2022). Each entry includes information on species taxonomy, location, year, person who recorded and identified the alien plant, geographical coordinates and taxon rank.}, } @article {pmid38837343, year = {2024}, author = {Yang, X and Yang, R and Zhang, T and Tan, DJ and Pan, R and Chen, Z and Wu, D and Chen, C and Xu, Y and Zhang, L and Li, X and Shu, Q and Hu, L}, title = {Genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of maple syrup urine disease in Zhejiang of China.}, journal = {QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians}, volume = {117}, number = {10}, pages = {717-727}, pmid = {38837343}, issn = {1460-2393}, support = {2024C03151//Key R&D Program of Zhejiang/ ; 82000030//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC2703401//National Program on Key Basic Research Project/ ; //Special Fund for the Incubation of Young Clinical Scientist/ ; CHZJU2022YS005//The Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine/ ; }, mesh = {*Maple Syrup Urine Disease/genetics/diagnosis ; Humans ; China ; Female ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant, Newborn ; *Phenotype ; *Genotype ; *Mutation ; 3-Methyl-2-Oxobutanoate Dehydrogenase (Lipoamide)/genetics ; Neonatal Screening/methods ; Infant ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder originating from defects in the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex encoded by BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT. This condition presents a spectrum of symptoms and potentially fatal outcomes. Although numerous mutations in the BCKDH complex genes associated with MSUD have been identified, the relationship between specific genotypes remains to be fully elucidated.

AIM: Our objective was to predict the pathogenicity of these genetic mutations and establish potential links between genotypic alterations and the clinical phenotypes of MSUD.

DESIGN: Retrospective population-based cohort.

METHODS: We analyzed 20 MSUD patients from the Children's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China), recorded from January 2010 to December 2023. Patients' blood samples were collected by heel-stick through neonatal screening, and amino acid profiles were measured by tandem mass spectrometry. In silico methods were employed to assess the pathogenicity, stability and biophysical properties. Various computation tools were utilized for assessment, namely PredictSNP, MAGPIE, iStable, Align GVGD, ConSurf and SNP effect.

RESULTS: We detected 25 distinct mutations, including 12 novel mutations. The BCKDHB gene was the most commonly affected (53.3%) compared to the BCKDHA gene (20.0%) and DBT gene (26.7%). In silico webservers predicted all novel mutations were disease-causing.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the genetic complexity of MSUD and underscores the importance of early detection and intervention. Integrating neonatal screening with advanced sequencing methodologies is pivotal in ensuring precise diagnosis and effective management of MSUD, thereby significantly improving the prognosis for individuals afflicted with this condition.}, } @article {pmid38835280, year = {2024}, author = {Speechley, EM and Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and King, SL and Simmons, LW and Woodiss-Field, SL and Ridley, AR}, title = {Aggressive interactions influence cognitive performance in Western Australian magpies.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {291}, number = {2024}, pages = {20240435}, pmid = {38835280}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Social Behavior ; Western Australia ; *Aggression ; Male ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {Extensive research has investigated the relationship between the social environment and cognition, suggesting that social complexity may drive cognitive evolution and development. However, evidence for this relationship remains equivocal. Group size is often used as a measure of social complexity, but this may not capture intraspecific variation in social interactions. Social network analysis can provide insight into the cognitively demanding challenges associated with group living at the individual level. Here, we use social networks to investigate whether the cognitive performance of wild Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) is related to group size and individual social connectedness. We quantified social connectedness using four interaction types: proximity, affiliative, agonistic and vocal. Consistent with previous research on this species, individuals in larger groups performed better on an associative learning task. However, social network position was also related to cognitive performance. Individuals receiving aggressive interactions performed better, while those involved in aggressive interactions with more group members performed worse. Overall, this suggests that cognitive performance is related to specific types of social interaction. The findings from this study highlight the value of considering fine-grained metrics of sociality that capture the challenges associated with social life when testing the relationship between the social environment and cognition.}, } @article {pmid38830782, year = {2025}, author = {Higginbotham, GD}, title = {The Dark Side of Safety: A Call for a More Thorough Consideration of Racism and Collective Power Motivations in the Social Psychology of Firearms.}, journal = {Psychological reports}, volume = {128}, number = {1}, pages = {267-304}, doi = {10.1177/00332941241252773}, pmid = {38830782}, issn = {1558-691X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Firearms/legislation & jurisprudence ; *Racism ; *Motivation ; *Safety ; *Power, Psychological ; Psychology, Social ; United States ; Black or African American/psychology/ethnology ; White People/psychology ; Ownership ; White ; }, abstract = {This paper situates current social psychological research on the symbolic use of firearms (e.g., as a source of personal safety) in broader historical context to motivate a more thorough consideration of collective power motives. Historically, firearms have been used to dominate racial outgroup members (e.g., White Americans use of firearms and firearm laws to dispossess indigenous people of land or control free and enslaved Black people) or, at times, attempt to resist group-based oppression (e.g., Black Americans use of firearms to struggle against White Jim Crow terrorism). Given most gun owners report self-protection as their primary reason for firearm ownership and yet anti-Black attitudes are still a consistently important predictor of firearm ownership among dominant group members (e.g., White Americans), this paper examines how guns may function as a perceived source of personal safety and collective power. I center the persistent role of White supremacy and anti-Blackness in original U.S. firearm psychology and policy to illuminate the interrelatedness of personal safety and collective power perceptions, and how perceived threats to in-group power may motivate the use of guns and policies that selectively regulate gun access to mitigate associated safety concerns. Seeking to nudge social psychology to more thoroughly examine firearms' potential function as a symbolic source of collective power, I end by discussing how considering collective power can help us better understand how historically dominant and historically marginalized groups view firearms today while also illuminating some barriers to the pursuit of gun safety for all.}, } @article {pmid38829346, year = {2024}, author = {Auersperg, A}, title = {Within the sound of trouble: Do humans use pitch to correctly assess emotional arousal across species?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {138}, number = {2}, pages = {77-79}, doi = {10.1037/com0000389}, pmid = {38829346}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Humans ; *Arousal/physiology ; *Emotions/physiology ; Animals ; Pitch Perception/physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Comments on an article by Jay W. Schwartz , Kayleigh H. Pierson, and Alexander K. Reece (see record 2024-19488-001). In this issue, Schwartz et al. (2024) tackle the pitch rule in humans by testing to what extent we use pitch alone to judge emotional arousal across closely and distantly related animal species. The findings of Schwartz et al. open a number of intriguing possibilities for future research: Notably important additional steps would include to further investigate the accuracy of the pitch rule across closely and distantly related species. Upon this, in order to study the evolutionary ancestry of the pitch rule, it will be necessary to study its applicability across nonhumans. Particularly interesting would be the inclusion of subject species that have been found to eavesdrop on heterospecific alarm calls. Previous research (see Hoeschele, 2017 for a review) as well as present findings on human ratings of macaque versus cricket calls also suggest that we should additionally focus on sound features that compliment emotional arousal rating beyond pitch such as spectral information. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid38826666, year = {2024}, author = {Tozzi, A and Peters, JF}, title = {Towards a single parameter for the assessment of EEG oscillations.}, journal = {Cognitive neurodynamics}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {1209-1214}, pmid = {38826666}, issn = {1871-4080}, abstract = {The single macroscopic flow on the boundary of a closed curve equals the sum of the countless microscopic flows in the enclosed area. According to the dictates of the Green's theorem, the counterclockwise movements on the border of a two-dimensional shape must equal all the counterclockwise movements taking place inside the shape. This mathematical approach might be useful to analyse neuroscientific data sets for its potential capability to describe the whole cortical activity in terms of electric flows occurring in peripheral brain areas. Given a map of raw EEG data to coloured ovals in which different colours stand for different amplitudes, the theorem suggests that the sum of the electric amplitudes measured inside every oval equals the amplitudes measured just on the oval's edge. This means that the collection of the vector fields detected from the scalp can be described by a novel, single parameter summarizing the counterclockwise electric flow detected in the outer electrodes. To evaluate the predictive power of this parameter, in a pilot study we investigated EEG traces from ten young females performing Raven's intelligence tests of various complexity, from easy tasks (n = 5) to increasingly complex tasks (n = 5). Despite the seemingly unpredictable behavior of EEG electric amplitudes, the novel parameter proved to be a valuable tool to to discriminate between the two groups and detect hidden, statistically significant differences. We conclude that the application of this promising parameter could be expanded to assess also data sets extracted from neurotechniques other than EEG.}, } @article {pmid38820727, year = {2024}, author = {Łopucki, R and Stępień-Pyśniak, D and Christensen, H and Kubiński, K and Lenarczyk, E and Martinez-de-Tejada, G and Kitowski, I and Masłyk, M}, title = {Interspecies transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between wild birds and mammals in urban environment.}, journal = {Veterinary microbiology}, volume = {294}, number = {}, pages = {110130}, doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110130}, pmid = {38820727}, issn = {1873-2542}, mesh = {Animals ; Poland/epidemiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Escherichia coli/drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Animals, Wild/microbiology ; *Cities ; Feces/microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Birds/microbiology ; Mammals/microbiology ; Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary/transmission/microbiology/epidemiology ; Crows/microbiology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Rodentia/microbiology ; }, abstract = {The transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among wild animal species may hold significant epidemiological implications. However, this issue is seldom explored due to the perceived complexity of these systems, which discourages experimental investigation. To address this knowledge gap, we chose a configuration of birds and mammals coexisting in an urban green area as a research model: the rook Corvus frugilegus and the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius. The indirect transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria between these species is possible because rodents inhabiting rook colonies frequently come into contact with the birds' faeces and pellets. The study was conducted in two cities in eastern Poland (Central Europe) - Lublin and Chełm. Among 71 Escherichia (E.) coli isolates studied, 19.7% showed resistance to from one to six of the antibiotics tested, with much higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the birds (32%) than in the rodents (7%). Whole genome sequencing was performed on 10 selected E. coli isolates representing similar resistance phenotypes. The following antimicrobial resistance genes were detected: blaTEM-1b, tet(A), tet(B), aph(6)-Id, aph(3'')-Ib, aadA1, aadA2, catA1, floR, cmlA, sul2, sul3, dfrA14, and dfrA2. Birds from the same city and also from both neighbouring cities shared E. coli bacteria with the same sequence types, whereas isolates detected in birds were not found to have been transferred to the mammalian population, despite close contact. This demonstrates that even intensive exposure to sources of these pathogens does not necessarily lead to effective transmission of antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains between birds and mammals. Further efforts should be dedicated to investigating actual transmission of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in various ecological systems, including those that are crucial for public health, such as urban environments. This will facilitate the development of more accurate models for epidemiological threats and the formulation of well-balanced decisions regarding the coexistence of humans and urban wildlife.}, } @article {pmid38818494, year = {2024}, author = {Tamba, M and Bonilauri, P and Galletti, G and Casadei, G and Santi, A and Rossi, A and Calzolari, M}, title = {West Nile virus surveillance using sentinel birds: results of eleven years of testing in corvids in a region of northern Italy.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1407271}, pmid = {38818494}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {The natural transmission cycle of West Nile virus (WNV) involves birds as primary hosts and mosquitoes as vectors, but this virus can spread to mammals, human beings included. Asymptomatic infected donors pose a risk to the safety of blood transfusions and organ transplants, as WNV can be transmitted through these medical procedures. Since 2009, the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy has been implementing an integrated surveillance system in order to detect WNV circulation in the environment at an early stage. Here we report the results of the two components of the surveillance system, the active testing of corvids and humans, and demonstrate that bird surveillance alone improves a surveillance system based solely on human case detection. As WNV risk reduction measures are applied on a provincial basis, we assessed the ability of this surveillance system component to detect virus circulation prior to the notification of the first human case for each province. Overall, 99 epidemic seasons were evaluated as a result of 11 years (2013-2023) of surveillance in the nine provinces of the region. In this period, 22,314 corvids were tested for WNV and 642 (2.9%) were found to be infected. WNV was generally first detected in birds in July, with sample prevalence peaks occurring between August and September. During the same period, 469 autochthonous human cases were notified, about 60% of which were reported in August. WNV was detected 79 times out of the 99 seasons considered. The virus was notified in birds 73 times (92.4%) and 60 times (75.9%) in humans. WNV was first or only notified in birds in 57 seasons (72.1%), while it was first or only notified in humans in 22 seasons (27.8%). Active surveillance in corvids generally allows the detection of WNV before the onset of human cases. Failure of virus detection occurred mainly in seasons where the number of birds tested was low. Our results show that active testing of a minimum of 3.8 corvids per 100 km[2] provides a satisfactory timeliness in the virus detection, but for early detection of WNV it is crucial to test birds between mid-June and mid-August.}, } @article {pmid38813372, year = {2024}, author = {Banta Lavenex, P and Blandin, ML and Gaborieau, C and Lavenex, P}, title = {Well-designed manufacturing work improves some cognitive abilities in individuals with cognitive impairments.}, journal = {Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {1377133}, pmid = {38813372}, issn = {2673-6861}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Employment is recognized as a fundamental human right, which correlates with better physical and mental health. Importantly, well-designed work, which considers the physical, social, and psychological impacts of work, can serve to enhance the cognitive abilities of workers. Although often overlooked, work for individuals with disabilities, including cognitive impairments, is equally important for their physical and mental well-being. What has not been established, however, is whether well-designed work can also enhance the cognitive abilities of individuals with cognitive impairments.

METHODS: Using a longitudinal study design, we investigated the impact of well-designed work on the cognitive abilities of 60 participants (operators) at the AMIPI Foundation factories, which employ individuals with cognitive impairments to produce electrical cables and harnesses for the automobile industry. The same operators were assessed at three different time points: upon hiring (n = 60), and after working in the factory for 1 year (n = 41, since 19 left the factory) and 2 years (n = 28, since 13 more left the factory). We used five cognitive tests evaluating: (1) finger and manual dexterity, bimanual dexterity, and procedural memory using the Purdue Pegboard; (2) sustained and selective attention using the Symbol Cancellation Task; (3) short- and long-term declarative verbal memory and long-term verbal recognition memory using Rey's Audio-Verbal Learning Test; (4) short- and long-term visual recognition memory using the Continuous Visual Memory Test; and (5) abstract reasoning using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: We observed improvements in procedural memory, sustained and selective attention, and short- and long-term visual recognition memory after working in the factory for 1 or 2 years. We did not observe improvements in finger or manual dexterity or bimanual dexterity, nor short- or long-term declarative verbal memory or verbal recognition memory, nor abstract reasoning.

DISCUSSION: We conclude that, in addition to improving physical and mental well-being, well-designed manufacturing work can serve as a training intervention improving some types of cognitive functioning in individuals with cognitive impairments.}, } @article {pmid38808028, year = {2024}, author = {Parishar, P and Rajagopalan, M and Iyengar, S}, title = {Changes in the dopaminergic circuitry and adult neurogenesis linked to reinforcement learning in corvids.}, journal = {Frontiers in neuroscience}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {1359874}, pmid = {38808028}, issn = {1662-4548}, abstract = {The caudolateral nidopallium (NCL, an analog of the prefrontal cortex) is known to be involved in learning, memory, and discrimination in corvids (a songbird), whereas the involvement of other brain regions in these phenomena is not well explored. We used house crows (Corvus splendens) to explore the neural correlates of learning and decision-making by initially training them on a shape discrimination task followed by immunohistochemistry to study the immediate early gene expression (Arc), a dopaminoceptive neuronal marker (DARPP-32, Dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32 kDa) to understand the involvement of the reward pathway and an immature neuronal marker (DCX, doublecortin) to detect learning-induced changes in adult neurogenesis. We performed neuronal counts and neuronal tracing, followed by morphometric analyses. Our present results have demonstrated that besides NCL, other parts of the caudal nidopallium (NC), avian basal ganglia, and intriguingly, vocal control regions in house crows are involved in visual discrimination. We have also found that training on the visual discrimination task can be correlated with neurite pruning in mature dopaminoceptive neurons and immature DCX-positive neurons in the NC of house crows. Furthermore, there is an increase in the incorporation of new neurons throughout NC and the medial striatum which can also be linked to learning. For the first time, our results demonstrate that a combination of structural changes in mature and immature neurons and adult neurogenesis are linked to learning in corvids.}, } @article {pmid38806771, year = {2024}, author = {Krämer, K}, title = {Daily briefing: Carrion crows have counting skills seen only in people.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-024-01579-3}, pmid = {38806771}, issn = {1476-4687}, } @article {pmid38788911, year = {2024}, author = {Novčić, I and Mikula, P}, title = {Nearest neighbour distance does not affect escape behaviour in urban hooded crows.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {105057}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105057}, pmid = {38788911}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {*Crows/physiology ; Animals ; *Escape Reaction/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Male ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {The nearest-neighbour distance is an important property of a group, as individuals can obtain environmental information more quickly and easily from nearby individuals. We examined whether distance to the nearest neighbour affected two components of escape behaviour - alert distance (AD) and flight initiation distance (FID) - in an urban population of hooded crows Corvus cornix, while controlling for confounding variables. We did not find evidence that AD and FID were influenced by the nearest neighbour distance. However, both AD and FID were negatively affected by feeding activity of individuals - focal crows alerted later and escaped at shorter distance if they were feeding during our approach. In addition, AD and FID were positively related to starting distance and grass coverage. The lack of evidence for the nearest neighbour effect on escape behaviour of crows may be due to: (1) disturbance by close neighbours that may impede antipredator behaviour of focal birds, (2) variable distribution of familiar, dominant or experienced individuals within a flock, and (3) dynamic change in position of the nearest neighbour during the potential predator approach.}, } @article {pmid38786375, year = {2024}, author = {Bazalo, B and Morales-Sánchez, V and Pérez-Romero, N and Contreras-Osorio, F and Campos-Jara, C and Hernández-Mendo, A and Reigal, RE}, title = {Associations between Fluid Intelligence and Physical Fitness in School Children.}, journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {38786375}, issn = {2227-9032}, abstract = {Previous research has highlighted that active lifestyles that contribute to improved physical fitness are positively related to cognitive functioning in children and adolescents. Specifically, the increase in physical condition at school age is considered relevant because it is related to better cognitive ability and greater academic performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between explosive strength, speed-agility, and fluid reasoning in schoolchildren. To achieve this objective, an associative, comparative, and predictive design was used in this research. A total of 129 children participated in this study (age: M = 9.48; SD = 0.99). To assess fluid reasoning, the Raven test's Standard Progressive Matrices Subtest and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) were used. To assess physical fitness, the speed-agility test and the horizontal jump test (ALPHA-fitness battery tests), as well as the ball throw test (2 kg), were used. The results showed that the speed-agility test significantly predicted WISC-V Fluid Reasoning Index scores, and the medicine ball toss test significantly predicted Raven test scores. The results obtained highlight the associations between physical condition at these ages and fluid intelligence. This suggests that promoting active lifestyles that improve physical fitness could have a positive impact on children's cognitive health.}, } @article {pmid38783132, year = {2024}, author = {Lenharo, M}, title = {These crows have counting skills previously only seen in people.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38783132}, issn = {1476-4687}, } @article {pmid38781709, year = {2024}, author = {Fujii, Y and Masatani, T and Nishiyama, S and Takahashi, T and Okajima, M and Izumi, F and Sakoda, Y and Takada, A and Ozawa, M and Sugiyama, M and Ito, N}, title = {Molecular characterization of an avian rotavirus a strain detected from a large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) in Japan.}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {596}, number = {}, pages = {110114}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2024.110114}, pmid = {38781709}, issn = {1096-0341}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/virology ; Japan ; *Rotavirus/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; *Rotavirus Infections/virology/veterinary/transmission ; *Phylogeny ; *Bird Diseases/virology/transmission ; *Feces/virology ; *Genotype ; }, abstract = {Avian rotaviruses A (RVAs) are occasionally transmitted to animals other than the original hosts across species barriers. Information on RVAs carried by various bird species is important for identifying the origin of such interspecies transmission. In this study, to facilitate an understanding of the ecology of RVAs from wild birds, we characterized all of the genes of an RVA strain, JC-105, that was detected in a fecal sample of a large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) in Japan. All of the genes of this strain except for the VP4 and VP7 genes, which were classified as novel genotypes (P[56] and G40, respectively), were closely related to those of the avian-like RVA strain detected from a raccoon, indicating the possibility that crows had been involved in the transmission of avian RVAs to raccoons. Our findings highlight the need for further viral investigations in wild birds and mammals to understand the mechanisms of avian-to-mammal RVA transmission.}, } @article {pmid38781375, year = {2024}, author = {Liao, DA and Brecht, KF and Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows "count" the number of self-generated vocalizations.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {384}, number = {6698}, pages = {874-877}, doi = {10.1126/science.adl0984}, pmid = {38781375}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; Acoustics ; *Crows/physiology ; Cues ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Producing a specific number of vocalizations with purpose requires a sophisticated combination of numerical abilities and vocal control. Whether this capacity exists in animals other than humans is yet unknown. We show that crows can flexibly produce variable numbers of one to four vocalizations in response to arbitrary cues associated with numerical values. The acoustic features of the first vocalization of a sequence were predictive of the total number of vocalizations, indicating a planning process. Moreover, the acoustic features of vocal units predicted their order in the sequence and could be used to read out counting errors during vocal production.}, } @article {pmid38777168, year = {2024}, author = {Wascher, CAF and Hillemann, F}, title = {Observation of female-male mounting in the carrion crow.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {105055}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105055}, pmid = {38777168}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Social Behavior ; Copulation/physiology ; }, abstract = {In the biological sciences, sexual behaviours in non-human animals are traditionally investigated in the context of reproduction and direct fitness benefits. While the evolutionary functions of non-conceptive sexual behaviours ('socio-sexual behaviours') remain less well explored, these interactions and displays have been suggested to be important for shaping and maintaining social relationships. Here, we report an observation of a captive female carrion crow, Corvus corone corone, mounting her co-housed male partner. We highlight the importance of more systematic research, reporting, and discussions of rarely observed behaviours in social evolution research, including considerations for behaviours that transcend binary or heteronormative frameworks, for a more comprehensive understanding of non-conceptive socio-sexual behaviours.}, } @article {pmid38774764, year = {2024}, author = {Assari, S and Zare, H and Sonnega, A}, title = {Racial Disparities in Occupational Distribution Among Black and White Adults with Similar Educational Levels: Analysis of Middle-Aged and Older Individuals in the Health and Retirement Study.}, journal = {Journal of rehabilitation therapy}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {1-11}, pmid = {38774764}, issn = {2767-5122}, support = {U01 AG009740/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U54 MD000214/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Occupational classes play a significant role in influencing both individual and population health, serving as a vital conduit through which higher education can lead to better health outcomes. However, the pathway from education to corresponding occupational classes does not apply uniformly across different racial and ethnic groups, hindered by factors such as social stratification, labor market discrimination, and job segregation.

AIMS: This study seeks to investigate the relationship between educational attainment and occupational classes among Black, Latino, and White middle-aged and older adults, with a focus on their transition into retirement.

METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this research examines the impact of race/ethnicity, educational attainment, occupational classes, and timing of retirement among middle-aged and older adults. The analysis includes a sample of 7,096 individuals identified as White, Black, or Latino. Through logistic regression, we assess the additive and multiplicative effects of race/ethnicity and education on six defined occupational classes: 1. Managerial and specialty operations, 2. Professional Specialty, 3. Sales, 4. Clerical/administrative support, 5. Services, and 6. Manual labor.

RESULTS: Participants were Black (n = 1,143) or White (n =5,953). This included Latino (N =459) or non-Latino (n = 6,634). Our analysis reveals a skewed distribution of Black and Latino adults in manual and service occupations, in stark contrast to White adults who were more commonly found in clerical/administrative and managerial positions. Educational attainment did not equate to similar occupational outcomes across racial groups. Key findings include: Firstly, Black individuals with a college degree or higher were less likely to occupy clerical and administrative positions compared to their White counterparts. Secondly, holding a General Educational Development (GED) credential or some college education was generally linked to reduced likelihood of being in managerial roles; however, this inverse relationship was less evident among Black middle-aged and older adults than White ones. Thirdly, having a GED reduced the chances of working in sales roles, while having a college degree increased such chances. An interaction between race and some college education revealed that the impact of some college education on sales roles was more significant for Black adults than for White ones. We did not observe any interaction between ethnicity (Latino) and educational attainment on occupational classes. Given the stability of occupational classes, these findings could also apply to the last occupation held prior to retirement.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights significant racial disparities in occupational classes among individuals with comparable levels of education, underscoring the profound implications for health and wellbeing disparities. Future research should explore strategies to alleviate labor market discrimination and job segregation as ways to close these occupational gaps. Additionally, the influence of social stratification, job segregation, and historical legacies, such as the repercussions of the Jim Crow era, on these disparities merits further investigation. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the health and wellbeing of all populations.}, } @article {pmid38768208, year = {2024}, author = {Broad, HR and Dibnah, AJ and Smith, AE and Thornton, A}, title = {Anthropogenic disturbance affects calling and collective behaviour in corvid roosts.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {379}, number = {1905}, pages = {20230185}, pmid = {38768208}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {//Leverhulme Trust/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal ; *Crows/physiology ; *Noise ; *Social Behavior ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Human Activities ; }, abstract = {Acoustic communication plays an important role in coordinating group dynamics and collective movements across a range of taxa. However, anthropogenic disturbance can inhibit the production or reception of acoustic signals. Here, we investigate the effects of noise and light pollution on the calling and collective behaviour of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula), a highly social corvid species that uses vocalizations to coordinate collective movements at winter roosting sites. Using audio and video monitoring of roosts in areas with differing degrees of urbanization, we evaluate the influence of anthropogenic disturbance on vocalizations and collective movements. We found that when levels of background noise were higher, jackdaws took longer to settle following arrival at the roost in the evening and also called more during the night, suggesting that human disturbance may cause sleep disruption. High levels of overnight calling were, in turn, linked to disruption of vocal consensus decision-making and less cohesive group departures in the morning. These results raise the possibility that, by affecting cognitive and perceptual processes, human activities may interfere with animals' ability to coordinate collective behaviour. Understanding links between anthropogenic disturbance, communication, cognition and collective behaviour must be an important research priority in our increasingly urbanized world. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.}, } @article {pmid38768205, year = {2024}, author = {Walsh, SL and Townsend, SW and Engesser, S and Ridley, AR}, title = {Call combination production is linked to the social environment in Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {379}, number = {1905}, pages = {20230198}, pmid = {38768205}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {//Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; //Ecological Society of Australia Incorporated/ ; //Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Vocalization, Animal ; Western Australia ; Social Environment ; Social Behavior ; Male ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Female ; Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {It has recently become clear that some language-specific traits previously thought to be unique to humans (such as the capacity to combine sounds) are widespread in the animal kingdom. Despite the increase in studies documenting the presence of call combinations in non-human animals, factors promoting this vocal trait are unclear. One leading hypothesis proposes that communicative complexity co-evolved with social complexity owing to the need to transmit a diversity of information to a wider range of social partners. The Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis) provides a unique model to investigate this proposed link because it is a group-living, vocal learning species that is capable of multi-level combinatoriality (independently produced calls contain vocal segments and comprise combinations). Here, we compare variations in the production of call combinations across magpie groups ranging in size from 2 to 11 birds. We found that callers in larger groups give call combinations: (i) in greater diversity and (ii) more frequently than callers in smaller groups. Significantly, these observations support the hypothesis that combinatorial complexity may be related to social complexity in an open-ended vocal learner, providing an important step in understanding the role that sociality may have played in the development of vocal combinatorial complexity. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.}, } @article {pmid38758592, year = {2024}, author = {Erker, TD and Arif, Y and John, JA and Embury, CM and Kress, KA and Springer, SD and Okelberry, HJ and McDonald, KM and Picci, G and Wiesman, AI and Wilson, TW}, title = {Neuromodulatory effects of parietal high-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation on network-level activity serving fluid intelligence.}, journal = {The Journal of physiology}, volume = {602}, number = {12}, pages = {2917-2930}, pmid = {38758592}, issn = {1469-7793}, support = {F30 AG076259/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM144641/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20-GM144641//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; F30-AG076259//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01 MH116782/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; RF1 MH117032/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD028751/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10-OD028751//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; RF1-MH117032//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; F32-NS119375//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01-MH116782//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; F32 NS119375/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods ; Adult ; *Parietal Lobe/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Young Adult ; Nerve Net/physiology ; Magnetoencephalography/methods ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence (Gf) involves rational thinking skills and requires the integration of information from different cortical regions to resolve novel complex problems. The effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on Gf have been studied in attempts to improve Gf, but such studies are rare and the few existing have reached conflicting conclusions. The parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence (P-FIT) postulates that the parietal and frontal lobes play a critical role in Gf. To investigate the suggested role of parietal cortices, we applied high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the left and right parietal cortices of 39 healthy adults (age 19-33 years) for 20 min in three separate sessions (left active, right active and sham). After completing the stimulation session, the participants completed a logical reasoning task based on Raven's Progressive Matrices during magnetoencephalography. Significant neural responses at the sensor level across all stimulation conditions were imaged using a beamformer. Whole-brain, spectrally constrained functional connectivity was then computed to examine the network-level activity. Behaviourally, we found that participants were significantly more accurate following left compared to right parietal stimulation. Regarding neural findings, we found significant HD-tDCS montage-related effects in brain networks thought to be critical for P-FIT, including parieto-occipital, fronto-occipital, fronto-parietal and occipito-cerebellar connectivity during task performance. In conclusion, our findings showed that left parietal stimulation improved abstract reasoning abilities relative to right parietal stimulation and support both P-FIT and the neural efficiency hypothesis. KEY POINTS: Abstract reasoning is a critical component of fluid intelligence and is known to be served by multispectral oscillatory activity in the fronto-parietal cortices. Recent studies have aimed to improve abstract reasoning abilities and fluid intelligence overall through behavioural training, but the results have been mixed. High-definition transcranial direct-current stimulation (HD-tDCS) applied to the parietal cortices modulated task performance and neural oscillations during abstract reasoning. Left parietal stimulation resulted in increased accuracy and decreased functional connectivity between occipital regions and frontal, parietal, and cerebellar regions. Future studies should investigate whether HD-tDCS alters abstract reasoning abilities in those who exhibit declines in performance, such as healthy ageing populations.}, } @article {pmid38756014, year = {2024}, author = {}, title = {Retracted: "Optimized lung tumor diagnosis system using enhanced version of crow search algorithm, Zernike moments, and support vector machine".}, journal = {Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {9544119241255854}, doi = {10.1177/09544119241255854}, pmid = {38756014}, issn = {2041-3033}, } @article {pmid38748646, year = {2024}, author = {Davies, JR and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Clayton, NS}, title = {Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) show episodic-like memory through the incidental encoding of information.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {e0301298}, pmid = {38748646}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Memory, Episodic ; Mental Recall/physiology ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Episodic memory describes the conscious reimagining of our memories and is often considered to be a uniquely human ability. As these phenomenological components are embedded within its definition, major issues arise when investigating the presence of episodic memory in non-human animals. Importantly, however, when we as humans recall a specific experience, we may remember details from that experience that were inconsequential to our needs, thoughts, or desires at that time. This 'incidental' information is nevertheless encoded automatically as part of the memory and is subsequently recalled within a holistic representation of the event. The incidental encoding and unexpected question paradigm represents this characteristic feature of human episodic memory and can be employed to investigate memory recall in non-human animals. However, without evidence for the associated phenomenology during recall, this type of memory is termed 'episodic-like memory'. Using this approach, we tested seven Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) on their ability to use incidental visual information (associated with observed experimenter made 'caches') to solve an unexpected memory test. The birds performed above chance levels, suggesting that Eurasian jays can encode, retain, recall, and access incidental visual information within a remembered event, which is an ability indicative of episodic memory in humans.}, } @article {pmid38729409, year = {2024}, author = {Espinoza, MJ and Laviada, I and Taberner Cerezo, A and Luna, Á and Gil-Delgado, JA and Bernat-Ponce, E}, title = {Do birds select the plastics debris used for nest construction? A case study in a Mediterranean agricultural landscape.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {255}, number = {}, pages = {119117}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.119117}, pmid = {38729409}, issn = {1096-0953}, mesh = {Animals ; *Plastics/analysis ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Agriculture ; Spain ; Waste Products/analysis ; Passeriformes ; Environmental Monitoring ; }, abstract = {Plastic pollution is becoming a global problem due to its ubiquitous occurrence and the impacts detected for many species. However, the research about plastics in nests of terrestrial bird species has remained relatively overlooked in comparison to those devoted to marine ecosystems. Here we study the occurrence and patterns of use of anthropogenic material in nests of two passerine birds, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) and the European serin (Serinus serinus), breeding in an orange tree cultivation in Mediterranean Spain. Our results show that both species use extensively plastic debris as nest material; almost 71% of the European serin nests and 96% of nests of Eurasian magpies contained plastic debris. Furthermore, by analyzing the plastic debris availability in the agricultural landscape surveyed we confirmed a selection pattern in the two species. Thus, both species preferably select plastic filaments over other plastic debris. The Eurasian magpie does not select plastic based on size or color but the European serin avoid black plastics prefer smaller fragments in comparison to the average size available. Moreover, we suggest the apparent similarity of plastic filaments with the natural materials typically used by these species, as well as how they use the plastic in their nests could influence their selection behavior. More studies focused on terrestrial birds inhabiting human modified habitats could offer a deeper approach to how plastic debris interacts with wildlife in different ways.}, } @article {pmid38722645, year = {2024}, author = {Driscoll, RMH and Beaudry, FEG and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Schoech, SJ and Chen, N}, title = {Allele frequency dynamics under sex-biased demography and sex-specific inheritance in a pedigreed jay population.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {227}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {38722645}, issn = {1943-2631}, support = {R35 GM133412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; //National Science Foundation/ ; /NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 1939268//NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/ ; 2109639//NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship/ ; }, mesh = {Male ; Female ; *Gene Frequency ; Animals ; *Pedigree ; Models, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Sex-biased demography, including sex-biased survival or migration, can alter allele frequency changes across the genome. In particular, we can expect different patterns of genetic variation on autosomes and sex chromosomes due to sex-specific differences in life histories, as well as differences in effective population size, transmission modes, and the strength and mode of selection. Here, we demonstrate the role that sex differences in life history played in shaping short-term evolutionary dynamics across the genome. We used a 25-year pedigree and genomic dataset from a long-studied population of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to directly characterize the relative roles of sex-biased demography and inheritance in shaping genome-wide allele frequency trajectories. We used gene dropping simulations to estimate individual genetic contributions to future generations and to model drift and immigration on the known pedigree. We quantified differential expected genetic contributions of males and females over time, showing the impact of sex-biased dispersal in a monogamous system. Due to female-biased dispersal, more autosomal variation is introduced by female immigrants. However, due to male-biased transmission, more Z variation is introduced by male immigrants. Finally, we partitioned the proportion of variance in allele frequency change through time due to male and female contributions. Overall, most allele frequency change is due to variance in survival and births. Males and females make similar contributions to autosomal allele frequency change, but males make higher contributions to allele frequency change on the Z chromosome. Our work shows the importance of understanding sex-specific demographic processes in characterizing genome-wide allele frequency change in wild populations.}, } @article {pmid38715207, year = {2023}, author = {Prinja, S and Chugh, Y and Gupta, N and Aggarwal, V}, title = {Establishing a Health Technology Assessment Evidence Ecosystem in India's Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.}, journal = {Health systems and reform}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {2327097}, doi = {10.1080/23288604.2024.2327097}, pmid = {38715207}, issn = {2328-8620}, mesh = {India ; *Technology Assessment, Biomedical/methods ; Humans ; Universal Health Insurance/trends ; Health Care Reform/methods/trends ; }, abstract = {The introduction of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme in India was a significant step toward universal health coverage. The PM-JAY scheme has made notable progress since its inception, including increasing the number of people covered and expanding the range of services provided under the health benefit package (HBP). The creation of the Health Financing and Technology Assessment (HeFTA) unit within the National Health Authority (NHA) further enhanced evidence-based decision-making processes. We outline the journey of HeFTA and highlight significant cost savings to the PM-JAY as a result of health technology assessment (HTA). Our paper also discusses the application of HTA evidence for decisions related to inclusions or exclusions in HBP, framing standard treatment guidelines as well as other policies. We recommend that future financing reforms for strategic purchasing should strengthen strategic purchasing arrangements and adopt value-based pricing (VBP). Integrating HTA and VBP is a progressive approach toward health care financing reforms for large government-funded schemes like the PM-JAY.}, } @article {pmid38701808, year = {2024}, author = {Westhoff, KM and Fischer, D and Jäger, K and Trinkaus, K and Ziegler, U and Lierz, M}, title = {Laryngeal and oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma with pulmonary metastases in a common raven (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {125-129}, doi = {10.1055/a-2289-1297}, pmid = {38701808}, issn = {2567-5842}, mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Lung Neoplasms/veterinary/pathology/secondary ; *Adenocarcinoma/veterinary/pathology/diagnosis ; *Bird Diseases/pathology ; *Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/veterinary/pathology ; *Laryngeal Neoplasms/veterinary/pathology ; Fatal Outcome ; }, abstract = {A captive 15-year-old male common raven (Corvus corax) was presented for post-mortem examination. It had been previously presented to a local veterinarian due to a 3-4 weeks long history of abnormal respiratory sounds. Upon admission, the bird demonstrated severe dyspnea and a massive amount of mucous in the oropharynx. After symptomatic treatment, dyspnea deteriorated dramatically, and euthanasia was elicited because of poor prognosis. The necropsy revealed a 2.65 x 2.15 x 2.18 cm expansile and poorly delineated cauliflower-shaped mass around the glottis and extending inside the tracheal lumen. Additionally, a dilated salivary gland in the adjacent tissue and multifocal reddish-fleshy areas in the lung parenchyma were detected. Histopathological examination identified the mass as moderately differentiated, tubular adenocarcinoma with invasive growth and moderate to marked cellular atypia and numerous mitoses. The presumptive origin of the neoplasia was one of the salivary glands. Multiple metastases were identified in the lung both macroscopically and histologically. Bacterial culture and molecular testing for West Nile and Usutu viruses were negative. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of metastatic laryngeal and oropharyngeal adenocarcinoma in a common raven.}, } @article {pmid38701068, year = {2024}, author = {Stefanova, V and Scheepers, C and Wilson, P and Papageorgiou, KA}, title = {Grandiose narcissism associates with higher cognitive performance under stress through more efficient attention distribution: An eye-tracking study.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {e0302644}, pmid = {38701068}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Narcissism ; *Cognition/physiology ; Adult ; *Attention/physiology ; Young Adult ; Eye-Tracking Technology ; Stress, Psychological ; Adolescent ; Self Concept ; }, abstract = {Narcissism is a part of the Dark Triad that consists also of the traits of Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Two main types of narcissism exist: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Being a Dark Triad trait, narcissism is typically associated with negative outcomes. However, recent research suggests that at least the grandiose type may be linked (directly or indirectly) to positive outcomes including lower levels of psychopathology, higher school grades in adolescents, deeper and more strategic learning in university students and higher cognitive performance in experimental settings. The current pre-registered, quasi-experimental study implemented eye-tracking to assess whether grandiose narcissism indirectly predicts cognitive performance through wider distribution of attention on the Raven's Progressive Matrices task. Fifty-four adults completed measures of the Dark Triad, self-esteem and psychopathology. Eight months to one year later, participants completed the Raven's, while their eye-movements were monitored during high stress conditions. When controlling for previous levels of psychopathology, grandiose narcissism predicted higher Raven's scores indirectly, through increased variability in the number of fixations across trials. These findings suggest that grandiose narcissism predicts higher cognitive performance, at least in experimental settings, and call for further research to understand the implications of this seemingly dark trait for performance across various settings.}, } @article {pmid38689546, year = {2024}, author = {Storms, RF and Carere, C and Musters, R and Hulst, R and Verhulst, S and Hemelrijk, CK}, title = {A robotic falcon induces similar collective escape responses in different bird species.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {21}, number = {214}, pages = {20230737}, pmid = {38689546}, issn = {1742-5662}, support = {//Dutch Research Council (NWO)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Escape Reaction/physiology ; *Falconiformes/physiology ; *Robotics ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Birds/physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Patterns of collective escape of a bird flock from a predator are fascinating, but difficult to study under natural conditions because neither prey nor predator is under experimental control. We resolved this problem by using an artificial predator (RobotFalcon) resembling a peregrine falcon in morphology and behaviour. We imitated hunts by chasing flocks of corvids, gulls, starlings and lapwings with the RobotFalcon, and compared their patterns of collective escape to those when chased by a conventional drone and, in case of starlings, hunted by wild peregrine falcons. Active pursuit of flocks, rather than only flying nearby by either the RobotFalcon or the drone, made flocks collectively escape more often. The RobotFalcon elicited patterns of collective escape in flocks of all species more often than the drone. Attack altitude did not affect the frequency of collective escape. Starlings escaped collectively equally often when chased by the RobotFalcon or a wild peregrine falcon. Flocks of all species reacted most often by collective turns, second most often by compacting and third by splitting into subflocks. This study demonstrates the potential of an artificial aerial predator for studying the collective escape behaviour of free-living birds, opening exciting avenues in the empirical study of prey-predator interactions.}, } @article {pmid38687063, year = {2024}, author = {Chen, Z and Grim, CJ and Ramachandran, P and Meng, J}, title = {Advancing metagenome-assembled genome-based pathogen identification: unraveling the power of long-read assembly algorithms in Oxford Nanopore sequencing.}, journal = {Microbiology spectrum}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {e0011724}, pmid = {38687063}, issn = {2165-0497}, support = {U01 FD001418/FD/FDA HHS/United States ; U01FDU001418//HHS | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/ ; }, mesh = {*Algorithms ; *Metagenome ; *Nanopore Sequencing/methods ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Computational Biology/methods ; Salmonella enterica/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Metagenomics/methods ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/genetics/isolation & purification/classification ; }, abstract = {Oxford Nanopore sequencing is one of the high-throughput sequencing technologies that facilitates the reconstruction of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). This study aimed to assess the potential of long-read assembly algorithms in Oxford Nanopore sequencing to enhance the MAG-based identification of bacterial pathogens using both simulated and mock communities. Simulated communities were generated to mimic those on fresh spinach and in surface water. Long reads were produced using R9.4.1+SQK-LSK109 and R10.4 + SQK-LSK112, with 0.5, 1, and 2 million reads. The simulated bacterial communities included multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serotypes Heidelberg, Montevideo, and Typhimurium in the fresh spinach community individually or in combination, as well as multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the surface water community. Real data sets of the ZymoBIOMICS HMW DNA Standard were also studied. A bioinformatic pipeline (MAGenie, freely available at https://github.com/jackchen129/MAGenie) that combines metagenome assembly, taxonomic classification, and sequence extraction was developed to reconstruct draft MAGs from metagenome assemblies. Five assemblers were evaluated based on a series of genomic analyses. Overall, Flye outperformed the other assemblers, followed by Shasta, Raven, and Unicycler, while Canu performed least effectively. In some instances, the extracted sequences resulted in draft MAGs and provided the locations and structures of antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. Our study showcases the viability of utilizing the extracted sequences for precise phylogenetic inference, as demonstrated by the consistent alignment of phylogenetic topology between the reference genome and the extracted sequences. R9.4.1+SQK-LSK109 was more effective in most cases than R10.4+SQK-LSK112, and greater sequencing depths generally led to more accurate results.IMPORTANCEBy examining diverse bacterial communities, particularly those housing multiple Salmonella enterica serotypes, this study holds significance in uncovering the potential of long-read assembly algorithms to improve metagenome-assembled genome (MAG)-based pathogen identification through Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Our research demonstrates that long-read assembly stands out as a promising avenue for boosting precision in MAG-based pathogen identification, thus advancing the development of more robust surveillance measures. The findings also support ongoing endeavors to fine-tune a bioinformatic pipeline for accurate pathogen identification within complex metagenomic samples.}, } @article {pmid38686548, year = {2024}, author = {Reid, SM and Byrne, AMP and Lean, FZX and Ross, CS and Pascu, A and Hepple, R and Dominguez, M and Frost, S and Coward, VJ and Núñez, A and James, J and Stephan, L and Aegerter, JN and Brown, IH and Banyard, AC}, title = {A multi-species, multi-pathogen avian viral disease outbreak event: Investigating potential for virus transmission at the wild bird - poultry interface.}, journal = {Emerging microbes & infections}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {2348521}, pmid = {38686548}, issn = {2222-1751}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/transmission/virology/epidemiology ; *Chickens/virology ; *Animals, Wild/virology ; *Disease Outbreaks/veterinary ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype/isolation & purification/pathogenicity/genetics ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; *Poultry Diseases/virology/transmission/epidemiology ; Poultry/virology ; Crows/virology ; Birds/virology ; }, abstract = {A free-range organic broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) premises in Staffordshire was infected by high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N8 during the 2020-2021 epizootic in the United Kingdom (UK). Following initial confirmation of the infection in poultry, multiple wild bird species were seen scavenging on chicken carcasses. Detected dead wild birds were subsequently demonstrated to have been infected and succumbed to HPAIV H5N8. Initially, scavenging species, magpie (Pica pica) and raven (Corvus corax) were found dead on the premises but over the following days, buzzards (Buteo buteo) were also found dead within the local area with positive detection of HPAIV in submitted carcasses. The subacute nature of microscopic lesions within a buzzard was consistent with the timeframe of infection. Finally, a considerable number of free-living pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were also found dead in the surrounding area, with carcasses having higher viral antigen loads compared to infected chickens. Limited virus dissemination was observed in the carcasses of the magpie, raven, and buzzard. Further, an avirulent avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1) was detected within poultry samples as well as in the viscera of a magpie infected with HPAIV. Immunohistochemistry did not reveal colocalization of avian paramyxovirus antigens with lesions, supporting an avirulent APMV-1 infection. Overall, this case highlights scenarios in which bi-directional transmission of avian viral diseases between commercial and wild bird species may occur. It also underlines the importance of bio separation and reduced access when infection pressure from HPAIV is high.}, } @article {pmid38685700, year = {2024}, author = {Davis, A and Furtak, A and Paterson, S and Velthuizen, R and Shen, J and Nip, J and Bappal, A and Lathrop, W and Villa, A and Lee, JM and Guelakis, M}, title = {Topical application of retinyl propionate, 4 hexyl resorcinol, and niacinamide reverses molecular and clinical features of ageing.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, pages = {761-774}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12958}, pmid = {38685700}, issn = {1468-2494}, support = {//Unilever/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Aged ; *Resorcinols/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; *Administration, Topical ; *Niacinamide/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology/administration & dosage ; Adult ; Cosmetics/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Topical tretinoin is the mainstay of treatment for photoageing, despite the risk of skin irritation. Cosmetic combination anti-ageing formulations may offer similar efficacy to tretinoin, while improving on tolerability. We aim to demonstrate facial appearance benefits of a novel triple-active cosmetic formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide and to identify transcriptomic biomarkers underpinning these benefits.

METHODS: A cosmetic prototype formulation containing 4-hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide was evaluated ex vivo and in a clinical study. For ex vivo experiments, the cosmetic formulation was applied for 3 days to healthy surgical discard skin from female donors aged 31-51 years, with tissues harvested for gene expression and histologic analyses. In the clinical study, females aged 47-66 years with moderate-to-severe overall visual photodamage on the face applied either topical 0.02% tretinoin or the cosmetic formulation to the face for 16 weeks and to forearms for 1 week, with forearm biopsies taken for gene expression analyses. Visual grading for facial photodamage and VISIA-CR images was taken throughout the clinical study. Safety was visually assessed during site visits, and adverse event monitoring was conducted throughout.

RESULTS: Gene expression analyses in both studies revealed modulation of pathways associated with skin rejuvenation, with several genes of interest identified due to being implicated in ageing and differentially expressed following the application of the cosmetic formulation. Reversal of a consensus skin ageing gene signature was observed with the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin in the ex vivo and clinical studies. Both the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin clinically improved the overall appearance of photoageing, crow's feet, lines, wrinkles, and pores. Adverse event reporting showed that the cosmetic formulation caused less skin irritation than tretinoin.

CONCLUSION: In a double-blind clinical study, the novel triple-active cosmetic combination formulation improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to prescription tretinoin. The cosmetic formulation and tretinoin reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing. Together with adverse event reporting, these results suggest that the cosmetic formulation may be a well-tolerated and efficacious alternative to tretinoin for improving the visual features of photoageing.}, } @article {pmid38684368, year = {2024}, author = {Kersten, Y and Moll, FW and Erdle, S and Nieder, A}, title = {Input and Output Connections of the Crow Nidopallium Caudolaterale.}, journal = {eNeuro}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {38684368}, issn = {2373-2822}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Telencephalon/physiology/anatomy & histology ; *Neural Pathways/physiology ; Male ; Neurons/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {The avian telencephalic structure nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) functions as an analog to the mammalian prefrontal cortex. In crows, corvid songbirds, it plays a crucial role in higher cognitive and executive functions. These functions rely on the NCL's extensive telencephalic connections. However, systematic investigations into the brain-wide connectivity of the NCL in crows or other songbirds are lacking. Here, we studied its input and output connections by injecting retrograde and anterograde tracers into the carrion crow NCL. Our results, mapped onto a published carrion crow brain atlas, confirm NCL multisensory connections and extend prior pigeon findings by identifying a novel input from the hippocampal formation. Furthermore, we analyze crow NCL efferent projections to the arcopallium and report newly identified arcopallial neurons projecting bilaterally to the NCL. These findings help to clarify the role of the NCL as central executive hub in the corvid songbird brain.}, } @article {pmid38683398, year = {2024}, author = {Smirnova, AA and Bulgakova, LR and Cheplakova, MA and Jelbert, SA}, title = {Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) manufacture objects relative to a mental template.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {36}, pmid = {38683398}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {No. 23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation Project/ ; No. 23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation Project/ ; No. 23-28-00364//Russian Science Foundation Project/ ; }, mesh = {*Crows ; Animals ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Reward ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {It was recently found that not only tool-specialized New Caledonian crows, but also Goffin cockatoos can manufacture physical objects in accordance with a mental template. That is, they can emulate features of existing objects when they manufacture new items. Both species spontaneously ripped pieces of card into large strips if they had previously learned that a large template was rewarded, and small strips when they previously learned that a small template was rewarded. Among New Caledonian crows, this cognitive ability was suggested as a potential mechanism underlying the transmission of natural tool designs. Here, we tested for the same ability in another non-specialised tool user-Hooded crows (Corvus cornix). Crows were exposed to pre-made template objects, varying first in colour and then in size, and were rewarded only if they chose pre-made objects that matched the template. In subsequent tests, birds were given the opportunity to manufacture versions of these objects. All three crows ripped paper pieces from the same colour material as the rewarded template, and, crucially, also manufactured objects that were more similar in size to previously rewarded, than unrewarded, templates, despite the birds being rewarded at random in both tests. Therefore, we found the ability to manufacture physical objects relative to a mental template in yet another bird species not specialized in using or making foraging tools in the wild, but with a high level of brain and cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid38682905, year = {2024}, author = {Jung, SG and Hwang, K and Hwang, YJ}, title = {Aging-Related Changes of the Historical Japanese Beauty, Ono no Komachi (, 825-900 AD).}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000010182}, pmid = {38682905}, issn = {1536-3732}, abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine how the aging-related changes of a beautiful woman were described in Japanese literature. A poem written by Ono no Komachi was reviewed. Images of her were also searched through Google search. Komachi's poem in Hyakunin Isshu reads: "How the color has faded from the flowers. As I gaze in reverie at the falling rain, I find my beauty, too, has fallen in this world's esteem." Tamatsukuri Komachiko's Death Book describes: "She became thin and looked tired. Her hair looks like a lotus with frost. Her skin resembles a frozen pear. Her bones stick out and her tendons are visible. Her face is dark, and her teeth are yellow". Color woodblock print shows an old woman: She retains her intelligence and beauty even in her advanced years. Her posture was stooped, with a pronounced forward curvature of the spine, resulting as "turtle neck." Her hair was long and gray. Visible signs of aging included forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, deepened nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. Her upper jaw appeared retracted, a "witch's chin." She exhibited neck wrinkles as well as on her hands and wrists, which grasped a bamboo walking stick. Her eyes were sunken, accompanied by a drooping of the upper eyelids. We think that the narrative of her transformation into an ugly and poor woman was intended to convey to men the fleeting nature of women's beauty, and to women that the power of beauty is not ultimately of major significance.}, } @article {pmid38675927, year = {2024}, author = {Brehm, AL and Dunham, TJ and Pinto, SM and Williams, KA and Coffin, KL and Ring, ME and Ratnayake, OC and Rovnak, J and Perera, R}, title = {The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/v16040586}, pmid = {38675927}, issn = {1999-4915}, support = {R13AI179143/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Colorado ; Animals ; *Virology ; Virus Diseases/virology ; Viruses/genetics/classification ; Prions ; Arboviruses ; One Health ; }, abstract = {Located 50 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University's Mountain Campus in Pingree Park hosted the 23rd annual Rocky Mountain Virology Association meeting in 2023 with 116 participants. The 3-day event at the end of September consisted of 28 talks and 43 posters that covered the topics of viral evolution and surveillance, developments in prion research, arboviruses and vector biology, host-virus interactions, and viral immunity and vaccines. This year's Randall Jay Cohrs keynote presentation covered the topic of One Health and emerging coronaviruses. This timely discussion covered the importance of global disease surveillance, international collaboration, and trans-disciplinary research teams to prevent and control future pandemics. Peak fall colors flanked the campus and glowed along the multiple mountain peaks, allowing for pristine views while discussing science and networking, or engaging in mountain activities like fly fishing and hiking. On behalf of the Rocky Mountain Virology Association, this report summarizes select presentations from the 23rd annual meeting.}, } @article {pmid38666841, year = {2024}, author = {van Hasselt, SJ and Coscia, M and Allocca, G and Vyssotski, AL and Meerlo, P}, title = {Sleep and Thermoregulation in Birds: Cold Exposure Reduces Brain Temperature but Has Little Influence on Sleep Time and Sleep Architecture in Jackdaws (Coloeus monedula).}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {38666841}, issn = {2079-7737}, support = {OCENW.KLEIN.240/NWO_/Dutch Research Council/Netherlands ; }, abstract = {Birds have an electrophysiological sleep state that resembles mammalian rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. However, whether its regulation and function are similar is unclear. In the current experiment, we studied REM sleep regulation in jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) by exposing the birds to low ambient temperature, a procedure that selectively suppresses REM sleep in mammals. Eight jackdaws were equipped with electrodes to record brain activity and neck muscle activity and a thermistor to record cortical brain temperature. Recordings covered a three-day period starting with a 24 h baseline day at an ambient temperature of 21 °C, followed by a 12 h cold night at 4 °C, after which the ambient temperature was restored to 21 °C for the remaining recovery period. Cold exposure at night caused a significant drop in brain temperature of 1.4 °C compared to the baseline night. However, throughout the cold night, jackdaws expressed NREM sleep and REM sleep levels that were not significantly different from the baseline. Also, EEG spectral power during NREM sleep was unaffected by cold exposure. Thus, while cold exposure had a clear effect on brain temperature in jackdaws, it did not have the same REM sleep suppressing effect reported for mammals. These findings suggest that the REM-sleep-like state in birds, unlike REM sleep in mammals, is protected against the influence of low temperature.}, } @article {pmid38657438, year = {2024}, author = {Wada, Y and Ibrahim, AB and Umar, YA and Afolabi, HA and Wada, M and Alissa, M and Al Amri, KAS and Al Ibrahim, AA and Al Fares, MA and Albayat, H and AlKhathlan, MK and Al Kaabi, NA and Al-Subaie, MF and Alfaresi, M and Alrasheed, HA and Rabaan, AA and Yean, CY and Zaidah, AR}, title = {Status of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in species of wild birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis.}, journal = {Journal of infection and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, pages = {1023-1036}, doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.004}, pmid = {38657438}, issn = {1876-035X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild/microbiology ; *Birds/microbiology ; *Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; Prevalence ; *Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {Wild birds could be a reservoir of medically relevant microorganisms, particularly multidrug-resistant Enterococcus spp. Resistant bacteria's epidemiology and transmission between animals and humans has grown, and their zoonotic potential cannot be ignored. This is the first study to evaluate the status of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in various wild bird species using meta-analysis and a systematic review. In this study, the pooled prevalence was obtained by analyzing data from published articles on the occurrence of VRE in wild bird species. It's unclear how the antibiotic resistance gene transfer cycle affects wild birds. Google Scholar and PubMed were used to conduct the research. The data and study methodology was assessed and extracted by two reviewers independently, with a third reviewing the results. Heterogeneity between study and publication bias were analyzed using the random effect model. Thirty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. 382 out of the 4144 isolates tested, were VRE. The pooled prevalence of VRE among wild birds was estimated at 11.0% (95% CI; 6.9 -17.2%; I[2] = 93.204%; P < 0.001). There was high variability between study (t[2] = 2.156; heterogeneity I[2] = 93.204% with chi-square (Q) = 544.413, degrees of freedom (df) = 37, and P < 0.001). Egger's test verified the funnel plot's bias, while result from the leave-one-out forest plot had no effect on the pooled prevalence.}, } @article {pmid38656932, year = {2024}, author = {Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Lachapelle, J and Young, RG and Hanner, R and Brunton, DF and Skevington, JH and Freeman, NE and Norris, DR}, title = {Fecal DNA metabarcoding helps characterize the Canada jay's diet and confirms its reliance on stored food for winter survival and breeding.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {e0300583}, pmid = {38656932}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Seasons ; *Feces/chemistry ; *Diet ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; Passeriformes/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Breeding ; Canada ; DNA/analysis/genetics ; }, abstract = {Accurately determining the diet of wild animals can be challenging if food items are small, visible only briefly, or rendered visually unidentifiable in the digestive system. In some food caching species, an additional challenge is determining whether consumed diet items have been previously stored or are fresh. The Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is a generalist resident of North American boreal and subalpine forests with anatomical and behavioural adaptations allowing it to make thousands of arboreal food caches in summer and fall that are presumably responsible for its high winter survival and late winter/early spring breeding. We used DNA fecal metabarcoding to obtain novel information on nestling diets and compiled a dataset of 662 published and unpublished direct observations or stomach contents identifications of natural foods consumed by Canada jays throughout the year. We then used detailed natural history information to make informed decisions on whether each item identified to species in the diets of winter adults and nestlings was best characterized as 'likely cached', 'likely fresh' (i.e., was available as a non-cached item when it appeared in a jay's feces or stomach), or 'either possible'. Of the 87 food items consumed by adults in the winter, 39% were classified as 'likely cached' and 6% were deemed to be 'likely fresh'. For nestlings, 29% of 125 food items identified to species were 'likely cached' and 38% were 'likely fresh'. Our results support both the indispensability of cached food for Canada jay winter survival and previous suggestions that cached food is important for late winter/early spring breeding. Our work highlights the value of combining metabarcoding, stomach contents analysis, and direct observations to determine the cached vs. non-cached origins of consumed food items and the identity of food caches, some of which could be especially vulnerable to degradation through climate change.}, } @article {pmid38643223, year = {2024}, author = {Mansoor, MH and Lu, X and Woksepp, H and Sattar, A and Humak, F and Ali, J and Li, R and Bonnedahl, J and Mohsin, M}, title = {Detection and genomic characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli harboring tet(X4) in black kites (Milvus migrans) in Pakistan.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {9054}, pmid = {38643223}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Tigecycline/pharmacology ; *Escherichia coli ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Pakistan ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Birds/genetics ; Plasmids/genetics ; Genomics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; }, abstract = {The emergence of plasmid-mediated tigecycline resistance gene tet(X4) among clinically relevant bacteria has promoted significant concerns, as tigecycline is considered a last-resort drug against serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. We herein focused on the isolation and molecular characterization of tet(X4)-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wild bird populations with anthropogenic interaction in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 150 birds including black kites (Milvus migrans) and house crows (Corvus splendens) were screened for the presence of tigecycline resistance K. pneumoniae and E. coli. We found two K. pneumoniae and one E. coli isolate carrying tet(X4) originating from black kites. A combination of short- and long-read sequencing strategies showed that tet(X4) was located on a broad host range IncFII plasmid family in K. pneumoniae isolates whereas on an IncFII-IncFIB hybrid plasmid in E. coli. We also found an integrative and conjugative element ICEKp2 in K. pneumoniae isolate KP8336. We demonstrate the first description of tet(X4) gene in the WHO critical-priority pathogen K. pneumoniae among wild birds. The convergence of tet(X4) and virulence associated ICEKp2 in a wild bird with known anthropogenic contact should be further investigated to evaluate the potential epidemiological implications. The potential risk of global transmission of tet(X4)-positive K. pneumoniae and E. coli warrant comprehensive evaluation and emphasizes the need for effective mitigation strategies to reduce anthropogenic-driven dissemination of AMR in the environment.}, } @article {pmid38640235, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, C and Jia, B and Zhu, Y and Zhu, SC}, title = {Human-level few-shot concept induction through minimax entropy learning.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {10}, number = {16}, pages = {eadg2488}, pmid = {38640235}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Humans learn concepts both from labeled supervision and by unsupervised observation of patterns, a process machines are being taught to mimic by training on large annotated datasets-a method quite different from the human pathway, wherein few examples with no supervision suffice to induce an unfamiliar relational concept. We introduce a computational model designed to emulate human inductive reasoning on abstract reasoning tasks, such as those in IQ tests, using a minimax entropy approach. This method combines identifying the most effective constraints on data via minimum entropy with determining the best combination of them via maximum entropy. Our model, which applies this unsupervised technique, induces concepts from just one instance, reaching human-level performance on tasks of Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), Machine Number Sense (MNS), and Odd-One-Out (O[3]). These results demonstrate the potential of minimax entropy learning for enabling machines to learn relational concepts efficiently with minimal input.}, } @article {pmid38622257, year = {2024}, author = {Schumm, YR and Lederer-Ponzer, N and Masello, JF and Quillfeldt, P}, title = {High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Eurasian jays.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {123}, number = {4}, pages = {182}, pmid = {38622257}, issn = {1432-1955}, support = {LOEWE priority project Nature 4.0 - Sensing Biodiversity//Hessen State Ministry for Higher Education, Research and the Arts/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Parasites ; Prevalence ; DNA, Protozoan ; Phylogeny ; *Songbirds ; *Passeriformes ; *Haemosporida/genetics ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology ; }, abstract = {Avian haemosporidians are vector-borne parasites, infecting a great variety of birds. The order Passeriformes has the highest average infection probability; nevertheless, some common species of Passeriformes have been rather poorly studied. We investigated haemosporidians in one such species, the Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius (Corvidae), from a forest population in Hesse, Central Germany. All individuals were infected with at least one haemosporidian genus (overall prevalence: 100%). The most common infection pattern was a mixed Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon infection, whereas no Plasmodium infection was detected. Results on lineage diversity indicate a rather pronounced host-specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon lineages infecting birds of the family Corvidae.}, } @article {pmid38591218, year = {2024}, author = {De Tollenaere, M and Meunier, M and Lapierre, L and Chapuis, E and Guilleret, A and Harrison, I and Jean, T and Rannou, A and Scandolera, A and Reynaud, R}, title = {High molecular weight hyaluronic acid vectorised with clay provides long-term hydration and reduces skin brightness.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {e13672}, pmid = {38591218}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Humans ; *Hyaluronic Acid/pharmacology/chemistry ; Clay ; Molecular Weight ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a widely used active cosmetic ingredient. Its multiple skin care benefits are modulated by its molecular weight. Low molecular weight (LMW) HA can penetrate the skin, but high molecular weight (HMW) HA remains at the surface. Here, we assessed how vectorization of HMW HA with bentonite clay-achieved with an innovative technology-enhances its cosmetic and hydrating properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The two HA forms were applied to skin explants; their penetration and smoothing effects were monitored by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The two forms were biochemically characterised by chromatography, enzyme sensitivity assays, and analysis of Zeta potential. Cosmetics benefits such as, the smoothing effect of vectorised-HA was assessed in ex vivo experiments on skin explants. A placebo-controlled clinical study was finally conducted applying treatments for 28 days to analyse the final benefits in crow's feet area.

RESULTS: Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed native HMW HA to accumulate at the surface of skin explants, whereas vectorised HMW HA was detected in deeper skin layers. This innovative vectorisation process changed the zeta potential of vectorised HMW HA, being then more anionic and negative without impacting the biochemical structure of native HA. In terms of cosmetic benefits, following application of vectorised HMW HA ex vivo, the skin's surface was visibly smoother. This smoothing was clinically confirmed, with a significant reduction in fine lines.

CONCLUSION: The development of innovative process vectorising HMW HA allowed HMW HA penetration in the skin. This enhanced penetration extends the clinical benefits of this iconic cosmetic ingredient.}, } @article {pmid38589583, year = {2024}, author = {Krige, Z and Spencer, EE and Crowther, MS and Dickman, CR and Newsome, TM}, title = {Flooding, season and habitat interact to drive changes in vertebrate scavenging and carcass persistence rates.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {204}, number = {4}, pages = {861-874}, pmid = {38589583}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {Threatened Species Recovery Hub [Theme 1//Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program/ ; Subproject 1.1.11//Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Floods ; *Ecosystem ; *Seasons ; Australia ; Vertebrates/physiology ; Food Chain ; Climate Change ; }, abstract = {Scavenging dynamics are influenced by many abiotic and biotic factors, but there is little knowledge of how scavengers respond to extreme weather events. As carrion is a major driver of the organisation and structure of food webs within ecological communities, understanding the response of scavengers to extreme weather events is critical in a world that is increasingly subject to climate change. In this study, vertebrate scavenging and carcass persistence rates were quantified in the Simpson Desert of central Australia; a system that experiences major fluctuations and extremes in weather conditions. Specifically, a total of 80 adult red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) carcasses were placed on the landscape and monitored using remote sensor cameras. This included 40 carcasses monitored before and then 40 carcasses monitored after a major flooding event. The carcasses were monitored equally before and after the flood across different seasons (warm and cool) and in dune and interdune habitats. Overall, a total of 8124 scavenging events for 97,976 visitation minutes were recorded for 11 vertebrate species within 30 days of carcass placement pre- and post-flood. Vertebrate scavenging increased post-flood in the warm season, especially by corvids which quadrupled their scavenging events during this time. There was little difference in carcass persistence between habitats, but carcasses persisted 5.3-fold longer post-flood in warm seasons despite increased vertebrate scavenging. The results demonstrate that a flood event can influence scavenging dynamics and suggest a need to further understand how seasons, habitats and extreme weather events can drive changes in carrion-based food webs.}, } @article {pmid38583936, year = {2024}, author = {Hu, B and Wang, JM and Zhang, QX and Xu, J and Xing, YN and Wang, B and Han, SY and He, HX}, title = {Enterococcus faecalis provides protection during scavenging in carrion crow (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Zoological research}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {451-463}, pmid = {38583936}, issn = {2095-8137}, mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; *Crows ; Enterococcus faecalis ; Ecosystem ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Feeding Behavior ; Birds ; }, abstract = {The gut microbiota significantly influences host physiology and provides essential ecosystem services. While diet can affect the composition of the gut microbiota, the gut microbiota can also help the host adapt to specific dietary habits. The carrion crow (Corvus corone), an urban facultative scavenger bird, hosts an abundance of pathogens due to its scavenging behavior. Despite this, carrion crows infrequently exhibit illness, a phenomenon related to their unique physiological adaptability. At present, however, the role of the gut microbiota remains incompletely understood. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology to assess colonic content in carrion crows and 16 other bird species with different diets in Beijing, China. Our findings revealed that the dominant gut microbiota in carrion crows was primarily composed of Proteobacteria (75.51%) and Firmicutes (22.37%). Significant differences were observed in the relative abundance of Enterococcus faecalis among groups, highlighting its potential as a biomarker of facultative scavenging behavior in carrion crows. Subsequently, E. faecalis isolated from carrion crows was transplanted into model mice to explore the protective effects of this bacterial community against Salmonella enterica infection. Results showed that E. faecalis down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), prevented S. enterica colonization, and regulated the composition of gut microbiota in mice, thereby modulating the host's immune regulatory capacity. Therefore, E. faecalis exerts immunoregulatory and anti-pathogenic functions in carrion crows engaged in scavenging behavior, offering a representative case of how the gut microbiota contributes to the protection of hosts with specialized diets.}, } @article {pmid38583220, year = {2024}, author = {Melo-Souza, V and Gavrilov, A and Rossi-Santos, MR}, title = {Dropping a bombshell: Acoustic characterization of blast fishing in Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, and its implication for marine conservation.}, journal = {Marine pollution bulletin}, volume = {202}, number = {}, pages = {116332}, doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116332}, pmid = {38583220}, issn = {1879-3363}, mesh = {Brazil ; *Bays ; *Acoustics ; *Fisheries ; Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Fishes ; Environmental Monitoring ; Explosions ; Ecosystem ; }, abstract = {Blast fishing is an illegal fishing method that not only affects fish populations and the marine ecosystem, but also local food security and local economy. Despite its effects, blast fishing continues to persist in many coastal regions around the world, including Todos os Santos Bay (BTS - Baia de Todos os Santos) in Northeastern Brazil. This study provides the first acoustic record of underwater explosions along this region. The acoustic data were collected between 2016 and 2018, from a boat-survey platform, using a portable system consisting of an HTI-90 min hydrophone (sensitivity of about -165 dB re 1 V/μPa) connected to a TASCAM DR-40 digital recorder (combined frequency response up to 30 kHz), recording at 7 m depth. The acoustic analysis was performed using both RAVEN 1.6 and MATLAB 2021a softwares. The results revealed a distinctive underwater explosion signal detected in the BTS, indicating evidence of blast fishing activities. The acoustic characterization of blast fishing in BTS provides crucial information on its occurrence and extent of this destructive practice worldwide.}, } @article {pmid38582185, year = {2024}, author = {Maruyama, M and Ushine, N and Watanabe, Y and Ishii, C and Saito, K and Sakai, H and Kuritani, T and Doya, R and Ogasawara, K and Ikenaka, Y and Yohannes, YB and Ishizuka, M and Nakayama, SMM}, title = {Current situation of lead (Pb) exposure in raptors and waterfowl in Japan and difference in sensitivity to in vitro lead exposure among avian species.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {349}, number = {}, pages = {123907}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123907}, pmid = {38582185}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; *Lead/blood/metabolism ; Japan ; *Raptors/metabolism ; *Environmental Pollutants/blood ; *Birds/metabolism ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Lead Poisoning/veterinary ; Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data ; Crows ; }, abstract = {Although lead (Pb) poisoning in wild birds has been considered a serious problem in Japan for over 30 years, there is little information about Pb exposure and its sources throughout Japan except for Hokkaido. Furthermore, to identify and effectively prioritize the conservation needs of highly vulnerable species, differences in sensitivity to Pb exposure among avian species need to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the current situation of Pb exposure in raptors (13 species, N = 82), waterfowl (eight species, N = 44) and crows (one species, N = 6) using concentration and isotope analysis. We employed blood or tissue samples collected in various Japanese facilities mainly in 2022 or 2023. We also carried out a comparative study of blood δ-ALAD sensitivity to in vitro Pb exposure using blood of nine avian species. Pb concentrations in the blood or tissues displayed increased levels (>0.1 μg/g blood) in two raptors (2.4%), ten waterfowl (23%) and one crow (17%). Among them, poisoning levels (>0.6 μg/g blood) were found in one black kite and one common teal. The sources of Pb isotope ratios in ten blood samples with high Pb levels were determined as deriving from shot pellets (N = 9) or rifle bullets (N = 1). In the δ-ALAD study, red-crowned crane showed the highest sensitivity among the nine tested avian species and was followed in order by five Accipitriformes species (including white-tailed and Steller's sea eagle), Blakiston's fish owl, Muscovy duck and chicken, suggesting a genetically driven variance in susceptibility. Further studies on contamination conditions and exposure sources are urgently needed to inform strict regulations on the usage of Pb ammunition. Furthermore, detailed examinations of δ-ALAD sensitivity, interspecific differences, and other factors involved in the variability in sensitivity to Pb are required to identify and prioritize highly sensitive species.}, } @article {pmid38571527, year = {2024}, author = {Cheyette, SJ and Piantadosi, ST}, title = {Response to Difficulty Drives Variation in IQ Test Performance.}, journal = {Open mind : discoveries in cognitive science}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {265-277}, pmid = {38571527}, issn = {2470-2986}, abstract = {In a large (N = 300), pre-registered experiment and data analysis model, we find that individual variation in overall performance on Raven's Progressive Matrices is substantially driven by differential strategizing in the face of difficulty. Some participants choose to spend more time on hard problems while others choose to spend less and these differences explain about 42% of the variance in overall performance. In a data analysis jointly predicting participants' reaction times and accuracy on each item, we find that the Raven's task captures at most half of participants' variation in time-controlled ability (48%) down to almost none (3%), depending on which notion of ability is assumed. Our results highlight the role that confounding factors such as motivation play in explaining individuals' differential performance in IQ testing.}, } @article {pmid38564380, year = {2024}, author = {Farris, P and Berson, D and Bhatia, N and Goldberg, D and Lain, E and Mariwalla, K and Zeichner, J and Miller, D and McGuire, T and Kizoulis, M}, title = {Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical 0.1% Stabilized Bioactive Retinol for Photoaging: A Vehicle-Controlled Integrated Analysis.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {209-215}, doi = {10.36849/JDD.8124}, pmid = {38564380}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Double-Blind Method ; Retinoids ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; Tretinoin/adverse effects ; *Vitamin A ; Adult ; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet light photoages skin. Retinol, a precursor molecule to retinoic acid that causes less irritation, is available as a nonprescription, cosmetic retinoid and improves collagen production, skin elasticity, and signs of photoaging. Advances in formulation science have allowed the production of stabilized bioactive retinol formulations. This integrated analysis aims to build on previous studies and further examine the comprehensive efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol.

METHODS: This analysis included 6 vehicle-controlled studies of 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol in women with mild-to-moderate signs of photodamage. Across all studies, the same dermatologist investigator assessed overall photodamage; wrinkles on the forehead, cheeks, and undereye area; crow’s feet wrinkles and fine lines; lack of even skin tone; and brown spots at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12 on a numerical scale. Tolerability was also assessed.

RESULTS: Participants (retinol, N=237; vehicle, N=234) had a mean (SD) age of 47.4 (6.6) years. Retinol induced greater improvements from baseline in all signs of photoaging vs vehicle as early as week 4 and through 12 weeks of application. Few participants experienced irritation; all events were mild to moderate and transient. The most common signs of irritation were erythema (n=2) and skin scaling/peeling (n=5).

CONCLUSIONS: This pooled analysis of 6 vehicle-controlled clinical studies provides new evidence for the efficacy of 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol in improving signs of photoaging without causing major irritation. Topical 0.1% stabilized bioactive retinol was well tolerated with only a few reported cases of skin irritation. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;doi:10.36849/JDD.8124.}, } @article {pmid38563943, year = {2024}, author = {Wadas, MJ and White, WJ and LeFevre, HJ and Kuranz, CC and Towne, A and Johnsen, E}, title = {Hydrodynamic Mechanism for Clumping along the Equatorial Rings of SN1987A and Other Stars.}, journal = {Physical review letters}, volume = {132}, number = {11}, pages = {111201}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.111201}, pmid = {38563943}, issn = {1079-7114}, abstract = {An explanation for the origin and number of clumps along the equatorial ring of Supernova 1987A has eluded decades of research. Our linear analysis and hydrodynamic simulations of the expanding ring prior to the supernova reveal that it is subject to the Crow instability between vortex cores. The dominant wave number is remarkably consistent with the number of clumps, suggesting that the Crow instability stimulates clump formation. Although the present analysis focuses on linear fluid flow, future nonlinear analysis and the incorporation of additional stellar physics may further elucidate the remnant structure and the evolution of the progenitor and other stars.}, } @article {pmid38557350, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, Z and Mayer, CH and Li, J}, title = {A psychobiographical analysis of Empress Dowager Cixi: exploring the femininity castrated complex.}, journal = {International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)}, volume = {36}, number = {1-2}, pages = {56-68}, doi = {10.1080/09540261.2023.2274934}, pmid = {38557350}, issn = {1369-1627}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Animals ; *Femininity ; *Chickens ; }, abstract = {In Chinese culture, there is a widely circulated phrase, 'A hen crows in the morning'. This phrase is used to humiliate women who steal power and engage in the political field. It demonstrates the complicated relationship between women and power in the context of Chinese culture. Women are not completely excluded from the politics, but women in power are often stigmatised. This study explores the life of Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the last female dominator in Chinese history, takes psychobiography as the research method, and attempts to understand the complicated relationship between women and power in Chinese culture through analysing Cixi's life from the perspective of complex and cultural complex theory which originated with C.G. Jung and analytical theory. The research findings show that humiliating and suppressing women with political talent can trigger their complexes, both personal and cultural. This study attempts to propose the femininity castrated complex to better describe the conscious and unconscious psychological dynamics impacting on women within patriarchal, political Chinese culture. This complex further relates to (1) denying her biological sex in order to avoid accusations of superego and, (2) the relationship with her son who is not only her son, but also her enemy regarding (political) power.}, } @article {pmid38553766, year = {2024}, author = {Chambon, R and Paillisson, JM and Fournier-Sowinski, J and Dugravot, S}, title = {Agricultural habitat use and selection by a sedentary bird over its annual life cycle in a crop-depredation context.}, journal = {Movement ecology}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {26}, pmid = {38553766}, issn = {2051-3933}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Modern agriculture has undoubtedly led to increasing wildlife-human conflicts, notably concerning bird damage in productive and attractive crops during some parts of the annual cycle. This issue requires utmost attention for sedentary birds that may impact agricultural crops at any stage of their annual life cycle. Reducing bird-human conflicts requires a better understanding of the relationship between bird foraging activity and the characteristics of agricultural areas, notably with respect to changes in food-resource availability and crop sensitivity across the year.

METHODS: We explored how GPS-tagged adult male western jackdaws- sedentary corvids- utilize agricultural areas throughout their annual cycle, in a context of crop depredation. More precisely, we described their daily occurrence distribution and the extent of habitat use and selection consistency with respect to landscape composition across time.

RESULTS: Jackdaws moved in the close agricultural surroundings of their urban nesting place over the year (< 2.5 km from the nest, on average). Daily occurrence distributions were restricted (< 2.2 km[2]), relatively centered on the nesting locality (distance between the daily occurrence centroid and the nest < 0.9 km), and rather spatially stable during each annual life-cycle period (overlap range: 63.4-76.1%). Their foraging patterns highlighted that they fed mainly in grasslands all year round, and foraged complementarily and opportunistically in maize (during sowing- coinciding with the first stages of the birds' breeding period) and cereal crops (during harvesting- their post-fledging period).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the very limited space use by breeding male jackdaws which foraged preferentially in grasslands. We call for future investigations in other agricultural contexts and also considering non-breeders for extrapolation purposes.}, } @article {pmid38545615, year = {2024}, author = {Hooper, R and Maher, K and Moore, K and McIvor, G and Hosken, D and Thornton, A}, title = {Ultimate drivers of forced extra-pair copulations in birds lacking a penis: jackdaws as a case-study.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {231226}, pmid = {38545615}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Forced copulation is common, presumably because it can increase male reproductive success. Forced extra-pair copulation (FEPC) occurs in birds, even though most species lack a penis and are widely thought to require female cooperation for fertilization. How FEPC persists, despite a presumed lack of siring success and likely non-negligible costs to the male, is unknown. Using the jackdaw (Corvus monedula) as a case study, we use SNPs to quantify the extra-pair paternity rate through FEPC and evaluate explanations for the persistence of FEPC in species without a penis. We then collate evidence for FEPC across penis-lacking birds. Combining genetic and behavioural analyses, our study suggests that the most likely explanations for the maintenance of FEPC in jackdaws are that it provides a selective advantage to males or it is a relic. Our literature review shows that across birds lacking a penis, FEPC is taxonomically widespread, and yet, little is known about its evolution. A broader implementation of the approach used here, combining both genetic and behavioural data, may shed light on why this widespread sexual behaviour persists. Additional work is necessary to understand whether a penis is needed for paternity through forced copulation and to quantify the costs of FEPC.}, } @article {pmid38545558, year = {2024}, author = {Tummeleht, L and Häkkä, SSS and Jürison, M and Vilem, A and Nurmoja, I and Viltrop, A}, title = {Wild boar (Sus scrofa) carcasses as an attraction for scavengers and a potential source for soil contamination with the African swine fever virus.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1305643}, pmid = {38545558}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a social animal species native to Eurasia. During the last decade, the wild boar population in Estonia has been severely affected by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has also affected domestic pig farming. The potential transmission routes of ASFV remain unclear and are currently under intensive investigation. This pilot study aimed to clarify the frequency and characteristics of contacts between living wild boars and the carcasses of their conspecifics, which could play a role in the transmission of ASFV. Wild animals' contact and scavenging behavior on wild boar carcasses were studied using trail cameras in an experimental setting on Hiiumaa, Western Estonia. Four legally hunted carcasses were used in the present study. This study aimed to determine whether intraspecies scavenging occurs in wild boars. The persistence of ASFV DNA in soil contaminated with infected wild boar carcasses was investigated separately. Among the 17 identified wildlife species that visited wild boar carcasses, the common raven (Corvus corax) was the most frequent one (37.26%), followed by raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides; 4.25%), carcass conspecific/wild boars (3.16%), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; 2.14%). Regarding the direct contact with the carcass, the same species ranking was detected: common raven (74.95%), raccoon dogs (9.94%), wild boars (4.21%), and red foxes (4.21%). No clear signs of cannibalism were noted among the wild boars, although brief physical contact with the carcasses was evident. The persistence of ASFV DNA in soil contaminated by infected wild boar carcasses was investigated separately. This study revealed that ASFV DNA from infected carcasses could be detected in forest soil for prolonged periods, even after removing the carcasses. Hence, the carcasses of infected wild boars may play an important role in spreading the African swine fever virus in wild boar populations; thus, prompt removal and disinfection of the soil could be considered necessary to limit the spread of the infection.}, } @article {pmid38541285, year = {2024}, author = {Held, S and Feng, D and McCormick, A and Schure, M and Other Medicine, L and Hallett, J and Inouye, J and Allen, S and Holder, S and Bull Shows, B and Trottier, C and Kyro, A and Kropp, S and Turns Plenty, N}, title = {The Báa nnilah Program: Results of a Chronic-Illness Self-Management Cluster Randomized Trial with the Apsáalooke Nation.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {21}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {38541285}, issn = {1660-4601}, support = {U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U01MD010619/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; U54GM104944/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20GM103474/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *American Indian or Alaska Native ; Chronic Disease ; Community-Based Participatory Research/methods ; *Indians, North American ; *Self-Management ; }, abstract = {Indigenous people in Montana are disproportionately affected by chronic illness (CI), a legacy of settler colonialism. Existing programs addressing CI self-management are not appropriate because they are not consonant with Indigenous cultures in general and the Apsáalooke culture specifically. A research partnership between the Apsáalooke (Crow Nation) non-profit organization Messengers for Health and Montana State University co-developed, implemented, and evaluated a CI self-management program for community members. This article examines qualitative and quantitative program impacts using a pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial design with intervention and waitlist control arms. The quantitative and qualitative data resulted in different stories on the impact of the Báa nnilah program. Neither of the quantitative hypotheses were supported with one exception. The qualitative data showed substantial positive outcomes across multiple areas. We examine why the data sets led to two very different stories, and provide study strengths and limitations, recommendations, and future directions.}, } @article {pmid38538209, year = {2024}, author = {Shatkovska, OV and Ghazali, M and Mytiai, IS and Stegney, MM}, title = {Patterns of integrated growth of body parts in Rook (Corvus frugilegus) ontogeny.}, journal = {Journal of morphology}, volume = {285}, number = {4}, pages = {e21690}, doi = {10.1002/jmor.21690}, pmid = {38538209}, issn = {1097-4687}, support = {2020.02/0247//National Research Foundation of Ukraine/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Wings, Animal ; Chickens ; Hindlimb ; Forelimb ; }, abstract = {The early period of ontogeny is key to understanding the patterns of body plan formation in birds. Most studies of avian development have focused on the development of individual avian characters, leaving their developmental integration understudied. We explored the dynamics and integration of relative percentage increments in body mass, lengths of head, skeletal elements of wing and leg, and primary flight feathers in the embryonic and postnatal development of the Rook (Corvus frugilegus). The relative percentage increments were calculated according to Brody's equation. Groups of similar growing traits (modules) were determined using hierarchical cluster analysis, and the degree of correlation between modules was estimated by PLS analysis. The embryonic and postnatal periods demonstrate significant consistency both in the dynamics of changes in relative percentage increments of studied traits as well as in the clustering of individual modules. The modules mainly include the body mass and head length, as well as the elements that form the fore- and hind limbs. Differences were revealed in the combination of modules into clusters in embryonic and postnatal periods. Hind limb elements clustered together with wing elements in the embryonic period but with body mass and the head in the postnatal period. The strongest modularity was noted for the leg in embryogenesis, and for the wing in postnatal development. The forelimb and especially the primary feathers had more distinctive growth patterns. We suggest the changes in the degree of integration between locomotor modules in ontogenesis are connected with the earlier functioning of the legs in the postnatal period and with the preparation of the wings for functioning after a chick leaves the nest.}, } @article {pmid38537165, year = {2024}, author = {Edwards-Grossi, È and Willoughby, CDE}, title = {Slavery and Its Afterlives in US Psychiatry.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {114}, number = {S3}, pages = {S250-S257}, pmid = {38537165}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {Humans ; *Enslavement ; Mental Health ; *Psychiatry/history ; Socioeconomic Factors ; United States ; *Black or African American/psychology ; }, abstract = {Antecedents of racist treatments of Black patients by the psychiatric profession in the United States affect the way they view treatment today. Specifically, in this essay, we explore the enduring consequences of racial science on various treatment practices. We examined a range of primary sources on the history of racial theories about the mind, medical and psychiatric publications, and hospitals. We contextualize this analysis by examining the secondary literature in the history and sociology of psychiatry. Through analyzing racial thinking from the antebellum through the Jim Crow periods, we show how US medicine and psychiatry have roots in antebellum racial science and how carceral logics underpinned the past and present politics of Black mental health. Changing this trajectory requires practitioners to interrogate the historical foundations of racist psychiatric concepts. This essay urges them to reject biological racial realism, which bears reminiscences to 19th-century racial science, and embrace the variable of race as a social construct to study social inequalities in health as a first step toward moving away from the legacies of past injustices in medicine. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S3):S250-S257. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307554).}, } @article {pmid38536907, year = {2024}, author = {Humpenöder, F and Popp, A and Merfort, L and Luderer, G and Weindl, I and Bodirsky, BL and Stevanović, M and Klein, D and Rodrigues, R and Bauer, N and Dietrich, JP and Lotze-Campen, H and Rockström, J}, title = {Food matters: Dietary shifts increase the feasibility of 1.5°C pathways in line with the Paris Agreement.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {10}, number = {13}, pages = {eadj3832}, pmid = {38536907}, issn = {2375-2548}, mesh = {Feasibility Studies ; *Diet ; *Greenhouse Gases ; Food ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Climate Change ; Greenhouse Effect ; }, abstract = {A transition to healthy diets such as the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet could considerably reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the specific contributions of dietary shifts for the feasibility of 1.5°C pathways remain unclear. Here, we use the open-source integrated assessment modeling (IAM) framework REMIND-MAgPIE to compare 1.5°C pathways with and without dietary shifts. We find that a flexitarian diet increases the feasibility of the Paris Agreement climate goals in different ways: The reduction of GHG emissions related to dietary shifts, especially methane from ruminant enteric fermentation, increases the 1.5°C compatible carbon budget. Therefore, dietary shifts allow to achieve the same climate outcome with less carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and less stringent CO2 emission reductions in the energy system, which reduces pressure on GHG prices, energy prices, and food expenditures.}, } @article {pmid38518171, year = {2024}, author = {Bibi, C and Nigar, Z}, title = {Clinical Evaluation of a Topical Unani Polyherbal Formulation in the Management of Photodamaged Facial skin: An open-label Standard Controlled Trial.}, journal = {Alternative therapies in health and medicine}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {16-23}, pmid = {38518171}, issn = {1078-6791}, mesh = {Humans ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Medicine, Unani/methods ; Aged ; Face ; Administration, Topical ; Phytotherapy/methods ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Ageing is a natural process of life. With increasing age, the skin suffers progressive morphological and physiological decrement. Hyperpigmentation, Wrinkles, and roughness of skin are some of the symptoms of aged skin. Exposure to sunlight, pollution, stress, nicotine, etc aggravates Skin aging. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of polyherbal formulation and compare its efficacy with the standard drug tretinoin in subjects of moderate to advanced Photoaged facial skin. Ingredients of polyherbal formulation are Aarade baqla (Vicia faba), Jau (Hordeum vulgare), Nakhud (Cicer arietinum),Masoor (Lens esculenta), Tukhm e turb (Raphanus sativus), Khardal (Brassica nigra), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Kateera (Cochlospermum religiosum).

METHODS: This was a randomized open-label standard controlled study. 82 eligible subjects were allocated equally into test and control groups by computer-generated random numbers. In the test group, a paste of 15 gm polyherbal formulation in milk, and the control group, 0.025% Tretinoin 1 gram was used topically on the face once a day for two months. The response was assessed by theclinician using following different scales for different parameters.

It was assessed by the Skin Hyperpigmentation Index online calculator (SHI). It describes the ratio of two scores, namely the hyperpigmented skin of the affected area and normal sun-protected skin from the same patient. The image was recorded with a Digital microscope-Win7 from a hyperpigmented area and normal sun-protected area. Both the images were uploaded on https://shi.skinimageanalysis.com/ and calculated the mean value of hyperpigmentation. SHI ranges from 1 (no hyperpigmentation) to 4 (maximum hyperpigmentation) where scores between 1 and 2 showed as light hyperpigmentation, 2-3 as medium hyperpigmentation, and scores between 3 and 4 as severe hyperpigmentation.

ASSESSMENT OF FINE WRINKLES: Fine wrinkles number was determined by digital photography. The photographs were taken through Canon EOS 1500D DSLR Camera with an 18-55 mm Lens. Three images were taken of each subject's face (right, left, and center full face) on Baseline and Day 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th to assess visible changes/improvement in their fine wrinkles score.

ASSESSMENT OF NASOLABIAL FOLD: Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (MFWS) was used to assess Nasolabial folds. The scale comprised four main classes of Nasolabial wrinkling: 0, 1, 2, and 3 representing absent, fine, moderate, and deep wrinkles, respectively, and three inter classes i.e., 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 to estimate wrinkle depth. The definitions of the entire classes of the scale are as follows: Class 0 = No wrinkle. No visible wrinkle; continuous skin line; Class 0.5 = Very shallow yet visible wrinkle; Class 1= Fine wrinkle. Visible wrinkle and slight indentation; Class 1.5= Visible wrinkle and clear indentation. <1-mm wrinkle depth; Class 2= Moderate wrinkle. Visible wrinkle, 1- to 2-mm wrinkle depth; Class 2.5= Prominent and visible wrinkle. More than 2-mm and less than 3-mm wrinkle depth; Class 3=Deep wrinkle. Deep and furrow wrinkle; more than 3-mm wrinkle depth.

Forehead lines were assessed (number and depth) by a Validated Grading Scale for Forehead Lines. The Forehead Lines Grading Scale is a 5- point photonumeric rating scale that was developed to objectively quantify resting (static) and hyperkinetic (dynamic) forehead lines. The scale ratings are 0 for no wrinkles, 1 for no wrinkles present at rest but fine lines with facial expression, 2 for fine wrinkles present at rest and deep lines with facial expression, 3 for fine wrinkles present at rest and deeper lines with facial expression, and 4 for deeper wrinkles at rest and deeper furrows with facial expression.

The number of lateral canthal lines was determined by a Validated Grading Scale for Crow's Feet. The Crow's Feet Grading Scale is a 5- point photonumeric rating scale developed to objectively quantify the severity of crow's feet. This scale was applied to two separate evaluations of crow's feet: at rest (static) and with expression (dynamic). The scale ratings are 0 for no wrinkles, 1 for very fine wrinkles, 2 for fine wrinkles, 3 for moderate wrinkles, and 4 for severe wrinkles.

The Allergan Skin Roughness Scale was used for facial skin roughness assessment. The area of assessment for the Allergan Skin roughness Scale is the area between the nasolabial fold to the preauricular cheek and from the inferior orbital rim to the mandible. The Allergan Skin Roughness Scale assigns a grade from none (0) to extreme (4) that describes the severity of skin coarseness, crosshatching, and elastosis in the midface area. The scale grading are 0 (None) Smooth visual skin texture, 1 (Minimal) Slightly coarse and uneven visual skin texture, 2 (Moderate) Moderately coarse and uneven visual skin texture; may have early elastosis, 3 (Severe) Severely coarse visual skin texture, cross-hatched fine lines; may have some elastosis, and 4 (Extreme) Extremely coarse visual skin texture, cross Hatched deep creases; extreme elastosis.

ASSESSMENT OF FACIAL DULLNESS: Dullness was assessed on a clinical basis with an arbitrary scoring ranging from 0 to 9 where 0-3=mild, 3.5-6=moderate, and 6.5-9=severe facial skin dullness.

ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE: Subjects' life quality was assessed by the Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire. It consists of 10 questions. Each question is scored on a four-point Likert scale: Very much = 3, A lot = 2, A little = 1, Not at all = 0, Not relevant = 0 and Question unanswered = 0. The DLQI is calculated by adding the score of each question, resulting in a maximum of 30 and a minimum of 0. Where, 0-1= no effect at all on patient's life, 2-5 = small effect on patient's life, 6-10 = moderate effect on patient's life, 11-20 = very large effect on patient's life, 21-30 = extremely large effect on patient's life.

RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant improvement in Fine Wrinkles, Forehead Lines, Crow's Feet, Roughness, Dullness, Nasolabial Fold, Hyperpigmentation, and Quality of Life parameters. (P < .001) A large number of subjects in the control group reported mild to moderate redness, itching, dryness, and blackening of the skin, while in the test group, absolutely no side effects were reported during treatment.

CONCLUSION: The effects in both groups were substantial, but the polyherbal formulation is safe and effective for use in photoaged facial skin. It may be a more feasible easily accessible cheap and safe formulation to prevent skin aging and restore skin elasticity and make skin brighter. Further studies to evaluate the efficacy of formulation on objective parameters using standard instruments should be done for appropriate measurements of parameters.}, } @article {pmid38514912, year = {2024}, author = {Hernández, LAP and Hernández, AMP and Castelanich, D and Shitara, D and Chacín, M}, title = {A novel hybrid BonT-A and hyaluronic acid cannula-based technique for eyelid ptosis and periorbital rejuvenation.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {6}, pages = {2001-2006}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.16264}, pmid = {38514912}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Universidad Simón Bolívar/ ; //Internal Funds for Research Strengthening from Universidad Simón Bolívar, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Extensión e Innovación, Barranquilla, Colombia/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage ; *Blepharoptosis ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage ; *Rejuvenation ; *Cannula ; *Eyelids ; Female ; Cosmetic Techniques/instrumentation ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Oculomotor Muscles/drug effects ; Male ; Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Eyelid ptosis is characterized by an inferior displacement of the upper eyelid when the eye assumes its primary position. Besides its aesthetic implications, ptosis can also adversely affect visual acuity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous administration of IncobotulinumtoxinA (IncoBonTA) and hyaluronic acid effect in eyelid ptosis and ocular rejuvenation.

METHODS: A novel, non-surgical technique for eyelid ptosis management involving IncoBonTA and hyaluronic acid the co-administration within a single syringe, and applied using a cannula.

RESULTS: The dual action of IncoBonTA and hyaluronic acid in conjunction with the exact injection sites approaches improves overall aesthetic outcomes but also optimizes the restoration of eyelid functionality in palpebral ptosis.

CONCLUSIONS: The functional balance achieved among the contributory muscles-primarily the orbicularis oculi (OO) and its antagonists, the frontal muscle and levator palpebrae superioris (LPS), yields to both, cosmetic and functional.}, } @article {pmid38512931, year = {2024}, author = {Gutema, BT and Tariku, EZ and Melketsedik, ZA and Levecke, B and De Henauw, S and Abubakar, A and Abbeddou, S}, title = {Assessing the influence of COVID-19 lockdown measures on cognition and behavior in school age children in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance site, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.}, journal = {PLOS global public health}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, pages = {e0002978}, pmid = {38512931}, issn = {2767-3375}, abstract = {Ethiopian schools were closed for nearly 40 weeks as a measure to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of COVID-19 pandemic's restrictive measures on cognition and behavioral difficulties of schoolchildren in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in November 2019 (pre-COVID-19-lockdown) and November 2020 (post-COVID-19 lockdown). Data were collected both at the school and homes of the children. Cognitive development of the children was assessed using digit span, Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM) and Visual search using cancellation task. Behavioral difficulties score of the children was assessed using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare between the cognition outcomes and behavioral difficulties score pre- and post-COVID-19-lockdown. In a sub-group of children who provided data in both surveys, the difference in cognitive and behavioral outcomes was tested using a mixed effect model. Compared to the pre-COVID-19-lockdown, schoolchildren post-COVID-19-lockdown scored lower in the standardized performance index for the visual search task, which measures attention (0.27 SD, 95% confidence intervals (95%CI): -0.40, -0.13). However, they scored higher by 0.26 SD (95%CI: 0.13, 0.40) and 0.36 SD (95%CI: 0.22, 0.49) in digit span and RCPM, respectively, measuring working memory and non-verbal intelligence. There was no significant difference in total difficulties score between pre- and post-COVID-19-lockdown (0.01 SD, 95%CI: -0.12, 0.15). The subgroup analysis showed a significant increase in digit span among children post-COVID-19-lockdown while the other domains did not show a significant change. Factors contributing to the improvement of children's cognitive domains while away from the school environment should be explored and utilized to enhance child development. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04137354 on October 14, 2019.}, } @article {pmid38507327, year = {2024}, author = {López-Vázquez, MA and Varela-Montes, J and Serrano-Corral, ML and Junco-Muñoz, ML and Olvera-Cortés, ME}, title = {Pressure control and treatment interact in the deterioration of incidental visuospatial memory in hypertensive patients.}, journal = {Archivos de cardiologia de Mexico}, volume = {94}, number = {1}, pages = {25-32}, pmid = {38507327}, issn = {1665-1731}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Hypertension/complications/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use ; Blood Pressure ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Systemic hypertension (SH) is the main risk factor to cognitive deterioration, whereas visuospatial memory is more vulnerable to ageing. Some antihypertensive agents have a neuroprotector effect, however, such effects could be masked by comorbidities and/or the lack of effective control on the arterial pressure of patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess this, the evaluation of incidental visuospatial memory of SH patients and the relation to the treatment received and the effective control of pressure were made.

METHOD: 80 patients (46 woman) were included grouped by the received medication: angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI). A multiple correlation analysis between visuospatial scores and clinical variables was made; also, a mixed model analysis (fixed factors: treatment, pressure control, diabetes comorbidity; aleatory factors: age, schooling, months from SH diagnoses).

RESULTS: Half of the patients had a controlled pressure, from them the higher proportion received ARB, and a minor number of patients received ACEI. The normotensive patients receiving ACEI were inefficient whereas the hypertensive patients were more efficient. The systolic pressure was negatively related with the visuospatial scores in spite of no correlations occurred with MoCA and Raven tests.

CONCLUSIONS: The visuospatial incidental/intentional scores were negatively correlated with systolic pressure. The efficiency in the visuospatial ability depends on the interaction of treatment and effective control of blood pressure. The interaction between treatment and effective pressure control must be taken in count when cognitive deterioration is studied.}, } @article {pmid38495912, year = {2024}, author = {Trehan, A and Anand, R and Chaudhary, G and Garg, H and Verma, MK}, title = {Efficacy and Safety of Skin Radiance Collagen on Skin and Hair Matrix: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial in Healthy Human Subjects.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {}, pages = {581-591}, pmid = {38495912}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {PURPOSE: Collagen supplements are rising in the market as collagen has been demonstrated to be an important protein in the human aging process. Also, it is safe and easily absorbed in the body. Hence the aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of a collagen and antioxidant-rich treatment compared to a placebo in relation to various skin and hair indicators in healthy adult human subjects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty healthy adult non-pregnant/non-lactating women (aged 38-50 years) provided their informed consent in writing before their participation. Skin Radiance Collagen (SRC) treatment and a placebo were assessed for efficacy before application on Day 1, and post-application on Days 28 and 56, to measure changes in skin elasticity, hydration, brightness, pigmentation; texture, wrinkles, dryness, smoothness, fine lines, changes in the crow's feet region; as well as hair strength and hair fall.

RESULTS: It was observed after 56 days that therapy with SRC, compared to placebo, produced a substantial effect on reduction of wrinkle depth and fine lines by 48.11% and 39%, respectively, with p-value <0.01 in the test group. There was a 15.69% improvement in skin hydration observed and 28% reduction in hair fall with p-value <0.01.

CONCLUSION: SRC, a combination of collagen with hyaluronic acid (HA), biotin, and vitamins C and E, showed a significant improvement in skin and hair health, including improvements in skin elasticity, skin hydration, reduction in crow's feet area wrinkles and fine lines, hair fall, and decrease in roughness, leading to improved skin texture. Vitamin C in the formulation also acts as a collagen builder for the body and helps in preventing oxidative stress in the body. The test treatment SRC was found to be efficacious and safe in healthy human adult subjects.}, } @article {pmid38483609, year = {2024}, author = {González, L and Popovic, M and Rebagliato, M and Estarlich, M and Moirano, G and Barreto-Zarza, F and Richiardi, L and Arranz, E and Santa-Marina, L and Zugna, D and Ibarluzea, J and Pizzi, C}, title = {Socioeconomic position, family context, and child cognitive development.}, journal = {European journal of pediatrics}, volume = {183}, number = {6}, pages = {2571-2585}, pmid = {38483609}, issn = {1432-1076}, support = {FP7-ENV-2011 cod 282957, HEALTH.2010.2.4.5-1 and ATHLETE cod 874583//UE/ ; Red INMA G03/176, CB06/02/0041; FIS-FEDER: PI06/0867, PI09/00090, PI11/02038, PI13/02187, PI16/1288, and PI17/00663, PI18/01142 and PI19/1338//ISCIII/ ; Margarita Salas Grant MS21-125//European Union-Next Generation EU and the Ministerio de Universidades/ ; AICO/2020/285; CIAICO/2021/132//Generalitat Valenciana/ ; 2005111093, 2009111069, 2013111089 and 2015111065//Department of Health of the Basque Government/ ; DFG06/002, DFG08/001 and DFG15/221//Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Child Development ; Child ; Male ; *Cognition/physiology ; *Social Class ; Longitudinal Studies ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Parenting/psychology ; }, abstract = {Socioeconomic position (SEP) may have different effects on cognitive development and family context could play a role in this association. This work aimed to analyse the role of socioeconomic positions, measured via various indicators collected longitudinally, in cognitive development at 7-11 years of age, evaluating the role of family context as a potential mediator. The study sample included 394 and 382 children from the INMA Gipuzkoa and Valencia cohorts, respectively. SEP indicators were assessed during pregnancy (family social class, parental education, employment, and disposable income) and at 7 (Gipuzkoa) and 11 (Valencia) years of age (At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion (AROPE)). Family context and cognitive development were measured with the Haezi-Etxadi Family Assessment Scale 7-11 (HEFAS 7-11) and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (Raven's CPM), respectively. Linear regression models were developed to assess the relationships between (a) SEP-family context, (b) SEP-cognitive development, and (c) family context-cognitive development, adjusting for a priori-selected confounders. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were performed to explore the role of family context in the SEP-cognitive development relationship. Lower SEP was related with a lower cognitive score, this association being particularly robust for family social class. SEP indicators were related to subscales of family context, in particular those regarding cognitive stimulation, parental stress, and parenting. A relationship was also found between these three subscales and child cognitive development, mediating the effect of family social class on child cognition by 5.2, 5.5, and 10.8%, respectively, and 12.0% jointly. Conclusion: Both family SEP and context contribute to a child's cognitive development. Equalising policies and positive parenting programmes could contribute to improving cognitive development in children. What is Known: • Parental social class, education, and employment status have been widely employed to measure socioeconomic position. What is New: • This work focuses on standard measurements of socioeconomic position but also other economic indicators such as the EHII and AROPE, and their effect on child cognitive development and family context. • Promotion of cognitive and linguistic development, parental stress and conflict, and parental profile fostering child development mediated the effect of family social class on cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid38483002, year = {2024}, author = {Mazengenya, P and Spocter, MA and Manger, PR}, title = {Nuclear parcellation and numbers of orexinergic neurons in five species of larger brained birds.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {532}, number = {3}, pages = {e25602}, doi = {10.1002/cne.25602}, pmid = {38483002}, issn = {1096-9861}, support = {//Carnegie Corporation of New York/ ; 2022-IRG-MED-3//Ajman University Research Grant/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Neuropeptides/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Neurons/metabolism ; Orexins ; Brain/metabolism ; Hypothalamus/metabolism ; Birds ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {The orexinergic/hypocretinergic system, while having several roles, appears to be a key link in the balance between arousal and food intake. In birds, to date, this system has only been examined anatomically in four species, all with brains smaller than 3.5 g and of limited phylogenetic range. Here, using orexin-A immunohistochemistry, we describe the distribution, morphology, and nuclear parcellation of orexinergic neurons within the hypothalami of a Congo gray and a Timneh gray parrot, a pied crow, an emu, and a common ostrich. These birds represent a broad phylogeny, with brains ranging in size from 7.85 to 26.5 g. Within the hypothalami of the species studied, the orexinergic neurons were organized in two clusters, and a densely packed paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus cluster located within the medial hypothalamus (Hyp), but not contacting the ventricle, and a more loosely packed lateral hypothalamic cluster in the lateral Hyp. Stereological analysis revealed a strong correlation, using phylogenetic generalized least squares regression analyses, between brain mass and the total number of orexinergic neurons, as well as soma parameters such as volume and area. Orexinergic axonal terminals evinced two types of boutons, larger and the smaller en passant boutons. Unlike the orexinergic system in mammals, which has several variances in cluster organization, that of the birds studied, in the present and previous studies, currently shows organizational invariance, despite the differences in brain and body mass, phylogenetic relationships, and life-histories of the species studied.}, } @article {pmid38481983, year = {2024}, author = {Speechley, EM and Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Simmons, LW and Ridley, AR}, title = {Heritability of cognitive performance in wild Western Australian magpies.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {231399}, pmid = {38481983}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Individual differences in cognitive performance can have genetic, social and environmental components. Most research on the heritability of cognitive traits comes from humans or captive non-human animals, while less attention has been given to wild populations. Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis, hereafter magpies) show phenotypic variation in cognitive performance, which affects reproductive success. Despite high levels of individual repeatability, we do not know whether cognitive performance is heritable in this species. Here, we quantify the broad-sense heritability of associative learning ability in a wild population of Western Australian magpies. Specifically, we explore whether offspring associative learning performance is predicted by maternal associative learning performance or by the social environment (group size) when tested at three time points during the first year of life. We found little evidence that offspring associative learning performance is heritable, with an estimated broad-sense heritability of just -0.046 ± 0.084 (confidence interval: -0.234/0.140). However, complementing previous findings, we find that at 300 days post-fledging, individuals raised in larger groups passed the test in fewer trials compared with individuals from small groups. Our results highlight the pivotal influence of the social environment on cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid38476711, year = {2024}, author = {Maryan, RE and Feizbakhsh, M and Esmaeilian, Z and Sedaghati, G}, title = {Comparison of intelligent development (IQ & EQ) of children with cleft lip and palate.}, journal = {Dental research journal}, volume = {21}, number = {}, pages = {16}, pmid = {38476711}, issn = {1735-3327}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Attention to the issue of intelligence and its promotion in children with cleft lip and cleft palate (CL and CP) is necessary to reduce their injuries in life. This study aimed to determine the intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) in children with CL and CP in comparison to healthy children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, 140 children, including 70 children with CL and CP, were selected from the Children treated in Craniofacial and Cleft Research Center, Spearman correlation, ANOVA and 70 healthy children were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry Department of Isfahan University, in the age range of 5-9 years. After obtaining the consent of the children's parents, the Raven IQ questionnaire and the Mayer and Salovey EQ questionnaire were given to the children. Data were analyzed by the Pearson correlation coefficient tests (α =0.05).

RESULTS: EQ score in healthy children was significantly higher than in children with CL and CP (P < 0.001). The percentage of IQ cognitive intelligence in healthy children and children with CL and CP was not significantly different (P = 0.641). In healthy children, no significant relationship was observed between cognitive intelligence IQ and EQ (r = 0.018, P = 0.882). However, among children with CL and CP, there was a significant inverse relationship between cognitive intelligence IQ and EQ (P < 0.001, r = -0.526).

CONCLUSION: CL and CP have no effect on IQ in children, but it does affect EQ.}, } @article {pmid38476507, year = {2024}, author = {Musharbash, IJ and Chakra, RJ}, title = {Treatment of Full Eyelid Ptosis Following Botox Injection: A Case Report.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, pages = {e55970}, pmid = {38476507}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who was referred to one of the authors' clinics after six days of botulinum toxin type A injection to treat dynamic lines on her forehead, glabella complex, and crow's feet area. Her first esthetic injection was done by another colleague elsewhere in a different clinic. Her main complaint was full eyelid ptosis, which started four days after her treatment and continued to aggravate until the time she sought our help. We treated it with another dose of botulinum toxins. The patient started to notice a gradual improvement in her eyelid five days after our injection, so on day 14th, her eyelid was very closely back to normal opening; complete recovery was achieved. Ptosis due to botulinum toxin injection was surprisingly and successfully reversed in our article by a second dose of botulinum toxins. This suggests that this management successfully treats such cases and can deliver a beneficial reversal option for practitioners and their patients. The case report concludes that ptosis should be promptly evaluated and treated through a multimodal approach.}, } @article {pmid38464619, year = {2024}, author = {Scognamiglio, C and Sorge, A and Borrelli, G and Perrella, R and Saita, E}, title = {Exploring the connection between childhood trauma, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder in forensic psychiatry: a comprehensive case study.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1332914}, pmid = {38464619}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {This case study examines the complex relationship between childhood trauma, dissociation, and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) within the context of forensic psychiatry. It focuses on a young murder defendant named "Paul," who has experienced various traumatic events, including childhood maltreatment and domestic violence. These experiences have led to dissociative states marked by high emotional intensity, particularly of an aggressive nature, and impaired impulse control, resulting in violent behavior during dissociative episodes. The study employs advanced assessment tools like Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), and the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) to gain a comprehensive understanding of Paul's psychopathological condition, risk factors, and rehabilitation needs. The LS/CMI assessment highlights a high risk of recidivism, mainly influenced by family relationships, educational challenges, interpersonal connections, and aggressive tendencies. To address the multifaceted needs of individuals like Paul, the study emphasizes the importance of using transdiagnostic models for trauma and dissociation. This approach informs tailored treatment programs that include processing past traumatic experiences, improving self-identity, nurturing healthy relational patterns, and enhancing emotional regulation. Although this study is based on a single case, it serves as a model for integrating assessment tools and theoretical-clinical models in the field of forensic psychiatry. Understanding the intricate dynamics of childhood trauma, dissociation, and BPD is crucial for making informed decisions, conducting risk assessments, and developing rehabilitation programs within the justice system. Future research should expand the scope of cases and further validate assessment tools to advance our understanding of this complex relationship.}, } @article {pmid38460703, year = {2024}, author = {Jin, T and Huang, T and Zhang, T and Li, Q and Yan, C and Wang, Q and Chen, X and Zhou, J and Sun, Y and Bo, W and Luo, Z and Li, H and An, Y}, title = {A Bayesian benchmark concentration analysis for urinary fluoride and intelligence in adults in Guizhou, China.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {925}, number = {}, pages = {171326}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171326}, pmid = {38460703}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Child ; Adult ; Humans ; *Fluorides/analysis ; *Fluorosis, Dental/epidemiology ; Benchmarking ; Bayes Theorem ; Intelligence ; China/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Environmental fluoride exposure has been linked to numerous cases of fluorosis worldwide. Previous studies have indicated that long-term exposure to fluoride can result in intellectual damage among children. However, a comprehensive health risk assessment of fluorosis-induced intellectual damage is still pending. In this research, we utilized the Bayesian Benchmark Dose Analysis System (BBMD) to investigate the dose-response relationship between urinary fluoride (U-F) concentration and Raven scores in adults from Nayong, Guizhou, China. Our research findings indecate a dose-response relationship between the concentration of U-F and intelligence scores in adults. As the benchmark response (BMR) increased, both the benchmark concentration (BMCs) and the lower bound of the credible interval (BMCLs) increased. Specifically, BMCs for the association between U-F and IQ score were determined to be 0.18 mg/L (BMCL1 = 0.08 mg/L), 0.91 mg/L (BMCL5 = 0.40 mg/L), 1.83 mg/L (BMCL10 = 0.83 mg/L) when using BMRs of 1 %, 5 %, and 10 %. These results indicate that U-F can serve as an effective biomarker for monitoring the loss of IQ in population. We propose three interim targets for public policy in preventing interllectual harm from fluoride exposure.}, } @article {pmid38440084, year = {2024}, author = {Bibi, N and Yuan, Q and Chen, C and Chen, S and Duan, Y and Luo, X}, title = {Three cases of collared owlet depredation on the green-backed tit within nest boxes.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {e11083}, pmid = {38440084}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The main cause of the reproductive failure of cavity-nesting birds is nest predation, even though cavity nests protect from numerous predators. To study the breeding biology of the green-backed tit (Parus monticolus) and to promote the reproduction of some other avian cavity breeders, we placed 245 nest boxes in the Zixi Mountain, southwest China. We collected breeding data by regularly checking the artificial nest boxes, three cases of green-backed tits being predated by collared owlet (Glaucidium brodiei) were confirmed by the video recordings. Larger mammals, chipmunks, squirrels, sparrowhawks, jays, and snakes have been identified as common predators of cavity-nesting birds in high-latitude regions of the northern hemisphere. Limited research in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Asia, has demonstrated squirrels and snakes as common predators of cavity-nesting birds. A gap in avian predators to cavity-nesting birds exists in the current knowledge. Hence the three cases of collared owlet's depredation reveal a new danger to green-backed tits, broadening our knowledge of the dynamics of cavity-nesting birds. In all three cases, the artificial box's entrance hole was only 5 × 5 cm in size and has not been expanded or poked. These findings provided evidence that the collared owlet is the predator of nestlings and adult green-backed tit breeding in artificial boxes, which emphasized a reevaluation of predator-prey interactions. Therefore, for effective breeding of the green-backed tit, we suggest to choose a hole size of 3 × 3 cm that is appropriate for its body size.}, } @article {pmid38431156, year = {2024}, author = {Meeraus, W and Joy, M and Ouwens, M and Taylor, KS and Venkatesan, S and Dennis, J and Tran, TN and Dashtban, A and Fan, X and Williams, R and Morris, T and Carty, L and Kar, D and Hoang, U and Feher, M and Forbes, A and Jamie, G and Hinton, W and Sanecka, K and Byford, R and Anand, SN and Hobbs, FDR and Clifton, DA and Pollard, AJ and Taylor, S and de Lusignan, S}, title = {AZD1222 effectiveness against severe COVID-19 in individuals with comorbidity or frailty: The RAVEN cohort study.}, journal = {The Journal of infection}, volume = {88}, number = {4}, pages = {106129}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106129}, pmid = {38431156}, issn = {1532-2742}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 ; *COVID-19 ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; *Crows ; *Frailty/epidemiology ; Cohort Studies ; Comorbidity ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Despite being prioritized during initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout, vulnerable individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19 (hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or death) remain underrepresented in vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies. The RAVEN cohort study (NCT05047822) assessed AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCov-19) two-dose primary series VE in vulnerable populations.

METHODS: Using the Oxford-Royal College of General Practitioners Clinical Informatics Digital Hub, linked to secondary care, death registration, and COVID-19 datasets in England, COVID-19 outcomes in 2021 were compared in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals matched on age, sex, region, and multimorbidity.

RESULTS: Over 4.5 million AZD1222 recipients were matched (mean follow-up ∼5 months); 68% were ≥50 years, 57% had high multimorbidity. Overall, high VE against severe COVID-19 was demonstrated, with lower VE observed in vulnerable populations. VE against hospitalization was higher in the lowest multimorbidity quartile (91.1%; 95% CI: 90.1, 92.0) than the highest quartile (80.4%; 79.7, 81.1), and among individuals ≥65 years, higher in the 'fit' (86.2%; 84.5, 87.6) than the frailest (71.8%; 69.3, 74.2). VE against hospitalization was lowest in immunosuppressed individuals (64.6%; 60.7, 68.1).

CONCLUSIONS: Based on integrated and comprehensive UK health data, overall population-level VE with AZD1222 was high. VEs were notably lower in vulnerable groups, particularly the immunosuppressed.}, } @article {pmid38422615, year = {2024}, author = {Johnson, SD and Lehner, A and Dirikolu, L and Buchweitz, J}, title = {Ciprofloxacin enhances therapeutic levels of voriconazole through CYP450 inhibition in the common raven (Corvus corax), possibly improving efficacy against aspergillosis: a pilot study.}, journal = {American journal of veterinary research}, volume = {85}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.2460/ajvr.23.12.0288}, pmid = {38422615}, issn = {1943-5681}, mesh = {*Voriconazole/pharmacokinetics/therapeutic use ; Animals ; *Ciprofloxacin/pharmacokinetics/therapeutic use ; Pilot Projects ; *Aspergillosis/veterinary/drug therapy ; *Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacokinetics ; *Bird Diseases/drug therapy/microbiology ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology ; Male ; Female ; Random Allocation ; Administration, Oral ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine if a cytochrome (CYP) P450 enzyme inhibitor can maintain therapeutic plasma levels of voriconazole when administered orally.

ANIMALS: 11 healthy, common ravens (Corvus corax).

METHODS: Birds were randomly assigned to pilot study groups to receive voriconazole orally alone or combined with a CYP inhibitor. Pilot studies with 3 CYP inhibitors launched the main study using ciprofloxacin (20 mg/kg) followed 1 hour later by voriconazole (6 mg/kg) every 12 hours for 14 days. Plasma voriconazole concentrations were measured at various time points by HPLC-MS. The study period lasted from September 2016 to December 2020.

RESULTS: The birds failed to maintain therapeutic plasma levels of voriconazole during multidose administration alone or following preadministration with various CYP inhibitors. For the 14-day study period, voriconazole reached a maximum plasma concentration of 2.99 μg/mL with a time-to-peak drug concentration of 1.2 hours following preadministration of ciprofloxacin. One bird was removed from the study due to lethargy, but the other birds completed the study without incident.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ciprofloxacin (20 mg/kg) followed by voriconazole (6 mg/kg) maintained the concentration of voriconazole within the recommended therapeutic range of 0.5 to 5 μg/mL without toxicity. Ciprofloxacin prevented the saturable metabolism of voriconazole and maintained these levels for the study duration. This drug combination could be used in the treatment of chronic aspergillosis in the common raven.}, } @article {pmid38420775, year = {2024}, author = {Rampling, JM}, title = {Citrination and its Discontents: Yellow as a Sign of Alchemical Change.}, journal = {Ambix}, volume = {71}, number = {1}, pages = {73-97}, doi = {10.1080/00026980.2024.2309059}, pmid = {38420775}, issn = {1745-8234}, mesh = {*Alchemy ; England ; *Awards and Prizes ; *Drama ; }, abstract = {Many of the "signs and tokens" described in alchemical texts relate to colour, from the Crow's Bill signifying putrefaction to the philosophical solvents disguised as Green Lions, Red Dragons, and Grey Wolves. While the process of yellowing, or citrination, often appears in medieval recipes, it seems to have interested commentators less than the more familiar processes of blackening, whitening, or reddening. Yet beyond these canonical colours, yellowness turns out to be ubiquitous in alchemy and its associated craft practices, both in Latin texts and vernacular translations. This paper uses source criticism and experimental reconstruction to interrogate the role of yellowness at the beginning, middle, and end of practice, focusing on fifteenth- and sixteenth-century England. As starting ingredients, yellow vitriol and litharge offered the potential for transmutation but also posed problems for identification and preparation. As an intermediate stage, yellowness offered promising signs of future success, in the form of dramatic colour changes and unexpected products. But yellowness also offered an end in itself, as appears from the many citrination processes attested in recipe collections which aimed to imitate the properties of gold - suggesting that yellowing was prized as a significant indicator of chemical change across diverse areas of craft practice.}, } @article {pmid38420597, year = {2024}, author = {Vermeesch, AL and Ellsworth-Kopkowski, A and Prather, JG and Passel, C and Rogers, HH and Hansen, MM}, title = {Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing): A Scoping Review of the Global Research on the Effects of Spending Time in Nature.}, journal = {Global advances in integrative medicine and health}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {27536130241231258}, pmid = {38420597}, issn = {2753-6130}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This Scoping review (ScR) builds upon the 2017 review conducted by Hansen et al which contributed to evidence base shinrin-yoku (SY), also known as forest bathing (FB), has many positive health effects and is becoming a prescribed dose (specific time spent in nature) by health care providers. Practice and research regarding SY, has been historically based in Asian countries with a recent increase in Europe. The need and call for more research worldwide continues to further the evidence of SY as a health promotion modality. Through this ScR the authors identified programmatic components, health information monitored and screened, time spent in nature, geographical regions, trends, and themes in SY research worldwide.

METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines we searched across 7 electronic databases for SY or FB research articles from 2017 through 2022. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Embase, JSTOR were included due to the interdisciplinary nature of SY or FB research. Each database provided unique strengths ensuring a capture of a wide range of articles. The resulting articles were screened and extracted through Covidence.

RESULTS: Database searches returned 241 results, with 110 references removed during the deduplication process, 131 were initially screened in the title and abstract review stage. Resulting in 82 unique results deemed relevant and screened in full text. During the final stage of the review, 63 articles met all inclusion criteria and were extracted for data.

CONCLUSIONS: The practice of SY has physiological (PHYS) and psychological (PSYCH) benefits across age groups. Research findings indicate either the natural or the virtual environment (VW) has significant health benefits. Continued research is encouraged globally for short- and long-term health outcomes for all individuals. The connection with nature benefits the mind, body and soul and is supported by Henry David Thoreau's philosophy: "Our livesneed the relief of where the pine flourishes and the jay still scream."}, } @article {pmid38419376, year = {2024}, author = {Burban, E and Tenaillon, MI and Glémin, S}, title = {RIDGE, a tool tailored to detect gene flow barriers across species pairs.}, journal = {Molecular ecology resources}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, pages = {e13944}, doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.13944}, pmid = {38419376}, issn = {1755-0998}, support = {//Région Bretagne/ ; ANR-17-EUR-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-19-CE32-0009-02//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; GDR 3765//Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/ ; }, mesh = {*Gene Flow ; Bayes Theorem ; *Genetic Speciation ; Genomics ; Genome ; }, abstract = {Characterizing the processes underlying reproductive isolation between diverging lineages is central to understanding speciation. Here, we present RIDGE-Reproductive Isolation Detection using Genomic polymorphisms-a tool tailored for quantifying gene flow barrier proportion and identifying the relevant genomic regions. RIDGE relies on an Approximate Bayesian Computation with a model-averaging approach to accommodate diverse scenarios of lineage divergence. It captures heterogeneity in effective migration rate along the genome while accounting for variation in linked selection and recombination. The barrier detection test relies on numerous summary statistics to compute a Bayes factor, offering a robust statistical framework that facilitates cross-species comparisons. Simulations revealed RIDGE's efficiency in capturing signals of ongoing migration. Model averaging proved particularly valuable in scenarios of high model uncertainty where no migration or migration homogeneity can be wrongly assumed, typically for recent divergence times <0.1 2Ne generations. Applying RIDGE to four published crow data sets, we first validated our tool by identifying a well-known large genomic region associated with mate choice patterns. Second, while we identified a significant overlap of outlier loci using RIDGE and traditional genomic scans, our results suggest that a substantial portion of previously identified outliers are likely false positives. Outlier detection relies on allele differentiation, relative measures of divergence and the count of shared polymorphisms and fixed differences. Our analyses also highlight the value of incorporating multiple summary statistics including our newly developed outlier ones that can be useful in challenging detection conditions.}, } @article {pmid38418500, year = {2024}, author = {Salgotra, R and Gandomi, AH}, title = {A novel multi-hybrid differential evolution algorithm for optimization of frame structures.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {4877}, pmid = {38418500}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {Differential evolution (DE) is a robust optimizer designed for solving complex domain research problems in the computational intelligence community. In the present work, a multi-hybrid DE (MHDE) is proposed for improving the overall working capability of the algorithm without compromising the solution quality. Adaptive parameters, enhanced mutation, enhanced crossover, reducing population, iterative division and Gaussian random sampling are some of the major characteristics of the proposed MHDE algorithm. Firstly, an iterative division for improved exploration and exploitation is used, then an adaptive proportional population size reduction mechanism is followed for reducing the computational complexity. It also incorporated Weibull distribution and Gaussian random sampling to mitigate premature convergence. The proposed framework is validated by using IEEE CEC benchmark suites (CEC 2005, CEC 2014 and CEC 2017). The algorithm is applied to four engineering design problems and for the weight minimization of three frame design problems. Experimental results are analysed and compared with recent hybrid algorithms such as laplacian biogeography based optimization, adaptive differential evolution with archive (JADE), success history based DE, self adaptive DE, LSHADE, MVMO, fractional-order calculus-based flower pollination algorithm, sine cosine crow search algorithm and others. Statistically, the Friedman and Wilcoxon rank sum tests prove that the proposed algorithm fares better than others.}, } @article {pmid38417339, year = {2024}, author = {Azalou, M and Assani, AS and Kpomasse, CC and Tona, K and Alkoiret, IT and Pitala, W}, title = {Phenotypic and morphometric characterization of domestic geese raised in northern Benin.}, journal = {Poultry science}, volume = {103}, number = {4}, pages = {103563}, pmid = {38417339}, issn = {1525-3171}, mesh = {Male ; Female ; Animals ; Benin ; *Geese/genetics ; *Chickens ; Phenotype ; }, abstract = {Documentation on the domestic geese (Anser anser) in Benin is scarce, making it objectively difficult to exploit. Its production depends on small flocks raised by livestock farmers in different areas. The aim of the study was to describe the phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of geese encountered in northern Benin. To this end, a total of 576 adult geese (353 males and 223 females) from 102 farms in 4 agro-ecological zones of northern Benin were evaluated for 11 quantitative and 5 qualitative body traits. There are 6 plumage colors with white (42.01%), white-brown magpie (24.65%) and white-grey magpie (17.19%) as dominant colors. The proportions of white-grey (75%) and multicolored (51.85%) in Far northern zone of Benin (FNZB) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in the cotton zone of northern Benin (CZNB), Food-producing zone of southern Borgou (FZSB) and West-Atacora Zone (WAZ). The red coloring of the tarsi was more dominant in the FZSB (63.09%) and the FZSB (61.79%) (P < 0.05). Orange (57.47%) and yellow (28.82%) colored beaks were dominant but did not vary (P > 0.05) from one agro-ecological zone to another. Quantitative traits such as body length, tarsus length, wing span and thoracic circumference of geese varied (P < 0.05) between 71.34 to73.22 cm, 10.08 to 10.6 cm, 131.95 to 135.42 cm and between 42.07 to 43.86 cm respectively. Males differed significantly from females (P < 0.05) for all morphometric traits. The live weight of geese in the FNZB showed higher values than those of other agro-ecological zones (P ˂ 0.05). In addition, white phenotype geese (3.76 kg) were heavier (P ˂ 0.05) than other phenotypes. All correlations between weight and body measurements of domestic geese were positive, but the correlations between live weight and wing span (r = 0.68) were the strongest. These correlations could be used to assess the live weight of the geese population studied and for selection based on live weight. This study provides a reference for morpho-biometric traits and will be complemented by molecular characterization.}, } @article {pmid38408666, year = {2024}, author = {Simpson, AK and Drysdale, M and Gamberg, M and Froese, K and Brammer, J and Dumas, P and Ratelle, M and Skinner, K and Laird, BD}, title = {Human biomonitoring of dioxins, furans, and non-ortho dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blood plasma from Old Crow, Yukon, Canada (2019).}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {923}, number = {}, pages = {171222}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171222}, pmid = {38408666}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Dioxins/analysis ; *Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis ; Yukon Territory ; *Crows ; Furans/toxicity ; Biological Monitoring ; Canada ; Plasma/chemistry ; *Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins ; }, abstract = {Dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent and toxic chemicals that are known to have human health effects at low levels. These chemicals have been produced for commercial use (PCBs) or unintentionally as by-products of industry or natural processes (PCBs, dioxins, and furans). Additionally, dioxin-like PCBs were formerly used in electrical applications before being banned internationally (2004). These chemicals are widely dispersed in the environment as they can contaminate air and travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers before depositing on land or water, thereafter, potentially entering food chains. Community concerns surrounding the safety of traditional foods prompted a human biomonitoring project in Old Crow, Yukon Territory (YT), Canada (2019). Through collaborative community engagement, dioxins and like compounds were identified as a priority for exposure assessment from biobanked samples. In 2022, biobanked plasma samples (n = 54) collected in Old Crow were used to measure exposures to seven dioxins, ten furans, and four dioxin-like PCBs. 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, OCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, PCB 126, and PCB 169 were detected in at least 50 % of samples. Among these analytes, the only congener at elevated levels was PCB 169, which was approximately ∼2-fold higher than the general population of Canada. No significant sex-based or body mass index (BMI) differences in biomarker concentrations were observed. Generally, the concentrations of the detected congeners increased with age, except for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD. For the first time, this research measures dioxin and like-compound exposures in Old Crow, advancing the information available on chemical exposures in the Arctic. Further research could be directed towards the investigation of PCB 169 exposure sources and temporal monitoring of exposures and determinants.}, } @article {pmid38401133, year = {2024}, author = {Penhale, SH and Arif, Y and Schantell, M and Johnson, HJ and Willett, MP and Okelberry, HJ and Meehan, CE and Heinrichs-Graham, E and Wilson, TW}, title = {Healthy aging alters the oscillatory dynamics and fronto-parietal connectivity serving fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Human brain mapping}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {e26591}, pmid = {38401133}, issn = {1097-0193}, support = {F31 DA056296/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R36-DA059323/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20-GM144641/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM144641/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DA047828/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DA056223/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; R01-MH116782/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; F31-DA056296/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01-MH118013/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01-DA056223/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH118013/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01-DA047828/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH116782/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Healthy Aging ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Magnetoencephalography/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Brain Mapping/methods ; Intelligence/physiology ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence (Gf) involves logical reasoning and novel problem-solving abilities. Often, abstract reasoning tasks like Raven's progressive matrices are used to assess Gf. Prior work has shown an age-related decline in fluid intelligence capabilities, and although many studies have sought to identify the underlying mechanisms, our understanding of the critical brain regions and dynamics remains largely incomplete. In this study, we utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate 78 individuals, ages 20-65 years, as they completed an abstract reasoning task. MEG data was co-registered with structural MRI data, transformed into the time-frequency domain, and the resulting neural oscillations were imaged using a beamformer. We found worsening behavioral performance with age, including prolonged reaction times and reduced accuracy. MEG analyses indicated robust oscillations in the theta, alpha/beta, and gamma range during the task. Whole brain correlation analyses with age revealed relationships in the theta and alpha/beta frequency bands, such that theta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in a right prefrontal region and alpha/beta oscillations became stronger with increasing age in parietal and right motor cortices. Follow-up connectivity analyses revealed increasing parieto-frontal connectivity with increasing age in the alpha/beta frequency range. Importantly, our findings are consistent with the parieto-frontal integration theory of intelligence (P-FIT). These results further suggest that as people age, there may be alterations in neural responses that are spectrally specific, such that older people exhibit stronger alpha/beta oscillations across the parieto-frontal network during abstract reasoning tasks.}, } @article {pmid38396520, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, Z and Bi, J and Zhao, X and Cai, Y and Yang, C}, title = {Comparison of Reproductive Strategies between Two Sympatric Copsychus Passerines.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {38396520}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {32260127//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, abstract = {Reproduction plays a crucial role in determining the development, fate, and dynamics of bird populations. However, reproductive strategies vary among species and populations. In this study, we investigated the reproductive strategies of the Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) and White-rumped Shama (C. malabarica), which are closely related passerines that reproduce in sympatric areas. We found that although these two species were both cavity nesting, their nest-site selection differed; the Shama preferred nesting close to trees and forests, whereas the Magpie Robin nested close to human residential areas. Furthermore, their egg incubation patterns differed; the Shama increased daily incubation frequency with incubation time, but the Magpie Robin maintained its daily incubation time regardless of changes in incubation frequency. However, the nestling heating patterns of these two species were similar, indicating a critical demand for regulating hatchling body temperature during this crucial stage. The feeding frequencies of male parents were strongly correlated with those of females in both species, suggesting equal contribution and good synchronization between the sexes. Nestling feeding frequency was also correlated with nest cleaning frequency, implying coordination between feeding and defecation by parents and offspring, respectively. This research explored the divergence and convergence of reproductive strategies between these two sympatric species, providing valuable insights into the niche differentiation theory.}, } @article {pmid38391697, year = {2024}, author = {de Chiusole, D and Spinoso, M and Anselmi, P and Bacherini, A and Balboni, G and Mazzoni, N and Brancaccio, A and Epifania, OM and Orsoni, M and Giovagnoli, S and Garofalo, S and Benassi, M and Robusto, E and Stefanutti, L and Pierluigi, I}, title = {PsycAssist: A Web-Based Artificial Intelligence System Designed for Adaptive Neuropsychological Assessment and Training.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {38391697}, issn = {2076-3425}, support = {PRIN: Progetti di Ricerca di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale - Bando 2020, Protocol n. 20209WKCLL, Project title: Computerized, adaptive and personalized assessment of executive functions and fluid intelligence//Italian Ministry of Research and University/ ; }, abstract = {Assessing executive functions in individuals with disorders or clinical conditions can be challenging, as they may lack the abilities needed for conventional test formats. The use of more personalized test versions, such as adaptive assessments, might be helpful in evaluating individuals with specific needs. This paper introduces PsycAssist, a web-based artificial intelligence system designed for neuropsychological adaptive assessment and training. PsycAssist is a highly flexible and scalable system based on procedural knowledge space theory and may be used potentially with many types of tests. We present the architecture and adaptive assessment engine of PsycAssist and the two currently available tests: Adap-ToL, an adaptive version of the Tower of London-like test to assess planning skills, and MatriKS, a Raven-like test to evaluate fluid intelligence. Finally, we describe the results of an investigation of the usability of Adap-ToL and MatriKS: the evaluators perceived these tools as appropriate and well-suited for their intended purposes, and the test-takers perceived the assessment as a positive experience. To sum up, PsycAssist represents an innovative and promising tool to tailor evaluation and training to the specific characteristics of the individual, useful for clinical practice.}, } @article {pmid38389412, year = {2024}, author = {Lehner, AF and Johnson, SD and Dirikolu, L and Johnson, M and Buchweitz, JP}, title = {Mass spectrometric methods for evaluation of voriconazole avian pharmacokinetics and the inhibition of its cytochrome P450-induced metabolism.}, journal = {Toxicology mechanisms and methods}, volume = {34}, number = {6}, pages = {654-668}, doi = {10.1080/15376516.2024.2322675}, pmid = {38389412}, issn = {1537-6524}, mesh = {*Voriconazole/pharmacokinetics ; Animals ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacokinetics ; *Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology ; *Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Male ; Chromatography, Liquid ; }, abstract = {Invasive fungal aspergillosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many species including avian species such as common ravens (Corvus corax). Methods were developed for mass spectral determination of voriconazole in raven plasma as a means of determining pharmacokinetics of this antifungal agent. Without further development, GC/MS/MS (gas chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry) proved to be inferior to LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry) for measurement of voriconazole levels in treated raven plasma owing to numerous heat-induced breakdown products despite protection of voriconazole functional groups with trimethylsilyl moieties. LC/MS/MS measurement revealed in multi-dosing experiments that the ravens were capable of rapid or ultrarapid metabolism of voriconazole. This accounted for the animals' inability to raise the drug into the therapeutic range regardless of dosing regimen unless cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors were included. Strategic selection of CYP inhibitors showed that of four selected compounds including cimetidine, enrofloxacin and omeprazole, only ciprofloxacin (Cipro) was able to maintain voriconazole levels in the therapeutic range until the end of the dosing period. The optimal method of administration involved maintenance doses of voriconazole at 6 mg/kg and ciprofloxacin at 20 mg/kg. Higher doses of voriconazole such as 18 mg/kg were also tenable without apparent induction of toxicity. Although most species employ CYP2C19 to metabolize voriconazole, it was necessary to speculate that voriconazole might be subject to metabolism by CYP1A2 in the ravens to explain the utility of ciprofloxacin, a previously unknown enzymatic route. Finally, despite its widespread catalog of CYP inhibitions including CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, cimetidine may be inadequate at enhancing voriconazole levels owing to its known effects on raising gastric pH, a result that may limit voriconazole solubility.}, } @article {pmid38381738, year = {2024}, author = {Mustafa, FE and Ahmed, I and Basit, A and Alqahtani, M and Khalid, M}, title = {An adaptive metaheuristic optimization approach for Tennessee Eastman process for an industrial fault tolerant control system.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {e0296471}, pmid = {38381738}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Reproducibility of Results ; Tennessee ; *Algorithms ; *Environment ; }, abstract = {The Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) is widely recognized as a standard reference for assessing the effectiveness of fault detection and false alarm tracking methods in intricate industrial operations. This paper presents a novel methodology that employs the Adaptive Crow Search Algorithm (ACSA) to improve fault identification capabilities and mitigate the occurrence of false alarms in the TEP. The ACSA is an optimization approach that draws inspiration from the observed behavior of crows in their natural environment. This algorithm possesses the capability to adapt its search behavior in response to the changing dynamics of the optimization process. The primary objective of our research is to devise a monitoring strategy that is adaptable in nature, with the aim of efficiently identifying faults within the TEP while simultaneously minimizing the occurrence of false alarms. The ACSA is applied in order to enhance the optimization of monitoring variables, alarm thresholds, and decision criteria selection and configuration. When compared to traditional static approaches, the ACSA-based monitoring strategy is better at finding faults and reducing false alarms because it adapts well to changes in process dynamics and disturbances. In order to assess the efficacy of our suggested methodology, we have conducted comprehensive simulations on the TEP dataset. The findings suggest that the monitoring strategy based on ACSA demonstrates superior fault identification rates while concurrently mitigating the frequency of false alarms. In addition, the flexibility of ACSA allows it to efficiently manage process variations, disturbances, and uncertainties, thereby enhancing its robustness and reliability in practical scenarios. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, extensive simulations were conducted on the TEP dataset. The results indicate that the ACSA-based monitoring strategy achieves higher fault detection rates while simultaneously reducing the occurrence of false alarms. Moreover, the adaptability of ACSA enables it to effectively handle process variations, disturbances, and uncertainties, making it robust and reliable for real-world applications. The contributions of this research extend beyond the TEP, as the adaptive monitoring strategy utilizing ACSA can be applied to other complex industrial processes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the development of advanced fault detection and false alarm monitoring techniques, offering significant benefits in terms of process safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.}, } @article {pmid38378710, year = {2024}, author = {Khadem, A and Nadery, M and Noori, S and Ghaffarian-Ensaf, R and Djazayery, A and Movahedi, A}, title = {The relationship between food habits and physical activity and the IQ of primary school children.}, journal = {Journal of health, population, and nutrition}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {29}, pmid = {38378710}, issn = {2072-1315}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Intelligence Tests ; *Feeding Behavior ; *Exercise ; Schools ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Children's intelligence quotient (IQ) is influenced by various environmental and genetic variables. The current study aimed to determine how children's dietary choices and physical activity levels correlated with their IQ.

METHODS: A total of 190 students (111 girls and 79 boys) between the ages of 8 and 10 were chosen randomly for this cross-sectional research. For all children, questionnaires were utilized to gather information on their anthropometry, socio-economic position, food habits, and 24-h memory. Children's physical activity questionnaire (CPAQ) was also used to gauge their level of physical activity. Raven's color progressive intelligence test was also used to gauge children's IQ. All the questions may be filled out online with the assistance of parents. SPSS software was used to gather and evaluate the generated data.

RESULTS: Of 190 respondents, 79 (41.6%) are males, and 111 (58.4%) are girls. The results of the study showed that, a positive correlation between children's IQ and physical activity (P = 0.017, r = 0.17), if this relationship was not seen by gender. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the IQ and food habits scores in all children (P = 0.001, r = 0.24), as well as by gender, that is, male (P = 0.04, r = 0.23) and female (P = 0.006, r = 0.26), which indicates that children with better food habits were associated with higher IQ.

CONCLUSION: It was shown that elementary school children's IQ, food habits, and degree of physical activity are all positively correlated.}, } @article {pmid38378155, year = {2024}, author = {Betz, A and Bischoff, R and Petschenka, G}, title = {Late-instar monarch caterpillars sabotage milkweed to acquire toxins, not to disarm plant defence.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {291}, number = {2017}, pages = {20232721}, pmid = {38378155}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Larva ; Latex ; *Butterflies ; *Asclepias ; Cardenolides/toxicity ; }, abstract = {Sabotaging milkweed by monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) is a famous textbook example of disarming plant defence. By severing leaf veins, monarchs are thought to prevent the flow of toxic latex to their feeding site. Here, we show that sabotaging by monarch caterpillars is not only an avoidance strategy. While young caterpillars appear to avoid latex, late-instar caterpillars actively ingest exuding latex, presumably to increase sequestration of cardenolides used for defence against predators. Comparisons with caterpillars of the related but non-sequestering common crow butterfly (Euploea core) revealed three lines of evidence supporting our hypothesis. First, monarch caterpillars sabotage inconsistently and therefore the behaviour is not obligatory to feed on milkweed, whereas sabotaging precedes each feeding event in Euploea caterpillars. Second, monarch caterpillars shift their behaviour from latex avoidance in younger to eager drinking in later stages, whereas Euploea caterpillars consistently avoid latex and spit it out during sabotaging. Third, monarchs reared on detached leaves without latex sequestered more cardenolides when caterpillars imbibed latex offered with a pipette. Thus, we conclude that monarch caterpillars have transformed the ancestral 'sabotage to avoid' strategy into a 'sabotage to consume' strategy, implying a novel behavioural adaptation to increase sequestration of cardenolides for defence.}, } @article {pmid38375775, year = {2024}, author = {Jariwala, N and Ozols, M and Eckersley, A and Mambwe, B and Watson, REB and Zeef, L and Gilmore, A and Debelle, L and Bell, M and Bradley, EJ and Doush, Y and Keenan, A and Courage, C and Leroux, R and Peschard, O and Mondon, P and Ringenbach, C and Bernard, L and Pitois, A and Sherratt, MJ}, title = {Prediction, screening and characterization of novel bioactive tetrapeptide matrikines for skin rejuvenation.}, journal = {The British journal of dermatology}, volume = {191}, number = {1}, pages = {92-106}, doi = {10.1093/bjd/ljae061}, pmid = {38375775}, issn = {1365-2133}, support = {//Walgreens Boots Alliance/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Fibroblasts/metabolism/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; *Rejuvenation ; *Oligopeptides/pharmacology ; Skin/drug effects/pathology/metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects ; Extracellular Matrix/metabolism ; Male ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins/metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; Proteomics/methods ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrices play a critical role in tissue structure and function and aberrant remodelling of these matrices is a hallmark of many age-related diseases. In skin, loss of dermal collagens and disorganization of elastic fibre components are key features of photoageing. Although the application of some small matrix-derived peptides to aged skin has been shown to beneficially affect in vitro cell behaviour and, in vivo, molecular architecture and clinical appearance, the discovery of new peptides has lacked a guiding hypothesis.

OBJECTIVES: To identify, using protease cleavage site prediction, novel putative matrikines with beneficial activities for skin composition and structure.

METHODS: Here, we present an in silico (peptide cleavage prediction) to in vitro (proteomic and transcriptomic activity testing in cultured human dermal fibroblasts) to in vivo (short-term patch test and longer-term split-face clinical study) discovery pipeline, which enables the identification and characterization of peptides with differential activities.

RESULTS: Using this pipeline we showed that cultured fibroblasts were responsive to all applied peptides, but their associated bioactivity was sequence-dependent. Based on bioactivity, toxicity and protein source, we further characterized a combination of two novel peptides, GPKG (glycine-proline-lysine-glycine) and LSVD (leucine-serine-valine-aspartate), that acted in vitro to enhance the transcription of matrix -organization and cell proliferation genes and in vivo (in a short-term patch test) to promote processes associated with epithelial and dermal maintenance and remodelling. Prolonged use of a formulation containing these peptides in a split-face clinical study led to significantly improved measures of crow's feet and firmness in a mixed population.

CONCLUSIONS: This approach to peptide discovery and testing can identify new synthetic matrikines, providing insights into biological mechanisms of tissue homeostasis and repair and new pathways to clinical intervention.}, } @article {pmid38368968, year = {2024}, author = {Le Covec, M and Bovet, D and Watanabe, S and Izawa, EI and Bobin-Bègue, A}, title = {Spontaneous tempo production in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {217}, number = {}, pages = {105007}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105007}, pmid = {38368968}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/physiology ; *Cockatoos/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Beak/physiology ; Male ; Female ; }, abstract = {Musical and rhythmical abilities are poorly documented in non-human animals. Most of the existing studies focused on synchronisation performances to external rhythms. In humans, studies demonstrated that rhythmical processing (e. g. rhythm discrimination or synchronisation to external rhythm) is dependent of an individual measure: the individual tempo. It is assessed by asking participants to produce an endogenous isochronous rhythm (known as spontaneous motor tempo) without any specific instructions nor temporal cue. In non-human animal literature, studies describing spontaneous and endogenous production of motor tempo without any temporal clue are rare. This exploratory study aims to describe and compare the spontaneous motor tempo of cockatiels and jungle crows. Data were collected on spontaneous beak drumming behaviours of birds housed in laboratory. Inter beak strokes intervals were calculated from sound tracks of videos. The analyses revealed that inter beak strokes intervals are non-randomly distributed intervals and are isochronous. Recorded spontaneous motor tempos are significantly different among some cockatiels. Since we could only conduct statistical analysis with one corvid, we cannot conclude about this species. Our results suggest that cockatiels and jungle crows have individual tempos, thus encouraging further investigations.}, } @article {pmid38364572, year = {2024}, author = {Brennan Kearns, P and van den Dries, MA and Julvez, J and Kampouri, M and López-Vicente, M and Maitre, L and Philippat, C and Småstuen Haug, L and Vafeiadi, M and Thomsen, C and Yang, TC and Vrijheid, M and Tiemeier, H and Guxens, M}, title = {Association of exposure to mixture of chemicals during pregnancy with cognitive abilities and fine motor function of children.}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {185}, number = {}, pages = {108490}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2024.108490}, pmid = {38364572}, issn = {1873-6750}, support = {CS/16/4/32482/BHF_/British Heart Foundation/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Child ; Maternal Exposure/adverse effects ; Cognition ; *Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated ; *Fluorocarbons ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; *Environmental Pollutants/toxicity ; *Phthalic Acids ; }, abstract = {Chemical exposures often occur in mixtures and exposures during pregnancy may lead to adverse effects on the fetal brain, potentially reducing lower cognitive abilities and fine motor function of the child. We investigated the association of motheŕs exposure to a mixture of chemicals during pregnancy (i.e., organochlorine compounds, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, phenols, phthalates, organophosphate pesticides) with cognitive abilties and fine motor function in their children. We studied 1097 mother-child pairs from five European cohorts participating in the Human Early Life Exposome study (HELIX). Measurement of 26 biomarkers of exposure to chemicals was performed on urine or blood samples of pregnant women (mean age 31 years). Cognitive abilities and fine motor function were assessed in their children (mean age 8 years) with a battery of computerized tests administered in person (Raveńs Coloured Progressive Matrices, Attention Network Test, N-back Test, Trail Making Test, Finger Tapping Test). We estimated the joint effect of prenatal exposure to chemicals on cognitive abilities and fine motor function using the quantile-based g-computation method, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. A quartile increase in all the chemicals in the overall mixture was associated with worse fine motor function, specifically lower scores in the Finger Tapping Test [-8.5 points, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -13.6 to -3.4; -14.5 points, 95 % CI -22.4 to -6.6, and -18.0 points, 95 % CI -28.6 to -7.4) for the second, third and fourth quartile of the overal mixture, respectively, when compared to the first quartile]. Organochlorine compounds, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contributed most to this association. We did not find a relationship with cognitive abilities. We conclude that exposure to chemical mixtures during pregnancy may influence neurodevelopment, impacting fine motor function of the offspring.}, } @article {pmid38363314, year = {2024}, author = {Zahid, N and Enam, SA and Mårtensson, T and Azam, I and Mushtaq, N and Moochhala, M and Javed, F and Kausar, F and Hasan, A and Rehman, L and Mughal, MN and Altaf, S and Kirmani, S and Brown, N}, title = {Predictors of neurocognition outcomes in children and young people with primary brain tumor presenting to tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan: a prospective cohort study.}, journal = {Child's nervous system : ChNS : official journal of the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery}, volume = {40}, number = {6}, pages = {1707-1719}, pmid = {38363314}, issn = {1433-0350}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; *Brain Neoplasms/psychology/complications ; Cohort Studies ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pakistan/epidemiology ; Prospective Studies ; *Tertiary Care Centers ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Primary brain tumors are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children and young people (CYP) globally. Impaired neurocognitive function is a potential severe consequence in primary brain tumor (PBT) survivors. There are no in-depth studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform management and follow-up. The research questions of this study were as follows: Are the sociodemographic factors (lower age of CYP, female gender, low socioeconomic status, low parental education), disease-related factors (high grade of tumor, presence of seizures, presence of hydrocephalous), and treatment-related factors (adjuvant therapy, no surgical intervention, post-treatment seizures, placement of shunts) associated with decline in neurcognition outcomes 12 months post-treatment in CYP with PBTs?

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2020 to July 2023 at the Aga Khan University Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. All CYP aged 5 to 21 years with a newly diagnosed PBTs were eligible. The neurocognition assessment was undertaken by a psychologist at two points, i.e., pre-treatment and at 12 months post-treatment using validated tools. The verbal intelligence was assessed by Slosson Intelligence tool, revised 3rd edition (SIT-R3), perceptual reasoning by Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), and the Processing Speed Index by Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WISC V) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV). The data were analyzed by STATA version 12 software. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to determine the factors associated with the mean change in 12 months post-treatment verbal and non-verbal neurocognition scores. Unadjusted and adjusted beta coefficients with their 95% confidence intervals were reported.

RESULTS: A total of 48 CYPs with PBTs were enrolled, 23 (48%) of them were lost to follow-up and 10 (21%) died. The remaining 25 (52%) were reassessed 12 months after treatment. On multivariable analysis, a significant decline in verbal intelligence scores at 12 months was predicted by post-treatment seizures beta =  - 20.8 (95% CI, - 38.2, - 3.4), mothers having no formal educational status and lower household monthly income. Similarly, a significant decline in perceptual reasoning scores was also predicted by post-treatment seizures beta =  - 10.7 (95% CI, - 20.6, - 0.8), mothers having no formal education and having lower household monthly income. Worsening of processing speed scores at 12 months post-treatment were predicted by tumor histology, post-treatment seizures beta =  - 33.9 (95% CI, - 47.7, - 20.0), lower educational status of the mother, and having lower household monthly. However, an improvement was seen in processing speed scores after surgical tumor resection.

CONCLUSION: In this novel study, the post-treatment mean change in verbal and non-verbal neurocognition scores was associated with sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment factors. These findings may have potential implications for targeted early psychological screening of higher risk CYP with PBTs. Identification of these predictors may serve as a foundation for developing more cost-effective treatment thereby alleviating the burden of neurocognitive morbidity. However to establish generalizability, future research should prioritize larger-scale, multicountry studies. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05709522).}, } @article {pmid38362616, year = {2024}, author = {Itahara, A and Kano, F}, title = {Gaze tracking of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) in a motion capture system.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {227}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {38362616}, issn = {1477-9145}, support = {//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //The Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science/ ; //Academist/ ; 19H01772, 23KJ1303 and 20H05000//Japan Society for Promotion of Science/ ; //Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science/ ; 422037984//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Cluster of Excellence/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Eye-Tracking Technology ; Motion Capture ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Fields ; }, abstract = {Previous studies often inferred the focus of a bird's attention from its head movements because it provides important clues about their perception and cognition. However, it remains challenging to do so accurately, as the details of how they orient their visual field toward the visual targets remain largely unclear. We thus examined visual field configurations and the visual field use of large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler 1827). We used an established ophthalmoscopic reflex technique to identify the visual field configuration, including the binocular width and optical axes, as well as the degree of eye movement. A newly established motion capture system was then used to track the head movements of freely moving crows to examine how they oriented their reconstructed visual fields toward attention-getting objects. When visual targets were moving, the crows frequently used their binocular visual fields, particularly around the projection of the beak-tip. When the visual targets stopped moving, crows frequently used non-binocular visual fields, particularly around the regions where their optical axes were found. On such occasions, the crows slightly preferred the right eye. Overall, the visual field use of crows is clearly predictable. Thus, while the untracked eye movements could introduce some level of uncertainty (typically within 15 deg), we demonstrated the feasibility of inferring a crow's attentional focus by 3D tracking of their heads. Our system represents a promising initial step towards establishing gaze tracking methods for studying corvid behavior and cognition.}, } @article {pmid38362046, year = {2023}, author = {Myers, T and Bouslimani, A and Huang, S and Hansen, ST and Clavaud, C and Azouaoui, A and Ott, A and Gueniche, A and Bouez, C and Zheng, Q and Aguilar, L and Knight, R and Moreau, M and Song, SJ}, title = {A multi-study analysis enables identification of potential microbial features associated with skin aging signs.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {1304705}, pmid = {38362046}, issn = {2673-6217}, abstract = {Introduction: During adulthood, the skin microbiota can be relatively stable if environmental conditions are also stable, yet physiological changes of the skin with age may affect the skin microbiome and its function. The microbiome is an important factor to consider in aging since it constitutes most of the genes that are expressed on the human body. However, severity of specific aging signs (one of the parameters used to measure "apparent" age) and skin surface quality (e.g., texture, hydration, pH, sebum, etc.) may not be indicative of chronological age. For example, older individuals can have young looking skin (young apparent age) and young individuals can be of older apparent age. Methods: Here we aim to identify microbial taxa of interest associated to skin quality/aging signs using a multi-study analysis of 13 microbiome datasets consisting of 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data and paired skin clinical data from the face. Results: We show that there is a negative relationship between microbiome diversity and transepidermal water loss, and a positive association between microbiome diversity and age. Aligned with a tight link between age and wrinkles, we report a global positive association between microbiome diversity and Crow's feet wrinkles, but with this relationship varying significantly by sub-study. Finally, we identify taxa potentially associated with wrinkles, TEWL and corneometer measures. Discussion: These findings represent a key step towards understanding the implication of the skin microbiota in skin aging signs.}, } @article {pmid38360908, year = {2024}, author = {Inzalaco, HN and Brandell, EE and Wilson, SP and Hunsaker, M and Stahler, DR and Woelfel, K and Walsh, DP and Nordeen, T and Storm, DJ and Lichtenberg, SS and Turner, WC}, title = {Detection of prions from spiked and free-ranging carnivore feces.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {3804}, pmid = {38360908}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {37000-0000009433//Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Prions ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Feces ; *Wasting Disease, Chronic/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *Deer ; *Coyotes ; }, abstract = {Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly contagious, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by infectious prions (PrP[CWD]) affecting wild and captive cervids. Although experimental feeding studies have demonstrated prions in feces of crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), coyotes (Canis latrans), and cougars (Puma concolor), the role of scavengers and predators in CWD epidemiology remains poorly understood. Here we applied the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to detect PrP[CWD] in feces from cervid consumers, to advance surveillance approaches, which could be used to improve disease research and adaptive management of CWD. We assessed recovery and detection of PrP[CWD] by experimental spiking of PrP[CWD] into carnivore feces from 9 species sourced from CWD-free populations or captive facilities. We then applied this technique to detect PrP[CWD] from feces of predators and scavengers in free-ranging populations. Our results demonstrate that spiked PrP[CWD] is detectable from feces of free-ranging mammalian and avian carnivores using RT-QuIC. Results show that PrP[CWD] acquired in natural settings is detectable in feces from free-ranging carnivores, and that PrP[CWD] rates of detection in carnivore feces reflect relative prevalence estimates observed in the corresponding cervid populations. This study adapts an important diagnostic tool for CWD, allowing investigation of the epidemiology of CWD at the community-level.}, } @article {pmid38359753, year = {2024}, author = {Owings, CG and McKee-Zech, HS and Orebaugh, JA and Devlin, JL and Vidoli, GM}, title = {The utility of blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) evidence from burned human remains.}, journal = {Forensic science international}, volume = {356}, number = {}, pages = {111962}, doi = {10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111962}, pmid = {38359753}, issn = {1872-6283}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Diptera ; Calliphoridae ; Body Remains ; Insecta ; Entomology ; *Burns ; Larva ; }, abstract = {Burning of human remains is a common method to conceal or destroy evidence associated with homicides and illegal activities. However, data regarding blow fly colonization of burned remains are scarce, with all previously published empirical studies focusing only on non-human animals. It is critically important to obtain basic data on blow fly colonization patterns of burned human remains as such evidence may represent the only feasible method for PMI estimation in cases of burning. In this study, we thermally altered six human donors to a Crow-Glassman Scale Level 3 (CGS-3) and placed them at the Anthropology Research Facility at the University of Tennessee in Summer 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022. Six unburned human donors were used as controls. Observations for insect activity began within 24 h of placement and continued twice weekly through decomposition. Age estimations were performed with immature blow flies to estimate the time of colonization (TOC), and accuracy was assessed against the time of placement for each donor. All burned donors examined in this study were colonized by blow flies. No significant difference in species composition was determined between treatments, though TOC estimations from burned donors were slightly (but significantly) less accurate than TOC estimations from unburned donors (80% vs. 83% accuracy; χ[2] = 0.041, df = 1, P = 0.840). These results indicate that blow flies can successfully colonize human remains burned to CGS-3 and that accurate TOC estimations can still be generated from larval specimens. Though several limitations to this study exist (e.g., inconsistent donor BMI, lack of donor temperature data), our results underscore the utility of entomological evidence in cases of burned human remains.}, } @article {pmid38358989, year = {2024}, author = {Mafizur, RM and Sangjin, L and Chul, PY}, title = {Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in the feces of free-roaming wildlife throughout South Korea.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {e0281006}, pmid = {38358989}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Swine ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; Prevalence ; Phylogeny ; *Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Deer/microbiology ; *Escherichia coli Infections/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; Sus scrofa ; Salmonella/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; }, abstract = {Wildlife can carry pathogenic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, which can spread to humans and cause mild to serious illnesses and even death. Spreading through animal feces, these pathogens significantly contributes to the global burden of human diseases. Therefore, the present study investigated the prevalence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens, such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), in animal feces. Between September 2015 and August 2017, 699 wildlife fecal samples were collected from various agricultural production regions and mountainous areas in South Korea. Fecal samples were collected from wild mammals (85.26%, 596/699) and birds (14.73%, 103/699). Salmonella spp. and E. coli were present in 3% (21/699) and 45.63% (319/699) of the samples, respectively. Moreover, virulence genes stx1 and both stx1 and stx2 were detected in 13.30% (93/699) and 0.72% (5/699) of the samples, respectively. The 21 Salmonella spp. were detected in badgers (n = 5), leopard cats (n = 7), wild boars (n = 2), and magpies (n = 7); STEC was detected in roe deer, water deer, mice, and wild boars. Through phylogenetic and gene-network analyses, the Salmonella spp. isolates (n = 21 laboratory isolates, at least one isolate from each Salmonella-positive animal fecal sample, and n = 6 widely prevalent reference Salmonella serovars) were grouped into two major lineages: S. enterica subsp. enterica and S. enterica subsp. diarizonae. Similarly, 93 E. coli isolates belonged to stx1, including three major lineages (groups 1-3), and stx1 and stx2 detected groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a wild leopard cat serving as a reservoir for Salmonella spp. in South Korea. The research findings can help manage the potential risk of wildlife contamination and improve precautionary measures to protect public health.}, } @article {pmid38350545, year = {2024}, author = {Tariq, A and Ahmad, SR and Qadir, A}, title = {Nesting material adaptation of native bird species with anthropogenic litter along an urbanization gradient in Pakistan.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {249}, number = {}, pages = {118435}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.118435}, pmid = {38350545}, issn = {1096-0953}, mesh = {Animals ; Pakistan ; *Urbanization ; *Nesting Behavior ; Birds/physiology ; Anthropogenic Effects ; Environmental Monitoring ; Waste Products/analysis ; }, abstract = {Rapid urbanization and associated waste generation have become a mounting ecological concern for wildlife, especially avian communities. Research has primarily focused on investigating the impacts of human activities on marine birds with comparatively less focus on terrestrial species that live in far more anthropized environments and are at significant risk. Our study has explored the abundance and characteristics of anthropogenic litter in 70 nests of four generalist bird species: Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and House Crow (Corvus splendens), within the city of Lahore (Pakistan) and its surroundings, by determining and following an urbanization gradient. The overall frequency of litter occurrence (FLO%) for all the sampled nests was 89%. Over 80% of the recorded litter items consisted of plastic materials, primarily dominated by sheet-like plastics. There was a strong association between fabric and Black Kite nests, and metal and House Crow nests. Litter incorporation increased across the gradient from rural to urban habitats. The highest FLO% was found in nests sampled from waste dumping sites and urban sites (95%-100%), where anthropogenic influence was more intense. The high level of litter incorporation is potentially indicative of a species' adaptive response to urbanization, associated with the decline in natural nesting material and availability of anthropogenic litter. These findings highlight the need for strengthening the existing global database for terrestrial litter and its effect on wildlife and devising policy actions for better waste management and conservation of natural ecosystem balance.}, } @article {pmid38346081, year = {2024}, author = {Guo, Z and Duan, D and Tang, W and Zhu, J and Bush, WS and Zhang, L and Zhu, X and Jin, F and Feng, H}, title = {magpie: A power evaluation method for differential RNA methylation analysis in N6-methyladenosine sequencing.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {20}, number = {2}, pages = {e1011875}, pmid = {38346081}, issn = {1553-7358}, support = {R01 DK131437/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG012384/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA267872/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA043703/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; UG3 NS132061/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG009658/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*RNA/genetics/metabolism ; *RNA Methylation ; Methylation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; }, abstract = {Recently, novel biotechnologies to quantify RNA modifications became an increasingly popular choice for researchers who study epitranscriptome. When studying RNA methylations such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), researchers need to make several decisions in its experimental design, especially the sample size and a proper statistical power. Due to the complexity and high-throughput nature of m6A sequencing measurements, methods for power calculation and study design are still currently unavailable. In this work, we propose a statistical power assessment tool, magpie, for power calculation and experimental design for epitranscriptome studies using m6A sequencing data. Our simulation-based power assessment tool will borrow information from real pilot data, and inspect various influential factors including sample size, sequencing depth, effect size, and basal expression ranges. We integrate two modules in magpie: (i) a flexible and realistic simulator module to synthesize m6A sequencing data based on real data; and (ii) a power assessment module to examine a set of comprehensive evaluation metrics.}, } @article {pmid38343459, year = {2024}, author = {Fine, L}, title = {We are our history: Baylor University Medical Center and Black physicians in Dallas.}, journal = {Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {185-195}, pmid = {38343459}, issn = {0899-8280}, abstract = {The Texas Baptist Memorial Sanatorium, the hospital that later became known as Baylor University Medical Center, dates back to 1904. With this long-lived history comes the truths that affected all hospitals during the Jim Crow era: segregation and inequality. This paper attempts to place Baylor University Medical Center, which aimed (and continues to aim) to be a "great humanitarian hospital," in its historical context. Understanding this history may help explain and combat the inequities we continue to see in health care today.}, } @article {pmid38335247, year = {2024}, author = {Sun, C and Hassin, Y and Boonman, A and Shwartz, A and Yovel, Y}, title = {Species and habitat specific changes in bird activity in an urban environment during Covid 19 lockdown.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38335247}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {3-17988//Israeli Ministry of Science/ ; 201906620060//China Scholarship Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ecosystem ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Communicable Disease Control ; Birds ; Introduced Species ; }, abstract = {Covid-19 lockdowns provided ecologists with a rare opportunity to examine how animals behave when humans are absent. Indeed many studies reported various effects of lockdowns on animal activity, especially in urban areas and other human-dominated habitats. We explored how Covid-19 lockdowns in Israel have influenced bird activity in an urban environment by using continuous acoustic recordings to monitor three common bird species that differ in their level of adaptation to the urban ecosystem: (1) the hooded crow, an urban exploiter, which depends heavily on anthropogenic resources; (2) the rose-ringed parakeet, an invasive alien species that has adapted to exploit human resources; and (3) the graceful prinia, an urban adapter, which is relatively shy of humans and can be found in urban habitats with shrubs and prairies. Acoustic recordings provided continuous monitoring of bird activity without an effect of the observer on the animal. We performed dense sampling of a 1.3 square km area in northern Tel-Aviv by placing 17 recorders for more than a month in different micro-habitats within this region including roads, residential areas and urban parks. We monitored both lockdown and no-lockdown periods. We portray a complex dynamic system where the activity of specific bird species depended on many environmental parameters and decreases or increases in a habitat-dependent manner during lockdown. Specifically, urban exploiter species decreased their activity in most urban habitats during lockdown, while human adapter species increased their activity during lockdown especially in parks where humans were absent. Our results also demonstrate the value of different habitats within urban environments for animal activity, specifically highlighting the importance of urban parks. These species- and habitat-specific changes in activity might explain the contradicting results reported by others who have not performed a habitat specific analysis.}, } @article {pmid38335048, year = {2024}, author = {Mazengenya, P and Lesku, JA and Rattenborg, NC and Manger, PR}, title = {Apparent absence of hypothalamic cholinergic neurons in the common ostrich and emu: Implications for global brain states during sleep.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {532}, number = {2}, pages = {e25587}, doi = {10.1002/cne.25587}, pmid = {38335048}, issn = {1096-9861}, support = {2022-IRG-MED-3//Ajman University Research Grant/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Dromaiidae/metabolism ; *Struthioniformes/metabolism ; Brain/metabolism ; Hypothalamus/metabolism ; Cholinergic Neurons/metabolism ; Sleep/physiology ; Cholinergic Agents ; Choline O-Acetyltransferase/metabolism ; }, abstract = {We examined the presence/absence and parcellation of cholinergic neurons in the hypothalami of five birds: a Congo grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), a Timneh grey parrot (P. timneh), a pied crow (Corvus albus), a common ostrich (Struthio camelus), and an emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Using immunohistochemistry to an antibody raised against the enzyme choline acetyltransferase, hypothalamic cholinergic neurons were observed in six distinct clusters in the medial, lateral, and ventral hypothalamus in the parrots and crow, similar to prior observations made in the pigeon. The expression of cholinergic nuclei was most prominent in the Congo grey parrot, both in the medial and lateral hypothalamus. In contrast, no evidence of cholinergic neurons in the hypothalami of either the ostrich or emu was found. It is known that the expression of sleep states in the ostrich is unusual and resembles that observed in the monotremes that also lack hypothalamic cholinergic neurons. It has been proposed that the cholinergic system acts globally to produce and maintain brain states, such as those of arousal and rapid-eye-movement sleep. The hiatus in the cholinergic system of the ostrich, due to the lack of hypothalamic cholinergic neurons, may explain, in part, the unusual expression of sleep states in this species. These comparative anatomical and sleep studies provide supportive evidence for global cholinergic actions and may provide an important framework for our understanding of one broad function of the cholinergic system and possible dysfunctions associated with global cholinergic neural activity.}, } @article {pmid38327363, year = {2023}, author = {Chaprazov, T and Petrov, R and Yarkov, D and Andonova, Y and Lazarova, I}, title = {Basic blood biochemical parameters of wild common ravens (Corvuscorax).}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e103271}, pmid = {38327363}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {Baseline haematological and biochemical blood parameters in healthy wild birds are key to managing wild populations and to saving critically ill individuals. This knowledge is crucial for the care, rehabilitation and the release of birds after treatment in wildlife rescue centres. Plasma levels provide valuable information for the evaluation of the physical condition of animals. The objective of this study was to obtain reference values of some basic biochemical blood parameters of wild common ravens (Corvuscorax). Between 2020 and 2023, we took blood samples from the wild population of common ravens in Bulgaria (n = 36). We determined the values of 18 parameters - alanine transaminase (ALT, U/I), albumin (g/l), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, U/I), amylase (U/I), aspartate transaminase (AST, U/I), calcium (mmol/l), chloride (mmol/l), cholesterol (mmol/l), creatine kinase (CK, U/I), creatinine (μmol/l), blood glucose (mmol/l), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, U/I), magnesium (mmol/l), phosphorus (mmol/l), total bilirubin (μmol/l), total protein (g/l), triglycerides (TG, mmol/l) and uric acid (μmol/l). We made a comparative analysis including the regions in which the groups were sampled and the time of year. Most of the presented results were comparable to published values of other species from the Corvidae family and some were higher (ALP, amylase, AST, CK, total protein and uric acid levels). Most of these could be explained by the capture- and handling stress. This is the first report in official literary sources presenting some basic biochemical blood parameters of healthy wild common ravens in Bulgaria. The results may be of use to scientists, veterinarians and other researchers in rescue and rehabilitation centres and they can provide the basis for further studies with regards to animal welfare and health assessment of the species.}, } @article {pmid38325410, year = {2024}, author = {Sitko, J and Heneberg, P}, title = {Avian trematodes of central European corvids are heterogeneous regarding preferences for host species and age.}, journal = {Journal of helminthology}, volume = {98}, number = {}, pages = {e17}, doi = {10.1017/S0022149X23001001}, pmid = {38325410}, issn = {1475-2697}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds/parasitology ; Czech Republic ; *Dicrocoeliidae ; Ecosystem ; *Trematoda ; }, abstract = {Corvids are highly adaptive birds that respond well to anthropogenic changes in their environment. Trematode communities of corvids were studied mainly in the 1950s through 1970s in regularly flooded parts of the Volga River delta in Russia; more recent studies and data from other regions where the corvids are in less contact with postflooding habitats are limited. Data for Corvus corax were lacking. Using our samples obtained from 1963 to 2023, we performed a large-scale analysis of trematode species composition and community structure in Corvus frugilegus, Corvus cornix, C. corax, Coloeus monedula, Pica pica, and Garrulus glandarius; all originated from the Czech Republic. We identified corvids as hosts of mutually overlapping component communities of only a few species of trematodes (Brachylecithum lobatum, Lyperosomum petiolatum, Lyperosomum longicauda, Tamerlania zarudnyi, Urogonimus macrostomus), with the presence of many rare and incidental findings of other trematode species. Only a few species used corvids as their core hosts (L. longicauda and B. lobatum). Trematode component communities in first-year birds included Prosthogonimus cuneatus, Prosthogonimus ovatus, Plagiorchis asperus, and Morishitium dollfusi due to an increased share of insects (intermediate hosts of Prosthogonimus and Plagiorchis) and snails (intermediate hosts of Morishitium) in the diet of juveniles. The trematode component communities of corvid species overlapped but were heterogeneous at the level of host individuals, likely reflecting differences in food sources related to the respective host ages and nesting sites.}, } @article {pmid38314367, year = {2023}, author = {Shenoy, C and Agrawal, R and Chandrashekar, BS and Lalchandani, R}, title = {Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Two Brands of Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Lateral Canthal Lines (Crow's Feet): A Split-Face Study.}, journal = {Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {270-278}, pmid = {38314367}, issn = {0974-2077}, abstract = {AIM: To compare the safety and efficacy of Stunnox with the international brand of botulinum toxin A on lateral canthal lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a nonrandomized, controlled, pilot, split-face study in 47 patients who were given two brands of Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of lateral canthal lines for 12 weeks. Evaluation of lines was assessed with grades of 0 (none), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (severe) at a maximum smile and rest by using ANTERA 3D camera.

RESULTS: There was a statistical significance in lateral canthal lines wrinkles reduction on the Stunnox sides compared to pretreatment and at weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively (all P < 0.05). The wrinkle reduction was similar to the effects of the control internationally available brand of botulinum toxin A. The clinical improvement of lateral canthal line wrinkles was greatest at 4 weeks after injection and the improvement lasted until 12 weeks of treatment with no adverse events observed.

CONCLUSION: In this split-face study, Stunnox botulinum toxin A showed a moderate but significant wrinkle-soothing effect without obvious side effects on the lateral canthal.}, } @article {pmid38308828, year = {2023}, author = {Kazim, AR and Houssaini, J and Tappe, D and Heo, CC and Vellayan, S}, title = {Two new records of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) from the Oriental honey buzzard [Pernis ptilorhynchus (Temminck, 1821)] and house crow (Corvus splendens Viellot, 1817) in Malaysia.}, journal = {Tropical biomedicine}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {416-421}, doi = {10.47665/tb.40.4.006}, pmid = {38308828}, issn = {2521-9855}, mesh = {Animals ; *Amblycera ; *Crows ; *Ischnocera ; *Lice Infestations/veterinary ; Malaysia ; *Honey ; *Bird Diseases ; Birds ; }, abstract = {We report two new records of chewing lice from avian pets in Peninsular Malaysia: Colpocephalum apivorus Tendeiro, 1958 from an Oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus (Temminck, 1821)), and Myrsidea splendenticola Klockenhoff, 1973 from an albino house crow (Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817). The scarcity of louse records from avian pets and wild birds, and the lack of louse research in Malaysia are discussed.}, } @article {pmid38306284, year = {2024}, author = {Clancey, E and MacPherson, A and Cheek, RG and Mouton, JC and Sillett, TS and Ghalambor, CK and Funk, WC and Hohenlohe, PA}, title = {Unraveling Adaptive Evolutionary Divergence at Microgeographic Scales.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {203}, number = {2}, pages = {E35-E49}, doi = {10.1086/727723}, pmid = {38306284}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Humans ; Bayes Theorem ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Ecosystem ; Phenotype ; Genetic Variation ; }, abstract = {AbstractStriking examples of local adaptation at fine geographic scales are increasingly being documented in natural populations. However, the relative contributions made by natural selection, phenotype-dependent dispersal (when individuals disperse with respect to a habitat preference), and mate preference in generating and maintaining microgeographic adaptation and divergence are not well studied. Here, we develop quantitative genetics models and individual-based simulations (IBSs) to uncover the evolutionary forces that possibly drive microgeographic divergence. We also perform Bayesian estimation of the parameters in our IBS using empirical data on habitat-specific variation in bill morphology in the island scrub-jay (Aphelocoma insularis) to apply our models to a natural system. We find that natural selection and phenotype-dependent dispersal can generate the patterns of divergence we observe in the island scrub-jay. However, mate preference for a mate with similar bill morphology, even though observed in the species, does not play a significant role in driving divergence. Our modeling approach provides insights into phenotypic evolution occurring over small spatial scales relative to dispersal ranges, suggesting that adaptive divergence at microgeographic scales may be common across a wider range of taxa than previously thought. Our quantitative genetic models help to inform future theoretical and empirical work to determine how selection, habitat preference, and mate preference contribute to local adaptation and microgeographic divergence.}, } @article {pmid38302714, year = {2024}, author = {Jia, Y and Qiu, L and Zhang, H and Li, Z and Zhao, P and Zhang, Y and Zhang, B}, title = {Efficacy and Safety of Type III Collagen Lyophilized Fibers Using Mid-to-Deep Dermal Facial Injections for the Correction of Dynamic Facial Wrinkles.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {48}, number = {13}, pages = {2500-2512}, pmid = {38302714}, issn = {1432-5241}, support = {2020089//Scientific research project of Shanxi Provincial Health Commission/ ; 2021047//Scientific research project of Shanxi Provincial Health Commission/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Male ; Injections, Intradermal ; *Collagen Type III ; *Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data ; Freeze Drying ; Esthetics ; Face ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Cohort Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of injecting Type III collagen lyophilized fibers into the mid-to-deep layers of the facial dermis to ameliorate dynamic facial wrinkles.

METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, clinical data were collected from patients exhibiting dynamic facial wrinkles (encompassing frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet) with a wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS) score of 3 or higher. In the control group, 75 participants received collagen implant injections into the mid-to-deep facial dermal layers, whereas 76 participants in the experimental group received injections of Type III collagen lyophilized fibers in similar layers. The study analyzed and compared clinical efficacy, WSRS score alterations, patient satisfaction, and safety profiles between the groups over the 30-day and 90-day treatment periods.

RESULTS: At the 30-day mark, the therapeutic efficacy was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, at 90 days, the treatment efficacy in the experimental group surpassed that in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). After 30 days of treatment, the WSRS score improvement in the experimental group was significantly superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conversely, at the 90-day mark, the results revealed no significant variation in WSRS score improvements between the two groups (P > 0.05). Regarding treatment satisfaction among researchers and participants post-30 and 90-day treatment in both groups, no statistically significant differences were observed (P > 0.05). Similarly, the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Injections of lyophilized type III collagen fibers into the mid-to-deep layers of the facial dermis have a definitive therapeutic effect on dynamic facial wrinkles. This treatment not only substantially diminishes wrinkle severity but also has a commendable safety profile.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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 {pmid38301191, year = {2024}, author = {Rushovich, T and Nethery, RC and White, A and Krieger, N}, title = {1965 US Voting Rights Act Impact on Black and Black Versus White Infant Death Rates in Jim Crow States, 1959-1980 and 2017-2021.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {114}, number = {3}, pages = {300-308}, pmid = {38301191}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {Humans ; Infant ; *Black or African American ; *Infant Death ; United States ; *Voting/legislation & jurisprudence ; White ; }, abstract = {Objectives. To investigate the impact of the US Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 on Black and Black versus White infant deaths in Jim Crow states. Methods. Using data from 1959 to 1980 and 2017 to 2021, we applied difference-in-differences methods to quantify differential pre-post VRA changes in infant deaths in VRA-exposed versus unexposed counties, controlling for population size and social, economic, and health system characteristics. VRA-exposed counties, identified by Section 4, were subject to government interventions to remove existing racist voter suppression policies. Results. Black infant deaths in VRA-exposed counties decreased by an average of 11.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7, 21.0) additional deaths beyond the decrease experienced by unexposed counties between the pre-VRA period (1959-1965) and the post-VRA period (1966-1970). This translates to 6703 (95% CI = 999.6, 12 348) or 17.5% (95% CI = 3.1%, 28.1%) fewer deaths than would have been experienced in the absence of the VRA. The equivalent differential changes were not significant among the White or total population. Conclusions. Passage of the VRA led to pronounced reductions in Black infant deaths in Southern counties subject to government intervention because these counties had particularly egregious voter suppression practices. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(3):300-308. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307518).}, } @article {pmid38289304, year = {2023}, author = {Koryagina, YV and Ter-Akopov, GN and Abutalimova, SM and Nopin, SV and Akhkubekova, NK and Ukhanova, OP and Mikhailova, AA}, title = {[Effect of hyperoxic inhalations for athletes of different sports, including those who had COVID-19, when training in the middle altitude].}, journal = {Voprosy kurortologii, fizioterapii, i lechebnoi fizicheskoi kultury}, volume = {100}, number = {6}, pages = {46-51}, doi = {10.17116/kurort202310006146}, pmid = {38289304}, issn = {0042-8787}, mesh = {Humans ; Altitude ; *COVID-19 ; *Sports ; Athletes ; Hypoxia ; Oxygen ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To identify hyperoxic inhalations on the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system of athletes of different sports, who have previously had COVID-19, when training in the middle altitude.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 64 elite athletes during the preparatory period. The studies were conducted in Kislovodsk in the middle altitude (1240 meters) on the Maloe Sedlo mountain, in the conditions of training camps. We studied the parameters of heart rate variability and functional state of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Hyperoxic inhalations were performed with the JAY-10 oxygen concentrator (LONGFIAN SCITECH CO., LTD., China). The oxygen concentration in the mixture was 93±3%, capacity - 5 l/min, exposure time - 20 min.

RESULTS: Athletes specializing in sports with predominantly anaerobic lactate and mixed mechanism of energy supply, respectively experiencing hypoxia in the process of their athletic activity during training can experience hypoxia at rest as well. The state of hypoxia during exercise in the middle altitude in such athletes is shown in heart rate variability indices (high values of heart rate and stress index, low power of high frequency waves), low saturation, increased oxygen uptake from the blood microcirculation system. The use of oxygen therapy in athletes promotes positive dynamics of the functional state, consisting in a reduced stress of regulatory mechanisms, strengthened tone of the parasympathetic nervous system in the heart rate regulation, increased economization of the central hemodynamics' parameters, improved functions of the external respiratory system.

CONCLUSION: Application of hyperoxic inhalations during intense exercise in the middle altitude has a favorable effect on the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system in all the studied sports, especially in athletes who have previously had COVID-19.}, } @article {pmid38279165, year = {2024}, author = {Ziegler, S and Srivastava, S and Parmar, D and Basu, S and Jain, N and De Allegri, M}, title = {A step closer towards achieving universal health coverage: the role of gender in enrolment in health insurance in India.}, journal = {BMC health services research}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {141}, pmid = {38279165}, issn = {1472-6963}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Universal Health Insurance ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Sexism ; Insurance, Health ; India ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of how universal health coverage (UHC) schemes such as publicly-funded health insurance (PFHI) benefit women as compared to men. Many of these schemes are gender-neutral in design but given the existing gender inequalities in many societies, their benefits may not be similar for women and men. We contribute to the evidence by conducting a gender analysis of the enrolment of individuals and households in India's national PFHI scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).

METHODS: We used data from a cross-sectional household survey on RSBY eligible families across eight Indian states and studied different outcome variables at both the individual and household levels to compare enrolment among women and men. We applied multivariate logistic regressions and controlled for several demographic and socio-economic characteristics.

RESULTS: At the individual level, the analysis revealed no substantial differences in enrolment between men and women. Only in one state were women more likely to be enrolled in RSBY than men (AOR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.32-5.38), and this pattern was linked to their status in the household. At the household level, analyses revealed that female-headed households had a higher likelihood to be enrolled (AOR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.14-1.62), but not necessarily to have all household members enrolled.

CONCLUSION: Findings are surprising in light of India's well-documented gender bias, permeating different aspects of society, and are most likely an indication of success in designing a policy that did not favour participation by men above women, by mandating spouse enrolment and securing enrolment of up to five family members. Higher enrolment rates among female-headed households are also an indication of women's preferences for investments in health, in the context of a conducive policy environment. Further analyses are needed to examine if once enrolled, women also make use of the scheme benefits to the same extent as men do. India is called upon to capitalise on the achievements of RSBY and apply them to newer schemes such as PM-JAY.}, } @article {pmid38262352, year = {2024}, author = {Johnsson, RD and Connelly, F and Lesku, JA and Roth, TC}, title = {Australian magpies.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {R41-R43}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.017}, pmid = {38262352}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Robin D. Johnsson and colleagues introduce Australian magpies, which are not actually magpies.}, } @article {pmid38261937, year = {2024}, author = {Costa, D and Giordani, A}, title = {Aristotelian universals, strong immanence, and construction.}, journal = {Synthese}, volume = {203}, number = {2}, pages = {35}, pmid = {38261937}, issn = {0039-7857}, abstract = {The Aristotelian view of universals, according to which each universal generically depends for its existence on its instantiations, has recently come under attack by a series of ground-theoretic arguments. The last such arguments, presented by Raven, promises to offer several significant improvements over its predecessors, such as avoiding commitment to the transitivity of ground and offering new reasons for the metaphysical priority of universals over their instantiations. In this paper, we argue that Raven's argument does not effectively avoid said commitment and that Raven's new reasons fail. Moreover, we present a novel ground-theoretic interpretation of the Aristotelian view, referred to as strong immanence, and introduce a new argument against the Aristotelian view, intended to sidestep any commitment to the transitivity of ground.}, } @article {pmid38261918, year = {2024}, author = {Godarzi, B and Chandler, F and van der Linden, A and Sikkema, RS and de Bruin, E and Veldhuizen, E and van Amerongen, A and Gröne, A}, title = {A species-independent lateral flow microarray immunoassay to detect WNV and USUV NS1-specific antibodies in serum.}, journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {18}, number = {}, pages = {100668}, pmid = {38261918}, issn = {2352-7714}, abstract = {Arboviruses such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and Usutu Virus (USUV) are emerging pathogens that circulate between mosquitoes and birds, occasionally spilling over into humans and horses. Current serological screening methods require access to a well-equipped laboratory and are not currently available for on-site analysis. As a proof of concept, we propose here a species-independent lateral flow microarray immunoassay (LMIA) able to quickly detect and distinguish between WNV Non-Structural 1 (NS1) and USUV NS1-specific antibodies. A double antigen approach was used to test sera collected from humans, horses, European jackdaws (Corvus monedula), and common blackbirds (Turdus merula). Optimization of the concentration of capture antigen spotted on the LMIA membrane and the amount of detection antigen conjugated to detector particles indicated that maximizing both parameters increased assay sensitivity. Upon screening of a larger serum panel, the optimized LMIA showed significantly higher spot intensity for a homologous binding event. Using a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve, WNV NS1 LMIA results in humans, horses, and C. monedula showed good correlation when compared to "gold standard" WNV FRNT90. The most optimal derived sensitivity and specificity of the WNV NS1 LMIA relative to corresponding WNV FRNT90-confirmed sera were determined to be 96% and 86%, respectively. While further optimization is required, this study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a species-independent LMIA for on-site analysis of WNV, USUV, and other arboviruses. Such a tool would be useful for the on-site screening and monitoring of relevant species in more remote or low-income regions.}, } @article {pmid38260596, year = {2024}, author = {Summers, J and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Chen, N}, title = {Impacts of increasing isolation and environmental variation on Florida Scrub-Jay demography.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2024.01.10.575127}, pmid = {38260596}, issn = {2692-8205}, 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.}, } @article {pmid38255402, year = {2024}, author = {Giancola, M and Palmiero, M and Pino, MC and Sannino, M and D'Amico, S}, title = {How Do Children "Think outside the Box"? Fluid Intelligence and Divergent Thinking: A Moderated Mediation Study of Field Dependent-Independent Cognitive Style and Gender.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {38255402}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {The interplay between fluid intelligence (Gf) and divergent thinking (DT) has widely characterized current research in the psychology of creativity. Nevertheless, the evidence on the main factors involved in this association during childhood remains a matter of debate. Present research has addressed the interplay between Gf and DT, exploring the mediating role of a field dependent-independent cognitive style (FDI) and the moderating effect of gender in 101 children (Mage = 8.02; SDage = 1.43). Participants carried out Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, the Children Embedded Figure Test, and the Alternative Uses Task. The results revealed the mediating effect of FDI in the association between Gf and DT, providing evidence that this cognitive style represents a function of controlled mental processes underpinned by Gf, which are useful to thinking divergently. In addition, the findings reported that the interplay between FDI and DT was moderated by gender, suggesting that the impact of FDI on DT was stronger among boys. Through a multidimensional approach, these current research findings provide further insight into the primary children's factors involved in the ability to find alternative solutions and think divergently.}, } @article {pmid38244996, year = {2024}, author = {Williams, ME and Corn, EA and Martinez Ransanz, S and Berl, MM and Andringa-Seed, R and Mulkey, SB}, title = {Neurodevelopmental assessments used to measure preschoolers' cognitive development in Latin America: a systematic review.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric psychology}, volume = {49}, number = {5}, pages = {321-339}, pmid = {38244996}, issn = {1465-735X}, support = {P50 HD105328/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HD102445/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01HD102445/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development/ ; R01HD102445/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //DC Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center/ ; P50HD105328-01/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; //Thrasher Research Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Latin America ; Child, Preschool ; *Child Development/physiology ; *Cognition ; Child ; Neuropsychological Tests/standards/statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to systematically review the standardized neurodevelopmental assessments used to study preschool-aged children's cognitive development in Spanish-speaking Latin America.

METHODS: The authors systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases for peer-reviewed articles from Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Articles were included if they measured cognitive development among children aged 2-6 years using at least one standardized assessment tool; 97 articles were included and reviewed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to assess their use of these tools.

RESULTS: Ninety-seven studies across 13 countries used a total of 41 assessments to measure cognitive development; most widely used were the Wechsler intelligence scales (n = 46/97), particularly the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (n = 23 and 29, respectively). Other common assessments included the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (n = 9), Raven's Progressive Matrices (n = 9), Child Neuropsychological Assessment (n = 8), and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (n = 7). In regions where normative data for a given assessment were unpublished, authors commonly used norms from the United States, Mexico, or Spain or did not report standard scores in their analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: The wide range of tools used in these studies presents a challenge for generalizing results when measuring the neurodevelopment of Latin American preschool-aged children. The low availability of normative data for specific regions reveals concerns if some tools are culturally and linguistically appropriate even when Spanish is a common language, particularly in low-resource settings. Future work to forge greater consistency in the use of validated measures, clarity in reporting research methods, and publication of regional normative data would benefit the field.}, } @article {pmid38244968, year = {2024}, author = {Domínguez, A and Koch, S and Marquez, S and de Castro, M and Urquiza, J and Evandt, J and Oftedal, B and Aasvang, GM and Kampouri, M and Vafeiadi, M and Mon-Williams, M and Lewer, D and Lepeule, J and Andrusaityte, S and Vrijheid, M and Guxens, M and Nieuwenhuijsen, M}, title = {Childhood exposure to outdoor air pollution in different microenvironments and cognitive and fine motor function in children from six European cohorts.}, journal = {Environmental research}, volume = {247}, number = {}, pages = {118174}, doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2024.118174}, pmid = {38244968}, issn = {1096-0953}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; *Air Pollutants/toxicity ; *Air Pollution/analysis ; Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Environmental Exposure/analysis ; Particulate Matter/analysis ; Transportation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to air pollution during childhood has been linked with adverse effects on cognitive development and motor function. However, limited research has been done on the associations of air pollution exposure in different microenvironments such as home, school, or while commuting with these outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between childhood air pollution exposure in different microenvironments and cognitive and fine motor function from six European birth cohorts.

METHODS: We included 1301 children from six European birth cohorts aged 6-11 years from the HELIX project. Average outdoor air pollutants concentrations (NO2, PM2.5) were estimated using land use regression models for different microenvironments (home, school, and commute), for 1-year before the outcome assessment. Attentional function, cognitive flexibility, non-verbal intelligence, and fine motor function were assessed using the Attention Network Test, Trail Making Test A and B, Raven Colored Progressive Matrices test, and the Finger Tapping test, respectively. Adjusted linear regressions models were run to determine the association between each air pollutant from each microenvironment on each outcome.

RESULTS: In pooled analysis we observed high correlation (rs = 0.9) between air pollution exposures levels at home and school. However, the cohort-by-cohort analysis revealed correlations ranging from low to moderate. Air pollution exposure levels while commuting were higher than at home or school. Exposure to air pollution in the different microenvironments was not associated with working memory, attentional function, non-verbal intelligence, and fine motor function. Results remained consistently null in random-effects meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: No association was observed between outdoor air pollution exposure in different microenvironments (home, school, commute) and cognitive and fine motor function in children from six European birth cohorts. Future research should include a more detailed exposure assessment, considering personal measurements and time spent in different microenvironments.}, } @article {pmid38239514, year = {2023}, author = {Fathima, A and Jeevanandan, G}, title = {Interrelationship Between Intelligence Quotient and Space Maintainers Among Children: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {e50752}, pmid = {38239514}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Introduction Intelligence quotient (IQ) is an indicator to measure a child's cognitive ability to learn or understand and to deal with new situations with their logical and analytical skills. Children with better IQ exhibit increased cooperation when undergoing dental treatments, leading to a positive attitude toward dental care. The primary aim of the study was to assess the interrelationship between the IQ of children, space maintainer therapy, and the behavior of children aged 6-10 years. Materials and methods A total of 104 children were divided into two groups: group 1 included children undergoing space maintainer therapy and group 2 included children who did not undergo space maintainer therapy. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and behavior and the Frankl behavior rating scale. The data were analyzed by SPSS Version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Independent t-tests were used to evaluate the differences between IQ and children with space maintainers, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences between behavior and space maintainers. Results The mean age of the participants was approximately 8.28 years. The mean IQ score of the group of children undergoing the space maintainer therapy was 90.69 ± 7.65 and that of the control group was 105.59±10.71. Based on the Frankl behavior rating scale, the mean score in the space maintainer group was 35.44 and that of the control group was 69.56. There was a significant association between IQ, behavior, and the presence of space maintainers. Conclusion The group of children undergoing space maintainer therapy demonstrated comparatively lesser IQ, and the majority of children exhibited negative behavior. Also, children wearing space maintainers had undergone one or multiple extractions, which is traumatic for children and may lead to them likely exhibiting a negative behavior than children in the control group. Hence, it may be concluded that intelligence, behavior, and space maintainers are all significantly associated with each other.}, } @article {pmid38232729, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, X and Kostrzewa, C and Reiner, A and Shen, R and Begg, C}, title = {Adaptation of a mutual exclusivity framework to identify driver mutations within oncogenic pathways.}, journal = {American journal of human genetics}, volume = {111}, number = {2}, pages = {227-241}, pmid = {38232729}, issn = {1537-6605}, support = {P01 CA206980/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA008748/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA251339/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Computational Biology/methods ; Likelihood Functions ; *Neoplasms/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; Mutation/genetics ; Algorithms ; }, abstract = {Distinguishing genomic alterations in cancer-associated genes that have functional impact on tumor growth and disease progression from the ones that are passengers and confer no fitness advantage have important clinical implications. Evidence-based methods for nominating drivers are limited by existing knowledge on the oncogenic effects and therapeutic benefits of specific variants from clinical trials or experimental settings. As clinical sequencing becomes a mainstay of patient care, applying computational methods to mine the rapidly growing clinical genomic data holds promise in uncovering functional candidates beyond the existing knowledge base and expanding the patient population that could potentially benefit from genetically targeted therapies. We propose a statistical and computational method (MAGPIE) that builds on a likelihood approach leveraging the mutual exclusivity pattern within an oncogenic pathway for identifying probabilistically both the specific genes within a pathway and the individual mutations within such genes that are truly the drivers. Alterations in a cancer-associated gene are assumed to be a mixture of driver and passenger mutations with the passenger rates modeled in relationship to tumor mutational burden. We use simulations to study the operating characteristics of the method and assess false-positive and false-negative rates in driver nomination. When applied to a large study of primary melanomas, the method accurately identifies the known driver genes within the RTK-RAS pathway and nominates several rare variants as prime candidates for functional validation. A comprehensive evaluation of MAGPIE against existing tools has also been conducted leveraging the Cancer Genome Atlas data.}, } @article {pmid38225936, year = {2024}, author = {Bugnyar, T}, title = {Why are ravens smart? Exploring the social intelligence hypothesis.}, journal = {Journal of ornithology}, volume = {165}, number = {1}, pages = {15-26}, pmid = {38225936}, issn = {2193-7192}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Ravens and other corvids are renowned for their 'intelligence'. For long, this reputation has been based primarily on anecdotes but in the last decades experimental evidence for impressive cognitive skills has accumulated within and across species. While we begin to understand the building blocks of corvid cognition, the question remains why these birds have evolved such skills. Focusing on Northern Ravens Corvus corax, I here try to tackle this question by relating current hypotheses on brain evolution to recent empirical data on challenges faced in the birds' daily life. Results show that foraging ravens meet several assumptions for applying social intelligence: (1) they meet repeatedly at foraging sites, albeit individuals have different site preferences and vary in grouping dynamics; (1) foraging groups are structured by dominance rank hierarchies and social bonds; (3) individual ravens memorize former group members and their relationship valence over years, deduce third-party relationships and use their social knowledge in daily life by supporting others in conflicts and intervening in others' affiliations. Hence, ravens' socio-cognitive skills may be strongly shaped by the 'complex' social environment experienced as non-breeders.}, } @article {pmid38222241, year = {2023}, author = {Gupta, S and Prithviraj, M and Gangwar, A and Rath, RS}, title = {Impact of Sleep Duration, Quality, and Chronotype on Learning and Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study Among First Year Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Institute.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {15}, number = {12}, pages = {e50413}, pmid = {38222241}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Introduction The link between sleep and cognitive processes, such as memory and learning, continues to be one of the most intriguing and perplexing theories. Undergraduate medical students in their first year are particularly vulnerable to sleep disturbances. Academic achievement and learning have been linked to sleep patterns, which include not only the quantity and quality of sleep but also the timing of sleep in relation to the natural sleep onsets, or chronotypes. There have been conflicting reports on the outcomes of sleep and relatively fewer researches focused on the impact of chronotypes on learning and academic achievement among medical students. The current study thus sought to determine the chronotypes of medical students, evaluate the quantity and quality of sleep, and determine the impact of these factors on learning and academic performance. Methods The study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Gorakhpur, India. Sleep health was assessed in 167 first-year medical students using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), and sleep log books. Learning and memory assessment was performed using Raven's progressive matrices test. Grade point average (GPA) was used to assess their academic performance. The relationship of sleep scores with GPA and RPM scores were obtained by linear regression analysis. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and unpaired t-test were used to investigate other comparisons among categories of chronotypes and those of mean GPA. A p-value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results The mean GPA and RPM scores obtained in the groups with PSQI ≥ 5 (2.67 ± 1.1, 49.51 ± 6.24, respectively) and PSQI < 5 (3.15 ± 0.59, 54.73 ± 4.01, respectively) and those in the group with ESS ≥ 10 (2.72 ± 1.17, 50.97 ± 5.92, respectively) and ESS < 10 (3.15 ± 0.6, 54.18 ± 3.91, respectively) varied with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Statistically significant R-squared values for the relationship of PSQI and ESS scores with RPM and GPA scores were obtained. No correlation between academic grades and chronotype was found. Poor GPA scores were found to be associated with reduced mean sleep duration for one week before the exams. Conclusion Learning and academic performance are negatively impacted by poor sleep quality and daytime sleep dysfunction. No definite evidence for the association of sleep chronotypes with the learning and memory could be attained. Higher test performance is more closely linked to the average sleep length over a duration of time preceding the exams.}, } @article {pmid38204786, year = {2024}, author = {Martin, K and Cornero, FM and Clayton, NS and Adam, O and Obin, N and Dufour, V}, title = {Vocal complexity in a socially complex corvid: gradation, diversity and lack of common call repertoire in male rooks.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {231713}, pmid = {38204786}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Vocal communication is widespread in animals, with vocal repertoires of varying complexity. The social complexity hypothesis predicts that species may need high vocal complexity to deal with complex social organization (e.g. have a variety of different interindividual relations). We quantified the vocal complexity of two geographically distant captive colonies of rooks, a corvid species with complex social organization and cognitive performances, but understudied vocal abilities. We quantified the diversity and gradation of their repertoire, as well as the inter-individual similarity at the vocal unit level. We found that males produced call units with lower diversity and gradation than females, while song units did not differ between sexes. Surprisingly, while females produced highly similar call repertoires, even between colonies, each individual male produced almost completely different call repertoires from any other individual. These findings question the way male rooks communicate with their social partners. We suggest that each male may actively seek to remain vocally distinct, which could be an asset in their frequently changing social environment. We conclude that inter-individual similarity, an understudied aspect of vocal repertoires, should also be considered as a measure of vocal complexity.}, } @article {pmid38191864, year = {2024}, author = {Ramos, HHA and Amaral, V and de Oliveira Afonso, LP and Campagnaro, JCM and Gazzinelli, HCG and Muzy, G and de Almeida, ART}, title = {Advanced Injection of Botulinum Toxin in the Nasal Muscles: A Novel Dynamic Change in Facial Expression.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {48}, number = {8}, pages = {1511-1521}, pmid = {38191864}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; *Facial Muscles/drug effects ; Female ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage ; *Facial Expression ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Treatment Outcome ; Nose ; Cohort Studies ; Esthetics ; Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Among the nasal muscles, the levator labii superior alaeque nasi (LLSAN) acts as a transitional muscle that conjugates with other nasal and perinasal muscles. Thus, when treating the nasal region with Botulinum toxin (BTX), it is important to understand local nasal muscular dynamics and how they can influence the muscular dynamics of the entire face.

METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of cases treated by an injection pattern encompassing the face, including nasal muscles. Photographs were taken at rest and during motion (frontal and oblique views), before and after treatment.

RESULTS: A total of 227 patients have been treated in the last 18 months with the following results: eyebrow tail lifting, softness of crow's feet, improvement of the drooping of the tip of the nose, and shortening of the lip philtrum when smiling. We present cases illustrating the use of this approach.

CONCLUSIONS: Treating the facial muscles globally (including the frontal, corrugators, procerus, orbicularis oculi, platysma, DAO, and nasal muscles) can improve the smile and facial expressions. This is believed to occur because the elevated portion of the upper lip muscle becomes stronger as the nasal part of the LLSAN is paralyzed.

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 {pmid38185709, year = {2024}, author = {Liu, Y and Zhang, T and You, N and Wu, S and Shen, N}, title = {MAGPIE: accurate pathogenic prediction for multiple variant types using machine learning approach.}, journal = {Genome medicine}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {3}, pmid = {38185709}, issn = {1756-994X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Genome, Human ; *Machine Learning ; }, abstract = {Identifying pathogenic variants from the vast majority of nucleotide variation remains a challenge. We present a method named Multimodal Annotation Generated Pathogenic Impact Evaluator (MAGPIE) that predicts the pathogenicity of multi-type variants. MAGPIE uses the ClinVar dataset for training and demonstrates superior performance in both the independent test set and multiple orthogonal validation datasets, accurately predicting variant pathogenicity. Notably, MAGPIE performs best in predicting the pathogenicity of rare variants and highly imbalanced datasets. Overall, results underline the robustness of MAGPIE as a valuable tool for predicting pathogenicity in various types of human genome variations. MAGPIE is available at https://github.com/shenlab-genomics/magpie .}, } @article {pmid38183183, year = {2024}, author = {Zhang, L and Feng, J and Liu, C and Hu, H and Zhou, Y and Yang, G and Peng, X and Li, T and Chen, C and Xue, G}, title = {Improved estimation of general cognitive ability and its neural correlates with a large battery of cognitive tasks.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/cercor/bhad510}, pmid = {38183183}, issn = {1460-2199}, support = {2021ZD0200500//STI 2030-Major Projects/ ; 32330039//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 62061136001/DFG TRR169//Sino-German Collaborative Research Project/ ; }, mesh = {Young Adult ; Humans ; Reproducibility of Results ; Neural Pathways ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Elucidating the neural mechanisms of general cognitive ability (GCA) is an important mission of cognitive neuroscience. Recent large-sample cohort studies measured GCA through multiple cognitive tasks and explored its neural basis, but they did not investigate how task number, factor models, and neural data type affect the estimation of GCA and its neural correlates. To address these issues, we tested 1,605 Chinese young adults with 19 cognitive tasks and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and collected resting state and n-back task fMRI data from a subsample of 683 individuals. Results showed that GCA could be reliably estimated by multiple tasks. Increasing task number enhances both reliability and validity of GCA estimates and reliably strengthens their correlations with brain data. The Spearman model and hierarchical bifactor model yield similar GCA estimates. The bifactor model has better model fit and stronger correlation with RAPM but explains less variance and shows weaker correlations with brain data than does the Spearman model. Notably, the n-back task-based functional connectivity patterns outperform resting-state fMRI in predicting GCA. These results suggest that GCA derived from a multitude of cognitive tasks serves as a valid measure of general intelligence and that its neural correlates could be better characterized by task fMRI than resting-state fMRI data.}, } @article {pmid38174442, year = {2024}, author = {Elvebakken, HF and Christensen, IB and Vedel, C and Kjærulff, S}, title = {A proof of concept: Clinical anti-aging efficacy and safety of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R® applied topically in a double-blinded placebo-controlled study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {1233-1242}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.16138}, pmid = {38174442}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; Ointments/pharmacology ; *Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Double-Blind Method ; Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: With the increasing age of the westernized population, there is also increasing economic and aesthetic interest in reducing the signs of skin aging. Additionally, the physical aspect of aging can be displeasing and have detrimental effects psychologically in individuals. Probiotics have shown potential as anti-aging agents, albeit proper studies are needed to confirm their potential.

AIMS: Proving that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R® could alleviate aging signs relative to its placebo vehicle.

PATIENTS/METHODS: In total, 46 subjects were randomly assigned either the ointment with live bacteria, L. plantarum LB244R® or its vehicle ointment, and had to use the assigned ointment twice daily for 56 days. On Day 0, Day 28, and Day 56 subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) thickness, dermal density, skin firmness and elasticity, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pH, collagen fiber visualization using confocal microscopy, Crow's feet, spot score, skin smoothness, and complexion radiance were assessed by dermatologists.

RESULTS: All parameters except TEWL improved relative to their baseline (D0) for the active group. L. plantarum LB244R® improved SLEB thickness, dermal density, skin elasticity, skin hydration, and Crow's feet wrinkle score relative to the placebo vehicle ointment.

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates an anti-aging effect of L. plantarum LB244R® for topical skin use in the first double-blinded, vehicle-ointment placebo-controlled clinical study.}, } @article {pmid38170976, year = {2024}, author = {Atiyeh, B and Ghanem, OA and Oneisi, A and Chalhoub, R}, title = {Long-Term Improvement of Crow's Feet Wrinkles in Combination With Cervicofacial and Temporal Lifting: Review of the Literature.}, journal = {Annals of plastic surgery}, volume = {92}, number = {4}, pages = {474-483}, doi = {10.1097/SAP.0000000000003740}, pmid = {38170976}, issn = {1536-3708}, mesh = {Humans ; *Blepharoplasty/methods ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; Facial Muscles/surgery ; Lifting ; *Rhytidoplasty/methods ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The lateral orbital crow's feet area is one for which rejuvenation is most frequently requested by patients. Moreover, lateral canthal wrinkles are a common source of dissatisfaction after rhytidoplasty. Botulinum toxin injection has emerged as a most popular, easy, and effective solution; nevertheless, repeated injections are required periodically for long-term effect. Other nonsurgical options have also been described to have some demonstrable advantages. Orbicularis oculi surgical manipulations have been described as well.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic PubMed literature search was conducted to identify clinical cohort studies including more than 10 patients describing surgical approaches for improvement of crows' feet wrinkles in combination with face and/or temporal lifts. The search was complemented by Embase, Medline, and Cochrane searches in addition to screening of reference lists of selected studies and simple term searches about surgical treatment of crow's feet.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in this review describing various muscle excision techniques including vertical strip excision, lateral partial resection, wedge resection, muscle resection in "C" pattern, and enlarged myectomy of about one-third of the whole orbital extension in addition to muscle manipulation modalities, including muscle splaying, muscle division, muscle division and splaying, muscle undermining with partial denervation, and muscle suspension. Interposition of fascia between orbicularis muscle and overlying skin was also reported.

CONCLUSION: View the few studies retrieved and the wide spectrum of reported techniques, it is not possible to determine from this review the most effective modality. Nevertheless, it seems that subcutaneous undermining of the lateral canthal area combined with splaying and traction of the orbicularis oculi muscle and fixation to the temporalis fascia with or without muscle division would yield the best long-term results. This review indicates also that surgical correction of crow's feet during rhytidectomy or temporal lift could be a positive complement to improve aesthetic outcome. Unfortunately, if not underreported, it is definitely neglected. We believe that this review may be an eye-opener for surgeons.}, } @article {pmid38168159, year = {2023}, author = {Krieger, N and Testa, C and Chen, JT and Johnson, N and Watkins, SH and Suderman, M and Simpkin, AJ and Tilling, K and Waterman, PD and Coull, BA and De Vivo, I and Smith, GD and Roux, AVD and Relton, C}, title = {Epigenetic aging & embodying injustice: US My Body My Story and Multi-Ethnic Atherosclerosis Study.}, journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38168159}, support = {R01 AG027122/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00005/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL135009/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95163/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001079/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95164/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95168/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK063491/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95165/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95159/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00007/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95167/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR000040/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001881/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00002/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003C/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95160/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007358/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES000002/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK101921/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00001/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95169/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL101250/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD014304/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95162/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00003/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95161/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001420/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00004/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003I/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; RF1 AG054474/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL126477/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00006/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95166/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Epigenetic accelerated aging is associated with exposure to social and economic adversity and may increase risk of premature morbidity and mortality. However, no studies have included measures of structural racism and few have compared estimates within or across the 1[st] and 2[nd] generation of epigenetic clocks (the latter additionally trained on phenotypic data).

OBJECTIVE: To determine if accelerated epigenetic aging is associated with exposures to diverse measures of racialized, economic, and environmental injustice measured at different levels and time periods.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional My Body My Story Study (MBMS; US, 2008-2010) and Exam 5 Multi-Ethnic Atherosclerosis Study (MESA; US, 2010-2012). MBMS DNA extraction: 2021; linkage of structural measures to MBMS and MESA: 2022.

SETTING: MBMS recruited a random sample of US-born Black non-Hispanic (BNH) and white non-Hispanic (WNH) participants from 4 community health centers in Boston, MA. The MESA Exam 5 epigenetic component included 975 randomly selected US-born BNH, WNH, and Hispanic participants from four field sites: Baltimore, MD; Forsyth County, NC; New York City, NY; St. Paul, MN.

PARTICIPANTS: US-born persons (MBMS: 224 BNH, 69 WNH; MESA: 229 BNH, 555 WNH, 191 Hispanic).

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: 10 epigenetic clocks (six 1[st] generation; four 2[nd] generation), computed using DNA methylation data (DNAm) from blood spots (MBMS; N = 293) and purified monocytes (MESA; N = 975).

RESULTS: Among Black non-Hispanic MBMS participants, epigenetic age acceleration was associated with being born in a Jim Crow state by 0.14 standard deviations (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00, 0.27) and with birth state conservatism (0.06, 95% CI 0.00, 0.05), pooling across all clocks, as was low parental education for both Black non-Hispanic and white non-Hispanic MBMS participants (respectively: 0.24, 95% CI 0.08, 0.39, and 0.27, 95% CI 0.03, 0.51. Adult impoverishment was positively associated with the pooled 2[nd] generation clocks among the MESA participants (Black non-Hispanic: 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.12; white non-Hispanic: 0.05, 95% CI 0.01, 0.08; Hispanic: 0.07, 95% CI 0.01, 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Epigenetic accelerated aging may be one of the biological mechanisms linking exposure to racialized and economic injustice to well-documented inequities in premature morbidity and mortality.}, } @article {pmid38165732, year = {2024}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Conscious Experience of Stimulus Presence and Absence Is Actively Encoded by Neurons in the Crow Brain.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {36}, number = {3}, pages = {508-521}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_02101}, pmid = {38165732}, issn = {1530-8898}, support = {NI 618/6-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Consciousness ; *Crows ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Brain/physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; }, abstract = {The emergence of consciousness from brain activity constitutes one of the great riddles in biology. It is commonly assumed that only the conscious perception of the presence of a stimulus elicits neuronal activation to signify a "neural correlate of consciousness," whereas the subjective experience of the absence of a stimulus is associated with a neuronal resting state. Here, we demonstrate that the two subjective states "stimulus present" and "stimulus absent" are represented by two specialized neuron populations in crows, corvid birds. We recorded single-neuron activity from the nidopallium caudolaterale of crows trained to report the presence or absence of images presented near the visual threshold. Because of the task design, neuronal activity tracking the conscious "present" versus "absent" percept was dissociated from that involved in planning a motor response. Distinct neuron populations signaled the subjective percepts of "present" and "absent" by increases in activation. The response selectivity of these two neuron populations was similar in strength and time course. This suggests a balanced code for subjective "presence" versus "absence" experiences, which might be beneficial when both conscious states need to be maintained active in the service of goal-directed behavior.}, } @article {pmid38165586, year = {2024}, author = {Rodriguez, JM and Bae, B}, title = {Political Ideology Direction of Policy Agendas and Maternal Mortality Outcomes in the U.S., 1915-2007.}, journal = {Maternal and child health journal}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {865-872}, pmid = {38165586}, issn = {1573-6628}, mesh = {United States/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Maternal Mortality ; *Policy ; Politics ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The causes for persistently high and increasing maternal mortality rates in the United States have been elusive.

METHODS: We use the shift in the ideological direction of the Republican and the Democratic parties in the 1960s, to test the hypothesis that fluctuations in overall and race-specific maternal mortality rates (MMR) follow the power shifts between the parties before and after the Political Realignment (PR) of the 1960s.

RESULTS: Using time-series data analysis methods, we find that, net of trend, overall and race-specific MMRs were higher under Democratic administrations than Republican ones before the PR (1915-1965)-i.e., when the Democratic Party was a protector of the Jim Crow system. This pattern, however, changed after the PR (1966-2007), with Republican administrations underperforming Democratic ones-i.e., during the period when the Republican Party shifted toward a more economically and socially conservative agenda. The pre-post PR partisan shifts in MMRs were larger for Black (9.5%, p < . 01) relative to White mothers (7.4%, p < . 05) during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: These findings imply that parties and the ideological direction of their agendas substantively affect the social determinants of maternal health and produce politized health outcomes.}, } @article {pmid38159630, year = {2024}, author = {Xu, J}, title = {Comment on "neurotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol in adult zebrafish: Evaluation of behaviour, oxidative stress parameters and histopathology of brain"by Jay K. Desai. et al. [Environmental Pollution 334 (2023): 122206].}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {343}, number = {}, pages = {123214}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123214}, pmid = {38159630}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; *Zebrafish/physiology ; *Brain ; Oxidative Stress ; Environmental Pollution ; *Phenols ; }, abstract = {In a recent study by Jay K. Desai et al., (Desai et al., 2023) the authors extensively documented the effects of long-term exposure to 4-nonylphenol neurotoxicity in zebrafish, including oxidative stress markers, behavioral changes, and neuropathology results. The results indicate that, although Neurotoxicity of 4-nonylphenol did not cause evident changes in zebrafish brain tissue pathology, it significantly induced oxidative stress reactions in the zebrafish brain and altered their exploratory behaviors in response to light and dark stimuli.However, upon reviewing the results of this study, we have identified several questionable outcomes and errors in image usage, leading to some concerns.}, } @article {pmid38155685, year = {2023}, author = {Rajaei, N and Doosti, A}, title = {Designing a novel method based on multiplex PCR for detecting various meat of birds in processed ground meat products.}, journal = {Food chemistry. Molecular sciences}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {100177}, pmid = {38155685}, issn = {2666-5662}, abstract = {Falsified food directly influences wildlife, fair trade, religion, and the health of society. Here, we report a multiplex polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the accurate determination of seven species of bird meat in meals on a single assay platform. To amplify segments of DNA from Columba livia, Corvus moneduloides, Gallus gallus, Coturnix japonica, Phasianus colchicus, Struthio camelus, and Meleagris gallopavo meats, respectively, a total of seven sets of species-specific primers targeting the mitochondrial and cytochrome b genes were developed. Gel photographs and electrochromatography from an Experion Bioanalyzer were used to identify all PCR products. Species specificity checks discovered no cross-species amplification. The applicability of its screening to find target species in processed food was shown in commercial and model meatballs. A validation study revealed that the test is reliable, quick, affordable, repeatable, specific, and accurate down to 50,000 mitochondrial copies. It might be used for raw meats and products involving processed and severely deteriorated food samples. The customers, the food business, and law enforcement would all benefit immensely from this suggested approach.}, } @article {pmid38154314, year = {2024}, author = {Simonit, F and Da Broi, U and Giudici, F and Sciarappa, OE and Innocenti, D and Desinan, L}, title = {Autopsy findings in fire deaths in relation to manner of death: Analysis of autopsy records in Friuli, Italy (1993-2020).}, journal = {Legal medicine (Tokyo, Japan)}, volume = {67}, number = {}, pages = {102372}, doi = {10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102372}, pmid = {38154314}, issn = {1873-4162}, mesh = {Humans ; *Suicide ; Homicide ; *Burns ; Autopsy ; Accidents ; Italy/epidemiology ; Cause of Death ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {The determination of the cause and manner of death can be particularly difficult in burned and charred bodies and autopsy remains a key element in the investigation. In this study, 39 autopsy records of fire deaths were reviewed in relation to the manner of death (25 accidents, 8 suicides, 3 homicides and 3 instances in which the manner of death remained undetermined). The analysis focused on the study of the burns, the degree to which the bodies were consumed by fire and the evidence of signs of vital exposure to fire and of non-fire-related injuries. Total surface body area (TBSA) was found to be significantly higher (p = 0.02) in suicides than in accidents. Moreover, the degree of destruction according to the Crow-Glassman Scale and the presence of a pugilistic posture tended to be higher in suicides compared to accidental deaths, whereas such parameters were found to be variable in homicides. With regard to the anatomical distribution of burns, in contrast with the literature, the feet were affected by burning in all suicides, with a significantly higher prevalence than in accidents (p < 0.01). Traumatic non-fire related injuries were noted in all homicides (with no signs of vital exposure to fire), 1 complicated suicide, 1 undetermined death and 13 accidents. We found that very few studies have focused on the analysis of burn distribution and extension according to manner of death and that there is currently no standardised anatomical model with which to study these variables for forensic purposes.}, } @article {pmid38145675, year = {2024}, author = {Drysdale, M and Gamberg, M and Brammer, J and Majowicz, SE and Packull-McCormick, S and Skinner, K and Laird, BD}, title = {Hexachlorobenzene and omega-3 fatty acid intake from traditional foods in the northern Yukon: A risk and benefit analysis.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {914}, number = {}, pages = {169205}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169205}, pmid = {38145675}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Humans ; *Hexachlorobenzene/analysis ; Yukon Territory ; Canada ; *Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; Eicosapentaenoic Acid ; Body Weight ; }, abstract = {A human biomonitoring study was conducted in the community of Old Crow, Yukon, in 2019, finding that levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in plasma were elevated in the community relative to the general Canadian population. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary intake of both hexachlorobenzene, and the nutrient omega-3 fatty acids from locally harvested traditional foods in Old Crow, with the aim of identifying possible regional sources of exposure. A stochastic model was constructed to estimate intake of both hexachlorobenzene and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Average predicted hexachlorobenzene exposure levels from traditional food consumption in Old Crow were below the tolerable daily intake of 1600-1700 ng/kg body weight/day in both average (18 ng/kg body weight/day) and short-term maximum (27 ng/kg body weight/day) exposure models. The primary contributors to average hexachlorobenzene intake were caribou fat, bone marrow, ribs, and kidneys, and Chinook salmon muscle. Average estimated dietary EPA + DHA intake levels from traditional foods were below the recommendation of 2.1 to 3.2 g of EPA + DHA per week in the average (1.6 g/week) exposure model, but above this recommendation in the short-term maximum model (3.3 g/week). The primary contributors to average EPA + DHA intake were the meat of Chinook, coho, and, chum salmon muscle, and whitefish muscle and eggs. The results of this study support the message that traditional foods continue to be an important source of nutrients and other health benefits and that the health benefits of traditional foods generally outweigh contaminant risks.}, } @article {pmid38117679, year = {2024}, author = {Lipton, LR and Prock, L and Camarata, S and Fogler, J and Nyp, SS}, title = {Developmental Delay and Behavior Challenges in an Internationally Adopted Child.}, journal = {Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, pages = {e88-e91}, doi = {10.1097/DBP.0000000000001235}, pmid = {38117679}, issn = {1536-7312}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; Child ; *Child, Adopted ; Social Behavior ; Aggression ; *Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis ; *Language Development Disorders/diagnosis ; }, abstract = {Jay is a 6-year-old boy who was referred to a multidisciplinary developmental clinic for evaluation because of speech/language delays and challenging behaviors. He attends kindergarten with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) supporting developmental challenges with speech/language, motor, and academic skills.Jay was reportedly born full-term after an uneventful pregnancy and lived with his biological family for several months before transitioning to institutional care. Shortly before his first birthday, he transitioned to the first of 3 foster homes. It is suspected that Jay experienced malnourishment, neglect, lack of appropriate supervision, and inappropriate levels of responsibility (e.g., providing care to an infant when he was a toddler) as well as limited language input while in foster care. Ages at which he attained developmental milestones are unknown, but he has displayed delays across all developmental domains, including speech/language development in his primary language, which is not English.Jay's adoptive parents report that he is learning English vocabulary well but has been noted to have occasional word-finding difficulties and errors in verb conjugation, pronoun use, and syntax in English. Behavioral concerns include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and aggression exacerbated by new or loud environments and transitions. Socially, he seems to be typically engaged with peers but lacks understanding of personal space/boundaries. His adoptive parents have also noted that he is very sensitive to the emotions of others around him, more irritable in the morning, fascinated by "scary" things, and seems to fear abandonment. During the initial months in his adoptive home, he had frequent night awakenings, fear of the dark, and aggression at bedtime, but all these concerns have improved with time.Neuropsychological testing was completed as part of the multidisciplinary developmental evaluation, and Jay demonstrated low-average cognitive abilities, delayed preacademic skills in all language-based areas, and receptive and expressive language delays. He was socially engaged during the evaluation. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, combined presentation, and unspecified trauma/stress-related disorder.Given what is known about Jay's early history, what factors would you consider in addressing his parents' concerns regarding his speech/language development and behavior challenges?}, } @article {pmid38114856, year = {2024}, author = {Wang, CZ and van Loon, JJA}, title = {Chemosensory detection of glucosinolates as token stimuli for specialist insects on brassicaceous plants: discovery and impact.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {210}, number = {2}, pages = {243-248}, pmid = {38114856}, issn = {1432-1351}, support = {32130090//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/physiology ; Glucosinolates ; Insecta ; Larva ; }, abstract = {In this paper, we take a historical perspective by going back to Verschaffelt's landmark study published in 1910, in which he found that glucosinolates were used as token stimuli by larvae of Pieris butterflies, specialist feeders on plants in the family Brassicaceae. This classic discovery provided key evidence for Fraenkel (Science 129:1466-1470, 1959) to elaborate on the function of secondary plant substances and for Ehrlich and Raven (Evolution 18:586-608, 1964) to put forward the hypothesis of insect-plant coevolution. The discovery by Schoonhoven (Kon Nederl Akad Wetensch Amsterdam Proc Ser C70:556-568, 1967) of taste neurons highly sensitive to glucosinolates in Pieris brassicae was an important milestone in elucidating the chemosensory basis of host-plant specialization. The molecular basis of glucosinolate sensitivity was elucidated recently (Yang et al., PLoS Genet 17, 2021) paving the way to unravel the evolution of gustatory receptors tuned to glucosinolates that are crucial for host-plant selection of Pieris butterflies. We propose a hypothetical model for the evolution of labeled-line neurons tuned to token stimuli.}, } @article {pmid38109036, year = {2023}, author = {Raymond, S and St Clair, CC}, title = {Urban Magpies Frequently Feed on Coyote Scats and May Spread an Emerging Zoonotic Tapeworm.}, journal = {EcoHealth}, volume = {20}, number = {4}, pages = {441-452}, pmid = {38109036}, issn = {1612-9210}, support = {Canada Graduate Scholarship--Master's//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; Discovery Grant (RGPIN-2017-05915)//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; Faculty of Science Research Fellowship//University of Alberta/ ; Walter H. Johns Graduate Fellowship//University of Alberta/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Coyotes/parasitology ; Animals, Wild/parasitology ; Zoonoses/epidemiology ; Cities ; *Cestoda ; *Parasites ; }, abstract = {Allocoprophagy, in which animals feed on the feces of other individuals or species, has been little studied in vertebrates, despite its relevance to parasite transmission. These relationships may be especially important in cities, where animal density, disease incidence, and spatial overlap of humans and wildlife increase. Our goal was to document the incidence and predictors of coprophagy by black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) at coyote (Canis latrans) scats in Edmonton, Canada. We detected scats by following coyote trails and recorded whether coprophagy had occurred. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the top contextual and environmental predictors of coprophagy. Of 668 coyote scats, 37.3% had apparently been fed on. Coprophagy was more likely in winter and when scats were not fresh and did not contain vegetation or garbage. Environmental predictors of coprophagy included proximity to other coyote scats and playgrounds, distance from water and maintained trails, abundant natural land cover, and proximity to encampments of people experiencing homelessness. Our results reveal that magpies frequently access coyote scat and often do so near human-use areas. In Edmonton, where > 50% of coyotes are infected with a zoonotic tapeworm, coprophagy likely causes magpies to transport parasites with implications for zoonotic disease risk.}, } @article {pmid38107531, year = {2023}, author = {Lohrasbi, S and Moradi, AR and Sadeghi, M}, title = {Exploring Emotion Recognition Patterns Among Iranian People Using CANTAB as an Approved Neuro-Psychological Assessment.}, journal = {Basic and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {289-295}, pmid = {38107531}, issn = {2008-126X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Emotion recognition is the main component of social cognition and has various patterns in different cultures and nationalities. The present study aimed to investigate emotion recognition patterns among Iranians using the Cambridge neuro-psychological test automated battery (CANTAB) as a valid neuropsychological test.

METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical study, 117 males and females (Mean±SD of age 32.1±6.4) were initially assessed by computerized intelligence and progressive matrices of RAVEN-2. Furthermore, the excitement recognition subtest taken from the Cambridge neuro-psychological test automated battery (CANTAB) was performed. The correct response of participants to each of the six basic emotions as well as the recognition time was used for analysis.

RESULTS: The maximum correct response rate was 75.83% related to happy emotion. The correct responses for sadness, surprise, disgust, anger, and fear were 70%, 68.48%, 47.84%, 42.54%, and 38.26%, respectively. Moreover, the shortest recognition time was related to disgust at 322 ms, while sadness with a mean response time of 1800 ms and fear response time at 1529 ms indicated the longest recognition time. In addition, participants recognized happiness with a mean response time of 1264 ms better than other emotions; however, post-hoc t-test analyses showed that only the correct responses for sadness and surprised emotions did not differ significantly, (t(112)=-0.59, P=0.55, d=0.05). These results suggested that different emotions have various correct responses. However, sadness and surprise did not differ.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study could be beneficial for evaluating cognitive elements, as well as cognitive abilities and inabilities among the Iranian population. Moreover, the findings could be used for investigating social cognition in this population.

HIGHLIGHTS: Emotion recognition patterns among Iranians were investigated using a valid neuropsychological test.Iranians showed higher accuracy in recognizing happiness and lower accuracy in recognizing fear.Disgust was recognized with the shortest response time, while sadness and fear had the longest recognition time.The findings highlight cultural differences in emotion recognition and can aid in evaluating cognitive abilities and social cognition in the Iranian population.The study emphasizes the importance of considering cultural factors in assessing and understanding emotion recognition.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Understanding how people recognize emotions is crucial for effective communication and building social connections. However, the ability to recognize emotions can vary across cultures. This study aimed to investigate how Iranians recognize emotions using a reliable test. The researchers assessed 117 Iranian adults, both males and females, using a computer-based test. Participants were asked to identify six basic emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, and surprise) displayed on a screen. The researchers measured the participants' accuracy in identifying each emotion and the time it took them to recognize it. The findings revealed that Iranians were most accurate in recognizing happiness and least accurate in recognizing fear. They were better at identifying positive emotions like happiness and surprise compared to negative emotions like disgust and anger. Participants took the least time to recognize disgust and the longest time to recognize sadness and fear. These results show that Iranians have specific patterns in recognizing emotions, which can be influenced by cultural factors. Understanding these patterns is important for assessing cognitive abilities and social cognition in the Iranian population. Moreover, these findings have broader implications. They highlight the need to consider cultural differences in emotion recognition, as it can impact communication and social interactions. The study's outcomes can be valuable for various applications. For instance, they can aid in developing tests to assess emotion recognition difficulties in individuals with conditions such as autism or schizophrenia. Furthermore, these findings can be useful for professionals, such as employees in customer service or mental health providers, who need to accurately interpret others' emotions. By shedding light on cultural variations in emotion recognition, this research contributes to our understanding of human emotions and their role in interpersonal relationships.}, } @article {pmid38105971, year = {2023}, author = {Watkins, SH and Testa, C and Simpkin, AJ and Smith, GD and Coull, B and De Vivo, I and Tilling, K and Waterman, PD and Chen, JT and Diez-Roux, AV and Krieger, N and Suderman, M and Relton, C}, title = {An epigenome-wide analysis of DNA methylation, racialized and economic inequities, and air pollution.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38105971}, issn = {2692-8205}, support = {R01 AG027122/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00005/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL135009/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95163/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001079/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95164/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95168/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK063491/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95165/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95159/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00007/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95167/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR000040/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001881/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00002/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003C/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95160/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007358/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES000002/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK101921/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00001/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95169/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL101250/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD014304/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95162/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00003/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95161/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001420/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00004/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; HHSN268201500003I/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; RF1 AG054474/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL126477/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 75N92020D00006/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; N01HC95166/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: DNA methylation (DNAm) provides a plausible mechanism by which adverse exposures become embodied and contribute to health inequities, due to its role in genome regulation and responsiveness to social and biophysical exposures tied to societal context. However, scant epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have included structural and lifecourse measures of exposure, especially in relation to structural discrimination.

OBJECTIVE: Our study tests the hypothesis that DNAm is a mechanism by which racial discrimination, economic adversity, and air pollution become biologically embodied.

DESIGN: A series of cross-sectional EWAS, conducted in My Body My Story (MBMS, biological specimens collected 2008-2010, DNAm assayed in 2021); and the Multi Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA; biological specimens collected 2010-2012, DNAm assayed in 2012-2013); using new georeferenced social exposure data for both studies (generated in 2022).

SETTING: MBMS was recruited from four community health centers in Boston; MESA was recruited from four field sites in: Baltimore, MD; Forsyth County, NC; New York City, NY; and St. Paul, MN.

PARTICIPANTS: Two population-based samples of US-born Black non-Hispanic (Black NH), white non-Hispanic (white NH), and Hispanic individuals (MBMS; n=224 Black NH and 69 white NH) and (MESA; n=229 Black NH, n=555 white NH and n=191 Hispanic).

EXPOSURES: Eight social exposures encompassing racial discrimination, economic adversity, and air pollution.

MAIN OUTCOME: Genome-wide changes in DNAm, as measured using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip (MBMS; using frozen blood spots) and Illumina 450k BeadChip (MESA; using purified monocytes). Our hypothesis was formulated after data collection.

RESULTS: We observed the strongest associations with traffic-related air pollution (measured via black carbon and nitrogen oxides exposure), with evidence from both studies suggesting that air pollution exposure may induce epigenetic changes related to inflammatory processes. We also found suggestive associations of DNAm variation with measures of structural racial discrimination (e.g., for Black NH participants, born in a Jim Crow state; adult exposure to racialized economic residential segregation) situated in genes with plausible links to effects on health.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Overall, this work suggests that DNAm is a biological mechanism through which structural racism and air pollution become embodied and may lead to health inequities.}, } @article {pmid38097447, year = {2024}, author = {Güntürkün, O and Pusch, R and Rose, J}, title = {Why birds are smart.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {197-209}, pmid = {38097447}, issn = {1879-307X}, support = {101021354//AVIAN MIND/ ; 316803389//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Neocortex ; Prefrontal Cortex ; }, abstract = {Many cognitive neuroscientists believe that both a large brain and an isocortex are crucial for complex cognition. Yet corvids and parrots possess non-cortical brains of just 1-25 g, and these birds exhibit cognitive abilities comparable with those of great apes such as chimpanzees, which have brains of about 400 g. This opinion explores how this cognitive equivalence is possible. We propose four features that may be required for complex cognition: a large number of associative pallial neurons, a prefrontal cortex (PFC)-like area, a dense dopaminergic innervation of association areas, and dynamic neurophysiological fundaments for working memory. These four neural features have convergently evolved and may therefore represent 'hard to replace' mechanisms enabling complex cognition.}, } @article {pmid38084754, year = {2024}, author = {Forbes, SL and Kjorlien, Y and Watson, CJ}, title = {The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in peri-urban and rural regions of central and southern Alberta. Part I - Identification of forensically relevant vertebrate scavengers.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {69}, number = {2}, pages = {415-429}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.15443}, pmid = {38084754}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {RGPIN/6098/2019]//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; C150-2017-12//The Canada 150 Research Chair in Forensic Thanatology/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Alberta ; *Body Remains ; Vertebrates ; Feeding Behavior ; Birds ; Fishes ; *Ursidae ; }, abstract = {As a body decomposes in an outdoor environment, numerous taphonomic agents can act on the process of human decomposition. It is important to understand the impact of these agents as they can vary the rate of soft and hard tissue loss which may alter postmortem interval estimations. One taphonomic factor which has not been extensively investigated in many regions of the world, including Canada, are vertebrate scavengers. The current study aimed to identify scavenger guilds in the peri-urban and rural regions of two major cities in Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton) where human remains are frequently located. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded continuously using cellular and noncellular trail cameras. Images were analyzed to determine how the scavenging profiles (i.e., scavenger species, arrival time, and feeding behavior) impacted the loss of soft and hard tissue. We identified a range of mammalian and avian scavengers and found that coyote and black-billed magpie were the predominant scavengers recorded at the Edmonton peri-urban and rural sites, and the Calgary peri-urban sites. In contrast, when a site was within bear territory such as the Calgary rural sites, black and grizzly bears were the predominant scavengers. At all sites, the large mammalian scavengers were responsible for most soft tissue loss and subsequent hard tissue dispersal. None of the scavengers demonstrated a clear preference for open versus closed sites. This taphonomic information is important to consider when searching for human remains at these locations or in other North American regions with comparable scavenger guilds.}, } @article {pmid38081798, year = {2023}, author = {Shaiek, A and Monot, M and Rubert, V and Cornillon, C and Vicic, M and Decocq, G and Flament, F}, title = {Applications of the new Aeva-HE™ imaging system: Its link with the visual evaluation of facial wrinkles and its potential in screening tensile products.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {29}, number = {12}, pages = {e13512}, pmid = {38081798}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Cheek ; *Cosmetics ; Face/diagnostic imaging ; *Skin Aging ; White People ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in vivo, a recently developed imaging system (Aeva-HE™), based on fringe projection methodology: (i) its correlation with expert's assessments and real age of 85 French Caucasian women and (ii) its potential, as a screening tool, in rapidly selecting prototypes of tensile cosmetic products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the bare faces of 85 differently aged French/Caucasian women were photographed under standard conditions and further analyzed by the Aeva-HE™ device. An expert aesthetician graded the severity of wrinkling on a fixed scale, helped by the use of a dedicated Skin Aging Atlas. A panel of 15 judges performed the same task on full-face standard photographs. The Aeva-HE™ software yielded various wrinkle's parameters (density, volume, mean depth, etc.) on different facial locations, according to age-groups. Second, seven women, balanced in age and wrinkling severity, were recruited in a separate study. These women applied at Day 1 a prototype of the tensile product and at Day 2, they applied another prototype of the tensile product. The whole faces (before and after products application) of the seven studied women were captured and analyzed by the Aeva-HE™ system.

RESULTS: The density of wrinkles was significantly highly correlated with the aesthetician scores and, unsurprisingly, with age. Some parameters (volume, depths) of different wrinkles (glabellar, crow's feet, cheeks) were quantified, showing different absolute values and of statistically different progressions with age. The amplitudes of the rapid effects brought by the two prototypes of tensile products were clearly differentiated.

CONCLUSION: The recently developed device Aeva-HE™ is an efficient system for rapidly establishing a faithful and precise status of facial wrinkles, in vivo and seems like a precious tool in the rapid screening of tensile products, possibly performed on a rather limited number of subjects.}, } @article {pmid38081583, year = {2024}, author = {Anand, S and Reddy, RV and Omoba, OE and Detchou, D and Barrie, U and Aoun, SG}, title = {Maxine Deborrah Hyde: First Female Graduate of Case Western Reserve University's Neurologic Surgery Residency Program and Second Black Female Neurosurgeon in the United States.}, journal = {World neurosurgery}, volume = {183}, number = {}, pages = {63-69}, doi = {10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.021}, pmid = {38081583}, issn = {1878-8769}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; United States ; Neurosurgeons ; *Internship and Residency ; Universities ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; *Neurosurgery/education ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The historical diversity gap in the neurosurgical workforce persists to this day. Women, despite constituting over half of the yearly total of medical school graduates, comprise only 6% of certified practicing neurosurgeons in the United States. Furthermore, Black Americans make up under 4% of U.S. neurosurgeons, despite making up around 14% of the national population. The purpose of this account is to highlight the life and career of Dr. Maxine Deborrah Hyde and illustrate the importance and necessity of diversity and inclusivity in advancing the field of neurosurgery. Through this paper, we aspire to encourage the development of new diversity initiatives.

METHODS: Original scientific and bibliographic materials of Hyde were examined, and an extensive analysis of her life was compiled.

RESULTS: Despite growing up during the era of Jim Crow, Dr. Hyde persevered and became the valedictorian of Oak Park High School. As a first-generation college student at Tougaloo College, she later earned her MS from Cleveland State University. Dr. Hyde graduated with honors from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1977. Thereafter, she became the first female and first Black graduate of Case Western's neurosurgery residency and the second Black woman to receive certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Later in life, Dr. Hyde established the Beacon of Hope Scholarship Foundation to assist disadvantaged students in overcoming educational barriers.

CONCLUSIONS: Dr. Hyde was a trailblazer who overcame systematic barriers and paved the way for future generations of aspiring neurosurgeons.}, } @article {pmid38078562, year = {2024}, author = {Trapote, E and Moreno-González, V and Canestrari, D and Rutz, C and Baglione, V}, title = {Fitness benefits of alternated chick provisioning in cooperatively breeding carrion crows.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, pages = {95-108}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.14033}, pmid = {38078562}, issn = {1365-2656}, support = {CGL2016-77636-P//Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad/ ; //SEO-Birdlife Research to ET/ ; BB/S018484/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Songbirds ; Breeding ; Nesting Behavior ; }, abstract = {In most bird species, parents raise offspring cooperatively. In some cases, this cooperation extends to helpers-at-the-nest who assist the breeders with a range of tasks. While cooperative food provisioning might merely arise incidentally, as a result of the efforts of carers that act independently from each other, recent studies suggest that birds may coordinate by taking turns in visiting the nest. However, evidence that such coordination emerges because individuals actively respond to each other's behaviour is controversial, and the potential benefits of carers' alternation remain unknown. We addressed this knowledge gap by analysing a multiyear dataset for cooperatively breeding carrion crows Corvus corone, comprising 8693 nest visits across 50 groups. Our results reveal that turn-taking does occur in this species and that all group members, regardless of their sex and social role (breeder/helper), tend to alternate at the nest with other carers rather than to make repeat visits. Importantly, we found that the body mass of nestlings increased significantly with the degree of carers' alternation, possibly because well-coordinated groups provided food at more regular intervals. Using earlier monitoring data, the observed increase in body mass is predicted to substantially boost postfledging survival rates. Our analyses demonstrate that alternation in nestling provisioning has measurable fitness benefits in this study system. This raises the possibility that cooperatively breeding carrion crows, as well as other bird species with similarly coordinated brood provisioning, exhibit specialized behavioural strategies that enable effective alternation.}, } @article {pmid38072820, year = {2024}, author = {Bracken, A and Hauss, J and Grinshpun, S and Lasc, D and Hershkovich, A and Yang, Y}, title = {A profile of spatial abilities in people with Down syndrome.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR}, volume = {68}, number = {3}, pages = {223-236}, pmid = {38072820}, issn = {1365-2788}, support = {SC2 HD103587/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; SC2HD103587/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Aptitude ; Cognition ; *Down Syndrome/psychology ; *Spatial Navigation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spatial abilities are fundamental cognitive abilities, have direct applications in daily life, serve as a cognitive foundation for many other complex skills and are used in many specialty jobs. The current study aimed to systematically and comprehensively evaluate the spatial abilities of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) relative to mental ability-matched typically developing (TD) children based on Newcombe and Shipley's double-dimension theoretical framework for classifying spatial abilities.

METHODS: Forty adolescents and young adults with DS and 40 TD children completed a nonverbal intelligence test (Raven's), two measures of static-extrinsic skills (water-level task and cart task), two measures of static-intrinsic skills (figure ground and form completion), two measures of dynamic-extrinsic skills (three mountains task and dog task) and two measures of dynamic-intrinsic spatial skills (mental rotation task and block design task).

RESULTS: Participants with DS showed reduced performance on two dynamic-intrinsic tasks and one static-extrinsic task (i.e. cart task) relative to TD children. Performances were similar in two dynamic-extrinsic tasks and two static-intrinsic tasks. Analyses of composite accuracy for each spatial category further confirmed deficits in dynamic-intrinsic and static-extrinsic categories for people with DS relative to TD children.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an uneven profile of spatial abilities in people with DS relative to ability-matched TD children with particular weaknesses in comprehending and manipulating dynamic-intrinsic and static-extrinsic spatial relations. Furthermore, our research has important clinical implications for more targeted interventions to improve spatial abilities in people with DS.}, } @article {pmid38071961, year = {2023}, author = {Kálmán, M and Sebők, OM}, title = {Entopallium Lost GFAP Immunoreactivity during Avian Evolution: Is GFAP a "Condition Sine Qua Non"?.}, journal = {Brain, behavior and evolution}, volume = {98}, number = {6}, pages = {302-313}, pmid = {38071961}, issn = {1421-9743}, mesh = {Animals ; *Columbidae ; Coturnix ; Phylogeny ; Pica ; Chickens ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The present study demonstrates that in the same brain area the astroglia can express GFAP (the main cytoskeletal protein of astroglia) in some species but not in the others of the same vertebrate class. It contrasts the former opinions that the distribution of GFAP found in a species is characteristic of the entire class. The present study investigated birds in different phylogenetic positions: duck (Cairina moschata domestica), chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), and quails (Coturnix japonica and Excalfactoria chinensis) of Galloanserae; pigeon (Columba livia domestica) of a group of Neoaves, in comparison with representatives of other Neoaves lineages, which emerged more recently in evolution: finches (Taeniopygia guttata and Erythrura gouldiae), magpie (Pica pica), and parrots (Melopsittacus undulatus and Nymphicus hollandicus).

METHODS: Following a perfusion with 4% buffered paraformaldehyde, immunoperoxidase reactions were performed with two types of anti-GFAP: monoclonal and polyclonal, on floating sections.

RESULTS: The entopallium (formerly "ectostriatum," a telencephalic area in birds) was GFAP-immunopositive in pigeon and in the representatives of Galloanserae but not in songbirds and parrots, which emerged more recently in evolution. The lack of GFAP expression of a brain area, however, does not mean the lack of astroglia. Lesions induced GFAP expression in the territory of GFAP-immunonegative entopallia. It proved that the GFAP immunonegativity is not due to the lack of capability, but rather the suppression of GFAP production of the astrocytes in this territory. In the other areas investigated besides the entopallium (optic tectum and cerebellum), no considerable interspecific differences of GFAP immunopositivity were found. It proved that the immunonegativity of entopallium is due to neither the general lack of GFAP expression nor the incapability of our reagents to detect GFAP in these species.

CONCLUSION: The data are congruent with our proposal that a lack of GFAP expression has evolved in different brain areas in vertebrate evolution, typically in lineages that emerged more recently. Comparative studies on GFAP-immunopositive and GFAP-immunonegative entopallia may promote understanding the role of GFAP in neural networks.}, } @article {pmid38062030, year = {2023}, author = {Jo, H and McCune, KB and Jablonski, PG and Lee, SI}, title = {Long-term memory of experienced jays facilitates problem-solving by naïve group members in the wild.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {21593}, pmid = {38062030}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Songbirds ; Problem Solving ; Memory, Long-Term ; Mental Recall ; }, abstract = {Long-term memory affects animal fitness, especially in social species. In these species, the memory of group members facilitates the acquisition of novel foraging skills through social learning when naïve individuals observe and imitate the successful foraging behavior. Long-term memory and social learning also provide the framework for cultural behavior, a trait found in humans but very few other animal species. In birds, little is known about the duration of long-term memories for complex foraging skills, or the impact of long-term memory on group members. We tested whether wild jays remembered a complex foraging task more than 3 years after their initial experience and quantified the effect of this memory on naïve jay behavior. Experienced jays remembered how to solve the task and their behavior had significant positive effects on interactions by naïve group members at the task. This suggests that natural selection may favor long-term memory of solutions to foraging problems to facilitate the persistence of foraging skills that are specifically useful in the local environment in social birds with long lifespans and overlapping generations.}, } @article {pmid38059964, year = {2024}, author = {Gonthier, C and Harma, K and Gavornikova-Baligand, Z}, title = {Development of reasoning performance in Raven's matrices is grounded in the development of effective strategy use.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {153}, number = {3}, pages = {689-705}, doi = {10.1037/xge0001518}, pmid = {38059964}, issn = {1939-2222}, support = {//City of Rennes/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Child ; Humans ; *Problem Solving ; *Cognition ; Intelligence Tests ; Memory, Short-Term ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Performance in reasoning tasks such as Raven's matrices experiences a dramatic increase over cognitive development, but the mechanisms responsible for this increase are unknown. Many cognitive processes are involved in a matrix task and could potentially change with age; strategy use appears to be a good candidate, as it typically improves over development and has a large impact on reasoning performance in adults. The present study tested the role of effective strategy use in Raven's standard progressive matrices in groups of 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-year-olds (total N = 474). Strategy use was assessed with behavioral measures of gaze patterns in Raven's matrices. We also measured working memory capacity (WMC), a good predictor of strategy use in adults, using a battery of complex spans. The results showed that the effective strategy of constructive matching substantially increased with age, along with performance. Strategy use mediated over half the effect of age on reasoning performance. Older participants were also better at adapting strategy use to difficulty of the problems. Effective strategy use was beneficial to the same extent for participants of all ages. Age-related improvements in strategy use occurred in tandem with improvements in WMC, but did not appear to be primarily driven by them. Overall, our results indicate that strategy use is a critical underpinning of reasoning performance in children as well as in adults, and that theories of cognitive development of reasoning have to consider the central role of strategy use. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid38055711, year = {2023}, author = {Miller, R and Davies, JR and Schiestl, M and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {Social influences on delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {12}, pages = {e0289197}, pmid = {38055711}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Adult ; Humans ; *Crows ; *Delay Discounting ; Feeding Behavior ; *Songbirds ; *Passeriformes ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Self-control underlies goal-directed behaviour in humans and other animals. Delayed gratification - a measure of self-control - requires the ability to tolerate delays and/or invest more effort to obtain a reward of higher value over one of lower value, such as food or mates. Social context, in particular, the presence of competitors, may influence delayed gratification. We adapted the 'rotating-tray' paradigm, where subjects need to forgo an immediate, lower-quality (i.e. less preferred) reward for a delayed, higher-quality (i.e. more preferred) one, to test social influences on delayed gratification in two corvid species: New Caledonian crows and Eurasian jays. We compared choices for immediate vs. delayed rewards while alone, in the presence of a competitive conspecific and in the presence of a non-competitive conspecific. We predicted that, given the increased risk of losing a reward with a competitor present, both species would similarly, flexibly alter their choices in the presence of a conspecific compared to when alone. We found that species differed: jays were more likely to select the immediate, less preferred reward than the crows. We also found that jays were more likely to select the immediate, less preferred reward when a competitor or non-competitor was present than when alone, or when a competitor was present compared to a non-competitor, while the crows selected the delayed, highly preferred reward irrespective of social presence. We discuss our findings in relation to species differences in socio-ecological factors related to adult sociality and food-caching (storing). New Caledonian crows are more socially tolerant and moderate cachers, while Eurasian jays are highly territorial and intense cachers that may have evolved under the social context of cache pilfering and cache protection strategies. Therefore, flexibility (or inflexibility) in delay of gratification under different social contexts may relate to the species' social tolerance and related risk of competition.}, } @article {pmid38050565, year = {2023}, author = {Seyyed Hashemi, SF and Tehrani-Doost, M and Khosrowabadi, R}, title = {The Brain Networks Basis for Deductive and Inductive Reasoning: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.}, journal = {Basic and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {529-542}, pmid = {38050565}, issn = {2008-126X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Frontoparietal (FPN) and cingulo-opercular network (CON) control cognitive functions needed in deductive and inductive reasoning via different functional frameworks. The FPN is a fast intuitive system while the CON is slow and analytical. The default-interventionist model presents a serial view of the interaction between intuitive and analytic cognitive systems. This study aims to examine the activity pattern of the FPN and CON from the perspective of the default-interventionist model via reasoning.

METHODS: We employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate cingulo-opercular and frontoparietal network activities in 24 healthy university students during Raven and Wason reasoning tasks. Due to the different operation times of the CON and FPN, the reaction time was assessed as a behavioral factor.

RESULTS: During Raven's advanced progressive matrices (RAPM) test, both the CON and FPN were activated. Also, with the increase in the difficulty level of the Raven test, a linear increase in response time was observed. In contrast, during the Wason's selection task (WST) test, only the activity of FPN was observed.

CONCLUSION: The results of the study support the hypothesis that the default-interventionist model of dual-process theory provides an accurate explanation of the cognitive mechanisms involved in reasoning. Thus, the response method (intuitive/analytical) determines which cognitive skills and brain regions are involved in responding.

HIGHLIGHTS: The cingulo-opercular and fronto-parietal networks (FPNs) control cognitive functions and processes.The frontoparietal network is a fast intuitive system that utilizes short-time attention which is compatible with type 1 processing. In contrast, the cingulo-opercular network (CON) is an analytical time-consuming system that utilizes attention and working memory for a longer time, compatible with type 2 processing.The default-interventionist model of a dual-process theory states that our behaviors are controlled by type 1 processing unless we are confronted with novel and complex problems in which we have no prior experiences.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The present study examined the activity of two task-based brain networks through performing diffrent type of reasoning tasks. Fronto-parietal and Cingulo-opercular are the two task-based brain networks that are responsible for cognitive control. These two brain networks direct the way to use cognitive skills and executive functions which are necessary to perform cognitive tasks especially higher-order ones as reasoning tasks. Since the two types of inductive and deductive reasoning tasks requier two different bottom-up and top-down cognitive control respectively, different cognitive skills would be needed which affect the activity of fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular brain networks. Our results showed that through inductive reasoning task which examined by RAVEN, both of the fronto-parietal and cingulo-opercular brain networks were activated but deductive reasoning task which examined by Wason Selection Card test, just the fronto-parietal brain network was activated. It seems that in the case of deductive reasoninf task, there is a higher probability of errors which lead to giving less correct responses. Based on our results, subjects paid not enough attention to details, so had failure to update informations that leaded to responding with errors. Inactivity of cingulo-opercular network through dedeuctive reasoning task clearly showed that the bottom-up cognitive control did not happen successfully. As a result of that, information processing did not proceed properly.}, } @article {pmid38046123, year = {2023}, author = {Srivastava, P and Jaarsveld, S and Sangani, K}, title = {Verbal-analytical rather than visuo-spatial Raven's puzzle solving favors Raven's-like puzzle generation.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1205056}, pmid = {38046123}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Raven's advanced progressive matrices (APM) comprise two types of representational codes, namely visuo-spatial and verbal-analytical, that are used to solve APM puzzles. Studies using analytical, behavioral, and imaging methods have supported the multidimensional perspectives of APM puzzles. The visuo-spatial code is expected to recruit operations more responsive to the visual perception tasks. In contrast, the verbal-analytical code is expected to use operations more responsive to the logical reasoning task and may entail different cognitive strategies. Acknowledging different representational codes used in APM puzzle-solving is critical for a better understanding of APM's performance and their relationship with other tasks, especially creative reasoning. We used the eye-tracking method to investigate the role of two representational codes, visuo-spatial and verbal-analytical, in strategies involved in solving APM puzzles and in generating an APM-like puzzle by using a creative-reasoning task (CRT). Participants took longer time to complete the verbal-analytical than visuo-spatial puzzles. In addition, visuo-analytical than visual-spatial puzzles showed higher progressive and regressive saccade counts, suggesting the use of more response elimination than constructive matching strategies employed while solving verbal-analytical than visuo-spatial puzzles. We observed higher CRT scores when it followed verbal-analytical (Mdn = 84) than visuo-spatial (Mdn = 73) APM puzzles, suggesting puzzle-solving specific strategies affect puzzle-creating task performance. The advantage of verbal-analytical over visuo-spatial puzzle-solving has been discussed in light of shared cognitive processing between APM puzzle-solving and APM-like puzzle-creating task performance.}, } @article {pmid38041323, year = {2023}, author = {Lim, MG and Park, YJ and Choi, DJ and Kim, DU and Hong, MS and Her, MJ and Takabayashi, AY and Jeong, Y and Park, J and Han, S and Quack, N and Bae, Y and Yu, K and Han, S}, title = {Fully reconfigurable MEMS-based second-order coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) with ultra-low tuning energy.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {31}, number = {24}, pages = {40166-40178}, doi = {10.1364/OE.505295}, pmid = {38041323}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {Integrated microring resonators are well suited for wavelength-filtering applications in optical signal processing, and cascaded microring resonators allow flexible filter design in coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) configurations. However, the implementation of high-order cascaded microring resonators with high extinction ratios (ERs) remains challenging owing to stringent fabrication requirements and the need for precise resonator tunability. We present a fully integrated on-chip second-order CROW filter using silicon photonic microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to adjust tunable directional couplers and a phase shifter using nanoscale mechanical out-of-plane waveguide displacement. The filter can be fully reconfigured with regard to both the ER and center wavelength. We experimentally demonstrated an ER exceeding 25 dB and continuous wavelength tuning across the full free spectral range of 0.123 nm for single microring resonator, and showed reconfigurability in second-order CROW by tuning the ER and resonant wavelength. The tuning energy for an individual silicon photonic MEMS phase shifter or tunable coupler is less than 22 pJ with sub-microwatt static power consumption, which is far better than conventional integrated phase shifters based on other physical modulation mechanisms.}, } @article {pmid39867504, year = {2023}, author = {Zhang, J and Cong, Q and Grishin, NV}, title = {Descriptions of one hundred new species of Hesperiidae.}, journal = {Insecta mundi}, volume = {1026}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {39867504}, issn = {0749-6737}, support = {R35 GM127390/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {A century and a half since the time of Hewitson, we are experiencing a renaissance in species discovery fueled by whole genome sequencing. A large-scale genomic analysis of Hesperiidae Latreille, 1809 (Lepidoptera), including primary type specimens, reveals a deluge of species new to science. One hundred of them (one in a new genus) are described here from the New World (type localities are given in parenthesis): Drephalys (Drephalys) diovalis Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Euriphellus panador Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Esmeraldas), Euriphellus panamicus Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Cecropterus (Thorybes) viridissimus Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Zamora-Chinchipe), Cecropterus (Murgaria) dariensis Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Urbanus (Urbanus) mericuti Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Telegonus (Telegonus) pastus Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Autochton (Autochton) dora Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Pastaza), Astraptes centralis Grishin, new species (Panama: Colón), Aguna claxonica Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Aguna esmeralda Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Esmeraldas), Aguna lata Grishin, new species (Guyana), Ridens angulinea Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Pythonides lera Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Pythonides latemarginatus Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Gindanes variegatus Grishin, new species (Brazil: Mato Grosso), Milanion (Milanion) virga Grishin, new species (Brazil: Rondônia), Milanion (Milanion) furvus Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Milanion (Milanion) laricus Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Charidia ronda Grishin, new species (Brazil: Rondônia), Pseudodrephalys tinas Grishin, new species (Peru: Loreto), Pseudodrephalys argus Grishin, new species (Suriname: Para), Achlyodes calvus Grishin, new species (Brazil: Santa Catarina), Spioniades artemis Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Spioniades artemidoides Grishin, new species (Brazil: Santa Catarina), Myrinia orieca Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Orellana), Myrinia aragua Grishin, new species (Venezuela: Aragua), Myrinia maculosa Grishin, new species (Guatemala), Myrinia manchada Grishin, new species (Guyana), Polyctor (Fenops) lamperus Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Nisoniades (Nisoniades) lutum Grishin, new species (Mexico: Guerrero.), Bolla (Stolla) vena Grishin, new species (Venezuela: Aragua), Staphylus (Vulga) vula Grishin, new species (Mexico: Veracruz), Staphylus (Vulga) vulga Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Staphylus (Staphylus) rotundalus Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Staphylus (Staphylus) yucatanus Grishin, new species (Mexico: Quintana Roo/Yucatan), Heliopetes (Heliopetes) lana Grishin, new species (Guatemala), Canesia ella Grishin, new species (Venezuela: Barinas), Paches (Paches) loxeca Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Morona-Santiago), Clito congruens Grishin, new species (Panama: Colón), Cycloglypha corax Grishin, new species (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro), Festivia peruvia Grishin, new species (Peru: Huánuco), Decinea notata Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Pompeius fuscus Grishin, new species (Brazil: Minas Gerais), Vernia clara Grishin, new species (Panama: Chiriquí), Oligoria (Oligoria) obtena Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Thespieus mandal Grishin, new species (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro), Psoralis (Saniba) magnamacus Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Alychna ayonis Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Wahydra banios Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Tungurahua), Wahydra cuzcona Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Cynea (Cynea) aureofimbra Grishin, new species (Ecuador), Cynea (Nycea) quada Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Cynea (Quinta) achirae Grishin, new species (Mexico: Tamaulipas), Eutus amazonicus Grishin, new species (Peru: Madre de Dios), Eutus incus Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Eutus septemaculatus Grishin, new species (Brazil: Mato Grosso), Godmia viridicapita Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Rhomba pulla Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Niconiades victoria Grishin, new species (Mexico: Tamaulipas), Lancephallus purpurus Grishin, new genus and new species (Guyana), Mnasicles (Remella) ecua Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Pichincha), Amblyscirtes (Amblyscirtes) aeratus Grishin, new species (Mexico: Oaxaca), Amblyscirtes (Mastor) chrysoplea Grishin, new species (Mexico: Oaxaca), Amblyscirtes (Mastor) chrysomisa Grishin, new species (Mexico: Chiapas), Amblyscirtes (Flor) meridus Grishin, new species (Mexico: Veracruz), Rectava chiriquensis Grishin, new species (Panama: Chiriquí), Cobalopsis adictys Grishin, new species (Panama: Veraguas), Cymaenes melaporphyrus Grishin, new species (Mexico: San Luis Potosí), Lerema (Morys) ecuadorica Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Pichincha), Saturnus obscurior Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Cantha zoirodicta Grishin, new species (Peru: Madre de Dios), Cantha meiodicta Grishin, new species (Peru: Madre de Dios), Phlebodes duplex Grishin, new species (Guatemala: Cayuga), Lychnuchus (Enosis) valle Grishin, new species (Colombia: Valle), Eutychide ochoides Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Dion bora Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Dion occida Grishin, new species (Peru: Madre de Dios), Eprius (Eprius) veledinus Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Pichincha), Radiatus panamensis Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Pheraeus pulcher Grishin, new species (Peru: Madre de Dios), Callimormus rades Grishin, new species (Panama: Panama), Gubrus lubens Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Loja), Ludens labens Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Rigga isa Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Napo), Flaccilla lactea Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Falga athena Grishin, new species (Panama: Darien), Panoquina jay Grishin, new species (Peru: Loreto), Calpodes salianus Grishin, new species (Peru: Madre de Dios), Calpodes stingo Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Sucumbíos), Aides nobra Grishin, new species (Panama: Colón), Thracides pavo Grishin, new species (Mexico: Tabasco), Talides eluta Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Talides laeta Grishin, new species (Peru: Cuzco), Neoxeniades angustior Grishin, new species (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro), Damas zea Grishin, new species (Guyana), Tromba xantha Grishin, new species (Mexico: Veracruz), Perichares fura Grishin, new species (Ecuador: Pichincha), Carystoides (Balma) goliath Grishin, new species (Colombia: Valle), and Agathymus galeana Grishin, new species (Mexico: Nuevo Leon). Additionally, we present evidence to support 22 taxa as species (not subspecies or synonyms) and synonymize one genus and four species. Namely, the following taxa are species: Milanion pilta Evans, 1953 (not Milanion pilumnus Mabille and Boullet, 1917), Milanion latior Mabille and Boullet, 1917 (not a synonym of Milanion marciana Godman and Salvin, 1895), Charidia pilea Evans, 1953, and Charidia pocus Evans, 1953 (not Charidia lucaria (Hewitson, 1868)), Paches (Paches) gloriosus Röber, 1925 and Paches (Paches) loxana Evans, 1953 (not Paches (Paches) loxus (Westwood, 1852)), Spioniades anta Evans, 1953 (not Spioniades abbreviata (Mabille, 1888)), Decinea onasima (Hewitson, 1877) and Decinea formosus (Hayward, 1940) (not Decinea dama (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Thespieus guerreronis (Dyar, 1913) (not Thespieus dalman (Latreille, [1824])), Cynea (Nycea) erebina (Möschler, 1879) and Cynea (Nycea) cleochares (Mabille, 1891) (not Cynea (Cynea) diluta (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Amblyscirtes (Mastor) repta Evans, 1955 (not Amblyscirtes (Flor) florus (Godman, 1900)), Saturnus tiberius (Möschler, 1883), Saturnus conspicuus (E. Bell, 1941), Saturnus meton (Mabille, 1891), and Saturnus obscurus (E. Bell, 1941) (not Saturnus reticulata (Plötz, 1883)), Phlebodes sifax Evans, 1955 (not Phlebodes campo (E. Bell, 1947)), Eutychide ochus Godman, 1900 and Eutychide rogersi (Kaye, 1914) (not a subspecies and a synonym, respectively, of Eutychide subcordata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Falga mirabilis Evans, 1955, Falga jacta Evans, 1955, and Falga ombra Evans, 1955 (not Falga jeconia (A. Butler, 1870)); and the following taxa are junior subjective synonyms: Libra Evans, 1955 (of Phemiades Hübner, [1819]), Papilio clito Fabricius, 1787 of Milanion hemes hemes (Cramer, 1777), Pamphila hycsos Mabille, 1891 of Cynea (Nycea) erebina (Möschler, 1879), Hesperia olympia Plötz, 1882 of Eutychide subcordata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869), and Hesperia ocrinus Plötz, 1882 of Aides aegita (Hewitson, 1866). Furthermore, we propose new combinations for genus-species: Lychnuchus (Enosis) ponka (Evans, 1955) (not Thoon Godman, 1900), and species-subspecies: Charidia pocus mayo Evans, 1953 (not Charidia lucaria (Hewitson, 1868)), Decinea onasima boliviensis (E. Bell, 1930) (not Decinea dama (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869)), Cynea (Nycea) erebina somba Evans, 1955 (not Pamphila hycsos Mabille, 1891), Saturnus tiberius suffuscus (Hayward, 1940) (not Saturnus reticulata (Plötz, 1883)), and Falga mirabilis odol Evans, 1955 (not Falga jeconia (A. Butler, 1870)). Then, Milanion pilumnus var. hemestinus Mabille and Boullet, 1917 is a junior subjective synonym of Milanion pilumnus pilumnus Mabille and Boullet, 1917, not of Milanion leucaspis (Mabille, 1878). Lectotypes are designated for nine taxa (names in original combinations below): Pellicia bromias Godman and Salvin, 1894 (Mexico: Veracruz, Atoyac), Nisoniades perforata Möschler, 1879 (Colombia), Helias ascalaphus Staudinger, 1876 (central Panama), Pamphila hycsos Mabille, 1891 (Colombia), Amblyscirtes fluonia Godman, 1900 (Mexico: Guerrero, Xocomanatlan), Mastor anubis Godman, 1900 (Mexico: Guerrero, Omiltemi), Eutychide ochus Godman, 1900 (Mexico: Veracruz, Atoyac), Cobalus subcordata Herrich-Schäffer, 1869 (Southeast Brazil), and Thracides xanthura Godman, 1901 (Panama: Chiriquí Province, Bugaba). A neotype is designated for Eudamus briccius Plötz, 1881 (Guyana: Iwokrama Forest).}, } @article {pmid38035126, year = {2024}, author = {Brin, MF and De Boulle, K and Liew, S and Carruthers, A and Carruthers, J and Rivkin, A and Wu, Y and Kawashima, M and Yushmanova, I and Boodhoo, TI and Lee, E}, title = {Safety and tolerability of onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of upper facial lines from global registration studies in 5298 participants: A meta-analysis.}, journal = {JAAD international}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {4-18}, pmid = {38035126}, issn = {2666-3287}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since its discovery as a facial aesthetic treatment >30 years ago, onabotulinumtoxinA has received worldwide approval for dynamic upper facial line treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Meta-analysis examining the safety of onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of glabellar lines (GL), crow's feet lines (CFL), and forehead lines (FHL).

METHODS: Participants (N = 5298) with moderate to severe GL, CFL, or FHL at maximum contraction received onabotulinumtoxinA or placebo in 1 of 18 registration studies (14 double-blind, placebo-controlled [DBPC]; 1 double-blind; 3 open-label). Adverse events (AEs) were analyzed by descriptive statistics and fixed-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS: In the overall double-blind placebo-controlled (DBPC) population, AEs were reported in 1443 (42.1%) and 486 (35.8%) participants in the onabotulinumtoxinA (n = 3431) and placebo (n = 1359) groups, respectively. Serious AEs were reported in 54 (1.6%) and 17 (1.3%) participants; 1 (spontaneous abortion) was considered possibly treatment related by the investigator. Using fixed-effects statistical meta-analysis, AEs of interest that were found to be statistically higher for onabotulinumtoxinA than placebo in the DBPC population were eyelid ptosis, eyelid sensory disorder, skin tightness, brow ptosis, eyelid edema, and facial pain (P ≤ .05).

LIMITATIONS: Retrospective, ad hoc analysis.

CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirms the onabotulinumtoxinA safety profile for GL, CFL, and FHL treatment, with no new onabotulinumtoxinA-associated AEs.}, } @article {pmid38031577, year = {2023}, author = {Davis, A and Gourdine, R}, title = {Intersectionality and Social Security Age-18 Redetermination: Reducing the Stress and Trauma of Transition for Black Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities.}, journal = {Child & adolescent social work journal : C & A}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {513-523}, pmid = {38031577}, issn = {0738-0151}, support = {R61 HD104570/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HD094687/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Greater attention is being paid to the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities. We are also at a period of reckoning with the vestiges of slavery, Jim Crow, and a lack of constitutional protections for Black-identifying persons. The contemporary impact of inequitable access to opportunities, services, and supports that would improve the quality of life of racialized Black individuals has added consequences for Black youth with disabilities. A sub-population of youth with disabilities receives monthly support in the form of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with a disproportionate number of Black-identifying youth qualifying for SSI. Such youth are impacted by the intersectionality of racism, disability, and poverty. The outcome of an SSI age-18 redetermination can be precarious and occurs in the backdrop of these intersectional forces, impacting the life course of racialized Black youth and their families on a scale that is concerning. The authors describe the time frames of pre age-18 redetermination, age-18 redetermination and post age-18 redetermination in the contexts of intersectionality and transition, and articulate what type of services and supports can reduce the experience of chronic stress in the lives of racialized Black youth facing an SSI age-18 redetermination, and thereby improve the outcomes of these youth as they transition to adulthood.}, } @article {pmid38028983, year = {2023}, author = {Felin Fochesatto, C and Cristi-Montero, C and Ribeiro Bandeira, PF and Brand, C and Dias, AF and Bandeira, DR and Mota, J and Araujo Gaya, AC and Reis Gaya, A}, title = {A network analysis involving mental difficulties, cognition, physical fitness, 24-hour movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children.}, journal = {Journal of exercise science and fitness}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {416-423}, pmid = {38028983}, issn = {1728-869X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence supports the beneficial linear influence of diverse lifestyle behaviors on brain health since childhood; however, multiple behaviors -and not only one-simultaneously affect such outcomes. Therefore, the aim was to explore the multivariate relationship through a network analysis among mental difficulty and cognitive function with physical fitness (PF), 24-h movement components, fatness, and sociodemographic factors in children.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study involved 226 children (52.2 % boys) aged between six and 11 years. Mental difficulties were evaluated through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and cognitive function by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test. The body mass index and PF were assessed according to the procedures suggested by the Proesp-Br, while moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) using accelerometry. The socioeconomic level, sleep, and screen time were evaluated by questionnaires. A network analysis was carried out to evaluate the associations among variables and establish centrality measures.

RESULTS: Age and PF moderated the negative relationship between cognitive function and MVPA. Furthermore, the direct and inverse relationship between cognitive function and mental difficulties appears to be affected by the 24-h movement components. Finally, age, PF, and screen time are the nodes with higher values of expected influence, indicating more sensitivity to interventions for decreasing mental difficulty and improving cognitive function.

CONCLUSION: Mental health and cognitive function were moderated by the multivariate interaction among age, PF, and the three 24-h movement components. Nonetheless, centrality measures from the network analysis suggest that PF, MVPA, and screen time are crucial nodes in order to implement future interventions.}, } @article {pmid38024264, year = {2023}, author = {Islam, A and Rahman, MZ and Hassan, MM and Epstein, JH and Klaassen, M}, title = {Determinants for the presence of avian influenza virus in live bird markets in Bangladesh: Towards an easy fix of a looming one health issue.}, journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {17}, number = {}, pages = {100643}, pmid = {38024264}, issn = {2352-7714}, abstract = {Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 endangers poultry, wildlife, and human health and is enzootic in large parts of Asia, with live bird markets (LBMs) as putative hotspots for their maintenance, amplification, and spread. To mitigate the extent of these and other avian influenza viruses (AIV) of concern, we aimed to increase our quantitative understanding of the factors determining the presence of avian influenza virus in LBM stalls. Between 2016 and 2017, we collected fecal or offal samples from 1008 stalls in 113 LBMs across the Dhaka and Rajshahi districts in Bangladesh. For each stall, samples were pooled and tested for the AIV matrix gene, followed by H5 and H9 subtyping using rRT-PCR. We detected Influenza A viral RNA in 49% of the stalls. Of the AIV positive samples, 52% and 24% were determined to be H5 and H9 viruses, respectively, which are both subtypes of considerable health concern. We used generalized linear mixed effect modelling to study AIV presence in individual stalls within LBMs as a function of 13 out of the 20 risk factors identified by FAO. We found that small and feasible improvements in cleaning and disinfection frequency, installing running water in stalls, and not mixing different breeds of chicken in the same cages had large impacts on the presence of AIV in stalls (Odds ratios 0.03-0.05). Next, cleaning vehicles used in poultry transport, not selling waterfowl with chickens in the same stall, buying stock directly from commercial farms, separating sick birds from healthy ones, and avoiding access by wild birds like house crows, also had major effects on lowering the risk of stalls having AIV (Odds ratios 0.16-0.33). These findings can be directly used in developing practical and affordable measures to reduce the prevalence of AIV in LBMs. Also, in settings with limited resources like Bangladesh, such mitigation may significantly contribute to reducing AIV circulation amongst poultry and spillover to wildlife and humans.}, } @article {pmid38016972, year = {2023}, author = {Rolando, A and Basso, C and Brunelli, N and Bocca, M and Laini, A}, title = {The foraging ecology of yellow-billed and red- billed choughs changed between two climatically different years.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {20908}, pmid = {38016972}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Passeriformes ; Ecology ; Homing Behavior ; Italy ; }, abstract = {Climate change is affecting the alpine ecosystem at an unprecedented rate, with marked changes in spring phenology and the elevation distribution of birds. Changes in the European Alps are happening rapidly, and it is possible behaviours stand to change from one year to the next. The year 2022 was characterised by climatic extremes: Italy experienced its hottest year ever, and it was the driest since 1800. Here, we assessed whether the foraging ecology of two coexisting upland bird species, the yellow-billed and the red-billed chough, changed from 2021 to 2022. We assessed foraging stay times, flock size, propensity to mixed flocking, foraging home ranges and altitudinal distribution. Stay times of both species when foraging in monospecific flocks significantly shortened in 2022, especially in the case of the red-billed chough. The two corvids are known to influence each other when foraging together. In 2021, as expected, the stay times of the red-billed chough decreased when in the presence of the congener, but this did not occur in 2022. Instead, the yellow-billed chough increased its altitudinal foraging distribution in 2022. The results are in line with the hypothesis that large climate variations may disrupt the foraging ecology of mountain birds. However, as it is not possible to draw solid conclusions from just two years of observations, further field research will have to be planned in the future.}, } @article {pmid38002488, year = {2023}, author = {Parameshwaran, D and Thiagarajan, TC}, title = {High Variability Periods in the EEG Distinguish Cognitive Brain States.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {38002488}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel measure of EEG signal variability that distinguishes cognitive brain states.

METHOD: We describe a novel characterization of amplitude variability in the EEG signal termed "High Variability Periods" or "HVPs", defined as segments when the standard deviation of a moving window is continuously higher than the quartile cutoff. We characterize the parameter space of the metric in terms of window size, overlap, and threshold to suggest ideal parameter choice and compare its performance as a discriminator of brain state to alternate single channel measures of variability such as entropy, complexity, harmonic regression fit, and spectral measures.

RESULTS: We show that the average HVP duration provides a substantially distinct view of the signal relative to alternate metrics of variability and, when used in combination with these metrics, significantly enhances the ability to predict whether an individual has their eyes open or closed and is performing a working memory and Raven's pattern completion task. In addition, HVPs disappear under anesthesia and do not reappear in early periods of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: HVP metrics enhance the discrimination of various brain states and are fast to estimate.

SIGNIFICANCE: HVP metrics can provide an additional view of signal variability that has potential clinical application in the rapid discrimination of brain states.}, } @article {pmid38000912, year = {2022}, author = {Cosma, BM and Shirali Hossein Zade, R and Jordan, EN and van Lent, P and Peng, C and Pillay, S and Abeel, T}, title = {Evaluating long-read de novo assembly tools for eukaryotic genomes: insights and considerations.}, journal = {GigaScience}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {38000912}, issn = {2047-217X}, mesh = {Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; *Genome ; Algorithms ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; *Nanopores ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Assembly algorithm choice should be a deliberate, well-justified decision when researchers create genome assemblies for eukaryotic organisms from third-generation sequencing technologies. While third-generation sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) has overcome the disadvantages of short read lengths specific to next-generation sequencing (NGS), third-generation sequencers are known to produce more error-prone reads, thereby generating a new set of challenges for assembly algorithms and pipelines. However, the introduction of HiFi reads, which offer substantially reduced error rates, has provided a promising solution for more accurate assembly outcomes. Since the introduction of third-generation sequencing technologies, many tools have been developed that aim to take advantage of the longer reads, and researchers need to choose the correct assembler for their projects.

RESULTS: We benchmarked state-of-the-art long-read de novo assemblers to help readers make a balanced choice for the assembly of eukaryotes. To this end, we used 12 real and 64 simulated datasets from different eukaryotic genomes, with different read length distributions, imitating PacBio continuous long-read (CLR), PacBio high-fidelity (HiFi), and ONT sequencing to evaluate the assemblers. We include 5 commonly used long-read assemblers in our benchmark: Canu, Flye, Miniasm, Raven, and wtdbg2 for ONT and PacBio CLR reads. For PacBio HiFi reads , we include 5 state-of-the-art HiFi assemblers: HiCanu, Flye, Hifiasm, LJA, and MBG. Evaluation categories address the following metrics: reference-based metrics, assembly statistics, misassembly count, BUSCO completeness, runtime, and RAM usage. Additionally, we investigated the effect of increased read length on the quality of the assemblies and report that read length can, but does not always, positively impact assembly quality.

CONCLUSIONS: Our benchmark concludes that there is no assembler that performs the best in all the evaluation categories. However, our results show that overall Flye is the best-performing assembler for PacBio CLR and ONT reads, both on real and simulated data. Meanwhile, best-performing PacBio HiFi assemblers are Hifiasm and LJA. Next, the benchmarking using longer reads shows that the increased read length improves assembly quality, but the extent to which that can be achieved depends on the size and complexity of the reference genome.}, } @article {pmid37999484, year = {2023}, author = {Athanasakopoulou, Z and Sofia, M and Skampardonis, V and Giannakopoulos, A and Birtsas, P and Tsolakos, K and Spyrou, V and Chatzopoulos, DC and Satra, M and Diamantopoulos, V and Mpellou, S and Galamatis, D and G Papatsiros, V and Billinis, C}, title = {Indication of West Nile Virus (WNV) Lineage 2 Overwintering among Wild Birds in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece.}, journal = {Veterinary sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {37999484}, issn = {2306-7381}, support = {"Integrated Program for Mosquito Control, Creation of a Control Structure and Development of a West Nile Virus Surveillance and Vigilance Mechanism in the Peloponnese Region" and "Epidemiological surveillance of West Nile Virus in wild birds and equines i//the Prefecture of Peloponnese (Peloponnisos SA) and the Joint Venture 2 INSEKO EU - Eleftheriou Bioapplications and Co. LTD./ ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus, has recently caused human outbreaks in Europe, including Greece. Its transmission cycle in nature includes wild birds as amplifying hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to assess WNV circulation among wild birds from two regions of Greece, Peloponnese and Western Greece, during 2022. To this end, a total of 511 birds belonging to 37 different species were sampled and molecularly screened. WNV RNA was detected from February to November in a total of 71 wild birds of nine species originating from both investigated regions. The first eight positive samples were sequenced on a part of NS3 and, according to the phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to evolutionary lineage 2 and presented similarity to previous outbreak-causing Greek strains (Argolis 2017, Macedonia 2010 and 2012). It was more likely to identify a PCR positive bird as the population density and the distance from water sources decreased. The present report provides evidence of WNV occurrence in both Peloponnese and Western Greece during 2022 and underlines its possible overwintering, highlighting the need for avian species surveillance to be conducted annually and throughout the year. Magpies are proposed as sentinels for WNV monitoring.}, } @article {pmid37992097, year = {2023}, author = {Çilem Kızılpınar, S and Çiğdem Aydemır, M and Doğan, Ö and Bahar Atak-Akkus, F and Baran, Z}, title = {SOCIAL COGNITION AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS AND FIRST-DEGREE RELATIVES OF PATIENTS.}, journal = {Psychiatria Danubina}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, pages = {523-534}, doi = {10.24869/psyd.2023.523}, pmid = {37992097}, issn = {0353-5053}, mesh = {Humans ; *Social Cognition ; *Psychotic Disorders ; Cognition ; Schizophrenia, Paranoid ; Oxidative Stress ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Misattribution of motivational salience to non-salient (neutral) stimuli could be viewed as a hallmark of psychosis in schizophrenia. Studies have recently revealed increased subjective experience of emotional arousal (EA) to neutral social stimuli in paranoid schizophrenia psychosis, suggesting a misattribution of emotional salience to them. We examined this phenomenon directly by quantifying the level of EA subjectively attributed to low-arousal, neutral-valenced faces.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with remitted schizophrenia (PG) (n=26), first-degree relatives of schizophrenic patients (RG) (n=25), and healthy controls (HCG) (n=36) were compared in terms of oxidative stress parameters -serum Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Nitrite, Nitrate, Malondialdehyde, and Total Glutathione levels-, social cognition measured by the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test and working memory measured by the N-back Task. Groups were compared, assuming that HCG had a genetically lower risk of schizophrenia compared to PG and RG.

RESULTS: HCG performed significantly better than PG and RG, who were genetically at high risk, in terms of social cognition (respectively p=0.000, p=0.014), working memory (respectively p=0.001, p=0.003), and had statistically lower Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) level than the PG and RG (both p:0.000). After controlling for the effect of the general intellectual abilities measured by the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test and working memory the differences between groups on the Eyes Test disappeared (p=0.057). However, this value tended to be significant.

CONCLUSION: It was concluded that social cognition and working memory and GPx level may be used as endophenotypes and social cognition, working memory, and general intellectual skills are different but strongly related constructs. Endophenotypes guide treatment targets even after the disease has developed. The results of our study showed that in addition to psychopharmacological treatments, interventions to reduce oxidative stress and approaches to improve cognitive skills will have a positive impact on the disease's progression.}, } @article {pmid37991482, year = {2023}, author = {Kasimov, V and White, RT and Jelocnik, M}, title = {Draft genomes of novel avian Chlamydia abortus strains from Australian Torresian crows (Corvus orru) shed light on possible reservoir hosts and evolutionary pathways.}, journal = {Microbial genomics}, volume = {9}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {37991482}, issn = {2057-5858}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Birds ; *Chlamydia/genetics ; *Crows ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Bacterial ; }, abstract = {Chlamydia abortus, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is a major causative agent of reproductive loss in ruminants, with zoonotic potential. Though this pathogen is primarily known to infect livestock, recent studies have detected and isolated genetically distinct avian strains of C. abortus from wild birds globally. Before this study, only five avian C. abortus genomes were publicly available. Therefore, we performed culture-independent probe-based whole-genome sequencing on clinical swabs positive for avian C. abortus obtained from Australian Torresian crows (Corvus orru) in 2019 and 2020. We successfully obtained draft genomes for three avian C. abortus strains (C1, C2 and C3), each comprising draft chromosomes with lengths of 1 115 667, 1 120 231 and 1 082 115 bp, and associated 7 553 bp plasmids, with a genome completeness exceeding 92 %. Molecular characterization revealed that these three strains comprise a novel sequence type (ST333), whilst phylogenetic analyses placed all three strains in a cluster with other avian C. abortus genomes. Interestingly, these three strains share a distant genomic relation (2693 single nucleotide variants) with the reference strain 15-58d/44 (ST152), isolated from a Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) in Poland, highlighting the need for more publicly available genomes. Broad comparative analyses with other avian C. abortus genomes revealed that the three draft genomes contain conserved Chlamydia genomic features, including genes coding for type III secretion system and polymorphic membrane proteins, and potential virulence factors such as the large chlamydial cytotoxin, warranting further studies. This research provides the first avian C. abortus draft genomes from Australian birds, highlighting Torresian crows as novel reservoir hosts for these potential pathogens, and demonstrates a practical methodology for sequencing novel Chlamydia genomes without relying on traditional cell culture.}, } @article {pmid37989310, year = {2024}, author = {Harrington, KJ and Folkertsma, R and Auersperg, AMI and Biondi, L and Lambert, ML}, title = {Innovative problem solving by wild falcons.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {190-195.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.061}, pmid = {37989310}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Problem Solving ; Cognition ; Learning ; *Parrots ; *Falconiformes ; }, abstract = {Innovation (i.e., a new solution to a familiar problem, or applying an existing behavior to a novel problem[1][,][2]) plays a fundamental role in species' ecology and evolution. It can be a useful measure for cross-group comparisons of behavioral and cognitive flexibility and a proxy for general intelligence.[3][,][4][,][5] Among birds, experimental studies of innovation (and cognition more generally) are largely from captive corvids and parrots,[6][,][7][,][8][,][9][,][10][,][11][,][12] though we lack serious models for avian technical intelligence outside these taxa. Striated caracaras (Phalcoboenus australis) are Falconiformes, sister clade to parrots and passerines,[13][,][14][,][15] and those endemic to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) show curiosity and neophilia similar to notoriously neophilic kea parrots[16][,][17] and face similar socio-ecological pressures to corvids and parrots.[18][,][19] We tested wild striated caracaras as a new avian model for technical cognition and innovation using a field-applicable 8-task comparative paradigm (adapted from Rössler et al.[20] and Auersperg et al.[21]). The setup allowed us to assess behavior, rate, and flexibility of problem solving over repeated exposure in a natural setting. Like other generalist species with low neophobia,[21][,][22] we predicted caracaras to demonstrate a haptic approach to solving tasks, flexibly switching to new, unsolved problems and improving their performance over time. Striated caracaras performed comparably to tool-using parrots,[20] nearly reaching ceiling levels of innovation in few trials, repeatedly and flexibly solving tasks, and rapidly learning. We attribute our findings to the birds' ecology, including geographic restriction, resource unpredictability, and opportunistic generalism,[23][,][24][,][25] and encourage future work investigating their cognitive abilities in the wild. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, } @article {pmid37984348, year = {2024}, author = {Kirubalingam, K and Nguyen, P and Kang, A and Beyea, JA}, title = {Implantable Hearing Devices in Ontario: A Population-Based Study of Access to Care and Access to Devices.}, journal = {Audiology & neuro-otology}, volume = {29}, number = {2}, pages = {136-145}, doi = {10.1159/000534384}, pmid = {37984348}, issn = {1421-9700}, mesh = {Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Ontario/epidemiology ; Cohort Studies ; *Hearing Aids ; *Cochlear Implants ; Hearing ; Health Services Accessibility ; Bone Conduction ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of hearing loss in Canada is high, with many patients requiring implantable hearing devices (IHDs) as treatment for their disease severity. Despite this need, many eligible patients do not pursue these interventions. The objective of this study was to examine rates of IHD based on geographic location to understand locoregional variation in access to care.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective population-based cohort study.

SETTING: All hospitals in the Canadian province of Ontario.

METHODS: Of all patients with IHD between April 1, 1992, and March 31, 2021, cochlear implants (CIs) (4,720) and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) (1,125) cohorts were constructed. Place of residence was categorized based on Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN). Summary statistics for place of surgical institution based on LHIN at first surgery, name of institution of first surgery and "as the crow flies" distance (in km) between place of residence and surgical institution were calculated. Rate of implantations was calculated for LHIN regions based on number of surgeries per 1,000,000 persons/years.

RESULTS: Toronto Central, Central, Central East, and Champlain regions had >10% of patients undergoing BAHA and CI. 1,019 (90.6%) and 4,232 (89.7%) of patients receiving BAHA and CI, respectively, resided in urban/suburban regions and 94 patients (8.4%) and 436 (9.2%) resided in rural regions. The median distance between residential location and the institution was 46.4 km (interquartile range [IQR], 18.9-103.6) and 44.7 km (IQR, 15.7-96.9) for BAHA and CI, respectively. From 1992 to 2021, the number of CI and BAHA performed across Ontario increased by 17 folds and 6 folds, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This large comprehensive population study provides longitudinal insight into the access to care of IHD based on geographic factors. Our findings of the present population-based study indicate an overall increase in access to devices with disproportionate access to care based on geographic locations. Further work is needed to characterize barriers to IHD access to align with demands.}, } @article {pmid37979839, year = {2024}, author = {Broekstra, DC and Werker, PMN}, title = {Correspondence to: Henry O'Brien, Jay Paniker and Liam Brown: Is a smartphone application as accurate as a traditional goniometer for assessing finger joint angles in Dupuytren's disease? Hand Surg Rehabil 2023 Sep 29.}, journal = {Hand surgery & rehabilitation}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {101619}, doi = {10.1016/j.hansur.2023.11.004}, pmid = {37979839}, issn = {2468-1210}, mesh = {Humans ; *Smartphone ; *Dupuytren Contracture/physiopathology ; *Mobile Applications ; *Finger Joint/physiopathology ; *Arthrometry, Articular/instrumentation ; }, } @article {pmid37968687, year = {2023}, author = {Sandkühler, JF and Kersting, X and Faust, A and Königs, EK and Altman, G and Ettinger, U and Lux, S and Philipsen, A and Müller, H and Brauner, J}, title = {The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance-a randomised controlled study.}, journal = {BMC medicine}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {440}, pmid = {37968687}, issn = {1741-7015}, mesh = {Humans ; *Creatine/adverse effects ; Bayes Theorem ; *Dietary Supplements ; Brain ; Double-Blind Method ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Creatine is an organic compound that facilitates the recycling of energy-providing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in muscle and brain tissue. It is a safe, well-studied supplement for strength training. Previous studies have shown that supplementation increases brain creatine levels, which might increase cognitive performance. The results of studies that have tested cognitive performance differ greatly, possibly due to different populations, supplementation regimens, and cognitive tasks. This is the largest study on the effect of creatine supplementation on cognitive performance to date.

METHODS: Our trial was preregistered, cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomised, with daily supplementation of 5 g for 6 weeks each. We tested participants on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and on the Backward Digit Span (BDS). In addition, we included eight exploratory cognitive tests. About half of our 123 participants were vegetarians and half were omnivores.

RESULTS: Bayesian evidence supported a small beneficial effect of creatine. The creatine effect bordered significance for BDS (p = 0.064, η[2]P = 0.029) but not RAPM (p = 0.327, η[2]P = 0.008). There was no indication that creatine improved the performance of our exploratory cognitive tasks. Side effects were reported significantly more often for creatine than for placebo supplementation (p = 0.002, RR = 4.25). Vegetarians did not benefit more from creatine than omnivores.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study, in combination with the literature, implies that creatine might have a small beneficial effect. Larger studies are needed to confirm or rule out this effect. Given the safety and broad availability of creatine, this is well worth investigating; a small effect could have large benefits when scaled over time and over many people.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered (drks.de identifier: DRKS00017250, https://osf.io/xpwkc/).}, } @article {pmid37966883, year = {2023}, author = {Watanabe, T and Tahara, K and Hirano, E}, title = {Evaluating the Impact of a Cream Containing Horse Placental Extract on Eye Corner Wrinkles in Healthy Women: Single-Blind Comparative Study.}, journal = {JMIR dermatology}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e51070}, pmid = {37966883}, issn = {2562-0959}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Placental extract has been mostly used in skin care for cosmetic purposes. However, the use of various placental extracts has been limited due to the lack of established and effective application methods.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the antiwrinkle effect of a cream formulation-LNC wrinkle eye cream (LNC-EC)-containing horse placental extract as the main ingredient.

METHODS: A total of 24 healthy women, aged 37-54 years, with wrinkle grades 1-3, were treated with LNC-EC for 2 weeks. The cream was applied on one-half of the participants' faces, and the results were compared with the untreated half of the face.

RESULTS: Visual inspection, using the wrinkle grade standard, showed that the area treated with LNC-EC had a significantly lower wrinkle grade than the untreated area when comparing before and after the application of LNC-EC. In addition, replica analysis showed a significant reduction in both the maximum wrinkle width and the number of wrinkles in the LNC-EC-treated area in comparison to the untreated area before and after the application. These results suggest that LNC-EC has an antiwrinkle effect on the corners of the eyes based on parameters like the maximum wrinkle width and the number of wrinkles.

CONCLUSIONS: LNC-EC, with horse placental extract as its main ingredient, was shown to be effective in improving wrinkles at the eye corners, presumably due to a reduction in the maximum wrinkle width and the number of wrinkles. Interpretation of the results is limited because this study was conducted only in the intervention group. A randomized controlled trial with a placebo control group is necessary to verify the antiwrinkle effects of horse placental extract.}, } @article {pmid37965549, year = {2023}, author = {Sen, K and Llewellyn, M and Taheri, B and Turner, RJ and Berglund, T and Maloney, K}, title = {Mechanism of fungal remediation of wetland water: Stropharia rugosoannulata as promising fungal species for the development of biofilters to remove clinically important pathogenic and antibiotic resistant bacteria in contaminated water.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1234586}, pmid = {37965549}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Mycoremediation uses mushroom forming fungi for remediation of sites contaminated with biotic and abiotic contaminants. The root-like hyphae of many fungi, the mycelia, have been used to remediate soil and water. In this study mushroom mycelia biofilters were evaluated for remediation efficacy of wetland water polluted with crow feces containing antibiotic resistant (AMR) bacteria. Three strains of fungi, Pleurotus ostreatus, Stropharia rugosoannulata, and Pleurotus pulmonarius, were allowed to develop dense mycelia for 3-5 weeks on wood chips within cylindrical jars. Biofilter jars were incubated with wetland water (WW) obtained from a crow roost area that was additionally spiked with AMR bacteria isolated from previous crow fecal collections. E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Campylobacter jejuni, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis were added at concentrations of 1,500-3,500 CFU/100 ml. Remediation was calculated from bacterial counts or gene copy numbers (GCN), before and after passage of water through jars. Stropharia and P. pulmonarius biofilters remediated all bacteria, but Klebsiella, in the range of 43-78%, after 1 h. Incubation of water for 24 h showed Stropharia remediation to be superior relative to other tested fungi. Percent remediation varied as follows: S. aureus-100%, E. faecium-97%, C. jejuni-59%, P. aeruginosa-54%, E. coli-65% and S. enteritidis-27%. The mechanism of remediation was tested by removing the mycelium from the biofilter column after passage of water, followed by extraction of DNA. Association of bacterial DNA with the mycelia was demonstrated by qPCR for all bacteria, except S. aureus and Salmonella. Depending on the bacteria, the GCN ranged from 3,500 to 54,000/250 mg of mycelia. Thus, some of the ways in which mycelia biofilters decrease bacteria from water are through bio-filtration and bio-absorption. Active fungal growth and close contact with bacteria appear necessary for removal. Overall these results suggest that mushroom mycelia biofilters have the potential to effectively remediate water contaminated with pathogenic and AMR bacteria.}, } @article {pmid37964353, year = {2023}, author = {Otieno, B and Elson, L and Matharu, AK and Riithi, N and Chongwo, E and Katana, K and Nasambu, C and Mutebi, F and Feldmeier, H and Krücken, J and Fillinger, U and Abubakar, A}, title = {Neurocognitive and mental health outcomes in children with tungiasis: a cross-sectional study in rural Kenya and Uganda.}, journal = {Infectious diseases of poverty}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {100}, pmid = {37964353}, issn = {2049-9957}, support = {405027164//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; KR 2245/7-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Child ; *Tungiasis/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Uganda/epidemiology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Tunga/physiology ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tungiasis, a neglected tropical parasitosis, disproportionately affects children. Few empirical studies have reported neurocognitive and mental health outcomes of children with ectoparasitic skin diseases like tungiasis. Pathophysiology of tungiasis suggests it could detrimentally affect cognition and behaviour. This study pioneered the investigation of neurocognitive and mental health outcomes in children with tungiasis.

METHODS: This was a multi-site cross-sectional study including 454 quasi-randomly sampled school-children aged 8-14 from 48 randomly selected schools in two counties in Kenya and a district in Uganda. The participants were stratified into infected and uninfected based on the presence of tungiasis. The infected were further classified into mild and severe infection groups based on the intensity of the infection. Adapted, validated, and standardized measures of cognition and mental health such as Raven Matrices and Child Behaviour Checklist were used to collect data. Statistical tests including a multilevel, generalized mixed-effects linear models with family link set to identity were used to compare the scores of uninfected and infected children and to identify other potential risk factors for neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes.

RESULTS: When adjusted for covariates, mild infection was associated with lower scores in literacy [adjusted β(aβ) = - 8.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 17.2, - 0.6], language (aβ = - 1.7; 95% CI - 3.2, - 0.3), cognitive flexibility (aβ = - 6.1; 95% CI - 10.4, - 1.7) and working memory (aβ = - 0.3; 95% CI - 0.6, - 0.1). Severe infection was associated with lower scores in literacy (aβ = - 11.0; 95% CI - 19.3, - 2.8), response inhibition, (aβ = - 2.2; 95% CI - 4.2, - 0.2), fine motor control (aβ = - 0.7; 95% CI - 1.1, - 0.4) and numeracy (aβ = - 3; 95% CI - 5.5, - 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides first evidence that tungiasis is associated with poor neurocognitive functioning in children. Since tungiasis is a chronic disease with frequent reinfections, such negative effects may potentially impair their development and life achievements.}, } @article {pmid37963613, year = {2023}, author = {Prinja, S and Chugh, Y and Garg, B and Guinness, L}, title = {National hospital costing systems matter for universal healthcare: the India PM-JAY experience.}, journal = {BMJ global health}, volume = {8}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {37963613}, issn = {2059-7908}, mesh = {Humans ; *Universal Health Care ; *Health Care Costs ; Hospitals ; India ; }, abstract = {India envisions achieving universal health coverage to provide its people with access to affordable quality health services. A breakthrough effort in this direction has been the launch of the world's largest health assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the implementation of which resides with the National Health Authority. Appropriate provider payment systems and reimbursement rates are an important element for the success of PM-JAY, which in turn relies on robust cost evidence to support pricing decisions. Since the launch of PM-JAY, the health benefits package and provider payment rates have undergone a series of revisions. At the outset, there was a relative lack of cost data. Later revisions relied on health facility costing studies, and now there is an initiative to establish a national hospital costing system relying on provider-generated data. Lessons from PM-JAY experience show that the success of such cost systems to ensure regular and routine generation of evidence is contingent on integrating with existing billing or patient information systems or management information systems, which digitise similar information on resource consumption without any additional data entry effort. Therefore, there is a need to focus on building sustainable mechanisms for setting up systems for generating accurate cost data rather than relying on resource-intensive studies for cost data collection.}, } @article {pmid37961949, year = {2024}, author = {O'Brien, MJ and Valverde, S and Duran-Nebreda, S and Vidiella, B and Bentley, RA}, title = {Punctuated equilibrium at 50: Anything there for evolutionary anthropology? Yes; definitely.}, journal = {Evolutionary anthropology}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {e22009}, doi = {10.1002/evan.22009}, pmid = {37961949}, issn = {1520-6505}, support = {2019 BP 00206//Beatriu de Pinós postdoctoral programme in the Office of the General Secretary of Research and Universities and the Ministry of Research and Univertisites/ ; 801370//Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND/ ; //2020-2021 Biodiversa and Water JPI/ ; 101003777//BiodivRestore ERA-NET Cofund/ ; //Innovation Fund Denmark (IFD)/ ; //Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; //Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/ ; //Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)/ ; PCI2022-132936//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ ; //European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR/ ; PID2020-117822GB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the State Research Agency (AEI)/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Biological Evolution ; *Fossils ; Cultural Diversity ; Databases, Factual ; }, abstract = {The theory of punctuated equilibrium (PE) was developed a little over 50 years ago to explain long-term, large-scale appearance and disappearance of species in the fossil record. A theory designed specifically for that purpose cannot be expected, out of the box, to be directly applicable to biocultural evolution, but in revised form, PE offers a promising approach to incorporating not only a wealth of recent empirical research on genetic, linguistic, and technological evolution but also large databases that document human biological and cultural diversity across time and space. Here we isolate the fundamental components of PE and propose which pieces, when reassembled or renamed, can be highly useful in evolutionary anthropology, especially as humanity faces abrupt ecological challenges on an increasingly larger scale.}, } @article {pmid37958278, year = {2023}, author = {Palanisamy, P and Urooj, S and Arunachalam, R and Lay-Ekuakille, A}, title = {A Novel Prognostic Model Using Chaotic CNN with Hybridized Spoofing for Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in Epileptic Seizure Prediction.}, journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {13}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {37958278}, issn = {2075-4418}, support = {PNURSP2023R79//Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia./ ; }, abstract = {Epileptic seizure detection has undergone progressive advancements since its conception in the 1970s. From proof-of-concept experiments in the latter part of that decade, it has now become a vibrant area of clinical and laboratory research. In an effort to bring this technology closer to practical application in human patients, this study introduces a customized approach to selecting electroencephalogram (EEG) features and electrode positions for seizure prediction. The focus is on identifying precursors that occur within 10 min of the onset of abnormal electrical activity during a seizure. However, there are security concerns related to safeguarding patient EEG recordings against unauthorized access and network-based attacks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an efficient prediction and classification method for encrypted EEG data. This paper presents an effective system for analyzing and recognizing encrypted EEG information using Arnold transform algorithms, chaotic mapping, and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). In this system, the EEG time series from each channel is converted into a 2D spectrogram image, which is then encrypted using chaotic algorithms. The encrypted data is subsequently processed by CNNs coupled with transfer learning (TL) frameworks. To optimize the fusion parameters of the ensemble learning classifiers, a hybridized spoofing optimization method is developed by combining the characteristics of corvid and gregarious-seeking agents. The evaluation of the model's effectiveness yielded the following results: 98.9 ± 0.3% accuracy, 98.2 ± 0.7% sensitivity, 98.6 ± 0.6% specificity, 98.6 ± 0.6% precision, and an F1 measure of 98.9 ± 0.6%. When compared with other state-of-the-art techniques applied to the same dataset, this novel strategy demonstrated one of the most effective seizure detection systems, as evidenced by these results.}, } @article {pmid37952928, year = {2024}, author = {Gutema, BT and Levecke, B and Sorrie, MB and Megersa, ND and Zewdie, TH and Yesera, GE and De Henauw, S and Abubakar, A and Abbeddou, S}, title = {Effectiveness of intermittent iron and high-dose vitamin A supplementation on cognitive development of school children in southern Ethiopia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.}, journal = {The American journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {119}, number = {2}, pages = {470-484}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.005}, pmid = {37952928}, issn = {1938-3207}, mesh = {Child ; Female ; Humans ; Cognition ; Dietary Supplements ; Ethiopia ; *Iron ; *Iron Deficiencies ; Vitamin A ; Vitamins ; Male ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Iron is an essential mineral whose deficiency results in cognitive alteration, impaired emotional behaviors, and altered myelination and neurotransmission. In animal models, it has been shown that vitamin A (VA) could affect cognition.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent iron and VA supplementation on cognitive development of schoolchildren, and to assess the interaction between these supplementations.

METHODS: Considering a 2 × 2 factorial design, 504 children were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 arms: placebo VA and placebo iron supplement; high-dose vitamin VA and placebo iron supplement; iron supplement and placebo VA; and iron and high-dose vitamin VA supplements. Cognitive development was assessed using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, digit span, Tower of London, and visual search tasks.

RESULTS: The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] age of the enrolled children was 9.6 (±1.6) y. One-fifth of the children had iron deficiency or anemia, whereas 2.9%, 3.9%, and 12.1% of children had low iron stores, iron deficiency anemia, and VA deficiency, respectively. Intermittent iron supplementation did not result in any significant improvement of children's cognitive development and had a negative effect on the performance index of the visual search task compared with placebo (-0.17 SD, 95% confidence interval: -0.32, -0.02). Effects were evident among children with stunting, thinness, or children coming from understimulating home environments. High-dose VA supplementation resulted in a significant improvement of digit span z-score with a mean difference of 0.30 SD (95% confidence interval: 0.14, 0.46) compared with placebo VA. VA had a more beneficial impact for girls, children infected with helminths, and those from food secure households.

CONCLUSION: In a population where the prevalence of iron deficiency is low, intermittent iron supplementation did not have any or negative effect on the child's cognitive development outcomes. Conversely, VA supplementation improved the child's working memory.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04137354 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04137354).}, } @article {pmid37947547, year = {2023}, author = {Keene, S and Allen, S and McCormick, AKHG and Trottier, C and Bull Shows, B and Hallett, J and Deernose, R and Held, S}, title = {Developing and Implementing a Culturally Consonant Treatment Fidelity Support Plan with the Apsáalooke Nation.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {20}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {37947547}, issn = {1660-4601}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {United States ; Humans ; Behavior Therapy ; *Self-Management ; Chronic Disease ; *Health Services, Indigenous ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; }, abstract = {Treatment fidelity remains underreported in health intervention research, particularly among Indigenous communities. One explanation for this gap is the lack of culturally consonant strategies listed in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Behavior Change Consortium (BCC) treatment fidelity framework, the gold standard for understanding and measuring fidelity. This paper focuses on the development and implementation of a culturally consonant treatment fidelity support plan across two of the five BCC fidelity areas, provider training and treatment delivery, within a chronic illness self-management program for the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. Our team selected and adapted strategies from, and added strategies to, the BCC framework, that centered on relational accountability and the Apsáalooke culture. To be culturally consonant, we approached treatment fidelity as supporting Aakbaabaaniilea (Apsáalooke program facilitators) rather than monitoring them. This resulted in the development of a fifth treatment fidelity area: building and fostering relationships. We propose that fidelity to relational accountability is the foundation of successful programs in Indigenous communities. This suggests an important shift from tracking what was conducted in an intervention to prioritizing how things were conducted. We encourage others to view the BCC framework as a starting point in developing fidelity strategies that are consonant with local cultures.}, } @article {pmid37945911, year = {2024}, author = {Bastos, APM}, title = {Crows make optimal choices based on relative probabilities.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, pages = {207-208}, pmid = {37945911}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {*Crows ; *Choice Behavior ; Animals ; Probability ; Reward ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {A recent study by Johnston, Brecht, and Nieder (2023, Current Biology, 33, 3238-3243) finds that carrion crows associate varying rates of reinforcement with novel arbitrary stimuli and make optimal decisions when they must later choose between stimulus pairs. These results demonstrate that crows are capable of not only storing information about reward probabilities in their memory but also making optimal choices based on this information even a month later.}, } @article {pmid37932494, year = {2023}, author = {Apostel, A and Panichello, M and Buschman, TJ and Rose, J}, title = {Corvids optimize working memory by categorizing continuous stimuli.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {1122}, pmid = {37932494}, issn = {2399-3642}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Brain ; Cognition ; *Songbirds ; Primates ; }, abstract = {Working memory (WM) is a crucial element of the higher cognition of primates and corvid songbirds. Despite its importance, WM has a severely limited capacity and is vulnerable to noise. In primates, attractor dynamics mitigate the effect of noise by discretizing continuous information. Yet, it remains unclear whether similar dynamics are seen in avian brains. Here, we show jackdaws (Corvus monedula) have similar behavioral biases as humans; memories are less precise and more biased as memory demands increase. Model-based analysis reveal discrete attractors are evenly spread across the stimulus space. Altogether, our comparative approach suggests attractor dynamics in primates and corvids mitigate the effect of noise by systematically drifting towards specific attractors. By demonstrating this effect in an evolutionary distant species, our results strengthen attractor dynamics as general, adaptive biological principle to efficiently use WM.}, } @article {pmid37929861, year = {2023}, author = {Morales, C and Flores Ferro, E and Osorio, J and Maureira Cid, F}, title = {[Independence of the anthropometric profile, attention and intelligence in higher education students in the field of physical activity in Chile].}, journal = {Nutricion hospitalaria}, volume = {40}, number = {6}, pages = {1246-1252}, doi = {10.20960/nh.04719}, pmid = {37929861}, issn = {1699-5198}, mesh = {Humans ; Chile ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Anthropometry ; *Body Composition ; *Exercise ; Intelligence ; Students ; Attention ; }, abstract = {Introduction: kinanthropometry is the current science that studies body parameters in relation to its functioning (such as body composition, proportionality, somatotype, etc.), with established norms, techniques and criteria. Objective: to relate anthropometric profile, attention and problem solving in higher education students in the field of physical activity in Chile. Method: quantitative-correlational approach, with non-experimental and cross-sectional design. Results: there is no significant relationship between body composition (body masses) and cognitive tests (attention and Raven). Regarding anthropometric data (body composition), no significant differences were observed between the sexes for any parameter. Conclusion: it can be deduced that the results of the cognitive factors may be associated with other variables, and not specifically with the variables that may affect anthropometric parameters. These are very interesting topics for future studies, so it is suggested to continue studying cognitive abilities with other variables.}, } @article {pmid37919347, year = {2023}, author = {Han, Y and Li, C and Wang, R and Zhang, J and Wu, F and Zhao, J and Yan, S and Liu, Q and Pan, Y}, title = {A new Chinese crow's feet grading scale based on the DermaTOP system.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {18903}, pmid = {37919347}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Humans ; *Cosmetics ; East Asian People ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Many Chinese wrinkle studies continue to use non-Chinese scales because few Chinese-based wrinkle scales have been developed. The study aims to develop a crow's feet grading scale for Chinese individuals. We enrolled 608 healthy Chinese subjects and measured data through the DermaTOP system. We chose exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to reduce the dimensions of the data. A three-factor structure was obtained by using EFA, and it explained a cumulative total of 89.551% of the variance. A computational formula was obtained by calculating the total factor tilt scores and taking the variance contribution rate of three factors as the weight. Based on the computational formula, a grading map was designed and tested. The model validation was conducted using both subjective assessments from the expert panel and objective results from the model calculations. The results showed that our grading scale model is stable. This study developed a Chinese crow's feet (CCF) grading scale, which included a parameter, a grading map, and literal descriptions. The CCF grading scale is a validated tool for evaluating the effects of cosmetics or specific therapies. More importantly, the CCF scale was developed based on objective data, which may inspire new ideas for wrinkle grading scale development in the future.}, } @article {pmid37907616, year = {2023}, author = {Kannoth, S and Ali, N and Prasanth, GK and Arvind, K and Mohany, M and Hembrom, PS and Sadanandan, S and Vasu, DA and Grace, T}, title = {Transcriptome analysis of Corvus splendens reveals a repertoire of antimicrobial peptides.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {18728}, pmid = {37907616}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; Antimicrobial Peptides ; Staphylococcus aureus/genetics ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Cathelicidins/chemistry ; Transcriptome ; }, abstract = {Multidrug resistance has become a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial peptides have been acknowledged as potential leads for prospective anti-infectives. Owing to their scavenging lifestyle, Corvus splendens is thought to have developed robust immunity to pathogens found in their diet, implying that they have evolved mechanisms to resist infection. In the current study, the transcriptome of C. splendens was sequenced, and de novo assembled to identify the presence of antimicrobial peptide genes. 72.09 million high-quality clean reads were obtained which were then de novo assembled into 3,43,503 transcripts and 74,958 unigenes. About 37,559 unigenes were successfully annotated using SwissProt, Pfam, GO, and KEGG databases. A search against APD3, CAMPR3 and LAMP databases identified 63 AMP candidates belonging to more than 20 diverse families and functional classes. mRNA of AvBD-2, AvBD-13 and CATH-2 were found to be differentially expressed between the three tested crows as well as among the tissues. We also characterized Corvus Cathelicidin 2 (CATH-2) to gain knowledge of its antimicrobial mechanisms. The CD spectroscopy of synthesized mature Corvus CATH-2 peptide displayed an amphipathic α-helical structure. Though the synthetic CATH-2 caused hemolysis of human RBC, it also exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and B. cereus. Docking simulation results revealed that this peptide could bind to the LPS binding site of MD-2, which may prevent LPS from entering the MD-2 binding pocket, and trigger TLR4 signaling pathway. The Corvus CATH-2 characterized in this study could aid in the development of novel therapeutics.}, } @article {pmid37903802, year = {2023}, author = {Spironelli, C and Marino, M and Mantini, D and Montalti, R and Craven, AR and Ersland, L and Angrilli, A and Hugdahl, K}, title = {fMRI fluctuations within the language network are correlated with severity of hallucinatory symptoms in schizophrenia.}, journal = {Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany)}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {75}, pmid = {37903802}, issn = {2754-6993}, abstract = {Although schizophrenia (SZ) represents a complex multiform psychiatric disorder, one of its most striking symptoms are auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH). While the neurophysiological origin of this pervasive symptom has been extensively studied, there is so far no consensus conclusion on the neural correlates of the vulnerability to hallucinate. With a network-based fMRI approach, following the hypothesis of altered hemispheric dominance (Crow, 1997), we expected that LN alterations might result in self-other distinction impairments in SZ patients, and lead to the distressing subjective experiences of hearing voices. We used the independent component analysis of resting-state fMRI data, to first analyze LN connectivity in three groups of participants: SZ patients with and without hallucinations (AVH/D+ and AVH/D-, respectively), and a matched healthy control (HC) group. Then, we assessed the fMRI fluctuations using additional analyses based on fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency-Fluctuations (fALFF), both at the network- and region of interest (ROI)-level. Specific LN nodes were recruited in the right hemisphere (insula and Broca homologous area) for AVH/D+ , but not for HC and AVH/D-, consistent with a left hemisphere deficit in AVH patients. The fALFF analysis at the ROI level showed a negative correlation between fALFF Slow-4 and P1 Delusions PANSS subscale and a positive correlation between the fALFF Slow-5 and P3 Hallucination PANSS subscale for AVH/D+ only. These effects were not a consequence of structural differences between groups, as morphometric analysis did not evidence any group differences. Given the role of language as an emerging property resulting from the integration of many high-level cognitive processes and the underlying cortical areas, our results suggest that LN features from fMRI connectivity and fluctuations can be a marker of neurophysiological features characterizing SZ patients depending on their vulnerability to hallucinate.}, } @article {pmid37903264, year = {2023}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Nieder, A}, title = {Association neurons in the crow telencephalon link visual signs to numerical values.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {120}, number = {45}, pages = {e2313923120}, pmid = {37903264}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {NI 618/12-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Phylogeny ; Brain/physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon ; }, abstract = {Many animals can associate signs with numerical values and use these signs in a goal-directed way during task performance. However, the neuronal basis of this semantic association has only rarely been investigated, and so far only in primates. How mechanisms of number associations are implemented in the distinctly evolved brains of other animal taxa such as birds is currently unknown. Here, we explored this semantic number-sign mapping by recording single-neuron activity in the crows' nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a brain structure critically involved in avian numerical cognition. Crows were trained to associate visual shapes with varying numbers of items in a number production task. The responses of many NCL neurons during stimulus presentation reflected the numerical values associated with visual shapes in a behaviorally relevant way. Consistent with the crow's better behavioral performance with signs, neuronal representations of numerical values extracted from shapes were more selective compared to those from dot arrays. The existence of number association neurons in crows points to a phylogenetic preadaptation of the brains of cognitively advanced vertebrates to link visual shapes with numerical meaning.}, } @article {pmid37896802, year = {2023}, author = {Nath, BK and Das, T and Peters, A and Gupta, SD and Sarker, S and Forwood, JK and Raidal, SR and Das, S}, title = {Australasian Pigeon Circoviruses Demonstrate Natural Spillover Infection.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {37896802}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae ; *Circovirus/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Australia/epidemiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Genome, Viral ; *Circoviridae Infections ; *Bird Diseases ; }, abstract = {Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is considered to be genetically diverse, with a relatively small circular single-stranded DNA genome of 2 kb that encodes for a capsid protein (Cap) and a replication initiator protein (Rep). Australasia is known to be the origin of diverse species of the Order Columbiformes, but limited data on the PiCV genome sequence has hindered phylogeographic studies in this species. To fill this gap, this study was conducted to investigate PiCV in 118 characteristic samples from different birds across Australia using PCR and sequencing. Eighteen partial PiCV Rep sequences and one complete PiCV genome sequence were recovered from reservoir and aberrant hosts. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that PiCV circulating in Australia was scattered across three different subclades. Importantly, one subclade dominated within the PiCV sequenced from Australia and Poland, whereas other PiCV sequenced in this study were more closely related to the PiCV sequenced from China, USA and Japan. In addition, PiCV Rep sequences obtained from clinically affected plumed whistling duck, blue billed duck and Australian magpie demonstrated natural spillover of PiCV unveiled host generalist characteristics of the pigeon circovirus. These findings indicate that PiCV genomes circulating in Australia lack host adapted population structure but demonstrate natural spillover infection.}, } @article {pmid37894259, year = {2023}, author = {Martelli, L and Fornasiero, D and Scarton, F and Spada, A and Scolamacchia, F and Manca, G and Mulatti, P}, title = {Study of the Interface between Wild Bird Populations and Poultry and Their Potential Role in the Spread of Avian Influenza.}, journal = {Microorganisms}, volume = {11}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {37894259}, issn = {2076-2607}, abstract = {Water birds play a crucial role in disseminating and amplifying avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the environment. However, they may have limited interactions with domestic facilities, raising the hypothesis that other wild birds may play the bridging role in introducing AIVs into poultry. An ornithocoenosis study, based on census-transect and camera-trapping methods, was conducted in 2019 in ten poultry premises in northeast Italy to characterize the bird communities and envisage the species that might act as bridge hosts for AIVs. The data collected were explored through a series of multivariate analyses (correspondence analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling), and biodiversity indices (observed and estimated richness, Shannon entropy and Pielou's evenness). The analyses revealed a high level of complexity in the ornithic population, with 147 censused species, and significant qualitative and quantitative differences in wild bird species composition, both in space and in time. Among these, only a few were observed in close proximity to the farm premises (i.e., Magpies, Blackbirds, Cattle Egrets, Pheasants, Eurasian Collared Doves, and Wood Pigeons), thus suggesting their potential role in spilling over AIVs to poultry; contrarily, waterfowls appeared to be scarcely inclined to close visits, especially during autumn and winter seasons. These findings stress the importance of ongoing research on the wild-domestic bird interface, advocating for a wider range of species to be considered in AIVs surveillance and prevention programs.}, } @article {pmid37887616, year = {2023}, author = {Bruck, HA and Gupta, SK}, title = {A Retrospective of Project Robo Raven: Developing New Capabilities for Enhancing the Performance of Flapping Wing Aerial Vehicles.}, journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37887616}, issn = {2313-7673}, support = {FA9550-12-1-0158 and FA9550-15-1-0350//United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research/ ; }, abstract = {Flapping Wing Air Vehicles (FWAVs) have proven to be attractive alternatives to fixed wing and rotary air vehicles at low speeds because of their bio-inspired ability to hover and maneuver. However, in the past, they have not been able to reach their full potential due to limitations in wing control and payload capacity, which also has limited endurance. Many previous FWAVs used a single actuator that couples and synchronizes motions of the wings to flap both wings, resulting in only variable rate flapping control at a constant amplitude. Independent wing control is achieved using two servo actuators that enable wing motions for FWAVs by programming positions and velocities to achieve desired wing shapes and associated aerodynamic forces. However, having two actuators integrated into the flying platform significantly increases its weight and makes it more challenging to achieve flight than a single actuator. This article presents a retrospective overview of five different designs from the "Robo Raven" family based on our previously published work. The first FWAVs utilize two servo motors to achieve independent wing control. The basic platform is capable of successfully performing dives, flips, and button hook turns, which demonstrates the potential maneuverability afforded by the independently actuated and controlled wings. Subsequent designs in the Robo Raven family were able to use multifunctional wings to harvest solar energy to overcome limitations on endurance, use on-board decision-making capabilities to perform maneuvers autonomously, and use mixed-mode propulsion to increase payload capacity by exploiting the benefits of fixed and flapping wing flight. This article elucidates how each successive version of the Robo Raven platform built upon the findings from previous generations. The Robo Raven family collectively addresses requirements related to control autonomy, energy autonomy, and maneuverability. We conclude this article by identifying new opportunities for research in avian-scale flapping wing aerial vehicles.}, } @article {pmid37886251, year = {2023}, author = {Mirzaghavami, M and Sadraei, J and Pirestani, M and Bahadory, S}, title = {The Role of Some Free-Ranging Animals in the Transmission of Multi-Host Species of Cryptosporidium Spp.}, journal = {Iranian journal of parasitology}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {313-323}, pmid = {37886251}, issn = {1735-7020}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: We aimed to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in rats, cats, pigeons, and crows.

METHODS: Fifty-five animal origin Cryptosporidium spp. genome were identified, genotyped and confirmed by nested PCR and of RFLP-PCR analysis as well as sequenced based on 18s rRNA and gp60 genes in Tehran (2012-2019). Finally, the phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA software (version 7).

RESULTS: By the molecular method, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 24 (15.2%), 15 (15%), 2 (2%) and 13 (13%) cases of wild rats, cat, pigeon, and crow, respectively. Among the identified species by the RFLP pattern, most isolates were identified as C. parvum (24/157) 17.8% in rats, (15/100) 15% in cats, (13/100) 13%in crew and (2/100) 2% in pigeons; and the rest of the cases were C. muris and C. felis. The results of sequencing did not prove the existence of C. parvum, C. felis, C. muris, and rat genotype. Subtyping of C. parvum was indicated that the dominant subtype family belongs to the IId family and the subtype A20G1 was the most common subtype detected in all hosts while A19G1 was detected in one isolate of cat and pigeon.

CONCLUSION: Free-ranging animals are infected by species/subtype of Cryptosporidium, which can infect humans. This shows by itself the hygienic importance of the free-ranging animals in urban ecosystems. In the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, the multi-host Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum, C. felis, and C. muris can be transferred potentially from these animals to humans.}, } @article {pmid37883792, year = {2023}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Nieder, A}, title = {Numerical Representation for Action in Crows Obeys the Weber-Fechner Law.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {34}, number = {12}, pages = {1322-1335}, doi = {10.1177/09567976231201624}, pmid = {37883792}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Male ; Differential Threshold ; *Crows ; Cognition ; Judgment ; Neurons ; }, abstract = {The psychophysical laws governing the judgment of perceived numbers of objects or events, called the number sense, have been studied in detail. However, the behavioral principles of equally important numerical representations for action are largely unexplored in both humans and animals. We trained two male carrion crows (Corvus corone) to judge numerical values of instruction stimuli from one to five and to flexibly perform a matching number of pecks. Our quantitative analysis of the crows' number production performance shows the same behavioral regularities that have previously been demonstrated for the judgment of sensory numerosity, such as the numerical distance effect, the numerical magnitude effect, and the logarithmical compression of the number line. The presence of these psychophysical phenomena in crows producing number of pecks suggests a unified sensorimotor number representation system underlying the judgment of the number of external stimuli and internally generated actions.}, } @article {pmid37875131, year = {2024}, author = {Hamilton, JB and Abiri, A and Nicolas, CA and Grant, EJ and Best, NC}, title = {Black Appalachia's Oldest Old: Untold Stories of Experienced Racism and Coping With Religious Practices/Beliefs.}, journal = {The Gerontologist}, volume = {64}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/geront/gnad143}, pmid = {37875131}, issn = {1758-5341}, mesh = {Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Adaptation, Psychological ; Black or African American ; *Racism ; *Religion ; United States ; Male ; Aged ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Racism and religion are recognized as prevailing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). To explore ways in which racism and religion looms in the daily lives of African Americans, we analyzed the experiences of African Americans born during the Jim Crow years and living in the Southern Appalachian Region of the United States.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-seven African Americans participated in this qualitative descriptive study that utilized criterion sampling, open-ended semistructured interviews, and content analysis to identify a typology of categories related to experienced racism and ways in which religion was used in response to those experiences.

RESULTS: Participants were an average age of 82.22 years (SD = 5.07); primarily women (n = 19, 70.4%); married (n = 11, 40.7%); junior high school (n = 6, 22.2%), high school or general educational diploma (n = 7, 25.9%), completed college or professional school (n = 6, 22.2%); were retired (n = 27, 100.0%); and affiliated with Baptist churches (n = 18, 66.7%). Experiences with racism included inequities in healthcare and education, and racially motivated physical violence. Religious practices/beliefs included forgiveness, humility, and humanity.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Racism experienced by African American participants was likely countered by religious practices/beliefs inspired through intergenerational teachings with affiliations to the Black Church. These experiences of the oldest old) African Americans living in communities of the Southern Appalachia, United States, illustrate the pervasive nature of racism. The religious beliefs that are frequently transmitted intergenerationally through the Black Church are relevant to understand present-day encounters with racism among African Americans and possibly other communities of color.}, } @article {pmid37864481, year = {2023}, author = {Badás, EP and Bauch, C and Boonekamp, JJ and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {Ectoparasite presence and brood size manipulation interact to accelerate telomere shortening in nestling jackdaws.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {32}, number = {24}, pages = {6913-6923}, doi = {10.1111/mec.17177}, pmid = {37864481}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {8444403//European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie/ ; BA 5422/1-1//DFG fellowship/ ; 823.01.009//NWO/ ; 823.01.006//NWO/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Telomere Shortening/genetics ; Stress, Physiological ; Telomere/genetics ; }, abstract = {Early-life conditions impact fitness, but whether the combined effect of extrinsic stressors is additive or synergistic is not well known. This is a major knowledge gap because exposure to multiple stressors is frequent. Telomere dynamics may be instrumental when testing how stressors interact because many factors affect telomere shortening, and telomere shortening predicts survival. We evaluated the effect of manipulated brood size and natural infestation by the carnid fly Carnus hemapterus on nestling growth and telomere shortening of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Telomere length, measured in blood using TRF, shortened on average by 264 bp, and on average, Carnus infection induced more telomere shortening. Further analyses showed that in enlarged broods, nestlings' telomeres shortened more when parasitized, while in reduced broods there was no effect of infection on telomere shortening. We conclude that there is a synergistic effect of number of siblings and Carnus infection on telomere shortening rate: blood-sucking parasites may negatively impact telomeres by increasing cell proliferation and/or physiological stress, and coping with infection may be less successful in enlarged broods with increased sibling competition. Larger nestlings had shorter telomeres independent of age, brood manipulation or infection. Growth was independent of infestation but in enlarged broods, nestlings were lighter at fledging. Our findings indicate that (i) evaluating consequences of early-life environmental conditions in isolation may not yield a full picture due to synergistic effects, and (ii) effects of environmental conditions may be cryptic, for example, on telomeres, with fitness consequences expressed beyond the temporal framework of the study.}, } @article {pmid37863938, year = {2023}, author = {Pendergraft, LT and Marzluff, JM and Cross, DJ and Shimizu, T and Templeton, CN}, title = {American crows that excel at tool use activate neural circuits distinct from less talented individuals.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {6539}, pmid = {37863938}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {S10 OD017980/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Adult ; Female ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; Hippocampus ; }, abstract = {Tools enable animals to exploit and command new resources. However, the neural circuits underpinning tool use and how neural activity varies with an animal's tool proficiency, are only known for humans and some other primates. We use 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to image the brain activity of naïve vs trained American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) when presented with a task requiring the use of stone tools. As in humans, talent affects the neural circuits activated by crows as they prepare to execute the task. Naïve and less proficient crows use neural circuits associated with sensory- and higher-order processing centers (the mesopallium and nidopallium), while highly proficient individuals increase activity in circuits associated with motor learning and tactile control (hippocampus, tegmentum, nucleus basorostralis, and cerebellum). Greater proficiency is found primarily in adult female crows and may reflect their need to use more cognitively complex strategies, like tool use, to obtain food.}, } @article {pmid37862096, year = {2023}, author = {Bahafid, E and Bradtmöller, I and Thies, AM and Nguyen, TTON and Gutierrez, C and Desvoyes, B and Stahl, Y and Blilou, I and Simon, RGW}, title = {The Arabidopsis SHORTROOT network coordinates shoot apical meristem development with auxin-dependent lateral organ initiation.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {37862096}, issn = {2050-084X}, mesh = {*Arabidopsis/metabolism ; Meristem ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Homeodomain Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Cyclins/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Plants produce new organs post-embryonically throughout their entire life cycle. This is due to stem cells present in the shoot and root apical meristems, the SAM and RAM, respectively. In the SAM, stem cells are located in the central zone where they divide slowly. Stem cell daughters are displaced laterally and enter the peripheral zone, where their mitotic activity increases and lateral organ primordia are formed. How the spatial arrangement of these different domains is initiated and controlled during SAM growth and development, and how sites of lateral organ primordia are determined in the peripheral zone is not yet completely understood. We found that the SHORTROOT (SHR) transcription factor together with its target transcription factors SCARECROW (SCR), SCARECROW-LIKE23 (SCL23) and JACKDAW (JKD), promotes formation of lateral organs and controls shoot meristem size. SHR, SCR, SCL23, and JKD are expressed in distinct, but partially overlapping patterns in the SAM. They can physically interact and activate expression of key cell cycle regulators such as CYCLIND6;1 (CYCD6;1) to promote the formation of new cell layers. In the peripheral zone, auxin accumulates at sites of lateral organ primordia initiation and activates SHR expression via the auxin response factor MONOPTEROS (MP) and auxin response elements in the SHR promoter. In the central zone, the SHR-target SCL23 physically interacts with the key stem cell regulator WUSCHEL (WUS) to promote stem cell fate. Both SCL23 and WUS expression are subject to negative feedback regulation from stem cells through the CLAVATA signaling pathway. Together, our findings illustrate how SHR-dependent transcription factor complexes act in different domains of the shoot meristem to mediate cell division and auxin dependent organ initiation in the peripheral zone, and coordinate this activity with stem cell maintenance in the central zone of the SAM.}, } @article {pmid37857541, year = {2023}, author = {Prinja, S and Bahuguna, P and Singh, MP and Guinness, L and Goyal, A and Aggarwal, V}, title = {Refining the provider payment system of India's government-funded health insurance programme: an econometric analysis.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e076155}, pmid = {37857541}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {Humans ; *Insurance, Health ; *Health Care Costs ; Hospital Costs ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Government ; India ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Reimbursement rates in national health insurance schemes are frequently weighted to account for differences in the costs of service provision. To determine weights for a differential case-based payment system under India's publicly financed national health insurance scheme, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), by exploring and quantifying the influence of supply-side factors on the costs of inpatient admissions and surgical procedures.

DESIGN: Exploratory analysis using regression-based cost function on data from a multisite health facility costing study-the Cost of Health Services in India (CHSI) Study.

SETTING: The CHSI Study sample included 11 public sector tertiary care hospitals, 27 public sector district hospitals providing secondary care and 16 private hospitals, from 11 Indian states.

PARTICIPANTS: 521 sites from 57 healthcare facilities in 11 states of India.

INTERVENTIONS: Medical and surgical packages of PM-JAY.

The cost per bed-day and cost per surgical procedure were regressed against a range of factors to be considered as weights including hospital location, presence of a teaching function and ownership. In addition, capacity utilisation, number of beds, specialist mix, state gross domestic product, State Health Index ranking and volume of patients across the sample were included as variables in the models. Given the skewed data, cost variables were log-transformed for some models.

RESULTS: The estimated mean costs per inpatient bed-day and per procedure were 2307 and 10 686 Indian rupees, respectively. Teaching status, annual hospitalisation, bed size, location of hospital and average length of hospitalisation significantly determine the inpatient bed-day cost, while location of hospital and teaching status determine the procedure costs. Cost per bed-day of teaching hospitals was 38-143.4% higher than in non-teaching hospitals. Similarly, cost per bed-day was 1.3-89.7% higher in tier 1 cities, and 19.5-77.3% higher in tier 2 cities relative to tier 3 cities, respectively. Finally, cost per surgical procedure was higher by 10.6-144.6% in teaching hospitals than non-teaching hospitals; 12.9-171.7% higher in tier 1 cities; and 33.4-140.9% higher in tier 2 cities compared with tier 3 cities, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Our study findings support and validate the recently introduced differential provider payment system under the PM-JAY. While our results are indicative of heterogeneity in hospital costs, other considerations of how these weights will affect coverage, quality, cost containment, as well as create incentives and disincentives for provider and consumer behaviour, and integrate with existing price mark-ups for other factors, should be considered to determine the future revisions in the differential pricing scheme.}, } @article {pmid37846601, year = {2023}, author = {Blackburn, G and Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Woodiss-Field, S and Ridley, AR}, title = {Cognition mediates response to anthropogenic noise in wild Western Australian magpies (Gmynorhina tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {29}, number = {24}, pages = {6912-6930}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.16975}, pmid = {37846601}, issn = {1365-2486}, support = {//Ada Jackson Irwin Street Commemoration Award/ ; //Australian Government Research Training Program/ ; //Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Australia ; Noise/adverse effects ; Animals, Wild ; Cognition ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Anthropogenic noise is a pollutant of growing concern, with wide-ranging effects on taxa across ecosystems. Until recently, studies investigating the effects of anthropogenic noise on animals focused primarily on population-level consequences, rather than individual-level impacts. Individual variation in response to anthropogenic noise may result from extrinsic or intrinsic factors. One such intrinsic factor, cognitive performance, varies between individuals and is hypothesised to aid behavioural response to novel stressors. Here, we combine cognitive testing, behavioural focals and playback experiments to investigate how anthropogenic noise affects the behaviour and anti-predator response of Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis), and to determine whether this response is linked to cognitive performance. We found a significant population-level effect of anthropogenic noise on the foraging effort, foraging efficiency, vigilance, vocalisation rate and anti-predator response of magpies, with birds decreasing their foraging, vocalisation behaviours and anti-predator response, and increasing vigilance when loud anthropogenic noise was present. We also found that individuals varied in their response to playbacks depending on their cognitive performance, with individuals that performed better in an associative learning task maintaining their anti-predator response when an alarm call was played in anthropogenic noise. Our results add to the growing body of literature documenting the adverse effects of anthropogenic noise on wildlife and provide the first evidence for an association between individual cognitive performance and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise.}, } @article {pmid37846510, year = {2024}, author = {Blanchet, G and Bellinger, MR and Kearns, AM and Cortes-Rodriguez, N and Masuda, B and Campana, MG and Rutz, C and Fleischer, RC and Sutton, JT}, title = {Reduction of genetic diversity in 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow; Corvus hawaiiensis) between the late 1800s and the late 1900s.}, journal = {The Journal of heredity}, volume = {115}, number = {1}, pages = {32-44}, doi = {10.1093/jhered/esad063}, pmid = {37846510}, issn = {1465-7333}, support = {BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Hawaii ; Inbreeding ; Genome ; Endangered Species ; }, abstract = {Genetic and genomic data are increasingly used to aid conservation management of endangered species by providing insights into evolutionary histories, factors associated with extinction risks, and potential for future adaptation. For the 'Alalā, or Hawaiian crow (Corvus hawaiiensis), genetic concerns include negative correlations between inbreeding and hatching success. However, it is unclear if low genetic diversity and inbreeding depression are consequences of a historical population bottleneck, or if 'Alalā had historically low genetic diversity that predated human influence, perhaps as a result of earlier declines or founding events. In this study, we applied a hybridization-based sequence capture to generate a genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) dataset for comparing historical specimens collected in the 1890s, when 'Alalā were more numerous, to samples taken between 1973 and 1998, when 'Alalā population densities were near the lowest documented levels in the wild, prior to all individuals being collected for captive rearing. We found low genome-wide diversity in both sample groups, however, the modern sample group (1973 to 1998 cohort) exhibited relatively fewer polymorphic alleles, a lower proportion of polymorphic loci, and lower observed heterozygosity, consistent with a population decline and potential bottleneck effects. These results combined with a current low population size highlight the importance of continued efforts by conservation managers to mitigate inbreeding and maintain founder representation to preserve what genetic diversity remains.}, } @article {pmid37835184, year = {2023}, author = {Calonico, K and De La Rosa-Millan, J}, title = {Digestion-Related Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants (Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and Crotalaria longirostrata).}, journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {37835184}, issn = {2304-8158}, abstract = {Medicinal plants offer a valuable source of natural compounds with specific and selective bioactivity. These compounds have been isolated since the mid-nineteenth century and are now commonly used in modern medications. L. octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven, C. aconitifolius, and C. longirostrata are Mexican medicinal plants consumed regularly, and research has shown that they contain bioactive compounds capable of promoting the inhibition of digestive enzymes. This is noteworthy since enzyme inhibitors are bioactive substances that interact with enzymes, diminishing their activity and thereby contributing to the management of diseases and metabolic disturbances. To investigate the activity of these plants, individual analyses were conducted, assessing their proximal composition, bioactive compounds, and inhibition of α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, lipase, and pepsin. The results revealed that all three plants exhibited enzymatic inhibition. When comparing the plants, it was determined that C. aconitifolius had the lowest concentration required for a 50% inhibition in α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and lipase, as indicated by the IC50 values. For pepsin, C. longirostrata demonstrated the lowest IC50 value. By understanding the bioactive compounds present in these plants, we can establish the relationship they have with enzymatic inhibition, which can be utilized for future investigations.}, } @article {pmid37834970, year = {2023}, author = {Lee, SK and Kim, MS and Kwon, SH and Chung, BY and Han, SH and Kim, HJ}, title = {Efficacy, Safety, and Subject Satisfaction of PrabotulinumtoxinA for Moderate-to-Severe Crow's Feet: A Phase IV, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {12}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {37834970}, issn = {2077-0383}, support = {there is no grant number.//Daewoong Pharmaceutical (South Korea)/ ; }, abstract = {PrabotulinumtoxinA has been identified as an effective agent against crow's feet. Our study, which included Korean patients with moderate to severe crow's feet, was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of PrabotulinumtoxinA and placebo treatments. Of the 90 study participants, 60 received prabotulinumtoxinA (24 U), whereas 30 received a placebo. The primary outcome assessment included facial wrinkle grading by investigators. At week 4, 69.64% of patients in the prabotulinumtoxinA group exhibited minimal crow's feet severity; in contrast, a 0% improvement was observed in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). At week 12, the improvement rates were 30.36% for prabotulinumtoxinA and 6.90% for the placebo, demonstrating a significant difference (p = 0.0152). Based on the independent review panel's assessment at week 4, the improvement rate was 39.29% in the prabotulinumtoxinA group and 3.45% in the placebo group during maximum smiling. Additionally, patient satisfaction was notably higher in the prabotulinumtoxinA group (32.14%) than in the placebo group (10.34%) at week 4 (p = 0.0289). Both treatments displayed comparable safety profiles, with only mild local reactions reported as ADRs for one patient from the prabotulinumtoxinA group. Thus, prabotulinumtoxinA demonstrates significant potential as a potent and safe remedy for crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid37829066, year = {2023}, author = {Xu, Z and Zhang, P and Tu, M and Zhang, M and Lai, Y}, title = {Brain optimization with additional study time: potential brain differences between high- and low-performance college students.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1209881}, pmid = {37829066}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {This study investigates potential differences in brain function among high-, average-, and low-performance college students using electroencephalography (EEG). We hypothesize that the increased academic engagement of high-performance students will lead to discernible EEG variations due to the brain's structural plasticity. 61 third-year college students from identical majors were divided into high-performance (n = 20), average-performance (n = 21), and low-performance (n = 20) groups based on their academic achievements. We conducted three EEG experiments: resting state, Sternberg working memory task, and Raven progressive matrix task. Comprehensive analyses of the EEG data from the three experiments focused on power spectral density (PSD) and functional connectivity, with coherence (COH) employed as our primary metric for the latter. The results showed that in all experiments, there were no differences in working memory ability and IQ scores among the groups, and there were no significant differences in the power spectral densities of the delta, theta, alpha1, alpha2, beta, and gamma bands among the groups. Notably, on the Raven test, compared to their high-performing peers, low-performing students showed enhanced functional connectivity in the alpha 1 (8-9 Hz) band that connects the frontal and occipital lobes. We explored three potential explanations for this phenomenon: fatigue, anxiety, and greater cognitive effort required for problem-solving due to inefficient self-regulation and increased susceptibility to distraction. In essence, these insights not only deepen our understanding of the neural basis that anchors academic ability, but also hold promise in guiding interventions that address students' diverse academic needs.}, } @article {pmid37823489, year = {2023}, author = {Toyoshima, M and Nakaoji, K and Hamada, K and Yamanaka, A and Inaba, Y and Muraoka, K and Tohsuji, E and Sakakibara, K and Saji, N and Jinnin, M}, title = {Analysis of skin aging patterns using a facial imaging system in patients with atopic dermatitis.}, journal = {European journal of dermatology : EJD}, volume = {33}, number = {4}, pages = {383-393}, doi = {10.1684/ejd.2023.4528}, pmid = {37823489}, issn = {1952-4013}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/diagnostic imaging ; Face/diagnostic imaging ; Aging ; Skin ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There are few studies on skin aging in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the characteristics of facial skin aging in AD patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Using facial images obtained by a digital imaging system (VISIA evolution), we compared the severity scores for 10 aging signs in 53 women in the AD group and 29 women in the healthy control group, all 35-49 years old.

RESULTS: The severity scores for fine lines on the forehead, periorbital wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and texture of the mouth contour were significantly higher in the AD group than in the controls. However, in order to exclude a direct effect of dermatitis at the time of measurement, cases with signs of AD at the evaluation site were excluded from the AD group (defined as the AD [non-lesion] group), revealing no statistical significance between the AD (non-lesion) group and the healthy control group for any of the 10 facial signs. Age subset analysis showed that for individuals in their late 40s, the AD (non-lesion) group exhibited significantly higher scores for crow's feet wrinkle and nasolabial fold compared to the healthy control group. Furthermore, these two scores correlated with one other, suggesting that they may be induced by the same factors.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that skin aging associated with AD is prominent in areas prone to transient wrinkling by frequent blinking and speaking or facial expressions. Understanding of the need for appropriate AD treatment from a cosmetic perspective may increase patient adherence.}, } @article {pmid37822735, year = {2023}, author = {Carter, MQ and Quiñones, B and Laniohan, N and Carychao, D and Pham, A and He, X and Cooley, M}, title = {Pathogenicity assessment of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strains isolated from wild birds in a major agricultural region in California.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1214081}, pmid = {37822735}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) consists of diverse strains differing in genetic make-up and virulence potential. To better understand the pathogenicity potential of STEC carried by the wildlife, three STEC and one E. coli strains isolated from wild birds near a major agricultural region in California were selected for comparative pathogenomic analyses. Three American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) strains, RM9088, RM9513, and RM10410, belonging to phylogroup A with serotypes O109:H48, O9:H30, and O113:H4, respectively, and a red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) strain RM14516 in phylogroup D with serotype O17:H18, were examined. Shiga toxin genes were identified in RM9088 (stx1a), RM10410 (stx1a + stx2d), and RM14516 (stx2a). Unlike STEC O157:H7 strain EDL933, none of the avian STEC strains harbored the pathogenicity islands OI-122, OI-57, and the locus of enterocyte effacement, therefore the type III secretion system biogenesis genes and related effector genes were absent in the three avian STEC genomes. Interestingly, all avian STEC strains exhibited greater (RM9088 and RM14516) or comparable (RM10410) cytotoxicity levels compared with EDL933. Comparative pathogenomic analyses revealed that RM9088 harbored numerous genes encoding toxins, toxins delivery systems, and adherence factors, including heat-labile enterotoxin, serine protease autotransporter toxin Pic, type VI secretion systems, protein adhesin Paa, fimbrial adhesin K88, and colonization factor antigen I. RM9088 also harbored a 36-Kb high pathogenicity island, which is related to iron acquisition and pathogenicity in Yersinia spp. Strain RM14516 carried an acid fitness island like the one in EDL933, containing a nine gene cluster involved in iron acquisition. Genes encoding extracellular serine protease EspP, subtilase cytotoxin, F1C fimbriae, and inverse autotransporter adhesin IatC were only detected in RM14516, and genes encoding serine protease autotransporter EspI and P fimbriae were only identified in RM10410. Although all curli genes were present in avian STEC strains, production of curli fimbriae was only detected for RM9088 and RM14516. Consistently, strong, moderate, and little biofilms were observed for RM9088, RM14516, and RM10410, respectively. Our study revealed novel combinations of virulence factors in two avian strains, which exhibited high level of cytotoxicity and strong biofilm formation. Comparative pathogenomics is powerful in assessing pathogenicity and health risk of STEC strains.}, } @article {pmid37818825, year = {2023}, author = {Asrullah, M and Hositanisita, H and L'Hoir, M and Muslimatun, S and Jm Feskens, E and Melse-Boonstra, A}, title = {Intra-uterine exposure to lower maternal haemoglobin concentration is associated with impaired cognitive function in stunted adolescents: results from a 17-year longitudinal cohort study in Indonesia.}, journal = {International journal of food sciences and nutrition}, volume = {74}, number = {8}, pages = {826-835}, doi = {10.1080/09637486.2023.2267792}, pmid = {37818825}, issn = {1465-3478}, mesh = {Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Child ; Longitudinal Studies ; Indonesia/epidemiology ; Cohort Studies ; *Anemia/epidemiology ; Hemoglobins/analysis ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {The long-term impact of maternal anaemia on cognitive performance remains unknown. Indonesian longitudinal cohort data of 363 paired pregnant mothers and their 10-14-year-old offspring were used to investigate the association between maternal haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and their offspring's cognitive function (assessed by Raven's Progressive Matrices test) during adolescence. The weighted anaemia prevalence was 49.3% in pregnant mothers and 22.2% in adolescents. Adolescents who were stunted, anaemic, or living in a rural area had significantly lower cognitive scores than their counterparts. Maternal Hb was not associated with adolescent cognitive function (β: 0.14; 95%CI: -0.052-0.340). However, the effect of maternal Hb concentration on offspring's cognitive function was modified by stunting status (β, stunted: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.05-0.82; non-stunted: 0.01; 95%CI: -0.02-0.24). This study shows adverse cognitive outcomes at adolescent age are likely multi-causal and can be partially explained by intra-uterine exposure to low maternal Hb concentrations.}, } @article {pmid37813941, year = {2023}, author = {Graham, BA and Szabo, I and Cicero, C and Strickland, D and Woods, J and Coneybeare, H and Dohms, KM and Burg, TM}, title = {Habitat and climate influence hybridization among three genetically distinct Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) morphotypes in an avian hybrid zone complex.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {131}, number = {5-6}, pages = {361-373}, pmid = {37813941}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; Climate ; Hybridization, Genetic ; *Picea/genetics ; *Songbirds ; Canada ; }, abstract = {Examining the frequency and distribution of hybrids across contact zones provide insights into the factors mediating hybridization. In this study, we examined the effect of habitat and climate on hybridization patterns for three phenotypically, genetically, and ecologically distinct groups of the Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) in a secondary contact zone in western North America. Additionally, we tested whether the frequency of hybridization involving the three groups (referred to as Boreal, Pacific and Rocky Mountain morphotypes) is similar across the hybrid zones or whether some pairs have hybridized more frequently than others. We reanalyzed microsatellite, mtDNA and plumage data, and new microsatellite and plumage data for 526 individuals to identify putative genetic and phenotypic hybrids. The genetically and phenotypically distinct groups are associated with different habitats and occupy distinct climate niches across the contact zone. Most putative genetic hybrids (86%) had Rocky Mountain ancestry. Hybrids were observed most commonly in intermediate climate niches and in habitats where Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) overlaps broadly with boreal and subalpine tree species. Our finding that hybrids occupy intermediate climate niches relative to parental morphotypes matches patterns for other plant and animal species found in this region. This study demonstrates how habitat and climate influence hybridization patterns in areas of secondary contact and adds to the growing body of research on tri-species hybrid zones.}, } @article {pmid37810349, year = {2023}, author = {Guo, H}, title = {The evaluation of university management performance using the CS-RBM algorithm.}, journal = {PeerJ. Computer science}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {e1575}, pmid = {37810349}, issn = {2376-5992}, abstract = {Amidst the ongoing higher education reforms in China, the escalated investments in colleges and universities underscore the need for an effective assessment of their performance to ensure sustainable development. However, traditional evaluation methods have proven time-consuming and labor-intensive. In response, a novel approach called CS-RBM (Crow Search Restricted Boltzmann Machine) prediction algorithm has been proposed for the educational management of these institutions. By integrating the CS algorithm and an enhanced RBM algorithm, this method facilitates the scoring of project performance indicators, bolstered by insights from user evaluation form reports. The comprehensive project performance is ultimately derived from this combination. Comparative analysis with the standard particle swarm optimization algorithm on public data sets demonstrates a remarkable 45.6% reduction in prediction errors and an impressive 34.7% increase in iteration speed using the CS-RBM algorithm. The accuracy of the tested data set surpasses 98%, validating the efficacy of the CS-RBM algorithm in achieving precise predictions and effective assessments. Consequently, this innovative approach exhibits promising potential for expediting and enhancing the performance evaluation of colleges and universities, contributing significantly to their sustainable development.}, } @article {pmid37808414, year = {2023}, author = {Sen Yavuz, B and Yilmaz, MA and Yilmaz, HN and Agrali, OB and Bilsel, SO and Kargul, B}, title = {Assessment of Relationship between Intelligence Quotient and Orthodontic Treatment Need.}, journal = {Acta stomatologica Croatica}, volume = {57}, number = {3}, pages = {248-255}, pmid = {37808414}, issn = {0001-7019}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Low cognitive ability may reduce the ability to understand the importance of oral health and to perform the necessary practices to maintain proper oral hygiene. Early loss of primary teeth following high caries risk may lead to malocclusion of permanent dentition. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the cognitive levels of adolescents and their orthodontic treatment needs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2018 and May 2018, 200 adolescents aged 10 - 15 who applied to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of Marmara University and sought orthodontic treatment were invited to participate in the study. The orthodontic treatment needs of 150 adolescents who agreed to participate were evaluated with the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need - Aesthetic Component and their cognitive levels were evaluated with the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) Test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The mean age (± standard deviation) of 126 adolescents (77 females and 49 males) who completed the SPM test was 11.8 (± 1.3). There was no consistency between the intellectual level and the need for orthodontic treatment (Kappa value = 0.071, p-value = 0.081). There was no correlation between malocclusion severity and intelligence quotient scores of adolescents (ρ [rho] = -0.089, p = 0.322). According to Multiple logistic regression results, there was no difference between 'borderline need' (p = 0.059) and 'great need' (p = 0.881) from 'no need' for orthodontic treatment in adolescents with different intelligence quotients.

CONCLUSIONS: The results showed no evidence for an association between malocclusion and intelligence quotient.}, } @article {pmid37801469, year = {2024}, author = {Viviano, A and Mori, E and Manzini, J and Paoletti, E and Hoshika, Y and Cotrozzi, L and Pisuttu, C and Risoli, S and Materassi, A and Moura, BB}, title = {The magpie and the grapes: increasing ozone exposure impacts fruit consumption by a common corvid in a suburban environment.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {80}, number = {11}, pages = {5491-5499}, doi = {10.1002/ps.7819}, pmid = {37801469}, issn = {1526-4998}, mesh = {*Vitis ; *Ozone ; Animals ; *Fruit ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Air Pollutants/analysis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Eurasian magpie Pica pica is a resident bird species able to colonize farmlands and anthropized environments. This corvid shows a wide trophic spectrum by including fruits, invertebrates, small vertebrates and carcasses in its diet. A camera-trap experiment was carried out to test the effect of different ozone (O3) concentrations on potted Vitis vinifera plants, which resulted in different grape consumption rates by suburban birds. The test was performed at an Ozone-Free Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) facility, consisting of nine plots with three ozone (O3) levels: AA (ambient O3 concentration); and two elevated O3 levels, 1.5× AA (ambient air with a 50% increase in O3 concentration) and 2.0× AA (ambient air with a 100% increase in O3 concentration). Camera-traps were located in front of each treatment area and kept active for 24 h day[-1] and for 5 days at a time over a period of 3 months to monitor grape consumption by birds.

RESULTS: We collected a total of 38 videos. Eurasian magpies were the only grape consumers, with a total of 6.7 ± 3.3 passages per hour (mean ± SD) and no differences across the different O3 treatments. Grapes in the AA treatment were consumed significantly more quickly than those in the 1.5× AA treatment, which in turn, were consumed faster than those in the 2.0× AA treatment. At 3 days from the start of treatment, 94%, 53% and 22% berries from the AA, 1.5× AA and 2.0× AA treatments had been eaten, respectively. When the O3 was turned off, berries were consumed at the same rate among treatments.

CONCLUSION: Increasing O3 concentrations limited grape consumption by magpies probably because O3 acted as a deterrent for magpies, although the lower sugar content recorded in the 2.0× AA berries did not affect the consumption when O3 was turned off. Our results provided valuable insights to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in suburban environments. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.}, } @article {pmid37801262, year = {2024}, author = {Aashima, and Sharma, R}, title = {A Systematic Review of the World's Largest Government Sponsored Health Insurance Scheme for 500 Million Beneficiaries in India: Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.}, journal = {Applied health economics and health policy}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {17-32}, pmid = {37801262}, issn = {1179-1896}, mesh = {Humans ; *Insurance, Health ; *Hospitals ; Government ; India/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In pursuit of universal health coverage, India has launched the world's largest government-sponsored health insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) in 2018. This study aims to provide a holistic review of the scheme's impact since its inception.

METHODS: We reviewed studies (based on interviews or surveys) published from September 2018 to January 2023, which were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus database. The main outcomes studied were: (1) awareness; (2) utilization of scheme; (3) experiences; (4) financial protection; and (5) challenges encountered by both beneficiaries and healthcare providers.

RESULTS: A total of 18 studies conducted across 14 states and union territories of India were reviewed. The findings revealed that although PM-JAY has become a familiar name, there remains a low level of awareness regarding various facets of the scheme such as benefits entitled, hospitals empanelled, and services covered. The scheme is benefitting the poor and vulnerable population to access healthcare services that were previously unaffordable to them. However, financial protection provided by the scheme exhibited mixed results. Several challenges were identified, including continued spending by beneficiaries on drugs and diagnostic tests, delays in issuance of beneficiary cards, and co-payments demanded by healthcare providers. Additionally, private hospitals expressed dissatisfaction with low health package rates and delays in claims reimbursement.

CONCLUSIONS: Concerted efforts such as population-wide dissemination of clear and complete knowledge of the scheme, providing training to healthcare providers, addressing infrastructural gaps and concerns of healthcare providers, and ensuring appropriate stewardship are imperative to achieve the desired objectives of the scheme in the long-run.}, } @article {pmid37798388, year = {2023}, author = {Abou El Ela, AA and El-Sehiemy, RA and Shaheen, AM and Shalaby, AS and Mouafi, MT}, title = {Reliability constrained dynamic generation expansion planning using honey badger algorithm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {16765}, pmid = {37798388}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Honey ; Reproducibility of Results ; Algorithms ; Heuristics ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {Generation expansion planning (GEP) is a complex, highly constrained, non-linear, discrete and dynamic optimization task aimed at determining the optimum generation technology mix of the best expansion alternative for long-term planning horizon. This paper presents a new framework to study the GEP in a multi-stage horizon with reliability constrained. GEP problem is presented to minimize the capital investment costs, salvage value cost, operation and maintenance, and outage cost under several constraints over planning horizon. Added to that, the spinning reserve, fuel mix ratio and reliability in terms of Loss of Load Probability are maintained. Moreover, to decrease the GEP problem search space and reduce the computational time, some modifications are proposed such as the Virtual mapping procedure, penalty factor approach, and the modified of intelligent initial population generation. For solving the proposed reliability constrained GEP problem, a novel honey badger algorithm (HBA) is developed. It is a meta-heuristic search algorithm inspired from the intelligent foraging behavior of honey badger to reach its prey. In HBA, the dynamic search behavior of honey badger with digging and honey finding approaches is formulated into exploration and exploitation phases. Added to that, several modern meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are employed which are crow search algorithm, aquila optimizer, bald eagle search and particle swarm optimization. These algorithms are applied, in a comparative manner, for three test case studies for 6-year, 12-year, and 24-year of short- and long-term planning horizon having five types of candidate units. The obtained results by all these proposed algorithms are compared and validated the effectiveness and superiority of the HBA over the other applied algorithms.}, } @article {pmid37796585, year = {2024}, author = {Makowski, LM and Troche, SJ}, title = {Can the resting state peak alpha frequency explain the relationship between temporal resolution power and psychometric intelligence?.}, journal = {Behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {138}, number = {1}, pages = {15-29}, doi = {10.1037/bne0000571}, pmid = {37796585}, issn = {1939-0084}, mesh = {Young Adult ; Humans ; Psychometrics ; *Electroencephalography/methods ; *Intelligence ; Eye ; Brain/physiology ; }, abstract = {The temporal resolution power (TRP) hypothesis states that individuals with higher TRP, as reflected by a higher performance on several psychophysical timing tasks, perform better on intelligence tests due to their ability to process information faster and coordinate their mental operations more effectively. It is proposed that these differences in TRP are related to the rate of a master clock based on neural oscillations. The present study aimed to investigate whether the peak alpha frequency (PAF) measured via electroencephalography (EEG) reflects a psychophysiological measure of this rate and its potential role in explaining the relationship between TRP and psychometric intelligence. A sample of 129 young adults (M = 23.0, SD = 3.1) completed a short version of Raven's Advanced Progressives Matrices and three timing tasks. PAF was measured using EEG before each timing task during two resting states with eyes closed (EC) and eyes open (EO), respectively. From these PAF measurements, four latent PAF variables were extracted, differing in resting state (EC, EO) and electrode cluster (frontal/central, parietal/occipital). The results confirmed a strong association between TRP and psychometric intelligence (r = .56, p < .01), as previously reported in other studies. Additionally, we found a positive association between intelligence and a latent PAF variable extracted from frontal/central electrodes in the EO resting state conditions (r = .27, p < .05). However, there was no association between TRP and PAF. This indicates that PAF does not reflect the underlying psychophysiological mechanism that links TRP to intelligence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid37789130, year = {2024}, author = {van Hasselt, SJ and Coscia, M and Allocca, G and Vyssotski, AL and Meerlo, P}, title = {Seasonal variation in sleep time: jackdaws sleep when it is dark, but do they really need it?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. B, Biochemical, systemic, and environmental physiology}, volume = {194}, number = {3}, pages = {335-345}, pmid = {37789130}, issn = {1432-136X}, support = {OCENW.KLEIN.240//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Seasons ; *Sleep/physiology ; *Photoperiod ; *Electroencephalography/veterinary ; *Crows/physiology ; Male ; Darkness ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; Female ; }, abstract = {Sleep is an important behavioural and physiological state that is ubiquitous throughout the animal kingdom. Birds are an interesting group to study sleep since they share similar sleep features with mammals. Interestingly, sleep time in birds has been shown to vary greatly amongst seasons. To understand the mechanisms behind these variations in sleep time, we did an electro-encephalogram (EEG) study in eight European jackdaws (Coloeus monedula) in winter and summer under outdoor seminatural conditions. To assess whether the amount and pattern of sleep is determined by the outdoor seasonal state of the animals or directly determined by the indoor light-dark cycle, we individually housed them indoors where we manipulated the light-dark (LD) cycles to mimic long winter nights (8:16 LD) and short summer nights (16:8 LD) within both seasons. Jackdaws showed under seminatural outdoor conditions 5 h less sleep in summer compared to winter. During the indoor conditions, the birds rapidly adjusted their sleep time to the new LD cycle. Although they swiftly increased or decreased their sleep time, sleep intensity did not vary. The results indicate that the strong seasonal differences in sleep time are largely and directly driven by the available dark time, rather than an endogenous annual clock. Importantly, these findings confirm that sleep in birds is not a rigid phenomenon but highly sensitive to environmental factors.}, } @article {pmid37786694, year = {2023}, author = {Wang, X and Kostrzewa, C and Reiner, A and Shen, R and Begg, C}, title = {Adaptation of a Mutual Exclusivity Framework to Identify Driver Mutations within Biological Pathways.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1101/2023.09.19.558469}, pmid = {37786694}, issn = {2692-8205}, abstract = {Distinguishing genomic alterations in cancer genes that have functional impact on tumor growth and disease progression from the ones that are passengers and confer no fitness advantage has important clinical implications. Evidence-based methods for nominating drivers are limited by existing knowledge on the oncogenic effects and therapeutic benefits of specific variants from clinical trials or experimental settings. As clinical sequencing becomes a mainstay of patient care, applying computational methods to mine the rapidly growing clinical genomic data holds promise in uncovering novel functional candidates beyond the existing knowledge-base and expanding the patient population that could potentially benefit from genetically targeted therapies. We propose a statistical and computational method (MAGPIE) that builds on a likelihood approach leveraging the mutual exclusivity pattern within an oncogenic pathway for identifying probabilistically both the specific genes within a pathway and the individual mutations within such genes that are truly the drivers. Alterations in a cancer gene are assumed to be a mixture of driver and passenger mutations with the passenger rates modeled in relationship to tumor mutational burden. A limited memory BFGS algorithm is used to facilitate large scale optimization. We use simulations to study the operating characteristics of the method and assess false positive and false negative rates in driver nomination. When applied to a large study of primary melanomas the method accurately identified the known driver genes within the RTK-RAS pathway and nominated a number of rare variants with previously unknown biological and clinical relevance as prime candidates for functional validation.}, } @article {pmid37782864, year = {2023}, author = {Jahn, JL and Zubizarreta, D and Chen, JT and Needham, BL and Samari, G and McGregor, AJ and Douglas, MD and Austin, SB and Agénor, M}, title = {Legislating Inequity: Structural Racism In Groups Of State Laws And Associations With Premature Mortality Rates.}, journal = {Health affairs (Project Hope)}, volume = {42}, number = {10}, pages = {1325-1333}, pmid = {37782864}, issn = {2694-233X}, support = {K01 HD103879/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; United States ; *Systemic Racism ; Mortality, Premature ; *Racism ; }, abstract = {Most evaluations of health equity policy have focused on the effects of individual laws. However, multiple laws' combined effects better reflect the crosscutting nature of structurally racist legal regimes. To measure the combined effects of multiple laws, we used latent class analysis, a method for detecting unobserved "subgroups" in a population, to identify clusters of US states based on thirteen structural racism-related legal domains in 2013. We identified three classes of states: one with predominantly harmful laws ([Formula: see text]), another with predominantly protective laws ([Formula: see text]), and a third with a mix of both ([Formula: see text]). Premature mortality rates overall-defined as deaths before age seventy-five per 100,000 population-were highest in states with predominantly harmful laws, which included eighteen states with past Jim Crow laws. This study offers a new method for measuring structural racism on the basis of how groups of laws are associated with premature mortality rates.}, } @article {pmid37777561, year = {2023}, author = {Ręk, P and Magrath, RD}, title = {The quality of avian vocal duets can be assessed independently of the spatial separation of signallers.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {16438}, pmid = {37777561}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Vocalization, Animal ; Australia ; *Songbirds ; Territoriality ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Interactions among groups are often mediated through signals, including coordinated calls such as duets, and the degree of temporal coordination within a group can affect signal efficacy. However, in addition to intrinsic duet quality, the spatial arrangement of callers also affects the timing of calls. So, can listeners discriminate temporal effects caused by intrinsic duet quality compared to spatial arrangement? Such discrimination would allow assessment of quality of duets produced by a pair, as distinct from transient extrinsic spatial effects. To address this issue, we studied experimentally the influence of intrinsic duet quality and spatial arrangement on the efficacy of Australian magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) vocal duets. Breeding pairs duet at varying distances from each other and to multiple neighbours. Coordinated duets are more effective territorial signals than uncoordinated duets, but it remains unclear whether listeners can discriminate the effects of quality and spatial arrangement. Our playback experiment showed that any deviation from perfect regularity of partners' notes reduced duet efficacy, but that lack of coordination due to spatial separation (slower tempo and offset of notes) had a lower effect on efficacy than effects due to intrinsic quality (irregularity). Our results therefore provide experimental evidence that the temporal organisation of group vocalisations could signal coalition quality independently of spatial effects.}, } @article {pmid37766243, year = {2023}, author = {Alkie, TN and Byrne, AMP and Jones, MEB and Mollett, BC and Bourque, L and Lung, O and James, J and Yason, C and Banyard, AC and Sullivan, D and Signore, AV and Lang, AS and Baker, M and Dawe, B and Brown, IH and Berhane, Y}, title = {Recurring Trans-Atlantic Incursion of Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 Viruses by Long Distance Migratory Birds from Northern Europe to Canada in 2022/2023.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {15}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {37766243}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Canada/epidemiology ; Birds ; *Influenza A virus ; Europe/epidemiology ; Foxes ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {In December 2022 and January 2023, we isolated clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses from six American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) from Prince Edward Island and a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Newfoundland, Canada. Using full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, these viruses were found to fall into two distinct phylogenetic clusters: one group containing H5N1 viruses that had been circulating in North and South America since late 2021, and the other one containing European H5N1 viruses reported in late 2022. The transatlantic re-introduction for the second time by pelagic/Icelandic bird migration via the same route used during the 2021 incursion of Eurasian origin H5N1 viruses into North America demonstrates that migratory birds continue to be the driving force for transcontinental dissemination of the virus. This new detection further demonstrates the continual long-term threat of H5N1 viruses for poultry and mammals and the subsequent impact on various wild bird populations wherever these viruses emerge. The continual emergence of clade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx viruses requires vigilant surveillance in wild birds, particularly in areas of the Americas, which lie within the migratory corridors for long-distance migratory birds originating from Europe and Asia. Although H5Nx viruses have been detected at higher rates in North America since 2021, a bidirectional flow of H5Nx genes of American origin viruses to Europe has never been reported. In the future, coordinated and systematic surveillance programs for HPAI viruses need to be launched between European and North American agencies.}, } @article {pmid37765829, year = {2023}, author = {Perera, JC and Gopalakrishnan, B and Bisht, PS and Chaudhari, S and Sundaramoorthy, S}, title = {A Sustainability-Based Expert System for Additive Manufacturing and CNC Machining.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {23}, number = {18}, pages = {}, pmid = {37765829}, issn = {1424-8220}, abstract = {The objective of this research study is to develop a set of expert systems that can aid metal manufacturing facilities in selecting binder jetting, direct metal laser sintering, or CNC machining based on viable products, processes, system parameters, and inherent sustainability aspects. For the purposes of this study, cost-effectiveness, energy, and auxiliary material usage efficiency were considered the key indicators of manufacturing process sustainability. The expert systems were developed using the knowledge automation software Exsys Corvid[®]V6.1.3. The programs were verified by analyzing and comparing the sustainability impacts of binder jetting and CNC machining during the fabrication of a stainless steel 316L component. According to the results of this study, binder jetting is deemed to be characterized by more favorable indicators of sustainability in comparison to CNC machining, considering the fabrication of components feasible for each technology.}, } @article {pmid37754146, year = {2023}, author = {Fan, Y and Yang, H and Wang, Y and Xu, Z and Lu, D}, title = {A Variable Step Crow Search Algorithm and Its Application in Function Problems.}, journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37754146}, issn = {2313-7673}, support = {52175502//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LH2023E082//The Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province/ ; 2022-KYYWF-0144//The basic research business fee projects of provincial undergraduate universities in Heilongjiang Province/ ; }, abstract = {Optimization algorithms are popular to solve different problems in many fields, and are inspired by natural principles, animal living habits, plant pollinations, chemistry principles, and physic principles. Optimization algorithm performances will directly impact on solving accuracy. The Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) is a simple and efficient algorithm inspired by the natural behaviors of crows. However, the flight length of CSA is a fixed value, which makes the algorithm fall into the local optimum, severely limiting the algorithm solving ability. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a Variable Step Crow Search Algorithm (VSCSA). The proposed algorithm uses the cosine function to enhance CSA searching abilities, which greatly improves both the solution quality of the population and the convergence speed. In the update phase, the VSCSA increases population diversities and enhances the global searching ability of the basic CSA. The experiment used 14 test functions,2017 CEC functions, and engineering application problems to compare VSCSA with different algorithms. The experiment results showed that VSCSA performs better in fitness values, iteration curves, box plots, searching paths, and the Wilcoxon test results, which indicates that VSCSA has strong competitiveness and sufficient superiority. The VSCSA has outstanding performances in various test functions and the searching accuracy has been greatly improved.}, } @article {pmid37747941, year = {2023}, author = {Catalán, A and Merondun, J and Knief, U and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Chromatin accessibility, not 5mC methylation covaries with partial dosage compensation in crows.}, journal = {PLoS genetics}, volume = {19}, number = {9}, pages = {e1010901}, pmid = {37747941}, issn = {1553-7404}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Chromatin/genetics ; *Crows/genetics ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Methylation ; Dosage Compensation, Genetic ; Sex Chromosomes ; }, abstract = {The evolution of genetic sex determination is often accompanied by degradation of the sex-limited chromosome. Male heterogametic systems have evolved convergent, epigenetic mechanisms restoring the resulting imbalance in gene dosage between diploid autosomes (AA) and the hemizygous sex chromosome (X). Female heterogametic systems (AAf Zf, AAm ZZm) tend to only show partial dosage compensation (0.5 < Zf:AAf < 1) and dosage balance (0.5
METHOD: The participant group comprised 85 children aged 12-18, and the study setting was Turkey, utilizing one control group and two treatment groups with open criminal case files in Antalya Courthouse. The first treatment group consisted of 30 juvenile offenders; the second consisted of 30 juvenile victims. The control group consisted of 25 juveniles who were not juvenile offenders or victims. In this context, children's executive functions were measured with the short-form Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test, the TBAG-form Stroop test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Istanbul 5 Cube Planning Test. Attentional bias was measured using a dot-probe task. Illiteracy, intellectual or developmental disability, and being a non-native Turkish speaker were the exclusion criteria for all three groups.

RESULTS: The study found that the scores of the juvenile offender group on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale were significantly higher than the children in the juvenile victim group and the children in the control group. For other tests measuring executive functions, the control group's scores were significantly higher than juvenile offenders and juvenile victims. Regarding attentional bias, the children in the control group exhibited less attentional bias to negative stimuli than the juvenile offenders and victims.

DISCUSSION: Researchers have generally addressed the reasons that push children to crime and become victims of crime through individual, familial, and environmental reasons. However, the number of studies investigating the neuropsychological characteristics of children dragged into crime is relatively limited in our country. In addition, there is no study comparing the executive functions and attentional bias of children who are dragged into crime, victimized children, and children without a history of being dragged into crime and victimization. In this context, this study can highlight important implications for the judicial system regarding juvenile delinquency interventions.}, } @article {pmid37725418, year = {2023}, author = {Lau, RC and Anderson, PJ and Wiley, JF and Huang, D and Surjatin, F and McIntosh, P and Gathercole, S and Spencer-Smith, M}, title = {Working Memory Training for Children Using the Adaptive, Self-Select, and Stepwise Approaches to Setting the Difficulty Level of Training Activities: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.}, journal = {JMIR research protocols}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {e47496}, pmid = {37725418}, issn = {1929-0748}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A common yet untested assumption of cognitive training in children is that activities should be adaptive, with difficulty adjusted to the individual's performance in order to maximize improvements on untrained tasks (known as transfer). Working memory training provides the ideal testbed to systematically examine this assumption as it is one of the most widely studied domains in the cognitive training literature, and is critical for children's learning, including following instructions and reasoning.

OBJECTIVE: This trial aimed to examine children's outcomes of working memory training using adaptive, self-select (child selects difficulty level), and stepwise (difficulty level increases incrementally) approaches to setting the difficulty of training activities compared to an active control condition immediately and 6-month postintervention. While the aim is exploratory, we hypothesized that children allocated to a working memory training condition would show greater improvements: (1) on near transfer measures compared to intermediate and far transfer measures and (2) immediately postintervention compared to 6-month postintervention.

METHODS: This double-blinded, active-controlled, parallel-group randomized trial aimed to recruit 128 children aged 7 to 11 years from 1 metropolitan primary school in Melbourne, Australia. Following baseline testing, children were randomized into 1 of 4 conditions: adaptive, self-select, or stepwise working memory training, or active control. An experimental intervention embedded in Minecraft was developed for teachers to deliver in class over 2 consecutive weeks (10 × 20-minute sessions). The working memory training comprised 2 training activities with processing demands similar to daily activities: backward span and following instructions. The control comprised creative activities. Pre- and postintervention, children completed a set of working memory tests (near and intermediate transfer) and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (far transfer) to determine training outcomes, as well as motivation questionnaires to determine if motivations toward learning and the intervention were similar across conditions. Caregivers completed the ADHD-Rating Scale-5 to measure their child's attention (far transfer). Statistical analysis will include traditional null hypothesis significance testing and Bayesian methods to quantify evidence for both the null and alternative hypotheses.

RESULTS: Data collection concluded in December 2022. Data are currently being processed and analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS: This trial will determine whether the adaptive approach to setting the difficulty of training activities maximizes cognitive training outcomes for children. This trial has several strengths: it adopts best practices for cognitive training studies (design, methods, and analysis plan); uses a range of measures to detect discrete levels of transfer; has a 6-month postintervention assessment; is appropriately powered; and uses an experimental working memory training intervention based on our current understanding of the cognitive mechanisms of training. Findings will inform future research and design of cognitive training interventions and highlight the value of the evidence-based principles of cognitive training.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621000990820; https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000990820.aspx.

DERR1-10.2196/47496.}, } @article {pmid37717468, year = {2023}, author = {Elman, C and Cunningham, SA and Howard, VJ and Judd, SE and Bennett, AM and Dupre, ME}, title = {Birth in the U.S. Plantation South and Racial Differences in all-cause mortality in later life.}, journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)}, volume = {335}, number = {}, pages = {116213}, pmid = {37717468}, issn = {1873-5347}, support = {P2C HD065563/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; P30 AG034424/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 NS041588/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Race Factors ; Stroke/mortality ; White ; *Black or African American ; Southeastern United States ; *Mortality ; Agriculture ; Birth Setting ; }, abstract = {The American South has been characterized as a Stroke Belt due to high cardiovascular mortality. We examine whether mortality rates and race differences in rates reflect birthplace exposure to Jim Crow-era inequalities associated with the Plantation South. The plantation mode of agricultural production was widespread through the 1950s when older adults of today, if exposed, were children. We use proportional hazards models to estimate all-cause mortality in Non-Hispanic Black and White birth cohorts (1920-1954) in a sample (N = 21,941) drawn from REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), a national study designed to investigate Stroke Belt risk. We link REGARDS data to two U.S. Plantation Censuses (1916, 1948) to develop county-level measures that capture the geographic overlap between the Stroke Belt, two subregions of the Plantation South, and a non-Plantation South subregion. Additionally, we examine the life course timing of geographic exposure: at birth, adulthood (survey enrollment baseline), neither, or both portions of life. We find mortality hazard rates higher for Black compared to White participants, regardless of birthplace, and for the southern-born compared to those not southern-born, regardless of race. Race-specific models adjusting for adult Stroke Belt residence find birthplace-mortality associations fully attenuated among White-except in one of two Plantation South subregions-but not among Black participants. Mortality hazard rates are highest among Black and White participants born in this one Plantation South subregion. The Black-White mortality differential is largest in this birthplace subregion as well. In this subregion, the legacy of pre-Civil War plantation production under enslavement was followed by high-productivity plantation farming under the southern Sharecropping System.}, } @article {pmid37708722, year = {2023}, author = {Becker, D and Meisenberg, G and Dutton, E and Bakhiet, SFA and Alfayez, FA and Essa, YAS}, title = {International differences in the speed of cognitive development: A systematic examination of the existence of the Simber Effect.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {240}, number = {}, pages = {104015}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.104015}, pmid = {37708722}, issn = {1873-6297}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Intelligence Tests ; *Intelligence ; *Cognition ; }, abstract = {The Simber Effect refers to the phenomenon whereby, in Arabic countries, young children have an IQ that is little different from that of Western children but that these differences increase throughout childhood culminating in a difference of around 20 points by adulthood. The true nature of this phenomenon is revealed by an examination of 125 samples from all around the globe measured with Raven's Progressive Matrices. We show that in many cases different speeds of cognitive development increase the IQ score differences between countries mostly between 4 and 9 years of age, and that these increases can in part be explained by poor environmental conditions. However, the patterns are not completely clear, either in terms of regularity or strengths. Methodological problems, in particular the cross-sectional designs of the included samples, as well as the significance of the Simber Effect for country comparisons in intelligence are discussed.}, } @article {pmid37696804, year = {2023}, author = {Kings, M and Arbon, JJ and McIvor, GE and Whitaker, M and Radford, AN and Lerner, J and Thornton, A}, title = {Wild jackdaws can selectively adjust their social associations while preserving valuable long-term relationships.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {5103}, pmid = {37696804}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Cognition ; Exercise ; Knowledge ; Learning ; }, abstract = {Influential theories of the evolution of cognition and cooperation posit that tracking information about others allows individuals to adjust their social associations strategically, re-shaping social networks to favour connections between compatible partners. Crucially, to our knowledge, this has yet to be tested experimentally in natural populations, where the need to maintain long-term, fitness-enhancing relationships may limit social plasticity. Using a social-network-manipulation experiment, we show that wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) learned to favour social associations with compatible group members (individuals that provided greater returns from social foraging interactions), but resultant change in network structure was constrained by the preservation of valuable pre-existing relationships. Our findings provide insights into the cognitive basis of social plasticity and the interplay between individual decision-making and social-network structure.}, } @article {pmid37695418, year = {2023}, author = {Wahl, B and Nama, N and Pandey, RR and Garg, T and Mishra, AM and Srivastava, S and Ali, S and Verma, SK and Erchick, DJ and Sauer, M and Venkatesh, U and Koparkar, A and Kishore, S}, title = {Neonatal, Infant, and Child Mortality in India: Progress and Future Directions.}, journal = {Indian journal of pediatrics}, volume = {90}, number = {Suppl 1}, pages = {1-9}, pmid = {37695418}, issn = {0973-7693}, mesh = {Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Child ; Humans ; *Child Mortality ; *Child Health ; India/epidemiology ; Infant Mortality ; }, abstract = {In India, considerable progress has been made in reducing child mortality rates. Despite this achievement, wide disparities persist across and socio-economic strata, and persistent challenges, such as malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the state of child health in India, examining key risk factors and causes of child mortality, assessing the coverage of child health interventions, and highlighting critical public health programs and policies. The authors also discuss future directions and recommendations for bolstering ongoing efforts to improve child health. These include state- and region-specific interventions, prioritizing social determinants of health, strengthening data systems, leveraging existing programs like the National Health Mission (NHM) and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), and the proposed Public Health Management Cadre (PHMC). The authors argue that reducing child mortality requires not only scaled-up interventions but a comprehensive approach that addresses all dimensions of health, from social determinants to system strengthening.}, } @article {pmid37694318, year = {2023}, author = {Erlandson, E and Ramirez, C and Dean, W}, title = {Medicine shouldn't be this hard: The intersection of physician moral injury and patient healthcare experience in pediatric complex care.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {16}, number = {3}, pages = {443-447}, doi = {10.3233/PRM-230027}, pmid = {37694318}, issn = {1875-8894}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; *Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; *Physicians ; Electronic Health Records ; Delivery of Health Care ; }, abstract = {Dr. Jay Neufeld's story in If I Betray These Words is a detailed account of one physician's catastrophic journey through moral injury when caring for pediatric patients with complex medical conditions [1]. Many clinicians may recognize Jay's journey in their own experiences, but what deserves parallel consideration are the journeys of patients and families when they are accompanied by physicians at risk of moral injury. This case study illustrates the tight link between drivers of physician moral injury and patients' negative healthcare experiences. These include (1) decisions directed by health insurance regulations and prior authorizations; (2) the electronic medical record (EMR); and (3) healthcare systems focused on revenue generation.}, } @article {pmid37680962, year = {2023}, author = {Yang, R and Egan, S and Gao, H and Brice, B and Berto, BP}, title = {Morphological and molecular characterization of Isospora elliotae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1801) (Passeriformes: Artamidae) in Western Australia.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {e10505}, pmid = {37680962}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {A new coccidian species, Isospora elliotae n. sp., from the Australian magpie Gymnorhina tibicen (Latham, 1801) in Western Australia, is described and characterized morphologically and molecularly. Microscopic analysis of a faecal sample identified subspheroidal oocysts (n = 20), 20-22 × 18-20 (20.7 × 18.7); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.05-1.14 (1.10). Wall bi-layered, 1.0-1.3 (1.2) thick, outer layer smooth, c. 2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 28) ovoidal, 12-13 × 9-11 (12.6 × 9.7); L/W ratio 1.22-1.35 (1.30). Stieda body present, flattened to half-moon-shaped, c. 0.5 deep × 2.0 wide; sub-Stieda indistinct or barely discernible, c. 1.0 deep × 2.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, composed of granules dispersed among the sporozoites. Sporozoites vermiform, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies and nucleus. Segments of three gene loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and COI) were sequenced and I. elliotae n. sp. exhibited 99.8% genetic similarity to Isospora sp. MAH-2013a (KF648870) followed by 99.7% genetic similarity to Isospora neochmiae (Yang, Brice & Ryan, 2016) (KT224380) at the 18S rRNA gene locus. It shared 97.0% genetic similarity with an unnamed Isospora sp. (AY283852) at the 28S rRNA gene locus and it also shared the highest genetic similarity of 99.8% with the unnamed Isospora sp. from an American crow (OL999120) at the COI gene locus. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species named as I. elliotae n. sp.}, } @article {pmid37678225, year = {2024}, author = {Hwang, K}, title = {Crow's Feet in Men: A Symbol of Achievements Left Behind.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {274}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000009730}, pmid = {37678225}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Eye ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; }, } @article {pmid37676486, year = {2023}, author = {Lodjak, J and Boonekamp, J and Lendvai, ÁZ and Verhulst, S}, title = {Short- and long-term effects of nutritional state on IGF-1 levels in nestlings of a wild passerine.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {203}, number = {1-2}, pages = {27-35}, pmid = {37676486}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {PUTJD700//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; MOBTP169//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; K139021//National Research, Development and Innovation Office (HU)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism ; Nutritional Status ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Growth trajectories of young animals are intimately connected to their fitness prospects, but we have little knowledge of growth regulation mechanisms, particularly in the wild. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a central hormone in regulating resource allocation, with higher IGF-1 levels resulting in more growth. IGF-1 levels generally increase in conjunction with nutritional state, but whether IGF-1 levels are adjusted in response to current nutrient availability or to the nutrient availability integrated over a longer term is not well known. We tested for such effects by supplementary feeding the jackdaw (Corvus monedula) nestlings in experimentally reduced or enlarged broods with either water (control) or a food solution; these manipulations have long- and short-term effects on the nutritional state, respectively. Baseline plasma IGF-1 levels were higher in reduced broods. Food supplementation induced an increase in plasma IGF-1 levels measured one hour later, and this effect was significantly more substantial in nestlings in reduced broods. Changes in plasma IGF-1 levels increased with increased retention of the supplementary food, which was higher in reduced broods, explaining the stronger IGF-1 response. Thus, IGF-1 levels respond to short-term variations in the nutritional state, but this effect is amplified by longer-term variations in the nutritional state. We discuss our findings using a graphical model that integrates the results of the two treatments.}, } @article {pmid37675830, year = {2023}, author = {Garcia-Raventós, A and Muñoz-Mérida, A and Lapiedra, O and Unzeta, M and Ferrandiz-Rovira, M and Sol, D}, title = {Identification of sex-linked SNP markers in wild populations of monomorphic birds.}, journal = {Molecular ecology resources}, volume = {23}, number = {8}, pages = {1905-1913}, doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.13862}, pmid = {37675830}, issn = {1755-0998}, support = {CGL2017-90033-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; PID2020-119514GB-I00 (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033)//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Animals ; Reproducibility of Results ; Genotype ; *Birds/genetics ; Heterozygote ; *Sex Characteristics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; }, abstract = {Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis is a powerful tool for population genetics, pedigree reconstruction and phenotypic trait mapping. However, the untapped potential of SNP markers to discriminate the sex of individuals in species with reduced sexual dimorphism or of individuals during immature stages remains a largely unexplored avenue. Here, we developed a novel protocol for molecular sexing of birds based on the detection of unique Z- and W-linked SNP markers. Our method is based on the identification of two unique loci, one in each sexual chromosome. Individuals are considered males when they show no calls for the W-linked SNP and are heterozygous or homozygous for the Z-linked SNP, while females exhibit both Z- and W-linked SNP calls. We validated the method in the Jackdaw (Corvus monedula). The reduced sexual dimorphism in this species makes it difficult to identify the sex of individuals in the wild. We assessed the reliability of the method using 36 individuals of known sex and found that their sex was correctly assigned in 100% of cases. The sex-linked markers also proved to be widely applicable for discriminating males and females from a sample of 927 genotyped individuals at different maturity stages, with an accuracy of 99.5%. Since SNP markers are increasingly used in quantitative genetic analyses of wild populations, the approach we propose has great potential to be integrated into broader genetic research programmes without the need for additional sexing techniques.}, } @article {pmid37675691, year = {2023}, author = {Pawar, SD and Kode, SS and Keng, SS and Tare, DS and Pande, SA}, title = {Spatio-temporal distribution & seasonality of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 & H5N8 outbreaks in India, 2006-2021.}, journal = {The Indian journal of medical research}, volume = {158}, number = {2}, pages = {113-118}, pmid = {37675691}, issn = {0975-9174}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype ; *Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype ; Disease Outbreaks ; Animals, Wild ; Birds ; Poultry ; India/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and H5N8 viruses have been one of the leading causes of avian diseases worldwide, resulting in severe economic losses and posing potential zoonotic risk. There are no reports on the correlation of the seasonality of H5N1 and H5N8 viruses with the migratory bird season in India, along with the species affected. The present report describes the distribution and seasonality of HPAI outbreaks in India from 2006 to 2021.

METHODS: The data on the occurrence and locations of outbreaks in India and affected bird species were collated from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations database and grouped by month and year. The distribution and seasonality of HPAI H5N1 and H5N8 viruses were analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 284 H5N1 outbreaks were reported since 2006, with a surge in 2021. The initial outbreaks of H5N1 were predominantly in poultry. Since 2016, 57 outbreaks of H5N8 were also reported, predominantly in wild birds. Most of the outbreaks of HPAI were reported from post monsoon onwards till pre-summer season (i.e. between October and March) with their peak in winter, in January. Apart from poultry, the bird species such as owl, Indian peafowl, lesser adjutant, crows and wild migratory birds such as demoiselle crane, northern pintail and bar-headed goose were positive for HPAI.

Such studies on the seasonality of HPAI outbreaks would help in the development of prevention and control strategies. The recent human infections of H5N1 and H9N2 viruses highlight the need to strengthen surveillance in wild, resident, migratory birds and in poultry along with One Health studies in India.}, } @article {pmid37671798, year = {2023}, author = {Li, J and Arnold, WA and Hozalski, RM}, title = {Spatiotemporal Variability in N-Nitrosodimethylamine Precursor Levels in a Watershed Impacted by Agricultural Activities and Municipal Wastewater Discharges and Effects of Lime Softening.}, journal = {Environmental science & technology}, volume = {57}, number = {37}, pages = {13959-13969}, doi = {10.1021/acs.est.3c01767}, pmid = {37671798}, issn = {1520-5851}, mesh = {*Dimethylnitrosamine ; *Wastewater ; Water Softening ; Water ; }, abstract = {The Crow River, a tributary of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, U.S.A., that is impacted by agricultural activities and municipal wastewater discharges, was sampled approximately monthly at 12 locations over 18 months to investigate temporal and spatial variations in N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) precursor levels. NDMA precursors were quantified primarily by measuring NDMA formed under the low chloramine dose uniform formation conditions protocol (NDMAUFC) and occasionally using the high dose formation potential protocol (NDMAFP). Raw water NDMAUFC concentrations (2.2 to 128 ng/L) exhibited substantial temporal variation but relatively little spatial variation. An increase in NDMAUFC was observed for 126 of 169 water samples after lime-softening treatment. A kinetic model indicates that under chloramine-limited UFC test conditions, the increase in NDMAUFC can be attributed to a decrease in competition between precursors and natural organic matter (NOM) for chloramines and reduced interactions of precursors with NOM. NDMAUFC concentrations correlated positively with dissolved nitrogen concentration (ρ = 0.44, p < 0.01) when excluding the spring snowmelt period and negatively correlated with dissolved organic carbon concentration (ρ = -0.47, p < 0.01). Overall, NDMA precursor levels were highly dynamic and strongly affected by lime-softening treatment.}, } @article {pmid37665095, year = {2023}, author = {Murry, VM and Nyanamba, JM and Hanebutt, R and Debreaux, M and Gastineau, KAB and Goodwin, AKB and Narisetti, L}, title = {Critical examination of resilience and resistance in African American families: Adaptive capacities to navigate toxic oppressive upstream waters.}, journal = {Development and psychopathology}, volume = {35}, number = {5}, pages = {2113-2131}, doi = {10.1017/S0954579423001037}, pmid = {37665095}, issn = {1469-2198}, mesh = {Humans ; *Black or African American/psychology ; *Racism/ethnology/psychology ; *Resilience, Psychological ; *Family/ethnology/psychology ; }, abstract = {African American families navigate not only everyday stressors and adversities but also unique sociocultural stressors (e.g., "toxic upstream waters" like oppression). These adverse conditions are consequences of the historical vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow laws, often manifested as inequities in wealth, housing, wages, employment, access to healthcare, and quality education. Despite these challenges, African American families have developed resilience using strength-based adaptive coping strategies, to some extent, to filter these waters. To advance the field of resilience research, we focused on the following questions: (1) what constitutes positive responses to adversity?; (2) how is resilience defined conceptually and measured operationally?; (3) how has the field of resilience evolved?; (4) who defines what, when, and how responses are manifestations of resilience, instead of, for example, resistance? How can resistance, which at times leads to positive adaptations, be incorporated into the study of resilience?; and (5) are there case examples that demonstrate ways to address structural oppression and the pernicious effects of racism through system-level interventions, thereby changing environmental situations that sustain toxic waters requiring acts of resilience to survive and thrive? We end by exploring how a re-conceptualization of resilience requires a paradigm shift and new methodological approaches to understand ways in which preventive interventions move beyond focusing on families' capacity to navigate oppression and target systems and structures that maintain these toxic waters.}, } @article {pmid37661072, year = {2023}, author = {Verma, AK and Kumar, M and Murugkar, HV and Nagarajan, S and Tosh, C and Namdeo, P and Singh, R and Mishra, S and Senthilkumar, D and Singh, VP and Sanyal, A}, title = {Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) infection in crows through ingestion of infected crow carcasses.}, journal = {Microbial pathogenesis}, volume = {183}, number = {}, pages = {106330}, doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106330}, pmid = {37661072}, issn = {1096-1208}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds ; *Crows ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; *Influenza A virus ; Paralysis ; Eating ; }, abstract = {The present study was aimed to investigate the role of cannibalism in transmission of H5N1 avian influenza virus to house crows (Corvus splendens). Four crows were intranasally inoculated with 10[8.0] EID50 (A/crow/India/01CA249/2021) H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and were observed for 14 days for any overt signs of illness. Two of the infected crows showed signs of wing paralysis, incoordination, and torticollis. For cannibalism experiment, two crows showing clinical signs were euthanized on 14th day post-infection (dpi) and were kept in the isolator and four naïve healthy crows were introduced along with the euthanized crows. The viscera from the infected carcasses were eaten by all the four crows. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected up to 14 days to assess virus excretion. All four crows showed clinical signs viz., dullness, reluctance to move with ruffled feathers on 6th day post cannibalism along with neurological signs including incoordination and paralysis of the wings. All the crows gradually recovered after showing clinical signs and were euthanized on 21st day of observation period. Virus excretion was observed from 3rd to 11th day post cannibalism through both oropharyngeal and cloacal routes with maximum shedding through oropharyngeal route. The virus was isolated from lungs and trachea of one the infected crows at 21st day after euthanasia. All the four crows seroconverted against H5N1 virus infection at 14th day post cannibalism. Our study confirms the transmission of H5N1 virus in crows through cannibalism and highlights how H5N1 virus might circulate in a crow colony once they become infected.}, } @article {pmid37640493, year = {2023}, author = {Mohanty, SK and Upadhyay, AK and Maiti, S and Mishra, RS and Kämpfen, F and Maurer, J and O'Donnell, O}, title = {Public health insurance coverage in India before and after PM-JAY: repeated cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative survey data.}, journal = {BMJ global health}, volume = {8}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {37640493}, issn = {2059-7908}, mesh = {Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Public Health ; India ; *Insurance Coverage ; Universal Health Insurance ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The provision of non-contributory public health insurance (NPHI) to marginalised populations is a critical step along the path to universal health coverage. We aimed to assess the extent to which Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)-potentially, the world's largest NPHI programme-has succeeded in raising health insurance coverage of the poorest two-fifths of the population of India.

METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the National Family Health Survey on 633 699 and 601 509 households in 2015-2016 (pre-PM-JAY) and 2019-2021 (mostly, post PM-JAY), respectively. We stratified by urban/rural and estimated NPHI coverage nationally, and by state, district and socioeconomic categories. We decomposed coverage variance between states, districts, and households and measured socioeconomic inequality in coverage. For Uttar Pradesh, we tested whether coverage increased most in districts where PM-JAY had been implemented before the second survey and whether coverage increased most for targeted poorer households in these districts.

RESULTS: We estimated that NPHI coverage increased by 11.7 percentage points (pp) (95% CI 11.0% to 12.4%) and 8.0 pp (95% CI 7.3% to 8.7%) in rural and urban India, respectively. In rural areas, coverage increased most for targeted households and pro-rich inequality decreased. Geographical inequalities in coverage narrowed. Coverage did not increase more in states that implemented PM-JAY. In Uttar Pradesh, the coverage increase was larger by 3.4 pp (95% CI 0.9% to 6.0%) and 4.2 pp (95% CI 1.2% to 7.1%) in rural and urban areas, respectively, in districts exposed to PM-JAY and the increase was 3.5 pp (95% CI 0.9% to 6.1%) larger for targeted households in these districts.

CONCLUSION: The introduction of PM-JAY coincided with increased public health insurance coverage and decreased inequality in coverage. But the gains cannot all be plausibly attributed to PM-JAY, and they are insufficient to reach the goal of universal coverage of the poor.}, } @article {pmid37639294, year = {2023}, author = {Hutton, HE and Aggarwal, S and Gillani, A and Chander, G}, title = {A Digital Counselor-Delivered Intervention for Substance Use Among People With HIV: Development and Usability Study.}, journal = {JMIR formative research}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e40260}, pmid = {37639294}, issn = {2561-326X}, support = {K24 AA027483/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068636/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders are prevalent and undertreated among people with HIV. Computer-delivered interventions (CDIs) show promise in expanding reach, delivering evidence-based care, and offering anonymity. Use in HIV clinic settings may overcome access barriers. Incorporating digital counselors may increase CDI engagement, and thereby improve health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to develop and pilot a digital counselor-delivered brief intervention for people with HIV who use drugs, called "C-Raven," which is theory grounded and uses evidence-based practices for behavior change.

METHODS: Intervention mapping was used to develop the CDI including a review of the behavior change research in substance use, HIV, and digital counselors. We conducted in-depth interviews applying the situated-information, motivation, and behavior skills model and culturally adapting the content for local use with people with HIV. With a user interaction designer, we created various digital counselors and CDI interfaces. Finally, a mixed methods approach using in-depth interviews and quantitative assessments was used to assess the usability, acceptability, and cultural relevance of the intervention content and the digital counselor.

RESULTS: Participants found CDI easy to use, useful, relevant, and motivating. A consistent suggestion was to provide more information about the negative impacts of drug use and the interaction of drug use with HIV. Participants also reported that they learned new information about drug use and its health effects. The CDI was delivered by a "Raven," digital counselor, programmed to interact in a motivational interviewing style. The Raven was perceived to be nonjudgmental, understanding, and emotionally responsive. The appearance and images in the intervention were perceived as relevant and acceptable. Participants noted that they could be more truthful with a digital counselor, however, it was not unanimously endorsed as a replacement for a human counselor. The C-Raven Satisfaction Scale showed that all participants rated their satisfaction at either a 4 (n=2) or a 5 (n=8) on a 5-point Likert scale and all endorsed using the C-Raven program again.

CONCLUSIONS: CDIs show promise in extending access to care and improving health outcomes but their development necessarily requires integration from multiple disciplines including behavioral medicine and computer science. We developed a cross-platform compatible CDI led by a digital counselor that interacts in a motivational interviewing style and (1) uses evidence-based behavioral change methods, (2) is culturally adapted to people with HIV who use drugs, (3) has an engaging and interactive user interface, and (4) presents personalized content based on participants' ongoing responses to a series of menu-driven conversations. To advance the continued development of this and other CDIs, we recommend expanded testing, standardized measures to evaluate user experience, integration with clinician-delivered substance use treatment, and if effective, implementation into HIV clinical care.}, } @article {pmid37628405, year = {2023}, author = {Sousa, M and Peixoto, M and Cruz, O and Cruz, S}, title = {Academic Performance in Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Children: The Role of Cognitive Ability and Negative Lability.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {37628405}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {More research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to low academic achievement in institutionalized children. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive and emotion regulation skills and academic performance, by comparing institutionalized and noninstitutionalized Portuguese children. The sample comprised 94 participants (46 institutionalized (22 boys) and 48 noninstitutionalized (23 boys) children), aged between 6 and 10 years, matched for age and sex. We used Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) to measure cognitive abilities. Emotional regulation and negative lability were assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERC). Academic performance was assessed with the Competence Academic Scale (CAS) of the Portuguese version of the Social Skills Rating System-Teacher Form (SSRS-T). Institutionalized children exhibited poorer academic performance than their noninstitutionalized counterparts (effect size, η[2] = 0.174). Cognitive ability (β = 0.28) and negative lability (β = -0.28) were significant predictors of academic performance. In addition to institutionalization, cognitive ability, and the challenges of managing negative emotions may contribute to the observed differences in academic performance. Interventions aimed at fostering cognitive and emotional competencies may play a protective role for institutionalized children facing academic and social difficulties.}, } @article {pmid37624355, year = {2023}, author = {Niczyporuk, JS and Kozdrun, W and Czujkowska, A and Blanchard, Y and Helle, M and Dheilly, NM and Gonzalez, G}, title = {West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Free-Living Corvus cornix Birds in Poland.}, journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease}, volume = {8}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {37624355}, issn = {2414-6366}, abstract = {The summer temperatures recorded in Poland in 2022 were among the highest in over 30 years and, combined with higher-than-expected rainfall, gave the impression of an almost tropical climate. Such climatic conditions were ideal for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases such as West Nile fever. In northeastern Poland, in the Mazowieckie region, the Polish event-based surveillance network reported increased fatalities of free-living hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix). West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 was identified for the first time as the etiological agent responsible for the death of the birds. WNV was detected in 17 out of the 99 (17.17%) free-living birds tested in this study. All the WNV-infected dead birds were collected in the same area and were diagnosed in September by the NVRI and confirmed by the EURL for equine diseases, ANSES, in October 2022. Unnaturally high temperatures recorded in Poland in 2022 likely favored the infection and spread of the virus in the avian population. A nationwide alert and awareness raising of blood transfusion centers and hospitals was carried out to prevent human infections by WNV.}, } @article {pmid37619490, year = {2023}, author = {Sakaguchi, K and Tanabe, M and Takizawa, S and Kasahara, S and Denda, T and Koide, S and Hayashi, W and Nagano, Y and Nagano, N}, title = {Zoonotic potential and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia spp. in urban crows in Japan-first detection of E. marmotae and E. ruysiae.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {100}, number = {}, pages = {102040}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102040}, pmid = {37619490}, issn = {1878-1667}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Crows ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Japan/epidemiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; }, abstract = {Little is known about the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and pathogenic Escherichia coli in crows (carrion and jungle crows). We studied the phylogeny, virulence and antimicrobial resistance gene profiles of crow E. coli isolates to investigate their zoonotic potential and molecular epidemiology. During the winter of 2021-2022, 34 putative E. coli isolates were recovered from 27 of the 65 fresh fecal samples collected in urban areas. Three strains of the B1-O88:H8-ST446-fimH54 lineage, classified as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and necrotoxigenic E. coli type 2, were colistin-resistant and harbored mcr-1.1-carrying IncI2 plasmids. The blaCTX-M-55 was identified in a multidrug-resistant B1-O non-typeable:H23-ST224-fimH39 strain. In phylogroup B2, two lineages of O6:H1-ST73-fimH30 and O6:H5-ST83-fimH21 were classified as ExPEC, uropathogenic E. coli, and necrotoxigenic E. coli type 1 (O6:H5-ST83-fimH21), and contained several virulence genes associated with avian pathogenic E. coli. Noteworthy is that three isolates, identified as E. coli by MALDI-TOF MS, were confirmed to be two Escherichia marmotae (cryptic clade V) and one Escherichia ruysiae (cryptic clade III) based on ANI and dDDH analyses. Our results provide the first evidence of these new species in crows. E. marmotae and E. ruysiae isolates in this study were classified as ExPEC and contained the enteroaggregative E. coli heat-stable toxin 1 gene. In addition, these two E. marmotae isolates displayed a close genetic relationship with human isolates associated with septicemia. This study provides the first insights into the prevalence and zoonotic significance of Escherichia spp. in urban crows in Japan, posing a significant risk for their transmission to humans.}, } @article {pmid37616390, year = {2024}, author = {Dayan, S and Ogilvie, P and Boyd, C and De Boulle, K and Cavallini, M and Garcia, JK and Musumeci, M}, title = {Self-perception of natural outcome, appearance, and emotional well-being after OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for upper facial lines: Post hoc analysis across age and gender.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {107-116}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15947}, pmid = {37616390}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//AbbVie/ ; //Allergan/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Male ; Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; Forehead ; Self Concept ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) is indicated for upper facial lines (UFL). Fear of unnatural-looking outcomes is a frequently reported treatment barrier.

AIMS: Examine patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after onabotA treatment for UFL.

METHODS: A post hoc analysis was conducted on two 12-month pivotal studies of onabotA for forehead and glabellar lines (20 U each), with/without treatment of crow's feet lines (±24 U). This analysis used PROs from the Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire: Items 4 (natural look), 5 (treatment effect), 11 (met expectations), and Impact Domain (appearance and psychological impact). The analysis included 458 neurotoxin-naive adults achieving a ≥2-grade improvement in forehead line (FHL) severity on the Facial Wrinkle Scale at Day 30 (primary endpoint). [Corrections made on 28 December 2023, after first online publication: 'UFL' in the previous sentence has been corrected to 'forehead line (FHL)' in this version.] Data were further stratified into millennials and men.

RESULTS: At Day 30, 90.5% of all participants, 94.6% of millennials, and 85.7% of men were satisfied with receiving a natural look. Millennials had higher odds of being satisfied with natural outcomes at Day 30. This measure remained > 80% for all groups throughout the 12 months. Additionally, ≥80% were satisfied with the treatment effect, and >90% reported results met expectations. At Day 30, ≥50% reported positive impacts on self-perceived appearance and psychological well-being, but millennials had higher, and men had lower odds of reporting these improvements.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants achieving a ≥2-grade improvement in FHL severity after onabotA reported high satisfaction with natural outcomes and the treatment effect, with improved self-perceived appearance and psychological well-being. [Corrections made on 28 December 2023, after first online publication: 'UFL' in the previous sentence has been corrected to 'FHL' in this version.] These results may help aesthetic providers and patients address fears regarding unnatural results with onabotA.}, } @article {pmid37615835, year = {2023}, author = {Brown, A and Furmanczyk, M and Ramos, D and Ribes, A and Pons, L and Bustos, J and de Henestrosa, ARF and Granger, C and Jourdan, E}, title = {Natural Retinol Analogs Potentiate the Effects of Retinal on Aged and Photodamaged Skin: Results from In Vitro to Clinical Studies.}, journal = {Dermatology and therapy}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {2299-2317}, pmid = {37615835}, issn = {2193-8210}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Plants are a source of natural ingredients with retinol-like properties that can deliver anti-aging benefits without the side effects typically associated with retinoid use. We hypothesized that by combining two such analogs, bakuchiol (BAK) and Vigna aconitifolia extract (VAE), with the potent retinoid retinal (RAL), the anti-photoaging potential of RAL could be enhanced without compromising its skin irritation profile. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that BAK and VAE potentiate the anti-photoaging activity of RAL.

METHODS: Gene expression profiling of full-thickness reconstructed skin was first used to examine the impact of BAK or VAE in combination with RAL on skin biology. Next, the irritative potential of this combination, and its capacity to reverse key signs of photoaging in an ex vivo model was assessed. Finally, a proof-of-concept open label clinical study was performed to evaluate the anti-photoaging capacity and skin compatibility of a cosmetic formulation (tri-retinoid complex; 3RC) containing this complex in combination with other well characterized anti-photoaging ingredients.

RESULTS: In vitro profiling suggested that combining 0.1% RAL with BAK or VAE potentiates the effect of RAL on keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier function without affecting its skin irritation profile. When formulated with other anti-photoaging ingredients, such as niacinamide and melatonin, 3RC reversed ultraviolet radiation-induced deficits in structural components of the dermal extracellular matrix, including hyaluronic acid and collagen. In vivo, it led to a reversal of clinical signs of age and photodamage, with statistically significant improvement to skin firmness (+5.6%), skin elasticity (+13.9%), wrinkle count (-43.2%), and skin tone homogeneity (+7.0%), observed within 28 days of once nightly use. Notably, the number of crow's feet wrinkles was reduced in 100% of subjects. Furthermore, 3RC was very well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that 3RC is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for photoaging.}, } @article {pmid37614918, year = {2023}, author = {Zhu, ZQ and Zi, SM and Gao, LF and Zhang, XD and Liu, FY and Wang, Q and Du, B}, title = {A diagnosis model of parental care: How parents optimize their provisioning strategy in brood reduction?.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {69}, number = {4}, pages = {385-392}, pmid = {37614918}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Altricial birds often display biased preferences in providing parental care for their dependent offspring, especially during food shortages. During this process, such inflexible rules may result in provisioning errors. To demonstrate how parents optimize their provisioning strategies, we proposed a "diagnosis model" of parental care to posit that parents will undergo a diagnosis procedure to test whether selecting against some particular offspring based on phenotype is an optimal strategy. We tested this model in an asynchronous hatching bird, the Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyanus, based on 10 years of data about demography and parental provisioning behaviors. Given their higher daily survival rates, core offspring (those hatched on the first day) merits an investment priority compared with their marginal brood mates (those hatched on later days). However, a marginal offspring also merited a priority if it displayed greater weight gain than the expected value at the early post-hatching days. Parents could detect such a marginal offspring via a diagnosis strategy, in which they provisioned the brood at the diagnosis stage by delivering food to every nestling that begged, then biased food toward high-value nestlings at the subsequent decision stage by making a negative response to the begging of low-value nestlings. In this provisioning strategy, the growth performance of a nestling became a more reliable indicator of its investment value than its hatching order or competitive ability. Our findings provide evidence for this "diagnosis model of parental care" wherein parents use a diagnosis method to optimize their provisioning strategy in brood reduction.}, } @article {pmid37609628, year = {2023}, author = {Thomason, EC and Turley, NJS and Belthoff, JR and Conkling, TJ and Katzner, TE}, title = {Illegal shooting is now a leading cause of death of birds along power lines in the western USA.}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {26}, number = {8}, pages = {107274}, pmid = {37609628}, issn = {2589-0042}, abstract = {Human actions, both legal and illegal, affect wildlife in many ways. Inaccurate diagnosis of cause of death undermines law enforcement, management, threat assessment, and mitigation. We found 410 dead birds collected along 196 km of power lines in four western USA states during 2019-2022. We necropsied these carcasses to test conventional wisdom suggesting that electrocution is the leading cause of death of birds at electrical infrastructure. Of 175 birds with a known cause of death, 66% died from gunshot. Both raptors and corvids were more likely to die from gunshot than from other causes, along both transmission and distribution lines. Past mitigation to reduce avian deaths along power lines has focused almost exclusively on reducing electrocutions or collisions. Our work suggests that, although electrocution and collision remain important, addressing illegal shooting now may have greater relevance for avian conservation.}, } @article {pmid37602515, year = {2023}, author = {Roy, J and Soler-Garzón, A and Miklas, PN and Lee, R and Clevenger, J and Myers, Z and Korani, W and McClean, PE}, title = {Integrating de novo QTL-seq and linkage mapping to identify quantitative trait loci conditioning physiological resistance and avoidance to white mold disease in dry bean.}, journal = {The plant genome}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {e20380}, doi = {10.1002/tpg2.20380}, pmid = {37602515}, issn = {1940-3372}, support = {//USDA-ARS through the National Sclerotinia Initiative/ ; }, mesh = {*Quantitative Trait Loci ; Chromosome Mapping/methods ; Phenotype ; *Chromosomes, Plant ; Disease Resistance/genetics ; }, abstract = {White mold (WM), caused by the ubiquitous fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a devastating disease that limits production and quality of dry bean globally. In the present study, classic linkage mapping combined with QTL-seq were employed in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, "Montrose"/I9365-25 (M25) and "Raven"/I9365-31 (R31), with the initial goal of fine-mapping QTL WM5.4 and WM7.5 that condition WM resistance. The RILs were phenotyped for WM reactions under greenhouse (straw test) and field environments. The general region of WM5.4 and WM7.5 were reconfirmed with both mapping strategies within each population. Combining the results from both mapping strategies, WM5.4 was delimited to a 22.60-36.25 Mb interval in the heterochromatic regions on Pv05, while WM7.5 was narrowed to a 0.83 Mb (3.99-4.82 Mb) region on the Pv07 chromosome. Furthermore, additional QTL WM2.2a (3.81-7.24 Mb), WM2.2b (11.18-17.37 Mb, heterochromatic region), and WM2.2c (23.33-25.94 Mb) were mapped to a narrowed genomic interval on Pv02 and WM4.2 in a 0.89 Mb physical interval at the distal end of Pv04 chromosome. Gene models encoding gibberellin 2-oxidase proteins regulating plant architecture are likely candidate genes associated with WM2.2a resistance. Nine gene models encoding a disease resistance protein (quinone reductase family protein and ATWRKY69) found within the WM5.4 QTL interval are putative candidate genes. Clusters of 13 and 5 copies of gene models encoding cysteine-rich receptor-like kinase and receptor-like protein kinase-related family proteins, respectively, are potential candidate genes associated with WM7.5 resistance and most likely trigger physiological resistance to WM. Acquired knowledge of the narrowed major QTL intervals, flanking markers, and candidate genes provides promising opportunities to develop functional molecular markers to implement marker-assisted selection for WM resistant dry bean cultivars.}, } @article {pmid37602217, year = {2023}, author = {Holzinger, A and Saranti, A and Angerschmid, A and Finzel, B and Schmid, U and Mueller, H}, title = {Toward human-level concept learning: Pattern benchmarking for AI algorithms.}, journal = {Patterns (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {4}, number = {8}, pages = {100788}, pmid = {37602217}, issn = {2666-3899}, abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) today is very successful at standard pattern-recognition tasks due to the availability of large amounts of data and advances in statistical data-driven machine learning. However, there is still a large gap between AI pattern recognition and human-level concept learning. Humans can learn amazingly well even under uncertainty from just a few examples and are capable of generalizing these concepts to solve new conceptual problems. The growing interest in explainable machine intelligence requires experimental environments and diagnostic/benchmark datasets to analyze existing approaches and drive progress in pattern analysis and machine intelligence. In this paper, we provide an overview of current AI solutions for benchmarking concept learning, reasoning, and generalization; discuss the state-of-the-art of existing diagnostic/benchmark datasets (such as CLEVR, CLEVRER, CLOSURE, CURI, Bongard-LOGO, V-PROM, RAVEN, Kandinsky Patterns, CLEVR-Humans, CLEVRER-Humans, and their extension containing human language); and provide an outlook of some future research directions in this exciting research domain.}, } @article {pmid37600513, year = {2023}, author = {Matsuda, K and Shinohara, M and Ii, Y and Tabei, KI and Ueda, Y and Nakamura, N and Hirata, Y and Ishikawa, H and Matsuyama, H and Matsuura, K and Satoh, M and Maeda, M and Momosaki, R and Tomimoto, H and Shindo, A}, title = {Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological findings for predicting of cognitive deterioration in memory clinic patients.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1155122}, pmid = {37600513}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The severity of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been assessed using hypertensive arteriopathy SVD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-SVD scores. In addition, we reported the modified CAA-SVD score including cortical microinfarcts and posterior dominant white matter hyperintensity. Each SVD score has been associated with cognitive function, but the longitudinal changes remain unclear. Therefore, this study prospectively examined the prognostic value of each SVD score, imaging findings of cerebral SVD, and neuropsychological assessment.

METHODS: This study included 29 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia at memory clinic in our hospital, who underwent clinical dementia rating (CDR) and brain MRI (3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery, 3D-double inversion recovery, and susceptibility-weighted imaging) at baseline and 1 year later. Each SVD score and neuropsychological tests including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, Trail Making Test -A/-B, and the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test were evaluated at baseline and 1 year later.

RESULTS: Twenty patients had unchanged CDR (group A), while nine patients had worsened CDR (group B) after 1 year. At baseline, there was no significant difference in each SVD score; after 1 year, group B had significantly increased CAA-SVD and modified CAA-SVD scores. Group B also showed a significantly higher number of lobar microbleeds than group A at baseline. Furthermore, group B had significantly longer Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and Trail Making test-A times at baseline. After 1 year, group B had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores and significantly fewer word fluency (letters).

CONCLUSION: Patients with worsened CDR 1 year after had a higher number of lobar microbleeds and prolonged psychomotor speed at baseline. These findings may become predictors of cognitive deterioration in patients who visit memory clinics.}, } @article {pmid37597025, year = {2023}, author = {Subash Chandra Bose, K and Shah, MI and Krishna, J and Sankaranarayanan, M}, title = {Genome-scale metabolic model analysis of Pichia pastoris for enhancing the production of S-adenosyl-L-methionine.}, journal = {Bioprocess and biosystems engineering}, volume = {46}, number = {10}, pages = {1471-1482}, pmid = {37597025}, issn = {1615-7605}, support = {BT/PR12153/INF/22/200/2014//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; BT/PR7605/FNS/20/732/2013//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; }, mesh = {*Methionine ; Saccharomycetales ; *S-Adenosylmethionine ; Carbon ; Racemethionine ; }, abstract = {Komagataella phaffii, formerly Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris), is a promising methylotrophic yeast used in industry to produce recombinant protein and valuable metabolites. In this study, a genome-scale metabolic model (GEMs) was reconstructed and used to assess P. pastoris' metabolic capabilities for the production of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet or SAM or SAMe) from individual carbon sources along with the addition of L-methionine. In a model-driven P. pastoris strain, the well-established genome-scale metabolic model iAUKM can be implemented to predict high valuable metabolite production. The model, iAUKM, was created by merging the previously published iMT1026 model and the draught model generated using Raven toolbox from the KEGG database which covered 2309 enzymatic reactions associated with 1033 metabolic genes and 1750 metabolites. The highly curated model was successful in capturing P. pastoris growth on various carbon sources, as well as AdoMet production under various growth conditions. Many overexpression gene targets for increasing AdoMet accumulation in the cell have been predicted for various carbon sources. Inorganic phosphatase (IPP) was one of the predicted overexpression targets as revealed from simulations using iAUKM. When IPP gene was integrated into P. pastoris, we found that AdoMet accumulation increased by 16% and 14% using glucose and glycerol as carbon sources, respectively. Our in silico results shed light on the factors limiting AdoMet production, as well as key pathways for rationalized engineering to increase AdoMet yield.}, } @article {pmid37596564, year = {2023}, author = {Singh, SK and Lhungdim, H and Shekhar, C and Dwivedi, LK and Pedgaonkar, S and James, KS}, title = {Key drivers of reversal of trend in childhood anaemia in India: evidence from Indian demographic and health surveys, 2016-21.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {1574}, pmid = {37596564}, issn = {1471-2458}, mesh = {Humans ; *Anemia/epidemiology ; Asian People ; Child Health ; Demography ; India/epidemiology ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; }, abstract = {AIM: Recent National Family Health Survey results portray striking improvements in most population and health indicators, including fertility, family planning, maternal and child health, gender treatment, household environments, and health insurance coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), with all India resonance. However, the prevalence of any anaemia (< 11 g/dl) among children under age five has exhibited a reversed trajectory in recent years. Therefore, the present study explores key drivers of the reversal of the trend in the prevalence of childhood anaemia between 2015 and2021.

METHODS: Data of four rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) were used to show the overall trend of anaemia among children. However, for the analysis of key drivers of the reversal trend of childhood anaemia, only the recent two rounds (NFHS-4 & NFHS-5) were used. Descriptive, bivariate multivariable analysis and Fairlie decomposition model were used to explore the drivers of the reversal of the trend in childhood anaemia.

RESULTS: During the past two decades, India has seen a decline in the prevalence of childhood anaemia (NFHS-2 to NFHS-4). However, a reversal of trend was observed recently. The prevalence of anaemia among children aged 6-59 months increased from 59 percent in NFHS-4 to 67 percent in NFHS-5. In addition, the prevalence of mild anaemia increased from 23.3 percent in NFHS-2 to 28.7 percent in NFHS-5. However, the prevalence of moderate and severe anaemia declined considerably from NFHS-2 (40 percent and 4.1 percent) to NFHS-4 (28.7 percent and 1.6 percent), but showed an increase in the prevalence in NFHS-5 (36.3 percent and 2.2 percent). Among others, mothers' educational attainment, anaemia status and socio-economic status emerge as the key drivers of the change in the prevalence of childhood anaemia.

CONCLUSION: These findings may have vital implications for the ongoing Anaemia Mukt Bharat Programme, one of the government's dream projects in India.}, } @article {pmid37594172, year = {2023}, author = {Martín, JM and Revelles, JM and Aznar, NM and Jiménez, LM and Orellana, JB and Gomariz, MÁ and Alfertshofer, M and Cotofana, S}, title = {Superficial versus deep injections of the upper midface-A prospective interventional split-face study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {11}, pages = {2940-2949}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15795}, pmid = {37594172}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Merz Pharmaceuticals/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Various injection algorithms have been proposed in the past which are in line with the three aesthetic principles: upper face first, lateral face first, and deep regions first. However, increasing evidence is provided that the upper midface can be targeted with superficial soft tissue filler injections alone too.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in a prospective split-face study design whether superficial or deep upper midfacial injections provide superior aesthetic outcomes.

METHODS: A total of n = 20 study participants (100% females; age 43.95 (11.7) years; BMI 22.92 (2.6) kg/m[2]) were treated with superficial soft tissue filler injections on side of their face and deep injections on the contralateral side with a mean volume of 0.78 cc. Outcome was evaluated at 7 weeks follow-up for midfacial, and lower facial volume, for medial and lateral facial skin vector displacement, and for improvement of nasolabial, crow's feet, and upper cheek fullness severity scores.

RESULTS: No adverse events related to safety or product tolerability were observed during the entire study period. All semiquantitative scores improved statistically significantly after the observational period (p < 0.001) but displayed no difference between the two applied injection techniques (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of this split-face study revealed that both the superficial and the deep cannula injection technique for midface volumization statistically significantly improve the midfacial volume, reduce nasolabial fold and crow's feet severity. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two injection techniques when compared via semiquantitative and objective outcome evaluation after 7 weeks follow-up.}, } @article {pmid37593715, year = {2023}, author = {Hahner, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Costs and benefits of voluntary attention in crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {230517}, pmid = {37593715}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Behavioural signatures of voluntary, endogenous selective attention have been found in both mammals and birds, but the relationship between performance benefits at attended and costs at unattended locations remains unclear. We trained two carrion crows (Corvus corone) on a Posner-like spatial cueing task with dissociated cue and target locations, using both highly predictive and neutral central cues to compare reaction time (RT) and detection accuracy for validly, invalidly and neutrally cued targets. We found robust RT effects of predictive cueing at varying stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOA) that resulted from both advantages at cued locations and costs at un-cued locations. Both crows showed cueing effects around 15-25 ms with an early onset at 100 ms SOA, comparable to macaques. Our results provide a direct assessment of costs and benefits of voluntary attention in a bird species. They show that crows are able to guide spatial attention using associative cues, and that the processing advantage at attended locations impairs performance at unattended locations.}, } @article {pmid37589384, year = {2023}, author = {DeRaad, DA and Escalona, M and Benham, PM and Marimuthu, MPA and Sahasrabudhe, RM and Nguyen, O and Chumchim, N and Beraut, E and Fairbairn, CW and Seligmann, W and Bowie, RCK and Cicero, C and McCormack, JE and Wayne, RK}, title = {De novo assembly of a chromosome-level reference genome for the California Scrub-Jay, Aphelocoma californica.}, journal = {The Journal of heredity}, volume = {114}, number = {6}, pages = {669-680}, pmid = {37589384}, issn = {1465-7333}, support = {S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018174/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Phylogeny ; *Genome ; *Passeriformes ; Chromosomes ; California ; }, abstract = {We announce the assembly of the first de novo reference genome for the California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica). The genus Aphelocoma comprises four currently recognized species including many locally adapted populations across Mesoamerica and North America. Intensive study of Aphelocoma has revealed novel insights into the evolutionary mechanisms driving diversification in natural systems. Additional insights into the evolutionary history of this group will require continued development of high-quality, publicly available genomic resources. We extracted high molecular weight genomic DNA from a female California Scrub-Jay from northern California and generated PacBio HiFi long-read data and Omni-C chromatin conformation capture data. We used these data to generate a de novo partially phased diploid genome assembly, consisting of two pseudo-haplotypes, and scaffolded them using inferred physical proximity information from the Omni-C data. The more complete pseudo-haplotype assembly (arbitrarily designated "Haplotype 1") is 1.35 Gb in total length, highly contiguous (contig N50 = 11.53 Mb), and highly complete (BUSCO completeness score = 97%), with comparable scaffold sizes to chromosome-level avian reference genomes (scaffold N50 = 66.14 Mb). Our California Scrub-Jay assembly is highly syntenic with the New Caledonian Crow reference genome despite ~10 million years of divergence, highlighting the temporal stability of the avian genome. This high-quality reference genome represents a leap forward in publicly available genomic resources for Aphelocoma, and the family Corvidae more broadly. Future work using Aphelocoma as a model for understanding the evolutionary forces generating and maintaining biodiversity across phylogenetic scales can now benefit from a highly contiguous, in-group reference genome.}, } @article {pmid37589041, year = {2023}, author = {McCormack, JE and Hill, MM and DeRaad, DA and Kirsch, EJ and Reckling, KR and Mutchler, MJ and Ramirez, BR and Campbell, RML and Salter, JF and Pizarro, AK and Tsai, WLE and Bonaccorso, E}, title = {An elevational shift facilitated the Mesoamerican diversification of Azure-hooded Jays (Cyanolyca cucullata) during the Great American Biotic Interchange.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e10411}, pmid = {37589041}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) was a key biogeographic event in the history of the Americas. The rising of the Panamanian land bridge ended the isolation of South America and ushered in a period of dispersal, mass extinction, and new community assemblages, which sparked competition, adaptation, and speciation. Diversification across many bird groups, and the elevational zonation of others, ties back to events triggered by the GABI. But the exact timing of these events is still being revealed, with recent studies suggesting a much earlier time window for faunal exchange, perhaps as early as 20 million years ago (Mya). Using a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree, we show that the jay genus Cyanolyca is emblematic of bird dispersal trends, with an early, pre-land bridge dispersal from Mesoamerica to South America 6.3-7.3 Mya, followed by a back-colonization of C. cucullata to Mesoamerica 2.3-4.8 Mya, likely after the land bridge was complete. As Cyanolyca species came into contact in Mesoamerica, they avoided competition due to a prior shift to lower elevation in the ancestor of C. cucullata. This shift allowed C. cucullata to integrate itself into the Mesoamerican highland avifauna, which our time-calibrated phylogeny suggests was already populated by higher-elevation, congeneric dwarf-jays (C. argentigula, C. pumilo, C. mirabilis, and C. nanus). The outcome of these events and fortuitous elevational zonation was that C. cucullata could continue colonizing new highland areas farther north during the Pleistocene. Resultingly, four C. cucullata lineages became isolated in allopatric, highland regions from Panama to Mexico, diverging in genetics, morphology, plumage, and vocalizations. At least two of these lineages are best described as species (C. mitrata and C. cucullata). Continued study will further document the influence of the GABI and help clarify how dispersal and vicariance shaped modern-day species assemblages in the Americas.}, } @article {pmid37583595, year = {2023}, author = {Oladzad, A and Roy, J and Mamidi, S and Miklas, PN and Lee, R and Clevenger, J and Myers, Z and Korani, W and McClean, PE}, title = {Linked candidate genes of different functions for white mold resistance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) are identified by multiple QTL mapping approaches.}, journal = {Frontiers in plant science}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {1233285}, pmid = {37583595}, issn = {1664-462X}, abstract = {White mold (WM) is a major disease in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and its complex quantitative genetic control limits the development of WM resistant cultivars. WM2.2, one of the nine meta-QTL with a major effect on WM tolerance, explains up to 35% of the phenotypic variation and was previously mapped to a large genomic interval on Pv02. Our objective was to narrow the interval of this QTL using combined approach of classic QTL mapping and QTL-based bulk segregant analysis (BSA), and confirming those results with Khufu de novo QTL-seq. The phenotypic and genotypic data from two RIL populations, 'Raven'/I9365-31 (R31) and 'AN-37'/PS02-029C-20 (Z0726-9), were used to select resistant and susceptible lines to generate subpopulations for bulk DNA sequencing. The QTL physical interval was determined by considering overlapping interval of the identified QTL or peak region in both populations by three independent QTL mapping analyses. Our findings revealed that meta-QTL WM2.2 consists of three regions, WM2.2a (4.27-5.76 Mb; euchromatic), WM 2.2b (12.19 to 17.61 Mb; heterochromatic), and WM2.2c (23.01-25.74 Mb; heterochromatic) found in both populations. Gene models encoding for gibberellin 2-oxidase 8, pentatricopeptide repeat, and heat-shock proteins are the likely candidate genes associated with WM2.2a resistance. A TIR-NBS-LRR class of disease resistance protein (Phvul.002G09200) and LRR domain containing family proteins are potential candidate genes associated with WM2.2b resistance. Nine gene models encoding disease resistance protein [pathogenesis-related thaumatin superfamily protein and disease resistance-responsive (dirigent-like protein) family protein etc] found within the WM2.2c QTL interval are putative candidate genes. WM2.2a region is most likely associated with avoidance mechanisms while WM2.2b and WM2.2c regions trigger physiological resistance based on putative candidate genes.}, } @article {pmid37577796, year = {2023}, author = {Fanian, F and Deutsch, JJ and Bousquet, MT and Boisnic, S and Andre, P and Catoni, I and Beilin, G and Lemmel, C and Taieb, M and Gomel-Toledano, M and Issa, H and Garcia, P}, title = {A hyaluronic acid-based micro-filler improves superficial wrinkles and skin quality: a randomized prospective controlled multicenter study.}, journal = {The Journal of dermatological treatment}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {2216323}, doi = {10.1080/09546634.2023.2216323}, pmid = {37577796}, issn = {1471-1753}, mesh = {Humans ; *Hyaluronic Acid ; *Skin Aging ; Prospective Studies ; Skin ; Treatment Outcome ; Rejuvenation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: NCTF®135HA is a bio-revitalizing solution containing hyaluronic acid designed to compensate for skin dehydration, fatigue, and fine wrinkles associated with endogenous and environmental aging.

METHODS: We conducted a randomized, active-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of NCTF®135HA injections on the face (crow's feet), neck, and décolleté regions. Subjects were randomly assigned (3:1) to receive three NCTF®135HA treatment sessions plus twice-daily anti-aging moisturizer cream or cream alone (control). The primary outcome was the reduction in superficial wrinkles between baseline and Day (D)75 in the three areas, assessed by profilometric measures, clinical scoring, subjective changes, and tolerability.

RESULTS: 146 subjects were randomized to NCTF®135HA (n = 107) or control (n = 38). At D75 and D120, NCTF®135HA significantly reduced wrinkles in all three areas and improved facial radiance scores compared with the control. Skin hydration significantly increased 7 d after the last NCTF®135HA injection. Self-esteem scales showed statistically significant improvements at D75 and D120 in subjects treated with NCTF®135HA versus baseline. Most adverse events were mild, resolved within 48 h, and were related to the injection procedure.

CONCLUSION: NCTF®135HA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment to reduce the skin signs of aging. The results are significantly superior to a routine anti-aging cream alone.(Funded by Laboratories FILLMED; ID-RCB number: 2018-A03167-48; clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT05609617).}, } @article {pmid37577244, year = {2023}, author = {Glahn, JZ and Hooper, RC and Butler, PD}, title = {Recognition and Respect: Contextualizing the History and Contributions of Black American Plastic Surgeons.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, pages = {e5179}, pmid = {37577244}, issn = {2169-7574}, support = {UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Recently, there has been heightened interest in the history of Black American plastic surgeons and their contributions to the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS). Despite the increased awareness and attention toward the lack of racial and ethnic diversity of the PRS workforce, the history of how PRS became one of the most ethnically segregated surgical specialties remains unexplored. Here, we outline the various political and cultural factors that contributed to the exclusion of Black practitioners from American PRS professional societies. This work contextualizes the rise of American PRS within the Jim Crow era and highlights the cultural significance of reconstructive procedures performed in the treatment of disfigured soldiers. Through this lens, we identify circumstances where Black surgeons were systematically denied opportunities to participate in the emerging specialty. Despite these barriers, we demonstrate how Black physicians established informal networks for professional advancement and shed light on several previously unrecognized contributions to PRS from Black surgeons. In addition, we explore how the inclusion of Black voices in PRS sparked a paradigm shift in the treatment of non-White patients that expanded the cosmetic marketplace in ways that remain significant today. Finally, we situate the ongoing disparities in Black representation in PRS within a broader historical narrative and illustrate how the stories we tell about our past continue to shape the future of our field.}, } @article {pmid37565028, year = {2023}, author = {Zhu, G and Zheng, M and Lyu, S and Ma, L}, title = {Report of a magpie preying on a post-fledgling Daurian redstart.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e10412}, pmid = {37565028}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {A magpie (Pica pica) preying on a fledgling of Daurian redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) was incidentally recorded with a video shot by mobile phone on 26 May 2021, providing direct evidence for magpie predation. It also shows that predation is an important factor that affects the survival of fledglings, indicating that survival of fledglings should be considered in evaluating breeding success of birds. The fledgling was about 13-day-old posthatching, and it was on its first day of leaving the nest when the incident occurred. It was preyed upon by a magpie 10 m away from the nest by two attempts under strong defensive behaviour from the female.}, } @article {pmid37559451, year = {2023}, author = {Xu, M and Yu, X and Fan, B and Li, G and Ji, X}, title = {Influence of Mode of Delivery on Children's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Childhood Intelligence.}, journal = {Psychiatry investigation}, volume = {20}, number = {8}, pages = {714-720}, pmid = {37559451}, issn = {1738-3684}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether differences exist in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intelligence between children born by cesarean delivery and those born by vaginal delivery.

METHODS: This retrospective study included singleton children that were born between January 2013 and December 2014. The Chinese version of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-48) was required on the probability of psychological and behavioral problems. The China-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WIRS) was used for evaluation of crystallized intelligence and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices for evaluation of fluid intelligence.

RESULTS: A total of 10,568 valid questionnaires were obtained. CPRS-48 ADHD index and detection rate were higher in cesarean delivery group than those in vaginal delivery group. Cesarean delivery groups had a lower performance intelligence quotient score according to C-WISC.

CONCLUSION: Children born by cesarean delivery were more likely to have a risk of ADHD and a lower performance intelligence quotient compared with those born by vaginal delivery.}, } @article {pmid37555467, year = {2023}, author = {Naveed, S and Sallinen, T and Eloranta, AM and Skog, H and Jalkanen, H and Brage, S and Ekelund, U and Pentikäinen, H and Savonen, K and Lakka, TA and Haapala, EA}, title = {Effects of 2-year dietary and physical activity intervention on cognition in children-a nonrandomized controlled trial.}, journal = {Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {2340-2350}, doi = {10.1111/sms.14464}, pmid = {37555467}, issn = {1600-0838}, support = {MC_UU_12015/3/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC_UU_00006/4/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Cognition ; Diet ; *Exercise/physiology ; Sedentary Behavior ; *Sports ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of a combined dietary and PA intervention on cognition in children and whether changes in diet quality, PA, sedentary behavior (SB), and sedentary time (ST) are associated with changes in cognition.

METHODS: We conducted a 2-year nonrandomized controlled trial in 504 children aged 6-9 years at baseline. The children were allocated to a combined dietary and PA intervention group (n = 237) or a control group (n = 160) without blinding.

INTERVENTIONS: The children and their parents allocated to the intervention group had six dietary counseling sessions of 30-45 min and six PA counseling sessions of 30-45 min during the 2-year intervention period. The children were also encouraged to participate in after-school exercise clubs. Cognition was assessed by the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices. We assessed dietary factors by 4 days food records and computed the Baltic Sea Diet Score (BSDS) as a measure of diet quality. PA and ST were assessed by a combined heart rate and body movement monitor, types of PA and SB by a questionnaire.

RESULTS: The intervention had no effect on cognition. Increased BSDS and consumption of low-fat milk and decreased consumption of red meat and sausages were associated with improved cognition over 2 years. Increased organized sports, ST, and reading were positively, while unsupervised PA, computer use, and writing were negatively associated with cognition.

CONCLUSION: Combined dietary and PA intervention had no effect on cognition. Improved diet quality and increased organized sports and reading were associated with improved cognition.}, } @article {pmid37554031, year = {2023}, author = {Arbon, JJ and Hahn, LG and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Competition and generalization impede cultural formation in wild jackdaws.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {290}, number = {2004}, pages = {20230705}, pmid = {37554031}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Food ; }, abstract = {Animal cultures have now been demonstrated experimentally in diverse taxa from flies to great apes. However, experiments commonly use tasks with unrestricted access to equal pay-offs and innovations seeded by demonstrators who are trained to exhibit strong preferences. Such conditions may not reflect those typically found in nature. For example, the learned preferences of natural innovators may be weaker, while competition for depleting resources can favour switching between strategies and generalizing from past experience. Here we show that in experiments where wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) can freely discover depleting supplies of novel foods, generalization has a powerful effect on learning, allowing individuals to exploit multiple new opportunities through both social and individual learning. Further, in contrast to studies with trained demonstrators, individuals that were first to innovate showed weak preferences. As a consequence, many individuals ate all available novel foods, displaying no strong preference and no group-level culture emerged. Individuals followed a 'learn from adults' strategy, but other demographic factors played a minimal role in shaping social transmission. These results demonstrate the importance of generalization in allowing animals to exploit new opportunities and highlight how natural competitive dynamics may impede the formation of culture.}, } @article {pmid37552946, year = {2023}, author = {Wascher, CAF}, title = {Cognition: Crows are natural statisticians.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {33}, number = {15}, pages = {R808-R810}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.073}, pmid = {37552946}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Cognition ; Reward ; }, abstract = {A new study shows that carrion crows use memorized reward associations in a combinatorial way to apply relative probabilistic information to optimize reward outcome. This for the first time shows that a corvid species can flexibly apply statistical inference during decision making.}, } @article {pmid37546494, year = {2022}, author = {Sommers, CL and Houghty, GS and Purbojo, R and Bernarto, I}, title = {Factors influencing nursing students' continued success in a baccalaureate nursing program in Indonesia.}, journal = {Belitung nursing journal}, volume = {8}, number = {4}, pages = {340-348}, pmid = {37546494}, issn = {2477-4073}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Holistic admission processes are needed to promote diversity in nursing students. Previous research had identified different variables related to the average grade point at the end of the first semester. There is a need to examine if those variables are associated with ongoing student success.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze experience, attributes, and academic variables for an association with nursing student success. Student success was defined as being an active student at the end of the first year and at the end of the second year of a baccalaureate nursing program in Indonesia.

METHODS: Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine what relationship, if any, the variables had with student success, measured at the end of the first and second academic years. The data of 341 nursing students enrolled in August 2018 was analyzed.

RESULTS: The variables accounted for 40.3% of the variance at the end of the first year and 24.3% of the variance at the end of the second year. There was a significant (p < .05) relationship between being enrolled at the end of the first year and 1) academic variables of first semester grade point average and the admission score of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, and 2) attribute variables of reason for entering nursing and brief calling presence scale. A significant relationship was found between being enrolled at the end of the second year and the attribute variable of grit score. No variables had a strong correlation with other variables.

CONCLUSION: Holistic admission processes and promoting student success can create the future of the nursing workforce. Improving the diversity in admitted nursing students will enhance the diversity in the nursing workforce. To promote the success of all students, a variety of support interventions will need to be developed. As students' calling and grit may play a role in student success, a better understanding is needed. In addition, more research is needed to explore how developing calling and grit throughout the nursing program can impact student success.}, } @article {pmid37541170, year = {2023}, author = {Habib, M and Ul-Rahman, A and Zia-Ur-Rehman, and Shahid, MA and Sarwar, N and Bilal, M and Imran, MS and Munir, M and Abbas, S and Shabbir, MZ}, title = {Comparative immunocompetence and interspecies transmission of avian orthoavulavirus-1 in feral birds originating from rural and urban settings.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {100}, number = {}, pages = {102036}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102036}, pmid = {37541170}, issn = {1878-1667}, mesh = {Animals ; *Chickens ; *Animals, Wild ; Newcastle disease virus/physiology ; Ducks ; Immunocompetence ; }, abstract = {Feral birds residing close to urban settings exhibit higher immunocompetence against environmental pathogens than their counterparts in rural areas. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the immunocompetence of five specific feral bird species and investigated the potential for interspecies transmission and pathogenicity of Avian orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV-1) originating from the Anseriformes order. The immunocompetence assessment involved administering the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) test to individual groups of birds from rural and urban settings, measuring patagium thickness at specific time intervals (12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h) following the administration of 0.1 mL (1 mg/mL) of PHA. Urban birds displayed significantly enhanced mean swelling responses, particularly urban pigeons, which exhibited a significant difference in patagium thickness at all-time intervals except for 24 h (p = 0.000, p = 0.12). Similarly, rural and urban quails and crows showed substantial differences in patagium thickness at all-time intervals except for 12 h (p = 0.542, p = 0.29). For the assessment of interspecies transmission potential and pathogenicity, each feral bird group was separately housed with naive broiler birds (n = 10 each) and challenged with a velogenic strain of AOAV-1 isolate (Mallard-II/UVAS/Pak/2016) at a dose of 1 mL (10[8] EID50/mL). Urban birds demonstrated higher resistance to the virus compared to their rural counterparts. These findings highlight the specific immunocompetence of feral bird species and their potential contributions to AOAV-1 transmission and pathogenicity. Continuous monitoring, surveillance, and strict implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures are crucial for effectively controlling AOAV-1 spillover to the environment and wild bird populations in resource-limited settings, particularly Pakistan.}, } @article {pmid37540622, year = {2023}, author = {Parmar, D and Strupat, C and Srivastava, S and Brenner, S and Parisi, D and Ziegler, S and Neogi, R and Walsh, C and De Allegri, M}, title = {Effects of the Indian National Health Insurance Scheme (PM-JAY) on Hospitalizations, Out-of-pocket Expenditures and Catastrophic Expenditures.}, journal = {Health systems and reform}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {2227430}, doi = {10.1080/23288604.2023.2227430}, pmid = {37540622}, issn = {2328-8620}, mesh = {Humans ; *Health Expenditures ; *Hospitalization ; Delivery of Health Care ; Insurance, Health ; National Health Programs ; }, abstract = {India launched one of the world's largest health insurance programs, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), targeting more than 500 million economically and socially disadvantaged Indians. PM-JAY is publicly funded and covers hospitalization costs in public and private facilities. We examine how PM-JAY has affected hospitalizations and out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE), and given the high use of private health care in India, we compare these outcomes across public and private facilities. We conducted a household survey to collect data on socioeconomic and demographic information, health status and hospitalizations for more than 57,000 PM-JAY eligible individuals in six Indian states. Using multivariate regression models, we estimated whether PM-JAY was associated with any changes in hospitalizations, OOPE and catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and whether these differed across public and private facilities. We found that PM-JAY was not associated with an increase in hospitalizations, but it increased the probability of visiting a private facility by 4.6% points (p < .05). PM-JAY was associated with a relative reduction of 13% in OOPE (p < .1) and 21% in CHE (p < .01). This was entirely driven by private facilities, where relative OOPE was reduced by 17% (p < .01) and CHE by 19% (p < .01). This implied that PM-JAY has shifted use from public to private hospitalizations. Given the complex healthcare system with the presence of parallel public and private systems in India, our study concludes that for economically and socially disadvantaged groups, PM-JAY contributes to improved access to secondary and tertiary care services from private providers.}, } @article {pmid37539651, year = {2023}, author = {Taffs, L and Kerridge, I and Lipworth, W}, title = {The silent world of assisted reproduction: A qualitative account of communication between doctors and patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation in Australia.}, journal = {Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {2340-2348}, pmid = {37539651}, issn = {1369-7625}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; *Fertilization in Vitro ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Australia ; Communication ; *General Practitioners ; }, abstract = {CONTEXT: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is now a common assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure globally, with 8 million children alive today having been conceived utilising IVF. For many patients, IVF is a difficult experience with many discontinuing treatment because of emotional, relationship and financial stress, or intolerable physical side effects of hormone treatments.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A qualitative study, in which 31 professionals and 25 patients from the ART sector in Australia were interviewed. The interviews were analysed using codebook thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Our data indicates there are 'silences' within the therapeutic relationship of IVF, which may limit the capacity for patients to prepare emotionally, financially, or medically for the procedure, and may contribute to psychological distress and dissatisfaction with care. These 'silences' include what the patient 'is not told' by their clinician or 'does not hear' and what the patient feels they 'cannot say'.

DISCUSSION: Drawing upon the work of Jay Katz, Charis Thompson, and Miles Little on 'silences' and performance in clinical practice, we argue that although IVF is a complex and multifaceted procedure that is often conducted in a commercial setting, the clinical and therapeutic relationship between doctor and patient remains pivotal to the experiences of patients. The 'silences' within this relationship may impact negatively on decision-making, and on the delivery and experience of care.

CONCLUSIONS: Careful attention to the realities of IVF treatment in the clinic room (and awareness of the performances that hide them) should allow for more present and compassionate care. Such care may leave patients more satisfied with their experience and their choices, regardless of treatment outcomes.

This article draws on interviews with patients who had undergone or were currently undergoing IVF, as well as a range of representatives from the ART community (including reproductive medicine specialists, general practitioners, fertility nurses, counsellors, administrators in ART businesses and embryologists).}, } @article {pmid37536061, year = {2023}, author = {Lin, X and Tirichine, L and Zhang, X}, title = {The dynamic duo: how DNA methylation and gene transcription help diatoms thrive in modern oceans.}, journal = {Journal of experimental botany}, volume = {74}, number = {14}, pages = {3879-3882}, pmid = {37536061}, issn = {1460-2431}, mesh = {*DNA Methylation ; *Diatoms/genetics ; Oceans and Seas ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Transcription, Genetic ; }, abstract = {This article comments on: Wan J, Zhou Y, Beardall J, Raven JA, Lin J, Huang J, Lu Y, Liang S, Ye M, Xiao M, Zhao J, Dai X, Xia J, Jin P. 2023. DNA methylation and gene transcription act cooperatively in driving the adaptation of a marine diatom to global change. Journal of Experimental Botany74, 4259–4276.}, } @article {pmid37533413, year = {2023}, author = {Kizilkaya, MC and Kilic, S and Dagistanli, S and Eren, MF and Basaran, C and Ohri, N and Sayan, M}, title = {Effectiveness of a telehealth patient education intervention for breast cancer awareness and screening uptake among Afghan refugee women: a cross-sectional survey and feasibility study.}, journal = {EClinicalMedicine}, volume = {62}, number = {}, pages = {102094}, pmid = {37533413}, issn = {2589-5370}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Refugee populations have low levels of cancer awareness, low cancer screening rates, and a high rate of advanced or metastatic cancer at diagnosis. Educational interventions to improve cancer awareness and screening have been successful in other nationality refugee populations but have never been implemented in Afghan refugee populations. We aimed to estimate the level of breast cancer awareness among Afghan refugee women and test the feasibility of a telehealth breast cancer educational intervention to increase breast cancer awareness in this population.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Afghan refugee women residing in Istanbul, Türkiye who had no personal history of breast cancer and who presented to outpatient primary clinics for care between August 1, 2022, and February 10, 2023 was performed. Participant awareness of breast cancer (BC) was assessed using the validated BC awareness tool, Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM), during a telehealth encounter. After this baseline assessment, a BC educational intervention was administered to each participant during the telehealth encounter. Six months after the initial assessment and education, a follow-up BCAM was administered via telehealth in order to determine the effectiveness of the education intervention.

FINDINGS: One hundred participants were accrued to the study. Median age was 49 years (range: 40-64). All participants had no formal education, were married, and were not employed. Prior to the educational intervention, BC awareness was low; none of the participants were able to identify some common signs/symptoms and risk factors for BC. Prior to the educational intervention, zero participants had ever had a mammogram or seen a physician for a breast-related concern. Six months after the educational intervention, up to 99 percent of participants (99 of 100 participants) were able to correctly identify common signs or symptoms and risk factors for BC. Six months after the educational intervention, all one hundred participants had accepted the offer of a screening mammogram.

INTERPRETATION: A telehealth BC education intervention meaningfully increased BC awareness in Afghan refugee women. This increase in BC awareness was associated with a strong increase in completion of BC screening. Further implementation of educational interventions is warranted in order to increase participant awareness and improve screening rates.

FUNDING: Dana Farber Cancer Institute Jay Harris Junior Faculty Research Grant.}, } @article {pmid37526257, year = {2024}, author = {Wu, HH and Chen, MQ and Liu, JH and Song, LL and Luo, DQ and Lu, JF and Zhao, YK}, title = {Combination of fractional carbon dioxide laser with recombinant human collagen in periocular skin rejuvenation.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {124-133}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15942}, pmid = {37526257}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//This study was funded by the Guangdong Medical Science and Technology Research Project (A2021344) and Science and Technology Program of Jiangxi Provincial Health Commission (20204474). The recombinant human collagen used in this study was provided by Zheng-Lun Li, the General manager of Guangzhou Sumei Medical Device Co., LTD./ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Carbon Dioxide ; Collagen ; *Laser Therapy/adverse effects ; *Lasers, Gas/adverse effects ; Prospective Studies ; Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The most visible sign of facial aging is often seen in the periocular area. However, periocular rejuvenation remains challenging due to the particularity of periocular anatomic locations.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fractional-ablative CO2 laser-facilitated recombinant human collagen permeation in periocular rejuvenation.

PATIENTS/METHODS: This 3-month prospective single-blinded and self-controlled trial enrolled 26 patients with periocular aging who underwent the treatments of fractional-ablative CO2 laser along with laser-facilitated recombinant human collagen permeation. Following the treatments, the patients were quantitatively assessed by various periocular skin aging indices before and after the treatment and monitored for any related adverse events.

RESULTS: The patients showed significant improvements with the periocular skin aging indices 3 months after the treatments, which were detailed with a 47.3% decrease in lower eyelid skin rhytids, a 41.4% decrease in the lower eyelid skin texture, a 35.0% decrease in the static crow's feet, a 29.3% decrease in the amount of upper eyelid laxity, and a 20.2% increase in the MRD1 as compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Moreover, total skin thickness under ultrasound was increased in both upper and lower eyelids (5.6% and 3.3%, p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, six patients (23.1%, 6/26) had erythema for 2 weeks, and two (2/26, 7.7%) had mild hyperpigmentation for 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Fractional-ablative CO2 laser combined with laser-facilitated recombinant human collagen permeation can be a safe and effective treatment for periocular rejuvenation.}, } @article {pmid37524930, year = {2023}, author = {Webb, T and Holyoak, KJ and Lu, H}, title = {Emergent analogical reasoning in large language models.}, journal = {Nature human behaviour}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {1526-1541}, pmid = {37524930}, issn = {2397-3374}, mesh = {Humans ; *Problem Solving ; *Cognition ; Language ; }, abstract = {The recent advent of large language models has reinvigorated debate over whether human cognitive capacities might emerge in such generic models given sufficient training data. Of particular interest is the ability of these models to reason about novel problems zero-shot, without any direct training. In human cognition, this capacity is closely tied to an ability to reason by analogy. Here we performed a direct comparison between human reasoners and a large language model (the text-davinci-003 variant of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-3) on a range of analogical tasks, including a non-visual matrix reasoning task based on the rule structure of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. We found that GPT-3 displayed a surprisingly strong capacity for abstract pattern induction, matching or even surpassing human capabilities in most settings; preliminary tests of GPT-4 indicated even better performance. Our results indicate that large language models such as GPT-3 have acquired an emergent ability to find zero-shot solutions to a broad range of analogy problems.}, } @article {pmid37524636, year = {2023}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Neuroscience of cognitive control in crows.}, journal = {Trends in neurosciences}, volume = {46}, number = {10}, pages = {783-785}, doi = {10.1016/j.tins.2023.07.002}, pmid = {37524636}, issn = {1878-108X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex ; Neurons/physiology ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {Crows, a group of corvid songbird species, show superb behavioral flexibility largely stemming from their advanced cognitive control functions. These functions mainly originate from the associative avian pallium that evolved independently from the mammalian cerebral cortex. This article presents a brief overview of cognitive control functions and their neuronal foundation in crows.}, } @article {pmid37522597, year = {2023}, author = {Hernández, MC and Lara, RA and Redondo, AJ}, title = {To Mob or Not to Mob: Habitat and Time of Day Influence in Mobbing Behavior in the Azure-Winged Magpie (Cyanopica cookii).}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {273-277}, doi = {10.2108/zs230004}, pmid = {37522597}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Strigiformes ; Predatory Behavior ; Ecosystem ; *Bullying ; }, abstract = {While mobbing, individuals utter distinctive calls and perform visual threatening displays. Like any other antipredatory strategies, it involves some costs (time, energy, injuries, and even death). Therefore, mobbing would be expected to vary depending on the perceived magnitude of the predation risk. Moreover, harassment behavior can also serve as a demonstration of social status and to teach juveniles to recognize predators and related behaviors. Therefore, mobbing could also persist even when predation risk is particularly low. To test our hypotheses, we used tawny owl playbacks and a taxidermy mount to elicit the mobbing response in azure-winged magpies throughout the daylight period. To classify mobbing intensity, we created five categories depending on the proximity to the owl model at which the mobbing was performed. The results revealed that mobbing behavior in azure-winged magpies was more intense where predation risk was higher: in the most suitable habitat for the tawny owl, the forest, although considerable levels of mobbing were found in the dehesa and the ecotone, which indicate that mobbing has different purposes. However, we did not find statistically significant differences in mobbing intensity depending on the time of the day. We could not show a daily adjustment of antipredator response, but magpies modulated mobbing depending on the perceived risk linked to the habitat.}, } @article {pmid37522497, year = {2023}, author = {Couturaud, V and Le Fur, M and Pelletier, M and Granotier, F}, title = {Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {29}, number = {7}, pages = {e13391}, pmid = {37522497}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Skin Aging ; Light ; Skin/diagnostic imaging ; Aging ; Face ; *Low-Level Light Therapy/methods ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation is a process by which the absorption of red light energy produces a series of physiological effects at the cellular level such as the enhancement of mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) production, cell signaling and growth factor synthesis, and the reduction of oxidative stress. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) photobiomodulation is an increasingly popular therapy for treating skin problems, especially for reversing the signs of skin aging.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of a photobiomodulation treatment using red LEDs on the facial skin at a rate of two sessions per week for 3 months. The LED mask used is the Skin Light Dior x Lucibel mask diffusing a cold red light with a wavelength of 630 ± 10 nm and a power of 15.6 J/cm[2] for a duration of 12 min.

METHOD: In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the mask in reversing the signs of skin aging, a clinical study was conducted on 20 healthy Caucasian women: the antiwrinkle effect by measuring the depth of the crow's feet wrinkle, the relaxation of the oval of the face by clinical scoring, the firmness and elasticity of the skin by cutometric measurement, the density of the dermis by ultrasound analysis, the smoothness of the skin by measuring the roughness at the cheek, the homogeneity of the complexion by chromametric measurement, the diameter of the pores by macrophotographs and finally the sebo-regulating effect by measurement of the rate of sebum and quantification of the number of pores containing porphyrin in the subjects presenting a mixed to oily skin. The satisfaction of the volunteers was also evaluated at the end of the study via a self-questionnaire.

RESULTS: The efficacy results measured after 1, 2, and 3 months of use are progressive and confirm the interest of LED photobiomodulation to reverse the visible signs of skin aging. All the volunteers observed an overall improvement in skin quality.

CONCLUSION: All the results observed confirm the interest of using photobiomodulation to reverse the visible signs of aging. These results last for up to 1 month after stopping the use of the mask, which is a sign of lasting structural and functional rejuvenation of the skin.}, } @article {pmid37520123, year = {2023}, author = {Tabei, KI and Ogawa, JI and Kamikawa, C and Abe, M and Ota, Y and Satoh, M}, title = {Online physical exercise program with music improves working memory.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {1146060}, pmid = {37520123}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has limited the implementation of face-to-face non-pharmacological treatment for the prevention of dementia. As a result, online non-pharmacological treatment has become increasingly important. In this study, we used an online conferencing system to implement an online version of a physical exercise program with music, and examined its effect on cognitive function.

METHODS: The participants were 114 healthy older adults [63 men and 51 women; mean age of 70.7 years (standard deviation = 4.6)]. Seventy-five participants were allocated to the physical exercise with music group (60 min, once a week, total 20 sessions), while the remaining 39 participants were assigned to the control group, and only underwent the examinations. In the physical exercise with music group, we performed neuropsychological examinations and brain tests both before and after the exercise program. Neuropsychological tests included the Mini-Mental State Examination, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, graphic imitation, word fluency (WF) (animal names and initial sounds), and the Trail Making Test-A/B. As an assessment of brain function, we developed an online examination of subtle cognitive decline, including tests of number and word memory, spatial grasp, the N-back task, and change inference.

RESULTS: In the N-back task, the physical exercise with music group improved significantly relative to the control group (p = 0.008).

DISCUSSION: The present findings suggest that the online version of the physical exercise with music program improved working memory, which mainly involves the frontal lobe.}, } @article {pmid37517728, year = {2023}, author = {Bravo, C and Sarasa, M and Bretagnolle, V and Pays, O}, title = {Hedgerows interact with forests to shape the abundance of mesopredators and their predation rate on eggs in farmland landscapes.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {901}, number = {}, pages = {165712}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165712}, pmid = {37517728}, issn = {1879-1026}, abstract = {Nest predation is the main cause of reproductive failure, particularly in ground-nesting birds on farmlands. Understanding the links between nest predation and habitat change can help design effective management schemes to constrain the negative impact of predation pressure on birds. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between landscape attributes, predator distribution, and nest predation are still unclear. Here, we use an experimental approach to examine the effects of distance to the hedgerow as well as hedgerow and forest densities on the abundance of major mesopredators of ground nests of our study area (i.e., corvids) and on the predation rate of artificial ground nests (n = 2576). We found evidence that landscape configuration influenced predation patterns differently depending on the predator species. Nest predation by corvids was more likely in homogeneous and open agricultural landscapes with a low density of forest and hedgerows, whereas predation by other predators was more likely close to hedgerows. Nest predation by corvids and the abundance of corvids also tended to be lower in landscapes dominated by grasslands. Other variables such as road density and distance to human settlements had contrasted effects on the likelihood of a nest being depredated by corvids, i.e., no effect with proximity to human settlements and decreasing trend with road density. Altogether, our results suggest that landscape features interact with mesopredator distribution and their predation rates of ground nests. Therefore, from a conservation and management perspective, a heterogeneous agricultural landscape that includes a mixture of crops associated with patches of forests, hedgerows, and grasslands offering alternative food to generalist predators should contribute to reducing ground-nesting bird predation.}, } @article {pmid37511775, year = {2023}, author = {Ichihashi, M and Tanaka, M and Iizuka, T and Totsuka, H and Tominaga, E and Hitomi, Y and Ando, H and Nishikata, T and Mizutani, KI}, title = {A Single Intradermal Injection of Autologous Adipose-Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Rejuvenates Aged Skin and Sharpens Double Eyelids.}, journal = {Journal of personalized medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {37511775}, issn = {2075-4426}, abstract = {Facial skin aging is the most visible manifestation of aging in the body. In this study, we aimed to rejuvenate aging skin via a one-time intradermal injection of autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Eight patients were enrolled for study. Photographs of patients taken immediately before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after ADSC injections were comparatively evaluated for visible skin manifestations. ADSCs were cultured from the abdominal-skin-derived subcutaneous fat tissue, and 1 × 108 cultured ADSCs were injected intradermally into the facial skin. Cultured myoblasts were incubated with the supernatant derived from ADSCs, and the effect was evaluated via glucose consumption and lactic acid production in the medium. Eight cases showed the shallowing and disappearance of wrinkles, including those of the glabella, lower eyelids, crow`s feet, and forehead and nasolabial grooves, a month to several months after treatment. Double eyelids became prominent, and facial pores significantly reduced in size. These effects lasted for over one year. Myoblasts cultured in the presence of an ADSC-derived exosome were activated compared to that of ADSCs cultured without supernatant. The result supports the role of muscle in ADSC skin rejuvenation. The present study first reports that a single intradermal administration of cultured ADSCs rejuvenates aged facial skin over the course of one year. Further, patients exhibited definite double eyelids and pore shrinkage, strongly indicating the active involvement of muscle, which was supported by an in vitro study. Our study also suggested the important role of biological factors delivered from injected stem cells, although the detailed mechanism of rejuvenation effects of ADSC skin injection remains to be clarified.}, } @article {pmid37509811, year = {2023}, author = {Bianchi, A and Taglieri, I and Macaluso, M and Sanmartin, C and Zinnai, A and Venturi, F}, title = {Effect of Different Packaging Strategies on the Secondary Shelf Life of Young and Structured Red Wine.}, journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {37509811}, issn = {2304-8158}, support = {3553.04032020.158000112//tuscany region/ ; FISR2019-03020//MUR/ ; }, abstract = {When bottled wine is opened, a completely different scenario occurs that can accelerate the oxidation of the product. This is called the secondary shelf life (SSL), which is generally shorter and less predictable than the primary shelf life (PSL). In this context, the research aim was to evaluate the changes that occur in two types of red wine during two tests to evaluate the secondary shelf life as a function of the packaging systems. The variation of Total SO2 and Free SO2 and the other chemical parameters (polyphenols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, color, and volatile acidity) were used to assess the oxidation rate of the packaging samples after opening during the SSL. In both tests and for the two types of stored red wine, the polymeric cap showed the best results. The other types of closure (screw cap, natural cork, crow cap, and Tetra Brik) showed a negative trend and a reduced SSL for both red wines. Finally, the sensory results confirmed that with the polymeric cap, the SSL increases considerably compared to other capping systems. These results may be due to the technical characteristics of polymeric materials, which tend to vary slightly in shape after repeated usage.}, } @article {pmid37508746, year = {2023}, author = {Saati, AA and Adly, HM}, title = {Assessing the Correlation between Blood Trace Element Concentrations, Picky Eating Habits, and Intelligence Quotient in School-Aged Children.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {37508746}, issn = {2227-9067}, support = {43109025//Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University/ ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Inadequate levels of iron, zinc, and copper have been linked to growth impairment and cognitive and motor development deficits. The objective of this study is to examine the deficiencies of trace elements and their correlation with selective eating patterns and the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children.

METHODS AND PATIENTS: The cross-sectional analysis involved 430 children aged between 7 and 10 years. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the trace elements levels. Children's IQs were assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: Among the sample group, 20.3% exhibited iron deficiency, 42.5% had zinc deficiency, and 14% had insufficient copper levels. Single trace element deficiency was observed in 56.9% of the children, while 66.7% showed coexisting deficiencies of iron and zinc. Children with lower development levels exhibited significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to those with higher development levels (76.78 ± 10.67 vs. 81.14 ± 10.19 μg/dL). The analysis reveals that picky eaters had lower serum iron levels (76.59 ± 10.42 μg/dL) and higher serum copper levels (123.74 ± 13.45 μg/dL).

CONCLUSION: A strong association was observed between zinc deficiency, picky eating habits, and lower developmental stages. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring nutritional status in children, given the significant implications for their cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid37499083, year = {2023}, author = {Carruthers, A and Carruthers, J and De Boulle, K and Lowe, N and Lee, E and Brin, MF}, title = {Treatment of crow's feet lines and forehead lines with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): Development, insights, and impact.}, journal = {Medicine}, volume = {102}, number = {S1}, pages = {e32496}, pmid = {37499083}, issn = {1536-5964}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Forehead ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Double-Blind Method ; }, abstract = {Extrinsic and age-related intrinsic factors contribute to the development of facial lines, including lateral canthal lines (called crow's feet lines [CFL]) and horizontal forehead lines (FHL). OnabotulinumtoxinA is a highly effective treatment for facial lines that inhibits acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This temporary chemical denervation leads to localized muscle relaxation and subsequent wrinkle reduction. Early studies of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for facial neuronal disorders such as dystonia documented improvements in FHL and CFL. After the neurotoxin was approved for treating frown lines (glabellar lines [GL]), individuals requested treatment for other rhytids, and physicians continued assessing use in new areas. Once onabotulinumtoxinA was in clinical trial development, its efficacy and safety for CFL and FHL were successively evaluated as required by the US Food and Drug Administration and by key global health authorities, including those in the European Union, Japan, and China. Allergan, collaborating with leading physicians, established clinical programs that included novel safety and efficacy measures to meet regulatory requirements. Global, phase 3, randomized, controlled studies of CFL and FHL met rigorous primary endpoints. Some countries mandated clinical trial data beyond US and European regulations, and Allergan conducted 11 studies in total, fulfilling diverse regulatory and study population data requirements. Adverse events associated with local spread, including brow and eyelid ptosis, diplopia, headache, and eyelid sensory disorder, were infrequent and well tolerated. Consequently, onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of upper facial lines is now established globally as a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for patients to achieve a natural appearance and look younger.}, } @article {pmid37493349, year = {2023}, author = {}, title = {Persuading the Non-canonical Intercalated-Motif DNA to Reveal Its Structure.}, journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)}, volume = {62}, number = {38}, pages = {e202308352}, doi = {10.1002/anie.202308352}, pmid = {37493349}, issn = {1521-3773}, mesh = {Humans ; *DNA/chemistry ; Base Pairing ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Ions ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; }, abstract = {This invited Team Profile was created by Kevin Li and Liliya Yatsunyk, Swarthmore College PA (USA) and by John Schneekloth, Jr, (Jay) National Cancer Institute, Frederick MD (USA). They recently published an article on the first crystal structure of an intercalated motif (i-motif or iM) from the HRAS oncogene involved in many cancers. The iHRAS structure was solved to 1.8 Å resolution. It contains a tail-to-tail dimer of two iMs each with six C-C[+] base pairs. The structure is unique in that only two base pairs out of 20 are canonical. The extensive network of capping and connecting interactions is unprecedented. The unique structural elements (loops/connecting region) may be targeted by ligands or proteins as cancer therapies. iHRAS represents the first crystallized iM-forming structure from a human promoter. "Crystal Structure of an iM from the HRAS Oncogene Promoter", K. S. Li, D. Jordan, L. Y. Lin, S. E. McCarthy, J. S. Schneekloth Jr., and L. A. Yatsunyk, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 2023, 62, e202301666.}, } @article {pmid37490767, year = {2024}, author = {Ascher, B and Rzany, BJ and Kestemont, P and Redaelli, A and Hendrickx, B and Iozzo, I and Martschin, C and Milotich, A and Molina, B and Cartier, H and Picaut, P and Prygova, I}, title = {International Consensus Recommendations on the Aesthetic Usage of Ready-to-Use AbobotulinumtoxinA (Alluzience).}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {192-202}, pmid = {37490767}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Consensus ; Face ; Esthetics ; *Skin Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; }, abstract = {Alluzience (abobotulinumtoxinA RTU; Ipsen, Paris, France and Galderma SA, Lausanne, Switzerland) is the first ready-to-use (RTU) botulinum toxin type A liquid solution approved for the treatment of glabellar lines in Europe. In this article, the authors provide consensus recommendations on the aesthetic usage of abobotulinumtoxinA RTU. Members of the International Board on Alluzience convened to develop consensus on the treatment of glabellar lines as well as other facial wrinkles based on their own extensive experience. Consensus recommendations were developed to provide practical guidelines for injection of abobotulinumtoxinA RTU. General guidance on proper assessment, treatment planning, and patient education is provided, as well as specific injection guidelines per indication. Indications covered include glabellar lines, crow's feet, horizontal forehead lines, lateral eyebrow lift, lower eyelid wrinkles, bunny lines, drooping nasal tip, perioral wrinkles, drooping mouth corners, masseter hypertrophy, hollow cheek lines, dimpled chin, and platysmal bands. These guidelines provide a practical framework to support routine injection of facial muscles with Alluzience.}, } @article {pmid37488542, year = {2023}, author = {Trapote, E and Canestrari, D and Baglione, V}, title = {Effects of meteorological conditions on brood care in cooperatively breeding carrion crow and consequences on reproductive success.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {24}, pmid = {37488542}, issn = {1742-9994}, support = {CGL2016 - 77636-P//Spanish National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation/ ; }, abstract = {Meteorological stressors (e.g., temperature and rain shortage) constrain brood provisioning in some bird species, but the consequences on reproductive success have been rarely quantified. Here we show, in a cooperatively breeding population of carrion crow Corvus corone in Spain, that individual feeding rates decreased significantly with rising air temperatures both in breeders and helpers, while lack of rain was associated with a significant reduction in the effort of the male helpers as compared to the other social categories. Group coordination, measured as the degree of alternation of nest visits by carers, was also negatively affected by rising temperature. Furthermore, we found that the body condition of the nestlings worsened when temperatures were high during the rearing period. Interestingly, the analysis of a long-term data set on crow reproduction showed that nestling body condition steadily deteriorated over the last 26-years. Although many factors may concur in causing population changes, our data suggest a possible causal link between global warming, brood caring behaviour and the decline of carrion crow population in the Mediterranean climatic region of Spain.}, } @article {pmid37485865, year = {2023}, author = {Xiong, Y and Tobler, M and Hegemann, A and Hasselquist, DL}, title = {Assessment of avian health status: suitability and constraints of the Zoetis VetScan VS2 blood analyser for ecological and evolutionary studies.}, journal = {Biology open}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {37485865}, issn = {2046-6390}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; }, abstract = {Biochemical analyses of blood can decipher physiological conditions of living animals and unravel mechanistic underpinnings of life-history strategies and trade-offs. Yet, researchers in ecology and evolution often face constraints in which methods to apply, not least due to blood volume restrictions or field settings. Here, we test the suitability of a portable biochemical analyser (Zoetis VetScan VS2) for ecological and evolutionary studies that may help solve those problems. Using as little as 80 µl of whole-bird blood from free-living Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) and captive Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata), we show that eight (out of 10) blood analytes show high repeatability after short-term storage (approximately 2 h) and six after 12 h storage time. Handling stress had a clear impact on all except two analytes by 16 min after catching. Finally, six analytes showed consistency within individuals over a period of 30 days, and three even showed individual consistency over a year. Taken together, we conclude that the VetScan VS2 captures biologically relevant variation in blood analytes using just 80 µl of whole blood and, thus, provides valuable physiological measurements of (small) birds sampled in semi-field and field conditions.}, } @article {pmid37483973, year = {2023}, author = {Carlón-Beltrán, Ó and Viloria-Gómora, L and Urbán R, J and Martínez-Aguilar, S and Antichi, S}, title = {Whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e15687}, pmid = {37483973}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; *Common Dolphins ; Bays ; Vocalization, Animal ; Sound Spectrography/methods ; *Dolphins ; }, abstract = {Long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis bairdii) distribution is limited to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. Its whistle repertoire is poorly investigated, with no studies in the Gulf of California. The aim of the present study is to characterize the whistles of this species and compare their parameters with different populations. Acoustic monitoring was conducted in La Paz Bay, Gulf of California. Recordings were inspected in spectrogram view in Raven Pro, selecting good quality whistles (n = 270). In the software Luscinia, contours were manually traced to obtain whistle frequencies and duration. Number of steps, inflection points and contour type were visually determined. We calculated the descriptive statistics of the selected whistle parameters and we compared the results with a dolphins population from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed to test the intraspecific variation of the whistle parameters among groups. In the present study the mean values (±SD) of the whistle parameters were: maximum frequency = 14.13 ± 3.71 kHz, minimum frequency = 8.44 ± 2.58 kHz and duration = 0.44 ± 0.31 s. Whistles with the upsweep contour were the most common ones (34.44%). The coefficient of variation (CV) values for modulation parameters were high (>100%), in accordance with other studies on dolphins. Whistle parameters showed significant differences among groups. Finally, ending and maximum frequencies, duration and inflection points of the whistles recorded in the present study were lower compared with the parameters of the long-beaked common dolphins from the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This study provides the first whistle characterization of long-beaked common dolphin from the Gulf of California and it will help future passive acoustic monitoring applications in the study area.}, } @article {pmid37447139, year = {2023}, author = {Morales-Ferra, DL and Zavala-Sánchez, MÁ and Jiménez-Ferrer, E and Trejo-Moreno, C and González-Cortazar, M and Gamboa-Gómez, CI and Guerrero-Romero, F and Zamilpa, A}, title = {Chemical Characterization, Antilipidemic Effect and Anti-Obesity Activity of Ludwigia octovalvis in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {13}, pages = {}, pmid = {37447139}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven is widely used in traditional medicine for different illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension. However, its impact on lipotoxicity and metabolic syndrome in vivo has not been addressed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this plant on the metabolic syndrome parameters in a C57BL6J mouse hypercaloric diet model. L. octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction (25 mg/kg/day) were used for sub-chronic assessment (10 weeks). Additionally, four subfractions (25 mg/kg) were evaluated in the postprandial triglyceridemia test in healthy C57BL6J mice. The hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased body weight gain (-6.9 g and -1.5 g), fasting glycemia (-46.1 and -31.2 mg/dL), systolic (-26.0 and -22.5 mmHg) and diastolic (-8.1 and 16.2 mmHg) blood pressure, free fatty acid concentration (-13.8 and -8.0 μg/mL) and insulin-resistance (measured by TyG index, -0.207 and -0.18), compared to the negative control. A postprandial triglyceridemia test showed that the effects in the sub-chronic model are due, at least in part, to improvement in this parameter. L. octovalvis treatments, particularly the hydroalcoholic extract, improve MS alterations and decrease free fatty acid concentration. These effects are possibly due to high contents of corilagin and ellagic acid.}, } @article {pmid37439728, year = {2024}, author = {Markiewicz, R and Rahman, F and Apperly, I and Mazaheri, A and Segaert, K}, title = {It is not all about you: Communicative cooperation is determined by your partner's theory of mind abilities as well as your own.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, pages = {833-844}, doi = {10.1037/xlm0001268}, pmid = {37439728}, issn = {1939-1285}, support = {//University of Birmingham/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Theory of Mind ; Communication ; Social Perception ; }, abstract = {We investigated the relationship between Theory of Mind (ToM) and communicative cooperation. Specifically, we examined whether communicative cooperation is affected by the ToM ability of one's cooperative partner as well as their own. ToM is the attribution of mental states to oneself and others; cooperation is the joint action that leads to achieving a shared goal. We measured cooperation using a novel communicative cooperation game completed by participants in pairs. ToM was measured via the Movies for Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC) task and fluid intelligence via the Raven task. Findings of 350 adults show that ToM scores of both players were predictors of cooperative failure, whereas Raven scores were not. Furthermore, participants were split into low- and high-ToM groups through a median split of the MASC scores: high-ToM individuals committed significantly fewer cooperative errors compared to their low-ToM counterparts. Therefore, we found a direct relationship between ToM and cooperation. Interestingly, we also examined how ToM scores of paired participants determine cooperation. We found that pairs with two high-ToM individuals committed significantly fewer errors compared to pairs with two low-ToM individuals. We speculate that reduced cooperation in low-low ToM pairs is a result of less efficient development of conceptual alignment and recovery from misalignment, compared to high-high ToM dyads. For the first time, we thus demonstrate that it is not all about you; both cooperative partners make key, independent, contributions to cooperative outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid37436821, year = {2023}, author = {Srivastava, S and Bertone, MP and Parmar, D and Walsh, C and De Allegri, M}, title = {The genesis of the PM-JAY health insurance scheme in India: technical and political elements influencing a national reform towards universal health coverage.}, journal = {Health policy and planning}, volume = {38}, number = {7}, pages = {862-875}, doi = {10.1093/heapol/czad045}, pmid = {37436821}, issn = {1460-2237}, support = {/GATES/Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/United States ; /GATES/Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Health Care Reform ; *Universal Health Insurance ; Insurance, Health ; Policy ; India ; }, abstract = {Many countries are using health insurance to advance progress towards universal health coverage (UHC). India launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) health insurance scheme in 2018. We examine the political economy context around PM-JAY policy formulation, by examining the perspectives of policy stakeholders shaping decisions around the reform. More specifically, we focus on early policy design at the central (national) level. We use a framework on the politics of UHC reform proposed by Fox and Reich (The politics of universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries: A framework for evaluation and action. J. Health Polit. Policy Law 2015;40:1023-1060), to categorize the reform into phases and examine the interactions between actors, institutions, interests, ideas and ideology which shaped reform decisions. We interviewed 15 respondents in Delhi between February and April 2019, who were either closely associated with the reform process or subject experts. The ruling centre-right government introduced PM-JAY shortly before national elections, drawing upon policy legacies from prior and state insurance schemes. Empowered policy entrepreneurs within the government focused discourse around ideas of UHC and strategic purchasing, and engaged in institution building leading to the creation of the National Health Authority and State Health Agencies through policy directives, thereby expanding state infrastructural and institutional power for insurance implementation. Indian state inputs were incorporated in scheme design features like mode of implementation, benefit package and provider network, while features like the coverage amount, portability of benefits and branding strategy were more centrally driven. These balanced negotiations opened up political space for a cohesive, central narrative of the reform and facilitated adoption. Our analysis shows that the PM-JAY reform focused on bureaucratic rather than ideological elements and that technical compromises and adjustments accommodating the interests of states enabled the political success of policy formulation. Appreciating these politics, power and structural issues shaping PM-JAY institutional design will be important to understand how PM-JAY is implemented and how it advances UHC in India.}, } @article {pmid37413840, year = {2023}, author = {Inui, H and Minic, Z and Hüttmann, N and Fujita, K and Stoykova, P and Karadžić, I}, title = {Cucurbita pepo contains characteristic proteins without a signal peptide in the xylem sap.}, journal = {Journal of plant physiology}, volume = {287}, number = {}, pages = {154038}, doi = {10.1016/j.jplph.2023.154038}, pmid = {37413840}, issn = {1618-1328}, abstract = {Xylem sap is a fluid that transfers water and nutrients from the rhizosphere. This sap contains relatively low concentrations of proteins that originate from the extracellular space among the root cells. One of the characteristic proteins in the xylem sap of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumber and zucchini, is a major latex-like protein (MLP). MLPs are responsible for crop contamination through the transport of hydrophobic pollutants from the roots. However, detailed information on the content of MLPs in the xylem sap is not available. Proteomic analysis of root and xylem sap proteins from the Cucurbita pepo cultivars Patty Green (PG) and Raven (RA) showed that the xylem sap of cv. RA, a high accumulator of hydrophobic pollutants, contained four MLPs that accounted for over 85% of the total xylem sap proteins in this cultivar. The xylem sap of PG, a low accumulator, mainly contained an uncharacterized protein. The amount of each root protein between the PG and RA cultivars was significantly and positively correlated in spite of being with and without a signal peptide (SP). However, the amount of xylem sap proteins without an SP was not correlated. These results suggest that cv. RA is characterized by MLPs in the xylem sap.}, } @article {pmid37410575, year = {2023}, author = {Li, SL and Li, KY and Song, T and Wu, D and Yin, NB and Wang, YQ}, title = {Long-Term Effects of Extended Upper Blepharoplasty Combined With Subbrow Skin Removal for Correction of Lateral Hooding in Asian Women.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {34}, number = {5}, pages = {1550-1555}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000009348}, pmid = {37410575}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Blepharoplasty/methods ; Cicatrix/surgery ; Eyelids/surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Asian People ; }, abstract = {Upper eyelid aging with lateral hooding is common among Asian women older than 40 years. Since Asians tend to develop more visible scars than White people, we used an extended upper blepharoplasty technique to correct lateral hooding and conceal the scar, combined with the removal of the thick subbrow skin for women over 60 years of age, to achieve a stable, improved outcome. An extended cutaneous scalpel-shaped excision was designed and hid the extended part of the excision in the patient's upward crow's feet to address the redundant skin of lateral hooding. For patients older than 60 years, we used a crescent-shaped excision and simultaneously removed the thick skin under the eyebrow to reduce the likelihood of long-term postoperative pseudoexcess. A retrospective study was conducted on 40 Asian women who underwent upper eyelid rejuvenation surgery with the above methods from July 2020 to March 2021 (follow-up, 12-15 mo). Extended blepharoplasty notably corrected the lateral hooding and achieved a natural double eyelid. The postoperative scar was inconspicuous. For patients older than 60 years, the long-term rejuvenation outcome was stable when associated with subbrow skin removal. However, two patients older than 60 years in whom the subbrow skin was not removed developed pseudoexcess of the upper eyelid 1 year postoperatively. Extended blepharoplasty is a simple and effective technique for improving periorbital aging in Asian women, and the postoperative scarring was inconspicuous. For patients older than 60 years, we recommend removal of the thick subbrow skin to avoid long-term postoperative pseudoexcess.}, } @article {pmid37408173, year = {2023}, author = {Braccini, F and Catoni, I and Belfkira, F and Lagier, J and Roze, E and Paris, J and Huth, J and Bronsard, V and Cartier, H and David, M and Galatoire, O and Obadia, D and Sabatier, H and Sarfati, E and Kestemont, P and Winter, C and Redaelli, A}, title = {SAMCEP Society consensus on the treatment of upper facial lines with botulinum neurotoxin type A: A tailored approach.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {10}, pages = {2692-2704}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15768}, pmid = {37408173}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; Consensus ; Forehead ; Facial Muscles ; Treatment Outcome ; *Skin Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) treatments are well established, but injection techniques, target muscles, and toxin doses continue to evolve, with each refinement producing improvements in treatment outcomes. The recommendations in this consensus move away from standard templates and illustrate how to tailor treatments to individual patterns and strengths of muscle activity, and patient preferences.

METHODS: Seventeen experts in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and neurology convened in 2022 to develop consensus-based recommendations for the use of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of horizontal forehead lines, glabellar frown lines, and crow's feet lines that reflect current clinical practice. The focus was on how to tailor injections to individual patients to optimize treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: For each upper face indication, consensus members describe how to perform a dynamic assessment to optimize the dose and injection technique for each patient. A tailored treatment protocol is presented for commonly observed patterns of dynamic lines. Units of Inco are defined and the precise location of injection points, illustrated with the use of anatomical images.

CONCLUSION: This consensus provides up-to-date recommendations on the tailored treatment of upper facial lines based on the latest research and collective clinical experience of the expert injectors. Optimal outcomes require thorough patient evaluation, both at rest and during animation, using both visual and tactile cues; detailed understanding of facial muscular anatomy and how opposing muscles interact; and use of a BoNTA with high precision to target identified zones of excess muscle activity.}, } @article {pmid37404274, year = {2023}, author = {Prinja, S and Dixit, J and Gupta, N and Dhankhar, A and Kataki, AC and Roy, PS and Mehra, N and Kumar, L and Singh, A and Malhotra, P and Goyal, A and Rajsekar, K and Krishnamurthy, MN and Gupta, S}, title = {Financial toxicity of cancer treatment in India: towards closing the cancer care gap.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1065737}, pmid = {37404274}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {Humans ; *Financial Stress ; Hospitalization ; Health Expenditures ; Insurance, Health ; Family Characteristics ; *Neoplasms/epidemiology/therapy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rising economic burden of cancer on patients is an important determinant of access to treatment initiation and adherence in India. Several publicly financed health insurance (PFHI) schemes have been launched in India, with treatment for cancer as an explicit inclusion in the health benefit packages (HBPs). Although, financial toxicity is widely acknowledged to be a potential consequence of costly cancer treatment, little is known about its prevalence and determinants among the Indian population. There is a need to determine the optimal strategy for clinicians and cancer care centers to address the issue of high costs of care in order to minimize the financial toxicity, promote access to high value care and reduce health disparities.

METHODS: A total of 12,148 cancer patients were recruited at seven purposively selected cancer centres in India, to assess the out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) and financial toxicity among cancer patients. Mean OOPE incurred for outpatient treatment and hospitalization, was estimated by cancer site, stage, type of treatment and socio-demographic characteristics. Economic impact of cancer care on household financial risk protection was assessed using standard indicators of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and impoverishment, along with the determinants using logistic regression.

RESULTS: Mean direct OOPE per outpatient consultation and per episode of hospitalization was estimated as ₹8,053 (US$ 101) and ₹39,085 (US$ 492) respectively. Per patient annual direct OOPE incurred on cancer treatment was estimated as ₹331,177 (US$ 4,171). Diagnostics (36.4%) and medicines (45%) are major contributors of OOPE for outpatient treatment and hospitalization, respectively. The overall prevalence of CHE and impoverishment was higher among patients seeking outpatient treatment (80.4% and 67%, respectively) than hospitalization (29.8% and 17.2%, respectively). The odds of incurring CHE was 7.4 times higher among poorer patients [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 7.414] than richest. Enrolment in PM-JAY (CHE AOR = 0.426, and impoverishment AOR = 0.395) or a state sponsored scheme (CHE AOR = 0.304 and impoverishment AOR = 0.371) resulted in a significant reduction in CHE and impoverishment for an episode of hospitalization. The prevalence of CHE and impoverishment was significantly higher with hospitalization in private hospitals and longer duration of hospital stay (p < 0.001). The extent of CHE and impoverishment due to direct costs incurred on outpatient treatment increased from 83% to 99.7% and, 63.9% to 97.1% after considering both direct and indirect costs borne by the patient and caregivers, respectively. In case of hospitalization, the extent of CHE increased from 23.6% (direct cost) to 59.4% (direct+ indirect costs) and impoverishment increased from 14.1% (direct cost) to 27% due to both direct and indirect cost of cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION: There is high economic burden on patients and their families due to cancer treatment. The increase in population and cancer services coverage of PFHI schemes, creating prepayment mechanisms like E-RUPI for outpatient diagnostic and staging services, and strengthening public hospitals can potentially reduce the financial burden among cancer patients in India. The disaggregated OOPE estimates could be useful input for future health technology analyses to determine cost-effective treatment strategies.}, } @article {pmid37404070, year = {2023}, author = {Smith, MR and Sandhu, S and George, DJ and Chi, KN and Saad, F and Thiery-Vuillemin, A and Stàhl, O and Olmos, D and Danila, DC and Gafanov, R and Castro, E and Moon, H and Joshua, AM and Mason, GE and Espina, BM and Liu, Y and Lopez-Gitlitz, A and Francis, P and Bevans, KB and Fizazi, K}, title = {Health-related quality of life in GALAHAD: A multicenter, open-label, phase 2 study of niraparib for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and DNA-repair gene defects.}, journal = {Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy}, volume = {29}, number = {7}, pages = {758-768}, pmid = {37404070}, issn = {2376-1032}, support = {P30 CA008748/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Male ; Female ; Humans ; *Quality of Life ; *Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy/genetics ; Indazoles/therapeutic use ; DNA ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Niraparib is a highly selective poly (adenosine diphosphateribose) polymerase-1 and poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-2 inhibitor indicated for select patients with ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer. The phase 2 GALAHAD trial (NCT02854436) demonstrated that niraparib monotherapy is tolerable and efficacious in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene alterations, particularly those with breast cancer gene (BRCA) alterations who had progressed on prior androgen signaling inhibitor therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To report the prespecified patient-reported outcomes analysis from GALAHAD. METHODS: Eligible patients with alterations to BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCA cohort) and with pathogenic alterations in other HRR genes (other HRR cohort) were enrolled and received niraparib 300 mg once daily. Patient-reported outcome instruments included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate and the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. Changes from baseline were compared using a mixed-effect model for repeated measures. RESULTS: On average, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improved in the BRCA cohort by cycle 3 (mean change = 6.03; 95% CI = 2.76-9.29) and was maintained above baseline until cycle 10 (mean change = 2.84; 95% CI = -1.95 to 7.63), whereas the other HRR cohort showed no early change in HRQoL from baseline (mean change = -0.07; 95% CI = -4.69 to 4.55) and declined by cycle 10 (mean change = -5.10; 95% CI = -15.3 to 5.06). Median time to deterioration in pain intensity and pain interference could not be estimated in either cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced mCRPC and BRCA alterations treated with niraparib experienced more meaningful improvement in overall HRQoL, pain intensity, and pain interference compared with those with other HRR alterations. In this population of castrate, heavily pretreated patients with mCRPC and HRR alterations, stabilization, and improvement in HRQoL may be relevant to consider when making treatment decisions. DISCLOSURES: This work was supported by Janssen Research & Development, LLC (no grant number). Dr Smith has received grants and personal fees from Bayer, Amgen, Janssen, and Lilly; and has received personal fees from Astellas Pharma, Novartis, and Pfizer. Dr Sandhu has received grants from Amgen, Endocyte, and Genentech; has received grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca and Merck; and has received personal fees from Bristol Myers Squibb and Merck Serono. Dr George has received personal fees from the American Association for Cancer Research, Axess Oncology, Capio Biosciences, Constellation Pharma, EMD Serono, Flatiron, Ipsen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Michael J. Hennessey Association, Millennium Medical Publishing, Modra Pharma, Myovant Sciences, Inc., NCI Genitourinary, Nektar Therapeutics, Physician Education Resource, Propella TX, RevHealth, LLC, and UroGPO; has received grants and personal fees from Astellas Pharma, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer; has received personal fees and nonfinancial support from Bayer and UroToday; has received grants from Calithera and Novartis; and has received grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from Exelixis, Inc., Sanofi, and Janssen Pharma. Dr Chi has received grants from Janssen during the conduct of the study; has received grants and personal fees from AstraZeneca, Bayer, Astellas Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, POINT Biopharma, Roche, and Sanofi; and has received personal fees from Daiichi Sankyo, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr Saad has received grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from Janssen during the conduct of the study; and has received grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from AstraZeneca, Astellas Pharma, Pfizer, Bayer, Myovant, Sanofi, and Novartis. Dr Thiery-Vuillemin has received grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from Pfizer; has received personal fees and nonfinancial support from AstraZeneca, Janssen, Ipsen, Roche/Genentech, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Astellas Pharma; and has received personal fees from Sanofi, Novartis, and Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr Olmos has received grants, personal fees, and nonfinancial support from AstraZeneca, Bayer, Janssen, and Pfizer; has received personal fees from Clovis, Daiichi Sankyo, and Merck Sharp & Dohme; and has received nonfinancial support from Astellas Pharma, F. Hoffman-LaRoche, Genentech, and Ipsen. Dr Danila has received research support from the US Department of Defense, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer, Janssen Research & Development, Astellas Pharma, Medivation, Agensys, Genentech, and CreaTV. Dr Gafanov has received grants from Janssen during the conduct of the study. Dr Castro has received grants from Janssen during the conduct of the study; has received grants and personal fees from Janssen, Bayer, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer; and has received personal fees from Astellas Pharma, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, and Clovis. Dr Moon has received research funding from SeaGen, HuyaBio, Janssen, BMS, Aveo, Xencor, and has received personal fees from Axess Oncology, MJH, EMD Serono, and Pfizer. Dr Joshua has received nonfinancial support from Janssen; consulted or served in an advisory role for Neoleukin, Janssen Oncology, Ipsen, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Noxopharm, IQvia, Pfizer, Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck Serono, and Eisai; and received research funding from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen Oncology, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Mayne Pharma, Roche/Genentech, Bayer, MacroGenics, Lilly, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Corvus Pharmaceuticals. Drs Mason, Liu, Bevans, Lopez-Gitlitz, and Francis and Mr Espina are employees of Janssen Research & Development. Dr Mason owns stocks with Janssen. Dr Fizazi has participated in advisory boards and talks for Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Clovis, Daiichi Sankyo, Janssen, MSD, Novartis/AAA, Pfizer, and Sanofi, with honoraria to his institution (Institut Gustave Roussy); has participated in advisory boards for, with personal honoraria from, Arvinas, CureVac, MacroGenics, and Orion. Study registration number: NCT02854436.}, } @article {pmid37395718, year = {2023}, author = {Benham, PM and Cicero, C and DeRaad, DA and McCormack, JE and Wayne, RK and Escalona, M and Beraut, E and Marimuthu, MPA and Nguyen, O and Nachman, MW and Bowie, RCK}, title = {A highly contiguous reference genome for the Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri).}, journal = {The Journal of heredity}, volume = {114}, number = {5}, pages = {549-560}, pmid = {37395718}, issn = {1465-7333}, support = {S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018174/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Genome ; *Passeriformes ; Genomics ; Base Sequence ; Chromosomes ; Sex Chromosomes ; }, abstract = {The Steller's jay is a familiar bird of western forests from Alaska south to Nicaragua. Here, we report a draft reference assembly for the species generated from PacBio HiFi long-read and Omni-C chromatin-proximity sequencing data as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP). Sequenced reads were assembled into 352 scaffolds totaling 1.16 Gb in length. Assembly metrics indicate a highly contiguous and complete assembly with a contig N50 of 7.8 Mb, scaffold N50 of 25.8 Mb, and BUSCO completeness score of 97.2%. Repetitive elements span 16.6% of the genome including nearly 90% of the W chromosome. Compared with high-quality assemblies from other members of the family Corvidae, the Steller's jay genome contains a larger proportion of repetitive elements than 4 crow species (Corvus), but a lower proportion of repetitive elements than the California scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica). This reference genome will serve as an essential resource for future studies on speciation, local adaptation, phylogeography, and conservation genetics in this species of significant biological interest.}, } @article {pmid37386928, year = {2023}, author = {Khan, S and Pathak, G and Milgraum, D and Tamhankar, M and Milgraum, S}, title = {Double vision due to lateral rectus injury after cosmetic botulinum toxin injections.}, journal = {The Australasian journal of dermatology}, volume = {64}, number = {3}, pages = {e220-e223}, doi = {10.1111/ajd.14120}, pmid = {37386928}, issn = {1440-0960}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects ; Diplopia/chemically induced ; *Neuromuscular Agents/adverse effects ; Face ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Facial intramuscular injections of Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections are among the most common cosmetic procedures in dermatology. Rarely, serious adverse reactions such as blepharoptosis, diplopia and periorbital hematoma may occur with improper administration technique. Here we report a case of painless diplopia 5 weeks post-BoNT injection for 'crow's feet' likely due to inadvertent BoNT diffusion into the lateral rectus muscle causing a temporary palsy. This case aims to raise awareness of proper cosmetic BoNT injection techniques in the periorbital area to avoid ophthalmic complications.}, } @article {pmid37382807, year = {2023}, author = {Stuhrmann, C}, title = {Sociobiology on Screen. The Controversy Through the Lens of Sociobiology: Doing What Comes Naturally.}, journal = {Journal of the history of biology}, volume = {56}, number = {2}, pages = {365-397}, pmid = {37382807}, issn = {1573-0387}, support = {316166947//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {When the sociobiology debate erupted in 1975, there were almost too many contributions to the heated exchanges between sociobiologists and their critics to count. In the fall of 1976, a Canadian educational film entitled Sociobiology: Doing What Comes Naturally sparked further controversy due to its graphic visuals and outrageous narration. While critics claimed the film was a promotional tool to further the sociobiological agenda in educational settings, sociobiologists quickly distanced themselves from the film and, in turn, accused the critics of consciously misrepresenting sociobiology by organizing showings of the film. Using audio, video, archival, and published sources, this paper explores the complicated history of Sociobiology: Doing What Comes Naturally and demonstrates how the public debate about the film reflects the positions, polemics, and polarization of the sociobiology debate as a whole.}, } @article {pmid37375457, year = {2023}, author = {Talmi-Frank, D and Byas, AD and Murrieta, R and Weger-Lucarelli, J and Rückert, C and Gallichotte, EN and Yoshimoto, JA and Allen, C and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Graham, B and Felix, TA and Brault, AC and Ebel, GD}, title = {Intracellular Diversity of WNV within Circulating Avian Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Reveals Host-Dependent Patterns of Polyinfection.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37375457}, issn = {2076-0817}, support = {F31 AI134108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI067380/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 OD010437/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; od010437/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) populations exist as mutant swarms that are maintained between arthropods and vertebrates. West Nile virus (WNV) population dynamics are host-dependent. In American crows, purifying selection is weak and population diversity is high compared to American robins, which have 100- to 1000-fold lower viremia. WNV passed in robins leads to fitness gains, whereas that passed in crows does not. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that high crow viremia allows for higher genetic diversity within individual avian peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), reasoning that this could have produced the previously observed host-specific differences in genetic diversity and fitness. Specifically, we infected cells and birds with a molecularly barcoded WNV and sequenced viral RNA from single cells to quantify the number of WNV barcodes in each. Our results demonstrate that the richness of WNV populations within crows far exceeds that in robins. Similarly, rare WNV variants were maintained by crows more frequently than by robins. Our results suggest that increased viremia in crows relative to robins leads to the maintenance of defective genomes and less prevalent variants, presumably through complementation. Our findings further suggest that weaker purifying selection in highly susceptible crows is attributable to this higher viremia, polyinfections and complementation.}, } @article {pmid37372429, year = {2023}, author = {Khan, SI and Yamada, R and Shiroma, R and Abe, T and Kozaki, A}, title = {Properties of INDETERMINATE DOMAIN Proteins from Physcomitrium patens: DNA-Binding, Interaction with GRAS Proteins, and Transcriptional Activity.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37372429}, issn = {2073-4425}, mesh = {*Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/metabolism ; Plants/genetics ; Signal Transduction/physiology ; *Bryopsida/genetics ; DNA/metabolism ; }, abstract = {INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) proteins are plant-specific transcription factors that interact with GRAS proteins, such as DELLA and SHORT ROOT (SHR), to regulate target genes. The combination of IDD and DELLA proteins regulates genes involved in gibberellic acid (GA) synthesis and GA signaling, whereas the combination of IDD with the complex of SHR and SCARECROW, another GRAS protein, regulates genes involved in root tissue formation. Previous bioinformatic research identified seven IDDs, two DELLA, and two SHR genes in Physcomitrium patens, a model organism for non-vascular plants (bryophytes), which lack a GA signaling pathway and roots. In this study, DNA-binding properties and protein-protein interaction of IDDs from P. patens (PpIDD) were analyzed. Our results showed that the DNA-binding properties of PpIDDs were largely conserved between moss and seed plants. Four PpIDDs showed interaction with Arabidopsis DELLA (AtDELLA) proteins but not with PpDELLAs, and one PpIDD showed interaction with PpSHR but not with AtSHR. Moreover, AtIDD10 (JACKDAW) interacted with PpSHR but not with PpDELLAs. Our results indicate that DELLA proteins have modified their structure to interact with IDD proteins during evolution from moss lineage to seed plants, whereas the interaction of IDD and SHR was already present in moss lineage.}, } @article {pmid37371443, year = {2023}, author = {Alhamdan, AA and Murphy, MJ and Crewther, SG}, title = {Visual Motor Reaction Times Predict Receptive and Expressive Language Development in Early School-Age Children.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37371443}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Proficiency of multisensory processing and motor skill are often associated with early cognitive, social, and language development. However, little research exists regarding the relationship between multisensory motor reaction times (MRTs) to auditory, visual and audiovisual stimuli, and classical measures of receptive language and expressive vocabulary development in school-age children. Thus, this study aimed to examine the concurrent development of performance in classical tests of receptive (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test; abbreviated as PPVT) and expressive vocabulary (Expressive Vocabulary Test; abbreviated as EVT), nonverbal intelligence (NVIQ) (determined with the aid of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices; abbreviated as RCPM), speed of visual-verbal processing in the Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN) test, Eye-Hand Co-ordination (EHC) in the SLURP task, and multisensory MRTs, in children (n = 75), aged between 5 and 10 years. Bayesian statistical analysis showed evidence for age group differences in EVT performance, while PPVT was only different for the youngest group of children aged 5-6, supporting different developmental trajectories in vocabulary acquisition. Bayesian correlations revealed evidence for associations between age, NVIQ, and vocabulary measures, with decisive evidence and a higher correlation (r = 0.57 to 0.68) between EVT, MRT tasks, and EHC visuomotor processing. This was further supported by regression analyses indicating that EVT performance was the strongest unique predictor of multisensory MRTs, EHC, and RAN time. Additionally, visual MRTs were found to predict both receptive and expressive vocabulary. The findings of the study have important implications as accessible school-based assessments of the concurrent development of NVIQ, language, and multisensory processing; and hence as rapid and timely measures of developmental and neurodevelopmental status.}, } @article {pmid37371219, year = {2023}, author = {Lin, YY and Hsu, WY and Yen, CE and Hu, SW}, title = {Association of Dental Fluorosis and Urinary Fluoride with Intelligence among Schoolchildren.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37371219}, issn = {2227-9067}, support = {MOST 108-2314-B-040-007//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; }, abstract = {Fluoride is present naturally in water and has been used worldwide for the prevention of caries. Several studies conducted in high water fluoride or endemic fluorosis areas reported that fluoride adversely affected children's cognitive function, but some studies had negative findings. This study aimed to assess the relationship between urinary fluoride, dental fluorosis, and intelligence among schoolchildren living in communities with non-fluoridated drinking water. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 562 children aged 6-12 years in Taichung, Taiwan. Each child's urinary fluoride level was determined by a fluoride-ion-selective electrode, and the dental fluorosis condition was evaluated according to the criteria of Dean's Index. The Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices-Parallel and Standard Progressive Matrices-Parallel were used to assess children's intelligence. The results showed that the mean (±standard deviation) urinary fluoride concentrations were 0.40 ± 0.27 mg/L (0.43 ± 0.23 mg/g creatinine) among participants. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 23.67%. After extensive evaluation of potential confounders, dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride were not associated with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores or grades in the regression models. In conclusion, dental fluorosis and urinary fluoride levels were not significantly related to the IQ of schoolchildren living in areas with low drinking water fluoride.}, } @article {pmid37370159, year = {2023}, author = {Srivastava, S and Bertone, MP and Basu, S and De Allegri, M and Brenner, S}, title = {Implementation of PM-JAY in India: a qualitative study exploring the role of competency, organizational and leadership drivers shaping early roll-out of publicly funded health insurance in three Indian states.}, journal = {Health research policy and systems}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {65}, pmid = {37370159}, issn = {1478-4505}, mesh = {Humans ; India ; *Leadership ; *Insurance, Health ; Hospitals ; Government Agencies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a publicly funded health insurance scheme, was launched in India in September 2018 to provide financial access to health services for poor Indians. PM-JAY design enables state-level program adaptations to facilitate implementation in a decentralized health implementation space. This study examines the competency, organizational, and leadership approaches affecting PM-JAY implementation in three contextually different Indian states.

METHODS: We used a framework on implementation drivers (competency, organizational, and leadership) to understand factors facilitating or hampering implementation experiences in three PM-JAY models: third-party administrator in Uttar Pradesh, insurance in Chhattisgarh, and hybrid in Tamil Nadu. We adopted a qualitative exploratory approach and conducted 92 interviews with national, state, district, and hospital stakeholders involved in program design and implementation in Delhi, three state capitals, and two anonymized districts in each state, between February and April 2019. We used a deductive approach to content analysis and interpreted coded material to identify linkages between organizational features, drivers, and contextual elements affecting implementation.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: PM-JAY guideline flexibilities enabled implementation in very different states through state-adapted implementation models. These models utilized contextually relevant adaptations for staff and facility competencies and organizational and facilitative administration, which had considerable scope for improvement in terms of recruitment, competency development, programmatic implementation support, and rationalizing the joint needs of the program and implementers. Adaptations also created structural barriers in staff interactions and challenged implicit power asymmetries and organizational culture, indicating a need for aligning staff hierarchies and incentive structures. At the same time, specific adaptations such as decentralizing staff selection and task shifting (all models); sharing of claims processing between the insurer and state agency (insurance and hybrid model); and using stringent empanelment, accreditation, monitoring, and benchmarking criteria for performance assessment, and reserving secondary care benefit packages for public hospitals (both in the hybrid model) contributed to successful implementation. Contextual elements such as institutional memory of previous schemes and underlying state capacities influenced all aspects of implementation, including leadership styles and autonomy. These variations make comparisons across models difficult, yet highlight constraints and opportunities for cross-learning and optimizing implementation to achieve universal health coverage in decentralized contexts.}, } @article {pmid37369211, year = {2023}, author = {Johnston, M and Brecht, KF and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows flexibly apply statistical inferences based on previous experience.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {33}, number = {15}, pages = {3238-3243.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.023}, pmid = {37369211}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; Problem Solving ; Behavior, Animal ; Uncertainty ; }, abstract = {Statistical inference, the ability to use limited information to draw conclusions about the likelihood of an event, is critical for decision-making during uncertainty. The ability to make statistical inferences was thought to be a uniquely human skill requiring verbal instruction and mathematical reasoning.[1] However, basic inferences have been demonstrated in both preliterate and pre-numerate individuals,[2][,][3][,][4][,][5][,][6][,][7] as well as non-human primates.[8] More recently, the ability to make statistical inferences has been extended to members outside of the primate lineage in birds.[9][,][10] True statistical inference requires subjects use relative rather than absolute frequency of previously experienced events. Here, we show that crows can relate memorized reward probabilities to infer reward-maximizing decisions. Two crows were trained to associate multiple reward probabilities ranging from 10% to 90% to arbitrary stimuli. When later faced with the choice between various stimulus combinations, crows retrieved the reward probabilities associated with individual stimuli from memory and used them to gain maximum reward. The crows showed behavioral distance and size effects when judging reward values, indicating that the crows represented probabilities as abstract magnitudes. When controlling for absolute reward frequency, crows still made reward-maximizing choices, which is the signature of true statistical inference. Our study provides compelling evidence of decision-making by relative reward frequency in a statistical inference task.}, } @article {pmid37367521, year = {2023}, author = {Gonthier, C}, title = {Should Intelligence Tests Be Speeded or Unspeeded? A Brief Review of the Effects of Time Pressure on Response Processes and an Experimental Study with Raven's Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37367521}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Intelligence tests are often performed under time constraints for practical reasons, but the effects of time pressure on reasoning performance are poorly understood. The first part of this work provides a brief review of major expected effects of time pressure, which includes forcing participants to skip items, convoking a mental speed factor, constraining response times, qualitatively altering cognitive processing, affecting anxiety and motivation, and interacting with individual differences. The second part presents data collected with Raven's matrices under three conditions of speededness to provide further insight into the complex effects of time pressure, with three major findings. First, even mild time pressure (with enough time available for all participants to complete the task at a leisurely pace) induced speeding throughout the whole task, starting with the very first item, and participants sped up more than was actually required. Second, time pressure came with lower confidence and poorer strategy use and a substantial decrease of accuracy (d = 0.35), even when controlling for response time at the item level-indicating a detrimental effect on cognitive processing beyond speeding. Third, time pressure disproportionately reduced response times for difficult items and participants with high ability, working memory capacity, or need for cognition, although this did not differentially affect ability estimates. Overall, both the review and empirical sections show that the effects of time pressure go well beyond forcing participants to speed or skip the last few items and make even mild time constraints inadvisable when attempting to measure maximal performance, especially for high-performing samples.}, } @article {pmid37367515, year = {2023}, author = {Zhou, Y and Jia, N}, title = {The Impact of Item Difficulty on Judgment of Confidence-A Cross-Level Moderated Mediation Model.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {37367515}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {22FJKB019//Ning Jia/ ; }, abstract = {The factors that influence metacognitive judgments often appear in combination, rather than in isolation. The multi-cue utilization model proposes that individuals often make use of multiple cues when making judgments. Previous studies have focused on the integration of intrinsic and extrinsic cues, while the current investigation examines the integration and influence of intrinsic cues and mnemonic cues. Judgment of confidence is a common form of metacognitive judgment. In this study, 37 college students completed Raven's Progressive Matrices and made judgments of confidence. We used the cross-level moderated mediation model to explore the impact of item difficulty on confidence judgments. Our results indicated that item difficulty negatively predicts the level of confidence. Item difficulty has an impact on the confidence evaluation by altering the processing fluency of intermediate variables. The joint effect of intrinsic cue item difficulty and mnemonic cue processing fluency influences confidence judgments. Additionally, we found that intelligence moderates the effect of difficulty on processing fluency across levels. Specifically, individuals with higher intelligence exhibited lower fluency on difficult tasks and higher fluency on simple tasks than individuals with lower intelligence. These findings expand on the multi-cue utilization model and integrate the influence mechanism of intrinsic and mnemonic cues on confidence judgments. Finally, we propose and verify a cross-level moderated mediation model that explains how item difficulty affects confidence judgments.}, } @article {pmid37363495, year = {2023}, author = {Mohammadi, Y and Bozorgkhou, H and Hadavi, SM and Shojaei, M and Rezaei Khodadadi, F and Najafi, S and Karimi, Z and Mehdibeygi Sarvestani, M}, title = {The effectiveness of neurofeedback on the management of academic performance in students with academic failure: experimental research.}, journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)}, volume = {85}, number = {6}, pages = {2677-2682}, pmid = {37363495}, issn = {2049-0801}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The present study aimed to study the impact of neurofeedback on the academic performance of nursing students with academic failure.

METHODS: This study was an experimental one with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of this research was the nursing students of the Faculty of Nursing, Tehran University of Medical Sciences University of Medical Sciences. The sample of this study consisted of 60 individuals chosen by a simple random sampling method and two experiment groups (N=30) and a control group (N=30) were replaced by accident. Neurofeedback was an advanced Raven test and a researcher-made questionnaire for data collection. Thereafter, the experimental group was treated with neurofeedback for 7-10 weeks and 20 50-min therapeutic sessions as the experimental condition. In the first 130 s, the baseline was determined for the individual, and during the session, the baseline was practiced. Each session consisted of six exercises, each lasting 7 min.

RESULTS: The results of the covariance analysis showed that students who had an educational drop and were trained in neurofeedback sessions showed a significant increase in the next half (P<0.05) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that neurofeedback is an effective method for managing the academic performance of nursing students with academic failure.}, } @article {pmid37362274, year = {2023}, author = {He, J and Peng, Z and Zhang, L and Zuo, L and Cui, D and Li, Q}, title = {Enhanced crow search algorithm with multi-stage search integration for global optimization problems.}, journal = {Soft computing}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-31}, pmid = {37362274}, issn = {1432-7643}, abstract = {Crow search algorithm (CSA), as a new swarm intelligence algorithm that simulates the crows' behaviors of hiding and tracking food in nature, performs well in solving many optimization problems. However, while handling complex and high-dimensional global optimization problems, CSA is apt to fall into evolutionary stagnation and has slow convergence speed, low accuracy, and weak robustness. This is mainly because it only utilizes a single search stage, where position updating relies on random following among individuals or arbitrary flight of individuals. To address these deficiencies, a CSA with multi-stage search integration (MSCSA) is presented. Chaos and multiple opposition-based learning techniques are first introduced to improve original population quality and ergodicity. The free foraging stage based on normal random distribution and Lévy flight is designed to conduct local search for enhancing the solution accuracy. And the following stage using mixed guiding individuals is presented to perform global search for expanding the search space through tracing each other among individuals. Finally, the large-scale migration stage based on the best individual and mixed guiding individuals concentrates on increasing the population diversity and helping the population jump out of local optima by moving the population to a promising area. All of these strategies form multi-level and multi-granularity balances between global exploration and local exploitation throughout the evolution. The proposed MSCSA is compared with a range of other algorithms, including original CSA, three outstanding variants of CSA, two classical meta-heuristics, and six state-of-the-art meta-heuristics covering different categories. The experiments are conducted based on the complex and high-dimensional benchmark functions CEC 2017 and CEC 2010, respectively. The experimental and statistical results demonstrate that MSCSA is competitive for tackling large-scale complicated problems, and is significantly superior to the competitors.}, } @article {pmid37353703, year = {2023}, author = {Kang, KH and Nam, KB and Jeong, BS and Kim, JS and Yoo, JC}, title = {The use of plastic litter as nesting material by the azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus in an agricultural environment of South Korea.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {30}, number = {35}, pages = {84814-84821}, pmid = {37353703}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; *Passeriformes ; Republic of Korea ; Soil ; }, abstract = {In bird species, anthropogenic nesting materials have been known to have a negative effect on the survival of birds in general, but in some species, these can be used instead of natural materials, which can have a positive effect on the structural aspects of nests. Our study aims to investigate the type and amount of anthropogenic materials found in the nests of the colonial breeding azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) in an agricultural area, as well as the characteristics of these used for each nest structure. We found that plastic litter was used in all of the azure-winged magpie breeding nests observed, and the types and amounts of plastic litter used differed between the cup and the outer. In all nests, soft, elastic, and insulating materials such as polyester fiber were mainly observed in the cup, and strings that weave and anchor branches and soil from nature were mostly found in the outer. The amount of plastic litter used in nests was related to the size of the nest. Plastic litter used in nests is thought to be collected from agricultural materials used in agricultural lands, vinyl greenhouses, and agricultural warehouses in our study site. Consequently, we expect that the phenomenon of azure-winged magpies using plastic litters for nest building may be common situation for the current agricultural environment where plastics are widespread.}, } @article {pmid37351726, year = {2023}, author = {Martín-Turrero, I and Sureda, X and Escobar, F and Bilal, U and Berasaluce, M and Valiente, R}, title = {How Can We Measure Alcohol Outlet Density Around Schools? A Comparison Between Two Buffer-Based Methods.}, journal = {Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine}, volume = {100}, number = {3}, pages = {627-637}, pmid = {37351726}, issn = {1468-2869}, support = {DP5 OD026429/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Alcoholic Beverages ; *Commerce ; Geographic Information Systems ; Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology ; Residence Characteristics ; Schools ; }, abstract = {Measuring the density of alcohol outlets around schools is a critical step towards understanding the drivers of drinking among adolescents. Different methodologies have been used in the literature for this purpose, but the implications of using one methodology or another have not been clearly assessed. Our aim was to compare different methods to measure alcohol outlet density and highlight under which characteristics of the environment might be best using each approach. We used Geographic Information Systems to geolocate schools (n = 576) and alcohol outlets (n = 21,732) in Madrid. We defined the density of alcohol outlets as the number of establishments within an area of 400 m around schools measured using two buffering methods: crow flies' and street network distances. We evaluated the agreement between both methods visually and through regression models, including street connectivity, population density, and density of recreational venues as predictors of disagreement. The density of alcohol outlets around schools was higher using crow flies' distances compared to street network distances. The differences between methodologies were wider in areas of higher density of outlets, especially in the downtown areas, where there are higher population density and street connectivity. Our results suggest that the spatial characteristics and morphology of the study area (e.g., street connectivity and population density) should be considered when deciding the methodology to be used to measure alcohol outlet density. Future studies should explore the implications of different exposure measures in their association with drinking prevalence and consumption patterns among different geographical contexts.}, } @article {pmid37349568, year = {2023}, author = {Baumann, C and Hussain, ST and Roblíčková, M and Riede, F and Mannino, MA and Bocherens, H}, title = {Evidence for hunter-gatherer impacts on raven diet and ecology in the Gravettian of Southern Moravia.}, journal = {Nature ecology & evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {8}, pages = {1302-1314}, pmid = {37349568}, issn = {2397-334X}, support = {817564/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Adult ; Humans ; *Crows ; Ecosystem ; Ecology ; Diet ; Bone and Bones ; }, abstract = {The earlier Gravettian of Southern Moravia-the Pavlovian-is notable for the many raven bones (Corvus corax) documented in its faunal assemblages. On the basis of the rich zooarchaeological and settlement data from the Pavlovian, previous work suggested that common ravens were attracted by human domestic activities and subsequently captured by Pavlovian people, presumably for feathers and perhaps food. Here, we report independent δ[15]N, δ[13]C and δ[34]S stable isotope data obtained from 12 adult ravens from the Pavlovian key sites of Předmostí I, Pavlov I and Dolní Věstonice I to test this idea. We show that Pavlovian ravens regularly fed on larger herbivores and especially mammoths, aligning in feeding preferences with contemporaneous Gravettian foragers. We argue that opportunistic-generalist ravens were encouraged by human settlement and carcass provisioning. Our data may thus provide surprisingly early evidence for incipient synanthropism among Palaeolithic ravens. We suggest that anthropogenic manipulation of carrion supply dynamics furnished unique contexts for the emergence of human-oriented animal behaviours, in turn promoting novel human foraging opportunities-dynamics which are therefore important for understanding early hunter-gatherer ecosystem impacts.}, } @article {pmid37341388, year = {2023}, author = {Flanagan, AM and Masuda, B and Komarczyk, L and Kuhar, A and Farabaugh, S and Swaisgood, RR}, title = {Adapting conservation breeding techniques using a data-driven approach to restore the 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis).}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {42}, number = {6}, pages = {834-839}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21794}, pmid = {37341388}, issn = {1098-2361}, support = {//Funding for conservation breeding was provided by: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, The Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation, Moore Family Foundation, and Anonymous Donors/ ; }, mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Crows ; Hawaii ; Animals, Zoo ; Endangered Species ; }, abstract = {For some critically endangered species, conservation breeding is a vital steppingstone toward re-establishing wild populations. The 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis), currently extinct in the wild, exists today only in a conservation breeding program, which, for many years, utilized successful hands-on husbandry approaches such as separating and resocializing pairs, providing partially manmade nests, artificially incubating eggs, and puppet rearing nestlings. Yet, a top priority of any conservation breeding program is to retain natural behaviors essential to postrelease survival and reproduction, to achieve successful reintroduction and restoration to the wild. We describe how we are adapting 'Alalā husbandry techniques to strengthen pair bonds through full-time socialization, enable pairs to build robust nests, encourage females to incubate eggs to hatch, and provide pairs and their offspring with vital parental rearing experiences. We discuss the use of standardized, data-driven methods to objectively track our progress towards successful parental breeding and to select release candidates based on their likelihood to survive and breed in the wild. The information shared in this report can be applied to other conservation breeding programs, particularly those implementing or transitioning to husbandry techniques geared towards preparing species to thrive in the wild.}, } @article {pmid37339600, year = {2023}, author = {Butterworth, B}, title = {Categorising: Inside the crow's brain.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {33}, number = {12}, pages = {R694-R695}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.022}, pmid = {37339600}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Brain/physiology ; Learning ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {Crows can learn to categorise line lengths into experimenter-defined categories. The crow's brain codes and recodes line lengths in individual neurons in the nidopallium caudolaterale, part of the telencephalon.}, } @article {pmid37335808, year = {2023}, author = {Li, F and Chen, H and Chen, D and Zhang, B and Shi, Q and He, X and Zhao, H and Wang, F}, title = {Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-peptide anti-aging topical eye serum.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {12}, pages = {3340-3346}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15849}, pmid = {37335808}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Dingmageili Biotechnology Ltd./ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Skin/diagnostic imaging ; *Skin Aging ; Peptides/adverse effects ; *Cosmetics/therapeutic use ; Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a complex multifactorial progressive process. With age, intrinsic and extrinsic factors cause the loss of skin elasticity, with the formation of wrinkles, resulting in skin sagging through various pathways. A combination of multiple bioactive peptides could be used as a treatment for skin wrinkles and sagging.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the cosmetic efficacy of a multi-peptide eye serum as a daily skin-care product for improving the periocular skin of women within the ages of 20-45 years.

METHODS: The stratum corneum skin hydration and skin elasticity were assessed using a Corneometer CM825 and Skin Elastometer MPA580, respectively. The PRIMOS CR technique based on digital strip projection technology was used for skin image and wrinkle analysis around the "crow's feet" area. Self-assessment questionnaires were filled on Day 14 and 28 of product use.

RESULTS: This study included 32 subjects with an average age of 28.5 years. On Day 28, there was a significant decrease in the number, depth, and volume of wrinkles. Skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness increased continuously during the study period, consistent with typical anti-aging claims. A majority of the participants (75.00%) expressed overall satisfaction with their skin appearance after using the product. Most participants noted a visible skin improvement, with an increase in skin elasticity and smoothness, and confirmed the extensibility, applicability, and temperance of the product. No adverse reactions related to product use were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The multi-peptide eye serum uses a multi-targeted mechanism against skin aging to improve the skin appearance, making it an ideal choice for daily skincare.}, } @article {pmid37324165, year = {2023}, author = {Sone, K and Tanimoto, S and Toyohara, Y and Taguchi, A and Miyamoto, Y and Mori, M and Iriyama, T and Wada-Hiraike, O and Osuga, Y}, title = {Evolution of a surgical system using deep learning in minimally invasive surgery (Review).}, journal = {Biomedical reports}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {45}, pmid = {37324165}, issn = {2049-9442}, abstract = {Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied in various fields due to the development of new learning methods, such as deep learning, and the marked progress in computational processing speed. AI is also being applied in the medical field for medical image recognition and omics analysis of genomes and other data. Recently, AI applications for videos of minimally invasive surgeries have also advanced, and studies on such applications are increasing. In the present review, studies that focused on the following topics were selected: i) Organ and anatomy identification, ii) instrument identification, iii) procedure and surgical phase recognition, iv) surgery-time prediction, v) identification of an appropriate incision line, and vi) surgical education. The development of autonomous surgical robots is also progressing, with the Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) and RAVEN systems being the most reported developments. STAR, in particular, is currently being used in laparoscopic imaging to recognize the surgical site from laparoscopic images and is in the process of establishing an automated suturing system, albeit in animal experiments. The present review examined the possibility of fully autonomous surgical robots in the future.}, } @article {pmid37323951, year = {2022}, author = {Rostami, M and Faridi, F and Khosrowabadi, R}, title = {Brain Functional Correlates of Intelligence Score in ADHD Based on EEG.}, journal = {Basic and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {883-900}, pmid = {37323951}, issn = {2008-126X}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that intelligence as a general mental ability is related to the structure and function of the brain regions. However, the specificity of these regional dependencies to the intelligence scores in the typical and atypical developed individuals needs to be well understood. In this study, we hypothesized that neural correlates of IQ should not have a fixed pattern rather they must follow a dynamic pattern to compensate for the functional deficits caused by a neurodevelopmental disorder. Therefore, electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of normal IQ in various subtypes of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) were compared with a group of healthy controls.

METHODS: Sixty-three ADHD subjects comprising combined, inattentive, and hyperactive individuals diagnosed by a psychiatrist using structural clinical interview for DSM-V, and 46 healthy controls with similar normal IQ scores were recruited in this study. The subjects' EEG data were then recorded during an eye-closed resting condition. The subjects' intelligence level was measured by Raven's standard progressive matrices. Then, the association between IQ and the power of the EEG signal was computed in the conventional frequency bands. Subsequently, topographical representations of these associations were compared between the groups.

RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that the association between IQ score and EEG power is not the same in various ADHD subtypes and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION: This finding suggests a compensatory mechanism in ADHD individuals for changing the regional oscillatory pattern to maintain the IQ within a normal range.}, } @article {pmid37321662, year = {2023}, author = {Mohammed, WJ and MacDonald, LA and Thomas, KE and McDonald, I and Turner, KW and Wolfe, BB and Hall, RI}, title = {Ecosystem responses of shallow thermokarst lakes to climate-driven hydrological change: Insights from long-term monitoring of periphytic diatom community composition at Old Crow Flats (Yukon, Canada).}, journal = {Science progress}, volume = {106}, number = {2}, pages = {368504231181452}, pmid = {37321662}, issn = {2047-7163}, mesh = {Animals ; Lakes/chemistry ; *Diatoms ; Ecosystem ; *Crows ; Yukon Territory ; Canada ; Water ; }, abstract = {Shallow waterbodies are abundant in Arctic and subarctic landscapes where they provide productive wildlife habitat and hold cultural and socioeconomic importance for Indigenous communities. Their vulnerability to climate-driven hydrological and limnological changes enhances a need for long-term monitoring data capable of tracking aquatic ecosystem responses. Here, we evaluate biological and inferred physicochemical responses associated with a rise in rainfall-generated runoff and increasingly positive lake water balances in Old Crow Flats (OCF), a 5600 km[2] thermokarst landscape in northern Yukon. This is achieved by analyzing periphytic diatom community composition in biofilms accrued on artificial-substrate samplers at 14 lakes collected mostly annually during 2008-2019 CE. Results reveal that diatom communities at 10 of the 14 lakes converged toward a composition typical of lakes with rainfall-dominated input waters. These include six of nine lakes that were not initially dominated by rainfall input. The shifts in diatom community composition infer rise of lake-water pH and ionic content, and they reveal that northern shallow lake ecosystems are responsive to climate-driven increases in rainfall. Based on data generated during the 12 -year-long monitoring period, we conclude that lakes located centrally within OCF are most vulnerable to rapid climate-driven hydroecological change due to flat terrain, larger lake surface area, and sparse terrestrial vegetation, which provide less resistance to lake expansion, shoreline erosion, and sudden drainage. This information assists the local Indigenous community and natural resource stewardship agencies to anticipate changes to traditional food sources and inform adaptation options.}, } @article {pmid37306010, year = {2023}, author = {Costello, JH and Colin, SP and Gemmell, BJ and Dabiri, JO and Kanso, EA}, title = {A fundamental propulsive mechanism employed by swimmers and flyers throughout the animal kingdom.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {226}, number = {11}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.245346}, pmid = {37306010}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Engineering ; Hydrodynamics ; Motion ; Movement ; }, abstract = {Even casual observations of a crow in flight or a shark swimming demonstrate that animal propulsive structures bend in patterned sequences during movement. Detailed engineering studies using controlled models in combination with analysis of flows left in the wakes of moving animals or objects have largely confirmed that flexibility can confer speed and efficiency advantages. These studies have generally focused on the material properties of propulsive structures (propulsors). However, recent developments provide a different perspective on the operation of nature's flexible propulsors, which we consider in this Commentary. First, we discuss how comparative animal mechanics have demonstrated that natural propulsors constructed with very different material properties bend with remarkably similar kinematic patterns. This suggests that ordering principles beyond basic material properties govern natural propulsor bending. Second, we consider advances in hydrodynamic measurements demonstrating suction forces that dramatically enhance overall thrust produced by natural bending patterns. This is a previously unrecognized source of thrust production at bending surfaces that may dominate total thrust production. Together, these advances provide a new mechanistic perspective on bending by animal propulsors operating in fluids - either water or air. This shift in perspective offers new opportunities for understanding animal motion as well as new avenues for investigation into engineered designs of vehicles operating in fluids.}, } @article {pmid37305510, year = {2023}, author = {Angiolillo, A and Leccese, D and Ciccotelli, S and Di Cesare, G and D'Elia, K and Aurisano, N and Matrone, C and Dentizzi, C and Di Costanzo, A}, title = {Effects of Nordic walking in Alzheimer's disease: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {e15865}, pmid = {37305510}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {Non-pharmacological approaches, including exercise programs, have been proposed to improve cognitive function and behavioral symptoms, such as depression, agitation, or aggression, in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, physical inactivity is one of the main modifiable risk factors in patients with AD, as well as in the development of cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies. Although Nordic Walking (NW), a particular type of aerobic exercise, is known to benefit the health of aging populations, there is little evidence that patients with AD may benefit from this non-pharmacological treatment. In this context, we performed a pilot study in 30 patients with mild/moderate AD to evaluate whether NW influences different cognitive domains, including executive functions, visual-spatial abilities, and verbal episodic memory. To this aim, 15 patients (Control group, CG) underwent reality orientation therapy, music therapy, motor, proprioceptive and postural rehabilitation, and 15 patients (experimental group, EG) in addition to the activities performed by the CG also had the NW with a frequency of twice a week. Neuropsychological assessments and evaluations of daily activities and quality of life were performed at baseline and after 24 weeks. Twenty-two patients, including 13 in the CG and nine in the EG completed the activity program after 24 weeks. The EG showed a significant improvement in the Frontal Assessment Battery, Rey's auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, and completion time for the Stroop Word-Color Interference test, compared to the CG. NW was able to improve cognitive domains like visual-spatial reasoning abilities, verbal episodic memory, selective attention, and processing speed in AD patients. These results, if confirmed by further studies with a larger number of patients and a longer training period, may prospect NW as a safe and likely useful strategy to slow down cognitive impairment in mild/moderate AD.}, } @article {pmid37304324, year = {2023}, author = {Doumari, SA and Berahmand, K and Ebadi, MJ}, title = {Early and High-Accuracy Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease: Outcomes of a New Model.}, journal = {Computational and mathematical methods in medicine}, volume = {2023}, number = {}, pages = {1493676}, pmid = {37304324}, issn = {1748-6718}, mesh = {Humans ; *Parkinson Disease/diagnosis ; Movement ; Algorithms ; Cluster Analysis ; Language ; }, abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the significant common neurological disorders of the current age that causes uncontrollable movements like shaking, stiffness, and difficulty. The early clinical diagnosis of this disease is essential for preventing the progression of PD. Hence, an innovative method is proposed here based on combining the crow search algorithm and decision tree (CSADT) for the early PD diagnosis. This approach is used on four crucial Parkinson's datasets, including meander, spiral, voice, and speech-Sakar. Using the presented method, PD is effectively diagnosed by evaluating each dataset's critical features and extracting the primary practical outcomes. The used algorithm was compared with other machine learning algorithms of k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), naive Baye (NB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT), random tree, logistic regression, support vector machine of radial base functions (SVM of RBFs), and combined classifier in terms of accuracy, recall, and combination measure F1. The analytical results emphasize the used algorithm's superiority over the other selected ones. The proposed model yields nearly 100% accuracy through various trials on the datasets. Notably, a high detection speed achieved the lowest detection time of 2.6 seconds. The main novelty of this paper is attributed to the accuracy of the presented PD diagnosis method, which is much higher than its counterparts.}, } @article {pmid37300600, year = {2023}, author = {Lu, C and Gudowska, A and Rutkowska, J}, title = {What do zebra finches learn besides singing? Systematic mapping of the literature and presentation of an efficient associative learning test.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {1489-1503}, pmid = {37300600}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2018/31/B/NZ8/02388//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; N18/DBS/000003//Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Finches ; Vocalization, Animal ; Chickens ; Learning ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {The process of learning in birds has been extensively studied, with a focus on species such as pigeons, parrots, chickens, and crows. In recent years, the zebra finch has emerged as a model species in avian cognition, particularly in song learning. However, other cognitive domains such as spatial memory and associative learning could also be critical to fitness and survival, particularly during the intensive juvenile period. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of cognitive studies on zebra finches, with a focus on domains other than song learning. Our findings indicate that spatial, associative, and social learning are the most frequently studied domains, while motoric learning and inhibitory control have been examined less frequently over 30 years of research. All of the 60 studies included in this review were conducted on captive birds, limiting the generalizability of the findings to wild populations. Moreover, only two of the studies were conducted on juveniles, highlighting the need for more research on this critical period of learning. To address this research gap, we propose a high-throughput method for testing associative learning performance in a large number of both juvenile and adult zebra finches. Our results demonstrate that learning can occur in both age groups, thus encouraging researchers to also perform cognitive tests on juveniles. We also note the heterogeneity of methodologies, protocols, and subject exclusion criteria applied by different researchers, which makes it difficult to compare results across studies. Therefore, we call for better communication among researchers to develop standardised methodologies for studying each cognitive domain at different life stages and also in their natural conditions.}, } @article {pmid37277931, year = {2023}, author = {Townsend, AK and Jones, ML and Chen, N and Chivily, C and McAndrews, C and Clark, AB and McGowan, KJ and Eimes, J}, title = {Increased genetic diversity and immigration after West Nile virus emergence in American crows: No evidence for a genetic bottleneck.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {32}, number = {15}, pages = {4199-4208}, doi = {10.1111/mec.17037}, pmid = {37277931}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bird Diseases ; *Crows/genetics ; Emigration and Immigration ; Genetic Variation ; *West Nile Fever/genetics/veterinary/epidemiology ; *West Nile virus/genetics ; }, abstract = {Infectious diseases can cause steep declines in wildlife populations, leading to changes in genetic diversity that may affect the susceptibility of individuals to infection and the overall resilience of populations to pathogen outbreaks. Here, we examine evidence for a genetic bottleneck in a population of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) before and after the emergence of West Nile virus (WNV). More than 50% of marked birds in this population were lost over the 2-year period of the epizootic, representing a 10-fold increase in adult mortality. Using analyses of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellite markers, we tested for evidence of a genetic bottleneck and compared levels of inbreeding and immigration in the pre- and post-WNV populations. Counter to expectations, genetic diversity (allelic diversity and the number of new alleles) increased after WNV emergence. This was likely due to increases in immigration, as the estimated membership coefficients were lower in the post-WNV population. Simultaneously, however, the frequency of inbreeding appeared to increase: Mean inbreeding coefficients were higher among SNP markers, and heterozygosity-heterozygosity correlations were stronger among microsatellite markers, in the post-WNV population. These results indicate that loss of genetic diversity at the population level is not an inevitable consequence of a population decline, particularly in the presence of gene flow. The changes observed in post-WNV crows could have very different implications for their response to future pathogen risks, potentially making the population as a whole more resilient to a changing pathogen community, while increasing the frequency of inbred individuals with elevated susceptibility to disease.}, } @article {pmid37275954, year = {2023}, author = {Meli, AM and Zakaria, NH and Mohd Yusof, H and Kamarudin, KS and Ali, A}, title = {Risk assessment of low cognitive performance among fishermen's children in Malaysia.}, journal = {Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {1273-1284}, pmid = {37275954}, issn = {1658-3612}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Low cognitive performance is a major concern among fishermen's children in Malaysia. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing dietary intake, nutritional status, physical activity, and socio-economic status, and their associations with cognitive performance among fishermen's children in Terengganu, Malaysia. We also investigated the risk associated with low cognitive performance.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 94 children 7-11 years of age in Terengganu. Dietary adequacy was assessed with two 24-h dietary recall surveys. Anthropometric measurements were assessed by calculation of the body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score and height-for-age Z-score. In addition, median urinary iodine tests were conducted to determine iodine concentrations. Physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Raven's coloured progressive matrices were used to determine cognitive performance. Binominal logistic regressions were performed on factors associated with cognitive performance, to identify the risk factors with the strongest association with cognitive performance.

RESULTS: The children of fishermen had adequate intake of all necessary nutrients except for fat, dietary fibre, thiamine, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, zinc, and potassium. Most of the children had normal BMI-for-age [median = -0.86 (2.11)] and height-for-age (mean = -1.01 ± 1.03). However, more than half had iodine deficiency [median = 83.9 (102)]. In addition, 16% had low physical activity levels, and their cognitive performance was classified with a low average score [median = 80.0 (21.0)]. The mother's education level (p = 0.037), children's BMI-for-age (p = 0.012), protein (p = 0.020), and niacin (p = 0.032), exhibited significant relationships with cognitive performance (p < 0.05). Of these variables, BMI-for-age (OR = 0.290, p = 0.036) and fourth quartile protein intake (≥52.69 g) (OR = 7.565, p = 0.015) were significant risk factors for low cognitive performance among fishermen's children in Terengganu.

CONCLUSION: A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are crucial for children's cognitive development. Thus, interventions emphasising the promotion of healthy lifestyles, particularly focusing on BMI-for-age and protein intake, are advised.}, } @article {pmid37271616, year = {2023}, author = {Shirtcliff, EA}, title = {Editorial: Psychoneuroendocrinology honors the legacy of Jay Schulkin.}, journal = {Psychoneuroendocrinology}, volume = {154}, number = {}, pages = {106306}, doi = {10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106306}, pmid = {37271616}, issn = {1873-3360}, } @article {pmid37267264, year = {2023}, author = {Young, AC and Katzner, TE and Shinneman, DJ and Johnson, TN}, title = {Implications of tree expansion in shrubland ecosystems for two generalist avian predators.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {e0286478}, pmid = {37267264}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; *Galliformes/physiology ; Animals, Wild ; North America ; Quail ; *Tracheophyta ; *Artemisia ; *Juniperus ; }, abstract = {Shrublands globally have undergone structural changes due to plant invasions, including the expansion of native trees. Removal of native conifer trees, especially juniper (Juniperus spp.), is occurring across the Great Basin of the western U.S. to support declining sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats and associated wildlife species, such as greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). One justification for conifer removal is that it may improve survival of sagebrush-associated wildlife by reducing the abundance of avian predators. However, the relationship between conifer expansion and predator distributions has not been explicitly evaluated. Further, although structural characteristics of habitat are important for generalist predators, overall prey abundance may also affect habitat use by predators. We examined habitat use of common ravens (Corvus corax) and red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), two generalist predators whose populations are increasing in western North America, to variation in structural characteristics and prey distributions in sagebrush habitat that has experienced conifer expansion. Structural characteristics of habitat were important predictors of habitat use for both ravens and red-tailed hawks, whereas measures of prey abundance were unimportant for both species likely because generalist predators can use a wide variety of food resources. Ravens, but not red-tailed hawks, responded positively to increasing cover of juniper and the probability of habitat use was highest (> 0.95) where juniper cover within 100 m was > 20%. Habitat use by red-tailed hawks, but not ravens, was greater near cliffs but was not associated with juniper cover. Our study suggests that the removal of conifer in similar environments may lower the probability of habitat use for ravens, a common predator with significant impacts on many prey species. Therefore, we suggest conifer removal may improve sage-grouse reproductive success and survival depending on responses to conifer removal from other predators. Our results may be reflective of similar changes in rangeland ecosystems around the world undergoing expansion of conifer and other woody vegetation. Though species identities differ from sagebrush habitats, generalist avian predators in other habitats may have similar relationships with structural resources.}, } @article {pmid37264787, year = {2023}, author = {de Winter, JCF and Dodou, D and Eisma, YB}, title = {Responses to Raven matrices: Governed by visual complexity and centrality.}, journal = {Perception}, volume = {52}, number = {9}, pages = {645-661}, pmid = {37264787}, issn = {1468-4233}, mesh = {Humans ; *Cognition ; Reaction Time ; Intelligence Tests ; }, abstract = {Raven matrices are widely considered a pure test of cognitive abilities. Previous research has examined the extent to which cognitive strategies are predictive of the number of correct responses to Raven items. This study examined whether response times can be explained directly from the centrality and visual complexity of the matrix cells (edge density and perceived complexity). A total of 159 participants completed a 12-item version of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices. In addition to item number (an index of item difficulty), the findings demonstrated a positive correlation between the visual complexity of Raven items and both the mean response time and the number of fixations on the matrix (a strong correlate of response time). Moreover, more centrally placed cells as well as more complex cells received more fixations. It is concluded that response times on Raven matrices are impacted by low-level stimulus attributes, namely, visual complexity and eccentricity.}, } @article {pmid37264742, year = {2023}, author = {Cohen, G and Jakus, J and Portillo, M and Gvirtz, R and Ogen-Shtern, N and Silberstein, E and Ayzenberg, T and Rozenblat, S}, title = {In vitro, ex vivo, and clinical evaluation of anti-aging gel containing EPA and CBD.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {11}, pages = {3047-3057}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15815}, pmid = {37264742}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//ECO Pharmaceutics/ ; //Ministry of Science and Technology/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin aging manifestation, such as coarse wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation, and rough-textured appearance, is a multifactorial process that can be exacerbated by air pollution, smoking, poor nutrition, and sun exposure. Exposure to UV radiation is considered the primary cause of extrinsic skin aging and accounts for about 80% of facial aging. Extrinsic skin aging signs can be reduced with demo-cosmetic formulations. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been previously suggested as potent active dermatological ingredients.

AIMS: The objective of the current research was to evaluate the compatibility of both agents in the prevention and treatment of skin aging. First, the impact of both agents was assessed using standard photoaging models of UV-induced damage, both in vitro (HaCaT cells) and ex vivo (human skin organ culture). Then, a clinical validation study (n = 33) was performed using an optimized topical cream formulation tested at different time points (up to Day 56).

RESULTS: EPA was found to potentiate the protective effects of CBD by reducing the secretion of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), two primary inflammatory agents associated with photoaging. In addition, a qualitative histological examination signaled that applying the cream may result in an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling following UV radiation. This was also evidenced clinically by a reduction of crow's feet wrinkle area and volume, as well as a reduction of fine line wrinkle volume as measured by the AEVA system. The well-established age-dependent subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) was also reduced by 8.8%. Additional clinical results showed significantly reduced red spots area and count, and an increase in skin hydration and elasticity by 31.2% and 25.6% following 56 days of cream application, respectively. These impressive clinical results correlated with high satisfaction ratings by the study participants.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the results show a profound anti-aging impact of the developed formulation and strengthen the beneficial derm-cosmetic properties of CBD-based products.}, } @article {pmid39175800, year = {2023}, author = {Suvorov, V and SaAkian, DB and Lynch, M}, title = {A solution of the Crow-Kimura evolution model on fluctuating fitness landscape.}, journal = {Europhysics letters}, volume = {142}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {39175800}, issn = {0295-5075}, support = {R35 GM122566/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The article discusses the Crow-Kimura model in the context of random transitions between different fitness landscapes. The duration of epochs, during which the fitness landscape is constant over time, is modeled by an exponential distribution. To obtain an exact solution, a system of functional equations is required. However, to approximate the model, we consider the cases of slow or fast transitions and calculate the first-order corrections using either the transition rate or its inverse. Specifically, we focus on the case of slow transitions and find that the average fitness is equal to the average fitness for evolution on static fitness landscapes, but with the addition of a load term. We also investigate the model for a small number of genes and identify the exact transition points to the transient phase.}, } @article {pmid37261488, year = {2024}, author = {Apostel, A and Hahn, LA and Rose, J}, title = {Jackdaws form categorical prototypes based on experience with category exemplars.}, journal = {Brain structure & function}, volume = {229}, number = {3}, pages = {593-608}, pmid = {37261488}, issn = {1863-2661}, support = {SFB 874/B13, project number: 122679504//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Learning ; Cognition ; Brain ; }, abstract = {Categorization represents one cognitive ability fundamental to animal behavior. Grouping of elements based on perceptual or semantic features helps to reduce processing resources and facilitates appropriate behavior. Corvids master complex categorization, yet the detailed categorization learning strategies are less well understood. We trained two jackdaws on a delayed match to category paradigm using a novel, artificial stimulus type, RUBubbles. Both birds learned to differentiate between two session-unique categories following two distinct learning protocols. Categories were either introduced via central category prototypes (low variability approach) or using a subset of diverse category exemplars from which diagnostic features had to be identified (high variability approach). In both versions, the stimulus similarity relative to a central category prototype explained categorization performance best. Jackdaws consistently used a central prototype to judge category membership, regardless of whether this prototype was used to introduce distinct categories or had to be inferred from multiple exemplars. Reliance on a category prototype occurred already after experiencing only a few trials with different category exemplars. High stimulus set variability prolonged initial learning but showed no consistent beneficial effect on later generalization performance. High numbers of stimuli, their perceptual similarity, and coherent category structure resulted in a prototype-based strategy, reflecting the most adaptive, efficient, and parsimonious way to represent RUBubble categories. Thus, our birds represent a valuable comparative animal model that permits further study of category representations throughout learning in different regions of a brain producing highly cognitive behavior.}, } @article {pmid37257484, year = {2023}, author = {Memisevic, H and Dedic, A and Malec, D}, title = {The Relative Strengths of Relationships Between Fine Motor Skills, Working Memory, Processing Speed and Fluid Intelligence in Early Elementary School Children.}, journal = {Perceptual and motor skills}, volume = {130}, number = {4}, pages = {1386-1399}, doi = {10.1177/00315125231181297}, pmid = {37257484}, issn = {1558-688X}, mesh = {Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Processing Speed ; Motor Skills ; Cognition ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {The goal in the present paper was to examine the combined and relative impact of fine motor ability, auditory working memory, and processing speed on fluid intelligence in a sample of early elementary school students. Our participant sample was 145 children (Mage = 9.1 years, SD = 1.1; 80 boys, 65 girls). We used the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test as a measure of fluid intelligence and five other measures to represent the three predictor variables: the Grooved Pegboard Test as a measure of fine motor skills, Digit Span Forwards and Digit Span Backwards tests as measures of working memory, and Rapid Automatized Naming and Letter-Digit Substitution tasks as measures of processing speed. Regression analyses indicated that only two of these measures had a statistically significant association with the fluid intelligence test scores, namely, scores on the Grooved Pegboard (fine motor skills) and Digit Span Backwards (working memory) tests, with these two measures explaining 35% of the variance in the fluid intelligence test scores. Thus, fine motor skills and working memory were correlated with fluid intelligence in early elementary-grade students. Until the directions of these relationships are better understood, we might assume that interventions aiming to increase young children's fluid intelligence, or at least their intelligence scores, might partly target working memory and fine motor skills.}, } @article {pmid37256500, year = {2023}, author = {Jensen, TR and Zeiträg, C and Osvath, M}, title = {The selfish preen: absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae and its socio-cognitive implications.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {1467-1476}, pmid = {37256500}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2019-03265//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Palaeognathae ; Social Behavior ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Preening behaviours are widespread in extant birds. While most birds appear to autopreen (self-directed preening), allopreening (preening directed at conspecifics) seems to have emerged only in certain species, but across many families. Allopreening has been hypothesised to reinforce mutual relationships and cooperation between individuals, and to underpin various socio-cognitive abilities. Palaeognathae is a bird group exhibiting neurocognitively plesiomorphic traits compared to other birds. They share many features with non-avian paravian dinosaurs and are thus important for the study of cognitive evolution in birds. Despite this, and the important correlation of allopreening with many complicated social behaviours, allopreening has not been systematically studied in Palaeognathae. Therefore, we examined the preening behaviours in four species of palaeognaths: common ostriches (Struthio camelus), greater rheas (Rhea americana), emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and elegant crested tinamous (Eudromia elegans). We compared findings with common ravens (Corvus corax), a neognath species known for its allopreening and complex social cognition. We found autopreening, but no allopreening, in the palaeognath species, while both autopreening and allopreening was found in common ravens. The absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae suggests an emergence of this behaviour within Neognathae. We contextualise our results in relation to the socio-cognitive underpinnings of allopreening and its implications for the understanding of the evolution of socio-cognitive abilities in non-avian paravian dinosaurs and early birds.}, } @article {pmid37248481, year = {2023}, author = {Rachel, M and Jia, H and Amina, A and Perez-Garcia, M and Kumar, M and Wicherts, JM}, title = {Psychometric evaluation of the computerized battery for neuropsychological evaluation of children (BENCI) among school aged children in the context of HIV in an urban Kenyan setting.}, journal = {BMC psychiatry}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {373}, pmid = {37248481}, issn = {1471-244X}, support = {U54 TW012089/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Kenya ; *HIV Infections/complications/diagnosis/psychology ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Case-Control Studies ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Culturally validated neurocognitive measures for children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries are important in the timely and correct identification of neurocognitive impairments. Such measures can inform development of interventions for children exposed to additional vulnerabilities like HIV infection. The Battery for Neuropsychological Evaluation of Children (BENCI) is an openly available, computerized neuropsychological battery specifically developed to evaluate neurocognitive impairment. This study adapted the BENCI and evaluated its reliability and validity in Kenya.

METHODOLOGY: The BENCI was adapted using translation and back-translation from Spanish to English. The psychometric properties were evaluated in a case-control study of 328 children (aged 6 - 14 years) living with HIV and 260 children not living with HIV in Kenya. We assessed reliability, factor structure, and measurement invariance with respect to HIV. Additionally, we examined convergent validity of the BENCI using tests from the Kilifi Toolkit.

RESULTS: Internal consistencies (0.49 < α < 0.97) and test-retest reliabilities (-.34 to .81) were sufficient-to-good for most of the subtests. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the BENCI's Verbal memory and Kilifi's Verbal List Learning (r = .41), the BENCI's Visual memory and Kilifi's Verbal List Learning (r = .32) and the BENCI's Planning total time test and Kilifi's Tower Test (r = -.21) and the BENCI's Abstract Reasoning test and Kilifi's Raven's Progressive Matrix (r = .21). The BENCI subtests highlighted meaningful differences between children living with HIV and those not living with HIV. After some minor adaptions, a confirmatory four-factor model consisting of flexibility, fluency, reasoning and working memory fitted well (χ[2] = 135.57, DF = 51, N = 604, p < .001, RMSEA = .052, CFI = .944, TLI = .914) and was partially scalar invariant between HIV positive and negative groups.

CONCLUSION: The English version of the BENCI formally translated for use in Kenya can be further adapted and integrated in clinical and research settings as a valid and reliable cognitive test battery.}, } @article {pmid37244534, year = {2023}, author = {Herring, G and Eagles-Smith, CA and Buck, JA}, title = {Anticoagulant rodenticides are associated with increased stress and reduced body condition of avian scavengers in the Pacific Northwest.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {331}, number = {Pt 2}, pages = {121899}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121899}, pmid = {37244534}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Anticoagulants/metabolism ; *Rodenticides/toxicity/metabolism ; Birds/metabolism ; *Raptors/metabolism ; *Falconiformes/metabolism ; Northwestern United States ; Fishes/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) have been used globally to manage commensal rodents for decades. However their application has also resulted in primary, secondary, and tertiary poisoning in wildlife. Widespread exposure to ARs (primarily second generation ARs; SGARs) in raptors and avian scavengers has triggered considerable conservation concern over their potential effects on populations. To identify risk to extant raptor and avian scavenger populations in Oregon and potential future risk to the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) flock recently established in northern California, we assessed AR exposure and physiological responses in two avian scavenger species (common ravens [Corvus corax] and turkey vultures [Cathartes aura]) throughout Oregon between 2013 and 2019. AR exposure was widespread with 51% (35/68) of common ravens and 86% (63/73) of turkey vultures containing AR residues. The more acutely toxic SGAR brodifacoum was present in 83% and 90% of AR exposed common ravens and turkey vultures. The odds of AR exposure in common ravens were 4.7-fold higher along the coastal region compared to interior Oregon. For common ravens and turkey vultures that were exposed to ARs, respectively, 54% and 56% had concentrations that exceeded the 5% probability of toxicosis (>20 ng/g ww; Thomas et al., 2011), and 20% and 5% exceeded the 20% probability of toxicosis (>80 ng/g ww; Thomas et al., 2011). Common ravens exhibited a physiological response to AR exposure with fecal corticosterone metabolites increasing with sum ARs (ΣAR) concentrations. Both female common raven and turkey vultures' body condition was negatively correlated with increasing ΣAR concentrations. Our results suggest avian scavengers in Oregon are experiencing extensive AR exposure and the newly established population of California condors in northern California may experience similar AR exposure if they feed in southern Oregon. Understanding the sources of ARs across the landscape is an important first step in reducing or eliminating AR exposure in avian scavengers.}, } @article {pmid37242196, year = {2023}, author = {McKinley, M and Rowland, N and Leshem, M}, title = {The Hunger for Salt: A Tribute to Derek Denton and Jay Schulkin with an Updated Collection of Papers on Salt Appetite.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {37242196}, issn = {2072-6643}, mesh = {*Appetite ; Energy Intake ; *Hunger ; Sodium Chloride ; Sodium Chloride, Dietary ; }, abstract = {This collection of outstanding papers is a trove for all concerned with salt intake [...].}, } @article {pmid37229706, year = {2023}, author = {Waples, RS and Reed, TE}, title = {Null Models for the Opportunity for Selection.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {201}, number = {6}, pages = {779-793}, doi = {10.1086/723889}, pmid = {37229706}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Humans ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Reproduction ; Fertility ; Biological Evolution ; Phenotype ; }, abstract = {AbstractCrow's "opportunity for selection" (I=variance in relative fitness) is an important albeit controversial eco-evolutionary concept, particularly regarding the most appropriate null model(s). Here, we treat this topic in a comprehensive way by considering opportunities for both fertility selection (If) and viability selection (Im) for discrete generations, both seasonal and lifetime reproductive success in age-structured species, and experimental designs that include either a full or partial life cycle, with complete enumeration or random subsampling. For each scenario, a null model that includes random demographic stochasticity can be constructed that follows Crow's initial formulation that I=If+Im. The two components of I are qualitatively different. Whereas an adjusted If (ΔIf) can be computed that accounts for random demographic stochasticity in offspring number, Im cannot be similarly adjusted in the absence of data on phenotypic traits under viability selection. Including as potential parents some individuals that die before reproductive age produces an overall zero-inflated Poisson null model. It is always important to remember that (1) Crow's I represents only the opportunity for selection and not selection itself and (2) the species' biology can lead to random stochasticity in offspring number that is either overdispersed or underdispersed compared with the Poisson (Wright-Fisher) expectation.}, } @article {pmid37228696, year = {2023}, author = {Han, Y and Xiang, H and Cao, J and Yang, X and Pan, N and Huang, L}, title = {Study on optimization of multi-UAV nucleic acid sample delivery paths in large cities under the influence of epidemic environment.}, journal = {Journal of ambient intelligence and humanized computing}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {7593-7620}, pmid = {37228696}, issn = {1868-5137}, abstract = {In the context of global novel coronavirus infection, we studied the distribution problem of nucleic acid samples, which are medical supplies with high urgency. A multi-UAV delivery model of nucleic acid samples with time windows and a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) dynamics model for multiple distribution centers is established by considering UAVs' impact cost and trajectory cost. The Golden Eagle optimization algorithm (SGDCV-GEO) based on gradient optimization and Corsi variation is proposed to solve the model by introducing gradient optimization and Corsi variation strategy in the Golden Eagle optimization algorithm. Performance evaluation by optimizing test functions, Friedman and Nemenyi test compared with Golden Jackal Optimization (GJO), Hunter-Prey Optimization (HPO), Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA), Reptile Search Algorithm (RSA) and Golden Eagle Optimization (GEO), the convergence performance of SGDCV-GEO algorithm was demonstrated. Further, the improved RRT (Rapidly-exploring Random Trees) algorithm is used in the UAV path planning, and the pruning process and logistic chaotic mapping strategy are introduced in the path generation method. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted based on 8 hospitals and 50 randomly selected communities in the Pudong district of Shanghai, southern China. The experimental results show that the developed algorithm can effectively reduce the delivery cost and total delivery time compared with simulated annealing algorithm (SA), crow search algorithm (CSA), particle swarm algorithm (PSO), and taboo search algorithm (TS), and the developed algorithm has good uniformity, robustness, and high convergence accuracy, which can be effectively applied to the multi-UAV nucleic acid sample delivery path optimization in large cities under the influence of an epidemic environment.}, } @article {pmid37224062, year = {2023}, author = {Johnson, J and Soehnlen, M and Blankenship, HM}, title = {Long read genome assemblers struggle with small plasmids.}, journal = {Microbial genomics}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {37224062}, issn = {2057-5858}, support = {U01 CK000510/CK/NCEZID CDC HHS/United States ; U01CK000510/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Plasmids/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Nanopores ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; }, abstract = {Whole-genome sequencing has become a preferred method for studying bacterial plasmids, as it is generally assumed to capture the entire genome. However, long-read genome assemblers have been shown to sometimes miss plasmid sequences - an issue that has been associated with plasmid size. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasmid size and plasmid recovery by the long-read-only assemblers, Flye, Raven, Miniasm, and Canu. This was accomplished by determining the number of times each assembler successfully recovered 33 plasmids, ranging from 1919 to 194 062 bp in size and belonging to 14 bacterial isolates from six bacterial genera, using Oxford Nanopore long reads. These results were additionally compared to plasmid recovery rates by the short-read-first assembler, Unicycler, using both Oxford Nanopore long reads and Illumina short reads. Results from this study indicate that Canu, Flye, Miniasm, and Raven are prone to missing plasmid sequences, whereas Unicycler was successful at recovering 100 % of plasmid sequences. Excluding Canu, most plasmid loss by long-read-only assemblers was due to failure to recover plasmids smaller than 10 kb. As such, it is recommended that Unicycler be used to increase the likelihood of plasmid recovery during bacterial genome assembly.}, } @article {pmid37221422, year = {2023}, author = {Majji, R and G, OPP and Rajeswari, R and R, C}, title = {Smart IoT in Breast Cancer Detection Using Optimal Deep Learning.}, journal = {Journal of digital imaging}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {1489-1506}, pmid = {37221422}, issn = {1618-727X}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging ; *Deep Learning ; *Internet of Things ; Algorithms ; Breast ; }, abstract = {IoT in healthcare systems is currently a viable option for providing higher-quality medical care for contemporary e-healthcare. Using an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart healthcare system, a trustworthy breast cancer classification method called Feedback Artificial Crow Search (FACS)-based Shepherd Convolutional Neural Network (ShCNN) is developed in this research. To choose the best routes, the secure routing operation is first carried out using the recommended FACS while taking fitness measures such as distance, energy, link quality, and latency into account. Then, by merging the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) and Feedback Artificial Tree, the produced FACS is put into practice (FAT). After the completion of routing phase, the breast cancer categorization process is started at the base station. The feature extraction step is then introduced to the pre-processed input mammography image. As a result, it is possible to successfully get features including area, mean, variance, energy, contrast, correlation, skewness, homogeneity, Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), and Local Gabor Binary Pattern (LGBP). The quality of the image is next enhanced through data augmentation, and finally, the developed FACS algorithm's ShCNN is used to classify breast cancer. The performance of FACS-based ShCNN is examined using six metrics, including energy, delay, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and True Positive Rate (TPR), with the maximum energy of 0.562 J, the least delay of 0.452 s, the highest accuracy of 91.56%, the higher sensitivity of 96.10%, the highest specificity of 91.80%, and the maximum TPR of 99.45%.}, } @article {pmid37221167, year = {2023}, author = {Brea, J and Clayton, NS and Gerstner, W}, title = {Computational models of episodic-like memory in food-caching birds.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {2979}, pmid = {37221167}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Conditioning, Classical ; *Crows ; Food ; Computer Simulation ; }, abstract = {Birds of the crow family adapt food-caching strategies to anticipated needs at the time of cache recovery and rely on memory of the what, where and when of previous caching events to recover their hidden food. It is unclear if this behavior can be explained by simple associative learning or if it relies on higher cognitive processes like mental time-travel. We present a computational model and propose a neural implementation of food-caching behavior. The model has hunger variables for motivational control, reward-modulated update of retrieval and caching policies and an associative neural network for remembering caching events with a memory consolidation mechanism for flexible decoding of the age of a memory. Our methodology of formalizing experimental protocols is transferable to other domains and facilitates model evaluation and experiment design. Here, we show that memory-augmented, associative reinforcement learning without mental time-travel is sufficient to explain the results of 28 behavioral experiments with food-caching birds.}, } @article {pmid37219737, year = {2023}, author = {Federspiel, IG and Schmitt, V and Schuster, R and Rockenbach, C and Braun, A and Loretto, MC and Michels, C and Fischer, J and Mussweiler, T and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Are you better than me? Social comparisons in carrion crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1353-1368}, pmid = {37219737}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Fi707/18-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; Y366-B17//FWF/ ; Mu 1500/5-1//Leibniz Price/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Social Comparison ; Cues ; Biological Evolution ; Primates ; }, abstract = {Comparing oneself to others is a key process in humans that allows individuals to gauge their performances and abilities and thus develop and calibrate their self-image. Little is known about its evolutionary foundations. A key feature of social comparison is the sensitivity to other individuals' performance. Recent studies on primates produced equivocal results, leading us to distinguish between a 'strong' variant of the social comparison hypothesis formulated for humans and a 'weak' variant found in non-human primates that would comprise some elements of human social comparison. Here, we focus on corvids that are distantly related to primates and renowned for their socio-cognitive skills. We were interested in whether crows' task performances were influenced (i) by the presence of a conspecific co-actor performing the same discrimination task and (ii) by the simulated acoustic cues of a putative co-actor performing better or worse than themselves. Crows reached a learning criterion quicker when tested simultaneously as compared to when tested alone, indicating a facilitating effect of social context. The performance of a putative co-actor influenced their performance: crows were better at discriminating familiar images when their co-actor was better than they were. Standard extremity (how pronounced the difference was between the performance of the subject and that of the co-actor), and category membership (affiliation status and sex), of the putative co-actors had no effect on their performance. Our findings are in line with the 'weak' variant of social comparison and indicate that elements of human social comparison can be found outside of primates.}, } @article {pmid37218772, year = {2023}, author = {Cao, L and Chen, H and Chen, Y and Yue, Y and Zhang, X}, title = {Bio-Inspired Swarm Intelligence Optimization Algorithm-Aided Hybrid TDOA/AOA-Based Localization.}, journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {37218772}, issn = {2313-7673}, support = {LY23F010002//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; }, abstract = {A TDOA/AOA hybrid location algorithm based on the crow search algorithm optimized by particle swarm optimization is proposed to address the challenge of solving the nonlinear equation of time of arrival (TDOA/AOA) location in the non-line-of-sight (NLoS) environment. This algorithm keeps its optimization mechanism on the basis of enhancing the performance of the original algorithm. To obtain a better fitness value throughout the optimization process and increase the algorithm's optimization accuracy, the fitness function based on maximum likelihood estimation is modified. In order to speed up algorithm convergence and decrease needless global search without compromising population diversity, an initial solution is simultaneously added to the starting population location. Simulation findings demonstrate that the suggested method outperforms the TDOA/AOA algorithm and other comparable algorithms, including Taylor, Chan, PSO, CPSO, and basic CSA algorithms. The approach performs well in terms of robustness, convergence speed, and node positioning accuracy.}, } @article {pmid37218453, year = {2023}, author = {Peña-Ruiz, LS and Unar-Munguía, M and Colchero, MA and Alarid-Escudero, F and Pérez-Escamilla, R}, title = {Breastfeeding is associated with the intelligence of school-age children in Mexico.}, journal = {Maternal & child nutrition}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {e13534}, pmid = {37218453}, issn = {1740-8709}, support = {UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Female ; Child ; Humans ; Infant ; *Breast Feeding ; Mexico ; *Child Development ; Intelligence ; Milk, Human ; }, abstract = {Breastfeeding has been consistently associated with higher intelligence since childhood. However, this relation could be confounded due to maternal selection bias. We estimated the association between predominant breastfeeding and intelligence in school-age children considering potential selection bias and we simulated the intelligence gap reduction between low versus higher socioeconomic status children by increasing breastfeeding. We analysed predominant breastfeeding practices (breastmilk and water-based liquids) of children 0-3 years included in the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS-1). Intelligence was estimated as the z-score of the abbreviated Raven score, measured at 6-12 years in the MxFLS-2 or MxFLS-3. We predicted breastfeeding duration among children with censored data with a Poisson model. We used the Heckman selection model to assess the association between breastfeeding and intelligence, correcting for selection bias and stratified by socioeconomic status. Results show after controlling for selection bias, a 1-month increase in predominant breastfeeding duration was associated with a 0.02 SD increase in the Raven z-score (p < 0.05). The children who were predominantly breastfed for 4-6 months versus <1 month had 0.16 SD higher Raven z-score (p < 0.05). No associations were found using multiple linear regression models. Among low socioeconomic status children, increasing predominantly breastfeeding duration to 6 months would increase their mean Raven z-score from -0.14 to -0.07 SD and reduce by 12.5% the intelligence gap with high socioeconomic status children. In conclusion, predominant breastfeeding duration was significantly associated with childhood intelligence after controlling for maternal selection bias. Increased breastfeeding duration may reduce poverty-driven intelligence inequities.}, } @article {pmid37195395, year = {2023}, author = {Jiang, L and Liang, G and Li, Y and Liu, L and Zhang, L and Gu, H and Ge, L and Song, Z}, title = {Does microneedle fractional radiofrequency system inactivate botulinum toxin type A?.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {7}, pages = {2008-2017}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15826}, pmid = {37195395}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Mice ; Female ; Animals ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; Needles ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The combination of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) and energy equipment have been widely used in the clinic.

AIMS: To determine whether the energy of microneedle fractional radiofrequency (MFR) affects the efficacy of BoNT/A and to provide an optimal strategy for the energy device in combination with BoNT/A in the clinic.

METHODS: First, a total of 45 females with moderate-to-severe periorbital crow's feet wrinkles were enrolled and divided into three groups according to different treatment methods and intervals, including BoNT/A injection alone, BoNT/A injected immediately after MFR treatment and BoNT/A injected 7 days after MFR treatment. The photographs were compared before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment. Then, the mouse models were established by combining MFR with BoNT/A at different intervals, to evaluate muscle strength, muscle mass, muscle nutritional markers, and important cytokines levels.

RESULTS: All patients in each group had high satisfaction. The MFR + BoNT/A (immediately) group could improve dynamic wrinkles, but the others had more significant efficacy (p < 0.05). The results of mouse models showed that all BoNT/A groups induced different degrees of muscle paralysis in vivo, but the paralytic effect induced by the BoNT/A group, MFR + BoNT/A (interval of 3-day) group, and MFR + BoNT/A (interval of 7-day) group were higher than others and the expression levels of muscle nutritional markers in NMJ tissues were significantly upregulated.

CONCLUSION: MFR has a certain reduction effect on the activity of BoNT/A, and this reduction effect would last for 3 days after MFR treatment.}, } @article {pmid37193990, year = {2023}, author = {Radovics, D and Szabolcs, M and Lengyel, S and Mizsei, E}, title = {Hide or die when the winds bring wings: predator avoidance by activity shift in a mountain snake.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {17}, pmid = {37193990}, issn = {1742-9994}, support = {NKFIH-OTKA K106133//Nemzeti Kutatási Fejlesztési és Innovációs Hivatal/ ; GINOP2.3.3-15-2016-00019//Nemzeti Kutatási Fejlesztési és Innovációs Hivatal/ ; ÚNKP-22-4-II-DE-201//Nemzeti Kutatási és Technológiai Hivatal/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding predator-prey relationships is fundamental in many areas of ecology and conservation. In reptiles, basking time often increases the risk of predation and one way to minimise this risk is to reduce activity time and to stay within a refuge. However, this implies costs of lost opportunities for foraging, reproduction, and thermoregulation. We aimed to determine the main potential and observed predators of Vipera graeca, to infer predation pressure by estimating the incidence and the body length and sex distribution of predation events based on body injuries, and to assess whether and how the activity of V. graeca individuals is modified by predation pressure.

RESULTS: We observed n = 12 raptor bird species foraging at the study sites, of which Circaetus gallicus, Falco tinnunculus and Corvus cornix were directly observed as predators of V. graeca. We found injuries and wounds on 12.5% of the studied individuals (n = 319). The occurrence of injuries was significantly positively influenced by the body length of vipers, and was more frequent on females than on males, while the interaction of length and sex showed a significant negative effect. The temporal overlap between predator and viper activity was much greater for the vipers' potential activity than their realised activity. Vipers showed a temporal shift in their bimodal daily activity pattern as they were active earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon than could be expected based on the thermal conditions.

CONCLUSION: The time spent being active on the surface has costs to snakes: predation-related injuries increased in frequency with length, were more frequent in females than in males and occurred in shorter length for males than for females. Our results suggest that vipers do not fully exploit the thermally optimal time window available to them, likely because they shift their activity to periods with fewer avian predators.}, } @article {pmid37191910, year = {2023}, author = {Yu, F and Wang, X and Zhao, Y and Li, Z}, title = {Influence of age, breeding state and approach direction on sensitivity to human gaze: a field study on Azure-winged magpies.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1369-1379}, pmid = {37191910}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {41871294//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC3202104//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; BK20211151//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Passeriformes ; Cognition ; Predatory Behavior ; Breeding ; Fixation, Ocular ; }, abstract = {In predator-prey interactions, various factors affect the prey's perception of risk and decision to flee. Gaze sensitivity, the ability to react to the presence, direction, or movement of the head and eyes, has been reported in many birds. However, few studies have focussed on variation in sensitivity to human gaze in relation to other risks and potential breeding costs. Here, we studied the influence of human gaze on the escape behaviour of Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) and investigated the effects of breeding state (breeding season and nonbreeding season) and approach direction on gaze sensitivity. In Experiment 1, we tested whether magpies showed different sensitivities to human gaze according to age class and breeding state when approached directly. The results showed that the breeding state could affect the flight initiation distance (FID), with adults in the breeding season having a shorter FID compared to those in the nonbreeding season. Meanwhile, only adults were found to be averse to direct human gaze and juveniles showed no sensitivity. In Experiment 2, we conducted three different gaze treatments on adult magpies in the breeding season under three bypass distances (0 m, 2.5 m, 5 m). The results showed that approach direction had no effect on FID, while the sensitivity to human gaze differed under three bypass distances. Adults could clearly recognise human head and eye direction at a certain bypass distance (2.5 m). Our study reveals the cognitive ability of Azure-winged magpies to human head and eye direction and the effects of age, breeding state and approach direction, which may provide further insights into human-wildlife interactions, especially for birds in urban habitats.}, } @article {pmid37187933, year = {2023}, author = {Hyeon, JY and Helal, ZH and Appel, A and Tocco, N and Hunt, A and Lee, DH and Risatti, GR}, title = {Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of West Nile viruses from animals in New England, United States, 2021.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1085554}, pmid = {37187933}, issn = {2297-1769}, support = {U18 FD006182/FD/FDA HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus which is the leading cause of global arboviral encephalitis. We sequenced WNVs from an American crow found in Connecticut and an alpaca found in Massachusetts which were submitted to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL). We report here the complete protein-coding sequences (CDS) of the WNVs (WNV 21-3957/USA CT/Crow/2021 and WNV 21-3782/USA MA/Alpaca/2021) and their phylogenetic relationship with other WNVs recovered from across the United States. In the phylogenetic analysis, the WNVs from this study belonged to the WNV lineage 1. The WNV 21-3957/USA CT/Crow/2021 clustered with WNVs from a mosquito and birds in New York during 2007-2013. Interestingly, the virus detected in the alpaca, WNV 21-3782/USA MA/Alpaca/2021 clustered with WNVs from mosquitos in New York, Texas, and Arizona during 2012-2016. The genetic differences between the viruses detected during the same season in an American crow and an alpaca suggest that vector-host feeding preferences are most likely driving viral transmission. The CDS of the WNVs and their phylogenetic relationships with other WNVs established in this study would be useful as reference data for future investigations on WNVs. Seasonal surveillance of WNV in birds and mammals and the genetic characterization of detected viruses are necessary to monitor patterns of disease presentations and viral evolution within a geographical area.}, } @article {pmid37181207, year = {2023}, author = {Wan, G and Zhao, H and Liu, X and Wang, L and Liang, W}, title = {Predation of Daurian redstarts offspring in nest boxes by the Oriental magpie-robin and tree sparrow.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {e10093}, pmid = {37181207}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Birds select suitable nest sites for breeding to ensure their own and offspring's survival; however, they inevitably suffer some potential predation risk. We studied the breeding ecology of Daurian redstarts (Phoenicurus auroreus) by providing nest boxes for their breeding from March to August of 2022. We recorded the predation of both Daurian redstarts eggs or nestlings by Oriental magpie-robins (Copsychus saularis) and tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Oriental magpie-robin were recorded attacking a feeding female adult and depredating nestlings. After the nestling predation event, the Daurian redstarts abandoned the nest. This video evidence provide a better understanding of the potential predators of cavity-nesting birds.}, } @article {pmid37181205, year = {2023}, author = {Hamal, S and Sharma, HP and Gautam, R and Katuwal, HB}, title = {Drivers of power line collisions and electrocutions of birds in Nepal.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {e10080}, pmid = {37181205}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Among the several anthropogenic factors, power lines are increasingly regarded as one of the most significant hazards to bird species, primarily owing to collisions and electrocutions. Nepal has comparatively fewer studies on the impact of power line collisions and electrocution on birds compared with developed nations. From November 2021 to May 2022, we assessed the effect of power line collisions and electrocutions on the mortality of birds in the Putalibazar Municipality of the Syangja district of Nepal. We established 117 circular plots in diverse habitats, including agricultural lands, forests, settlements, and river basins, along a 30.6 km long distribution line. Within 18 plots, we detected 43 fatalities of 11 species (17 individuals of six species due to collision and 26 individuals of eight species due to electrocution). House Swift (Apus nipalensis) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) were the primary victims of the collision, whereas House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) were frequently observed electrocuted. We also recorded the electrocution of the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis). The total rate of bird power line collisions per kilometer was 0.55 birds, while the total electrocution rate per 10 poles was 2.22. The bird abundance, distance to agricultural regions, and proximity to human settlements were found to have a strong relationship with the mortality of birds caused by power lines. In order to reduce power line collisions and electrocution fatalities, we recommend conducting a detailed bird population study prior to determining the route of distribution lines.}, } @article {pmid37174561, year = {2023}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Barve, S}, title = {Multiple Sentinels in a Cooperative Breeder Synchronize Rather Than Coordinate Gazing.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {37174561}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Sentinels can detect predators and rivals early by monitoring their surroundings from vantage points. Multiple sentinels in a group may reduce the perceived predation risk by diluting the risk and increasing collective detection, especially if sentinels monitor different areas at the same time. We investigated sentinel behavior in groups of the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma caerulescens). Sentinels in this species turn their heads frequently to monitor different areas for threats. As predicted, we found that sentinels turned their heads less frequently in the presence of other sentinels. Multiple sentinels, however, tended to gaze in the same direction at the same time more often than predicted by chance alone. Gaze synchronization reduces the efficiency of collective detection by reducing visual coverage at any one time at the group level. Despite the benefits of the presence of other sentinels, our results highlight the limits to collective detection when multiple individuals are vigilant at the same time.}, } @article {pmid37168985, year = {2023}, author = {Madden, JR and Buckley, R and Ratcliffe, S}, title = {Large-scale correlations between gamebird release and management and animal biodiversity metrics in lowland Great Britain.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {e10059}, pmid = {37168985}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The ecological effects on populations of non-game species driven by the annual release and management of tens of millions of gamebirds for recreational shooting are complex and relatively poorly understood. We investigated these effects at a national scale, considering multiple taxa simultaneously. We used records from the UK National Biodiversity Network Atlas to compare animal species and diversity metrics previously suggested to be affected by behaviors of the released birds, or because resources or habitats are influenced by game management or both processes. We contrasted records from 1 km grid squares where gamebirds were reported released in Great Britain, and control squares with similar land cover but where no releases were reported. There were more records overall reported from release grid squares (RGS) compared with controls (CGS), perhaps due to greater reporting effort or greater biological richness. We found fewer foxes in RGS and fewest in grid squares with largest releases, but more carrion crows in RGS. We found no consistent effects for buzzards, ravens, jays, or magpies. There were more rodents and gray squirrels reported from RGS but no differences for reptiles. There were more butterflies but fewer beetles reported from RGS but no consistent patterns for Orthoptera or ground beetles considered common gamebird prey. Farmland and woodland birds exhibited higher abundance, richness, and diversity in RGS when considering absolute records, but woodland bird abundance and richness were lower when correcting for the relative number of records. These nationwide results, despite crude data resolution, reveal diverse effects of gamebird release and management at a national scale and across trophic levels, increasing some non-game animal populations while decreasing others. This should alert practitioners, opponents, and legislators that a focus on single taxa effects, either positive or negative, may obscure the simultaneous changes in other taxa.}, } @article {pmid37164878, year = {2023}, author = {Basak, S and Bhattacharyya, B}, title = {Optimal scheduling in demand-side management based grid-connected microgrid system by hybrid optimization approach considering diverse wind profiles.}, journal = {ISA transactions}, volume = {139}, number = {}, pages = {357-375}, doi = {10.1016/j.isatra.2023.04.027}, pmid = {37164878}, issn = {1879-2022}, abstract = {Demand side management (DSM) is one of the trending economic strategies which shifts the elastic demand to the off-peak hours from the peak hours so as to reduce the overall generation cost of the system. The work done in this paper can be categorized in three phases. In the first phase, various wind speed to power conversion mathematical models available in literature are analysed to find out the one with maximum level of wind penetration. For second phase, an economic DSM strategy is implemented to restructure the forecasted load demand model for various participation levels. In the final phase the cost-effective optimization of two microgrid distribution systems are percolated. As an optimization tool, novel hybrid CSAJAYA has been used to carry on the study. Different types of grid participating and pricing strategies along with valve point loading effect and wind energy uncertainty are considered to amplify the complexity and practicality of the study. The generation costs reduced from 3 to 5% when the forecasted demand was reformed with 20% DSM participation for both the test systems. A detailed comparison with the results from various optimization tools studied confirms the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid approach. The hybrid optimization tool presented in this paper performs better in terms of central tendencies, nonparametric statistical analysis, and algorithm execution time.}, } @article {pmid37155516, year = {2023}, author = {Gibielle, C and Bousseksou, L and Guéhenneux, S and Vié, K}, title = {In a Preliminary Study on Human Subjects, a Cosmetic Cream Containing a Harungana madagascariensis Plant Extract Induces Similar Anti-Aging Effects to a Retinol-Containing Cream.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {1051-1058}, pmid = {37155516}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {Retinoids are the most effective anti-aging ingredients. Yet, their use can result in adverse reactions. Even bakuchiol, a natural functional analog, can lead to contact dermatitis. We previously showed that a Harungana madagascariensis (Lam. ex Poir.) plant extract (HME) presents retinol-like properties in vitro. Therefore, we performed a preliminary analysis of the anti-aging potential of a cream containing HME on 46 subjects. The participants applied a HME cream on half of their face and one forearm. The effects induced were compared to those produced by a retinol cream applied to the contralateral side. Clinical evaluations indicate that the two creams rapidly (28 days) improve wrinkles underneath the eyes, ptosis, color homogeneity, smoothness, plumpness, firmness, and elasticity of the facial skin. The improvement of crow's feet is only significant after 56 days. For all clinical signs, the effects of both creams are indistinguishable. Instrumental measurements of silicon replica from the eye contour region indicate that the wrinkle surface reduction is already noticeable after 28 days with the HME and retinol cream, while it takes 56 days to have a significant depth decrease. Only the retinol cream improves wrinkle length after 56 days. Ultrasound assessment of forearm skin revealed that the HME cream improves superficial dermis density as early as 28 days with further improvement at day 56, timepoint at which improvement is at the limit of significance with the retinol cream. These preliminary results indicate that HME has similar in vivo functional properties to retinol for reducing the severity of aging signs. Future works, including a bona fide clinical study, are needed to confirm these findings.}, } @article {pmid37137309, year = {2023}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Categorical representation of abstract spatial magnitudes in the executive telencephalon of crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {33}, number = {11}, pages = {2151-2162.e5}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.013}, pmid = {37137309}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; *Crows ; Learning ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to group abstract continuous magnitudes into meaningful categories is cognitively demanding but key to intelligent behavior. To explore its neuronal mechanisms, we trained carrion crows to categorize lines of variable lengths into arbitrary "short" and "long" categories. Single-neuron activity in the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) of behaving crows reflected the learned length categories of visual stimuli. The length categories could be reliably decoded from neuronal population activity to predict the crows' conceptual decisions. NCL activity changed with learning when a crow was retrained with the same stimuli assigned to more categories with new boundaries ("short", "medium," and "long"). Categorical neuronal representations emerged dynamically so that sensory length information at the beginning of the trial was transformed into behaviorally relevant categorical representations shortly before the crows' decision making. Our data show malleable categorization capabilities for abstract spatial magnitudes mediated by the flexible networks of the crow NCL.}, } @article {pmid37132827, year = {2023}, author = {Huang, Y and Zhang, Z and Deng, C and Chen, Z and Yang, H and Hu, C and Zhang, X and Wang, T}, title = {Highly efficient method for cutting position selection of an x-ray mono-capillary lens based on an improved SCA-CSA algorithm.}, journal = {Applied optics}, volume = {62}, number = {13}, pages = {3275-3283}, doi = {10.1364/AO.488807}, pmid = {37132827}, issn = {1539-4522}, abstract = {In order to efficiently select the optimal cutting position of x-ray mono-capillary lenses, an improved sine cosine algorithm-crow search algorithm (SCA-CSA) algorithm is proposed, which combines the sine cosine algorithm with the crow search algorithm, with further enhancements. The fabricated capillary profile is measured using an optical profiler; then the surface figure error for interest regions of the mono-capillary can be evaluated using the improved SCA-CSA algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the surface figure error in the final capillary cut region is about 0.138 µm, and the runtime is 2.284 s. When compared with the traditional metaheuristic algorithm, the particle swarm optimization algorithm, the improved SCA-CSA algorithm, enhances the surface figure error metric by two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the standard deviation index of the surface figure error metric for 30 runs also improves by more than 10 orders of magnitude, demonstrating the superior performance and robustness of the algorithm. The proposed method provides significant support for the development of precise cuttings of mono-capillaries.}, } @article {pmid37119534, year = {2023}, author = {Schütz, M and Braswell, H}, title = {Ethicizing history. Bioethical representations of Nazi medicine.}, journal = {Bioethics}, volume = {37}, number = {6}, pages = {581-590}, doi = {10.1111/bioe.13168}, pmid = {37119534}, issn = {1467-8519}, mesh = {Humans ; History, 20th Century ; *National Socialism ; Human Experimentation ; *Bioethics ; Bioethical Issues ; Germany ; }, abstract = {The article presents and analyzes different approaches of U.S. bioethicists in comprehending the Nazi medical crimes after 1945. The account is divided into two sections: one dealing with discussions on research ethics and the Nuremberg Code up until the 1970s and the other ranging from the 1970s to the present and highlighting bioethics' engagement with Nazi analogies. The portrayal of different bioethical scholars, institutions, and documents-most notably Henry K. Beecher, Jay Katz, the Belmont Report, the Hastings Center, Arthur L. Caplan, and Robert M. Veatch-provides a nuanced interpretation of the motives that bioethicists held and the strategies that they applied to establish an understanding of the Nazi medical crimes and their relation to contemporary bioethical issues. In this, the different approaches shared a common goal: To integrate the Nazi medical crimes into an ethical framework by means of selective acknowledgments and representation of their history.}, } @article {pmid37116431, year = {2023}, author = {Li, B and Chen, J and Howard, N}, title = {Community nursing delivery in urban China: A social power perspective.}, journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)}, volume = {326}, number = {}, pages = {115923}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115923}, pmid = {37116431}, issn = {1873-5347}, mesh = {Humans ; *Nurse-Patient Relations ; Power, Psychological ; *Nurses ; China ; }, abstract = {Community nurses remain understudied in research on interactional power, especially in China where community healthcare is an emerging practice. Grounded in French & Raven's typology of social power, this article conceptualises the power of community nurses in a Chinese urban context. Through thematic analysis of textual data from 26 semi-structured interviews and two additional focus group discussions with community nurses in Shenzhen, we identified six power varieties, i.e. indirect reward, indirect coercion, legitimate position, peer reference, field expertise, and caring information. We classified these powers trichotomously, as nurse-to-doctor, nurse-to-nurse, and nurse-to-patient, to show the potential influences nurses bring to healthcare relationships. Our analysis indicated nurses' exercise of some powers was constrained by two elements, i.e. doctor-nurse power polarity and patient prejudices against nursing, which together contributed to nurses' adverse power loss. These power adversities permeated the community health environment, contributing to healthcare delivery dysfunctions by undermining nurses' self-improvement, self-assurance, enthusiasm, and cooperation in care. Our analysis, using the insights of social power, develops a novel reading of community nursing delivery in urban China. We argue that nurse empowerment could promote community healthcare delivery. Role enhancement and pro-nursing policy development would reduce adverse power scenarios for community nurses and help convert their potential power resources into practical powers in support of patients' needs.}, } @article {pmid37103258, year = {2023}, author = {Pallentin, VS and Danner, D and Rummel, J}, title = {Construction and Validation of the HeiQ: An Operation-Oriented Figural Matrices Test.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {37103258}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Figural matrices tests are among the most popular and well-investigated tests used to assess inductive reasoning abilities. Solving these tests requires the selection of a target that completes a figural matrix among distractors. Despite their generally good psychometric properties, previous matrices tests have limitations associated with distractor construction that prevent them from realizing their full potential. Most tests allow participants to identify the correct response by eliminating distractors based on superficial features. The goal of this study was to develop a novel figural matrices test which is less prone to the use of response elimination strategies, and to test its psychometric properties. The new test consists of 48 items and was validated with N = 767 participants. Measurement models implied that the test is Rasch scalable, inferring a uniform underlying ability. The test showed good to very good reliability (retest-correlation: r = 0.88; Cronbach's alpha: α = 0.93; split-half reliability: r = 0.88) and good construct validity (r = 0.81 with the Raven Progressive Matrices Test, r = 0.73 with global intelligence scores of the Intelligence Structure Test 2000R, and r = 0.58 with the global score of the Berlin Intelligence Structure Test). It even superseded the Raven Progressive Matrices Tests in criterion-related validity (correlation with final year high school grades (r = -0.49 p < .001)). We conclude that this novel test has excellent psychometric properties and can be a valuable tool for researchers interested in reasoning assessment.}, } @article {pmid37103257, year = {2023}, author = {Kramer, AW and Huizenga, HM}, title = {Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices for Adolescents: A Case for a Shortened Version.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {37103257}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {400.17.602/NWO_/Dutch Research Council/Netherlands ; }, abstract = {Cognitive ability of adolescents is often measured using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM). However, the RSPM knows a long administration time which may be suboptimal, as time-on-task effects are known to increase fatigue, to lower motivation, and to worsen performance on cognitive tasks. Therefore, a shortened version for adolescents was developed recently. In the current preregistered study we investigated this shortened version in a sample of adolescents (N = 99) of average educational backgrounds. We tested whether the shortened RSPM is a valid alternative to the original RSPM, which proved to be the case, as we observed a moderate to high correlation between the two versions. Moreover, we tested version effects on fatigue, motivation and performance. Fatigue was lower and motivation was higher after completing the short compared to the original version, and performance was better in the short compared to the original version. However, additional analyses suggested that beneficial version effects on performance were not due to reduced time-on-task, but due to the short version containing less difficult items than the original version. Moreover, version related differences in performance were not related to version related differences in fatigue and motivation. We conclude that the shortened version of the RSPM is a valid alternative to the original version, and that the shortened version is beneficial in terms of fatigue and motivation, but that these beneficial effects on fatigue and motivation do not carry over to performance.}, } @article {pmid37099882, year = {2023}, author = {Wotherspoon, J and Whittingham, K and Sheffield, J and Boyd, RN}, title = {Cognition and learning difficulties in a representative sample of school-aged children with cerebral palsy.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {138}, number = {}, pages = {104504}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104504}, pmid = {37099882}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Child ; Female ; Cohort Studies ; *Cerebral Palsy/psychology ; Cognition ; Intelligence Tests ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nearly half of all children with CP experience intellectual impairment, with impacts on academic achievement.

AIMS: To assess cognitive and academic functioning for primary-school aged children with CP METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This population-based cohort study assessed 93 participants (male n = 62; mean = 9 years 9 months, SD 1 y 1.8 months) on measures of fluid and crystallised intelligence (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) and academic achievement (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test). Analyses included t-tests, Pearson's chi-square and regression.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: 41 (44.1%) children met criteria consistent with intellectual developmental disorder. Academic skills were significantly below population means on word reading (M= 85.4, SD = 19.3), t(66) = -6.2, p < .001; spelling (M=83.3, SD=19.7) t(65) = -6.87, p < .001; and numerical operations (M=72.9, SD=21.7) Z = 66.0, p < .001. Cognitive ability was associated with GMFCS level (χ² (1, N = 93) = 16.15, p < .001) and diagnosis of epilepsy (χ² (2, N = 93) = 11.51 p = .003). Crystallised and fluid intelligence together accounted for 65% of the variance in word reading, 56% in spelling and 52% in numerical operations.

IMPLICATIONS: Many children with CP experience academic challenges. Screening is recommended for all children with CP and full psychoeducational assessment undertaken when children with CP experience academic difficulties.}, } @article {pmid37097012, year = {2023}, author = {Korkmaz, D and Demircioglu, I and Harem, IS and Yilmaz, B}, title = {Macroscopic and microscopic comparison of pecten oculi in different avian species.}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {52}, number = {5}, pages = {696-708}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12927}, pmid = {37097012}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Animals ; *Retinal Vessels/anatomy & histology ; Microscopy, Electron/veterinary ; *Retina ; Ducks ; Quail ; }, abstract = {The current study aims to present differences between the pecten oculi of different avian species through morphologic, macroscopic, light, and electron microscopic examinations. The study is a comprehensive research on seven avian species (sparrowhawk, hawk, magpie, swan, heron, pheasant, duck). The right eyes of the animals utilized in the study were removed for light microscopic examination, whereas their left eyes were removed for electron microscopic and macroscopic examinations. Morphometric analyses, as well as stereo and light microscopic measurements, were carried out on the pecten oculi of the animals. Given all these data, it was determined that the height of the pecten oculi did not differ among the species in the study; however, the pecten oculi were larger in birds with the highest value compared to the other species in the macroscopic measurements. Also, the pecten oculi vessels were larger, and the number of melanocytes was higher in keen eyesight, raptor, and migratory birds with large bulbus oculi. All these data suggest that the pecten oculi not only supplies nutrient to the retina but also contributes to sharp vision during migration and hunting, UV absorption from sunlight, as well as preservation of intraocular equilibrium.}, } @article {pmid37092417, year = {2023}, author = {Bai, Y and Cao, L and Chen, B and Chen, Y and Yue, Y}, title = {A Novel Topology Optimization Protocol Based on an Improved Crow Search Algorithm for the Perception Layer of the Internet of Things.}, journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {37092417}, issn = {2313-7673}, support = {LY23F010002//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; }, abstract = {In wireless sensor networks, each sensor node has a finite amount of energy to expend. The clustering method is an efficient way to deal with the imbalance in node energy consumption. A topology optimization technique for wireless sensor networks based on the Cauchy variation optimization crow search algorithm (CM-CSA) is suggested to address the issues of rapid energy consumption, short life cycles, and unstable topology in wireless sensor networks. At the same time, a clustering approach for wireless sensor networks based on the enhanced Cauchy mutation crow search algorithm is developed to address the issue of the crow algorithm's sluggish convergence speed and ease of falling into the local optimum. It utilizes the Cauchy mutation to improve the population's variety and prevent settling for the local optimum, as well as to broaden the range of variation and the capacity to carry out global searches. When the leader realizes he is being followed, the discriminative probability is introduced to improve the current person's location update approach. According to the simulation findings, the suggested CM-CSA algorithm decreases the network's average energy consumption by 66.7%, 50%, and 33.3% and enhances its connectivity performance by 52.9%, 37.6%, and 23.5% when compared to the PSO algorithm, AFSA method, and basic CSA algorithm.}, } @article {pmid37082716, year = {2023}, author = {Morris, KM and Mishra, A and Raut, AA and Gaunt, ER and Borowska, D and Kuo, RI and Wang, B and Vijayakumar, P and Chingtham, S and Dutta, R and Baillie, K and Digard, P and Vervelde, L and Burt, DW and Smith, J}, title = {Corrigendum: The molecular basis of differential host responses to avian influenza viruses in avian species with differing susceptibility.}, journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1194878}, doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2023.1194878}, pmid = {37082716}, issn = {2235-2988}, abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1067993.].}, } @article {pmid37072037, year = {2023}, author = {Fuirst, M and Strickland, D and Freeman, NE and Sutton, AO and Ryan Norris, D}, title = {Early-life sibling conflict in Canada jays has lifetime fitness consequences.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {290}, number = {1997}, pages = {20221863}, pmid = {37072037}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Siblings ; *Songbirds ; Reproduction ; Ontario ; Birth Order ; Genetic Fitness ; }, abstract = {While delaying natal dispersal can provide short-term benefits for juveniles, lifetime fitness consequences are rarely assessed. Furthermore, competition for limited positions on a natal territory could impose an indirect fitness cost on the winner if the outcome has negative effects on its siblings. We use radio-tracking and 58 years of nesting data in Ontario, Canada to examine the lifetime fitness consequences of sibling expulsion in the Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis). Six weeks after fledging, intra-brood dominance struggles result in one 'dominant juvenile' (DJ) remaining on the natal territory after expelling its subordinate siblings, the 'ejectees' (EJs). Despite an older age-at-first-reproduction, DJs produced more recruits over their lifetime and had higher first-year survival than EJs, leading to substantially higher direct fitness. Even though DJs incurred an indirect fitness cost by expelling their siblings and there was no evidence that their presence on the natal territory increased their parents' reproductive output the following year, they still had substantially higher inclusive fitness than EJs. Our results demonstrate how early-life sibling conflict can have lifetime consequences and that such fitness differences in Canada jays are driven by the enhanced first-year survival of DJs pursuant to the early-summer expulsion of their sibling competitors.}, } @article {pmid37049608, year = {2023}, author = {Lowe, NM and Qualter, P and Sinclair, JK and Gupta, S and Zaman, M}, title = {School Feeding to Improve Cognitive Performance in Disadvantaged Children: A 3-Arm Parallel Controlled Trial in Northwest Pakistan.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {15}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {37049608}, issn = {2072-6643}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; *Cognition ; Food Services ; *Malnutrition/prevention & control ; Meals ; Pakistan ; *Schools ; *Micronutrients/administration & dosage ; }, abstract = {Malnutrition is associated with reduced learning aptitude and growth during childhood. We examined the impact of providing two school lunch variants, a standard school meal (school feeding, n = 70), or the standard meal with additional micronutrients (school feeding + micronutrient powder (MNP), n = 70), in children attending two schools in northwest Pakistan. A third local government school, where no lunch was provided (no school feeding, n = 70), served as the control. The primary outcome, cognitive function, was assessed using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, alongside haemoglobin, at three-time points: T1 (baseline, before the initiation of the school lunch programme), T2 and T3 (5 and 12 months, respectively, after the introduction of the school lunch). Data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models to contrast between trial groups, the changes from T1 to T2 and T3. Adjusted for T1 and other co-variates, improvements in the RCPM scores were significantly greater in the school feeding group at T2 (b = 1.61, (95% CI = 0.71-2.52), t = 3.52, p = 0.001) and T3 (b = 1.28, (95% CI = 0.22-2.35), t = 2.38, p = 0.019) compared with no school feeding. In addition, at T2 (b = 1.63, (95% CI = -0.10-3.37), t = 1.86, p = 0.065), there were no significant differences between school feeding + MNP and no school feeding groups. However, improvements in the RCPM scores were significantly greater in the school feeding + MNP group at T3 (b = 2.35, (95% CI = 0.51-4.20), t = 2.53, p = 0.013) compared with no school feeding. The findings indicate an improvement in cognitive performance in children who received a school meal with and without MNP, over a 12-month period. Currently there is no operational school feeding programme at the national or provincial level in Pakistan. Our findings, therefore, highlight the need for school feeding programmes to improve learning opportunities for children from underprivileged communities.}, } @article {pmid37048448, year = {2023}, author = {Abou Zeid, F and Morelli, F and Ibáñez-Álamo, JD and Díaz, M and Reif, J and Jokimäki, J and Suhonen, J and Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, ML and Markó, G and Bussière, R and Mägi, M and Tryjanowski, P and Kominos, T and Galanaki, A and Bukas, N and Pruscini, F and Jerzak, L and Ciebiera, O and Benedetti, Y}, title = {Spatial Overlap and Habitat Selection of Corvid Species in European Cities.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {37048448}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Understanding habitat and spatial overlap in sympatric species of urban areas would aid in predicting species and community modifications in response to global change. Habitat overlap has been widely investigated for specialist species but neglected for generalists living in urban settings. Many corvid species are generalists and are adapted to urban areas. This work aimed to determine the urban habitat requirements and spatial overlap of five corvid species in sixteen European cities during the breeding season. All five studied corvid species had high overlap in their habitat selection while still having particular tendencies. We found three species, the Carrion/Hooded Crow, Rook, and Eurasian Magpie, selected open habitats. The Western Jackdaw avoided areas with bare soil cover, and the Eurasian Jay chose more forested areas. The species with similar habitat selection also had congruent spatial distributions. Our results indicate that although the corvids had some tendencies regarding habitat selection, as generalists, they still tolerated a wide range of urban habitats, which resulted in high overlap in their habitat niches and spatial distributions.}, } @article {pmid37027113, year = {2023}, author = {Zeiträg, C and Osvath, M}, title = {Differential responses to con- and allospecific visual cues in juvenile ravens (Corvus corax): the ontogeny of gaze following and social predictions.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1251-1258}, pmid = {37027113}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2019-03265//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Cues ; Social Behavior ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Orientation ; }, abstract = {Gaze following refers to the ability to co-orient with others' gaze directions. Ontogenetic studies on gaze following in animals have predominantly used human experimenters as demonstrators. It is, however, likely that developing animals are initially more attuned to individuals from their own species, which might result in differences in the ontogenetic onset of gaze following with human and conspecific demonstrators. "Checking back" is a signature behaviour in the gaze following repertoires of humans, apes, and some Old world monkeys. It is commonly interpreted as a representation of the referentiality of gaze and is thus diagnostic of social predictions. Recently, "checking back" has been discovered in four avian species, suggesting a shared skill among birds. To investigate effects of con- and allospecific demonstrators on gaze following responses, we studied visual co-orientations of four hand-raised juvenile common ravens (Corvus corax) with human and conspecific gaze cues. Moreover, we for the first time investigated "checking back" in ravens and compared the effects of con- and allospecific demonstrators on this behaviour. Ravens followed human and conspecific gaze with no apparent differences in ontogenetic onset, but after significantly longer latencies with human demonstrators. Subjects moreover already checked back at 30 days old and did so significantly more often with conspecific demonstrators. Our findings suggest differences in processing speed and social predictions of human and conspecific gazes, indicating an underlying neurocognitive mechanism attuned to social information gathering from conspecifics. We propose more studies using conspecific demonstrators to reveal the full gaze following potential of a species.}, } @article {pmid37023091, year = {2023}, author = {Foss, L and Feiszli, T and Kramer, VL and Reisen, WK and Padgett, K}, title = {Epidemic versus endemic West Nile virus dead bird surveillance in California: Changes in sensitivity and focus.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {e0284039}, pmid = {37023091}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {U01 CK000539/CK/NCEZID CDC HHS/United States ; U01CK000539/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; /CC/CDC HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *West Nile virus/physiology ; *West Nile Fever/epidemiology/veterinary ; Mosquito Vectors ; California/epidemiology ; *Sparrows ; San Francisco ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Since 2003, the California West Nile virus (WNV) dead bird surveillance program (DBSP) has monitored publicly reported dead birds for WNV surveillance and response. In the current paper, we compared DBSP data from early epidemic years (2004-2006) with recent endemic years (2018-2020), with a focus on specimen collection criteria, county report incidence, bird species selection, WNV prevalence in dead birds, and utility of the DBSP as an early environmental indicator of WNV. Although fewer agencies collected dead birds in recent years, most vector control agencies with consistent WNV activity continued to use dead birds as a surveillance tool, with streamlined operations enhancing efficiency. The number of dead bird reports was approximately ten times greater during 2004-2006 compared to 2018-2020, with reports from the Central Valley and portions of Southern California decreasing substantially in recent years; reports from the San Francisco Bay Area decreased less dramatically. Seven of ten counties with high numbers of dead bird reports were also high human WNV case burden areas. Dead corvid, sparrow, and quail reports decreased the most compared to other bird species reports. West Nile virus positive dead birds were the most frequent first indicators of WNV activity by county in 2004-2006, followed by positive mosquitoes; in contrast, during 2018-2020 mosquitoes were the most frequent first indicators followed by dead birds, and initial environmental WNV detections occurred later in the season during 2018-2020. Evidence for WNV impacts on avian populations and susceptibility are discussed. Although patterns of dead bird reports and WNV prevalence in tested dead birds have changed, dead birds have endured as a useful element within our multi-faceted WNV surveillance program.}, } @article {pmid37016604, year = {2023}, author = {Majeed, M and Nagabhushanam, K and Paulose, S and Rajalakshmi, HR and Mundkur, L}, title = {A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Anti-Skin-Aging Effect of LactoSporin - The Extracellular Metabolite from Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) MTCC 5856 in Healthy Female Volunteers.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {16}, number = {}, pages = {769-782}, pmid = {37016604}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {PURPOSE: There has been a growing interest in the use of probiotics and their products for skin care, over the last decade. LactoSporin is the extracellular metabolite of a spore-forming probiotic Bacillus coagulans (Weizmannia coagulans) MTCC 5856, with antimicrobial and skin protecting activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The anti-skin-aging potential of LactoSporin was evaluated in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study in healthy female participants (70 screened and 56 randomized). The participants applied either LactoSporin or matched placebo formulation (N=28 in each group) for 10 weeks, and the effects were assessed by dermatological, and non-invasive instrument-based evaluation using Antera, Cutometer, Corneometer, and Tewameter. All the 56 participants completed the study and were included for the analysis.

RESULTS: The regular use of LactoSporin cream for 10 weeks showed a significant reduction in visibility of wrinkles around crow's feet, nasolabial folds, frown lines, and facial fine lines compared to baseline and placebo by dermatological and Antera assessments. LactoSporin showed improvement in skin elasticity and hydration by dermatological assessments, but the effect was not significantly different from placebo when assessed by Cutometer, Corneometer, and Tewameter. No adverse events or skin irritation was observed in any participants during the study.

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LactoSporin could be a safe natural ingredient to reduce wrinkles and fine lines in cosmetic formulations.}, } @article {pmid37016552, year = {2023}, author = {Asano, D and Takeda, M and Nobusako, S and Morioka, S}, title = {Error analysis of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR}, volume = {67}, number = {7}, pages = {655-667}, doi = {10.1111/jir.13034}, pmid = {37016552}, issn = {1365-2788}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Adolescent ; *Cerebral Palsy ; Intelligence Tests ; *Intellectual Disability ; Problem Solving ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Analysis of the errors in the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) has been previously performed for children with intellectual disabilities but has not been investigated for those with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to investigate whether the types and positions of errors made by individuals with CP differed from those made by typically developing (TD) controls.

METHODS: Forty-five participants with CP aged 4-18 years and 30 TD children aged 3-9 years underwent RCPM testing. We first compared the RCPM performance and error characteristics between the groups and then examined the association between RCPM and the severity of CP and receptive vocabulary in the CP group.

RESULTS: The results showed that while mean total scores in the two groups were comparable, the types and positions of errors made by individuals with CP differed from those of TD controls. The development of non-verbal intelligence in children with CP increased with age; when controlling for age, non-verbal intelligence was significantly correlated with all three functional levels of CP severity and receptive vocabulary.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the problem-solving strategies employed by children with CP.}, } @article {pmid37014209, year = {2023}, author = {Sarker, S}, title = {Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of an Australian Little Crow (Corvus bennetti).}, journal = {Microbiology resource announcements}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {e0136722}, pmid = {37014209}, issn = {2576-098X}, support = {DE200100367//Australian Reserach Council/ ; }, abstract = {This study reports the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an Australian little crow (Corvus bennetti). The circular genome has a size of 16,895 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The study provides a reference mitochondrial genome of a little crow for further molecular studies.}, } @article {pmid36993152, year = {2023}, author = {Yin, D and Li, X and Lorrilliere, R and Han, Z and Zhang, K and Yu, J and E, M and Wang, H}, title = {A case report of an Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an incubating adult and depredating the eggs of the Japanese tit (Parus minor).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {e9931}, pmid = {36993152}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {In May 2021, we opportunistically observed one Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) attacking an adult incubating Japanese tit (Parus minor) and depredating nine tit eggs at a nest box where a woodpecker had greatly enlarged the entrance. After the predation event, the Japanese tits abandoned the nest. We recommend that when using artificial nest boxes to protect hole-nesting birds, the appropriate entrance size should be proportional to the body size of the target species. This observation gives us a better understanding of the potential predators of secondary hole-nesting birds.}, } @article {pmid36992272, year = {2023}, author = {Simeunovic, G and Polega, J and Toor, S and Andersen, NJ}, title = {Retrospective Analysis of Vaccinated and Unvaccinated COVID-19 Patients Treated with Monoclonal Antibodies (mAb) and Their Emergent Needs (RAVEN).}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {36992272}, issn = {2076-393X}, abstract = {Strategies to combat COVID-19 include vaccines and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. While vaccines aim to prevent development of symptoms, Monoclonal Antibody Therapy aims to prevent the progression of mild to severe disease. An increasing number of COVID-19 infections in vaccinated patients raised the question of whether vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 positive patients respond differently to Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. The answer can help prioritize patients if resources are scarce. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate and compare the outcomes and risks for disease progression between vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients treated with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy by measuring the number of Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations within 14 days as well as the progression to severe disease, defined through the Intensive Care Unit admissions within 14 days, and death within 28 days from the Monoclonal Antibody infusion. From 3898 included patients, 2009 (51.5%) were unvaccinated at the time of Monoclonal Antibody infusion. Unvaccinated patients had more Emergency Department visits (217 vs. 79, p < 0.0001), hospitalizations (116 vs. 38, p < 0.0001), and progression to severe disease (25 vs. 19, p = 0.016) following treatment with Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. After adjustment for demographics and comorbidities, unvaccinated patients were 2.45 times more likely to seek help in the Emergency Department and 2.70 times more likely to be hospitalized. Our data suggest the added benefit between the COVID-19 vaccine and Monoclonal Antibody Therapy.}, } @article {pmid36973988, year = {2023}, author = {Santoprete, R and Hourblin, V and Foucher, A and Dufour, O and Bernard, D and Domanov, Y and Querleux, B and Potter, A}, title = {Reduction of wrinkles: From a computational hypothesis to a clinical, instrumental, and biological proof.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {29}, number = {3}, pages = {e13267}, pmid = {36973988}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Humans ; Aging ; *Glycerol/pharmacology ; Proteomics ; Skin/drug effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; Face ; Facial Expression ; Computer Simulation ; *Dermatologic Agents/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facial wrinkles are clear markers of the aging process, being chronological, photo-induced, or reflecting repetitive facial expressions. The aim of this study is to provide new insights into the biophysical and biological mechanisms involved in the formation, prevention, or elimination of the expression wrinkles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We use a computational model to get a better understanding of the wrinkle mechanical behavior and evolution after skin softening and suggesting a possible antiaging mechanism. Then, we provide a clinical demonstration of the anti-wrinkle effect of a long-term application of a 20% glycerol in a moisturizer formula (GBM) versus its vehicle on crow's feet. Skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles visibility were evaluated by a combination of clinical and instrumental in vivo data, inverse finite element analysis, and proteomic data.

RESULTS: The computational model shows a predominantly compressive stress beneath the wrinkle and its significant decrease by the softening of stratum corneum. The associated clinical study confirmed a significant increase of skin hydration and elasticity as well as a decrease of wrinkle visibility after 2 and 4 months as application for both formulas; this effect being stronger for GBM. A softening effect on stratum corneum and dermis was also observed for the GBM. Furthermore, proteomic data revealed an effect of upregulation of four proteins associated with desquamation, cell-glycan extracellular interactions, and protein glycation/oxidation, functions related to the tissue mechanics and adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS: We provide an in vivo demonstration of the anti-ageing benefit of glycerol at high dose (20%) reflected by a cumulative skin surface softening effect. The use of high moisturizing potent formulations should bring additional performance to other conventional moisturizing formulations.}, } @article {pmid36971706, year = {2023}, author = {Radke, NV and Mohamed, S and Brown, RB and Ibrahim, I and Chhablani, J and Amin, SV and Tsang, CW and Brelen, ME and Raichand, NS and Fang, D and Zhang, S and Dai, H and Chen, GLJ and Cheung, CMG and Hariprasad, SM and Das, T and Lam, DSC}, title = {Review on the Safety and Efficacy of Brolucizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration From Major Studies and Real-World Data.}, journal = {Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.)}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {168-183}, doi = {10.1097/APO.0000000000000602}, pmid = {36971706}, issn = {2162-0989}, mesh = {Humans ; Angiogenesis Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; *Diabetic Retinopathy/drug therapy ; *Macular Edema/drug therapy ; Endothelial Growth Factors/therapeutic use ; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/therapeutic use ; *Uveitis/drug therapy ; Inflammation ; Intravitreal Injections ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {Frequent antivascular endothelial growth factor injections in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) often lead to poor compliance and suboptimal outcomes. A longer-acting agent has been a pressing unmet need until recently. Brolucizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor agent, is a single-chain antibody fragment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 8, 2019, for treating nAMD. It delivers more molecules at equivalent volumes of aflibercept, thus achieving a longer-lasting effect. We reviewed literature published in English between January 2016 and October 2022 from MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, and Google scholar using the keywords: "Brolucizumab, real-world data, intraocular inflammation (IOI), safety, and efficacy". Brolucizumab showed reduced injection frequency, better anatomic outcomes, and noninferior vision gains compared with aflibercept in HAWK and HARRIER studies. However, post hoc studies on brolucizumab revealed a higher-than-expected incidence of IOI, leading to the early termination of 3 studies: MERLIN, RAPTOR, and RAVEN for nAMD, branch retinal vein occlusion, and central retinal vein occlusion, respectively. Contrastingly real-world data showed encouraging outcomes in terms of fewer IOI cases. The subsequent amendment of the treatment protocol resulted in reduced IOI. Thereafter US FDA approved its use in diabetic macular edema on June 1, 2022. Based on major studies and real-world data, this review shows that brolucizumab is effective for treating naive and refractory nAMD. The risk of IOI is acceptable and manageable, but proper preinjection screening and high-vigilance care of IOI are needed. More studies are warranted to evaluate further the incidence, best prevention, and treatment measures for IOI.}, } @article {pmid36971625, year = {2023}, author = {Troiano, AT and Peel, M and Cameron, AI and Bast, R and Flewelling, L and Abbott, J and Barron, H}, title = {INVESTIGATING BLOOD LACTATE CONCENTRATION AS A PROGNOSTIC INDICATOR FOR BIRDS PRESENTING WITH BREVETOXICOSIS: 2020-2021.}, journal = {Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians}, volume = {54}, number = {1}, pages = {23-31}, doi = {10.1638/2022-0087}, pmid = {36971625}, issn = {1042-7260}, mesh = {Animals ; *Lactic Acid ; Prognosis ; *Animals, Wild ; Birds ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {Large blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis cause annual harmful algal bloom events, or "red tides" on Florida's Gulf Coast. Each year, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is presented with hundreds of cases of aquatic birds that exhibit neurologic clinical signs due to brevetoxicosis. Double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auratus) are the most common species seen, and typically present with a combination of ataxia, head tremors, knuckling, and/or lagophthalmos. Blood lactate levels are known to increase in mammals for a variety of reasons, including stress, hypoxia, sepsis, and trauma, but there is limited literature on blood lactate values in avian species. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of blood lactate concentration on successful rehabilitation and release of birds presenting with clinical signs consistent with brevetoxicosis. Blood lactate levels were collected on intake, the morning after presentation and initial therapy, and prior to disposition (release or euthanasia) from 194 birds (including 98 cormorants) representing 17 species during the 2020-2021 red tide season. Overall, mean blood lactate at intake, the morning after intake, and predisposition was 2.9, 2.8, and 3.2 mmol/L, respectively, for released birds across all species (2.9, 2.9, and 3.2 mmol/L for released cormorants); 3.4, 3.4, and 6.5 mmol/L for birds that died (4.0, 3.5, and 7.9 mmol/L for cormorants that died); and 3.1, 3.5, and 4.7 mmol/L for birds that were euthanized (3.5, 4.7, and 4.9 mmol/L for cormorants that were euthanized). On average, birds that died or were euthanized had an elevated lactate at all time points as compared to those that were released, but these results were not statistically significant (P = 0.13). These results indicate that blood lactate levels do not appear to be useful as a prognostic indicator for successful release of birds, including double-crested cormorants, affected by brevetoxicosis.}, } @article {pmid36964968, year = {2023}, author = {Pasadas, C}, title = {A commentary on Jay, E.-K., Patterson, C., Fernandez, R., & Moxham, L. (2022). Experiences of recovery among adults with a mental illness using visual art methods: A systematic review. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12882.}, journal = {Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing}, volume = {30}, number = {5}, pages = {1040-1041}, doi = {10.1111/jpm.12926}, pmid = {36964968}, issn = {1365-2850}, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; *Psychiatric Nursing ; *Mental Disorders ; }, } @article {pmid36949299, year = {2023}, author = {De Marchi, F and Saraceno, M and Sarnelli, MF and Virgilio, E and Cantello, R and Mazzini, L}, title = {Potential role of vitamin D levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cognitive impairment.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {44}, number = {8}, pages = {2795-2802}, pmid = {36949299}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Vitamin D ; *Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/diagnosis ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology ; *Vitamin D Deficiency/complications ; Survival Analysis ; }, abstract = {Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a keystone is identifying factors that could potentially modify the CI course. In recent years, vitamin D is becoming a potential modificatory factor for CI in many neurological disorders. This study aimed to highlight if vitamin D deficiency correlated with CI and clinical features in a cohort of ALS patients. We included 55 ALS patients with a neuropsychological evaluation (classified with the Strong Criteria) and a vitamin D dosage at the diagnosis. We also reviewed medical records and completed data for medical history, physical and neurological examination, and functional scales. At the diagnosis, 30 patients (54%) had CI. Most patients (82%) displayed low vitamin D levels (19.87 ± 9.80 ng/ml). Comparing the vitamin D level between patients with and without CI, we observed significantly lower values in the first group (15.8 ± 8.2 vs. 22.0 ± 9.7 ng/ml, p: 0.04). In the spinal female subgroup (n = 15), we found an inverse correlation between vitamin D and bizarreness score in the cognitive estimates test (r = 0.58; p: 0.04) and a positive correlation with the Corrected Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (r = 0.53, p: 0.04). Conversely, in the bulbar female group, we observed a correlation with the corrected direct span (r = 0.84, p: 0.03). With the log-rank survival analysis, we found that the patients with vitamin D < 10 ng/ml had a shorter disease duration (Chi: 5.78, p: 0.02). Our results indicate that levels of vitamin D can influence the cognitive status of people living with ALS and that severe deficits might be an adverse prognostic survival factor.}, } @article {pmid36947493, year = {2023}, author = {Park, S and Choi, J and Kim, B and Noh, H and Lee, SI}, title = {Effect of nanostructural irregularities on structural color in the tail feathers of the Oriental magpie Pica serica.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {e0282053}, pmid = {36947493}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feathers/chemistry ; Pica ; Color ; *Passeriformes ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; }, abstract = {The tail feathers of magpies are iridescent, with hues ranging from navy to violet and green. It has been previously shown that the hexagonal arrangement of melanosomes in the distal barbules is responsible for these colors, but previous simulation models have relied on average values for the parameters associated with this arrangement (e.g., periodicity), and it remains to be studied whether the actual (rather than averaged) structural arrangement and its inherent irregularities reliably predict structural color. Previous studies using unmodified images for the analysis have not focused on the effect of such irregularities on the color production. In this study, we conducted finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations using actual transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images obtained from the distal barbules of a magpie tail feather, compared the reflectance spectra predicted using the FDTD simulation with those measured with a spectrometer, and found a substantial discrepancy between the two. Fourier analysis suggests that the non-uniform arrangement of the melanosomes within the barbule is responsible for this discrepancy by creating variation in the periodicity. Our results suggest that a simple model in which the parameters for internal structures are averaged cannot fully explain the variation in the structural colors observed in biological samples such as the feathers of birds.}, } @article {pmid36941779, year = {2023}, author = {Dreisbach, D and Bhandari, DR and Betz, A and Tenbusch, L and Vilcinskas, A and Spengler, B and Petschenka, G}, title = {Spatial metabolomics reveal divergent cardenolide processing in the monarch (Danaus plexippus) and the common crow butterfly (Euploea core).}, journal = {Molecular ecology resources}, volume = {23}, number = {6}, pages = {1195-1210}, doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.13786}, pmid = {36941779}, issn = {1755-0998}, support = {PE 2059/3-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //LOEWE Program of the State of Hesse (LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies ; Larva ; *Crows/metabolism ; Cardenolides/metabolism ; *Asclepias/chemistry/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Although being famous for sequestering milkweed cardenolides, the mechanism of sequestration and where cardenolides are localized in caterpillars of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus, Lepidoptera: Danaini) is still unknown. While monarchs tolerate cardenolides by a resistant Na[+] /K[+] -ATPase, it is unclear how closely related species such as the nonsequestering common crow butterfly (Euploea core, Lepidoptera: Danaini) cope with these toxins. Using novel atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging, we compared the distribution of cardenolides in caterpillars of D. plexippus and E. core. Specifically, we tested at which physiological scale quantitative differences between both species are mediated and how cardenolides distribute across body tissues. Whereas D. plexippus sequestered most cardenolides from milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), no cardenolides were found in the tissues of E. core. Remarkably, quantitative differences already manifest in the gut lumen: while monarchs retain and accumulate cardenolides above plant concentrations, the toxins are degraded in the gut lumen of crows. We visualized cardenolide transport over the monarch midgut epithelium and identified integument cells as the final site of storage where defences might be perceived by predators. Our study provides molecular insight into cardenolide sequestration and highlights the great potential of mass spectrometry imaging for understanding the kinetics of multiple compounds including endogenous metabolites, plant toxins, or insecticides in insects.}, } @article {pmid36937059, year = {2023}, author = {Pizarro, AK and DeRaad, DA and McCormack, JE}, title = {Temporal stability of the hybrid zone between Calocitta magpie-jays revealed through comparison of museum specimens and iNaturalist photos.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {e9863}, pmid = {36937059}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Hybrid zones are natural experiments for the study of avian evolution. Hybrid zones can be dynamic, moving as species adjust to new climates and habitats, with unknown implications for species and speciation. There are relatively few studies that have comparable modern and historic sampling to assess change in hybrid zone location and width over time, and those studies have generally found mixed results, with many hybrid zones showing change over time, but others showing stability. The white-throated magpie-jay (Calocitta formosa) and black-throated magpie-jay (Calocitta colliei) occur along the western coast of Mexico and Central America. The two species differ markedly in throat color and tail length, and prior observation suggests a narrow hybrid zone in southern Jalisco where individuals have mixed throat color. This study aims to assess the existence and temporal stability of this putative hybrid zone by comparing throat color between georeferenced historical museum specimens and modern photos from iNaturalist with precise locality information. Our results confirm the existence of a narrow hybrid zone in Jalisco, with modern throat scores gradually increasing from the parental ends of the cline toward the cline center in a sigmoidal curve characteristic of hybrid zones. Our temporal comparison suggests that the hybrid zone has not shifted its position between historical (pre-1973) and modern (post-2005) time periods-a surprising result given the grand scale of habitat change to the western Mexican lowlands during this time. An anomalous pocket of white-throated individuals in the northern range of the black-throated magpie-jay hints at the possibility of prehistorical long-distance introduction. Future genomic data will help disentangle the evolutionary history of these lineages and better characterize how secondary contact is affecting both the DNA and the phenotype of these species.}, } @article {pmid36929339, year = {2023}, author = {Liu, H and Li, T and Ding, S and Tang, J and Wang, C and Wang, D}, title = {Complete genome sequence analysis and biological characteristics of Newcastle disease viruses from different hosts in China.}, journal = {Virus genes}, volume = {59}, number = {3}, pages = {449-456}, pmid = {36929339}, issn = {1572-994X}, support = {DY-CX005//Innovation Team Programes of College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University/ ; 201701D221198//General Program of Shanxi Youth Science and Technology Research Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Chick Embryo ; Newcastle disease virus ; *Newcastle Disease ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Viral/genetics ; Chickens ; China ; Poultry/genetics ; Columbidae ; Sequence Analysis ; Genotype ; *Poultry Diseases ; }, abstract = {Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most serious diseases affecting poultry worldwide. In 2022, we studied two strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from pigeons and magpies identified by PCR and propagated in SPF chicken embryos. The whole genome of the virus was then expanded and its biological characteristics were studied. The results showed that NDV was isolated from pigeons and magpies. Virus present in the allantoic fluid could agglutinate red blood cells and could not be neutralized by serum positive for avian influenza. Sequencing showed that the gene length of the two isolates was 15,191 bp, had high homology and was located in the same branch of the phylogenetic tree, both belonging to genotype VI.1.1. The sequence of 112-117 amino acids in the F gene sequence was [112]R-R-Q-K-R-F[117], which constituted virulent strain characteristics. The HN gene contained 577 amino acids, which is also consistent with the characteristics of a virulent strain. The results from the study of biological characteristics revealed that the virulence of SX/TY/Pi01/22 was slightly stronger. There were only four different bases in the complete sequence of the two strains. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the G at 11,847 site of the SX/TY/Ma01/22 strain may change to T, leading to translation of amino acids from R to S, thereby weakening viral virulence. Therefore, NDV was transmitted from pigeons to magpies, indicating that the pathogen could be transmitted between poultry and wild birds.}, } @article {pmid36926515, year = {2023}, author = {Morris, KM and Mishra, A and Raut, AA and Gaunt, ER and Borowska, D and Kuo, RI and Wang, B and Vijayakumar, P and Chingtham, S and Dutta, R and Baillie, K and Digard, P and Vervelde, L and Burt, DW and Smith, J}, title = {The molecular basis of differential host responses to avian influenza viruses in avian species with differing susceptibility.}, journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1067993}, pmid = {36926515}, issn = {2235-2988}, support = {BB/L004666/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/D/20002173/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/D/20002174/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; *Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype ; Ducks ; Chickens ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, such as H5N1, continue to pose a serious threat to animal agriculture, wildlife and to public health. Controlling and mitigating this disease in domestic birds requires a better understanding of what makes some species highly susceptible (such as turkey and chicken) while others are highly resistant (such as pigeon and goose). Susceptibility to H5N1 varies both with species and strain; for example, species that are tolerant of most H5N1 strains, such as crows and ducks, have shown high mortality to emerging strains in recent years. Therefore, in this study we aimed to examine and compare the response of these six species, to low pathogenic avian influenza (H9N2) and two strains of H5N1 with differing virulence (clade 2.2 and clade 2.3.2.1) to determine how susceptible and tolerant species respond to HPAI challenge.

METHODS: Birds were challenged in infection trials and samples (brain, ileum and lung) were collected at three time points post infection. The transcriptomic response of birds was examined using a comparative approach, revealing several important discoveries.

RESULTS: We found that susceptible birds had high viral loads and strong neuro-inflammatory response in the brain, which may explain the neurological symptoms and high mortality rates exhibited following H5N1 infection. We discovered differential regulation of genes associated with nerve function in the lung and ileum, with stronger differential regulation in resistant species. This has intriguing implications for the transmission of the virus to the central nervous system (CNS) and may also indicate neuro-immune involvement at the mucosal surfaces. Additionally, we identified delayed timing of the immune response in ducks and crows following infection with the more deadly H5N1 strain, which may account for the higher mortality in these species caused by this strain. Lastly, we identified candidate genes with potential roles in susceptibility/resistance which provide excellent targets for future research.

DISCUSSION: This study has helped elucidate the responses underlying susceptibility to H5N1 influenza in avian species, which will be critical in developing sustainable strategies for future control of HPAI in domestic poultry.}, } @article {pmid36923610, year = {2023}, author = {Kubota, Y and Hanaoka, Y and Koyama, JI and Takahashi, Y and Katoh, N and Iwaya, M and Fujii, Y and Ogiwara, T and Horiuchi, T}, title = {Surgical revascularization for quasi-moyamoya disease associated with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome: a case report and literature review.}, journal = {Nagoya journal of medical science}, volume = {85}, number = {1}, pages = {141-149}, pmid = {36923610}, issn = {2186-3326}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Adult ; *Moyamoya Disease/surgery ; *POEMS Syndrome/surgery/complications ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; *Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance/complications ; *Stroke/complications ; *Ischemic Stroke/complications ; }, abstract = {POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes) syndrome is a rare multisystem disease characterized by plasma cell dyscrasia and overproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is related to disease activity. Recent treatment strategies have improved survival of patients suffering from this disorder; however, ischemic stroke remains a poor prognostic factor. POEMS patients with ischemic stroke frequently develop cerebral large artery stenosis/occlusion, followed by progressive stroke. Post literature review, we present an ischemic stroke case of quasi-moyamoya disease linked with this syndrome that was successfully treated with surgical revascularization. A 41-year-old woman diagnosed with POEMS syndrome developed progressive ischemic stroke due to quasi-moyamoya disease, despite decreased vascular endothelial growth factor level with lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment. She underwent superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass with encephalo-duro-myo-synangiosis bilaterally. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two years and five months after the stroke, neuroimaging demonstrated bypass patency, neovascularization after encephalo-duro-myo-synangiosis, and no recurrence of stroke. Our case is the first to report successful surgical revascularization for a POEMS patient. Surgical revascularization may be a useful treatment option for patients with quasi-moyamoya disease associated with POEMS syndrome, especially for those who develop refractory ischemic stroke despite reduced vascular endothelial growth factor level.}, } @article {pmid36919892, year = {2023}, author = {Zemach, M and Vakil, E and Lifshitz, H}, title = {Brain reserve theory: Are adults with intellectual disability more vulnerable to age than peers with typical development?.}, journal = {Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {796-811}, doi = {10.1111/jar.13096}, pmid = {36919892}, issn = {1468-3148}, support = {//National Insurance Institute of Israel and the Shalem Fund for Development of Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Local Councils in Israel/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; *Intellectual Disability/psychology ; *Cognitive Reserve ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Life expectancy is on rise and the intriguing question is: When does cognitive decline occur among adults with intellectual disability, compared to adults with typical development? This cross-sectional study examined cognitive performance of crystallised/fluid intelligence, working and long-term memory of adults with intellectual disability of etiologies other than Down syndrome (IQ 50-68) and adults with typical development (IQ 85-114) in four age cohorts (30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69).

METHOD: The WAIS III[HEB] and the Rey-AVLT were administered to both groups.

RESULTS: Four patterns of cognitive performance were found: (a) Vocabulary (crystallised intelligence), Spatial Span Forward and Retention yielded similar scores across all four age cohorts in participants with typical development and with intellectual disability. (b) Similarities, Raven and Digit Span Backward exhibit lower scores only in 50-59 or 60-69 compared to the 30-39 age cohort in both groups, (c) Digit Span Forward, Spatial Span Backward and Total Leaning (LTM) yielded lower scores in the 50-59 or 60-69 age cohorts in the typical group, but similar scores in participants with intellectual disability along the age cohorts, (d) Block Design (fluid intelligence) yielded a lower score in the 50-59 cohort versus lower scores only at ages 60-69 in participants with typical development.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a possible parallel trajectory in age-related cognitive performance for individuals with and without intellectual disability in six measures, and a possible more preserved trajectory in fluid intelligence and some memory measures in adults with intellectual disability compared to their peers. Caution should be exercised regarding Digit and Spatial Span Backwards, which yielded a floor effect in participants with intellectual disability. The Cognitive Reserve Theory, the Safeguard Hypothesis and late maturation might serve as explanations for these findings.}, } @article {pmid36914498, year = {2023}, author = {Lama, CJ and Jones, MC and Dileso, S and Weiss, AP}, title = {The JAY (Joint Active Yoke) orthosis for a complex pip fracture-dislocation with failed volar plate repair: A case report.}, journal = {Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {1020-1027}, doi = {10.1016/j.jht.2022.09.001}, pmid = {36914498}, issn = {1545-004X}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Fracture Dislocation/surgery ; *Fractures, Bone ; *Hamate Bone ; Fingers ; Orthotic Devices ; Finger Joint/surgery ; *Finger Injuries/surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; *Joint Dislocations/surgery ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This case report details the postsurgical rehabilitation and outcome of a 57-year old neurosurgeon who underwent hemi-hamate arthroplasty and volar plate repair for a complex ring finger proximal interphalangeal (PIP) fracture-dislocation sustained after a fall while snowboarding. Following re-rupture and repair of his volar plate, the patient was fitted for a "yoke" relative motion flexor orthosis, termed a JAY (Joint Active Yoke) orthosis, in a manner reverse to that which is commonly used for extensor-related injuries.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: A 57 yo right hand-dominant male who suffered a complex PIP fracture-dislocation with failed volar plate repair undwent hemi-hamate arthroplasty and early active motion following using a custom-fabricated joint active yoke orthosis.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to illustrate the benefits of this orthosis design in allowing for active controlled flexion of the repaired PIP joint with assist from the adjacent fingers, while also reducing joint torque and dorsal displacement forces.

RESULTS: A satisfactory active motion outcome was achieved with maintenance of PIP joint congruity allowing the patient to return to work as a neurosurgeon at 2-months post-operatively.

DISCUSSION: There is little published literature on the use of relative motion flexion orthoses following PIP injuries. Most current studies are isolated case reports on boutonniere deformity, flexor tendon repair, and closed reduction of PIP fractures. The following therapeutic intervention was considered an important contributor to a favorable functional outcome, as it minimized unwanted joint reaction forces in a complex PIP fracture-dislocation and unstable volar plate.

CONCLUSION: Future research with greater level of evidence is required to establish the various applications of relative motion flexion orthoses, as well as determine the appropriate time at which to place the patient in a relative motion orthosis following operative repair to prevent long-term stiffness and poor motion.}, } @article {pmid36913550, year = {2023}, author = {Uemura, K and Okuda, K and Ueno, K and Kumegawa, S and Wada, Y and Asamura, S}, title = {The 'Invisible Lazy-T' Procedure for Correction of Medial Ectropion.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {34}, number = {5}, pages = {1540-1542}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000009270}, pmid = {36913550}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ectropion/surgery ; *Blepharoplasty/methods ; Eyelids/surgery ; Conjunctiva/surgery ; Microsurgery ; }, abstract = {No accepted standard for the correction of medial ectropion has been established. The most critical part of the surgical treatment for medial ectropion is the tightening of both horizontal and vertical laxity. To correct this ectropion, we have applied a combination procedure which includes tightening of the conjunctiva and the eyelid retractors (posterior lamellae) and the lateral tarsal strip procedure. Our imitation of the 'Lazy-T', a surgical operation performed on the medial ectropion, is tentatively named 'Invisible Lazy-T'. It is a versatile technique with a less visible scar than alternative techniques because skin incision is made along the crease line of the 'the crow's feet'. Results suggest a satisfactory solution to this problem and with better outcomes than by other techniques. We propose this novel combination technique is the best strategy for the medial ectropion, and it does not require specialized surgical skill, so ectropion can be managed by craniofacial surgeons.}, } @article {pmid36909866, year = {2023}, author = {Aruan, RR and Hutabarat, H and Widodo, AA and Firdiyono, MTCC and Wirawanty, C and Fransiska, L}, title = {Double-blind, Randomized Trial on the Effectiveness of Acetylhexapeptide-3 Cream and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 Cream for Crow's Feet.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {37-43}, pmid = {36909866}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Crow's feet is one of the signs of skin aging. Many studies regarding skin aging have been carried out in Caucasians, as for Asians, there are different genotypes and phenotypes. Some anti-aging treatments carry a slightly higher risk of side effects and irritation in Asian skin. Currently, the use of topical active peptides for anti-aging, Acetylhexapeptide-3 (AHP-3) and Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 (PPP-4), has been widely developed. This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects of AHP-3 and PPP-4 on the Asian patient with crow's feet.

METHODS: This study was a double-blind randomized trial using 21 Indonesian female subjects aged 26 to 55 years for eight weeks and divided into three groups: AHP-3 cream, PPP-4 cream, and placebo. The cream was applied twice daily to the periorbital area. The three groups were assessed using Corneometer, Tewameter, Cutometer, digital photography and Crow's Feet Grading Scale.

RESULTS: Based on clinical photos and data, improvements were found in several subjects using AHP-3 and PPP-4. PPP-4 appeared to demonstrate better results when compared to AHP-3 based on data, clinical photos, and self-assessment questionnaire.

CONCLUSION: PPP-4 demonstrated better results when compared to AHP-3 and placebo. This initial study provides an opportunity for further study with a more adequate number of samples and duration.}, } @article {pmid36909864, year = {2023}, author = {Duteil, L and Queille-Roussel, C and Issa, H and Sukmansaya, N and Murray, J and Fanian, F}, title = {The Effects of a Non-crossed-linked Hyaluronic Acid Gel on the Aging Signs of the Face versus Normal Saline: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Split-faced Study.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {29-36}, pmid = {36909864}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin bio-revitalization improves skin quality globally; it permits the rejuvenation of the skin by increasing hydration and by reconstructing an optimal physiological environment for the skin cells together with a micro-filling effect.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the comparative efficacy of a non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (NCHA) preparation (M-HA®10, FILLMED Laboratories, France) on fine lines reduction and on skin hydration, radiance and mechanical properties, after three sessions of multiple intradermal injections, active versus placebo, on the face of subjects presenting aging signs.

METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects received filler injections on one side and a control solution (saline) on the contralateral side of the face. Fine lines depth, skin hydration, and mechanical properties were evaluated using instrumental methods. Skin radiance, cheek fold and crow's feet were scored clinically. In addition, Investigator and subject satisfaction rates were evaluated by the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale and a subject self-assessment questionnaire.

RESULTS: Ten days after the last multi-injection session, the following significant results were observed compared to the control: a reduction of both crow's feet wrinkle depth (in the 110 to 1000µm range, -10% for NCHA and +7% for control) and clinical scoring of cheek wrinkles, and increases in skin radiance and hydration (+35%) and also skin firmness (+27%). The Investigator found that NCHA either improved or much improved the aesthetic aspect on 82% of subjects whereas no improvement was found on the saline side. Subjects found that NCHA significantly reduced wrinkles and increased both skin firmness and elasticity.

CONCLUSION: Intradermal injection of NCHA can improve the quality of facial skin with aging signs by reducing fine wrinkles and improving hydration, firmness and radiance.}, } @article {pmid36897629, year = {2023}, author = {}, title = {Erratum: Versatile Technique to Produce a Hierarchical Design in Nanoporous Gold.}, journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE}, volume = {}, number = {193}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3791/6544}, pmid = {36897629}, issn = {1940-087X}, abstract = {An erratum was issued for: Versatile Technique to Produce a Hierarchical Design in Nanoporous Gold. The Authors section was updated from: Palak Sondhi[1] Dharmendra Neupane[2] Jay K. Bhattarai[3] Hafsah Ali[1] Alexei V. Demchenko[4] Keith J. Stine[1] [1]Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Saint Louis [2]Food and Drug Administration [3]Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Company [4]Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University to: Palak Sondhi[1] Dharmendra Neupane[1] Jay K. Bhattarai[2] Hafsah Ali[1] Alexei V. Demchenko[3] Keith J. Stine[1] [1]Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Saint Louis [2]Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Company [3]Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University.}, } @article {pmid36878625, year = {2023}, author = {Inumaru, M and Nakamura, K and Odagawa, T and Suzuki, M and Murata, K and Sato, Y}, title = {The first detection of avian haemosporidia from Culicoides biting midges in Japan, with notes on potential vector species and the transmission cycle.}, journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports}, volume = {39}, number = {}, pages = {100840}, doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100840}, pmid = {36878625}, issn = {2405-9390}, mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae ; Japan/epidemiology ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Haemosporida/genetics ; Birds ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) are capable of transmitting a variety of pathogens including viruses, trypanosomes and haemosporidia. The majority of Haemoproteus parasites are transmitted by biting midges predominantly of the genus Culicoides and are known to cause significant physical and reproductive impacts on both wild and domestic birds. In Japan, Haemoproteus had been detected from various avian hosts, but not from arthropod vectors. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of avian haemosporidia at an educational forest in central Japan in attempt to reveal possible vector species of Haemoproteus, which would help to better understand the transmission cycle of Haemoproteus within Japan and to develop preventative measures for captive and domestic birds.

METHODS: Biting midges were caught using UV light traps from 2016 to 2018. The collected samples were morphologically identified, and haemosporidian parasites were detected using PCR-based methods. The detected lineages were phylogenetically analyzed and compared with lineages previously detected from birds. Bloodmeal analyses were also carried out for part of the blood-fed individuals.

RESULTS: Six Haemoproteus lineages were detected from 17 of 1042 female Culicoides (1.63%), including three species (C. sigaensis, C. arakawae, and C. pictimargo) in which Haemoproteus was detected for the first time. All detected lineages were placed in the subgenus Parahaemoproteus clade and were previously detected from crows of central Japan, strongly suggesting that parasites of these genetic lineages are transmitted between Culicoides and crows. Two Plasmodium lineages were also detected but are thought to be transmitted between Culex mosquitoes and birds of the educational forest based on previous detections. No amplifications were seen in bloodmeal analysis, possibly due to insufficient amount of blood, denaturation via digestion, or insufficient detectability of the used protocol.

CONCLUSION: Haemoproteus DNA was detected from Culicoides for the first time in Japan, suggesting that transmission is possible within the country. These findings highlight the necessity to investigate Culicoides populations and Haemoproteus infections dynamics in Japan. However, vector competence could not be confirmed in this study and further studies are anticipated.}, } @article {pmid36875397, year = {2023}, author = {Albrecht, L and Kaufeld, KA}, title = {Investigating the impact of environmental factors on West Nile virus human case prediction in Ontario, Canada.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1100543}, pmid = {36875397}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Ontario ; *West Nile virus ; Bayes Theorem ; North America ; Climate Change ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus is the most common mosquito borne disease in North America and the leading cause of viral encephalitis. West Nile virus is primarily transmitted between birds and mosquitoes while humans are incidental, dead-end hosts. Climate change may increase the risk of human infections as climatic variables have been shown to affect the mosquito life cycle, biting rate, incubation period of the disease in mosquitoes, and bird migration patterns. We develop a zero-inflated Poisson model to investigate how human West Nile virus case counts vary with respect to mosquito abundance and infection rates, bird abundance, and other environmental covariates. We use a Bayesian paradigm to fit our model to data from 2010-2019 in Ontario, Canada. Our results show mosquito infection rate, temperature, precipitation, and crow abundance are positively correlated with human cases while NDVI and robin abundance are negatively correlated with human cases. We find the inclusion of spatial random effects allows for more accurate predictions, particularly in years where cases are higher. Our model is able to accurately predict the magnitude and timing of yearly West Nile virus outbreaks and could be a valuable tool for public health officials to implement prevention strategies to mitigate these outbreaks.}, } @article {pmid36866972, year = {2023}, author = {Hewawasam, C and Wickramasinghe, A and Caldera, MC and Dassanayake, TL}, title = {Subclinical memory impairment in unaffected siblings of patients with dementia.}, journal = {The Clinical neuropsychologist}, volume = {37}, number = {8}, pages = {1669-1685}, doi = {10.1080/13854046.2023.2182832}, pmid = {36866972}, issn = {1744-4144}, abstract = {Objective: Family history of dementia is a known risk factor for dementia. The cognitive performance of unaffected siblings of dementia patients has been poorly studied. We aimed to determine whether clinically unaffected siblings of dementia patients have significant cognitive impairment compared to individuals who do not have first-degree relatives with dementia. Methods: We compared the cognitive performance of 67 patients with dementia (24 males; mean age 69.5), 90 healthy siblings of those patients (34 males; mean age 61.56) and 92 healthy adults (35 males; mean age 60.96) who have no first-degree relatives with dementia. We assessed learning and memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)), short-term/working memory (Digit Span) executive functions (Stroop Test) and general intelligence (Raven Progressive Matrices). Test scores were compared among three groups, with regression-based adjustments for age, sex, and education. Results: As expected, the patients with dementia were impaired in all cognitive domains. In the Sibling Group, RAVLT total learning was significantly lower compared to controls (B = -3.192, p = .005). In a subgroup analysis, compared to controls, RAVLT delayed recall was poorer in the siblings of patients with early-onset (<65 years) dementia. No significant differences were observed in other cognitive domains. Conclusion: Clinically unaffected siblings of dementia patients seem to have a selective subclinical impairment in memory encoding. This impairment seems to be more prominent in siblings of patients with early-onset dementia who also have deficits in delayed recall. Future studies are needed to determine if the observed cognitive impairment deteriorates to dementia.}, } @article {pmid36866135, year = {2022}, author = {Asokan, S and Pr, GP and Mathiazhagan, T and Viswanath, S}, title = {Association between Intelligence Quotient Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children: A Cross-sectional Study.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, pages = {745-749}, pmid = {36866135}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Determining the intelligence quotient (IQ) grades of children help in managing dental anxiety (DA) and maintaining the good oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

AIM: To assess the association between IQ, DA, and OHRQoL in children aged 10-11 years.

DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 202 children aged 10-11 years in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. The IQ level, DA, and OHRQoL were measured using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), and Child Oral Health Impact Profile Short Form (COHIP-SF) 19, respectively. Chi-squared test and Spearman rank order correlation test were used for analysis.

RESULTS: The results revealed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05; r = -0.239) between IQ and OHRQoL. DA was negatively correlated with IQ (r = -0.093) and OHRQoL (r = -0.065), but it was not statistically significant. The gender-based comparison revealed no significant difference in the distribution of girls and boys within different grades of IQ levels (p = 0.74), DA (p = 0.29), and OHRQoL (p = 0.85).

CONCLUSION: Children with higher IQ showed low OHRQoL scores. DA was negatively correlated with IQ and OHRQoL.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Asokan S, PR GP, Mathiazhagan T, et al. Association between Intelligence Quotient Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):745-749.}, } @article {pmid38692588, year = {2023}, author = {Kantha, SS}, title = {Suicides of elite Japanese writers: The case of Ryunosuke Akutagawa.}, journal = {The National medical journal of India}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {117-123}, doi = {10.25259/NMJI_389_22}, pmid = {38692588}, issn = {2583-150X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Suicide/history/statistics & numerical data ; Japan/epidemiology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 19th Century ; Famous Persons ; Male ; East Asian People ; }, abstract = {Background . To mark the 130th birth anniversary of Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa (1892-1927), I revisit his suicide (as recorded by his hand) in comparison to that of his junior contemporaries, who also chose a similar mode of death. Data sources . Two works of Akutagawa, namely Tenkibo (1926: Death Register) and Aru Ahono Issho (1927: The Life of a Stupid Man) in English translation of Jay Rubin were used as the main sources, in addition to published literature about his creativity. Results . In his final work, The Life of a Stupid Man, completed in the penultimate month before suicide, 7 among the 51 brief descriptions, Akutagawa had described his thoughts on illness and death, in addition to visiting his biological mother in a lunatic asylum, and studying a cadaver for his famous short story 'Rashomon'. These descriptions offer a fascinating perspective on Akutagawa's state of mind, before his suicide. Akutagawa's suicide is also compared with the suicides of five other renowned Japanese writers (Osamu Dazai, Yasunari Kawabata, Misuzu Kaneko, Yukio Mishima and Juzo Itami). Conclusion . Before his suicide, doctors offered Akutagawa various diagnoses: 'insomnia, gastric hyperacidity, gastric atony, dry pleurisy, neurasthenia, chronic conjunctivitis, brain fatigue'. Though it is uncertain, what percentage of hereditary factor(s) played a role, why the practitioners of the medical profession in 1920s Japan failed to save the life of this creative individual still remains a question.}, } @article {pmid36848446, year = {2023}, author = {Harper, MG}, title = {Informal Power: A Key to Nursing Professional Development Influence.}, journal = {Journal for nurses in professional development}, volume = {39}, number = {2}, pages = {104-106}, pmid = {36848446}, issn = {2169-981X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Leadership ; *Nurse Practitioners ; }, abstract = {Most nursing professional development practitioners do not have formal power that results from being in a leadership position in their organization. As a result, they must optimize their influence through referent, expert, and informational power as described by French and Raven (1959). This column provides actionable recommendations for nursing professional development practitioners to expand their influence in their organizations.}, } @article {pmid36847022, year = {2023}, author = {Bootsma, JN and Campbell, F and McCauley, D and Hopmans, S and Grahovac, D and Cunningham, BJ and Phoenix, M and de Camargo, OK and Geytenbeek, J and Gorter, JW}, title = {Psychometric properties of the English language version of the C-BiLLT evaluated in typically developing Canadian children.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {71-81}, pmid = {36847022}, issn = {1875-8894}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; Canada ; Language ; *Cerebral Palsy ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aimed to 1) investigate the convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Canadian English version of the Computer-Based instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT-CAN), and 2) explore feasibility of the C-BiLLT assessment for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and complex communication needs in the Canadian health care context.

METHODS: Eighty typically developing children between 1.5 and 8.5 years of age completed the C-BiLLT-CAN, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IV (PPVT-4), the receptive language sub-test of the New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS), and/or the Raven's 2. Correlations between raw scores were calculated for estimates of convergent and discriminant validity. Internal consistency was calculated for all items and separately for items pertaining to vocabulary and grammar. To calculate the standard error of measurement (SEM) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 33 participants were re-tested with the C-BiLLT within three weeks. Feasibility was explored with nine participants with CP.

RESULTS: C-BiLLT-CAN's convergent validity was good to excellent (Spearman's rho > 0.78) and discriminant validity was higher than hypothesized (Spearman's rho > 0.8). Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96), test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.9), and measurement error (SEM < 5%) were excellent. The feasibility study could not be fully completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data demonstrated some technical and practical barriers for using the C-BiLLT in children with CP in Canada.

CONCLUSION: The C-BiLLT-CAN showed good to excellent psychometric properties in a sample of typically developing children, indicating that it is an adequate test for measuring language comprehension in English-speaking Canadian children. Further research is needed to investigate the feasibility of the C-BiLLT-CAN in children with CP.}, } @article {pmid36842286, year = {2023}, author = {Covey, TJ and Shucard, JL and Wang, X and Gregory, MA and Shucard, DW}, title = {Cognitive skill learning in multiple sclerosis: A meaningful component of the neuropsychological profile.}, journal = {Brain and cognition}, volume = {166}, number = {}, pages = {105959}, doi = {10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105959}, pmid = {36842286}, issn = {1090-2147}, mesh = {Humans ; *Multiple Sclerosis/psychology ; *Cognition Disorders ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Cognitive skill learning (CSL) refers to the capacity to improve performance on specific cognitive operations through repeated practice. We hypothesized that high CSL aptitude may promote accumulation of cognitive reserve, and resiliency to cognitive decline, in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Using an adaptive working memory training paradigm, we obtained CSL aptitude indices (amount of improvement on the training task over time) in MS patients for a single session of practice (25-30 min), and longer-term practice (twenty sessions). Neuropsychological performance was assessed with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM). CSL aptitude measures were positively correlated with neuropsychological performance, and had high diagnostic accuracy for classifying cognitive impairment in MS, defined as 1.5 SD below the demographics-corrected normative mean of the SDMT. Positive relationships between CSL aptitude measures and neuropsychological performance tended to be more pronounced for individuals with high estimated cognitive reserve, suggesting that high CSL aptitude is a a factor that promotes the protective effects of cognitive reserve. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated that CSL aptitude is separable from baseline cognitive capacity. The findings suggest that CSL aptitude impacts the neuropsychological profile in MS, and may be a factor underlying variance in cognitive resiliency.}, } @article {pmid36831812, year = {2023}, author = {Alhamdan, AA and Murphy, MJ and Pickering, HE and Crewther, SG}, title = {The Contribution of Visual and Auditory Working Memory and Non-Verbal IQ to Motor Multisensory Processing in Elementary School Children.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {36831812}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Although cognitive abilities have been shown to facilitate multisensory processing in adults, the development of cognitive abilities such as working memory and intelligence, and their relationship to multisensory motor reaction times (MRTs), has not been well investigated in children. Thus, the aim of the current study was to explore the contribution of age-related cognitive abilities in elementary school-age children (n = 75) aged 5-10 years, to multisensory MRTs in response to auditory, visual, and audiovisual stimuli, and a visuomotor eye-hand co-ordination processing task. Cognitive performance was measured on classical working memory tasks such as forward and backward visual and auditory digit spans, and the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM test of nonverbal intelligence). Bayesian Analysis revealed decisive evidence for age-group differences across grades on visual digit span tasks and RCPM scores but not on auditory digit span tasks. The results also showed decisive evidence for the relationship between performance on more complex visually based tasks, such as difficult items of the RCPM and visual digit span, and multisensory MRT tasks. Bayesian regression analysis demonstrated that visual WM digit span tasks together with nonverbal IQ were the strongest unique predictors of multisensory processing. This suggests that the capacity of visual memory rather than auditory processing abilities becomes the most important cognitive predictor of multisensory MRTs, and potentially contributes to the expected age-related increase in cognitive abilities and multisensory motor processing.}, } @article {pmid36831728, year = {2023}, author = {Pavlinac Dodig, I and Qazzafi, A and Lusic Kalcina, L and Demirovic, S and Pecotic, R and Valic, M and Dogas, Z}, title = {The Associations between Results in Different Domains of Cognitive and Psychomotor Abilities Measured in Medical Students.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {36831728}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {We aimed to investigate the associations between intelligence quotient test scores obtained using the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and psychomotor testing using the Complex Reactionmeter Drenovac (CRD) test battery, while taking into account previous theoretical approaches recognizing intelligent behavior as the cumulative result of a general biological speed factor reflected in the reaction time for perceptual detections and motor decisions. A total of 224 medical students at the University of Split School of Medicine were recruited. Their IQ scores were assessed using Raven's APM, while the computerized tests of CRD-series were used for testing the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus (CRD311), psychomotor limbs coordination task (CRD411), and solving simple arithmetic operations (CRD11). The total test-solving (TTST) and the minimum single-task-solving (MinT) times were analyzed. On the CRD11 test, task-solving times were shorter in students with higher APM scores (r = -0.48 for TTST and r = -0.44 for MinT; p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times and APM scores were reported on CRD311 (r = -0.30 for TTST and r = -0.33 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both). Negative associations between task-solving times in CRD411 and APM scores (r = -0.40 for TTST and r = -0.30 for MinT, p < 0.001 for both) were found. Faster reaction time in psychomotor limbs coordination tasks, the reaction time of perception to visual stimulus, and the reaction time of solving simple arithmetic operations were associated with a higher APM score in medical students, indicating the importance of mental speed in intelligence test performance. However, executive system functions, such as attention, planning, and goal weighting, might also impact cognitive abilities and should be considered in future research.}, } @article {pmid36830362, year = {2023}, author = {Skibniewska, EM and Skibniewski, M}, title = {The Total Mercury Concentration in Organs of Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica) and Common Woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) from the Warsaw Municipal Area.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {36830362}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Mercury is a toxic element widely distributed in the natural environment, affecting animals' health. It is released into the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources. The present study analyzed the mercury concentrations in liver, kidney, heart and muscle tissue in two species of birds from the Warsaw area, which were used as bioindicators of local environmental pollution with this metal. The mercury content in the examined samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) utilizing automatic mercury analyzer type AMA 254. The highest mercury content was found in the body of Eurasian magpies, in which it was 0.025; 0.021; 0.006; 0.0037 and 0.029 mg kg[-1] of tissue wet weight for kidney, liver, heart, thigh muscles and pectoral muscles, respectively. In the case of common woodpigeons, the content of this metal was significantly lower, amounting to 0.007; 0.005; 0.002; 0.001 and 0.001 mg∙kg[-1] wet weight for kidney, liver, heart, thigh muscles and pectoral muscles, respectively. In light of data from the available literature, the values obtained should be considered low, not causing a risk to animal health. The results obtained indicate low environmental exposure to this element.}, } @article {pmid36821443, year = {2023}, author = {Brecht, KF and Westendorff, S and Nieder, A}, title = {Neural correlates of cognitively controlled vocalizations in a corvid songbird.}, journal = {Cell reports}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {112113}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112113}, pmid = {36821443}, issn = {2211-1247}, mesh = {Animals ; *Songbirds ; Executive Function ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex ; Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {The neuronal basis of the songbird's song system is well understood. However, little is known about the neuronal correlates of the executive control of songbird vocalizations. Here, we record single-unit activity from the pallial endbrain region "nidopallium caudolaterale" (NCL) of crows that vocalize to the presentation of a visual go-cue but refrain from vocalizing during trials without a go-cue. We find that the preparatory activity of single vocalization-correlated neurons, but also of the entire population of NCL neurons, before vocal onset predicts whether or not the crows will produce an instructed vocalization. Fluctuations in baseline neuronal activity prior to the go-cue influence the premotor activity of such vocalization-correlated neurons and seemingly bias the crows' decision to vocalize. Neuronal response modulation significantly differs between volitional and task-unrelated vocalizations. This suggests that the NCL can take control over the vocal motor network during the production of volitional vocalizations in a corvid songbird.}, } @article {pmid36819998, year = {2023}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Cornero, FM and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Mirror stimulation in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14729}, pmid = {36819998}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; Horses ; *Songbirds ; Social Behavior ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Elephants ; Pan troglodytes ; }, abstract = {Mirror exposure elicits a wide range of behavioral responses, some of which have been considered as part of possible evidence of mirror self-recognition (MSR). These responses can range from social behaviors, indicating that an animal considers its own reflection as a conspecific, to mirror-guided and self-directed actions. Evidence of MSR has been found categorically in only a few species, such as in magpies, chimpanzees, horses, and elephants. Evidence in corvids is currently debated due to inconsistent findings. In this study, we investigated the reaction of Eurasian jays when presenting them with three mirror-stimulation tasks. Based on the overall behavioral patterns across these three tasks, conclusions about birds' understanding of a reflective surface, and their perception of the reflection as either themselves or as a conspecific, appear premature. We highlight how the high neophobia of corvids and other methodological constraints might have hindered the likelihood to approach and explore a mirror, preventing the emergence of behaviors typically associated with MSR. Furthermore, we discuss how motivational factors, methodological constraints and species differences should be considered when interpreting behavioral responses to mirrors.}, } @article {pmid36818533, year = {2023}, author = {Tomasek, M and Ravignani, A and Boucherie, PH and Van Meyel, S and Dufour, V}, title = {Spontaneous vocal coordination of vocalizations to water noise in rooks (Corvus frugilegus): An exploratory study.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {e9791}, pmid = {36818533}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The ability to control one's vocal production is a major advantage in acoustic communication. Yet, not all species have the same level of control over their vocal output. Several bird species can interrupt their song upon hearing an external stimulus, but there is no evidence how flexible this behavior is. Most research on corvids focuses on their cognitive abilities, but few studies explore their vocal aptitudes. Recent research shows that crows can be experimentally trained to vocalize in response to a brief visual stimulus. Our study investigated vocal control abilities with a more ecologically embedded approach in rooks. We show that two rooks could spontaneously coordinate their vocalizations to a long-lasting stimulus (the sound of their small bathing pool being filled with a water hose), one of them adjusting roughly (in the second range) its vocalizations as the stimuli began and stopped. This exploratory study adds to the literature showing that corvids, a group of species capable of cognitive prowess, are indeed able to display good vocal control abilities.}, } @article {pmid36808478, year = {2023}, author = {Murphy, P and Foley, J and Mole, J and Van Harskamp, N and Cipolotti, L}, title = {Lifespan normative data (18-89 years) for Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Set I.}, journal = {Journal of neuropsychology}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {417-429}, doi = {10.1111/jnp.12308}, pmid = {36808478}, issn = {1748-6653}, mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Longevity ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Aging ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) Set I is a validated and brief test of fluid intelligence, ideal for use in busy clinical settings. However, there is a dearth of normative data allowing an accurate interpretation of APM scores. To address this, we present normative data from across the adult lifespan (18-89 years) for the APM Set I. Data are presented in five age cohorts (total N = 352), including two older adult cohorts (65-79 years and 80-89 years), which allows age-standardized assessment. We also present data from a validated measure of premorbid intellectual ability, which was absent from previous standardizations of longer forms of the APM. In line with previous findings, a striking age-related decline was noted, beginning relatively early in adulthood and most marked amongst lower-scoring individuals. Older adults did not demonstrate difficulty with specific test items or make an increased proportion of specific errors. Sex was not a significant predictor of performance. The data set is of particular use in the neuropsychological assessment of older adults, given the known susceptibility of fluid intelligence to both the effects of normal ageing and acquired brain injury in older age. The results are discussed in light of theories of neurological ageing.}, } @article {pmid36806418, year = {2023}, author = {Wagener, L and Rinnert, P and Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Crows protect visual working memory against interference.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {226}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {36806418}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Crows ; Cognition ; Behavior, Animal ; Fenbendazole ; }, abstract = {Working memory, the ability to actively maintain and manipulate information across time, is key to intelligent behavior. Because of the limited capacity of working memory, relevant information needs to be protected against distracting representations. Whether birds can resist distractors and safeguard memorized relevant information is unclear. We trained carrion crows in a delayed match-to-sample task to memorize an image while resisting other, interfering stimuli. We found that the repetition of the sample stimulus during the memory delay improved performance accuracy and accelerated reaction time relative to a reference condition with a neutral interfering stimulus. In contrast, the presentation of the image that constituted the subsequent non-match test stimulus mildly weakened performance. However, the crows' robust performance in this most demanding distractor condition indicates that sample information was actively protected from being overwritten by the distractor. These data show that crows can cognitively control and safeguard behaviorally relevant working memory contents.}, } @article {pmid36792669, year = {2023}, author = {Hur, MS and Iwanaga, J and Tubbs, RS and Moon, YS and Kim, H}, title = {Width of the orbicularis oculi fibers extending to the upper lip with the lateral and inferior lengths of the orbicularis oculi at the lateral canthus level: application to botulinum neurotoxin type A injection for crow's feet.}, journal = {Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {461-468}, pmid = {36792669}, issn = {1279-8517}, support = {2020R1C1C1003237//National Research Foundation of Kortea/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Skin Aging ; Lip ; *Lacrimal Apparatus ; Facial Muscles ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the width of the fibers that extend from the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOc) to the upper lip, and the lateral and inferior lengths of the OOc at the lateral canthus level.

METHODS: The OOc was investigated in the 40 hemifaces of 20 Korean cadavers. The lateral fibers of the OOc (OOc lat) were traced to determine whether or not these fibers extended to the upper lip.

RESULTS: The OOc lat extended to the upper lip at the lateral canthus level in 31 of the 40 specimens (77.5%), whereas some inferolateral fibers of the OOc that extended to the upper lip were observed near the level of the lower margin of the OOc in the other 9 specimens (22.5%). The mean ± SD and maximum widths of the OOc lat that extended to the upper lip at the lateral canthus level were 6.9 ± 3.3 mm and 14.3 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The obtained data will be helpful to distinguish the muscles that underly the wrinkles around the lateral canthus for safer and more-efficient BoNT-A treatments for crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid36766361, year = {2023}, author = {Marks, CA and Allen, L and Lindeberg, H}, title = {Non-Lethal Dose-Response Models Replace Lethal Bioassays for Predicting the Hazard of Para-Aminopropiophenone to Australian Wildlife.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {13}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {36766361}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is a potent methaemoglobin (MetHb) forming agent used for the lethal control of exotic carnivores and mustelids. To assess the sensitivity of Australian wildlife to PAPP we developed an in vivo assay that did not use death as an endpoint. Sub-lethal dose-response data were modelled to predict PAPP doses required to achieve an endpoint set at 80% MetHb (MetHb80). The comparative sensitivity of non-target mammals referenced to this endpoint was found to be highly variable, with southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) the most sensitive species (MetHb80 = 6.3 mg kg[-1]) and bush rats (Rattus fuscipes) the most tolerant (MetHb80 = 1035 mg kg[-1]). Published LD50 estimates were highly correlated with PAPP doses modelled to achieve the MetHb80 endpoint (r[2] = 0.99, p < 0.001). Most dose-response data for native mammals were collected in the field or in semi-natural enclosures, permitting PAPP and placebo dosed animals to be fitted with tracking transmitters and transponders and released at their point of capture. A protracted morbidity and mortality was observed only in Australian ravens (Corvus coronoides). The combination of sub-lethal dose-response assay and survival data collected in the field provided more relevant information about the actual hazard of pest control agents to non-target wildlife species than laboratory-based lethal-dose bioassays. We discuss the need to replace lethal-dose data with biologically meaningful insights able to define a continuum of toxicological hazards that better serve the needs of conservation and veterinary scientists and wildlife managers.}, } @article {pmid36762604, year = {2023}, author = {Zhai, N and Pan, X and Zeng, M and Xu, L}, title = {Developmental trajectory of pluripotent stem cell establishment in Arabidopsis callus guided by a quiescent center-related gene network.}, journal = {Development (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {150}, number = {5}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/dev.200879}, pmid = {36762604}, issn = {1477-9129}, support = {32225007//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; XDB27030103//Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; XDB27030103//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; //Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; }, mesh = {*Arabidopsis/genetics ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; *Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Meristem/metabolism ; }, abstract = {In plant tissue culture, callus formation is induced by a high auxin concentration. Among the three cell layers (the outer, middle and inner cell layers) of the callus, pluripotency acquisition in the middle cell layer is required for the potential ability of the callus to regenerate organs. Here, we reveal the developmental trajectory of middle cell layer initiation and maintenance in callus tissue originating from Arabidopsis thaliana hypocotyls. The S phase of the cell cycle is essential for the expression of quiescent center-related SCARECROW (SCR), PLETHORA1 (PLT1) and WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX5 (WOX5) genes during the division of callus founder cells to initiate the callus primordium. After callus initiation, SHOOT-ROOT (SHR) proteins move from the inner to the middle cell layer and act together with SCR to promote the expression of PLT1 and WOX5. WOX5 represses the expression of VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN (VND) genes, thereby preventing callus tissue from differentiating into xylem cells. PLT1 and PLT2 directly activate JACKDAW (JKD), which is necessary for pluripotency acquisition in the middle cell layer. We hypothesize that the middle cell layer could have pluripotent stem cell activity and its establishment requires the quiescent center-related SCR-SHR-WOX5-PLT1/2-JKD gene network.}, } @article {pmid36761608, year = {2022}, author = {Chu, C and Lu, Y and Yao, Z and Li, S}, title = {A survey of ctenid spiders (Araneae, Ctenidae) from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China.}, journal = {Biodiversity data journal}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e87597}, pmid = {36761608}, issn = {1314-2828}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Amauropelma Raven, Stumkat & Gray, 2001 currently contains 24 species. It is distributed in Australia, India, Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia. This genus has not been found in China. Ctenus Walckenaer, 1805 comprises 213 known species. This genus is distributed worldwide. Currently, only two species, Ctenuslishuqiang Jäger, 2012 and Ctenusyaeyamensis Yoshida, 1998 are known to occur in China.

NEW INFORMATION: Three new species of ctenid spiders are described from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunnan Province, China: Amauropelmayunnan sp. nov., Ctenusbanna sp. nov. and Ctenusyulin sp. nov. Amauropelma and Ctenusrobustus Thorell, 1897 are reported from China for the first time.}, } @article {pmid36747638, year = {2023}, author = {Frank, DT and Byas, AD and Murrieta, R and Weger-Lucarelli, J and Rückert, C and Gallichotte, E and Yoshimoto, JA and Allen, C and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Graham, B and Felix, TA and Brault, A and Ebel, GD}, title = {Intracellular diversity of WNV within circulating avian peripheral blood mononuclear cells reveals host-dependent patterns of polyinfection.}, journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {36747638}, issn = {2692-8205}, support = {F31 AI134108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI067380/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 OD010437/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Error-prone replication of RNA viruses generates the genetic diversity required for adaptation within rapidly changing environments. Thus, arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) populations exist in nature as mutant swarms that are maintained between arthropods and vertebrates. Previous studies have demonstrated that West Nile virus (WNV) population dynamics are host dependent: In American crows, which experience extremely high viremia, purifying selection is weak and population diversity is high compared to American robins, which have 100 to 1000-fold lower viremia. WNV passed in robins experiences fitness gains, whereas that passed in crows does not. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that high crow viremia allows higher genetic diversity within individual avian peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), reasoning that this could have produced the previously observed host-specific differences in genetic diversity and fitness. Specifically, we infected cells and birds with a novel, barcoded version of WNV and sequenced viral RNA from single cells to quantify the number of WNV barcodes that each contained. Our results demonstrate that the richness of WNV populations within crows far exceeds that in robins. Similarly, rare WNV variants were maintained by crows more frequently than by robins. Our results suggest that increased viremia in crows relative to robins leads to maintenance of defective genomes and less prevalent variants, presumably through complementation. Our findings further suggest that weaker purifying selection in highly susceptible crows is attributable to this higher viremia, polyinfections and complementation. These studies further document the role of particular, ecologically relevant hosts in shaping virus population structure.

AUTHOR SUMMARY: WNV mutational diversity in vertebrates is species-dependent. In crows, low frequency variants are common, and viral populations are more diverse. In robins, fewer mutations become permanent fixtures of the overall viral population. We infected crows, robins and a chicken cell line with a genetically marked (barcoded) WNV. Higher levels of virus led to multiple unique WNV genomes infecting individual cells, even when a genotype was present at low levels in the input viral stock. Our findings suggest that higher levels of circulating virus in natural hosts allow less fit viruses to survive in RNA virus populations through complementation by more fit viruses. This is significant as it allows less represented and less fit viruses to be maintained at low levels until they potentially emerge when virus environments change. Overall our data reveal new insights on the relationships between host susceptibility to high viremia and virus evolution.}, } @article {pmid36746831, year = {2023}, author = {Egede, LE and Walker, RJ and Campbell, JA and Linde, S and Hawks, LC and Burgess, KM}, title = {Modern Day Consequences of Historic Redlining: Finding a Path Forward.}, journal = {Journal of general internal medicine}, volume = {38}, number = {6}, pages = {1534-1537}, pmid = {36746831}, issn = {1525-1497}, support = {K24 DK093699/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; K01 DK131319/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK120861/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; K23 DK132505/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MD013826/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DK118038/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Racism ; Residence Characteristics ; Ethnicity ; }, abstract = {There is emerging evidence that structural racism is a major contributor to poor health outcomes for ethnic minorities. Structural racism captures upstream historic racist events (such as slavery, black code, and Jim Crow laws) and more recent state-sanctioned racist laws in the form of redlining. Redlining refers to the practice of systematically denying various services (e.g., credit access) to residents of specific neighborhoods, often based on race/ethnicity and primarily within urban communities. Historical redlining is linked to increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, and early mortality due to heart disease with evidence suggesting it impacts health through suppressing economic opportunity and human capital, or the knowledge, skills, and value one contributes to society. Addressing structural racism has been a rallying call for change in recent years-drawing attention to the racialized impact of historical policies in the USA. Unfortunately, the enormous scope of work has also left people feeling incapable of effecting the very change they seek. This paper highlights a path forward by briefly discussing the origins of historical redlining, highlighting the modern-day consequences both on health and at the societal level, and suggest promising initiatives to address the impact.}, } @article {pmid36743222, year = {2022}, author = {Gao, L and Zhang, X and Yang, T and Wang, S and Wang, Q and Liu, F and Zhu, Z and Zi, S and Du, B}, title = {Conspecific nest-raiding directs more at dominant breeders in the azure-winged magpie.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {68}, number = {6}, pages = {734-736}, pmid = {36743222}, issn = {1674-5507}, } @article {pmid36742982, year = {2023}, author = {Goraichuk, IV and Gerilovych, A and Bolotin, V and Solodiankin, O and Dimitrov, KM and Rula, O and Muzyka, N and Mezinov, O and Stegniy, B and Kolesnyk, O and Pantin-Jackwood, MJ and Miller, PJ and Afonso, CL and Muzyka, D}, title = {Genetic diversity of Newcastle disease viruses circulating in wild and synanthropic birds in Ukraine between 2006 and 2015.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1026296}, pmid = {36742982}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infects a wide range of bird species worldwide and is of importance to the poultry industry. Although certain virus genotypes are clearly associated with wild bird species, the role of those species in the movement of viruses and the migratory routes they follow is still unclear. In this study, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of nineteen NDV sequences that were identified among 21,924 samples collected from wild and synanthropic birds from different regions of Ukraine from 2006 to 2015 and compared them with isolates from other continents. In synanthropic birds, NDV strains of genotype II, VI, VII, and XXI of class II were detected. The fusion gene sequences of these strains were similar to strains detected in birds from different geographical regions of Europe and Asia. However, it is noteworthy to mention the isolation of vaccine viruses from synanthropic birds, suggesting the possibility of their role in viral transmission from vaccinated poultry to wild birds, which may lead to the further spreading of vaccine viruses into other regions during wild bird migration. Moreover, here we present the first publicly available complete NDV F gene from a crow (genus Corvus). Additionally, our phylogenetic results indicated a possible connection of Ukrainian NDV isolates with genotype XXI strains circulating in Kazakhstan. Among strains from wild birds, NDVs of genotype 1 of class I and genotype I of class II were detected. The phylogenetic analysis highlighted the possible exchange of these NDV strains between wild waterfowl from the Azov-Black Sea region of Ukraine and waterfowl from different continents, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.}, } @article {pmid36727033, year = {2023}, author = {Lee, WW and Fagien, S and Murdock, J and Bell, M and Widgerow, AD}, title = {A Multi-Center Evaluation of Restorative Eye Treatment and INhance With Trihex Technology to Improve Aesthetic Outcomes When Used Pre- and Post-Blepharoplasty.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {ojac089}, pmid = {36727033}, issn = {2631-4797}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology (RET) is a topical eye product with peptides and botanicals that reduce the appearance of crow's feet, under-eye bags, and dark circles. INhance with TriHex Technology (IH) is a topical product that has been clinically proven to accelerate the clearance of bruises and aid in the reduction of swelling. TriHex Technology has been shown to regenerate collagen and elastin.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the use of RET compared to a bland moisturizer prior to blepharoplasty and the bilateral use of INhance postoperatively.

METHODS: Blepharoplasty patients were randomized to use either RET or a bland moisturizer, twice daily, on the designated periocular skin for 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Postoperatively, participants applied IH bilaterally, at least 4 times a day, and returned for follow-up on Days 1 or 3, 7, and 14. The removed upper-eyelid skin (13 patients) underwent independent dermatopathological evaluation.

RESULTS: Investigators noted no differences in peri-operative complications but observed faster improvement in swelling, bruising, discomfort on the treated side. 85% of participants had less edema and bruising on the RET pretreated side. Biopsy results revealed improved extracellular matrix appearance on the RET pretreated side. Participants agreed that IH alleviated their swelling and noted that their skin felt and appeared more hydrated.

CONCLUSIONS: A regimen designed for eyelid surgery employing a pretreatment product component and a post treatment product appear to have a positive impact on measured outcomes in blepharoplasty patients including effects on bruising, swelling and patient comfort.}, } @article {pmid36722171, year = {2023}, author = {Walsh, SL and Engesser, S and Townsend, SW and Ridley, AR}, title = {Multi-level combinatoriality in magpie non-song vocalizations.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {20}, number = {199}, pages = {20220679}, pmid = {36722171}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Knowledge ; *Language ; Phenotype ; Sound ; }, abstract = {Comparative studies conducted over the past few decades have provided important insights into the capacity for animals to combine vocal segments at either one of two levels: within- or between-calls. There remains, however, a distinct gap in knowledge as to whether animal combinatoriality can extend beyond one level. Investigating this requires a comprehensive analysis of the combinatorial features characterizing a species' vocal system. Here, we used a nonlinear dimensionality reduction analysis and sequential transition analysis to quantitatively describe the non-song combinatorial repertoire of the Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis). We found that (i) magpies recombine four distinct acoustic segments to create a larger number of calls, and (ii) the resultant calls are further combined into larger call combinations. Our work demonstrates two levels in the combining of magpie vocal units. These results are incongruous with the notion that a capacity for multi-level combinatoriality is unique to human language, wherein the combining of meaningless sounds and meaningful words interactively occurs across different combinatorial levels. Our study thus provides novel insights into the combinatorial capacities of a non-human species, adding to the growing evidence of analogues of language-specific traits present in the animal kingdom.}, } @article {pmid36720748, year = {2023}, author = {Hunt, GR and Villard, P}, title = {Oscillatory extraction behaviour suggests functional attributes of crows' hooked-stick tools.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {1091-1095}, pmid = {36720748}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Tool Use Behavior ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are the only nonhuman animals known to craft hooked-sticks for use in foraging. Since their first description over 25 years ago, researchers have been unable to provide a detailed account of how these complex tools function in natural probe sites. Using close-up video footage, we document how a New Caledonian crow operated a hooked-stick to extract a large tree weta from a chamber in a tree trunk. The extraction technique had two distinct, separate components: (1) simultaneous oscillating head rotation and reciprocating bill action, and (2) measured pulling with the tool. Analysis of this first detailed field observation of hooked-stick use suggests a link between hooked-stick tool characteristics, functionality and skilled manipulation in natural prey extraction by these technological birds. Our findings also provide a rare, if not novel, example of tool-associated oscillatory manipulation in nonhuman animals.}, } @article {pmid36718772, year = {2023}, author = {Kołodziejczak, A and Rotsztejn, H}, title = {Objective, measurable assessment of the elasticity of the skin around the eyes following the carboxytherapy treatment.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {5}, pages = {1560-1564}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15599}, pmid = {36718772}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {503/3-066-01/503-31-001-19-00//Medical University of Lodz/ ; //Statutory Research Activity Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Dermatology, Faculty of Pharmacy/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Elasticity ; Eye ; Skin ; Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Carboxytherapy is one of the most popular procedures used in dermatology. The treatments are known to be minimally invasive and highly effective for various skin disorders. Therefore, the research carried out in the paper is purposeful and addresses an important area of aesthetic therapies.

AIMS: Objective, apparatus-based assessment of the effect of carboxytherapy on skin elasticity around the eyes.

PATIENTS/METHODS: The study included a group of 39 Caucasian individuals aged 35-55 years. Participants were subjected to a series of five carboxytherapy treatments of eye area at weekly intervals. The Cutometer measuring probe was used to assess skin elasticity. Additionally, photographic documentation was out using the Fotomedicus system.

RESULTS: In this study, statistically significant increase in R2 parameter was found as the result of applied treatment. This parameter is considered to be the most important indicator of changes in skin elasticity. In 29 out of 39 subjects, the carboxytherapy treatment significantly improved skin tension and elasticity. Such therapy may also exert a beneficial effect on flexibility since in 28 participants the favorable change in the R7 parameter was visible.

CONCLUSIONS: The objective analysis of the impact of carboxytherapy treatment on parameters determining skin elasticity revealed that this therapy can be used as an anti-aging method in the eye area. Obtained results are in agreement with other biochemical, histological, and photographical documentation analyses of the effect of carboxytherapy on skin, performed by independent researchers.}, } @article {pmid36718014, year = {2023}, author = {Falholt Elvebakken, H and Bruntse, AB and Vedel, C and Kjaerulff, S}, title = {Topical Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R® ointment alleviates skin aging: An exploratory trial.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {6}, pages = {1911-1918}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15657}, pmid = {36718014}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; Elasticity ; Epidermis ; *Lactobacillales ; Ointments ; Skin/diagnostic imaging ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The skin is of vital importance for health and well-being. As people age, the skin undergoes visual and morphological changes such as wrinkling, loss of elasticity, increased pigmentation, and decreased cell turnover. This is not only visually unappealing to many but can also pose health issues.

AIM: In this study, a probiotic ointment (PO) containing live lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB244R®) was investigated for its ability to alleviate symptoms of skin aging in an exploratory clinical trial.

METHODS: The PO was applied twice daily for 56 days by 21 subjects. Anti-aging efficacy was evaluated by skin ultrasonography, skin biomechanical properties, skin hydration, and clinical evaluations at day 0, 28, and 56.

RESULTS: Sub-epidermal low echogenic band thickness decreased (0.261 ± 0.069 mm to 0.247 ± 0.055 mm) after 56 days. Dermal density increased (324.689 ± 57.506 pixel/mm[2] to 367.831 ± 75.790 pixel/mm[2]). Skin hydration increased (34.1 ± 6.9 to 51.3 ± 10.0 AU). Additionally, skin firmness increased, as shown by decreasing values (0.264 ± 0.038 to 0.228 ± 0.037 mm). Skin elasticity increased (0.578 ± 0.045 to 0.618 ± 0.044). Trans-epidermal water loss decreased (9.1 ± 2.0 g/h/m[2] to 8.5 ± 1.3). All clinical evaluations, Crow's feet, spot score, smoothness score, and complexion radiance, were improved.

CONCLUSION: The PO improved all measured parameters with statistical significance after 56 days of application, clearly demonstrating the potential of the PO as an anti-aging agent and reaffirming the potential of topical probiotic LAB. Future studies need to elucidate the mode of action of anti-aging effects by probiotics, but at present time, this study paves the way for the use of probiotic LAB topically to alleviate aging of the skin.}, } @article {pmid36710785, year = {2022}, author = {Ittyerah, M}, title = {Handedness in low-birthweight children: Insights in lateralization.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1018913}, pmid = {36710785}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Low-birthweight (LBW) children (n = 96) weighing less than 2.5 kg at birth and normal birthweight (NBW) children (n = 96) from Delhi, India, between the ages of 5 and 12 years were assessed for intelligence with Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), their handedness and hand proficiency for unimanual and bimanual performance. The objective was to know if there is a relation between birthweight and the development of handedness. Compared with NBW children, the LBW group had lower percentile scores for the RCPM. The LBW children were less lateralized than the NBW children in the hand preference test. The LBW children were faster than the NBW for sorting objects with each hand separately, but they were slower in the bimanual envelope task. This indicates a delay in interhemispheric transfer and the development of the corpus callosum that connects the cerebral hemispheres to enable bimanual coordination. In the absence of more direct evidence, hand skill was used as an index of the extent of lateralized control for performance. Findings indicate a relation between birthweight and lateralization in children tested for hand preference.}, } @article {pmid36704643, year = {2023}, author = {Tatebe, LC and Ho, VP and Santry, HP and Tatebe, K}, title = {Redefining trauma deserts: novel technique to accurately map prehospital transport time.}, journal = {Trauma surgery & acute care open}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {e001013}, pmid = {36704643}, issn = {2397-5776}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prehospital transport time has been directly related to mortality for hemorrhaging trauma patients. 'Trauma deserts' were previously defined as being outside of a 5-mile radial distance of an urban trauma center. We postulated that the true 'desert' should be based on transport time rather than transport distance.

METHODS: Using the Chicagoland area that was used to describe 'trauma deserts,' a sequential process to query a commercial travel optimization product to map transport times over coordinates that covered the entire urban area at a particular time of day. This produces a heat map representing prehospital transport times. Travel times were then limited to 15 minutes to represent a temporally based map of transport capabilities. This was repeated during high and low traffic times and for centers across the city.

RESULTS: We demonstrated that the temporally based map for transport to a trauma center in an urban center differs significantly from the radial distance to the trauma center. Primary effects were proximity to highways and the downtown area. Transportation to centers were significantly different when time was considered instead of distance (p<0.001). We were further able to map variations in traffic patterns and thus transport times by time of day. The truly 'closest' trauma center by time changed based on time of day and was not always the closest hospital by distance.

DISCUSSION: As the crow flies is not how the ambulance drives. This novel technique of dynamically mapping transport times can be used to create accurate trauma deserts in an urban setting with multiple trauma centers. Further, this technique can be used to quantify the potential benefit or detriment of adding or removing firehouses or trauma centers.}, } @article {pmid36704627, year = {2023}, author = {Balasubramanian, K and Ramya, K and Gayathri Devi, K}, title = {Optimized adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system based on hybrid grey wolf-bat algorithm for schizophrenia recognition from EEG signals.}, journal = {Cognitive neurodynamics}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {133-151}, pmid = {36704627}, issn = {1871-4080}, abstract = {Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that impairs a person's thinking capacity, feelings and emotions, behavioural traits, etc., Emotional distortions, delusions, hallucinations, and incoherent speech are all some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, and cause disruption of routine activities. Computer-assisted diagnosis of schizophrenia is significantly needed to give its patients a higher quality of life. Hence, an improved adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system based on the Hybrid Grey Wolf-Bat Algorithm for accurate prediction of schizophrenia from multi-channel EEG signals is presented in this study. The EEG signals are pre-processed using a Butterworth band pass filter and wICA initially, from which statistical, time-domain, frequency-domain, and spectral features are extracted. Discriminating features are selected using the ReliefF algorithm and are then forwarded to ANFIS for classification into either schizophrenic or normal. ANFIS is optimized by the Hybrid Grey Wolf-Bat Algorithm (HWBO) for better efficiency. The method is experimented on two separate EEG datasets-1 and 2, demonstrating an accuracy of 99.54% and 99.35%, respectively, with appreciable F1-score and MCC. Further experiments reveal the efficiency of the Hybrid Wolf-Bat algorithm in optimizing the ANFIS parameters when compared with traditional ANFIS model and other proven algorithms like genetic algorithm-ANFIS, particle optimization-ANFIS, crow search optimization algorithm-ANFIS and ant colony optimization algorithm-ANFIS, showing high R[2] value and low RSME value. To provide a bias free classification, tenfold cross validation is performed which produced an accuracy of 97.8% and 98.5% on the two datasets respectively. Experimental outcomes demonstrate the superiority of the Hybrid Grey Wolf-Bat Algorithm over the similar techniques in predicting schizophrenia.}, } @article {pmid36701352, year = {2023}, author = {Duerr, AE and Parsons, AE and Nagy, LR and Kuehn, MJ and Bloom, PH}, title = {Effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-based system to curtail wind turbines to reduce eagle collisions.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {e0278754}, pmid = {36701352}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Animals, Wild ; }, abstract = {Operating wind-power projects often includes protecting volant wildlife. One method for doing this uses an automated system to detect, identify (through use of artificial intelligence; AI), track animals (targets) and curtail turbines when risk of a collision is high. However, assessments of the effectiveness, in terms of identification accuracy and subsequent turbine curtailment of such systems are lacking. Over 1 year, we assessed such an automated system installed at a wind project in California, USA to determine its identification accuracy and rates at which "virtual" curtailments were ordered (without slowing turbines), for eagles (intended targets) and non-eagle targets. The system correctly identified 77% of eagles and 85% of non-eagles. Curtailment orders occurred 6 times more frequently for non-eagle targets (5,439) than for eagle targets (850). Greater abundance of common ravens that were misidentified as eagles influenced the effectiveness of the system by greatly increasing unintended curtailment orders. The balance between costs (price of the IdentiFlight system, reduced energy generation, turbine wear and maintenance) and benefits (reduced collisions between intended target species and turbines) may depend upon the biological setting, speed at which operators can curtail turbines, and the objectives of the operator when considering the IdentiFlight system.}, } @article {pmid36690672, year = {2023}, author = {Likhanov, M and Bogdanova, O and Alenina, E and Kolienko, T and Kovas, Y}, title = {No evidence of a positive effect of learning Chinese language as an L2 on spatial ability.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {1262}, pmid = {36690672}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; *Language ; Learning ; *Spatial Navigation ; }, abstract = {Spatial ability (SA) was shown to be a robust predictor of success in various educational contexts, including STEM. Thus, ways to improve SA are of interest to educational psychology. There is some evidence that SA might be improved via learning character-based language, e.g. Chinese as a second language (CSL), however, the existing research is quite limited. The study aims to investigate an effect of CSL learning on SA in schoolchildren from Year 2 to Year 7. Current study employs a sample of Russian schoolchildren (N = 283), who learnt: English only, English and Spanish; or English and Chinese. Participants completed Raven's progressive matrices and Mental rotation task at the age of 8 and again at the age of 14. Our data showed negligible group differences in the initial SA level at Year 2 (before learning second language). Similar negligible differences were found at Year 7. Regression analysis showed that SA was predicted by intelligence (Raven's) and gender but not language learnt at both ages. This pattern of results indicates that learning a Chinese as a second language is unlikely to affect SA. Further research is needed to investigate whether other factors, such as length, intensity and context of learning, moderate this link.}, } @article {pmid36687801, year = {2023}, author = {Breininger, DR and Stolen, ED and Carter, GM and Legare, SA and Payne, WV and Breininger, DJ and Lyon, JE and Schumann, CD and Hunt, DK}, title = {Territory and population attributes affect Florida scrub-jay fecundity in fire-adapted ecosystems.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {e9704}, pmid = {36687801}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Fecundity, the number of young produced by a breeding pair during a breeding season, is a primary component in evolutionary and ecological theory and applications. Fecundity can be influenced by many environmental factors and requires long-term study due to the range of variation in ecosystem dynamics. Fecundity data often include a large proportion of zeros when many pairs fail to produce any young during a breeding season due to nest failure or when all young die independently after fledging. We conducted color banding and monthly censuses of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) across 31 years, 15 populations, and 761 territories along central Florida's Atlantic coast. We quantified how fecundity (juveniles/pair-year) was influenced by habitat quality, presence/absence of nonbreeders, population density, breeder experience, and rainfall, with a zero-inflated Bayesian hierarchical model including both a Bernoulli (e.g., brood success) and a Poisson (counts of young) submodel, and random effects for year, population, and territory. The results identified the importance of increasing "strong" quality habitat, which was a mid-successional state related to fire frequency and extent, because strong territories, and the proportion of strong territories in the overall population, influenced fecundity of breeding pairs. Populations subject to supplementary feeding also had greater fecundity. Territory size, population density, breeder experience, and rainfall surprisingly had no or small effects. Different mechanisms appeared to cause annual variation in fecundity, as estimates of random effects were not correlated between the success and count submodels. The increased fecundity for pairs with nonbreeders, compared to pairs without, identified empirical research needed to understand how the proportion of low-quality habitats influences population recovery and sustainability, because dispersal into low-quality habitats can drain nonbreeders from strong territories and decrease overall fecundity. We also describe how long-term study resulted in reversals in our understanding because of complications involving habitat quality, sociobiology, and population density.}, } @article {pmid36677391, year = {2022}, author = {Buttler, J and Drown, DM}, title = {Accuracy and Completeness of Long Read Metagenomic Assemblies.}, journal = {Microorganisms}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {36677391}, issn = {2076-2607}, support = {TL4GM118992/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 GM118991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; RL5 GM118990/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; RL5GM118990/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103395/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20GM103395/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; TL4 GM118992/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1GM118991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Microbes influence the surrounding environment and contribute to human health. Metagenomics can be used as a tool to explore the interactions between microbes. Metagenomic assemblies built using long read nanopore data depend on the read level accuracy. The read level accuracy of nanopore sequencing has made dramatic improvements over the past several years. However, we do not know if the increased read level accuracy allows for faster assemblers to make as accurate metagenomic assemblies as slower assemblers. Here, we present the results of a benchmarking study comparing three commonly used long read assemblers, Flye, Raven, and Redbean. We used a prepared DNA standard of seven bacteria as our input community. We prepared a sequencing library using a VolTRAX V2 and sequenced using a MinION mk1b. We basecalled with Guppy v5.0.7 using the super-accuracy model. We found that increasing read depth benefited each of the assemblers, and nearly complete community member chromosomes were assembled with as little as 10× read depth. Polishing assemblies using Medaka had a predictable improvement in quality. We found Flye to be the most robust across taxa and was the most effective assembler for recovering plasmids. Based on Flye's consistency for chromosomes and increased effectiveness at assembling plasmids, we would recommend using Flye in future metagenomic studies.}, } @article {pmid36657966, year = {2023}, author = {Thiele, JA and Richter, A and Hilger, K}, title = {Multimodal Brain Signal Complexity Predicts Human Intelligence.}, journal = {eNeuro}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {36657966}, issn = {2373-2822}, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping/methods ; Mental Processes ; Electroencephalography/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {Spontaneous brain activity builds the foundation for human cognitive processing during external demands. Neuroimaging studies based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) identified specific characteristics of spontaneous (intrinsic) brain dynamics to be associated with individual differences in general cognitive ability, i.e., intelligence. However, fMRI research is inherently limited by low temporal resolution, thus, preventing conclusions about neural fluctuations within the range of milliseconds. Here, we used resting-state electroencephalographical (EEG) recordings from 144 healthy adults to test whether individual differences in intelligence (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices scores) can be predicted from the complexity of temporally highly resolved intrinsic brain signals. We compared different operationalizations of brain signal complexity (multiscale entropy, Shannon entropy, Fuzzy entropy, and specific characteristics of microstates) regarding their relation to intelligence. The results indicate that associations between brain signal complexity measures and intelligence are of small effect sizes (r ∼ 0.20) and vary across different spatial and temporal scales. Specifically, higher intelligence scores were associated with lower complexity in local aspects of neural processing, and less activity in task-negative brain regions belonging to the default-mode network. Finally, we combined multiple measures of brain signal complexity to show that individual intelligence scores can be significantly predicted with a multimodal model within the sample (10-fold cross-validation) as well as in an independent sample (external replication, N = 57). In sum, our results highlight the temporal and spatial dependency of associations between intelligence and intrinsic brain dynamics, proposing multimodal approaches as promising means for future neuroscientific research on complex human traits.}, } @article {pmid36655045, year = {2023}, author = {Zhou, L and Lei, J and Zhai, X and Shi, H and Wang, J}, title = {Chinese striped-neck turtles vocalize underwater and show differences in peak frequency among different age and sex groups.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {e14628}, pmid = {36655045}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Turtles ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Turtle vocalizations play an important role throughout their lives by expressing individual information (position, emotion, or physiological status), reflecting mating preferences, and synchronizing incubation. The Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis) is one of the most widely distributed freshwater turtles in China, whose wild population is critically endangered. However, its vocalization has not been studied, which can be the basis for behavioral and ecological studies.

METHODS: Five different sex-age groups of turtles were recorded underwater in a soundproof room. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis for classification of Chinese striped-neck turtle calls were unreasonable. The turtle calls were manually sought using visual and aural inspection of the recordings in Raven Pro 1.5 software and classified according to differences perceived through auditory inspection and the morphological characteristics of the spectrograms. The results of similarity analysis verified the reliability of manual classification. We compared the peak frequency of the calls among different age and sex groups.

RESULTS: We identified ten M. sinensis call types, displayed their spectra and waveforms, and described their auditory characteristics. Most calls produced by the turtles were low-frequency. Some high-frequency call types, that are common in other turtle species were also produced. Similar to other turtles, the Chinese striped-neck turtle generates harmonic vocalizations. Courtship behaviors were observed when one of the call types occurred in the mixed-sex group. Adult females produced more high-frequency call types, and subadult males had higher vocalizations than other groups. These results provide a basis for future research on the function of vocalizations, field monitoring, and conservation of this species.}, } @article {pmid36638508, year = {2023}, author = {Salaün, JP and Chagnot, A and Cachia, A and Poirel, N and Datin-Dorrière, V and Dujarrier, C and Lemarchand, E and Rolland, M and Delalande, L and Gressens, P and Guillois, B and Houdé, O and Levard, D and Gakuba, C and Moyon, M and Naveau, M and Orliac, F and Orliaguet, G and Hanouz, JL and Agin, V and Borst, G and Vivien, D}, title = {Consequences of General Anesthesia in Infancy on Behavior and Brain Structure.}, journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia}, volume = {136}, number = {2}, pages = {240-250}, doi = {10.1213/ANE.0000000000006233}, pmid = {36638508}, issn = {1526-7598}, mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Adult ; Animals ; Mice ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Anesthesia, General/adverse effects ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Memory, Short-Term ; *Anesthetics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: One in 7 children will need general anesthesia (GA) before the age of 3. Brain toxicity of anesthetics is controversial. Our objective was to clarify whether exposure of GA to the developing brain could lead to lasting behavioral and structural brain changes.

METHODS: A first study was performed in mice. The behaviors (fear conditioning, Y-maze, and actimetry) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) of 6- to 8-week-old Swiss mice exposed or not exposed to GA from 4 to 10 days old were evaluated. A second study was a complementary analysis from the preexisting APprentissages EXécutifs et cerveau chez les enfants d'âge scolaire (APEX) cohort to assess the replicability of our data in humans. The behaviors (behavior rating inventory of executive function, emotional control, and working memory score, Backward Digit Span, and Raven 36) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) were compared in 102 children 9 to 10 years of age exposed or not exposed to a single GA (surgery) during infancy.

RESULTS: The animal study revealed chronic exacerbated fear behavior in the adult mice (95% confidence interval [CI], 4-80; P = .03) exposed to postnatal GA; this was associated with an 11% (95% CI, 7.5-14.5) reduction of the periaqueductal gray matter (P = .046). The study in humans suggested lower emotional control (95% CI, 0.33-9.10; P = .06) and a 6.1% (95% CI, 4.3-7.8) reduction in the posterior part of the right inferior frontal gyrus (P = .019) in the children who had been exposed to a single GA procedure.

CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical and clinical findings of these independent studies suggest lasting effects of early life exposure to anesthetics on later emotional control behaviors and brain structures.}, } @article {pmid36629935, year = {2023}, author = {Huber, L and Lonardo, L}, title = {Canine perspective-taking.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {275-298}, pmid = {36629935}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W1262-B29//FWF/ ; CS18-012//WWTF/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Dogs/psychology ; Humans ; Attention ; *Cognition ; Cues ; Learning ; Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {An important question in the study of canine cognition is how dogs understand humans, given that they show impressive abilities for interacting and communicating with us. In this review, we describe and discuss studies that have investigated dogs' perspective-taking abilities. There is solid evidence that dogs are not only sensitive to the gaze of others, but also their attention. We specifically address the question whether dogs have the ability to take the perspective of others and thus come to understand what others can or cannot perceive. From the latter, they may then infer what others know and use this representation to anticipate what others do next. Still, dogs might simply rely on directly observable cues and on what they themselves can perceive when they assess what others can perceive. And instead of making inferences from representations of others' mental states, they may have just learned that certain behaviours of ours lead to certain outcomes. However, recent research seems to challenge this low-level explanation. Dogs have solved several perspective-taking tasks instantly and reliably across a large number of variations, including geometrical gaze-following, stealing in the dark, concealing information from others, and Guesser/Knower differentiation. In the latter studies, dogs' choices between two human informants were strongly influenced by cues related to the humans' visual access to the food, even when the two informants behaved identically. And finally, we review a recent study that found dogs reacting differently to misleading suggestions of human informants that have either a true or false belief about the location of food. We discuss this surprising result in terms of the comprehension of reality-incongruent mental states, which is considered as a hallmark of Theory of Mind acquisition in human development. Especially on the basis of the latter findings, we conclude that pet dogs might be sensitive to what others see, know, intend, and believe. Therefore, this ability seems to have evolved not just in the corvid and primate lineages, but also in dogs.}, } @article {pmid36628198, year = {2022}, author = {Wu, K and Liu, Z and Wang, W and Zhou, F and Cheng, Q and Bian, Y and Su, W and Liu, B and Zha, J and Zhao, J and Zheng, X}, title = {An artificially designed elastin-like recombinant polypeptide improves aging skin.}, journal = {American journal of translational research}, volume = {14}, number = {12}, pages = {8562-8571}, pmid = {36628198}, issn = {1943-8141}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: As a substrate for cell growth, elastin can promote the regeneration and remodeling of the epidermis, which plays an important role in delaying skin aging. However, elastin proteins are more than 700 amino acids long and cannot be absorbed through the skin, which prevents the direct utilization of elastin in the prevention and treatment of aging skin.

METHODS: We designed an elastin-like recombinant polypeptide (ELR) which could be absorbed through the skin based on the property of hexapeptide VGVAPG. Thirty healthy Chinese Han female participants which met the criteria were enrolled in this study and all of them completed the tests including elasticity, tightness, and wrinkle detection. The participants used this polypeptide for 4 weeks and were tested in three visits: one day before trial started (D0), and 14 and 28 days after the trial (D14 and D28, respectively). Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for non-parametric measures were used to determine the difference between D0 and D14, or D0 and D28.

RESULTS: The skin elasticity level in the thirty participants was significantly increased after using ELR for 28 days (P=0.024), and the average value of skin firmness (Uf) declined from 3.313 (D0) to 3.292 (D14) and 3.265 (D28), although there was no statistically significant difference between treatment and pre-treatment. Furthermore, the wrinkle count (D14: P<0.001; D28: P<0.001), wrinkles volume (D14: P<0.001; D28: P=0.008), and wrinkles area (D14: P<0.001; D28: P<0.001) of Crow's feet were significantly improved by using ELR for 14 days or 28 days.

CONCLUSION: Continuous use of ELR could significantly improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.}, } @article {pmid36618291, year = {2022}, author = {Rezaei, H and Tavassoli, M and Esmaeilnejad, B}, title = {Phylogenetic Diversity of Dermanyssus gallinae (Dermanyssidae) based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase-1 Gene Sequence Collected from Different Bird Species in Iran.}, journal = {Archives of Razi Institute}, volume = {77}, number = {3}, pages = {1091-1096}, pmid = {36618291}, issn = {2008-9872}, mesh = {Animals ; *Mite Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; Phylogeny ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Chickens ; Iran ; *Poultry Diseases/epidemiology ; *Mites/genetics ; }, abstract = {A wide range of hosts, especially birds, can be infested with Dermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae), as an obligate hematophagous mite. In this study, cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene sequences were employed to perform molecular and phylogenetic analyses of D. gallinae collected from different bird species in Iran. Adult mites were collected from the body surface and cage material of ornamental and wild birds in industrial farms located in the Western and Northwestern regions of Iran. The infestation was identified in layer poultry farming by inspecting the eggs and the whole surfaces of the birds' bodies. The holding area and body surface of the ornamental and wild birds were also thoroughly examined. The D. gallinae samples were assigned to two subgroups of haplogroup A (i.e., A1 and A2). The phylogenetic tree suggested that the D. gallinae samples collected from wild birds in the A1 sub-haplogroup should be placed beside Japanese, Norwegian, Italian, and French samples isolated from wild birds in the A2 sub-haplogroup. Additionally, the highest phylogenetic similarity in the A2 sub-group was observed between mites isolated from ornamental and industrial birds in Australia. The findings of the present study suggest that crows and sparrows may play an important role in the transmission of D. gallinae infestation to other species of wild birds due to their high population, as well as their presence in most areas.}, } @article {pmid36617783, year = {2023}, author = {Lima, M and Tábuas-Pereira, M and Durães, J and Vieira, D and Faustino, P and Baldeiras, I and Santana, I}, title = {Neuropsychological Assessment in the Distinction Between Biomarker Defined Frontal-Variant of Alzheimer's Disease and Behavioral-Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {91}, number = {4}, pages = {1303-1312}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-220897}, pmid = {36617783}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; *Alzheimer Disease/pathology ; *Frontotemporal Dementia/psychology ; Memory ; Executive Function ; Biomarkers ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Frontal-variant of Alzheimer's disease (fvAD) was purposed for patients with AD pathology that, despite the typical amnestic presentation, show early and progressive deterioration of behavior and executive functions, closely resembling the behavioral-variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This leads to a challenging differential diagnosis where neuropsychological evaluation and in vivo pathological evidence are essential.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NP) battery in distinguishing between fvAD-dementia and bvFTD supported by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers.

METHODS: We included 40 patients with a baseline NP profile with prominent early executive and/or behavioral dysfunction, who meet both diagnosis of bvFTD and fvAD-dementia, according to international criteria. All patients underwent comprehensive NP assessment and CSF-AD biomarker evaluation. Neuropsychological domains as well as clinical and sociodemographic features, and APOE genotype were compared between groups.

RESULTS: 21 patients (52.5%) met the biological criteria for AD (decreased Aβ42 together with increased T-tau or P-tau in CSF) and were therefore classified as fvAD (mean age was 64.57, with 47.6% female). There were no differences between groups regarding age/age-at-onset, gender, or educational level. Regarding neuropsychological profile, performances in language and memory functions were equivalent in both groups. Significant differences were found in visuo-constructional abilities (p = 0.004), Trail Making Test A (p < 0.001), and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (p = 0.019), with fvAD patients showing worst performances.

CONCLUSION: In patients with an early prominent frontal profile, a higher impairment in attention and visuo-spatial functions, signaling additional right hemisphere fronto-parietal dysfunction, point towards a diagnosis of fvAD-dementia and may be useful in clinical practice.}, } @article {pmid36617019, year = {2022}, author = {Kapoor, B and Nagpal, B and Jain, PK and Abraham, A and Gabralla, LA}, title = {Epileptic Seizure Prediction Based on Hybrid Seek Optimization Tuned Ensemble Classifier Using EEG Signals.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {36617019}, issn = {1424-8220}, support = {PNURSP2022R178//Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, 388 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Seizures/diagnosis ; *Epilepsy/diagnosis ; Electroencephalography/methods ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Algorithms ; Support Vector Machine ; }, abstract = {Visual analysis of an electroencephalogram (EEG) by medical professionals is highly time-consuming and the information is difficult to process. To overcome these limitations, several automated seizure detection strategies have been introduced by combining signal processing and machine learning. This paper proposes a hybrid optimization-controlled ensemble classifier comprising the AdaBoost classifier, random forest (RF) classifier, and the decision tree (DT) classifier for the automatic analysis of an EEG signal dataset to predict an epileptic seizure. The EEG signal is pre-processed initially to make it suitable for feature selection. The feature selection process receives the alpha, beta, delta, theta, and gamma wave data from the EEG, where the significant features, such as statistical features, wavelet features, and entropy-based features, are extracted by the proposed hybrid seek optimization algorithm. These extracted features are fed forward to the proposed ensemble classifier that produces the predicted output. By the combination of corvid and gregarious search agent characteristics, the proposed hybrid seek optimization technique has been developed, and is used to evaluate the fusion parameters of the ensemble classifier. The suggested technique's accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are determined to be 96.6120%, 94.6736%, and 91.3684%, respectively, for the CHB-MIT database. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the suggested technique for early seizure prediction. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the proposed technique are 95.3090%, 93.1766%, and 90.0654%, respectively, for the Siena Scalp database, again demonstrating its efficacy in the early seizure prediction process.}, } @article {pmid36597822, year = {2023}, author = {Parsa, FR and Bayley, S and Bell, F and Dodd, S and Morris, R and Roberts, J and Wawman, D and Clegg, SR and Dunn, JC}, title = {Epidemiology of protozoan and helminthic parasites in wild passerine birds of Britain and Ireland.}, journal = {Parasitology}, volume = {150}, number = {3}, pages = {297-310}, pmid = {36597822}, issn = {1469-8161}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Parasites ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; Ireland/epidemiology ; Bayes Theorem ; Animals, Wild ; *Helminths ; *Passeriformes ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology ; Prevalence ; *Haemosporida ; }, abstract = {Avian endoparasites play important roles in conservation, biodiversity and host evolution. Currently, little is known about the epidemiology of intestinal helminths and protozoans infecting wild birds of Britain and Ireland. This study aimed to determine the rates of parasite prevalence, abundance and infection intensity in wild passerines. Fecal samples (n = 755) from 18 bird families were collected from 13 sites across England, Wales and Ireland from March 2020 to June 2021. A conventional sodium nitrate flotation method allowed morphological identification and abundance estimation of eggs/oocysts. Associations with host family and age were examined alongside spatiotemporal and ecological factors using Bayesian phylogenetically controlled models. Parasites were detected in 20.0% of samples, with corvids and finches having the highest prevalences and intensities, respectively. Syngamus (33%) and Isospora (32%) were the most prevalent genera observed. Parasite prevalence and abundance differed amongst avian families and seasons, while infection intensity varied between families and regions. Prevalence was affected by diet diversity, while abundance differed by host age and habitat diversity. Infection intensity was higher in birds using a wider range of habitats, and doubled in areas with feeders present. The elucidation of these patterns will increase the understanding of parasite fauna in British and Irish birds.}, } @article {pmid36595212, year = {2023}, author = {Rey, A and Fagot, J}, title = {Associative learning accounts for recursive-structure generation in crows.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {51}, number = {4}, pages = {347-348}, pmid = {36595212}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Learning ; }, abstract = {Recursive sequence generation (i.e., the ability to transfer recursive patterns to novel items) was recently reported in crows (Liao et al., 2022, Science Advances, 8[44], eabq3356). Here, we argue that although the reported data are certainly compatible with the recursion hypothesis, they can also be explained by other, much simpler mechanisms of associative learning.}, } @article {pmid36592102, year = {2022}, author = {Söyler, HÇ and Altintoprak, AE and Aldemir, EÖ}, title = {How Do Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids Affect Neurocognitive Functions?.}, journal = {Turk psikiyatri dergisi = Turkish journal of psychiatry}, volume = {33}, number = {4}, pages = {233-247}, doi = {10.5080/u26956}, pmid = {36592102}, issn = {2651-3463}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; *Cannabis ; Cognition ; Executive Function/physiology ; *Cannabinoids/adverse effects ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Substance-Related Disorders ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: In this study, the losses of neurocognitive function caused by the use of cannabis and synthetic cannabinoid were studied on specific cognitive areas (attention and working memory, executive functions, visuospatial perception, learning and memory, planning and problem solving, word naming) and were described in comparision with healthy controls (control group).

METHOD: In this study, while 52 participants who applied to Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Mental Health and Mental Disorders Drug Addiction Treatment Center Clinic between March 2015 - February 2017 and used cannabis at least for one year in the past and 51 participants who used synthetic cannabinoids for at least one year in the past were participant groups with a history of substance use; 57 staff/student of Ege University with no history of any substance use were participants of the control group. The research sample consisted of 160 participants. The sample group consisted of 160 men aged 18-35, and also 16 participants aged 36-54 were involved in the study in order to observe neuropsychological functions that changed with age. Stroop Test for attention area, Raven Standart Progressive Matrices Test for executive functions area, Line Orientation Test and Cancellation Test for visuospatial perception area, Serial Digit Learning Test and Öktem Verbal Memory Progresses Scale for learning and memory area, The Tower of London Test for planning and problem solving skill, Boston Naming Test for word naming area were used.

RESULTS: In this study, while the lowest perfomance on the ability of focused attention, visuospatial cognition, visual scanning, orientation, sustained attention, general ability, short-term memory, learning, long-term memory, word naming was shown by the participants with a history of synthetic cannabis use, the participants with a history of cannabis use had the lowest performance on the ability of response rate, perseveration, conceptualizing, abstract thinking, changing sets, recognition. Participants' history of substance use did not affect the ability of planning and problem solving.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study suggests that the addition of cognitive rehabilitation programs to medical and psychosocial improvement studies carried out in the field of addiction will increase the success.}, } @article {pmid38625260, year = {2023}, author = {Samal, S and Dash, R}, title = {Developing a novel stock index trend predictor model by integrating multiple criteria decision-making with an optimized online sequential extreme learning machine.}, journal = {Granular computing}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {411-440}, pmid = {38625260}, issn = {2364-4974}, abstract = {It has always been the goal of many researchers to gain a thorough understanding of the patterns in the stock market and forecast the trends it will follow. The use of an advanced forecasting model can assist with accurately forecasting the future price of stocks, their fluctuations in the markets, as well as make profits in trading. With this motivation, in this study, a novel stock index trend predictor model is designed by integrating Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) with an optimized Online Sequential Extreme Learning Machine (OSELM). Forecasting the future stock index prices and analyzing the upward or downward trends of these price forecasts are the two objectives of the proposed model. As the performance of OSELM is heavily dependent on the activation functions used in it, suitable selection of the activation function for OSELM is addressed as a MCDM problem. According to this approach, the trend prediction performance of six popular activation functions is assessed based on five regression-based and five classification-based criteria. In this investigation, three MCDM approaches are used to assess the performance matrix and determine which activation function is the best for OSELM based on six alternative models and ten criteria. To further optimize OSELM's performance, a hybrid crow search algorithm (hCSA) is incorporated in its training phase. By introducing the chaotic map and mutation operator in position update scheme and catfish behavior in the search process of original CSA, the proposed hCSA is able to achieve the right balance between exploration and exploitation improving the convergence. The proposed trend predictor model is empirically evaluated over historical data of three stock indices such as BSE SENSEX, S&P 500 and DJIA collected during pre-COVID and COVID time frame. In most of the test cases, the hCSA-OSELM model outperforms the state-of-the-art baseline models in terms of all evaluation criteria. When compared to the second-best baseline model, the suggested model is able to achieve the MSE improvements of 4-6%, 25-31%, and accuracy improvements of 0.4-0.8%, 0.9-1.3% over the pre-COVID and COVID time-frames, respectively. The statistical test also reveals the better performance of the proposed model. The robust and reliable MCDM-based model selection, superior prediction and classification outcomes clearly reveal that the proposed model can be used for financial time-series forecasting amid daily volatility as well as highly volatile markets.}, } @article {pmid36579399, year = {2023}, author = {Balter, LJT and Sundelin, T and Holding, BC and Petrovic, P and Axelsson, J}, title = {Intelligence predicts better cognitive performance after normal sleep but larger vulnerability to sleep deprivation.}, journal = {Journal of sleep research}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, pages = {e13815}, doi = {10.1111/jsr.13815}, pmid = {36579399}, issn = {1365-2869}, support = {//Karolinska Institutet/ ; //Nordic Mensa Fund/ ; 13-1159:1//Riksbankens Jubileumsfond/ ; 421-2013-2083//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Sleep Deprivation/psychology ; *Cognition ; Sleepiness ; Sleep ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence is seen as a beneficial attribute, protecting against stress and ill-health. Whether intelligence provides resilience to the cognitive effects of insufficient sleep was tested in the current pre-registered experimental study. Participants (N = 182) completed the Raven's test (measuring fluid intelligence) and a normal night of sleep or a night of total sleep deprivation. Sleepiness and four cognitive tests were completed at 22:30 hours (baseline), and the following day after sleep manipulation. At baseline, higher fluid intelligence was associated with faster and more accurate arithmetic calculations, and better episodic memory, but not with spatial working memory, simple attention or sleepiness. Those with higher fluid intelligence were more, not less, impacted by sleep deprivation, evident for arithmetic ability, episodic memory and spatial working memory. We need to establish a more nuanced picture of the benefits of intelligence, where intelligence is not related to cognitive advantages in all situations.}, } @article {pmid36574957, year = {2023}, author = {Cipolotti, L and Ruffle, JK and Mole, J and Xu, T and Hyare, H and Shallice, T and Chan, E and Nachev, P}, title = {Graph lesion-deficit mapping of fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Brain : a journal of neurology}, volume = {146}, number = {1}, pages = {167-181}, pmid = {36574957}, issn = {1460-2156}, support = {089231/A/09/Z//Welcome Trust/ ; //Department of Health's National Institute/ ; //Health Research Biomedical Research Centre's/ ; //National Brain Appeal/ ; //Guarantors of Brain/ ; 213038/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Bayes Theorem ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Intelligence ; Cognition ; Prefrontal Cortex ; Frontal Lobe/diagnostic imaging ; Brain Mapping/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Fluid intelligence is arguably the defining feature of human cognition. Yet the nature of its relationship with the brain remains a contentious topic. Influential proposals drawing primarily on functional imaging data have implicated 'multiple demand' frontoparietal and more widely distributed cortical networks, but extant lesion-deficit studies with greater causal power are almost all small, methodologically constrained, and inconclusive. The task demands large samples of patients, comprehensive investigation of performance, fine-grained anatomical mapping, and robust lesion-deficit inference, yet to be brought to bear on it. We assessed 165 healthy controls and 227 frontal or non-frontal patients with unilateral brain lesions on the best-established test of fluid intelligence, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, employing an array of lesion-deficit inferential models responsive to the potentially distributed nature of fluid intelligence. Non-parametric Bayesian stochastic block models were used to reveal the community structure of lesion deficit networks, disentangling functional from confounding pathological distributed effects. Impaired performance was confined to patients with frontal lesions [F(2,387) = 18.491; P < 0.001; frontal worse than non-frontal and healthy participants P < 0.01, P <0.001], more marked on the right than left [F(4,385) = 12.237; P < 0.001; right worse than left and healthy participants P < 0.01, P < 0.001]. Patients with non-frontal lesions were indistinguishable from controls and showed no modulation by laterality. Neither the presence nor the extent of multiple demand network involvement affected performance. Both conventional network-based statistics and non-parametric Bayesian stochastic block modelling heavily implicated the right frontal lobe. Crucially, this localization was confirmed on explicitly disentangling functional from pathology-driven effects within a layered stochastic block model, prominently highlighting a right frontal network involving middle and inferior frontal gyrus, pre- and post-central gyri, with a weak contribution from right superior parietal lobule. Similar results were obtained with standard lesion-deficit analyses. Our study represents the first large-scale investigation of the distributed neural substrates of fluid intelligence in the focally injured brain. Combining novel graph-based lesion-deficit mapping with detailed investigation of cognitive performance in a large sample of patients provides crucial information about the neural basis of intelligence. Our findings indicate that a set of predominantly right frontal regions, rather than a more widely distributed network, is critical to the high-level functions involved in fluid intelligence. Further they suggest that Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices is a useful clinical index of fluid intelligence and a sensitive marker of right frontal lobe dysfunction.}, } @article {pmid36574043, year = {2023}, author = {Jang, SI and Jung, YC and Suk, J and Lee, S and Han, J and Suh, BF and Kim, E}, title = {A long term study of the difference in efficacy and effect rate of various concentrations of retinol (1500-6600 IU) in middle aged women.}, journal = {Archives of dermatological research}, volume = {315}, number = {5}, pages = {1323-1332}, pmid = {36574043}, issn = {1432-069X}, mesh = {Middle Aged ; Humans ; Female ; *Vitamin A/therapeutic use ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Elasticity ; Nasolabial Fold ; }, abstract = {Retinol is widely used for topical application for antiaging. However, the efficacy and effect rate of different concentrations of retinol have been rarely analyzed. Therefore, in this study, the efficacy and rate of effect of retinol concentrations from 1500 to 6600 IU, on various skin parameters, have been compared. Seventy-two Korean women aged 40-59 years participated in this study. Retinol was used by them for 24 weeks; the effects were measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. The measurement parameters for aging were crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, nasolabial fold, dermal density, and elasticity and that for skin color were skin brightness, yellowness, redness, and standard deviation of skin brightness. The texture of the skin was measured by measuring the skin roughness and pores, and the skin barrier function was evaluated through hydration, sebum, and desquamation. Low concentration retinol (1500-2500 IU) had a significantly higher effect in skin color, brightness, and elasticity and faster improvement rate in skin brightness and elasticity compared to that for high concentration (3300-6600 IU). High concentration of retinol had a significantly higher effect in wrinkles, dermal density and pores and faster improvement rate for wrinkles, skin texture, pores, and desquamation compared to that for low concentration. This study evaluated the changes caused by different concentration of retinol over a long period of time. The results of this study have great implications as the optimal concentration of retinol can be prescribed for an accurate period for the desired results without side effects.}, } @article {pmid36558576, year = {2022}, author = {Cheng, W and Lin, D and Liu, P and Yun, B and Lu, M and Shi, S and Hu, G and Cui, Y}, title = {Achieving Fano resonance with an ultra-high slope rate by silicon nitride CROW embedded in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {30}, number = {26}, pages = {46147-46156}, doi = {10.1364/OE.477261}, pmid = {36558576}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {Fano resonance with asymmetric line shape is very promising in many applications such as optical switching, sensing, slow light, laser. Fano resonances based on some integrated structures have been demonstrated on the silicon on insulator platform. However, the extinction ratios and slope rates of the most proposed integrated Fano resonances are relatively low, which limits their applications. In this paper, a tunable silicon nitride coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) embedded in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) is proposed to achieve Fano resonance. Benefiting from fine tuning supported by the low thermo-optic coefficient of the silicon nitride optical waveguide, the optical amplitudes and phases in the two arms of the MZI were accurately adjusted to achieve destructive interference, which gives an ultra-high extinction ratio. Furthermore, high quality factor CROW, supported by the native low loss silicon nitride optical waveguide, greatly shrinks the resonance bandwidth. Combining the above two superiorities, a Fano resonance with a very high extinction ratio of up to 57 dB and slope rate as high as 8.1 × 10[4] dB/nm was obtained, which is an order of magnitude larger than the reported integrated Fano resonances. We believe that the proposed structure would be a promising candidate for high-performance switching and high-sensitivity sensing.}, } @article {pmid36552280, year = {2022}, author = {Beauchamp, G and Bowman, R}, title = {Visual Monitoring Strategies of Sentinels in a Cooperative Breeder.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {36552280}, issn = {2079-7737}, abstract = {Vigilance is important for early detection of threats. Previous studies have focused on the allocation of time to vigilance but neglected how animals monitor their surroundings during vigilance. Where animals look and how long each look lasts can affect the quality of visual monitoring and thus the ability to detect threats during vigilance. We examined visual monitoring strategies in the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), a cooperative breeder with sentinel behaviour. Sentinels in this species make head turns from vantage points to detect the arrival of predators and intruding neighbours. We found that sentinels initiated head turns at regular intervals and also returned their gaze to areas previously monitored at regular intervals, which is predicted when predators and intruders rely on surprise rather than stealth to approach. Sentinels made head turns in several directions, but often more frequently on one side of the body than the other, which was not predicted for regular vigilance. Average look duration during sentinel bouts was shorter in smaller groups and in juveniles. We argue that shorter looks are beneficial to increase visual coverage in more threatening situations. Our study highlights how visual monitoring strategies during vigilance reflect the risk posed by predators and intruders.}, } @article {pmid36547738, year = {2023}, author = {Rössler, T and Auersperg, AM}, title = {Recent developments in parrot cognition: a quadrennial update.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {199-228}, pmid = {36547738}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y01309//Austrian Science Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Parrots ; }, abstract = {Psittacines, along with corvids, are commonly referred to as 'feathered apes' due to their advanced cognitive abilities. Until rather recently, the research effort on parrot cognition was lagging behind that on corvids, however current developments show that the number of parrot studies is steadily increasing. In 2018, M. L. Lambert et al. provided a comprehensive review on the status of the most important work done so far in parrot and corvid cognition. Nevertheless, only a little more than 4 years after this publication, more than 50 new parrot studies have been published, some of them chartering completely new territory. On the 25th anniversary of Animal Cognition we think this warrants a detailed review of parrot cognition research over the last 4 years. We aim to capture recent developments and current trends in this rapidly expanding and diversifying field.}, } @article {pmid36542636, year = {2022}, author = {Mantilla, C and Murad, Z}, title = {Ego-relevance in team production.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {e0279391}, pmid = {36542636}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ego ; }, abstract = {We study how individuals' effort contribution to a team production task varies depending on whether the task is ego relevant or not. We conduct an experiment to test the effect of ego-relevance when the team production depends on the team's top- or bottom-performer. Ego-relevance is manipulated by calling the Raven IQ Test an "IQ Task" or a "Pattern Task." We find that the effort contributed to the task is affected by ego-relevance and the impact of the team production function on effort contribution is mediated by the teammate's expected effort contribution. Ego-relevance increases the responsiveness to the teammate's expected effort contributions. Similarly, more responsive behavior is noticeable when the team production depends on the bottom-performer. However, we do not observe interaction-effects between ego-relevance and the team production function that affect effort contributions.}, } @article {pmid36541516, year = {2022}, author = {O'Coin, D and Mclvor, GE and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT and Ling, H}, title = {Velocity correlations in jackdaw flocks in different ecological contexts.}, journal = {Physical biology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1088/1478-3975/aca862}, pmid = {36541516}, issn = {1478-3975}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Flight, Animal ; Models, Biological ; Birds ; }, abstract = {Velocity correlation is an important feature for animal groups performing collective motions. Previous studies have mostly focused on the velocity correlation in a single ecological context. It is unclear whether correlation characteristics vary in a single species in different contexts. Here, we studied the velocity correlations in jackdaw flocks in two different contexts: transit flocks where birds travel from one location to another, and mobbing flocks where birds respond to an external stimulus. We found that in both contexts, although the interaction rules are different, the velocity correlations remain scale-free, i.e. the correlation length (the distance over which the velocity of two individuals is similar) increases linearly with the group size. Furthermore, we found that the correlation length is independent of the group density for transit flocks, but increases with increasing group density in mobbing flocks. This result confirms a previous observation that birds obey topological interactions in transit flocks, but switch to metric interactions in mobbing flocks. Finally, in both contexts, the impact of group polarization on correlation length is not significant. Our results suggest that wild animals are always able to respond coherently to perturbations regardless of context.}, } @article {pmid36536201, year = {2023}, author = {Iqbal, F and Wilson, R and Ayub, Q and Song, BK and Krzeminska-Ahmedzai, U and Talei, A and Hermawan, AA and Rahman, S}, title = {Biomonitoring of heavy metals in the feathers of House crow (Corvus splendens) from some metropolitans of Asia and Africa.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {30}, number = {13}, pages = {35715-35726}, pmid = {36536201}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Biological Monitoring ; Cadmium/analysis ; *Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Feathers/chemistry ; Lead/analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Asia ; Birds ; Africa ; }, abstract = {Urban-dwelling birds can be useful biomonitors to assess the impact of the urbanisation on both public and wildlife health. Widely distributed urban bird species, the House crow, was studied for heavy metal accumulation levels from nine cities of South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa that border the Indian Ocean. Feathers were spectroscopically investigated for the deposition of ten heavy metals, i.e. As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, iron Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu and Li. Fe and Zn were found to be the most prevalent metals in all sites. Measured concentrations of Pb (4.38-14.77 mg kg[-1]) overall, and Fe (935.66 mg kg[-1]) and Cu (67.17 mg kg[-1]) at some studied sites were above the toxicity levels reported lethal in avian toxicological studies. Multivariate analysis and linear models supported geographical location as a significant predictor for the level of most of the metals. Zn and Cu, generally and Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr at some sites exhibited potential bioaccumulation from surrounding environments. Inter-species comparisons strengthen the inference that the House crow is a reliable bioindicator species for the qualitative assessment of local urban environmental pollution and could be a useful tool for inter-regional monitoring programs.}, } @article {pmid36516059, year = {2022}, author = {Kim, J and Lee, SG and Lee, J and Choi, S and Suk, J and Lee, JH and Yang, JH and Yang, JS and Kim, J}, title = {Oral Supplementation of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Improves Biophysical Properties of Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.}, journal = {Journal of medicinal food}, volume = {25}, number = {12}, pages = {1146-1154}, doi = {10.1089/jmf.2022.K.0097}, pmid = {36516059}, issn = {1557-7600}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Skin/metabolism ; Double-Blind Method ; Collagen/metabolism ; Peptides/metabolism ; Dietary Supplements ; }, abstract = {Orally administered collagen peptides could contribute to antiaging by replacing the degraded extracellular matrix proteins caused by photoaging. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides for treating photoaged and dry skin. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blinded trial, we randomly assigned study participants (n = 100) to either the test product group or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio for 12 weeks. The wrinkle scale score, eye wrinkle volume, roughness parameters, such as the average maximum height of the wrinkle (Rz), arithmetic average within the total measuring length of the wrinkle (Ra), maximum profile valley depth of the wrinkle (Rv), and skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), overall elasticity (R2), and ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (R7) were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Safety assessments with serial blood tests were also conducted. Efficacy assessments of data from 84 participants were conducted as the per-protocol analysis. After 12 weeks, the 10-grade crow's feet photo scale score, eye wrinkle volume, skin roughness parameters (Rz, Ra, and Rv), skin elasticity (R2 and R7), skin hydration, and TEWL were significantly improved in the test product group compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse events or abnormalities according to laboratory analysis associated with using the test material during the study period. This study showed that the oral supplementation of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides could improve the wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and barrier integrity of photoaged facial skin. This clinical study was registered with the Korean Clinical Research Information Service and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (No: KCT0006500).}, } @article {pmid36513441, year = {2022}, author = {Apprey, C and Asamoah-Boakye, O and Annaful, VT and Annan, RA}, title = {Comparative analysis of methyl-donor nutrient intakes and RCPM cognitive performance among school-aged children.}, journal = {Clinical nutrition ESPEN}, volume = {52}, number = {}, pages = {105-112}, doi = {10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.10.005}, pmid = {36513441}, issn = {2405-4577}, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Ghana ; Intelligence Tests ; *Eating ; *Cognition ; Zinc ; Folic Acid ; Vitamins ; Methionine ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence shows a link between methyl-donor nutrient intakes and a child's cognitive ability. However, this is less known among Ghanaian children who might be at higher risk of methyl-donor nutrient deficiencies. This study showed comparative analysis of methyl-donor nutrient intakes and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test performance among 2073 Ghanaian school children aged 9-13 years across four regions of Ghana.

METHODS: Data for the present study were obtained from the Child Nutrition, Fitness, and Cognition project; a cross-sectional survey conducted in four regions of Ghana. Dietary methyl-donor nutrient values were based on repeated 24 h recall data collected during the study periods. Cognitive tests were performed on the 2073 children using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test.

RESULTS: We found dietary zinc (adjusted: β = 0.21, p = 0.003) and methionine (adjusted: β = 0.60, p = 0.044) intakes to be associated with RCPM scores in the linear regression model. School children living in Northern Region (adjusted OR = 0.6, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.4-0.7) and Volta Region (adjusted OR = 0.7, p = 0.006, 95% CI = 0.5-0.9) had lower odds of scoring above the 50th percentile on the RCPM test compared with those living in Greater Accra Region. Children who consumed below the RDA for dietary folate (unadjusted OR = 0.8, p = 0.055, 95% CI = 0.7-1.0) and zinc (unadjusted OR = 0.8, p = 0.049, 95%CI = 0.7-1.0) had lower odds of scoring above the 50th percentile on the RCPM test compared with those who consumed above the RDA for dietary folate and zinc respectively. Children who consumed below the EAR for dietary vitamin B12 (unadjusted OR = 0.7, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.6-0.9) had reduced odds of scoring above the 50th percentile on the RCPM test compared with those who consumed above the EAR for dietary vitamin B12.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher dietary methionine intake was strongly associated with higher RCPM scores. Regional differences, and children's dietary consumption below the EAR/RDA for dietary folate, vitamin B12, and zinc were associated with poor RCPM test performance. School children's nutrient intake should be prioritized for improved cognition.}, } @article {pmid36508431, year = {2022}, author = {Singh, MP and Popli, R and Brar, S and Rajsekar, K and Sachin, O and Naik, J and Kumar, S and Sinha, S and Singh, V and Patel, P and Verma, R and Hazra, A and Misra, R and Mehrotra, D and Biswal, SB and Panigrahy, A and Gaur, KL and Pankaj, JP and Sharma, DK and Madhavi, K and Madhusudana, P and Narayanasamy, K and Chitra, A and Velhal, GD and Bhondve, AS and Bahl, R and Kaur, S and Prinja, S}, title = {CHSI costing study-Challenges and solutions for cost data collection in private hospitals in India.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {e0276399}, pmid = {36508431}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Humans ; *Health Services ; *Government Programs ; Hospitals, Private ; Policy Making ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; India ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has enabled the Government of India to become a strategic purchaser of health care services from private providers. To generate base cost evidence for evidence-based policymaking the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study was commissioned in 2018 for the price setting of health benefit packages. This paper reports the findings of a process evaluation of the cost data collection in the private hospitals.

METHODS: The process evaluation of health system costing in private hospitals was an exploratory survey with mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative). We used three approaches-an online survey using a semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and a review of monitoring data. The process of data collection was assessed in terms of time taken for different aspects, resources used, level and nature of difficulty encountered, challenges and solutions.

RESULTS: The mean time taken for data collection in a private hospital was 9.31 (± 1.0) person months including time for obtaining permissions, actual data collection and entry, and addressing queries for data completeness and quality. The longest time was taken to collect data on human resources (30%), while it took the least time for collecting information on building and space (5%). On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) difficulty levels, the data on human resources was the most difficult to collect. This included data on salaries (8), time allocation (5.5) and leaves (5).

DISCUSSION: Cost data from private hospitals is crucial for mixed health systems. Developing formal mechanisms of cost accounting data and data sharing as pre-requisites for empanelment under a national insurance scheme can significantly ease the process of cost data collection.}, } @article {pmid36507034, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, L and Sheng, A and Chang, L and Zhou, R}, title = {Improving fluid intelligence of children through working memory training: The role of inhibition control.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {1025036}, pmid = {36507034}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Intelligence is strongly associated with working memory. Working memory training can improve fluid intelligence, but the underlying mechanism requires further investigation. Because inhibition control may play a key role in working memory training, this study investigated this process from an electrophysiological perspective. In total, 40 children aged 9 to 11 years were enrolled and randomly divided into a training group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The training group received 20 days of working memory training, whereas the control group did not receive any training. Before and after the training period, all participants were tested using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), and electrophysiological indicators were recorded while they performed go/no-go and Stroop tasks. The results revealed that relative to the control group, the training group had significantly improved RSPM scores in the test conducted after their training. For the go/no-go tasks, the training group exhibited a significant decrease in N2 amplitude, a significant increase in P3 amplitude, a significant decrease in theta band energy, and an improvement in response inhibition ability. No significant change was observed for the Stroop task. Correlation analysis revealed that an improvement in individual response inhibition can positively predict an improvement in fluid intelligence. These results suggest that working memory training enhances the fluid intelligence of children by enhancing their response inhibition ability.}, } @article {pmid36503565, year = {2022}, author = {Blum, CR and Fitch, WT and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Social dynamics impact scolding behaviour in captive groups of common ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {32}, pmid = {36503565}, issn = {1742-9994}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Predator avoidance can have immense impacts on fitness, yet individual variation in the expression of anti-predator behaviour remains largely unexplained. Existing research investigating learning of novel predators has focused either on individuals or groups, but not both. Testing in individual settings allows evaluations of learning or personality differences, while testing in group settings makes it impossible to distinguish any such individual differences from social dynamics. In this study, we investigate the effect of social dynamics on individual anti-predator behaviour. We trained 15 captive ravens to recognize and respond to a novel experimental predator and then exposed them to this predator in both group and isolation settings across 1.5 years to tease apart individual differences from social effects and evaluate two hypotheses: (1) weaker anti-predator responses of some individuals in the group occurred, because they failed to recognize the experimental predator as a threat, leading to weak responses when separated, or (2) some individuals had learned the new threat, but their scolding intensity was repressed in the group trials due to social dynamics (such as dominance rank), leading to increased scolding intensity when alone.

RESULTS: We found that dominance significantly influences scolding behaviour in the group trials; top-ranked individuals scold more and earlier than lower ranking ones. However, in the separation trials scolding duration is no longer affected by rank.

CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that, while top-ranked individuals use their anti-predator responses to signal status in the group, lower-ranking ravens may be suppressed from, or are less capable of, performing intense anti-predator behaviour while in the group. This suggests that, in addition to its recruitment or predator-deterrent effects, alarm calling may serve as a marker of individual quality to conspecifics.}, } @article {pmid36498712, year = {2022}, author = {Faber, D and Grosse, GM and Klietz, M and Petri, S and Schwenkenbecher, P and Sühs, KW and Kopp, B}, title = {Towards the Validation of Executive Functioning Assessments: A Clinical Study.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {11}, number = {23}, pages = {}, pmid = {36498712}, issn = {2077-0383}, abstract = {Neuropsychological assessment needs a more profound grounding in psychometric theory. Specifically, psychometrically reliable and valid tools are required, both in patient care and in scientific research. The present study examined convergent and discriminant validity of some of the most popular indicators of executive functioning (EF). A sample of 96 neurological inpatients (aged 18-68 years) completed a battery of standardized cognitive tests (Raven's matrices, vocabulary test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, verbal fluency test, figural fluency test). Convergent validity of indicators of intelligence (Raven's matrices, vocabulary test) and of indicators of EF (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, verbal fluency test, figural fluency) were calculated. Discriminant validity of indicators of EF against indicators of intelligence was also calculated. Convergent validity of indicators of intelligence (Raven's matrices, vocabulary test) was good (rxtyt = 0.727; R[2] = 0.53). Convergent validity of fluency indicators of EF against executive cognition as indicated by performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was poor (0.087 ≤ rxtyt ≤ 0.304; 0.008 ≤ R[2] ≤ 0.092). Discriminant validity of indicators of EF against indicators of intelligence was good (0.106 ≤ rxtyt ≤ 0.548; 0.011 ≤ R[2] ≤ 0.300). Our conclusions from these data are clear-cut: apparently dissimilar indicators of intelligence converge on general intellectual ability. Apparently dissimilar indicators of EF (mental fluency, executive cognition) do not converge on general executive ability. Executive abilities, although non-unitary, can be reasonably well distinguished from intellectual ability. The present data contribute to the hitherto meager evidence base regarding the validity of popular indicators of EF.}, } @article {pmid36478284, year = {2022}, author = {Cella, F and Marchak, KA and Bianchi, C and Gelman, SA}, title = {Generic Language for Social and Animal Kinds: An Examination of the Asymmetry Between Acceptance and Inferences.}, journal = {Cognitive science}, volume = {46}, number = {12}, pages = {e13209}, pmid = {36478284}, issn = {1551-6709}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Language ; }, abstract = {Generics (e.g., "Ravens are black") express generalizations about categories or their members. Previous research found that generics about animals are interpreted as broadly true of members of a kind, yet also accepted based on minimal evidence. This asymmetry is important for suggesting a mechanism by which unfounded generalizations may flourish; yet, little is known whether this finding extends to generics about groups of people (heretofore, "social generics"). Accordingly, in four preregistered studies (n = 665), we tested for an inferential asymmetry for generics regarding novel groups of animals versus people. Participants were randomly assigned to either an Implied Prevalence task (given a generic, asked to estimate the prevalence of a property) or a Truth-Conditions task (given prevalence information, asked whether a generic was true or false). A generic asymmetry was found in both domains, at equivalent levels. The asymmetry also extended to properties varying in valence (dangerous and neutral). Finally, there were differences as a function of property valence in the Implied Prevalence task and a small but consistent interaction between domain and prevalence in the Truth-Conditions task. We discuss the implications of these results for the semantics of generics, theoretical accounts of the asymmetry, and the relation between generics and stereotyping.}, } @article {pmid36478057, year = {2023}, author = {Parisi, D and Srivastava, S and Parmar, D and Strupat, C and Brenner, S and Walsh, C and Neogi, R and Basu, S and Ziegler, S and Jain, N and De Allegri, M}, title = {Awareness of India's national health insurance scheme (PM-JAY): a cross-sectional study across six states.}, journal = {Health policy and planning}, volume = {38}, number = {3}, pages = {289-300}, pmid = {36478057}, issn = {1460-2237}, support = {//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; //German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)/ ; //Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; India ; *Insurance, Health ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *National Health Programs ; }, abstract = {The literature suggests that a first barrier towards accessing benefits of health insurance in low- and middle-income countries is lack of awareness of one's benefits. Yet, across settings and emerging schemes, limited scientific evidence is available on levels of awareness and their determinants. To fill this gap, we assessed socio-demographic and economic determinants of beneficiaries' awareness of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the national health insurance scheme launched in India in 2018, and their awareness of own eligibility. We relied on cross-sectional household (HH) survey data collected in six Indian states between 2019 and 2020. Representative data of HHs eligible for PM-JAY from 11 618 respondents (an adult representative from each surveyed HH) were used. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to explore the association between awareness of PM-JAY and of one's own eligibility and socio-economic and demographic characteristics. About 62% of respondents were aware of PM-JAY, and among the aware, 78% knew that they were eligible for the scheme. Regression analysis confirmed that older respondents with a higher educational level and salaried jobs were more likely to know about PM-JAY. Awareness was lower among respondents from Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu. Respondents from Other Backward Classes, of wealthier socio-economic status or from Meghalaya or Gujarat were more likely to be aware of their eligibility status. Respondents from Chhattisgarh were less likely to know about their eligibility. Our study confirms that while more than half of the eligible population was aware of PM-JAY, considerable efforts are needed to achieve universal awareness. Socio-economic gradients confirm that the more marginalized are still less aware. We recommend implementing tailored, state-specific information dissemination approaches focusing on knowledge of specific scheme features to empower beneficiaries to demand their entitled services.}, } @article {pmid36475968, year = {2023}, author = {Soga, E and Sakaguchi, K and Takizawa, S and Tanabe, M and Denda, T and Koide, S and Hayashi, W and Kasahara, S and Nagano, Y and Nagano, N}, title = {Emergence of Vibrio cincinnatiensis, a Rare Human Pathogen, in Urban Crows.}, journal = {Microbiology spectrum}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {e0392522}, pmid = {36475968}, issn = {2165-0497}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; *Vibrio/genetics ; *Vibrio Infections/epidemiology/veterinary ; }, } @article {pmid36473095, year = {2022}, author = {Hilger, K and Euler, MJ}, title = {Intelligence and Visual Mismatch Negativity: Is Pre-Attentive Visual Discrimination Related to General Cognitive Ability?.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {1-17}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_01946}, pmid = {36473095}, issn = {1530-8898}, support = {HI 2185-1/1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {EEG has been used for decades to identify neurocognitive processes related to intelligence. Evidence is accumulating for associations with neural markers of higher-order cognitive processes (e.g., working memory); however, whether associations are specific to complex processes or also relate to earlier processing stages remains unclear. Addressing these issues has implications for improving our understanding of intelligence and its neural correlates. The MMN is an ERP that is elicited when, within a series of frequent standard stimuli, rare deviant stimuli are presented. As stimuli are typically presented outside the focus of attention, the MMN is suggested to capture automatic pre-attentive discrimination processes. However, the MMN and its relation to intelligence has largely only been studied in the auditory domain, thus preventing conclusions about the involvement of automatic discrimination processes in humans' dominant sensory modality-vision. EEG was recorded from 50 healthy participants during a passive visual oddball task that presented simple sequence violations and deviations within a more complex hidden pattern. Signed area amplitudes and fractional area latencies of the visual MMN were calculated with and without Laplacian transformation. Correlations between visual MMN and intelligence (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) were of negligible to small effect sizes, differed critically between measurement approaches, and Bayes Factors provided anecdotal to substantial evidence for the absence of an association. We discuss differences between the auditory and visual MMN, the implications of different measurement approaches, and offer recommendations for further research in this evolving field.}, } @article {pmid36468824, year = {2023}, author = {Erdil, D and Manav, V and Türk, CB and Kara Polat, A and Koku Aksu, AE}, title = {The clinical effect of botulinum toxin on pigmentation.}, journal = {International journal of dermatology}, volume = {62}, number = {2}, pages = {250-256}, doi = {10.1111/ijd.16522}, pmid = {36468824}, issn = {1365-4632}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Neuromuscular Agents/adverse effects ; Melanins ; Face ; Forehead ; Pigmentation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin injection is a common cosmetic procedure often used to treat dynamic wrinkles, but it has also been observed to have a lightening effect on the skin. It is thought that this lightening effect develops due to muscle innervation blockage; however, the change in the amount of melanin levels has not been quantified.

METHOD: Thirty-one patients who presented to the dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital for botulinum toxin injection for wrinkle treatment were included in the study. A standard dose of botulinum toxin was injected to each patient's forehead, glabellar, and crow's feet region, and then the melanin index (MI) was measured with the Mexameter® MX 18 (Courage + Khazaka Electronic, Köln).

RESULTS: After botulinum toxin treatment, a statistically significant decrease was found in the forehead and upper face MI. The upper face total baseline MI was significantly lower in the Glogau 1 group than in the Glogau 2 group (P = 0.033). The forehead 15th day MI was significantly lower in the Glogau 1 group than in the Glogau 2, 3, and 4 groups (P = 0.030).

DISCUSSION: Botulinum toxin application to healthy skin for wrinkle treatment can cause facial skin lightening by reducing MI. It was also remarkable that this decrease was more pronounced in the forehead, which is a region that is particularly vulnerable to sun exposure, compared to other regions. Younger people, who are included in the Glogau type 1 group, may benefit more from this lightening effect.}, } @article {pmid36468274, year = {2023}, author = {Cahill, LS}, title = {Black dreams matter: Exploring the polyphonic realms of the Black Radical Imaginary.}, journal = {Journal of personality}, volume = {91}, number = {1}, pages = {30-49}, doi = {10.1111/jopy.12762}, pmid = {36468274}, issn = {1467-6494}, mesh = {Male ; Humans ; *Black People ; *Black or African American ; Imagination ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Charles Cobb Jr. and Alex Davis are two Black American men who have never experienced the full capacity of freedom. The routine denial of their full humanity, or social equity, has counterintuitively sparked an impetus inside of them both to commit their lives to seek to dismantle oppressive systems.

METHOD: Through a series of oral histories with both organizers, I learned that they have been engaged with radical dreaming and imagination as a survivalist movement strategy.

RESULTS: Despite the dehumanizing violence of slavery, the political humiliation of Reconstruction, the brutal segregation and state terrorism of Jim Crow, and the many Civil Rights successes and Neoliberal disappointments that have followed, Cobb and Davis have embodied a steadfast commitment to freedom, unwavering trust in their people, in some contexts, a just daring that defies current dominant reason.

CONCLUSION: I argue that by drawing through lines between the meaning-making experiences of Charles Cobb Jr. 's and Alex Davis' incredible lives we can better understand their critical consciousness and sociopolitical development have influenced their dreams of freedom, cultivated their radical imaginations, and sustained their collectivism.}, } @article {pmid36466137, year = {2022}, author = {Cicero, C and Mason, NA and Oong, Z and Title, PO and Morales, ME and Feldheim, KA and Koo, MS and Bowie, RCK}, title = {Deep ecomorphological and genetic divergence in Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri, Aves: Corvidae).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {12}, number = {12}, pages = {e9517}, pmid = {36466137}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The relationship between ecology and morphology is a cornerstone of evolutionary biology, and quantifying variation across environments can shed light on processes that give rise to biodiversity. Three morphotypes of the Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) occupy different ecoregions in western North America, which vary in climate and landcover. These morphotypes (Coastal, Interior, Rocky Mountain) differ in size, plumage coloration, and head pattern. We sampled 1080 Steller's Jays from 68 populations (plus 11 outgroups) to address three main questions using data on morphology, plumage, genetics (mtDNA, microsatellites), and ecological niches: (1) How do phenotypic and genetic traits vary within and among populations, morphotypes, and ecoregions? (2) How do population-level differences in Steller's Jays compare with other sister species pairs of North American birds? (3) What can we infer about the population history of Steller's Jays in relation to past climates, paleoecology, and niche evolution? We found substantial morphological, genetic, and ecological differentiation among morphotypes. The greatest genetic divergence separated Coastal and Interior morphotypes from the Rocky Mountain morphotype, which was associated with warmer, drier, and more open habitats. Microsatellites revealed additional structure between Coastal and Interior groups. The deep mtDNA split between Coastal/Interior and Rocky Mountain lineages of Steller's Jay (ND2 ~ 7.8%) is older than most North American avian sister species and dates to approximately 4.3 mya. Interior and Rocky Mountain morphotypes contact across a narrow zone with steep clines in traits and reduced gene flow. The distribution of the three morphotypes coincides with divergent varieties of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. Species distribution models support multiple glacial refugia for Steller's Jays. Our integrative dataset combined with extensive geographic sampling provides compelling evidence for recognizing at least two species of Steller's Jay.}, } @article {pmid36462496, year = {2023}, author = {Hiono, T and Kobayashi, D and Kobayashi, A and Suzuki, T and Satake, Y and Harada, R and Matsuno, K and Sashika, M and Ban, H and Kobayashi, M and Takaya, F and Fujita, H and Isoda, N and Kimura, T and Sakoda, Y}, title = {Virological, pathological, and glycovirological investigations of an Ezo red fox and a tanuki naturally infected with H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses in Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {578}, number = {}, pages = {35-44}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2022.11.008}, pmid = {36462496}, issn = {1096-0341}, mesh = {Animals ; Foxes ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; Japan/epidemiology ; Virulence ; *Influenza A virus/genetics ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {In winter/spring 2021-2022, high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) that are genetically closely related to each other were detected worldwide. In a public garden in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, a crow die-off by HPAIV infection occurred from March 29 to May 18, 2022. During the event, H5N1 HPAIVs were isolated from an Ezo red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) and a tanuki (Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) found in the same garden. The fox showed viral meningoencephalitis and moderate virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, whereas the tanuki showed viral conjunctivitis and secondary bacterial infection in the eyes accompanied with visceral larva migrans. Viruses isolated from the fox and the tanuki were genetically closely related to those isolated from crows in the same garden. Various α2-3 sialosides were found in the respiratory tracts of these canid mammals, consistent with HPAIV infections in these animals. This study highlighted the importance of monitoring HPAIV infections in wild carnivore mammals to detect the potential virus spreading in nature.}, } @article {pmid36445847, year = {2023}, author = {Michon, A}, title = {Botulinum toxin for cosmetic treatments in young adults: An evidence-based review and survey on current practice among aesthetic practitioners.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {128-139}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15513}, pmid = {36445847}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Forehead ; Esthetics ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) treatments are popular worldwide. Young adults, less than 41 years of age, are an important cohort of patients seen in practice, and the optimal dosage of BoNTA in this age group remains poorly defined.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal dosing of BoNTA across different age-matched cohorts by reviewing the literature and to evaluate current BoNTA practices among aesthetic practitioners when treating younger versus older adults.

METHODS: An evidence-based literature review was performed to evaluate the current evidence on BoNTA injections for cosmetic indications in millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and young adults. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to aesthetic practitioners to assess their current practice with BoNTA.

RESULTS: There is a paucity of high-quality research on BoNT in millennials. Our literature review suggests different patterns of practice when treating younger adults. Specifically, our survey revealed that: (1) younger adults are receiving, on average, fewer units of BoNTA at the glabella, forehead, and crow's feet, (2) younger toxin-naïve patients are also afraid to look frozen or unnatural, and (3) wrinkles prevention was the most common reason for seeking treatment in younger patients.

CONCLUSION: The literature review supports the efficacy of BoNTA for correcting wrinkles in millennials. Our findings provide further insight into the dosing pattern of cosmetic BoNTA and motivating factors for seeking treatments in young adults. This valuable information will help practitioners with treatment planning when seeing patients from different age cohorts. An individualized approach and a lower dosage of BoNTA in toxin-naïve younger adults are recommended.}, } @article {pmid36442123, year = {2022}, author = {Quest, M and Rinnert, P and Hahner, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Exogenous and endogenous spatial attention in crows.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {119}, number = {49}, pages = {e2205515119}, pmid = {36442123}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Cues ; Learning ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Attention describes the ability to selectively process a particular aspect of the environment at the expense of others. Despite the significance of selective processing, the types and scopes of attentional mechanisms in nonprimate species remain underexplored. We trained four carrion crows in Posner spatial cueing tasks using two separate protocols where the attention-capturing cues are shown at different times before target onset at either the same or a different location as the impending target. To probe automatic bottom-up, or exogenous, attention, two naïve crows were tested with a cue that had no predictive value concerning the location of the subsequent target. To examine volitional top-down, or endogenous, attention, the other two crows were tested with the previously learned cues that predicted the impending target location. Comparing the performance for valid (cue and target at same location) and invalid (cue and target at opposing locations) cues in the nonpredictive cue condition showed a transient, mild reaction time advantage signifying exogenous attention. In contrast, there was a strong and long-lasting performance advantage for the valid conditions with predictive cues indicating endogenous attention. Together, these results demonstrate that crows possess two different attention mechanisms (exogenous and endogenous). These findings signify that crows possess a substantial attentional capacity and robust cognitive control over attention allocation.}, } @article {pmid36437544, year = {2023}, author = {Amano, S and Yoshikawa, T and Ito, C and Mabuchi, I and Kikuchi, K and Ooguri, M and Yasuda, C}, title = {Prediction and association analyses of skin phenotypes in Japanese females using genetic, environmental, and physical features.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {e13231}, pmid = {36437544}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; East Asian People ; *Pigmentation Disorders ; Skin ; *Skin Aging/genetics ; Skin Pigmentation/genetics ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin characteristics show great variation from person to person and are affected by multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, and physical factors, but details of the involvement and contributions of these factors remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize genetic, environmental, and physical factors affecting 16 skin features by developing models to predict personal skin characteristics.

METHODS: We analyzed the associations of skin phenotypes with genetic, environmental, and physical features in 1472 Japanese females aged 20-80 years. We focused on 16 skin characteristics, including melanin, brightness/lightness, yellowness, pigmented spots, wrinkles, resilience, moisture, barrier function, texture, and sebum amount. As genetic factors, we selected 74 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genes related to skin color, vitamin level, hormones, circulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) components and ECM-degrading enzymes, inflammation, and antioxidants. Histories of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and smoking as environmental factors and age, height, and weight as physical factors were acquired by means of a questionnaire.

RESULTS: A linear association with age was prominent for increase in the area of crow's feet, increase in number of pigmented spots, decrease in forehead sebum, and increase in VISIA wrinkle parameters. Associations were analyzed by constructing linear regression models for skin feature changes and logistic regression models to predict whether subjects show lower or higher skin measurement values in the same age groups. Multiple genetic factors, history of UV exposure and smoking, and body mass index were statistically selected for each skin characteristic. The most important association found for skin spots, such as lentigines and wrinkles, was adolescent sun exposure.

CONCLUSION: Genetic, environmental, and physical factors associated with interindividual differences of the selected skin features were identified. The developed models should be useful to predict the skin characteristics of individuals and their age-related changes.}, } @article {pmid36436895, year = {2022}, author = {Esmaeilifallah, M and Sadraei, J and Pirestani, M and Kalantari, R}, title = {Molecular characterization and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in free-living animals in Iran: Effect of One Health.}, journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports}, volume = {36}, number = {}, pages = {100808}, doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100808}, pmid = {36436895}, issn = {2405-9390}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; *One Health ; *Toxoplasma/genetics ; Genotype ; Iran/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Columbidae ; *Felidae ; }, abstract = {To understand the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii, this parasite's genetic diversity distribution in free-living hosts is essential. This research's objective is the molecular genotyping of T. gondii isolates from the brain and muscles of Columbidae, Corvidae, Rattus, and Felidae of Mianeh County, East-Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran. Three hundred fifty samples were taken. For the genotyping of T. gondii, the GRA6 gene was amplified and digested by the Tru1I (MseI) enzyme. Results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In total, 52%, 34%, 24%, and 50% of Columbidae, Corvidae, Rattus, and Felidae were positive for T. gondii DNA, respectively. All isolated Columbidae were identified as genotype III (100%). Also, 94.1% and 5.9% of Corvidae isolates, 84.4% and 15.6% of the Rattus isolates, and 51.7% and 48.3% of the Felidae isolates belonged to genotypes III and II, respectively. This study is the first to evaluate genetic similarity and phylogenetic analysis between many definitive and intermediated hosts in northwestern Iran. The finding indicates that the T. gondii cycle is maintained among these hosts. As a result, their presence in the environment can be a risk factor for transmitting the infection to humans. Due to demographic and geographic differences in various regions, further studies are required to determine the genetic population structure.}, } @article {pmid36420534, year = {2023}, author = {Morin, TM and Moore, KN and Isenburg, K and Ma, W and Stern, CE}, title = {Functional reconfiguration of task-active frontoparietal control network facilitates abstract reasoning.}, journal = {Cerebral cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991)}, volume = {33}, number = {10}, pages = {5761-5773}, doi = {10.1093/cercor/bhac457}, pmid = {36420534}, issn = {1460-2199}, mesh = {*Frontal Lobe/physiology ; *Parietal Lobe/physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Humans ; *Nerve Net/physiology ; Functional Neuroimaging ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; *Cognition ; *Perception ; }, abstract = {While the brain's functional network architecture is largely conserved between resting and task states, small but significant changes in functional connectivity support complex cognition. In this study, we used a modified Raven's Progressive Matrices Task to examine symbolic and perceptual reasoning in human participants undergoing fMRI scanning. Previously, studies have focused predominantly on discrete symbolic versions of matrix reasoning, even though the first few trials of the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices task consist of continuous perceptual stimuli. Our analysis examined the activation patterns and functional reconfiguration of brain networks associated with resting state and both symbolic and perceptual reasoning. We found that frontoparietal networks, including the cognitive control and dorsal attention networks, were significantly activated during abstract reasoning. We determined that these same task-active regions exhibited flexibly-reconfigured functional connectivity when transitioning from resting state to the abstract reasoning task. Conversely, we showed that a stable network core of regions in default and somatomotor networks was maintained across both resting and task states. We propose that these regionally-specific changes in the functional connectivity of frontoparietal networks puts the brain in a "task-ready" state, facilitating efficient task-based activation.}, } @article {pmid36418081, year = {2023}, author = {Aota, I and Yatsuda, C and Izawa, EI}, title = {Salivary corticosterone measurement in large-billed crows by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {85}, number = {1}, pages = {71-75}, pmid = {36418081}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; *Corticosterone ; Cosyntropin ; *Crows/metabolism ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {Salivary corticosteroid measurement, as a surrogate for plasma corticosteroid levels to evaluate an animal's stress or metabolic state, commonly used in mammals. However, the validity of salivary corticosterone (CORT) measurements in birds has not yet been reported. We aimed to measure salivary CORT in crows using a commercially available CORT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge experiment using synthetic cosyntropin, an ACTH analogue, was conducted to compare CORT level elevations between the serum and the saliva in a 10-60 min range. Both salivary and blood CORT was significantly elevated 10 min after injecting synthetic cosyntropin. The results supported the validation of salivary CORT as a surrogate for a blood CORT in crows.}, } @article {pmid36415974, year = {2022}, author = {Mohamed, A and Taylor, GK and Watkins, S and Windsor, SP}, title = {Opportunistic soaring by birds suggests new opportunities for atmospheric energy harvesting by flying robots.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {19}, number = {196}, pages = {20220671}, pmid = {36415974}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Flight, Animal ; *Robotics ; Birds ; Wind ; *Falconiformes ; }, abstract = {The use of flying robots (drones) is increasing rapidly, but their utility is limited by high power demand, low specific energy storage and poor gust tolerance. By contrast, birds demonstrate long endurance, harvesting atmospheric energy in environments ranging from cluttered cityscapes to open landscapes, coasts and oceans. Here, we identify new opportunities for flying robots, drawing upon the soaring flight of birds. We evaluate mechanical energy transfer in soaring from first principles and review soaring strategies encompassing the use of updrafts (thermal or orographic) and wind gradients (spatial or temporal). We examine the extent to which state-of-the-art flying robots currently use each strategy and identify several untapped opportunities including slope soaring over built environments, thermal soaring over oceans and opportunistic gust soaring. In principle, the energetic benefits of soaring are accessible to flying robots of all kinds, given atmospherically aware sensor systems, guidance strategies and gust tolerance. Hence, while there is clear scope for specialist robots that soar like albatrosses, or which use persistent thermals like vultures, the greatest untapped potential may lie in non-specialist vehicles that make flexible use of atmospheric energy through path planning and flight control, as demonstrated by generalist flyers such as gulls, kites and crows.}, } @article {pmid36415048, year = {2023}, author = {Zambolli, AH and Manzano, MCR and Honda, LK and Rezende, GC and Culot, L}, title = {Performance of autonomous recorders to detect a cryptic and endangered primate species, the black lion-tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus).}, journal = {American journal of primatology}, volume = {85}, number = {1}, pages = {e23454}, doi = {10.1002/ajp.23454}, pmid = {36415048}, issn = {1098-2345}, mesh = {Animals ; *Leontopithecus ; Endangered Species ; Primates ; Population Density ; Forests ; }, abstract = {Information about species distribution is important for conservation but the monitoring of populations can demand a high sampling effort with traditional methods (e.g., line transects, sound playback) that are poorly efficient for cryptic primates, such as the black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus). Here we investigated the effectiveness of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) as an alternative method to identify the presence of vocalizing lion tamarins in the wild. We aimed to: (1) determine the maximum distance at which autonomous recorders (Song Meter 3) and Raven Pro acoustic software can respectively detect and identify lion tamarin long calls emitted by two captive subjects (ex situ study); and (2) determine the sampling effort required to confirm the presence of the species in the wild (in situ study). In captive settings, we recorded lion tamarin long calls with one to two autonomous recorders operating at increasing distances from the animals' enclosure (8-202 m). In a 515 ha forest fragment, we deployed 12 recorders in a grid, 300 m apart from each other, within the estimated 100 ha home range of one group, and let them record for 10 consecutive days, totaling 985 h. In the ex situ study, hand-browsing of spectrograms yielded 298 long calls emitted from 8 to 194 m, and Raven's Template Detector identified 54.6% of them, also emitted from 8 to 194 m. In the in situ study, we manually counted 1115 long calls, and the Raven's Template Detector identified 44.75% of them. Furthermore, the presence of lion tamarins was confirmed within 1 day using four randomly sorted recorders, whereas 5 days on average were necessary with only one device. While specific protocols still need to be developed to determine primate population size using this technology, we concluded that PAM is a promising tool when considering long term costs and benefits.}, } @article {pmid36397910, year = {2022}, author = {Kaur, D and Kaur, K and Sharma, A and Goyal, H and Pahuja, A and Solanki, D}, title = {Assessment of Fluoride Content in Water and Its Impact on the Intelligence Quotient of School Children Aged 12-13 Years.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, pages = {e30157}, pmid = {36397910}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The preliminary study was undertaken with the aim to assess the effect of fluoride content in water on the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of school children aged 12-13 years residing in areas that differ with respect to fluoride levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IQ was measured using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices in 90 children, who were life-long residents in three villages (30 children each) of similar population size but differing in the level of fluoride in drinking water. Urinary fluoride concentration was measured using the selective ion electrode technique. One-way ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: Children who lived in locations with fluoride levels of 1.60, 6.70, or 2.80 parts per million in their drinking water had urinary fluoride concentrations of 1.60, 6.82, or 2.69 parts per million, and IQ scores of 16.77 + 8.24, 19.36 + 9.98, or 21.87 + 7.47, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated that there was a positive correlation between excess fluoride in drinking water and IQ.}, } @article {pmid36378576, year = {2023}, author = {Martinez, A and Swaner, R and Ramdath, C and Kusiak Carey, K}, title = {Police, courts, and corrections: Experiences of procedural injustice among Black adults.}, journal = {American journal of community psychology}, volume = {71}, number = {1-2}, pages = {147-157}, doi = {10.1002/ajcp.12631}, pmid = {36378576}, issn = {1573-2770}, mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; *Police ; *Criminal Law ; Racial Groups ; Trust ; }, abstract = {Racial disparities and a corresponding lack of trust have been documented within the criminal legal system. In response, criminal legal system actors have sought to strengthen the legitimacy of their agencies. However, legitimizing these agencies can be problematic. Some argue that the current criminal legal system continues the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow as Blacks are disproportionately policed and incarcerated. As a framework, procedural injustice can offer a unique backdrop and interrogate ways in which the criminal legal system engages in delegitimizing actions that provoke noncompliance and enable social control. Using a procedural injustice lens, this study examines how justice-involved Black adults experience mistreatment by justice system actors. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 84 Black adults in Newark and Cleveland. Study findings offer a comprehensive account of how participants experience procedural injustice as arrestees, defendants, and incarcerated persons. More specifically, participant narratives describe deliberately antagonistic, abusive, and dehumanizing treatment by justice-system agents-often depicted as racially motivated. Participant accounts also describe this mistreatment as occurring in a context of coercion and powerlessness and as being institutionally sanctioned. Implications for the preservation of racial hierarchies, research, practice, and community psychology are discussed.}, } @article {pmid36376297, year = {2022}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Nieder, A}, title = {Number selective sensorimotor neurons in the crow translate perceived numerosity into number of actions.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {6913}, pmid = {36376297}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; Telencephalon/physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Muscles ; }, abstract = {Translating a perceived number into a matching number of self-generated actions is a hallmark of numerical reasoning in humans and animals alike. To explore this sensorimotor transformation, we trained crows to judge numerical values in displays and to flexibly plan and perform a matching number of pecks. We report number selective sensorimotor neurons in the crow telencephalon that signaled the impending number of self-generated actions. Neuronal population activity during the sensorimotor transformation period predicted whether the crows mistakenly planned fewer or more pecks than instructed. During sensorimotor transformation, both a static neuronal code characterized by persistently number-selective neurons and a dynamic code originating from neurons carrying rapidly changing numerical information emerged. The findings indicate there are distinct functions of abstract neuronal codes supporting the sensorimotor number system.}, } @article {pmid36376059, year = {2023}, author = {Gracia-Darder, I and Llull Ramos, A and Giacaman, A and Gómez Bellvert, C and Obrador-Hevia, A and Jubert Esteve, E and Martín-Santiago, A}, title = {Report of a case of RAVEN, hair heterochromia and autism in the setting of FGFR2 mutation.}, journal = {Pediatric dermatology}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {382-384}, doi = {10.1111/pde.15176}, pmid = {36376059}, issn = {1525-1470}, mesh = {Infant, Newborn ; Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; *Autistic Disorder ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder ; *Nevus/pathology ; Mutation ; *Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn ; Hair/pathology ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2/genetics ; }, abstract = {A newborn presented with extensive rounded and velvety epidermal nevus (RAVEN) with a genetic study of the cutaneous lesions revealing a heterozygous mutation in FGFR2 (p.Cys382Arg). By 2 years of age, the patient developed hair heterochromia and autism spectrum disorder. Although RAVEN was initially associated with fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGFR3) mutations, three cases of RAVEN have been identified with mutations in FGFR2 (p.Ser252Trp) and one case of linear keratinocytic epidermal nevi has been identified with the same mutation as the mutation identified in our patient. This strongly supports the pathogenic role of these mutations.}, } @article {pmid36371445, year = {2022}, author = {Chang, X and Zhao, W and Kang, J and Xiang, S and Xie, C and Corona-Hernández, H and Palaniyappan, L and Feng, J}, title = {Language abnormalities in schizophrenia: binding core symptoms through contemporary empirical evidence.}, journal = {Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany)}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {95}, pmid = {36371445}, issn = {2754-6993}, support = {2018SHZDZX01//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission)/ ; 21YF1402400//Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission)/ ; 82102138//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; }, abstract = {Both the ability to speak and to infer complex linguistic messages from sounds have been claimed as uniquely human phenomena. In schizophrenia, formal thought disorder (FTD) and auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are manifestations respectively relating to concrete disruptions of those abilities. From an evolutionary perspective, Crow (1997) proposed that "schizophrenia is the price that Homo sapiens pays for the faculty of language". Epidemiological and experimental evidence points to an overlap between FTD and AVHs, yet a thorough investigation examining their shared neural mechanism in schizophrenia is lacking. In this review, we synthesize observations from three key domains. First, neuroanatomical evidence indicates substantial shared abnormalities in language-processing regions between FTD and AVHs, even in the early phases of schizophrenia. Second, neurochemical studies point to a glutamate-related dysfunction in these language-processing brain regions, contributing to verbal production deficits. Third, genetic findings further show how genes that overlap between schizophrenia and language disorders influence neurodevelopment and neurotransmission. We argue that these observations converge into the possibility that a glutamatergic dysfunction in language-processing brain regions might be a shared neural basis of both FTD and AVHs. Investigations of language pathology in schizophrenia could facilitate the development of diagnostic tools and treatments, so we call for multilevel confirmatory analyses focused on modulations of the language network as a therapeutic goal in schizophrenia.}, } @article {pmid36364754, year = {2022}, author = {Carvalho, IP and Peixoto, B and Caldas, JC and Costa, A and Silva, S and Moreira, B and Almeida, A and Moreira-Rosário, A and Guerra, A and Delerue-Matos, C and Sintra, D and Pestana, D and Pinto, E and Mendes, FC and Martins, I and Leite, JC and Fontoura, M and Maia, ML and Queirós, P and Moreira, R and Leal, S and Norberto, S and Costa, V and Fernandes, VC and Keating, E and Azevedo, L and Calhau, C}, title = {Association between Elevated Iodine Intake and IQ among School Children in Portugal.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {14}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {36364754}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007746//EEA Grants/ ; SFRH/BPD/109158/2015//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; SFRH/BPD/109153/2015//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/50006/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; UIDP/50006/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0008/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; PT06//the Public Health Initiatives Programme/ ; UIDP/4255/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; }, mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Creatinine/urine ; Portugal ; *Iodine/urine ; Nutritional Status ; Intelligence Tests ; Iodides ; }, abstract = {The goal of this work was to examine whether elevated iodine intake was associated with adverse effects on IQ among school-age children in Portugal. In a representative sample of children from the north of the country, IQ percentiles by age (assessed with Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices) were dichotomized to <50 (“below-average” IQs) and ≥50. Morning urine iodine concentrations, corrected for creatinine, were dichotomized to <250 µg/g and ≥250 µg/g, according to the European Commission/Scientific Committee on Food’s tolerable upper level of daily iodine intake for young children. Data were examined with Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and GLM univariate analysis. The sample (N = 1965) was classified as generally iodine-adequate (median urinary iodine concentration = 129 µg/L; median iodine-to-creatinine ratio = 126 µg/g) according to the WHO’s criteria. A greater proportion of children in the ≥250 µg/g group had below-average IQs, compared to children with less than 250 µg/g (p = 0.037), despite a sizable (though non-significant) proportion of children in the less-than-250 µg/g group also presenting below-average IQs, at the bottom of the iodine distribution (<50 µg/g). The proportion of below-average IQs increased with increasingly elevated iodine concentrations (p = 0.047). The association remained significant after the adjustment for confounders, with the elevated iodine group showing increased odds of having below-average IQs when compared with the non-elevated iodine group (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.11−2.17; p = 0.011). Consistently, the former group presented a lower mean IQ than the latter (p = 0.006). High iodine intake was associated with lower IQs even in a population classified as iodine-adequate. These results bear on child cognition and on initiatives involving iodine supplementation.}, } @article {pmid36359019, year = {2022}, author = {Guo, S and Wu, W and Liu, Y and Kang, X and Li, C}, title = {Effects of Valley Topography on Acoustic Communication in Birds: Why Do Birds Avoid Deep Valleys in Daqinggou Nature Reserve?.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {36359019}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {No. 2022xjkk0802//The Ministry of Science and Technology of China/ ; No. 2019HJ2096001006//The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China/ ; }, abstract = {To investigate the effects of valley topography on the acoustic transmission of avian vocalisations, we carried out playback experiments in Daqinggou valley, Inner Mongolia, China. During the experiments, we recorded the vocalisations of five avian species, the large-billed crow (Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827), common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus Linnaeus, 1758), Eurasian magpie (Pica pica Linnaeus, 1758), Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus Linnaeus, 1758), and meadow bunting (Emberiza cioides Brand, 1843), at transmission distances of 30 m and 50 m in the upper and lower parts of the valley and analysed the intensity, the fundamental frequency (F0), and the first three formant frequencies (F1/F2/F3) of the sounds. We also investigated bird species diversity in the upper and lower valley. We found that: (1) at the distance of 30 m, there were significant differences in F0/F1/F2/F3 in Eurasian magpies, significant differences in F1/F2/F3 in the meadow bunting and Eurasian tree sparrow, and partially significant differences in sound frequency between the upper and lower valley in the other two species; (2) at the distance of 50 m, there were significant differences in F0/F1/F2/F3 in two avian species (large-billed crow and common cuckoo) between the upper and lower valley and partially significant differences in sound frequency between the upper and lower valley in the other three species; (2) there were significant differences in the acoustic intensities of crow, cuckoo, magpie, and bunting calls between the upper and lower valley. (3) Species number and richness were significantly higher in the upper valley than in the lower valley. We suggested that the structure of valley habitats may lead to the breakdown of acoustic signals and communication in birds to varying degrees. The effect of valley topography on acoustic communication could be one reason for animal species avoiding deep valleys.}, } @article {pmid36358981, year = {2022}, author = {Lu, H and Kerkhoven, EJ and Nielsen, J}, title = {A Pan-Draft Metabolic Model Reflects Evolutionary Diversity across 332 Yeast Species.}, journal = {Biomolecules}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {36358981}, issn = {2218-273X}, mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Yeasts/genetics ; *Genomics/methods ; Phenotype ; Genome ; }, abstract = {Yeasts are increasingly employed in synthetic biology as chassis strains, including conventional and non-conventional species. It is still unclear how genomic evolution determines metabolic diversity among various yeast species and strains. In this study, we constructed draft GEMs for 332 yeast species using two alternative procedures from the toolbox RAVEN v 2.0. We found that draft GEMs could reflect the difference in yeast metabolic potentials, and therefore, could be utilized to probe the evolutionary trend of metabolism among 332 yeast species. We created a pan-draft metabolic model to account for the metabolic capacity of every sequenced yeast species by merging all draft GEMs. Further analysis showed that the pan-reactome of yeast has a "closed" property, which confirmed the great conservatism that exists in yeast metabolic evolution. Lastly, the quantitative correlations among trait similarity, evolutionary distances, genotype, and model similarity were thoroughly investigated. The results suggest that the evolutionary distance and genotype, to some extent, determine model similarity, but not trait similarity, indicating that multiple mechanisms shape yeast trait evolution. A large-scale reconstruction and integrative analysis of yeast draft GEMs would be a valuable resource to probe the evolutionary mechanism behind yeast trait variety and to further refine the existing yeast species-specific GEMs for the community.}, } @article {pmid36353077, year = {2022}, author = {Chevrier, B and Lamore, K and Untas, A and Dorard, G}, title = {Young adult carers' identification, characteristics, and support: A systematic review.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {990257}, pmid = {36353077}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Young Adult Carers (YAC) are informal carers aged 18-25 years. This is an unrecognized population. The present systematic review aims to respond to: (1) how YAC are identified in research; (2) the prevalence of YAC; (3) the characteristics of YAC; and (4) how to support YAC. Five electronic databases (Google Scholar, PsycArticle, PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and PubMed) were searched for studies, scientific articles, and gray literature on YAC published prior to January 18, 2021. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Crow Critical Appraisal Tool, and a narrative method was used to underline major findings. Twenty-three studies were included and revealed that there were several ways to identify YAC, resulting in heterogeneous prevalence. Nine themes were highlighted for YAC characteristics (way into caring; care receiver; caring responsibilities; amount of caring; self-identification as a carer; living arrangement; physical, psychological, and adaptative outcomes; interpersonal relationships; education and employment); and three for YAC support (needs, available support services, and recommendations). The findings showed the diversity of YAC experiences. Although YAC expressed several needs, there are few or no support services devoted to them. More research is needed to improve political awareness.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021231882, identifier: CRD42021231882.}, } @article {pmid36342250, year = {2022}, author = {Cohen, JL and Fagien, S and Ogilvie, P and De Boulle, K and Carruthers, J and Cox, SE and Kelly, R and Garcia, JK and Sangha, S}, title = {High Patient Satisfaction for up to 6 Months With OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Upper Facial Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {48}, number = {11}, pages = {1191-1197}, pmid = {36342250}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects ; *Cosmetic Techniques/psychology ; Forehead ; Neuromuscular Agents/adverse effects ; *Patient Satisfaction ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA safety and efficacy are well established for upper facial lines (UFL), including forehead lines (FHL), glabellar lines (GL), and crow's feet lines (CFL).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of onabotulinumtoxinA efficacy with patient-reported psychological impacts and satisfaction in UFL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pooled analysis of data from 4 pivotal Phase 3 trials (onabotulinumtoxinA vs placebo in FHL ± GL, FHL + GL ± CFL, CFL, and CFL + GL for ≤180 days) evaluated investigator-assessed ≥1-grade severity improvement on the Allergan Facial Wrinkle Scale at Day 30 (responders). Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) Questionnaire, Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLSQ), and Subject Assessment of Satisfaction of Appearance (SASA) were used to evaluate responder appearance-related psychological impacts and satisfaction.

RESULTS: OnabotulinumtoxinA patients, by primary study focus (FHL, GL, or CFL), totaled 921, 921, and 833, respectively; 786 patients received placebo. Most patients were female, White, and aged 45 to 50 years (median). Through 150 days, >42% FHL, >43% GL, and ≥32% CFL patients were onabotulinumtoxinA responders. Responders reported improvements in appearance-related psychological impacts (FLO-11) and high satisfaction (FLSQ and SASA), sustained through ≥150 days.

CONCLUSION: A ≥1-grade improvement with onabotulinumtoxinA is a clinically meaningful outcome in UFL, associated with long-lasting improved patient-reported psychological impacts and high satisfaction.}, } @article {pmid36334647, year = {2022}, author = {Hahn, LA and Balakhonov, D and Lundqvist, M and Nieder, A and Rose, J}, title = {Oscillations without cortex: Working memory modulates brainwaves in the endbrain of crows.}, journal = {Progress in neurobiology}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {102372}, pmid = {36334647}, issn = {1873-5118}, mesh = {Animals ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Crows ; Telencephalon ; *Brain Waves ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {Complex cognition requires coordinated neuronal activity at the network level. In mammals, this coordination results in distinct dynamics of local field potentials (LFP) central to many models of higher cognition. These models often implicitly assume a cortical organization. Higher associative regions of the brains of birds do not have cortical layering, yet single-cell correlates of higher cognition are very similar to those found in mammals. We recorded LFP in the avian equivalent of prefrontal cortex while crows performed a highly controlled and cognitively demanding working memory task. We found signatures in local field potentials, modulated by working memory. Frequencies of a narrow gamma and the beta band contained information about the location of target items and were modulated by working memory load. This indicates a critical involvement of these bands in ongoing cognitive processing. We also observed bursts in the beta and gamma frequencies, similar to those that play a vital part in 'activity silent' models of working memory. Thus, despite the lack of a cortical organization the avian associative pallium can create LFP signatures reminiscent of those observed in primates. This points towards a critical cognitive function of oscillatory dynamics evolved through convergence in species capable of complex cognition.}, } @article {pmid36322648, year = {2022}, author = {Liao, DA and Brecht, KF and Johnston, M and Nieder, A}, title = {Recursive sequence generation in crows.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {8}, number = {44}, pages = {eabq3356}, pmid = {36322648}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Recursion, the process of embedding structures within similar structures, is often considered a foundation of symbolic competence and a uniquely human capability. To understand its evolution, we can study the recursive aptitudes of nonhuman animals. We adopted the behavioral protocol of a recent study demonstrating that humans and nonhuman primates grasp recursion. We presented sequences of bracket pair stimuli (e.g., [ ] and { } ) to crows who were instructed to peck at training lists. They were then tested on their ability to transfer center-embedded structure to never-before-seen pairings of brackets. We reveal that crows have recursive capacities; they perform on par with children and even outperform macaques. The crows continued to produce recursive sequences after extending to longer and thus deeper embeddings. These results demonstrate that recursive capabilities are not limited to the primate genealogy and may have occurred separately from or before human symbolic competence in different animal taxa.}, } @article {pmid36319372, year = {2022}, author = {Datta, R and Russell, DR and Tang, I and Clayson, T and Suttle, LG and Chittenden, JP and Lebedev, SV and Hare, JD}, title = {Time-resolved velocity and ion sound speed measurements from simultaneous bow shock imaging and inductive probe measurements.}, journal = {The Review of scientific instruments}, volume = {93}, number = {10}, pages = {103530}, doi = {10.1063/5.0098823}, pmid = {36319372}, issn = {1089-7623}, abstract = {We present a technique to measure the time-resolved velocity and ion sound speed in magnetized, supersonic high-energy-density plasmas. We place an inductive ("b-dot") probe in a supersonic pulsed-power-driven plasma flow and measure the magnetic field advected by the plasma. As the magnetic Reynolds number is large (RM > 10), the plasma flow advects a magnetic field proportional to the current at the load. This enables us to estimate the flow velocity as a function of time from the delay between the current at the load and the signal at the probe. The supersonic flow also generates a hydrodynamic bow shock around the probe, the structure of which depends on the upstream sonic Mach number. By imaging the shock around the probe with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, we determine the upstream Mach number from the shock Mach angle, which we then use to determine the ion sound speed from the known upstream velocity. We use the sound speed to infer the value of Z̄Te, where Z̄ is the average ionization and Te is the electron temperature. We use this diagnostic to measure the time-resolved velocity and sound speed of a supersonic (MS ∼ 8), super-Alfvénic (MA ∼ 2) aluminum plasma generated during the ablation stage of an exploding wire array on the Magpie generator (1.4 MA, 250 ns). The velocity and Z̄Te measurements agree well with the optical Thompson scattering measurements reported in the literature and with 3D resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations in GORGON.}, } @article {pmid36314150, year = {2022}, author = {Schnell, AK and Boeckle, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Waiting for a better possibility: delay of gratification in corvids and its relationship to other cognitive capacities.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {377}, number = {1866}, pages = {20210348}, pmid = {36314150}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Pleasure ; *Passeriformes ; *Self-Control ; Pan troglodytes ; *Songbirds ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {Self-control, the ability to resist temptation and wait for better but delayed possibilities, is an important cognitive skill that underpins decision-making and planning. The capacity to exert self-control has been linked to intelligence in humans, chimpanzees and most recently cuttlefish. Here, we presented 10 Eurasian jays, Garrulus glandarius, with a delayed maintenance task, which measured the ability to choose a preferred outcome as well as the ability to sustain the delay prior to that outcome. Jays were able to wait for better possibilities, but maximum wait times varied across the subjects. We also presented them with five cognitive tasks that assessed spatial memory, spatial relationships and learning capacity. These tasks are commonly used as measures of general intelligence within an ecological context. Individual performance was correlated across the cognitive tasks, which suggests that there was a general intelligence factor underlying their performance. Performance in these tasks was correlated significantly with the jays' capacity to wait for better possibilities. This study demonstrates that self-control and intelligence are correlated in jays. The fact that this correlation exists in diverse species suggests that self-control is a fundamental feature of cognition. Our results are discussed in the context of convergent evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'Thinking about possibilities: mechanisms, ontogeny, functions and phylogeny'.}, } @article {pmid36313263, year = {2023}, author = {Zhao, S and Wang, P and Heidari, AA and Zhao, X and Chen, H}, title = {Boosted crow search algorithm for handling multi-threshold image problems with application to X-ray images of COVID-19.}, journal = {Expert systems with applications}, volume = {213}, number = {}, pages = {119095}, pmid = {36313263}, issn = {0957-4174}, abstract = {COVID-19 is pervasive and threatens the safety of people around the world. Therefore, now, a method is needed to diagnose COVID-19 accurately. The identification of COVID-19 by X-ray images is a common method. The target area is extracted from the X-ray images by image segmentation to improve classification efficiency and help doctors make a diagnosis. In this paper, we propose an improved crow search algorithm (CSA) based on variable neighborhood descent (VND) and information exchange mutation (IEM) strategies, called VMCSA. The original CSA quickly falls into the local optimum, and the possibility of finding the best solution is significantly reduced. Therefore, to help the algorithm avoid falling into local optimality and improve the global search capability of the algorithm, we introduce VND and IEM into CSA. Comparative experiments are conducted at CEC2014 and CEC'21 to demonstrate the better performance of the proposed algorithm in optimization. We also apply the proposed algorithm to multi-level thresholding image segmentation using Renyi's entropy as the objective function to find the optimal threshold, where we construct 2-D histograms with grayscale images and non-local mean images and maximize the Renyi's entropy on top of the 2-D histogram. The proposed segmentation method is evaluated on X-ray images of COVID-19 and compared with some algorithms. VMCSA has a significant advantage in segmentation results and obtains better robustness than other algorithms. The available extra info can be found at https://github.com/1234zsw/VMCSA.}, } @article {pmid36308912, year = {2022}, author = {Ioan, I and Weick, D and Sevin, F and Sanlaville, D and De Fréminville, B and Schweitzer, C and Akkari, M and Coutier, L and Putois, B and Plancoulaine, S and Thieux, M and Franco, P}, title = {Neurocognitive evaluation of children with down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.}, journal = {Sleep medicine}, volume = {100}, number = {}, pages = {542-549}, doi = {10.1016/j.sleep.2022.09.009}, pmid = {36308912}, issn = {1878-5506}, mesh = {Child ; Male ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Female ; *Down Syndrome/complications ; *Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/complications/diagnosis ; Polysomnography ; Sleep ; Arousal ; }, abstract = {Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) treatment has been shown to improve cardiac behavioral and cognitive functions in typically developing children. Early OSAS diagnosis in children with Down syndrome (DS) would be important to prevent its complications, especially cognitive ones, but remains overlooked. The main objective of our study was to assess the cognitive function of children with DS, with and without OSAS. The second objective was to determine the impact of the therapeutic intervention on the cognitive function of children with OSAS. This study included 41 children with DS who underwent polysomnography for OSAS diagnosis and a cognitive evaluation. They were aged between 3.4 and 17.3 years and 24 (59%) were boys. Their median OAHI was 2.6 (0-31)/h of sleep, 30 (73%) were diagnosed with OSAS (15 had mild OSAS, and 15 had moderate/severe OSAS). Some scores of the Raven's colored progressive matrices were negatively correlated with the respiratory arousal index, OAHI tended to be positively correlated with Reiss behavioral problems. 24 (59%) patients received a treatment. Even if we were unable to demonstrate this formally due that only 16 children (39%) accepted a follow-up visit, some displayed improvement in their neuropsychological scores, especially those with moderate/severe OSAS after treatment. Children with DS have low intellectual abilities and more risk of developing OSAS compared to the general population, which may lead to further neurocognitive impairment. Early screening and management are important in this population to prevent any further neurocognitive delay in their development.}, } @article {pmid36308261, year = {2022}, author = {Nwatah, VE and Ahmed, PA and Audu, LI and Okolo, SN}, title = {Socio-demographic factors influencing measures of cognitive function of early adolescent students in abuja, Nigeria.}, journal = {The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {317-324}, doi = {10.4103/npmj.npmj_157_22}, pmid = {36308261}, issn = {1117-1936}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Nigeria ; *Students ; Cognition/physiology ; Demography ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The brain in the early adolescent period undergoes enhanced changes with the radical reorganisation of the neuronal network leading to improvement in cognitive capacity. A complex interplay exists between environment and genetics that influences the outcome of intellectual capability. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the relationship between socio-demographic variables and measures of cognitive function (intelligence quotient [IQ] and academic performance) of early adolescents.

METHODS: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of early adolescents aged 10-14 years. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices was used to assess the IQ and academic performance was assessed by obtaining the average of all the subjects' scores in the last three terms that made up an academic year. A confidence interval of 95% was assumed and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: The overall mean (standard deviation) age of the study population was 11.1 years (±1.3) with male-to-female ratio of 1:1. Female sex was associated with better academic performance with P = 0.004. The students with optimal IQ performance were more likely (61.7%) to perform above average than those with sub-optimal IQ performance (28.6%). As the mother's age increased, the likelihood of having optimal IQ performance increased 1.04 times (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95 confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.07). Students in private schools were three times more likely to have optimal IQ performance than those from public schools (OR = 2.79; 95 CI = 1.65-4.71).

CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that students' IQ performance and the female gender were associated with above-average academic performance. The predictors of optimal IQ performance found in this study were students' age, maternal age and school type.}, } @article {pmid36300140, year = {2022}, author = {Takeda, K and Takahashi, N and Izawa, EI}, title = {Social encounters produce different autonomic response between dominants and subordinates in crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, pages = {220972}, pmid = {36300140}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Recent studies of behavioural physiology on animals have suggested the crucial role of peripherally physiological signals in eliciting arousal and emotion. Heart rate (HR) is one of the useful and critical signals to measure autonomic regulation as a physiological basis for arousal and emotion in response to biologically significant stimuli such as social encounter with conspecific individuals. However, our understanding of peripherally physiological response such as HRs and autonomic activities under social contexts of non-human animals is still limited, particularly in birds. Here, we examined the autonomic activity of behaving crows exposed to a dominant and a subordinate conspecific by using non-invasive electrocardiogram recording. We found different patterns of autonomic responses dependent on the relative dominance position: dominant crows encountering subordinates showed the elevation of sympathetic activity, whereas subordinates encountering dominants showed decreased HR with elevated parasympathetic activity. This is the first study in birds to report different autonomic responses dependent on relative dominance positions during dyadic social encounters. The present study advances our understanding of the role of the peripheral autonomic system, as an interactive system with the brain, in eliciting emotion/arousal associated with socially challenging environments from an evolutionary perspective.}, } @article {pmid36298892, year = {2022}, author = {Román-García, DA and Maldonado-Villamizar, FH and Jaramillo-Ávila, B and Rodríguez-Lara, BM}, title = {Non-local scattering control in coupled resonator networks.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {30}, number = {22}, pages = {39382-39395}, doi = {10.1364/OE.472455}, pmid = {36298892}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {We demonstrate scattering control of Gaussian-like wave packets propagating with constant envelope velocity and invariant waist through coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROW) via an external resonator coupled to multiple sites of the CROW. We calculate the analytical reflectance and transmittance using standard scattering methods from waveguide quantum electrodynamics and show it is possible to approximate them for an external resonator detuned to the CROW. Our analytical and approximate results are in good agreement with numerical simulations. We engineer various configurations using an external resonator coupled to two sites of a CROW to show light trapping with effective exponential decay between the coupling sites, wave packet splitting into two pairs of identical Gaussian-like wave packets, and a non-local Mach-Zehnder interferometer.}, } @article {pmid36298722, year = {2022}, author = {Isoda, N and Onuma, M and Hiono, T and Sobolev, I and Lim, HY and Nabeshima, K and Honjyo, H and Yokoyama, M and Shestopalov, A and Sakoda, Y}, title = {Detection of New H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses in Winter 2021-2022 in the Far East, Which Are Genetically Close to Those in Europe.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {36298722}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; Hemagglutinins ; Virulence ; Seasons ; Chickens ; Phylogeny ; *Influenza A virus/genetics ; Animals, Wild ; Europe/epidemiology ; Asia, Eastern/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Many high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) cases in wild birds due to H5N1 HPAI virus (HPAIV) infection were reported in northern Japan in the winter of 2021-2022. To investigate the epidemiology of HPAIVs brought to Japan from surrounding areas, a genetic analysis of H5 HPAIVs isolated in northern Japan was performed, and the pathogenicity of the HPAIV in chickens was assessed by experimental infection. Based on the genetic analysis of the hemagglutinin gene, pathogenic viruses detected in northern Japan as well as one in Sakhalin, the eastern part of Russia, were classified into the same subgroup as viruses prevalent in Europe in the same season but distinct from those circulating in Asia in winter 2020-2021. High identities of all eight segment sequences of A/crow/Hokkaido/0103B065/2022 (H5N1) (Crow/Hok), the representative isolates in northern Japan in 2022, to European isolates in the same season could also certify the unlikeliness of causing gene reassortment between H5 HPAIVs and viruses locally circulating in Asia. According to intranasal challenge results in six-week-old chickens, 50% of the chicken-lethal dose of Crow/Hok was calculated as 10[4.5] times of the 50% egg-infectious dose. These results demonstrated that the currently prevalent H5 HPAIVs could spread widely from certain origins throughout the Eurasian continent, including Europe and the Far East, and implied a possibility that contagious viruses are gathered in lakes in the northern territory via bird migration. Active monitoring of wild birds at the global level is essential to estimate the geographical source and spread dynamics of HPAIVs.}, } @article {pmid36290411, year = {2022}, author = {Bailote, HB and Linhares, D and Carvalho, C and Prazeres, S and Rodrigues, AS and Garcia, P}, title = {Iodine Intake and Related Cognitive Function Impairments in Elementary Schoolchildren.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {36290411}, issn = {2079-7737}, support = {M3.1.a/F/004/2018//Fundo Regional da Ciência e Tecnologia/ ; }, abstract = {Iodine deficiency, the most common cause of preventable mental impairment worldwide, has been linked to poorer intellectual function in several studies. However, to our knowledge, no studies have been performed in moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren using the complete form of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III; Portuguese version). The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether moderate iodine deficiency would affect the cognitive function of schoolchildren (7-11 years old; 3rd and 4th grades). Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM; Portuguese version) were used for measuring the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the total population (n = 256; median UIC = 66.2 μg/L), and the WISC-III was used to study two selected subgroups: one moderately iodine-deficient (n = 30) and the other with adequate iodine intake (n = 30). WISC-III was shown to be the prime instrument for cognitive function assessment among moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren; this subgroup had a Full-Scale IQ 15.13 points lower than the adequate iodine intake subgroup, with a magnitude effect of d = 0.7 (p = 0.013). Significant differences were also registered in 6 of the 13 Verbal-Performance IQ subtests. Moderate iodine deficiency has a substantial impact on mental development and cognitive functioning of schoolchildren, with significant impairment in both Performance IQ and Verbal IQ spectrum, adversely impacting their educational performance.}, } @article {pmid36290239, year = {2022}, author = {Wu, T and Ma, X and Wang, F and Xie, L and Lv, Q and Zeng, M and Xu, Y and Qin, S and Chang, Q}, title = {First Description of the Mitogenome Features of Neofoleyellides Genus (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) Isolated from a Wild Bird (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {20}, pages = {}, pmid = {36290239}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {32072885//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; NTF21043//STU Scientific Research Foundation for Talents/ ; }, abstract = {The Onchocercidae family is composed of more than 30 valid nematode species with notable zoonotic potential. Current limitations in molecular characterization methods and species identification are the main obstacles to a better understanding of the biology of Onchocercidae species, particularly in wildlife. This study describes for the first time the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence of Neofoleyellides sp. isolated from a wild bird (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and belonging to the Neofoleyellides genus (Nematoda: Onchocercidae). The mt genome of Neofoleyellides sp. (GenBank accession number: ON641583) was a typical circular DNA molecule of 13,628 bp in size with an AT content of 76.69%. The complete mt genome comprised 36 functional subunits, including 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. The most common start codon was ATT/ATG except for nad2 with TTG, and TAA was the termination codon for all protein-coding genes (PCGs). Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated and aligned amino acid sequences of the 12 PCGs showed that the trees generated using different methods (Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood) with different partition schemes shared similar topologies. The isolated Neofoleyellides sp. was placed in the Onchocercidae family and formed a sister branch with the genera Onchocerca and Dirofilaria. The entire mt genome of Neofoleyellides sp. presented in this study could provide useful data for studying the population genetics and phylogenetic relationships of Onchocercidae species.}, } @article {pmid36288670, year = {2022}, author = {Burris, WM and Kinziger, AP and Black, JM and Brown, RN}, title = {KNEMIDOKOPTES MITES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE GRIPPING POSITION OF THE FEET OF STELLER'S JAYS (CYANOCITTA STELLERI).}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {58}, number = {4}, pages = {859-868}, doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-22-00016}, pmid = {36288670}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; *Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; }, abstract = {Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) with swollen legs and feet resembling the signs of scaly leg have been commonly seen around Arcata, California, US. The clinical signs are thought to be caused by knemidokoptic mites, a group of parasites specialized on avian hosts. Between February 2019 and March 2020, we analyzed the long-term database of Steller's Jays collected by Humboldt State University for trends in the prevalence of signs of scaly leg, compared the gripping position in the feet of Steller's Jays with variable signs of this condition as an index of their ability to perch, identified the mites using a partial sequence of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene, and examined genetic distances between mites collected from different host species both sequenced in this study and from GenBank. Overall, 27% of jays recorded in the long-term database had shown signs of scaly leg. Jays with signs captured in this study had greater variability in and a reduced degree of contraction in the gripping position of their feet compared to jays without signs, suggesting that infestation may have an impact on the host's ability to perch. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence (578 base pairs) from mites collected from Steller's Jays was compared to sequences from Knemidokoptes jamaicensis, Knemidokoptes derooi, and to unidentified Knemidokoptes spp. collected from different hosts. The mites from Steller's Jays were most closely related to Knemidokoptes jamaicensis but had a relatively high sequence divergence, 7.8%, supporting the possibility that the form infesting these jays may be an undescribed species.}, } @article {pmid36285494, year = {2022}, author = {Fielding, MW and Cunningham, CX and Buettel, JC and Stojanovic, D and Yates, LA and Jones, ME and Brook, BW}, title = {Dominant carnivore loss benefits native avian and invasive mammalian scavengers.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {289}, number = {1985}, pages = {20220521}, pmid = {36285494}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Cats ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Food Chain ; Predatory Behavior ; *Carnivora ; Birds ; Fishes ; }, abstract = {Scavenging by large carnivores is integral for ecosystem functioning by limiting the build-up of carrion and facilitating widespread energy flows. However, top carnivores have declined across the world, triggering trophic shifts within ecosystems. Here, we compare findings from previous work on predator decline against areas with recent native mammalian carnivore loss. Specifically, we investigate top-down control on utilization of experimentally placed carcasses by two mesoscavengers-the invasive feral cat and native forest raven. Ravens profited most from carnivore loss, scavenging for five times longer in the absence of native mammalian carnivores. Cats scavenged on half of all carcasses in the region without dominant native carnivores. This was eight times more than in areas where other carnivores were at high densities. All carcasses persisted longer than the three-week monitoring period in the absence of native mammalian carnivores, while in areas with high carnivore abundance, all carcasses were fully consumed. Our results reveal that top-carnivore loss amplifies impacts associated with carnivore decline-increased carcass persistence and carrion access for smaller scavengers. This suggests that even at low densities, native mammalian carnivores can fulfil their ecological functions, demonstrating the significance of global carnivore conservation and supporting management approaches, such as trophic rewilding.}, } @article {pmid36285436, year = {2022}, author = {Storms, RF and Carere, C and Musters, R and van Gasteren, H and Verhulst, S and Hemelrijk, CK}, title = {Deterrence of birds with an artificial predator, the RobotFalcon.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {19}, number = {195}, pages = {20220497}, pmid = {36285436}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; Birds ; *Charadriiformes ; Fear ; }, abstract = {Collisions between birds and airplanes can damage aircrafts, resulting in delays and cancellation of flights, costing the international civil aviation industry more than 1.4 billion US dollars annually. Driving away birds is therefore crucial, but the effectiveness of current deterrence methods is limited. Live avian predators can be an effective deterrent, because potential prey will not habituate to them, but live predators cannot be controlled entirely. Thus, there is an urgent need for new deterrence methods. We developed the RobotFalcon, a device modelled after the peregrine falcon, and tested its effectiveness to deter flocks of corvids, gulls, starlings and lapwings. We compared its effectiveness with that of a drone, and of conventional methods routinely applied at a military airbase. The RobotFalcon scared away bird flocks from fields immediately, and these fields subsequently remained free of bird flocks for hours. The RobotFalcon outperformed the drone and the best conventional method at the airbase (distress calls). Importantly, there was no evidence that bird flocks habituated to the RobotFalcon over the course of the fieldwork. We conclude that the RobotFalcon is a practical and ethical solution to drive away bird flocks with all advantages of live predators but without their limitations.}, } @article {pmid36279234, year = {2022}, author = {Samoilova, YG and Matveeva, MV and Oleinik, OA and Tonkikh, OS and Kudlay, DA and Yapryntseva, MD and Vorozhtsova, IN}, title = {[Cerebral perfusion and tractography in obese children].}, journal = {Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova}, volume = {122}, number = {10}, pages = {96-101}, doi = {10.17116/jnevro202212210196}, pmid = {36279234}, issn = {1997-7298}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Humans ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; *Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods ; *Pediatric Obesity/complications/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; Perfusion ; *White Matter/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship of the structure of the white matter of the brain, neurovascularization and cognitive functions in obese children and adolescents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 64 obese patients, aged 12-17 years, and 54 children without excess body weight. A general clinical examination, neuropsychological testing (the Raven's test with the calculation of IQ, MoCA, the Rey 15-Item Memory Test (RMT), 1 and 2), magnetic resonance imaging (MR) tractography and contrast-free perfusion of the brain were conducted.

RESULTS: Obese children and adolescents had both a decrease in scores on MoCA and the Raven's test, and in terms of IQ, while according to RMT-1, there were significant differences in the two groups, and in RMT-2 the results were comparable. Perfusion analysis showed a decrease in vascularization in the white matter area of the occipital lobe on the left and its increase in the temporal lobe area also on the left. When assessing the white matter according to MR tractography, a decrease in fractional anisotropy was noted in the area of the hook-shaped beam on the right and left, anterior and posterior commissural tracts. These changes were correlated with neuropsychological results.

CONCLUSION: In obese children and adolescents, there was a destruction of the integrity of the white matter and neurovascularization of the brain associated with a deficit of cognitive functions.}, } @article {pmid36262611, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, Y and Song, J and Teng, Z}, title = {An Improved New Caledonian Crow Learning Algorithm for Global Function Optimization.}, journal = {Computational intelligence and neuroscience}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {9248771}, pmid = {36262611}, issn = {1687-5273}, mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Crows ; Algorithms ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (NCCLA) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm inspired by the learning behavior of New Caledonian crows learning to make tools to obtain food. However, it suffers from the problems of easily falling into local optima and insufficient convergence accuracy and convergence precision. To further improve the convergence performance of NCCLA, an improved New Caledonian crow learning algorithm (INCCLA) is proposed in this paper. By determining the parent individuals based on the cosine similarity, the juveniles are guided to search toward different ranges to maintain the population diversity; a novel hybrid mechanism of complete and incomplete learning is proposed to balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the algorithm; the update strategy of juveniles and parent individuals is improved to enhance the convergence speed and precision of the algorithm. The test results of the CEC2013 and CEC2020 test suites show that, compared with the original NCCLA algorithm and four of the best metaheuristics to date, INCCLA has significant advantages in terms of convergence speed, convergence precision, and stability.}, } @article {pmid36248595, year = {2022}, author = {Passarello, N and Varini, L and Liparoti, M and Troisi Lopez, E and Sorrentino, P and Alivernini, F and Gigliotta, O and Lucidi, F and Mandolesi, L}, title = {Boosting effect of regular sport practice in young adults: Preliminary results on cognitive and emotional abilities.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {957281}, pmid = {36248595}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Several studies have shown that physical exercise (PE) improves behavior and cognitive functioning, reducing the risk of various neurological diseases, protecting the brain from the detrimental effects of aging, facilitating body recovery after injuries, and enhancing self-efficacy and self-esteem. Emotion processing and regulation abilities are also widely acknowledged to be key to success in sports. In this study, we aim to prove that regular participation in sports enhances cognitive and emotional functioning in healthy individuals. A sample of 60 students (mean age = 22.12; SD = 2.40; M = 30), divided into sportive and sedentary, were subjected to a neuropsychological tests battery to assess their overall cognitive abilities (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, APM), verbal and graphic fluency (Word Fluency Task and modified Five Point Test, m-FPT), as well as their emotional awareness skills (Toronto Alexithymia Scale, TAS-20). Our results showed that sportive students performed better than sedentary ones in all cognitive tasks. Regarding emotional processing abilities, significant differences were found in the TAS-20 total score as well as in the Difficulty Describing Feelings (DDF) subscale and the Difficulty Identifying Feeling (DIF) subscale. Lastly, gender differences were found in the External-Oriented Thinking (EOT) subscale. Overall, our findings evidence that PE has positive effects on cognitive functioning and emotion regulation, suggesting how sports practice can promote mental health and wellbeing.}, } @article {pmid36234318, year = {2022}, author = {Matsimbe, J and Dinka, M and Olukanni, D and Musonda, I}, title = {A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends in Geopolymer.}, journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {15}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {36234318}, issn = {1996-1944}, abstract = {Geopolymer is an inorganic material formed through the chemical reaction of an aluminosilicate precursor and an alkaline or acidic activating solution. It is seen as a green new alternative binder to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for sustainable infrastructure development. The strength of the unary or blended geopolymer product is dependent on the composition and properties of the polymeric gel influenced by the ratios of Al2O3/SiO2, CaO/SiO2, CaO/(SiO2 + Al2O3), Na2SiO3/NaOH, SiO2/Na2O, and liquid/binder (L/B). Essential scientific inquiry has been progressively addressed by utilizing expert assessment and research metrics. The network visualization of bibliometric co-occurrence and co-citations is of particular significance. The present study aims to highlight the trends and progress of the most influential publication sources, keywords, authors, articles, and countries in geopolymer research in the last 10 years. Bibliometric data were retrieved through Scopus and visualized in VOSviewer to create bibliometric networks. The yearly distribution and growth trends (April 2011-2022) of geopolymer, geopolymer mortar, and geopolymer concrete before (after) applying inclusion criteria were from 754 to 9887 (5186), 47 to 1374 (866), and 145 to 3721 (2253), respectively, attributed to the discoveries in more precursor materials such as laterite and the growing interest in fire and heat-resistant structures, water and wastewater treatment, cement and concrete, and brick manufacturing. The top three journals in terms of prestige for geopolymer publications were the Journal of Hazardous Materials with an impact factor equal to 14.224 and h-index equal to 307, Cement and Concrete Research with an impact factor equal to 11.958 and h-index equal to 239, and the Journal of Cleaner Production with an impact factor equal to 11.072 and h-index equal to 232. The top three journals in terms of average citation per document were Cement and Concrete Research (135.75), Materials and Design (75), and Cement and Concrete Composites (68.35). Keywords such as "geopolymers", "inorganic polymer", "geopolymer", "compressive strength", "fly ash", and "geopolymer concrete" had the highest occurrences in publications. John Provis-University of Sheffield, Prinya Chindaprasirt-Khon Kaen University, and Jay Sanjayan-Swinburne University of Technology had the highest total citations of 6377, 5626, and 4311, respectively. The highest number of publications were from China, India, Australia, the United States of America, and Malaysia. The bibliometric findings from this study can act as a tool for academicians and policymakers to exchange research expertise, collaborate on novel geopolymer research, and create innovative joint ventures.}, } @article {pmid36226831, year = {2023}, author = {Majewski, GP and Marchesi, P and Bojanowski, K}, title = {Niacinamide + "Linefade" ameliorate crow's feet wrinkles and facial sagging in a split-face image analysis study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {708-709}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15459}, pmid = {36226831}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Patient Satisfaction ; Diagnostic Imaging ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; }, } @article {pmid36222936, year = {2023}, author = {Sollis, JG and Ashton, BJ and Speechley, EM and Ridley, AR}, title = {Repeated testing does not confound cognitive performance in the Western Australian magpie (Cracticus tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {579-588}, pmid = {36222936}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Passeriformes ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {A robust understanding of cognitive variation at the individual level is essential to understand selection for and against cognitive traits. Studies of animal cognition often assume that within-individual performance is highly consistent. When repeated tests of individuals have been conducted, the effects of test order (the overall sequence in which different tests are conducted) and test number (the ordinal number indicating when a specific test falls within a sequence)-in particular the potential for individual performance to improve with repeated testing-have received limited attention. In our study, we investigated test order and test number effects on individual performance in three inhibitory control tests in Western Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen dorsalis). We presented adult magpies with three novel inhibitory control tasks (detour-reaching apparatuses) in random order to test whether experience of cognitive testing and the order in which the apparatuses were presented were predictors of cognitive performance. We found that neither test number nor test order had an effect on cognitive performance of individual magpies when presenting different variants of inhibitory control tasks. This suggests that repeated testing of the same cognitive trait, using causally identical but visually distinct cognitive tasks, does not confound cognitive performance. We recommend that repeated testing effects of cognitive performance in other species be studied to broadly determine the validity of repeated testing in animal cognition studies.}, } @article {pmid36202786, year = {2022}, author = {Romeo, Z and Marino, M and Angrilli, A and Semenzato, I and Favaro, A and Magnolfi, G and Padovan, GB and Mantini, D and Spironelli, C}, title = {Altered language network lateralization in euthymic bipolar patients: a pilot study.}, journal = {Translational psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {435}, pmid = {36202786}, issn = {2158-3188}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Bipolar Disorder/diagnostic imaging ; Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mania ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; }, abstract = {Bipolar patients (BD) in the euthymic phase show almost no symptoms, nevertheless possibility of relapse is still present. We expected to find a psychobiological trace of their vulnerability by analyzing a specific network-the Language Network (LN)-connecting many high-level processes and brain regions measured at rest. According to Crow's hypothesis on the key role of language in the origin of psychoses, we expected an altered asymmetry of the LN in euthymic BDs. Eighteen euthymic BD patients (10 females; age = 54.50 ± 11.38 years) and 16 healthy controls (HC) (8 females; age = 51.16 ± 11.44 years) underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan at rest. The LN was extracted through independent component analysis. Then, LN time series was used to compute the fractional amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) index, which was then correlated with clinical scales. Compared with HC, euthymic patients showed an altered LN with greater activation of Broca's area right homologous and anterior insula together with reduced activation of left middle temporal gyrus. The normalized fALFF analysis on BD patients' LN time series revealed that the Slow-5 fALFF band was positively correlated with residual mania symptoms but negatively associated with depression scores. In line with Crow's hypothesis postulating an altered language hemispheric asymmetry in psychoses, we revealed, in euthymic BD patients, a right shift involving both the temporal and frontal linguistic hubs. The fALFF applied to LN allowed us to highlight a number of significant correlations of this measure with residual mania and depression psychiatric symptoms.}, } @article {pmid36178004, year = {2022}, author = {McElderry, RM and Paxton, EH and Nguyen, AV and Siers, SR}, title = {Predation thresholds for reintroduction of native avifauna following suppression of invasive Brown Treesnakes on Guam.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {32}, number = {8}, pages = {e2716}, pmid = {36178004}, issn = {1939-5582}, mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior ; Guam ; *Birds ; }, abstract = {The brown treesnake (BTS) (Boiga irregularis) invasion on Guåhan (in English, Guam) led to the extirpation of nearly all native forest birds. In recent years, methods have been developed to reduce BTS abundance on a landscape scale. To help assess the prospects for the successful reintroduction of native birds to Guåhan following BTS suppression, we modeled bird population persistence based on their life history characteristics and relative sensitivity to BTS predation. We constructed individual-based models and simulated BTS predation in hypothetical founding populations for each of seven candidate bird species. We represented BTS predation risk in two steps: risk of being encountered and risk of mortality if encountered. We link encounter risk from the bird's perspective to snake contact rates at camera traps with live animal lures, the most direct practical means of estimating BTS predation risk. Our simulations support the well-documented fact that Guåhan's birds cannot persist with an uncontrolled population of BTS but do indicate that bird persistence in Guåhan's forests is possible with suppression short of total eradication. We estimate threshold BTS contact rates would need to be below 0.0002-0.0006 snake contacts per bird per night for these birds to persist on the landscape, which translates to an annual encounter probability of 0.07-0.20. We simulated the effects of snake-proof nest boxes for Sihek (Todiramphus cinnamominus) and Såli (Aplonis opaca), but the benefits were small relative to the overall variation in contact rate thresholds among species. This variation among focal bird species in sustainable predation levels can be used to prioritize species for reintroduction in a BTS-suppressed landscape, but variation among these species is narrow relative to the required reduction from current BTS levels, which may be four orders of magnitude higher (>0.18). Our modeling indicates that the required predation thresholds may need to be lower than have yet been demonstrated with current BTS management. Our predation threshold metric provides an important management tool to help estimate target BTS suppression levels that can be used to determine when bird reintroduction campaigns might begin and serves as a model for other systems to match predator control with reintroduction efforts.}, } @article {pmid36174656, year = {2023}, author = {Pascali, M and Massarelli, O}, title = {The Temporal Subcutaneous Brow Lift with Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Elastic Flap: Technical Considerations, Systematic Review, and Terminology Standardization.}, journal = {Facial plastic surgery : FPS}, volume = {39}, number = {6}, pages = {691-702}, doi = {10.1055/a-1953-2304}, pmid = {36174656}, issn = {1098-8793}, mesh = {Humans ; Esthetics, Dental ; *Rhytidoplasty/methods ; Eyelids/surgery ; *Blepharoplasty/methods ; Facial Muscles/surgery ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: As the face ages, cosmetic changes in the periorbital region including eyebrow ptosis, sagging in the lateral temporo-orbital region with superior eyelid hooding, ptosis of orbicularis oculi muscle associated with drooping of the malar area with multiple "crow feets", a deeper lid-cheek junction, and malar festoons also occur. All these periorbital structures should be considered as a single anatomical entity.

METHODS:  Numerous techniques have been described to correct brow aesthetics in facial rejuvenation. We report the senior author's (M.P.) current approach utilizing a temporal subcutaneous brow lift (TSBL) associated with an orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) elastic flap. Furthermore, a systematic review of the literature was performed comparing the different surgical approaches striving to clarify its terminology. A total of 298 patients underwent this procedure in 4 years period. Of these, 230 patients, with at least 12 months of follow-up, were submitted to subjective and objective methods to evaluate the self-perception of scar and their overall aesthetic satisfaction. A committee of experts, blinded to each other's assessment, evaluated the same outcomes. Total eyebrow's tail lift was measured and recorded for each patients.

RESULTS:  The most satisfying aspect of these techniques is the dramatic periorbital rejuvenation and preservation of the patient's original youthful identity. In fact, the postoperative results appear very natural and do not suffer from an "operated" look. This aspect is noticeable from both the surgeon's and the patient's perceptions. There were no major complications in any of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS:  The proposed TSBL with OOM elastic flap technique, in the hands of senior author (M.P.) has emerged as a reliable, effective, and highly reproducible method to treat sagging and aging of the lateral region of the orbit, even without associated blepharoplasties.}, } @article {pmid36173469, year = {2023}, author = {Vanhooland, LC and Szabó, A and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {A comparative study of mirror self-recognition in three corvid species.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {229-248}, pmid = {36173469}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Crows ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Mirror self-recognition (MSR) assessed by the Mark Test has been the staple test for the study of animal self-awareness. When tested in this paradigm, corvid species return discrepant results, with only the Eurasian magpies and the Indian house crow successfully passing the test so far, whereas multiple other corvid species fail. The lack of replicability of these positive results and the large divergence in applied methodologies calls into question whether the observed differences are in fact phylogenetic or methodological, and, if so, which factors facilitate the expression of MSR in some corvids. In this study, we (1) present new results on the self-recognition abilities of common ravens, (2) replicate results of azure-winged magpies, and (3) compare the mirror responses and performances in the mark test of these two corvid species with a third corvid species: carrion crows, previously tested following the same experimental procedure. Our results show interspecies differences in the approach of and the response to the mirror during the mirror exposure phase of the experiment as well as in the subsequent mark test. However, the performances of these species in the Mark Test do not provide any evidence for their ability of self-recognition. Our results add to the ongoing discussion about the convergent evolution of MSR and we advocate for consistent methodologies and procedures in comparing this ability across species to advance this discussion.}, } @article {pmid36160814, year = {2022}, author = {Rist, B and Pearce, AJ and Clarke, AC}, title = {Investigating the Psychophysiological Response to Grade One Muscular Injuries in Professional Australian Football Athletes.}, journal = {International journal of exercise science}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {1052-1063}, pmid = {36160814}, issn = {1939-795X}, abstract = {The purpose of this study was to examine Australian Football athletes' responses to a grade one muscular injury from a psychophysiological perspective to understand the strength of the association between stress, optimism, and cortisol. Forty-five players listed with one professional Australian Football club volunteered for this study. Inclusion criteria consisted of sustaining a muscular injury during the course of the season with four-weeks predicted recovery time (as diagnosed by club medical staff, n=9). The control group were age, position, and career history matched players from the same sample. Players were also matched for their personality (10-item Big Five Personality Inventory) and fluid intelligence (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices). Injured players and matched controls completed perceived stress and optimism measures (paper-based questions) as well as salivary cortisol testing once per week for four weeks. Significant increases in cortisol (p=0.015) and perceived stress (p<0.001) were observed in injured players, along with a reduction in optimism (p<0.001) returning by week 4. A significant positive correlation was found between perceived stress and cortisol (r= 0.426), and significant negative correlations observed between optimism and cortisol r= -0.257 and perceived stress r= -0.391. This study showed that athletes were significantly stressed and less optimistic during the first two-weeks of recovery compared to matched controls. While not statistically significant, large effects observed in cortisol and stress in the week prior to returning to competition in the injured group suggest these results demonstrate that a multi-modality approach can improve understanding of psychophysiological stress following a grade one muscular injury in Australian Football athletes.}, } @article {pmid36159164, year = {2022}, author = {Ngo, KM and Hosaka, T and Numata, S}, title = {Attitudes and preferences of wildlife and their relationship with childhood nature experience amongst residents in a tropical urban city.}, journal = {Urban ecosystems}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, pages = {1939-1948}, pmid = {36159164}, issn = {1083-8155}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: How people relate to biodiversity and whether they are supportive of conservation programs and policies has implications on global and local biodiversity conservation efforts. Nature experiences in childhood has been shown to be strongly correlated to positive attitudes towards nature and wildlife in adulthood. In this study, we examined wildlife experience, attitudes and willingness to coexist with 26 vertebrates and invertebrates amongst residents in a highly urbanized tropical city, Singapore. A total of 1004 respondents were surveyed and their childhood nature experience and various socioeconomic variables were obtained. The animals were grouped by their likeability and preferred habitat from the respondents' answers. Three main groups of animals were discerned - unfavorable animals, mammals, and favorable animals. Singapore residents generally had high direct experiences of animals that are common in urban settings, for both favorable and unfavorable animals, such as butterflies, dragonflies, crows and bees, but low direct experiences of forest-dependent wildlife. Animals that were well-liked and acceptable near homes include the common urban ones and some forest-dependent ones, while animals that were disliked included stinging insects (bees and hornets) and reptiles (snakes and water monitors). Structured equation modelling showed that both childhood nature experience and wildlife experience had strong effects on wildlife likeability and habitat preference. The apparent mismatch between greening policies and people's willingness to coexist with wildlife may be problematic as urban development further encroaches on forest habitats, and this study highlights the importance of preserving forest habitats so that young children and adults have opportunities to be exposed to them.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11252-022-01280-1.}, } @article {pmid36153584, year = {2022}, author = {Olivotto, S and Duse, A and Bova, SM and Leonardi, V and Biganzoli, E and Milanese, A and Cereda, C and Bertoli, S and Previtali, R and Veggiotti, P}, title = {Glut1 deficiency syndrome throughout life: clinical phenotypes, intelligence, life achievements and quality of life in familial cases.}, journal = {Orphanet journal of rare diseases}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {365}, pmid = {36153584}, issn = {1750-1172}, mesh = {*Carbohydrate Metabolism, Inborn Errors/genetics ; Epilepsy/diagnosis/genetics ; Fatigue ; Glucose Transporter Type 1/genetics ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Migraine Disorders ; *Monosaccharide Transport Proteins/deficiency ; Phenotype ; Quality of Life ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Glut1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1-DS) is a rare metabolic encephalopathy. Familial forms are poorly investigated, and no previous studies have explored aspects of Glut1-DS over the course of life: clinical pictures, intelligence, life achievements, and quality of life in adulthood. Clinical, biochemical and genetic data in a cohort of familial Glut1-DS cases were collected from medical records. Intelligence was assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices in adults and children, respectively. An ad hoc interview focusing on life achievements and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire were administered to adult subjects.

RESULTS: The clinical picture in adults was characterized by paroxysmal exercise-induced dyskinesia (PED) (80%), fatigue (60%), low intelligence (60%), epilepsy (50%), and migraine (50%). However, 20% of the adults had higher-than-average intelligence. Quality of Life (QoL) seemed unrelated to the presence of PED or fatigue in adulthood. An association of potential clinical relevance, albeit not statistically significant, was found between intelligence and QoL. The phenotype of familial Glut1-DS in children was characterized by epilepsy (83.3%), intellectual disability (50%), and PED (33%).

CONCLUSION: The phenotype of familial Glut1-DS shows age-related differences: epilepsy predominates in childhood; PED and fatigue, followed by epilepsy and migraine, characterize the condition in adulthood. Some adults with familial Glut1-DS may lead regular and fulfilling lives, enjoying the same QoL as unaffected individuals. The disorder tends to worsen from generation to generation, with new and more severe symptoms arising within the same family. Epigenetic studies might be useful to assess the phenotypic variability in Glut1-DS.}, } @article {pmid36148654, year = {2023}, author = {Nakayama, DK}, title = {Thurgood Marshall, Hero of American Medicine.}, journal = {The American surgeon}, volume = {89}, number = {11}, pages = {5051-5054}, doi = {10.1177/00031348221129503}, pmid = {36148654}, issn = {1555-9823}, mesh = {Aged ; Humans ; *Black or African American/education/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; Civil Rights/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; *Delivery of Health Care/ethnology/legislation & jurisprudence ; *Education/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; Education, Medical/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; Educational Status ; History, 20th Century ; *Human Rights/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; Medicare/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; Racial Groups ; *Supreme Court Decisions/history ; United States ; *Lawyers/history ; }, abstract = {One of the heroes in American history, Associate Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993) sought legal remedies against racial discrimination in education and health care. As director of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) of NAACP from 1940 to 1961, his success in integrating law schools in Texas led to the first black medical student admitted to a state medical school in the South. Representing doctors and dentists needing a facility to perform surgery, the LDF brought cases before the courts in North Carolina that moved the country toward justice in health care. His ultimate legal victory came in 1954, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the decision that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. In 1964, the LDF under Jack Greenberg, Marshall's successor as director, won Simkins v. Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, a decision that held that hospitals accepting federal funds had to admit black patients. The two decisions laid the judicial foundation for the laws and administrative acts that changed America's racial history, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Social Security Act Amendments of 1965 that established Medicare and Medicaid. His achievements came during the hottest period of the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Well past the middle of the twentieth century, black Americans were denied access to the full resources of American medicine, locked in a "separate-but-equal" system woefully inadequate in every respect. In abolishing segregation, Marshall initiated the long overdue remedy of the unjust legacies of slavery and Jim Crow.}, } @article {pmid36146885, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, CW and Chen, YL and Mao, SJT and Lin, TC and Wu, CW and Thongchan, D and Wang, CY and Wu, HY}, title = {Pathogenicity of Avian Polyomaviruses and Prospect of Vaccine Development.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {14}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {36146885}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Amino Acids/genetics ; Animals ; *Biological Products ; DNA, Circular ; Epitopes ; Mammals ; *Passeriformes/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Polyomavirus/genetics ; *Polyomavirus Infections/prevention & control/veterinary ; Vaccine Development ; Virulence ; }, abstract = {Polyomaviruses are nonenveloped icosahedral viruses with a double-stranded circular DNA containing approximately 5000 bp and 5-6 open reading frames. In contrast to mammalian polyomaviruses (MPVs), avian polyomaviruses (APVs) exhibit high lethality and multipathogenicity, causing severe infections in birds without oncogenicity. APVs are classified into 10 major species: Adélie penguin polyomavirus, budgerigar fledgling disease virus, butcherbird polyomavirus, canary polyomavirus, cormorant polyomavirus, crow polyomavirus, Erythrura gouldiae polyomavirus, finch polyomavirus, goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus, and Hungarian finch polyomavirus under the genus Gammapolyomavirus. This paper briefly reviews the genomic structure and pathogenicity of the 10 species of APV and some of their differences in terms of virulence from MPVs. Each gene's genomic size, number of amino acid residues encoding each gene, and key biologic functions are discussed. The rationale for APV classification from the Polyomavirdae family and phylogenetic analyses among the 10 APVs are also discussed. The clinical symptoms in birds caused by APV infection are summarized. Finally, the strategies for developing an effective vaccine containing essential epitopes for preventing virus infection in birds are discussed. We hope that more effective and safe vaccines with diverse protection will be developed in the future to solve or alleviate the problems of viral infection.}, } @article {pmid36139294, year = {2022}, author = {Chen, Y and Li, L and Zhu, X and Shen, Y and Ma, A and Zhang, X and Chen, P and Lu, C}, title = {Urban Low-Rise Residential Areas Provide Preferred Song Post Sites for a Resident Songbird.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {18}, pages = {}, pmid = {36139294}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {32171526//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2208085QC71//Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; KJ2020A0085; KJ2021A0128//Key University Science Research Project of Anhui Province/ ; }, abstract = {Urbanization is expanding rapidly worldwide, and brings additional selection pressure on animals. The song differences between urban and rural songbirds have been widely verified, but the effects of urban morphological variation on long-settled urban birds have been poorly explored. Here, we investigated the distribution and song differences of a common resident songbird-the oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) between three urban morphology types (i.e., urban park, low-rise residential area, and high-rise residential area). The results indicated that the population density in low-rise residential areas was significantly higher than in urban parks, while it was the lowest in high-rise residential areas. Males in low-rise residential areas had greater song length, syllable numbers, frequency bandwidth, and song diversity than those in urban parks. The song differences were mainly related to habitat types, independent of singing height and perch type. Our findings suggest that low-rise residential areas may provide preferred song post sites for the oriental magpie-robin, which is well-adapted to the low-rise building morphology, but rejects the emerging high-rise buildings. Future studies are needed to assess the effects of urban morphological variation on more resident animals to determine which urban morphologies are conducive to enhancing biodiversity and encouraging animals to settle in urban areas.}, } @article {pmid36138871, year = {2022}, author = {Zhozhikashvili, N and Zakharov, I and Ismatullina, V and Feklicheva, I and Malykh, S and Arsalidou, M}, title = {Parietal Alpha Oscillations: Cognitive Load and Mental Toughness.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {36138871}, issn = {2076-3425}, support = {17-78-30028//Russian Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Cognitive effort is intrinsically linked to task difficulty, intelligence, and mental toughness. Intelligence reflects an individual’s cognitive aptitude, whereas mental toughness (MT) reflects an individual’s resilience in pursuing success. Research shows that parietal alpha oscillations are associated with changes in task difficulty. Critically, it remains unclear whether parietal alpha oscillations are modulated by intelligence and MT as a personality trait. We examined event-related (de)synchronization (ERD/ERS) of alpha oscillations associated with encoding, retention, and recognition in the Sternberg task in relation to intelligence and mental toughness. Eighty participants completed the Sternberg task with 3, 4, 5 and 6 digits, Raven Standard Progressive Matrices test and an MT questionnaire. A positive dependence on difficulty was observed for all studied oscillatory effects (t = −8.497, p < 0.001; t = 2.806, p < 0.005; t = −2.103, p < 0.05). The influence of Raven intelligence was observed for encoding-related alpha ERD (t = −2.02, p = 0.049). The influence of MT was observed only for difficult conditions in recognition-related alpha ERD (t = −3.282, p < 0.005). Findings indicate that the modulation of alpha rhythm related to encoding, retention and recognition may be interpreted as correlates of cognitive effort modulation. Specifically, results suggest that effort related to encoding depends on intelligence, whereas recognition-related effort level depends on mental toughness.}, } @article {pmid36138608, year = {2022}, author = {Bălănean, DM and Negrea, C and Bota, E and Petracovschi, S and Almăjan-Guță, B}, title = {Optimizing the Development of Space-Temporal Orientation in Physical Education and Sports Lessons for Students Aged 8-11 Years.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {36138608}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {The purpose of this research was to analyze how we can improve the space-temporal orientation ability with the help of physical exercises in physical education and sports lessons. In total,148 children between the ages of 8 and 11 participated in this study (M = 9.70; SD = 0.79). They were subjected to three tests, which measured general intelligence (Raven Progressive Matrices) and space-temporal orientation skills (Piaget-Head test and Bender-Santucci test). The tests were carried out both in the pre-test and in the post-test period. In the case of participants in the experimental group, a specific program was applied for a period of 12 weeks. The results showed that general intelligence level was identified as a predictor of spatial-temporal orientation (beta = 0.17, t = 2.08, p = 0.03) but only for the Piaget-Head test. Similarly, no differences between children's age groups were identified in any of the spatial-temporal orientation test scores. However, children in the "+9" age category had higher scores on the intelligence test compared to younger children (77.31 vs. 35.70). In conclusion, the intervention program had a positive effect on spatial orientation skills.}, } @article {pmid36135607, year = {2022}, author = {Józsa, K and Amukune, S and Zentai, G and Barrett, KC}, title = {School Readiness Test and Intelligence in Preschool as Predictors of Middle School Success: Result of an Eight-Year Longitudinal Study.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {36135607}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Research has shown that the development of cognitive and social skills in preschool predicts school readiness in kindergarten. However, most longitudinal studies are short-term, tracking children's development only through the early elementary school years. This study aims to investigate the long-term impact of preschool predictors, intelligence, and mothers' education on grade six school performance. This study presents the results of an eight-year-long longitudinal study. The sample includes 202 Hungarian children (89 boys) from a disadvantaged region of southeastern Hungary. The independent variables were the preschool measures: DIFER (Diagnostic System for Assessing Development), a widely used, standardized school readiness test that measures cognitive and social skills; the Raven intelligence test; and socioeconomic status. The dependent variables in grade six were: National Standardized tests in math and reading (NABC, National Assessment of Basic Competencies) and school grades (GPA). Cronbach's alpha reliability of each test is above 0.76. Correlations and a series of multiple regressions were used for analysis. All three independent variables have significant predictive power for school performance in sixth grade. DIFER skills were the best predictors for reading achievement, intelligence for math achievement, and GPA was best predicted by mothers' education. The results show that developing preschool skills, mothers' education and IQ in preschool are essential to long-term learning success.}, } @article {pmid36133790, year = {2022}, author = {He, L and Huang, L}, title = {A Study on the Effects of a Cartoon Text Version of Health Education Manual with Sandplay on the Psychological Status and Cognitive Function of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.}, journal = {Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {1816391}, pmid = {36133790}, issn = {1741-427X}, abstract = {PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine the effects of a cartoon text version of a health education manual with sandplay on the psychological status and cognitive function of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHODS: Eighty cases of children with ADHD admitted from February 2019 to September 2021 were selected for the study. They were numbered according to the order of consultation, and after obtaining family consent, they were divided into the control group (n = 40) and the observation group (n = 40) using the random number table method. The control group received only medication and verbal health education, while the observation group received a cartoon text version of the health education manual together with sandplay on top of the above, and both groups were treated for 30 weeks. The attention test results and the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV rating scales (SNAP-IV) were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment for both groups of children. The awareness rate of health education knowledge of children and their families in both groups was counted. The Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Combined Raven's test (CRT) were used to assess the psychological status and cognitive functioning of the children in both groups.

RESULTS: After treatment, the response time, the number of errors, and the number of missed alarms in the attention test results were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the inattention, antagonism and defiance, and impulsiveness and hyperactivity scores on SNAP-IV were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the knowledge of disease and treatment, medical and nursing cooperation, safety and protection, and dietary precautions were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the learning problems, conduct problems, psychosomatic problems, anxiety, impulsivity-hyperactivity, and hyperactivity index scores on the PSQ were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the A, B, C, D, and E theme scores in the CRT were higher in the observation group than in the control group, and the IQ score was also higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The cartoon text version of the health education manual with sandplay can significantly improve the attention deficit, hyperactive behaviour, psychological status, and cognitive function of children with ADHD on the basis of pharmacological treatment, which has a good clinical application.}, } @article {pmid36129004, year = {2022}, author = {Poncet, L and Desnous, C and Bellanger, C and Jozet-Alves, C}, title = {Unruly octopuses are the rule: Octopus vulgaris use multiple and individually variable strategies in an episodic-like memory task.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {225}, number = {19}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.244234}, pmid = {36129004}, issn = {1477-9145}, support = {ANR-18-CE02-0002//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; Decapodiformes ; Humans ; Learning ; Mammals ; *Octopodiformes ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Episodic-like memory has mainly been studied through experimental tasks in which subjects have to remember what they ate, where and when or in which context. Seemingly quite common in mammals and corvids, episodic-like memory ability has also been demonstrated in the common cuttlefish, a cephalopod mollusc. To explore whether this ability is common to all cephalopods or whether it has emerged to face specific ecological constraints, we conducted an episodic-like memory task with seven Octopus vulgaris. Only one individual learnt the replenishing rates during training and subsequently showed episodic-like memory ability, whereas the other individuals favoured simpler foraging strategies, such as avoidance of familiarity and alternation, use of a win-stay strategy and risk sensitivity. A high variability in the use of these strategies was observed between and within individuals throughout training. As octopuses seem to live under lighter environmental pressure than cuttlefish, they may not need to rely on episodic-like memory ability to optimize foraging as cuttlefish do. These results highlight the differences in the use of complex cognitive abilities between cuttlefish and octopuses, which might be linked to different environmental and predatory constraints.}, } @article {pmid36125644, year = {2022}, author = {Loth, A and Güntürkün, O and von Fersen, L and Janik, VM}, title = {Through the looking glass: how do marked dolphins use mirrors and what does it mean?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {1151-1160}, pmid = {36125644}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Gu227/16-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Bottle-Nosed Dolphin ; Elephants ; Fishes ; Crows ; *Behavior, Animal ; Pattern Recognition, Visual ; *Facial Recognition ; }, abstract = {Mirror-guided self-inspection is seen as a cognitive hallmark purportedly indicating the existence of self-recognition. Only a few species of great apes have been reported to pass a standard mark test for mirror self-recognition in which animals attempt to touch a mark. In addition, evidence for passing the mark test was also reported for Asian elephants, two species of corvids, and a species of cleaner fish. Mirror self-recognition has also been claimed for bottlenose dolphins, using exposure of marked areas to a mirror as evidence. However, what counts as self-directed behaviour to see the mark and what does not has been debated. To avoid this problem, we marked the areas around both eyes of the animals at the same time, one with visible and the other with transparent dye to control for haptic cues. This allowed the animal to see the mark easily and us to investigate what side was exposed to the mirror as an indicator for mark observation. We found that the animals actively chose to inspect their visibly marked side while they did not show an increased interest in a marked conspecific in the pool. These results demonstrate that dolphins use the mirror to inspect their marks and, therefore, likely recognise a distinction between self and others.}, } @article {pmid36124258, year = {2022}, author = {Walsemann, KM and Pearson, J and Abbruzzi, E}, title = {Education in the Jim Crow South and Black-White inequities in allostatic load among older adults.}, journal = {SSM - population health}, volume = {19}, number = {}, pages = {101224}, pmid = {36124258}, issn = {2352-8273}, support = {P2C HD065563/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AG067536/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {In the U.S., Black adults consistently have higher allostatic load - an indicator of physiological dysregulation - than White adults. Education is considered a likely mechanism given racial differences in attainment, but evidence is mixed. This may be due, in part, to data limitations that have made it difficult for scholars to account for the structurally rooted systemic racism that shaped the U.S. education system and led to large racial inequities in school term length and school attendance among older adults who grew up in the Jim Crow South. Our study addresses this limitation by linking historical data on Black and White segregated school systems in the U.S. South from 1919 to 1954 to the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to determine if a new measure of educational attainment that accounts for structural racism that led to differences in the number of school days attended by Black and White students across years and states better explains Black-White inequities in allostatic load among older adults who attended school during Jim Crow. We restrict our sample to HRS respondents racialized as White or Black, who resided in the South when they were school-aged, completed primary/secondary school between 1919 and 1954, and provided a measure of allostatic load (n = 1932). We find that our new measure of schooling - duration in school - reduced the Black-White inequity in allostatic load more so than self-reported years of schooling whether we measured allostatic load continuously (34% vs 16%) or categorically (45% vs 20%). Our findings highlight the importance of identifying and using historically informed measures of schooling that account for structurally rooted systemic racism when trying to understand how education shapes the health of individuals racialized as Black in the United States.}, } @article {pmid36118475, year = {2022}, author = {Koo, SJ and Kim, YJ and Seo, E and Park, HY and Min, JE and Bang, M and Park, JY and Lee, E and An, SK}, title = {Relationship of neurocognitive ability, perspective taking, and psychoticism with hostile attribution bias in non-clinical participants: Theory of mind as a mediator.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {863763}, pmid = {36118475}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Hostile attribution bias is reportedly common from non-clinical population to those with serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, and is known to be closely related to theory of mind (ToM). This study aimed to investigate whether ToM skills mediate the relationship among neurocognitive ability, personality traits, and attribution bias.

METHODS: A total of 198 (101 females) non-clinical youths were recruited. To assess their neurocognitive ability and ToM skills, the participants were asked to complete Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and the Korean version of the Reading the Mind in Eyes Test (K-RMET). To determine their personality traits, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (psychoticism) and interpersonal reactivity index (perspective taking) were used. To evaluate hostile attribution bias, the Ambiguous Intentions Hostility Questionnaire was administered. Path analysis and bias-corrected percentile bootstrap methods were used to estimate model fit and the parameters of the mediating effects.

RESULTS: Based on model comparison, the best model characterized (1) two direct pathways from psychoticism and the K-RMET to hostility attribution bias and (2) three indirect pathways, wherein SPM, perspective taking, and psychoticism influenced hostile attribution bias through K-RMET. The final model fit indices were good [x [2]/df = 1.126; comparative fit index = 0.996; root mean square error of approximation = 0.026; standard root mean square residual = 0.026 and Akaike information criterion = 28.251] and the K-RMET fully mediated the association between SPM, perspective taking, psychoticism, and hostile attribution bias.

CONCLUSION: The main findings suggested that ToM skills, such as the RMET, play an important role in explaining the relationship among neurocognitive ability, personality traits, and hostile attribution bias. ToM skills and a remediation strategy may need to be developed to balance the enhanced hostility bias that underlies the paranoia.}, } @article {pmid36117861, year = {2022}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Speechley, EM and Ridley, AR}, title = {Does trappability and self-selection influence cognitive performance?.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, pages = {220473}, pmid = {36117861}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Recent research has highlighted how trappability and self-selection-the processes by which individuals with particular traits may be more likely to be caught or to participate in experiments-may be sources of bias in studies of animal behaviour and cognition. It is crucial to determine whether such biases exist, and if they do, what effect they have on results. In this study, we investigated if trappability (quantified through 'ringing status'-whether or not a bird had been trapped for ringing) and self-selection are sources of bias in a series of associative learning experiments spanning 5 years in the Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis). We found no evidence of self-selection, with no biases in task participation associated with sex, age, group size or ringing status. In addition, we found that there was no effect of trappability on cognitive performance. These findings give us confidence in the results generated in the animal cognition literature and add to a growing body of literature seeking to determine potential sources of bias in studies of animal behaviour, and how they influence the generalizability and reproducibility of findings.}, } @article {pmid36113292, year = {2022}, author = {Ge, X and Ren, J and Li, S and Rene, ER and Zhou, D and Zhang, P and Hu, Q and Ma, W}, title = {Prediction of the impact of benzo[a]pyrene on shallow groundwater during natural infiltration of reclaimed water-receiving rivers: A case study of Liangshui, China.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {323}, number = {}, pages = {116070}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116070}, pmid = {36113292}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Benzo(a)pyrene ; China ; *Drinking Water ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Groundwater ; Rivers ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; }, abstract = {The quality of groundwater along rivers is greatly affected by long-term infiltration from surface water, especially reclaimed water-receiving rivers. To predict the degree of influence of contaminated river water on groundwater quality, the spatiotemporal distribution and migration evolution prediction of benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) was monitored and simulated by Hydrus-coupled Groundwater Modeling Systems (GMS) model in terms of reclaimed water-receiving Liangshui River. The prediction results indicated the goodness-of-fit of this coupled model, according to the model efficiency (E: 0.78-0.93), the mean absolute error (MAE: 0.01-0.32 m) and the root-mean-square error (RMSE: 0.06-0.35 m). The vertical infiltration rate of B(a)P in the vadose zone was 0.102 m[-1], which was only 0.73% that of water. B(a)P penetrated the 16 m depth vadose zone for 63 years owing to the attenuation function of adsorption and biodegradation, with contribution ratios of 78.4% and 19.3%, respectively. However, once B(a)P intersects with groundwater, the migration of B(a)P is dominated by horizontal migration due to downward movement along the groundwater flow direction. The migration rate of B(a)P in groundwater was 6.65 m/y in the horizontal direction, which was 2.42 and 16.22 times higher than the dispersion rate in the longitudinal and vertical directions, respectively. The spatiotemporal distribution indicated that the B(a)P concentration decreased with the crow-fly distance from river with attenuation rate constants of 1.19 × 10[-4], 3.05 × 10[-4], and 3.67 × 10[-3] m[-1] over horizontal, longitudinal, and vertical direction, respectively, which were negatively correlated with migration rate. However, the B(a)P content increased over the extension of infiltration time with an accumulation rate of 7.3 × 10[-2] d[-1]. The migration and accumulation of B(a)P induced potential health risks to groundwater-based drinking water safety, which resulted in the groundwater safety utilization range decreasing from 450 m, 283 m, and 20.1 m-583 m, 338 m, and 28.2 m far from the river over the horizontal, longitudinal, and vertical directions, respectively, 20 years later. This study provides a numerical modeling solution for the viable spatiotemporal evolution of B(a)P in groundwater and an effective decision-making tool for the safe utilization of groundwater as drinking water.}, } @article {pmid36106040, year = {2022}, author = {Pishghadam, R and Faribi, M and Kolahi Ahari, M and Shadloo, F and Gholami, MJ and Shayesteh, S}, title = {Intelligence, emotional intelligence, and emo-sensory intelligence: Which one is a better predictor of university students' academic success?.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {995988}, pmid = {36106040}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The primary aim of this study was to determine the role of psychometric intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and emo-sensory intelligence (ESQ) in university students' academic achievement. To this end, 212 university students at different academic levels, composed of 154 females and 58 males, were asked to complete the Raven's Progressive Matrices, the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory, and the Emo-Sensory Intelligence Scale. Data were then matched with students' Grade Point Averages as a measure of their academic achievement. The results revealed that students' level of IQ and EQ could positively predict their academic achievement. In the case of their ESQ level, its auditory sub-component was found to be a positive predictor of academic success. Results were discussed, and possible implications and applications for increasing students' chances for success were presented.}, } @article {pmid36101467, year = {2022}, author = {Zelentsova, EA and Yanshole, LV and Tsentalovich, YP and Sharshov, KA and Yanshole, VV}, title = {The Application of Quantitative Metabolomics for the Taxonomic Differentiation of Birds.}, journal = {Biology}, volume = {11}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {36101467}, issn = {2079-7737}, support = {21-74-00068//Russian Science Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {In the current pilot study, we propose the use of quantitative metabolomics to reconstruct the phylogeny of vertebrates, namely birds. We determined the concentrations of the 67 most abundant metabolites in the eye lenses of the following 14 species from 6 orders of the class Aves (Birds): the Black kite (Milvus migrans), Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), Northern raven (Corvus corax), Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), Godlewski's bunting (Emberiza godlewskii), Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Great tit (Parus major), Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes), Hooded crow (Corvus cornix), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Rock dove (Columba livia), Rook (Corvus frugilegus), Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) and Ural owl (Strix uralensis). Further analysis shows that the statistical approaches generally used in metabolomics can be applied for differentiation between species, and the most fruitful results were obtained with hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). We observed the grouping of conspecific samples independently of the sampling place and date. The HCA tree structure supports the key role of genomics in the formation of the lens metabolome, but it also indicates the influence of the species lifestyle. A combination of genomics-based and metabolomics-based phylogeny could potentially resolve arising issues and yield a more reliable tree of life.}, } @article {pmid36099476, year = {2023}, author = {Rahman, E and Mosahebi, A and Carruthers, JDA and Carruthers, A}, title = {The Efficacy and Duration of Onabotulinum Toxin A in Improving Upper Facial Expression Lines With 64-Unit Dose Optimization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trials.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {215-229}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjac253}, pmid = {36099476}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Humans ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Facial Expression ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Forehead ; *Skin Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Onabotulinumtoxin A (Onabot A) was the first treatment to be approved for aesthetic indications, namely glabellar lines (GLs), crow's feet lines (CFLs), and forehead lines (FHLs), with a cumulative dose of 64 U.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to combine the available data for approved doses for GLs, CFLs, and FHLs to explore the effect and duration of simultaneous treatment with Onabot A.

METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and other national clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials from January 2010 to July 2022. The meta-analysis, trial sequential analysis, and investigator-assessed time to return to nonresponder status in GLs, CFLs, and FHLs following Onabot A were plotted to elicit a cumulative dose-adjusted response curve based on Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test.

RESULTS: Fourteen randomized controlled trials were eligible for quantitative analysis. A total of 8369 subjects were recruited across the trials. The meta-analysis results show that Onabot A is very effective in reducing moderate to severe GLs, CFLs, and FHLs. The cumulative Z-curve for GLs, CFLs, and FHLs also exceeds the required information size (RIS). Kaplan-Meier analysis with a log-rank test demonstrated that simultaneous treatment of GLs, CFLs, and FHLs requires 182 days (95% CI = 179, 215 days) (P < 0.00002) to return to nonresponder status.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of the upper facial expression lines with Onabot A is effective, and the approved cumulative dose of 64 U gives longer-lasting effects.}, } @article {pmid36064742, year = {2022}, author = {Sarker, S and Sutherland, M}, title = {Molecular characterisation of a novel pathogenic avipoxvirus from an Australian little crow (Corvus bennetti) directly from the clinical sample.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {15053}, pmid = {36064742}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Avipoxvirus/genetics ; *Bird Diseases ; *Crows ; Phylogeny ; *Poxviridae Infections/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Avipoxviruses are thought to be restricted to avian hosts and considered significant pathogens that may impact the conservation of many birds. However, reports of avipoxvirus-like viruses from reptiles suggest that cross-species transmission, within birds and other species, may be possible. The vast majority of avipoxviruses in wild birds remain uncharacterised and their genetic variability is unclear. Here, cutaneous pox lesions were used to recover a novel full-length crowpox virus genome from an Australian little crow (Corvus bennetti), followed by the detection of immature and intracellular mature virions using electron microscopy. The CRPV genome was 328,768 bp in length and contained 403 predicted open-reading frames. While 356 of the ORFs of CRPV genome had the greatest similarity with other avipoxviruses gene products, a further 47 ORFs were novel. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses showed that the CRPV was most closely related to other avipoxviruses isolated from passerine and marine bird species and demonstrated the highest sequence similarity with an albatrosspox virus (84.4%). Considering the sequence similarity observed between CRPV and other avipoxviruses and phylogenetic position, this study concluded that the CRPV to be a distinct available candidate of avipoxviruses.}, } @article {pmid36051595, year = {2022}, author = {Behle, N and Kamp, F and Proebstl, L and Hager, L and Riebschläger, M and Schacht-Jablonowsky, M and Hamdorf, W and Neumann, S and Krause, D and Manz, K and Franke, AG and Koller, G and Soyka, M}, title = {Treatment outcome, cognitive function, and psychopathology in methamphetamine users compared to other substance users.}, journal = {World journal of psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {7}, pages = {944-957}, pmid = {36051595}, issn = {2220-3206}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rising number of people using methamphetamine leads to an increasing need for treatment options for this patient group. Evidence-based research on the efficacy of treatment programs for methamphetamine users is limited. Due to specific characteristics of methamphetamine users, the question arises whether established treatment methods for individuals using other substances can be effective for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence as well. We hypothesize that there are significant differences between the two groups that may affect the effectiveness of treatment and worsen the prognosis of treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users compared to consumers of other substances.

AIM: To investigate potential differences in cognitive functioning and psychopathology between methamphetamine users and other substance users and possible correlations with treatment outcomes.

METHODS: A total of 110 subjects were recruited for an observational, longitudinal study from a German inpatient addiction treatment center: 55 patients with methamphetamine dependence and 55 patients with dependence of other substances ("OS group"). Both groups were examined at beginning (baseline) and end of treatment (after 6 mo) with regard to treatment retention, craving, cognitive functioning, psychosocial resources, personality traits, depression, and other psychiatric symptoms. Instruments used were Raven's IQ test, Mannheimer craving scale, cognitrone cognitive test battery, NEO personality factors inventory, Hamilton depression scale, Becks depression inventory, and a symptom checklist. The statistical methods used were χ [2]-test, t-test and multiple mixed ANOVAs.

RESULTS: A total drop-out rate of 40% (methamphetamine-group: 36.4%; OS-group: 43.6%) was observed without significant differences between groups. At baseline, methamphetamine-group subjects significantly differed from OS-group individuals in terms of a lower intelligence quotient, fewer years of education, slower working speed, and decreased working accuracy, as well as less cannabinoid and cocaine use. Methamphetamine-group subjects further showed a significantly lower score of conscientiousness, depressive, and psychiatric symptoms than subjects from the OS-group. In both groups, a reduction of craving and depressive symptoms and an improvement of working speed and working accuracy was noted after treatment.

CONCLUSION: There are differences between methamphetamine users and users of other drugs, but not with regard to the effectiveness of treatment in this inpatient setting. There are differences in cognitive function and psychopathology between methamphetamine and other drugs users. The existing treatment options seem to be an effective approach in treating methamphetamine dependence.}, } @article {pmid37907444, year = {2022}, author = {Khorana, AA}, title = {Diversifying medical humanities: The case for Jay-Z.}, journal = {Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine}, volume = {89}, number = {9}, pages = {501-503}, doi = {10.3949/ccjm.89a.22011}, pmid = {37907444}, issn = {1939-2869}, } @article {pmid36029870, year = {2022}, author = {Tubío-Fungueiriño, M and Alemany-Navarro, M and Alonso, P and Arrojo, M and Real, E and Bertolin, S and Menchón, JM and Carracedo, A and Fernández-Prieto, M and Segalàs, C}, title = {Neuropsychological performance and predictors of pharmacological treatment response in obsessive compulsive disorder.}, journal = {Journal of affective disorders}, volume = {317}, number = {}, pages = {52-58}, doi = {10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.063}, pmid = {36029870}, issn = {1573-2517}, mesh = {Cognition ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Executive Function ; Humans ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of executive dysfunctions. As organizational strategies may play an important role as a possible endophenotype of the disorder, we decided to investigate non-verbal memory and organizational abilities in OCD. We also investigated how organization and non-verbal memory differ between responder and non-responder patients to pharmacological treatment, to test whether cognitive functions can predict the response to pharmacological treatment.

METHODS: In Study 1, executive and clinical functioning measures were applied to 162 OCD and 95 controls. In Study 2, clinical, intelligence and executive functioning measures were applied to 72 OCD responders and 63 OCD non-responder patients.

RESULTS: OCD patients and controls from Study 1 differed in copy organization (p < 0.01) and delayed recall (p = 0.048). In Study 2, the OCD responders displayed better copy organization (p = 0.013) and lower depressive, anxious and OCD symptoms (p < 0.01 in the three cases). Scores in the following instruments were found to predict the response to pharmacological treatment: HDRS, Y-BOCS, Raven progressive matrices, and Direct digit subtest from the Wechsler's scale (p < 0.01 in all four cases).

LIMITATIONS: In Study 1, the imbalance of the sample can be considered a limitation, whilst in Study 2, some of the levels of pharmacological resistance were not represented.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, non-verbal memory and organization was affected in OCD. Responder patients also displayed better executive functioning and fluid intelligence. Organizational ability is a predictor of pharmacological response to SSRI monotherapy in a predictive model controlling for anxious symptoms.}, } @article {pmid36029482, year = {2022}, author = {Johnson, SD and Buchweitz, JP and Lehner, AF}, title = {Single oral or intravenous administration of voriconazole achieved recommended therapeutic minimum inhibitory concentrations against Aspergillus in the common raven (Corvus corax).}, journal = {American journal of veterinary research}, volume = {83}, number = {10}, pages = {}, doi = {10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0055}, pmid = {36029482}, issn = {1943-5681}, mesh = {Administration, Intravenous/veterinary ; Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Antifungal Agents ; Area Under Curve ; Aspergillus ; *Crows ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests/veterinary ; Pyrimidines ; Triazoles ; Voriconazole ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole after single IV or orally administered boluses in common ravens (Corvus corax).

ANIMALS: 8 healthy common ravens.

PROCEDURES: Voriconazole (5 mg/mL, 10 mg/kg IV) was administered to 8 birds, and then plasma voriconazole concentrations were measured at various time points by high-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Starting 6 months later in a randomized 3-treatment 3-period regimen, birds received a single oral dose of voriconazole suspension (10 mg/mL; 6, 12, and 24 mg/kg PO). The study period was May 2015 to March 2016.

RESULTS: Voriconazole (10 mg/kg IV) achieved an initial plasma concentration of 6.31 µg/mL when measured over 21 hours. After oral administration of voriconazole at 6, 12, and 24 mg/kg, the relative bioavailability was 67.5%, 209%, and 183%, respectively. For the 6-mg/kg dose, the maximum plasma concentration was reached at 30 minutes after administration and remained in the therapeutic range of 0.5 to 1 µg/mL for approximately 15 hours. The 12- and 24-mg/kg doses resulted in concentrations in a potentially toxic range.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Voriconazole was well tolerated. All 4 doses resulted in plasma concentrations of voriconazole > 0.5 µg/mL, which is the minimum inhibitory concentration recommended for pathogenic species of Aspergillus fungi known to affect birds. A single dose of voriconazole administered as 10 mg/kg IV or 6 mg/kg PO resulted in recommended target plasma concentrations. Administration of voriconazole 6 mg/kg PO 2 to 3 times daily may be adequate for treatment without exceeding the toxic range.}, } @article {pmid36015978, year = {2022}, author = {Kumra, S and Joshi, S and Sahin, F}, title = {GR-ConvNet v2: A Real-Time Multi-Grasp Detection Network for Robotic Grasping.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {22}, number = {16}, pages = {}, pmid = {36015978}, issn = {1424-8220}, mesh = {Feedback, Sensory ; Hand Strength ; Neural Networks, Computer ; *Robotic Surgical Procedures ; *Robotics ; }, abstract = {We propose a dual-module robotic system to tackle the problem of generating and performing antipodal robotic grasps for unknown objects from the n-channel image of the scene. We present an improved version of the Generative Residual Convolutional Neural Network (GR-ConvNet v2) model that can generate robust antipodal grasps from n-channel image input at real-time speeds (20 ms). We evaluated the proposed model architecture on three standard datasets and achieved a new state-of-the-art accuracy of 98.8%, 95.1%, and 97.4% on Cornell, Jacquard and Graspnet grasping datasets, respectively. Empirical results show that our model significantly outperformed the prior work with a stricter IoU-based grasp detection metric. We conducted a suite of tests in simulation and the real world on a diverse set of previously unseen objects with adversarial geometry and household items. We demonstrate the adaptability of our approach by directly transferring the trained model to a 7 DoF robotic manipulator with a grasp success rate of 95.4% and 93.0% on novel household and adversarial objects, respectively. Furthermore, we validate the generalization capability of our pixel-wise grasp prediction model by validating it on complex Ravens-10 benchmark tasks, some of which require closed-loop visual feedback for multi-step sequencing.}, } @article {pmid36015459, year = {2022}, author = {Mgwatyu, Y and Cornelissen, S and van Heusden, P and Stander, A and Ranketse, M and Hesse, U}, title = {Establishing MinION Sequencing and Genome Assembly Procedures for the Analysis of the Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Genome.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {16}, pages = {}, pmid = {36015459}, issn = {2223-7747}, support = {NA//University of the Western Cape/ ; NA//FooBev SETA Research and Innovation Grant/ ; NA//South African Rooibos Council/ ; }, abstract = {While plant genome analysis is gaining speed worldwide, few plant genomes have been sequenced and analyzed on the African continent. Yet, this information holds the potential to transform diverse industries as it unlocks medicinally and industrially relevant biosynthesis pathways for bioprospecting. Considering that South Africa is home to the highly diverse Cape Floristic Region, local establishment of methods for plant genome analysis is essential. Long-read sequencing is becoming standard procedure for plant genome research, as these reads can span repetitive regions of the DNA, substantially facilitating reassembly of a contiguous genome. With the MinION, Oxford Nanopore offers a cost-efficient sequencing method to generate long reads; however, DNA purification protocols must be adapted for each plant species to generate ultra-pure DNA, essential for these analyses. Here, we describe a cost-effective procedure for the extraction and purification of plant DNA and evaluate diverse genome assembly approaches for the reconstruction of the genome of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), an endemic South African medicinal plant widely used for tea production. We discuss the pros and cons of nine tested assembly programs, specifically Redbean and NextDenovo, which generated the most contiguous assemblies, and Flye, which produced an assembly closest to the predicted genome size.}, } @article {pmid36008849, year = {2022}, author = {Jain, V and Bugnyar, T and Cunningham, SJ and Gallego-Abenza, M and Loretto, MC and Sumasgutner, P}, title = {The spatial and temporal exploitation of anthropogenic food sources by common ravens (Corvus corax) in the Alps.}, journal = {Movement ecology}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {35}, pmid = {36008849}, issn = {2051-3933}, support = {P29705//Austrian Science Fund/ ; 798091//European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anthropogenic food sources (AFSs) are widespread in human-transformed landscapes and the current scale at which they occur drives ecological change at the individual, population, and community levels. AFSs are exploited extensively by common ravens, Corvus corax. Understanding how raven populations use AFSs can provide insight into their ecological responses to AFSs.

METHODS: We equipped 81 ravens in the Austrian Alps with GPS-transmitters over a period of 2.75 years. Using these tracking data, we investigated how cohort differences (i.e., age, sex, and origin) and seasonal changes influence raven movement patterns (i.e., occurrence distribution and maximum daily displacement) and AFS-use (i.e., number of AFSs visited and probability of being present at any AFS) at 45 extensively exploited sites.

RESULTS: We found that proxies for experience and dominance, inferred by age (i.e., juvenile versus adult) and origin (i.e., wild-caught versus captive-bred-released) cohorts, influenced movement patterns and the number of AFSs visited. However, all individuals were equally likely to be present at AFSs, highlighting the importance of AFSs for non-breeders in the study population. Seasonal changes in environmental conditions that affect energetic demands, the availability of natural and anthropogenic food, and foraging competition,  influenced individuals' occurrence distributions and AFS-use. We found that under harsher conditions in autumn and winter, individuals ranged wider and depended on AFSs to a larger degree. However, contrary to expectation, they were less likely to be present at AFSs in these seasons compared to spring and summer, suggesting a trade-off between time spent moving and exploiting resources. We attribute the small ranging movements exhibited by non-breeders in spring and summer to the presence of highly territorial and socially dominant breeders. As breeders mostly stay and forage within their territories during these seasons, competition at AFSs decrease, thereby increasing the likelihood of individuals being present at any AFS.

CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize that movement and AFS-use differ according to cohort differences and the seasonality of the environment. Our results highlight that predictable AFSs affect foraging strategies among non-breeding ravens. The extent of AFS-exploitation among non-breeding ravens in our study emphasize the potential of AFSs in shaping raven movement and resource-use.}, } @article {pmid35997416, year = {2022}, author = {Bouchefra, S and Azeroual, A and Boudassamout, H and Ahaji, K and Ech-Chaouy, A and Bour, A}, title = {Association between Non-Verbal Intelligence and Academic Performance of Schoolchildren from Taza, Eastern Morocco.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {35997416}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Interest in identifying factors influencing educational success is growing. It is often observed that a group of students share the same external variables (school environment) yet have different results, which states that individual variables have more impact on the determination of academic performance. Therefore, the present study aimed to substantiate this fact by investigating the association between non-verbal fluid intelligence and academic performance in a population of schoolchildren in Eastern Morocco. The investigation was a cross-sectional study based on a self-administered questionnaire. Items included the standard Raven's progressive matrices. Students' grades were collected from the administrative offices of the visited schools. Significant and positive correlations between the non-verbal intelligence scores and the school results were found: for the general average, the correlation was 0.574; for the school subject French, the correlation coefficient was 0.475; and for mathematics, we found a relatively low coefficient of 0.381. Non-verbal fluid intelligence significantly and positively predicted academic performance (β = .574, p = .000). These results call for policymakers to implement the use of intelligence tests with school directors and teachers as a diagnostic tool to guide support efforts for low-achieving children and even to create pilot classes for the best-performing students.}, } @article {pmid35996653, year = {2022}, author = {Mohammed, MA and Al-Khateeb, B and Yousif, M and Mostafa, SA and Kadry, S and Abdulkareem, KH and Garcia-Zapirain, B}, title = {Novel Crow Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Selection Approach for Optimal Deep Learning COVID-19 Diagnostic Model.}, journal = {Computational intelligence and neuroscience}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {1307944}, pmid = {35996653}, issn = {1687-5273}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; COVID-19 Testing ; *Crows ; *Deep Learning ; Humans ; Pandemics ; }, abstract = {Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, computerized COVID-19 diagnosis studies are proliferating. The diversity of COVID-19 models raises the questions of which COVID-19 diagnostic model should be selected and which decision-makers of healthcare organizations should consider performance criteria. Because of this, a selection scheme is necessary to address all the above issues. This study proposes an integrated method for selecting the optimal deep learning model based on a novel crow swarm optimization algorithm for COVID-19 diagnosis. The crow swarm optimization is employed to find an optimal set of coefficients using a designed fitness function for evaluating the performance of the deep learning models. The crow swarm optimization is modified to obtain a good selected coefficient distribution by considering the best average fitness. We have utilized two datasets: the first dataset includes 746 computed tomography images, 349 of them are of confirmed COVID-19 cases and the other 397 are of healthy individuals, and the second dataset are composed of unimproved computed tomography images of the lung for 632 positive cases of COVID-19 with 15 trained and pretrained deep learning models with nine evaluation metrics are used to evaluate the developed methodology. Among the pretrained CNN and deep models using the first dataset, ResNet50 has an accuracy of 91.46% and a F1-score of 90.49%. For the first dataset, the ResNet50 algorithm is the optimal deep learning model selected as the ideal identification approach for COVID-19 with the closeness overall fitness value of 5715.988 for COVID-19 computed tomography lung images case considered differential advancement. In contrast, the VGG16 algorithm is the optimal deep learning model is selected as the ideal identification approach for COVID-19 with the closeness overall fitness value of 5758.791 for the second dataset. Overall, InceptionV3 had the lowest performance for both datasets. The proposed evaluation methodology is a helpful tool to assist healthcare managers in selecting and evaluating the optimal COVID-19 diagnosis models based on deep learning.}, } @article {pmid35980452, year = {2023}, author = {Hadjikhani, N and Galazka, M and Kenet, T and Joseph, R and Åsberg Johnels, J}, title = {Discrepancy between high non-verbal intelligence and low accuracy at reading emotional expressions in the eyes reflects the magnitude of social-emotional difficulties in autism.}, journal = {European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience}, volume = {273}, number = {3}, pages = {755-759}, pmid = {35980452}, issn = {1433-8491}, support = {PPP00P3-130191//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 2018-02397//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *Autistic Disorder/psychology ; Quality of Life ; Emotions ; Intelligence ; Empathy ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis ; }, abstract = {Many so-called "high functioning" autistic individuals struggle with daily living skills, and have poorer than expected adult outcomes in employment, relationships, and quality of life. Significant discrepancies between non-verbal intelligence and emotional processing can be observed in autism, but the role of the magnitude of this gap in achieving potential psychosocial outcome is not known. Here, we show in a large group of participants (n = 107), that only among those with an autism diagnosis (n = 33), the gap between non-verbal intelligence (as measured by Raven's matrices) and the ability to perform the Reading the Mind in the Eyes test significantly predicts self-perceived emotional/social difficulties as assessed by the Empathy Quotient. Our results suggest that it is specifically the magnitude of the gap between (high) levels of abstract reasoning skills and poor proficiency in reading emotions expressed by the eyes that predicts self-perceived difficulties in emotional and social interactions among adults with autism. A better understanding of the underlying causes of the discrepancy between potential and actual psychosocial outcomes is the first step toward developing the most appropriate support for this vulnerable population, and our study offers some potentially important insights in this regard.}, } @article {pmid35969822, year = {2022}, author = {Paltrow, LM}, title = {Roe v Wade and the New Jane Crow: Reproductive Rights in the Age of Mass Incarceration.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {112}, number = {9}, pages = {1313-1317}, doi = {10.2105/AJPH.2012.301104r}, pmid = {35969822}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {*Abortion, Induced ; Abortion, Legal ; Animals ; Civil Rights ; *Crows ; Female ; Government Regulation ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant People ; Reproductive Rights ; Supreme Court Decisions ; United States ; Women's Rights ; }, } @article {pmid35957551, year = {2022}, author = {Forbes, SL and Samson, C and Watson, CJ}, title = {Seasonal impact of scavenger guilds as taphonomic agents in central and northern Ontario, Canada.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {67}, number = {6}, pages = {2203-2217}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.15122}, pmid = {35957551}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {C150-2017-12//Canada 150 Research Chair in Forensic Thanatology/ ; RGPIN/6098/2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Swine ; Animals ; Seasons ; *Feeding Behavior ; Ontario ; *Birds ; Ecosystem ; Fishes ; Foxes ; }, abstract = {The process of human decomposition is driven by biological decomposers, mainly bacteria, vertebrates, and invertebrate scavengers. When vertebrate scavengers have access to a body, they can considerably accelerate decomposition through consumption of soft tissue and dispersal of skeletal elements. Presently, there are limited data available on vertebrate scavenging activity in Canada, particularly in densely populated provinces such as Ontario. This study aimed to determine which vertebrate species belong to the scavenger guilds in central and northern Ontario, and the impact of season and habitat on these taphonomic agents. Seasonal trials were conducted in summer, fall, and spring of 2020/2021 with pig carcasses placed in open (grassland) and closed (forest) sites. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded continuously using cellular and non-cellular trail cameras. Photographs were analyzed to identify species, quantify feeding intensity, and document scavenging behavior. We identified four mammalian scavengers, namely coyote, red fox, fisher, and pine marten, and three avian scavengers, namely bald eagle, turkey vulture, and American crows/northern ravens (grouped as corvids) across the trials. Season impacted scavenger presence with feeding and loss of soft tissue occurring more quickly in the summer, followed by spring and fall. None of the scavengers demonstrated a clear preference for the open versus closed sites. Our findings have identified the most prevalent vertebrate scavengers in central and northern Ontario and their taphonomic impact on soft and hard tissues. It is important to consider these agents and their ability to degrade and disperse remains during the search and recovery of human remains.}, } @article {pmid35944836, year = {2022}, author = {Peacock, D and Croxford, A and Iannella, A and Kovaliski, J and Lavazza, A and Cooke, B and Spratt, D and Strive, T and Taggart, D and Campbell, S and Robinson, S and Sawyers, E}, title = {Using genetic analysis to determine the distribution, prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in pest rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Australia.}, journal = {Parasitology international}, volume = {91}, number = {}, pages = {102642}, doi = {10.1016/j.parint.2022.102642}, pmid = {35944836}, issn = {1873-0329}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia/epidemiology ; *Coccidiosis/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Eimeria/genetics ; Feces ; Prevalence ; Rabbits ; }, abstract = {To genetically assess the Australian distribution and frequency of Eimeria species in wild rabbits, with a primary focus on Eimeria intestinalis and Eimeria flavescens as possible additional agents of rabbit biocontrol, the distal colon and faecal samples from wild rabbits sourced from 26 Australian locations with mean annual rainfalls of between 252 mm and 925 mm were analysed using amplicon sequencing of the ITS1 region. Contrary to previous microscopy studies which had only detected E. flavescens on mainland Australia at Wellstead in south-west Western Australia, we detected this species at all 23 effectively sampled sites. The more pathogenic E. intestinalis was only found at 52.2% of sites. Three unique Eimeria genotypes were detected that did not align to the 11 published sequences using a pairwise-match threshold of 90%, and may represent unsequenced known species or novel species. One genotype we termed E. Au19SH and was detected at 20 sites, E. Au19CO was detected at eight sites, and E. Au19CN was detected in one rabbit at Crows Nest (Qld). Site diversity ranged from only five Eimeria species at Boboyan (ACT) to 13 unique sequences at Cargo (NSW). Eimeria diversity in individual rabbits ranged from 11 unique sequences in a rabbit at Wellstead (WA) and a rabbit at Cargo (NSW), to one in 17 rabbits and zero in six rabbits. The three rabbit age classes averaged 4.3 Eimeria species per rabbit. No relationship was found between the number of Eimeria species detected and mean annual rainfall. As Eimeria species were found to be fairly ubiquitous at most sites they appear to be an unlikely additional candidate to assist the control of pest rabbits in Australia.}, } @article {pmid35938778, year = {2022}, author = {Kersten, Y and Friedrich-Müller, B and Nieder, A}, title = {A brain atlas of the carrion crow (Corvus corone).}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {530}, number = {17}, pages = {3011-3038}, doi = {10.1002/cne.25392}, pmid = {35938778}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/metabolism ; Cognition/physiology ; *Crows/metabolism ; Hippocampus/metabolism ; *Songbirds ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Corvidae, passerine songbirds such as jays, crows, and ravens known as corvids, have become model systems for the study of avian cognition. The superior cognitive capabilities of corvids mainly emerge from a disproportionally large telencephalon found in these species. However, a systematic mapping of the neuroanatomy of the corvid brain, and the telencephalon in particular, is lacking so far. Here, we present a brain atlas of the carrion crow, Corvus corone, with special emphasis on the telencephalic pallium. We applied four staining techniques to brain slices (Nissl, myelin, combination of Nissl and myelin, and tyrosine hydroxylase targeting catecholaminergic neurons). This allowed us to identify brain nuclei throughout the brain and delineate the known pallial subdivisions termed hyperpallium, entopallium, mesopallium, nidopallium, arcopallium, and hippocampal complex. The extent of these subdivisions and brain nuclei are described according to stereotaxic coordinates. In addition, 3D depictions of pallial regions were reconstructed from these slices. While the overall organization of the carrion crow's brain matches other songbird brains, the relative proportions and expansions of associative pallial areas differ considerably in agreement with enhanced cognitive skills found in corvids. The presented global organization of the crow brain in stereotaxic coordinates will help to guide future neurobiological studies in corvids.}, } @article {pmid35935789, year = {2022}, author = {Cheng, H and Zhang, R and Zhuo, F}, title = {Synergistic effect of microneedle-delivered extracellular matrix compound and radiofrequency on rejuvenation of periorbital wrinkles.}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {900784}, pmid = {35935789}, issn = {2296-858X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A combination of minimally invasive modalities can induce collagen regeneration more quickly and promote the penetration of topical agents, thus promoting skin rejuvenation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the synergistic efficacy of extracellular matrix compound (ECM-C) via microneedle (MN) and radiofrequency (RF) on periorbital wrinkles.

METHOD: A total of 25 participants with periorbital wrinkles were selected for this study. The left and right side of the periorbital area was randomly given ECM-C via MN or ECM-C via MN combined with RF. MN combined with ECM-C treatment was given 5 times at 2 weeks intervals, whereas RF treatment was given 3 times at 4-week intervals. The following items were assessed: wrinkles by VISIA[®] system; biophysical parameters such as skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema index, and melanin index by CK multiple probe adapter; and skin elasticity and skin thickness by DermaLab Combo[®] photographs were taken at the baseline and 2 weeks after the last treatment. Subjective assessments, such as Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS) and Global Aesthetic International Scale (GAIS), were also recorded.

RESULT: A total of 25 participants with an average age of 43 years participated in this trial. Periorbital wrinkles on both sides decreased after the treatment, and the side treated with ECM via MN and RF showed better improvement than the other side with ECM-C via MN alone. Skin hydration increased after the treatment on both sides. TEWL, skin erythema, and skin melanin indexes were not changed. Skin elasticity and skin thickness increased more on the side of ECM-C via MN and RF than on the other side of ECM-C via MN alone. The evaluation scores for CFGS improved on either side; however, no difference was found for CFGS and GAIS between intergroup comparisons after the treatment.

CONCLUSION: The objective assessment of wrinkles, elasticity, and thickness of periorbital skin improved more on the side with ECM-C treatment via MN combined with RF than on the other side of ECM-C treatment via MN only. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the subjective CFGS and GAIS evaluation of the two sides.}, } @article {pmid35906262, year = {2022}, author = {Das Gupta, S and Barua, B and Fournié, G and Hoque, MA and Henning, J}, title = {Village and farm-level risk factors for avian influenza infection on backyard chicken farms in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {13009}, pmid = {35906262}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BB/L018993/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/L018993/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Chickens ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Farms ; *Influenza in Birds ; Poultry ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {A cross-sectional study was conducted with 144 small-scale poultry farmers across 42 Bangladeshi villages to explore risk factors associated with avian influenza H5 and H9 seropositivity on backyard chicken farms. Using mixed-effects logistic regression with village as random effect, we identified crow abundance in garbage dumping places and presence of migratory wild birds within villages to be associated with higher odds of H5 and H9 seropositivity. At farm-level, garbage around poultry houses was also associated with higher odds of H5 and H9 seropositivity. In addition, specific trading practices (such as, purchase of chickens from live bird markets (LBM) and neighboring farms to raise them on their own farms, frequency of visits to LBM, purchase of poultry at LBM for consumption) and contact of backyard chickens with other animals (such as, feeding of different poultry species together, using pond water as drinking source for poultry, access of feral and wild animals to poultry houses) were associated with higher odds of H5 or H9 seropositivity. Resource-constrained small-scale poultry farmers should be able to address risk factors identified in this study without requiring large investments into poultry management, thereby reducing the likelihood of avian influenza virus transmission and ultimately occurrence of avian influenza outbreaks.}, } @article {pmid35900860, year = {2022}, author = {Cai, Y and Yang, C and Wang, S and Xue, G}, title = {The Neural Mechanism Underlying Visual Working Memory Training and Its Limited Transfer Effect.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {34}, number = {11}, pages = {2082-2099}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_01897}, pmid = {35900860}, issn = {1530-8898}, mesh = {Humans ; Learning/physiology ; *Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Problem Solving ; *Transfer, Psychology/physiology ; }, abstract = {Visual working memory (VWM) training has been shown to improve performance in trained tasks with limited transfer to untrained tasks. The neural mechanism underlying this limited transfer remains unknown. In the present study, this issue was addressed by combining model-fitting methods with EEG recordings. Participants were trained on a color delay estimation task for 12 consecutive 1-hr sessions, and the transfer effect was evaluated with an orientation change detection task. The EEG responses during both tasks were collected in a pretraining test, a posttraining test conducted 1 day after training, and a follow-up test conducted 3 months after training. According to our model-fitting results, training significantly improved the capacity but not the precision of color working memory (WM), and this capacity improvement did not transfer to the orientation change detection task, spatial 2-back task, symmetry span task, or Raven reasoning test. The EEG results revealed that training resulted in a specific and sustained increase in parietal theta power suppression in the color WM task, which reflected individual color WM capacity. In contrast, the increase in parietal-temporal alpha power, which reflected individual orientation WM capacity, did not change with training. Together, these findings suggest that the simultaneous change of stimulus type and task structure would modulate the cognitive and neural substrates of WM tasks and introduce additional constraints for the transfer of WM training.}, } @article {pmid35899401, year = {2023}, author = {Korkmaz, M and Sapmaz-Yurtsever, S and Kaçar-Başaran, S and Demiral, N and Çabuk, T}, title = {Bender-Gestalt II Test: Psychometric Properties with Global Scoring System on a Turkish Standardization Sample.}, journal = {Child neuropsychology : a journal on normal and abnormal development in childhood and adolescence}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {607-627}, doi = {10.1080/09297049.2022.2104237}, pmid = {35899401}, issn = {1744-4136}, mesh = {Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Adolescent ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Bender-Gestalt Test ; *Psychomotor Performance ; Reference Standards ; }, abstract = {The present study aims to standardize the Bender-Gestalt II Test by exploring its psychometric properties on a Turkish sample between the ages of 4 and 17 years and to obtain its normative values. The standardization sample consisted of 2691 students aged 4.0-17.11 years/months from low, middle, and high socioeconomic statuses, attending preschool, primary, and high school education. The participants were administered the Bender-Gestalt II Test and other tests, including the Gesell Developmental Schedules test, Colored Progressive Matrices Test, Goodenough Draw-a-Man Test, Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test, and Visual-Aural Digit Span Test-Revised Form, according to their age groups. The results revealed the absolute agreement values of the Copy items to be between .87 and .98. Thereafter, we calculated the test-retest reliability coefficients of the Copy scores to range from .74 to .67 by age groups, while the split-half reliability coefficients for each age group were between .62 and .87. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested its single-factor structure for all age groups. The Copy scores showed significant correlations and predicted the criterion characteristics, which include general cognitive ability, mental development/fine motor skills, short-term memory, and attention. Overall, the present study confirmed that the Bender-Gestalt II Test is a valid, reliable, and standardized measure to evaluate the visual-motor integration ability of those aged 4.0-17.11 years/months.}, } @article {pmid35897325, year = {2022}, author = {Lima, RA and Soares, FC and van Poppel, M and Savinainen, S and Mäntyselkä, A and Haapala, EA and Lakka, T}, title = {Determinants of Cognitive Performance in Children and Adolescents: A Populational Longitudinal Study.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {19}, number = {15}, pages = {}, pmid = {35897325}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cognition ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence Tests ; *Life Style ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Physical Fitness ; }, abstract = {We evaluated the determinants of cognitive performance in children and adolescents. This is a longitudinal study, secondary analysis of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study. We assessed 502 children (51.6% girls) at middle childhood (range: 6.6 to 9.0 years), at late childhood, 437 children (51.0% girls, range: 8.8 to 11.2 years), and in 277 adolescents (54.5% girls, range: 15.0 to 17.4 years). Raven's progressive matrices tests estimated the participants' cognitive performance (outcome variable) at all time points. In total, we evaluated 29 factors from various dimensions (prenatal, neonatal, child fitness, lifestyle and anthropometrics). None of the neonatal and anthropometric parameters were associated with cognitive performance. Preeclampsia (prenatal) and listening to music, writing, arts and craft and watching TV (lifestyle) were negatively associated with cognitive performance. Shuttle run and box and block tests (fitness), and playing music, reading and time at the computer (lifestyle) were positive determinants of cognitive performance in children and adolescents. Fitness and lifestyle factors during childhood and adolescence diminished the importance of prenatal factors on cognitive performance and lifestyle factors were especially relevant in regard to cognitive performance. Reading was positively associated with cognitive performance, regardless of age and time dedicated, and should be promoted.}, } @article {pmid35896346, year = {2022}, author = {Naka, A and Hinenoya, A and Awasthi, SP and Yamasaki, S}, title = {Isolation and characterization of Escherichia albertii from wild and safeguarded animals in Okayama Prefecture and its prefectural borders, Japan.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {84}, number = {9}, pages = {1299-1306}, pmid = {35896346}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Dogs ; *Escherichia/genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Humans ; Japan/epidemiology ; Mammals ; Rabbits ; }, abstract = {Escherichia albertii has recently been recognized as a zoonotic enteropathogen associated with food poisoning. The reservoirs and transmission routes of this bacterium to humans are still unclear. In this study, we performed a survey of E. albertii in fecal specimens of wild and safeguarded animals in Okayama Prefecture and its prefectural borders, Japan to understand its reservoir in the environment. Forty-two E. albertii were isolated from 10 and 31 droppings of 59 crows and 125 starlings, respectively. Fifty-two E. albertii were isolated from 906 mammal droppings, and out of 52 isolates, origin of 33, 6 and 1 isolates were from martens, foxes, and rabbit, respectively, however, origin of 12 isolates remained unknown. Three E. albertii were isolated from two and one feces of 159 dogs and 76 cats, respectively. Pulsed-filed gel electrophoresis analysis grouped 97 E. albertii strains into 66 pulsotypes including 36 and 30 pulsotypes of isolates from mammals and birds, respectively. E. albertii strains isolated in this study were genetically diverse. Although clonal relationship was not observed between mammal and bird isolates, there were intra- and inter-species relationship in mammalian isolates. All E. albertii strains were positive for eae and Eacdt virulence genes. Furthermore, 20 and 7 strains also carried Eccdt-I and stx2f genes, respectively. Taken together, the results indicate that genetically diverse and potentially virulent E. albertii are distributed among various wild and safeguarded animals in Okayama Prefecture, and the animals could also be reservoirs of E. albertii.}, } @article {pmid35893267, year = {2022}, author = {Janurik, M and Józsa, K}, title = {Long-Term Impacts of Early Musical Abilities on Academic Achievement: A Longitudinal Study.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {35893267}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {NKFI K124839//National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Hungary/ ; MTA-MATE Early Childhood Research Group//Content Pedagogy Research Program of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences/ ; }, abstract = {Numerous neurological, psychological, and transfer studies confirmed the role of learning music in cognitive development and education. However, exploring the long-term impacts of early musical abilities on academic achievement has gained relatively little attention thus far. In a seven-year longitudinal study, we examined the predictive role of musical abilities in future success in school. The sample consisted of 76 Hungarian students. The independent variables were mothers' education and the tests administered to Grade-1 students, which included Raven's Progressive Matrices and tests on word reading, mathematics, and musical abilities. The dependent variable was GPA in Grade 7. All tests demonstrated adequate reliability. In the regression model with the most significant predictive role, the independent variables explained 46% of GPA in Grade 7 when taken together. We established the long-term predictive role of musical abilities in later success in school. Rhythm perception and reproduction demonstrated the most significant explanatory power (11%) of variance for GPA. Mathematics and mothers' education each explained 10% of the variance. The findings shed light on the positive impacts that early musical training may play in later academic achievement, even in the long run.}, } @article {pmid35890782, year = {2022}, author = {Bhuiyan, R and Abdullah, J and Hashim, N and Al Farid, F and Mohd Isa, WN and Uddin, J and Abdullah, N}, title = {Deep Dilated Convolutional Neural Network for Crowd Density Image Classification with Dataset Augmentation for Hajj Pilgrimage.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {22}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {35890782}, issn = {1424-8220}, mesh = {*Crowding ; Data Collection ; Islam ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Saudi Arabia/epidemiology ; *Travel ; }, abstract = {Almost two million Muslim pilgrims from all around the globe visit Mecca each year to conduct Hajj. Each year, the number of pilgrims grows, creating worries about how to handle such large crowds and avoid unpleasant accidents or crowd congestion catastrophes. In this paper, we introduced deep Hajj crowd dilated convolutional neural network (DHCDCNNet) for crowd density analysis. This research also presents augmentation technique to create additional dataset based on the hajj pilgrimage scenario. We utilized a single framework to extract both high-level and low-level features. For creating additional dataset we divide the process of images augmentation into two routes. In the first route, we utilized magnitude extraction followed by the polar magnitude. In the second route, we performed morphological operation followed by transforming the image into skeleton. This paper presented a solution to the challenge of measuring crowd density using a surveillance camera pointed at a distance. An FCNN-based technique for crowd analysis is included in the proposed methodology, particularly for classifying crowd density. There are several obstacles in video analysis when there are a large number of pilgrims moving around the tawaf area, with densities of between 7 and 8 per square meter. The proposed DHCDCNNet method has achieved accuracy of 97%, 89% and 100% for the JHU-CROWD dataset, the UCSD dataset and the proposed Hajj-Crowd dataset, respectively. The proposed Hajj-Crowd dataset, the UCSD dataset, and the JHU-CROW dataset all had accuracy of 98%, 97% and 97%, respectively, using the VGGNet approach. Using the ResNet50 approach, the proposed Hajj-Crowd dataset, the UCSD dataset, and the JHU-CROW dataset all had an accuracy of 99%, 91% and 97%, respectively.}, } @article {pmid35883367, year = {2022}, author = {Jokimäki, J and Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, ML and Suhonen, J}, title = {Long-Term Winter Population Trends of Corvids in Relation to Urbanization and Climate at Northern Latitudes.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {35883367}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Corvids (crows, magpies, jays) live in a close association with humans, and therefore knowledge about their population status and changes will be an essential part of monitoring the quality of urban environments. Wintering bird populations can track habitat and climate changes more rapidly than breeding populations. We conducted a long-term (1991-2020) winter census of corvid species in 31 human settlements along a 920 km latitudinal gradient in Finland. We observed a total of five corvid species: the Eurasian Magpie (occurring in 114 surveys out of 122; total abundance 990 ind.), the Hooded Crow (in 96 surveys; 666 ind.), the Eurasian Jackdaw (in 51 surveys; 808 ind.), the Eurasian Jay (in 5 surveys; 6 ind.) and the Rook (in 1 survey; 1 ind.). Only the numbers of the Eurasian Jackdaw differed between the study winters, being greater at the end of the study period (2019/2020) than during the earlier winters (1991/1992 and 1999/2000). The average growth rate (λ) of the Eurasian Jackdaw increased during the study period, whereas no changes were observed in the cases of the Hooded Crow or the Eurasian Magpie. The growth rate of the Eurasian Jackdaw was greater than that observed in the Finnish bird-monitoring work, probably because our data came only from the core area of each human settlement. Even though the number of buildings and their cover increased in the study plots, and the winter temperature differed between winters, the average growth rate (λ) of corvid species did not significantly correlate with these variables. These results suggest that urban settlements are stable wintering environments for the generalist corvids. The between-species interactions were all positive, but non-significant. Despite the total number of winter-feeding sites being greater during the winter of 1991/1992 than during the winter of 2019/2020, the changes in the numbers of feeding stations did not correlate with the growth rates of any corvid species. We assume that the Eurasian Jackdaw has benefitted from the decreased persecution, and probably also from large-scale climate warming that our study design was unable to take in to account. Our results indicated that wintering corvid populations succeed well in the human settlements in Finland. We recommend conducting long-term corvid research, also during breeding season, to understand more detailed causes of the population changes of corvids along an urban gradient. Without year-round long-term monitoring data, the conservation and management recommendations related to the corvid species in urban habitats may be misleading.}, } @article {pmid35880187, year = {2022}, author = {Calić, G and Glumbić, N and Petrović-Lazić, M and Đorđević, M and Mentus, T}, title = {Searching for Best Predictors of Paralinguistic Comprehension and Production of Emotions in Communication in Adults With Moderate Intellectual Disability.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {884242}, pmid = {35880187}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Paralinguistic comprehension and production of emotions in communication include the skills of recognizing and interpreting emotional states with the help of facial expressions, prosody and intonation. In the relevant scientific literature, the skills of paralinguistic comprehension and production of emotions in communication are related primarily to receptive language abilities, although some authors found also their correlations with intellectual abilities and acoustic features of the voice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate which of the mentioned variables (receptive language ability, acoustic features of voice, intellectual ability, social-demographic), presents the most relevant predictor of paralinguistic comprehension and paralinguistic production of emotions in communication in adults with moderate intellectual disabilities (MID). The sample included 41 adults with MID, 20-49 years of age (M = 34.34, SD = 7.809), 29 of whom had MID of unknown etiology, while 12 had Down syndrome. All participants are native speakers of Serbian. Two subscales from The Assessment Battery for Communication - Paralinguistic comprehension of emotions in communication and Paralinguistic production of emotions in communication, were used to assess the examinees from the aspect of paralinguistic comprehension and production skills. For the graduation of examinees from the aspect of assumed predictor variables, the following instruments were used: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test was used to assess receptive language abilities, Computerized Speech Lab ("Kay Elemetrics" Corp., model 4300) was used to assess acoustic features of voice, and Raven's Progressive Matrices were used to assess intellectual ability. Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to investigate to which extent the proposed variables present an actual predictor variables for paralinguistic comprehension and production of emotions in communication as dependent variables. The results of this analysis showed that only receptive language skills had statistically significant predictive value for paralinguistic comprehension of emotions (β = 0.468, t = 2.236, p < 0.05), while the factor related to voice frequency and interruptions, form the domain of acoustic voice characteristics, displays predictive value for paralinguistic production of emotions (β = 0.280, t = 2.076, p < 0.05). Consequently, this study, in the adult population with MID, evidenced a greater importance of voice and language in relation to intellectual abilities in understanding and producing emotions.}, } @article {pmid35879564, year = {2023}, author = {Loh, Z and Hall, EH and Cronin, D and Henderson, JM}, title = {Working memory control predicts fixation duration in scene-viewing.}, journal = {Psychological research}, volume = {87}, number = {4}, pages = {1143-1154}, pmid = {35879564}, issn = {1430-2772}, support = {R01 EY027792/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; R01-EY027792//Foundation for the National Institutes of Health/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Fixation, Ocular ; Eye Movements ; Saccades ; Cognition ; }, abstract = {When viewing scenes, observers differ in how long they linger at each fixation location and how far they move their eyes between fixations. What factors drive these differences in eye-movement behaviors? Previous work suggests individual differences in working memory capacity may influence fixation durations and saccade amplitudes. In the present study, participants (N = 98) performed two scene-viewing tasks, aesthetic judgment and memorization, while viewing 100 photographs of real-world scenes. Working memory capacity, working memory processing ability, and fluid intelligence were assessed with an operation span task, a memory updating task, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, respectively. Across participants, we found significant effects of task on both fixation durations and saccade amplitudes. At the level of each individual participant, we also found a significant relationship between memory updating task performance and participants' fixation duration distributions. However, we found no effect of fluid intelligence and no effect of working memory capacity on fixation duration or saccade amplitude distributions, inconsistent with previous findings. These results suggest that the ability to flexibly maintain and update working memory is strongly related to fixation duration behavior.}, } @article {pmid35878200, year = {2022}, author = {Yi, KH and Lee, JH and Kim, GY and Yoon, SW and Oh, W and Kim, HJ}, title = {Novel Anatomical Proposal for Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection Targeting Lateral Canthal Rhytids.}, journal = {Toxins}, volume = {14}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {35878200}, issn = {2072-6651}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Facial Muscles ; Injections ; *Lacrimal Apparatus ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Botulinum neurotoxin injections near the lateral canthal rhytids are commonly used in cosmetic settings; however, there is a lack of thorough anatomical knowledge, and an effective way to treat them with accumulating knowledge is needed. The anatomical characteristics concerning the injection of botulinum neurotoxin into the orbicularis oculi muscle were evaluated in this review. Current knowledge on the identification of botulinum neurotoxin injection points from recent anatomical research was assessed. The lateral canthal lines are involved with the orbicularis oculi muscle and nearby anatomical structures, and the injection points can be more precisely defined. The best possible injection sites were provided, and the injection procedure was described. This review proposes evidence for injection sites associated with the surface anatomy of the orbicularis oculi muscles to enhance the effectiveness of easing lateral canthal rhytids.}, } @article {pmid35864204, year = {2022}, author = {Ali, KA and Mori, BA and Prager, SM and Willenborg, CJ}, title = {Seed choice in ground beetles is driven by surface-derived hydrocarbons.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {724}, pmid = {35864204}, issn = {2399-3642}, mesh = {Animals ; *Brassica napus ; *Coleoptera ; Hydrocarbons ; Seeds ; Smell ; }, abstract = {Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are among the most prevalent biological agents in temperate agroecosystems. Numerous species function as omnivorous predators, feeding on both pests and weed seeds, yet the sensory ecology of seed perception in omnivorous carabids remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the sensory mechanisms of seed detection and discrimination in four species of omnivorous carabids: Poecilus corvus, Pterostichus melanarius, Harpalus amputatus, and Amara littoralis. Sensory manipulations and multiple-choice seed feeding bioassays showed olfactory perception of seed volatiles as the primary mechanism used by omnivorous carabids to detect and distinguish among seeds of Brassica napus, Sinapis arvensis, and Thlaspi arvense (Brassicaceae). Seed preferences differed among carabid species tested, but the choice of desirable seed species was generally guided by the olfactory perception of long chain hydrocarbons derived from the seed coat surface. These olfactory seed cues were essential for seed detection and discrimination processes to unfold. Disabling the olfactory appendages (antennae and palps) of carabid beetles by ablation left them unable to make accurate seed choices compared to intact beetles.}, } @article {pmid35858056, year = {2022}, author = {Ręk, P and Magrath, RD}, title = {Reality and illusion: the assessment of angular separation of multi-modal signallers in a duetting bird.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {289}, number = {1978}, pages = {20220680}, pmid = {35858056}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Auditory Perception/physiology ; Australia ; *Illusions ; Male ; *Passeriformes ; Photic Stimulation ; *Songbirds/physiology ; Territoriality ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {The spatial distribution of cooperating individuals plays a strategic role in territorial interactions of many group-living animals, and can indicate group cohesion. Vocalizations are commonly used to judge the distribution of signallers, but the spatial resolution of sounds is poor. Many species therefore accompany calls with movement; however, little is known about the role of audio-visual perception in natural interactions. We studied the effect of angular separation on the efficacy of multimodal duets in the Australian magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca. We tested specifically whether conspicuous wing movements, which typically accompany duets, affect responses to auditory angular separation. Multimodal playbacks of duets using robotic models and speakers showed that birds relied primarily on acoustic cues when visual and auditory angular separations were congruent, but used both modalities to judge separation between the signallers when modalities were spatially incongruent. The visual component modified the effect of acoustic separation: robotic models that were apart weakened the response when speakers were together, while models that were together strengthened responses when speakers were apart. Our results show that responses are stronger when signallers are together, and suggest that males were are able to bind information cross-modally on the senders' spatial location, which is consistent with a multisensory illusion.}, } @article {pmid35849899, year = {2022}, author = {Saito, Y and Takeshita, E and Komaki, H and Nishino, I and Sasaki, M}, title = {Determining neurodevelopmental manifestations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy using a battery of brief tests.}, journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences}, volume = {440}, number = {}, pages = {120340}, doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2022.120340}, pmid = {35849899}, issn = {1878-5883}, mesh = {*Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; *Intellectual Disability ; Male ; *Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/complications/diagnosis/genetics ; Quality of Life ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: We report neurodevelopmental manifestations in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and evaluate the correlations between mutation location and three neurodevelopmental abnormalities: intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and attentional problems.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 55 Japanese boys with genetically confirmed DMD who visited the outpatient department of the National Center for Psychiatry and Neurology of Japan from October 2017 to April 2018. Neurodevelopmental manifestations were evaluated using the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), the Parent-Interview Autism Spectrum Disorder Rating Scale-Text Revision (PARS-TR), and the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale.

RESULTS: Among the 55 boys (mean [standard deviation, SD] age, 9.5 [1.6] years), 24 (43.6%) scored below -2.0 SD in RCPM, indicating intellectual disability. Further, 83% had DMD variants in exon 45 or downstream to it (P = 0.005). On the PARS-TR, 30 (55%) and 21 boys (38%) scored higher than the clinical cutoff score in childhood and present scores, respectively. Stereotyped behavior and restricted interests scores were found to decrease with age (P = 0.003 and P = 0.01, respectively).

DISCUSSION: The results show that boys with DMD who have intellectual disability commonly have DMD variants in exon 45 or downstream to it. Stereotyped behavior and restricted interests improved with age, while intellectual disability did not.

CONCLUSION: Understanding these characteristics of neurodevelopmental disability may reduce risky behaviors and improve the overall quality of life of patients with DMD.}, } @article {pmid35844858, year = {2022}, author = {Ram, B and Thakur, R}, title = {Epidemiology and Economic Burden of Continuing Challenge of Infectious Diseases in India: Analysis of Socio-Demographic Differentials.}, journal = {Frontiers in public health}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {901276}, pmid = {35844858}, issn = {2296-2565}, mesh = {*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Financial Stress ; *Financing, Personal ; Health Expenditures ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Unlike other low- and middle-income countries, infectious diseases are still predominant, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging without replacing the burden of infectious diseases in India, where it is imposing a double burden of diseases on households in the country. This study aimed to analyse the socio-economic and demographic differentials in the magnitude of economic burden and coping strategies associated with health expenditure on infectious diseases in India. National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data on "Key Indicators of Social Consumption in India: Health, (2017-18)" have been employed in this study. The findings of the study revealed that more than 33% of the individuals are still suffering from infectious diseases out of the total ailing population in India. Based on the various socio-economic and demographic covariates, infectious diseases are highly prevalent among individuals with marginalized characteristics, such as individuals residing in rural areas, females, 0-14 age groups, Muslims, illiterates, scheduled tribes (STs), and scheduled castes (SCs), large family households, and economically poor people in the country. The per capita out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on infectious diseases is INR 7.28 and INR 29.38 in inpatient and outpatient care, respectively. Whereas, monthly per patient OOP expenditure on infectious diseases by infection-affected populations is INR 881.56 and INR 1,156.34 in inpatient and outpatient care in India. The study found that people residing in rural areas, SCs followed by other backward classes (OBCs), illiterates, poor, and very poor are more dependent on borrowings, sale of assets, and other distressed sources of financing. However, under National Health Policy 2017, many initiatives, such as "Ayushman Bharat," PM-JAY, and National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) in 2021, have been launched by the government of India in the recent years. These initiatives are holistically launched for ensuring better health facilities, but it is early to make any prediction regarding its outcomes; hopefully, the time will define it over the passing of a few more years. Finally, the study proposed the need for proper implementations of policy initiatives, awareness against unhygienic conditions and contamination of illnesses, immunisations/vaccination campaigns, subsidized medical facilities, and the country's expansion of quality primary health-care facilities.}, } @article {pmid35838408, year = {2022}, author = {Feng, Z and An, N and Yu, F and Ma, J and Li, N and Du, Y and Guo, M and Xu, K and Hou, X and Li, Z and Zhou, G and Ba, Y}, title = {Do methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase, and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase 1 polymorphisms modify changes in intelligence of school-age children in areas of endemic fluorosis?.}, journal = {Chinese medical journal}, volume = {135}, number = {15}, pages = {1846-1854}, pmid = {35838408}, issn = {2542-5641}, mesh = {Child ; Creatinine ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Fluorides/adverse effects/urine ; *Formate-Tetrahydrofolate Ligase ; Humans ; Intelligence/genetics ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP) ; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Excessive exposure to fluoride can reduce intelligence. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase, cyclohydrolase, and formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase 1 (MTHFD1) polymorphisms have important roles in neurodevelopment. However, the association of MTHFD1 polymorphisms with children's intelligence changes in endemic fluorosis areas has been rarely explored.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four randomly selected primary schools in Tongxu County, Henan Province, from April to May in 2017. A total of 694 children aged 8 to 12 years were included in the study with the recruitment by the cluster sampling method. Urinary fluoride (UF) and urinary creatinine were separately determined using the fluoride ion-selective electrode and creatinine assay kit. Children were classified as the high fluoride group and control group according to the median of urinary creatinine-adjusted urinary fluoride (UF Cr) level. Four loci of MTHFD1 were genotyped, and the Combined Raven's Test was used to evaluate children's intelligence quotient (IQ). Generalized linear model and multinomial logistic regression model were performed to analyze the associations between children's UF Cr level, MTHFD1 polymorphisms, and intelligence. The general linear model was used to explore the effects of gene-environment and gene-gene interaction on intelligence.

RESULTS: In the high fluoride group, children's IQ scores decreased by 2.502 when the UF Cr level increased by 1.0 mg/L (β = -2.502, 95% confidence interval [CI]:-4.411, -0.593), and the possibility for having "excellent" intelligence decreased by 46.3% (odds ratio = 0.537, 95% CI: 0.290, 0.994). Children with the GG genotype showed increased IQ scores than those with the AA genotype of rs11627387 locus in the high fluoride group (P   <  0.05). Interactions between fluoride exposure and MTHFD1 polymorphisms on intelligence were observed (Pinteraction < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that excessive fluoride exposure may have adverse effects on children's intelligence, and changes in children's intelligence may be associated with the interaction between fluoride and MTHFD1 polymorphisms.}, } @article {pmid35833319, year = {2022}, author = {Mack, C and Uomini, N}, title = {Modulation of behavioural laterality in wild New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides): Vocalization, age and function.}, journal = {Laterality}, volume = {27}, number = {4}, pages = {379-405}, doi = {10.1080/1357650X.2022.2098969}, pmid = {35833319}, issn = {1464-0678}, mesh = {Animals ; Functional Laterality ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) is known for displaying a unique set of tool-related behaviours, with the bird's bill acting as an individually consistently lateralized effector. However, we still fail to understand how such laterality develops, is modulated or even if its expression is consistent across other behavioural categories. Creating the first ethogram for this species allowed us to examine laterality and vocalisations in a population of wild, free-flying New Caledonian crows using detailed analyses of close-up video footage. We revealed the existence of an overall strong left-sided bias during object manipulation only and which was driven by the adult crows of our focal population, the stabilization of individual preferences occurring during the birds' juvenile years. Individually, at least one crow showed consistent side biases to the right and left within different behavioural categories. Our findings highlight previously unknown variability in behavioural laterality in this species, thus advocating for further investigation. Specifically, we argue that a better understanding of the New Caledonian crow's biology and ecology is required if one wishes to pursue the promising comparative road that laterality could be connected to the evolution of tool-making.}, } @article {pmid35831804, year = {2022}, author = {Krishnamoorthy, S and Liu, Y and Liu, K}, title = {A novel oppositional binary crow search algorithm with optimal machine learning based postpartum hemorrhage prediction model.}, journal = {BMC pregnancy and childbirth}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {560}, pmid = {35831804}, issn = {1471-2393}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *Crows ; Female ; Humans ; Machine Learning ; *Postpartum Hemorrhage/diagnosis/etiology ; Pregnancy ; *Shock/complications ; }, abstract = {Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is an obstetric emergency instigated by excessive blood loss which occurs frequently after the delivery. The PPH can result in volume depletion, hypovolemic shock, and anemia. This is particular condition is considered a major cause of maternal deaths around the globe. Presently, physicians utilize visual examination for calculating blood and fluid loss during delivery. Since the classical methods depend on expert knowledge and are inaccurate, automated machine learning based PPH diagnosis models are essential. In regard to this aspect, this study introduces an efficient oppositional binary crow search algorithm (OBCSA) with an optimal stacked auto encoder (OSAE) model, called OBCSA-OSAE for PPH prediction. The goal of the proposed OBCSA-OSAE technique is to detect and classify the presence or absence of PPH. The OBCSA-OSAE technique involves the design of OBCSA based feature selection (FS) methods to elect an optimum feature subset. Additionally, the OSAE based classification model is developed to include an effective parameter adjustment process utilizing Equilibrium Optimizer (EO). The performance validation of the OBCSA-OSAE technique is performed using the benchmark dataset. The experimental values pointed out the benefits of the OBCSA-OSAE approach in recent methods.}, } @article {pmid35805338, year = {2022}, author = {Shrader-Frechette, K}, title = {Does Hazardous-Waste Testing Follow Technical Guidance, Thus Help Protect Environmental Justice and Health?.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {19}, number = {13}, pages = {}, pmid = {35805338}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Environmental Health ; Environmental Justice ; *Hazardous Waste ; Hazardous Waste Sites ; United States ; United States Environmental Protection Agency ; *Volatile Organic Compounds ; }, abstract = {Does representative hazardous-waste-site testing tend to follow or to violate government technical guidance? This is an important question, because following such guidance promotes reliable risk analysis, adequate remediation, and environmental-justice and -health protection. Yet only government documents typically address this question, usually only when it is too late, when citizens have already exhibited health harm, allegedly from living or working near current/former hazardous-waste sites. Because no systematic, representative, scientific analyses have answered the preceding question, this article begins to investigate it by posing a narrower part of the question: Does representative US testing of volatile-organic-compound (VOC) waste sites tend to follow or to violate government technical requirements? The article (i) outlines US/state-government technical guidance for VOC testing; (ii) develops criteria for discovering representative US cases of VOC testing; (iii) uses the dominant US Environmental Protection Agency method to assess whether these representative cases follow such guidance; (iv) employs the results of (iii) to begin to answer the preceding question; then (v) discusses the degree to which, if any, these results suggest threats to environmental health or justice. Our initial, but representative, results show that almost all US VOC-waste-site testing (that we investigated) violates government technical requirements and systematically underestimates risks, and this may help justify less expensive, potentially health-threatening cleanups, mostly in environmental justice communities. We outline needed future research and suggest two strategies to promote following government technical guidance for hazardous-waste testing.}, } @article {pmid35800869, year = {2022}, author = {Srivastva, R and Sabharwal, A and Agrawal, A and Anita, and Vershney, H and Srivastava, Y}, title = {Personality and achievement: A follow-up study.}, journal = {Industrial psychiatry journal}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {19-25}, pmid = {35800869}, issn = {0972-6748}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The health and well-being of medical students along with their successful progression is an important concern for society. Studies across the world demonstrated a high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and low self-esteem among medical students requires immediate attention and effective management.

AIM: To compare the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress between the groups who have cleared all papers in the first attempt with those who have got supplementary at least in one paper during their MBBS course.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Raven's Progressive Matrices Scale, Eysenck personality Questionnaire, Sinha's Anxiety Scale, Stress Reaction Check (SRC) List, and 16-Personality Factors questionnaires were used along with performance score was recorded for the objective of the study.

RESULTS: Nonparametric tests, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon are used and found that RSPM scores and EPQ Lie-scale scores are statistically different as the P < 0.05. Overall performance and psychological problems association are found out using Spearman's correlation test and it is found that Factor C and Tough poise under 16 PF are significantly correlated.

CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that there is a significant difference between the abstract reasoning between the two groups of students measured by RSPM. When the students are compared by taking gender as grouping variable the study concluded psychosis, lie scale value is significantly different in the two groups and the mean value is higher in the female group. It is also concluded that the stress level measured by SRC is significantly different and the mean value is higher in the female group. Furthermore, the global factors Tough poise and independence are found to be significantly different in two groups with 16 PF questionnaire.}, } @article {pmid35799015, year = {2022}, author = {Domjanović, J and Matetic, A and Baković Kramarić, D and Domjanović Škopinić, T and Borić Škaro, D and Delić, N and Runjić, F and Jeličić, I}, title = {Association of the novel CROW-65 risk score and mortality in hospitalized kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 : A retrospective observational study.}, journal = {Wiener klinische Wochenschrift}, volume = {134}, number = {23-24}, pages = {842-849}, pmid = {35799015}, issn = {1613-7671}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Humans ; *COVID-19/etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; *Crows ; *Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects ; Aftercare ; Patient Discharge ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are a group of patients with heterogeneous risks for adverse outcomes with COVID-19, but risk stratification tools in this patient group are lacking.

METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective observational, hypothesis-generating study included 49 hospitalized adult KTR patients with COVID-19 at the University Hospital of Split (August 2020 to October 2021) and evaluated the performance of novel risk score CROW-65 (age, Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI] lactate dehydrogenase to white blood cell [LDH:WBC] ratio, and respiratory rate oxygenation [ROX index]). The primary outcome of the study was 30-day postdischarge all-cause mortality.

RESULTS: A total of 8 fatal events (16.3%) occurred during the study follow-up. When comparing CROW-65 by survival status, it was significantly increased in patients with fatal event (P < 0.001). Using the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the CROW-65 risk score showed statistically significant association with mortality (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.23, P = 0.027), while receiving operator characteristics (ROC) showed significant discrimination of all-cause mortality with an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.72-0.94, P < 0.001), and satisfactory calibration (χ[2] 4.91, P = 0.555 and Harrell's C 0.835). Finally, survival Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed significantly higher cumulative incidence of mortality with increasing risk score tertiles and curve separation after 13 days (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION: A novel risk score CROW-65 showed significant association with all-cause mortality in KTR yielding important hypothesis-generating findings. Further powered studies should reassess the performance of CROW-65 risk score in this population, including predictability, calibration and discrimination.}, } @article {pmid35793298, year = {2024}, author = {Malkinski, M and Mandziuk, J}, title = {Multi-Label Contrastive Learning for Abstract Visual Reasoning.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems}, volume = {35}, number = {2}, pages = {1941-1953}, doi = {10.1109/TNNLS.2022.3185949}, pmid = {35793298}, issn = {2162-2388}, abstract = {For a long time, the ability to solve abstract reasoning tasks was considered one of the hallmarks of human intelligence. Recent advances in the application of deep learning (DL) methods led to surpassing human abstract reasoning performance, specifically in the most popular type of such problems-Raven's progressive matrices (RPMs). While the efficacy of DL systems is indeed impressive, the way they approach the RPMs is very different from that of humans. State-of-the-art systems solving RPMs rely on massive pattern-based training and sometimes on exploiting biases in the dataset, whereas humans concentrate on the identification of the rules/concepts underlying the RPM to be solved. Motivated by this cognitive difference, this work aims at combining DL with the human way of solving RPMs. Specifically, we cast the problem of solving RPMs into a multilabel classification framework where each RPM is viewed as a multilabel data point, with labels determined by the set of abstract rules underlying the RPM. For efficient training of the system, we present a generalization of the noise contrastive estimation algorithm to the case of multilabel samples and a new sparse rule encoding scheme for RPMs. The proposed approach is evaluated on the two most popular benchmark datasets [I-RAVEN and procedurally generated matrices (PGM)] and on both of them demonstrate an advantage over the state-of-the-art results.}, } @article {pmid35789658, year = {2022}, author = {Kang, KH and Nam, KB and Kim, JS and Yoo, JC}, title = {Nest characteristics and composition of the colonial nesting Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus in South Korea.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {e13637}, pmid = {35789658}, issn = {2167-8359}, mesh = {Animals ; *Nesting Behavior ; Plant Breeding ; *Passeriformes ; Reproduction ; Republic of Korea ; }, abstract = {Bird nests are crucial for reproductive success since they serve as structures to hold the eggs and nestlings safely. Therefore, the structural characteristics of bird nests have optimally evolved to maximize reproductive success, which are known to be affected by various factors. We gathered information on the nest characteristics such as nest structure and constituent materials in the colonial breeding Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) and investigated the relationship between ecologically relevant factors and the size and mass of the nests. The Azure-winged magpie nest can be deconstructed into an outer nest and an inner cup, and the type and mass of materials used for the construction of each part varies. Compared to the inner cup, the outer nest, which constitutes the overall shape of the nest, is composed of relatively harder materials, such as branches and soil. In contrast, the inner cup, which is the part where birds directly incubate eggs and raise nestlings, is composed of more flexible and softer materials, such as fiber and moss. We found that there was no relationship between nest characteristics and ecologically relevant factors. However, as the breeding season progressed, the volume of the inner cup decreased with increasing ambient temperatures. Our results show that Azure-winged magpies use differing materials for structurally distinct parts of the nests during construction. The results also indirectly suggest that the choice regarding the amount of insulating materials relative to changing temperatures during the breeding season may be one of the more significant adaptive strategies in the nest-building behaviors of Azure-winged magpies.}, } @article {pmid35785442, year = {2022}, author = {Du, Y and Doraiswamy, C and Mao, J and Zhang, Q and Liang, Y and Du, Z and Vasantharaghavan, R and Joshi, MK}, title = {Facial skin characteristics and concerns in Indonesia: A cross-sectional observational study.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {719-728}, pmid = {35785442}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {*Acne Vulgaris ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; *Hyperpigmentation/epidemiology ; Indonesia/epidemiology ; *Keratosis, Seborrheic ; *Lentigo ; *Melanosis ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Water ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facial skin characteristics and appearance vary according to ethnicity. While much of this knowledge is derived from the Caucasian population, lately there have been efforts to gain such understanding in various regions in Asia. In this paper, we have built an understanding of such features in Indonesia. In Indonesia, a section of females wears a traditional veil (hijab) to cover the scalp and part of face. The influence of the hijab on facial skin attributes was also investigated.

METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study design involving 419 female volunteers in Jakarta, Indonesia, facial skin attributes (colour, radiance, hydration, trans-epidermal water loss [TEWL], wrinkles, fine lines, pores, and sebum levels) and conditions (melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), solar lentigines/ senile lentigines, seborrheic keratoses and acne) were assessed by trained operators and dermatologists using standard validated instruments and scales.

RESULTS: With age, facial skin colour showed darkening in cheek; forehead on the other hand showed slight lightening. The skin evenness and radiance decreased, substantially. Aging attributes measured in terms of lines, wrinkles, and under-eye dark circles showed deterioration with age; the decline was progressively faster than colour change. Facial image data analysis corroborated these findings. Skin hydration remained similar across the age groups even though the skin barrier function measured in terms of TEWL improved with age. Sebum levels in the skin were similar up to the age of 50 but declined in the next group of 50-60 year. Pore severity increased with age. Melasma, seborrheic keratosis and PIH showed a high prevalence (>∼50%) at the young age group (20-30 years), itself. Melasma prevalence attained 100% in the age group of 41-50 year and onwards, and its severity similarly showed a steady rise with age. PIH on the other hand showed a steady decline with age. Solar lentigines prevalence (∼30%) did not change much across age groups, and the severity scores were similar in age groups up to 50 year but increased substantially in 51-60-year age groups. Seborrheic keratosis was similar (∼47%) in age groups up 20-40 year but steadily increased in upper age groups. Its severity was similar in the age groups of 20-30 year and 31-40 year but showed a two-fold increase in subsequent age groups. Acne was 10% in the age group of 20-30 year and declined gradually to 0.7% in the 51-60-year age group. Hijab wearers showed slight protection in skin colour darkening and improvement of evenness and radiance but were similar on aging (fine lines and wrinkles on crow's feet, under eye and peri-oral areas) markers to non-wearers. In general, in majority of age-groups, hijab wearers showed a higher prevalence of melasma, solar/senile lentigines, seborrheic keratosis and PIH.}, } @article {pmid35782054, year = {2022}, author = {Khosrozadeh, M and Ghadimi, S and Kazemzadeh Gharghabi, M and Kharrazifard, MJ and Hamrah, MH and Baghalian, A}, title = {The Correlation between Children's Intelligence Quotient and Their Behavior in Dental Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study.}, journal = {BioMed research international}, volume = {2022}, number = {}, pages = {2299215}, pmid = {35782054}, issn = {2314-6141}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Behavior ; Child, Preschool ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Parents ; }, abstract = {Children with high intelligence quotient (IQ) are more capable of managing adverse situations. These children may show more cooperation to receive dental treatments. This study assessed the effect of intelligence quotient (IQ) of 5-10-year-old children on their cooperation during dental treatments. Eighty children without previous dental history and in need of pulpotomy and stainless steel crowns in one tooth were selected. A written consent was obtained from the parents, and after the children's IQ was measured by Raven intelligence test, the treatments were performed and their cooperation level was determined using Frankl's behavior rating scale with rating 1 to rating 4 (definitely negative, negative, positive, and definitely positive). In this cross-sectional study, the relationship between IQ and cooperation level was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test while the effect of age and gender on IQ and cooperation level was studied by ordinal regression test. Out of the total samples, 5% had definitely negative, 16.2% had negative, 56.3% had positive, and 22.5% had definitely positive level of cooperation according to Frankl criteria. There was a significant and positive correlation between IQ and level of cooperation (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). According to the results of the linear regression analysis, to examine the effect of age, sex, and IQ variables on cooperation, children's age (p value = 0.003) had a positive effect on their cooperation, but gender had no effect on predicting IQ and cooperation level (p value = 0.557). Regarding significant relationship between IQ scores and cooperation level, dentists can predict cooperation in pediatric patients to deliver better treatments and increase patients' satisfaction.}, } @article {pmid35782006, year = {2022}, author = {Nguyen, TN and Chen, N and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Clark, AG}, title = {Dynamics of reduced genetic diversity in increasingly fragmented populations of Florida scrub jays,Aphelocoma coerulescens.}, journal = {Evolutionary applications}, volume = {15}, number = {6}, pages = {1018-1027}, pmid = {35782006}, issn = {1752-4571}, abstract = {Understanding the genomic consequences of population decline is important for predicting species' vulnerability to intensifying global change. Empirical information about genomic changes in populations in the early stages of decline, especially for those still experiencing immigration, remains scarce. We used 7834 autosomal SNPs and demographic data for 288 Florida scrub jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens; FSJ) sampled in 2000 and 2008 to compare levels of genetic diversity, inbreeding, relatedness, and lengths of runs of homozygosity (ROH) between two subpopulations within dispersal distance of one another but have experienced contrasting demographic trajectories. At Archbold Biological Station (ABS), the FSJ population has been stable because of consistent habitat protection and management, while at nearby Placid Lakes Estates (PLE), the population declined precipitously due to suburban development. By the onset of our sampling in 2000, birds in PLE were already less heterozygous, more inbred, and on average more related than birds in ABS. No significant changes occurred in heterozygosity or inbreeding across the 8-year sampling interval, but average relatedness among individuals decreased in PLE, thus by 2008 average relatedness did not differ between sites. PLE harbored a similar proportion of short ROH but a greater proportion of long ROH than ABS, suggesting one continuous population of shared demographic history in the past, which is now experiencing more recent inbreeding. These results broadly uphold the predictions of simple population genetic models based on inferred effective population sizes and rates of immigration. Our study highlights how, in just a few generations, formerly continuous populations can diverge in heterozygosity and levels of inbreeding with severe local population decline despite ongoing gene flow.}, } @article {pmid35781294, year = {2022}, author = {Giangaspero, A and D'Onghia, V and Puccini, A and Caiaffa, MF and Macchia, L and Barlaam, A}, title = {When there is no communication between urban planners and public health operators: urban Dermanyssus gallinae infestations in humans.}, journal = {Igiene e sanita pubblica}, volume = {79}, number = {2}, pages = {62-69}, pmid = {35781294}, issn = {0019-1639}, mesh = {Animals ; Cities ; *Columbidae ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; *Mites ; Public Health ; }, abstract = {At the international level, it is necessary to apply urban health strategies that can integrate concrete actions to protect and promote health in urban and architectural planning. In cities, the "urban fauna" mostly consists of synanthropic birds (sparrows, starlings, swallows, martins, jackdaws, crows, hawks, gulls, pigeons) that have adapted to a continuous relationship with humans. These animals enrich the ecological network of biodiversity but also pose health problems. The most successful avian colonizers are pigeons (Columba livia), which proliferate due to the abundance of food available to them and the absence of predators. Pigeons may harbor several organisms that are pathogenic for humans, and among these the role of Dermanyssus gallinae should not be underestimated. In the absence of their preferred pigeon host, these mites will move from the nest to windowsills and window frames from which they attack humans. The Authors show that modern architectural design features in towns can favor the establishment and proliferation of pigeons, contributing to the public health risk for dermanyssosis or other diseases related to these birds. They describe an outbreak of dermanyssosis due to incorrect or unsuitable structural interventions, and highlight the need of re-thinking urban architectural choices in order to safeguard public health.}, } @article {pmid35781211, year = {2022}, author = {Zorrilla, F and Kerkhoven, EJ}, title = {Reconstruction of Genome-Scale Metabolic Model for Hansenula polymorpha Using RAVEN.}, journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)}, volume = {2513}, number = {}, pages = {271-290}, pmid = {35781211}, issn = {1940-6029}, mesh = {Genome, Fungal ; *Metabolic Networks and Pathways/genetics ; Models, Biological ; *Saccharomycetales/genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) provide a useful framework for modeling the metabolism of microorganisms. While the applications of GEMs are wide and far reaching, the reconstruction and continuous curation of such models can be perceived as a tedious and time-consuming task. Using RAVEN, a MATLAB-based toolbox designed to facilitate the reconstruction analysis of metabolic networks, this protocol practically demonstrates how researchers can create their own GEMs using a homology-based approach. To provide a complete example, a draft GEM for the industrially relevant yeast Hansenula polymorpha is reconstructed.}, } @article {pmid35779028, year = {2022}, author = {Seervai, RNH and Wiggins, CJ and Rosen, T}, title = {"The Raven Himself Is Hoarse:" Candida dubliniensis fungemia manifesting as an eschar.}, journal = {Skinmed}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {213-214}, pmid = {35779028}, issn = {1751-7125}, mesh = {Aged ; Animals ; Candida ; *Catheterization, Central Venous/methods ; *Catheterization, Peripheral/methods ; *Crows ; *Fungemia/complications/diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; }, abstract = {A 65-year-old man with diabetes, end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, coronary artery disease, and a prosthetic aortic valve. He presented to the emergency department with hypothermia (96.6°F), several weeks of anorexia and chills, and bilateral lower extremity tissue necrosis with erythema and edema (Figure 1A). He had a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line 8 weeks prior placed at another hospital for treatment of cellulitis. Laboratory results revealed anemia, azotemia, and leukocytosis (19,200 WBCs/mm[3]), and he was admitted for sepsis of unknown etiology. (SKINmed. 2022;20:213-214).}, } @article {pmid35774139, year = {2022}, author = {Gallego-Abenza, M and Boucherie, PH and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Early social environment affects attention to social cues in juvenile common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {220132}, pmid = {35774139}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social competence, i.e. defined as the ability to adjust the expression of social behaviour to the available social information, is known to be influenced by early-life conditions. Brood size might be one of the factors determining such early conditions, particularly in species with extended parental care. We here tested in ravens whether growing up in families of different sizes affects the chicks' responsiveness to social information. We experimentally manipulated the brood size of 13 captive raven families, creating either small or large families. Simulating dispersal, juveniles were separated from their parents and temporarily housed in one of two captive non-breeder groups. After five weeks of socialization, each raven was individually tested in a playback setting with food-associated calls from three social categories: sibling, familiar unrelated raven they were housed with, and unfamiliar unrelated raven from the other non-breeder aviary. We found that individuals reared in small families were more attentive than birds from large families, in particular towards the familiar unrelated peer. These results indicate that variation in family size during upbringing can affect how juvenile ravens value social information. Whether the observed attention patterns translate into behavioural preferences under daily life conditions remains to be tested in future studies.}, } @article {pmid35772139, year = {2022}, author = {Zhu, C}, title = {Effects of Musicotherapy Combined with Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on the Cognitive Ability of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.}, journal = {Psychiatria Danubina}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {288-295}, doi = {10.24869/psyd.2022.288}, pmid = {35772139}, issn = {0353-5053}, mesh = {*Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis ; Child ; Cognition ; *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ; Humans ; Social Skills ; Wechsler Scales ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) mainly manifests as learning difficulties, emotional impulsiveness, excessive activities, and attention deficit disorder. Given that it can influence social communication abilities, as well as physical and psychological health and viability, ADHD rehabilitation has attracted close attention. This study aims to discuss the influences of musicotherapy combined with cognitive behavioral intervention on the cognitive ability of children with ADHD and provide some references for ADHD rehabilitation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 children with ADHD in the Cooperative Hospital of Guangzhou University from June 2018 to May 2021 were chosen as the research objects. They were divided randomly into the control and observation groups with 60 cases in each group via the observing random digital method. The control group was the blank control and did not receive any intervention. The observation group received 16 weeks of musicotherapy combined with cognitive behavioral intervention. Symptoms and the results of the numerical cross-attention test, the Wisconsin card sorting test, the combined Raven's test (CRT), the Wechsler intelligence scale for children test, and Conner's child behavioral scale for parents of the two groups before and after the intervention were compared.

RESULTS: The relevant indexes of the control group did not show any significant changes after the intervention (P>0.05). In the intervention group, the accurately crossed number and net scores increased significantly, whereas the wrongly crossed number and missed crossed number scores and error; attention deficit; hyperactivity-impulsiveness; and ADHD-RS-Ⅳ total scores declined dramatically after intervention relative to those before the intervention. Moreover, the above indexes of the observation group showed more significant improvements than those of the control group (P<0.05). In the observation group, the conceptual level percentage and the number of completed classes had significantly increased and the number of discontinuous errors and number of continuous errors after the intervention had dropped sharply compared with those before. The above indexes of the observation group had improved significantly compared with those of the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, in both groups, the concentration/attention factor and CRT scores increased dramatically and the scores of Conner's child behavior scale after the intervention had dropped significantly compared with those before. After intervention, the above indexes of the observation group showed greater improvements than those of the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The musicotherapy combined with cognitive behavioral intervention can improve the cognitive functions of children with ADHD and has clinical application values.}, } @article {pmid35771525, year = {2022}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Jerwood, GM and Farrar, BG and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Investigation of mirror-self recognition in ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {136}, number = {3}, pages = {194-198}, doi = {10.1037/com0000319}, pmid = {35771525}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Templeton World Charity Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Large-brained birds, such as corvids and parrots, tend to fail tests for self-recognition (mirror self-recognition [MSR]), but the limited positive evidence for MSR in these species has been questioned due to methodological limitations. In the present study, we aimed to investigate MSR in ravens by performing three mirror tests: a mirror exposure test, a mirror preference test, and a mark test. Across all three tests, the ravens' behavior was not consistent with MSR. Three out of six ravens infrequently interacted with the mirror and the nonmirror surfaces. Two birds explored the mirror and occasionally displayed contingent behaviors. Finally, the ravens made very few social displays toward the mirror, suggesting that at this stage they did not treat their reflection as a conspecific. These findings, along with the current evidence available, raise further questions on the validity of relying on one test to establish self-recognition and call for the development of methods beyond mirror tests to explore self-recognition in nonhuman animals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid35771112, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, Y and Peng, S and Ren, Y and Yao, T and Chu, H and Gao, Y and Tian, X}, title = {First report of Pseudomonas palleroniana causing potato soft rot in China.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-04-22-0816-PDN}, pmid = {35771112}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {Slimy potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers with a foul-smelling odor were obtained from a potato field during harvest in Huize county (25.94°N; 103.40°E), Yunnan province, China in August 2021. The incidence of symptomatic potato tubers was approximately 5% while no symptoms were observed on potato stems. To isolate the causal agent, potato tubers were surface-disinfected and infected tissues were mashed in a 15 ml sterile centrifuge tube with 2 ml sterile distilled water. After a series of dilutions, a volume of 200 μl bacterial suspension from each dilution was spread on nutrient agar (NA) medium and incubated at 28 °C for 48 h. Single colonies randomly selected from NA plates were then picked and separately subcultured in nutrient broth (NB) medium. Pure cultures were acquired by successive streaking on NA medium. The colonies with irregular shapes were white and opaque (Fig. S1A). Among all the isolates, strain Q1 exhibited pectinolytic activity on inoculated potato tubers using a pin prick method with an inoculum concentration of 108 CFU/ml while no symptoms appeared for the control group using sterile water (Fig. S1B). However, no obvious pits were observed for strain Q1 when tested on crystal violet pectin (CVP) medium. To further identify the strain Q1, total DNA was extracted using the TaKaRa MiniBEST Bacteria Genomic DNA Extraction Kit. PCR amplification of 16S rDNA of strain Q1 was performed using the universal PCR primer pair 27F/1492R and followed by Sanger sequencing. The BLASTn analysis of the sequence (NCBI accession number ON631256) based on NCBI rRNA/ITS databases revealed 100% query coverage and 99.78% identity to the 16S rDNA sequences of type strain Pseudomonas tolaasii ATCC 33618 and Pseudomonas palleroniana CFBP 4389, respectively. Whole-genome sequencing of strain Q1 was then performed using the Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platform. A single contig (NCBI accession number CP092411) with a length of approx. 6.2 MB was obtained by de novo assembly using Raven (v1.5.1) (Vaser and Šikić 2021) and Pilon (v1.24) (Walker et al. 2014). The completeness and redundancy of this assembly was evaluated by BUSCO (v5.2.2) (Manni et al. 2021), and a score of 100% completeness indicated a high quality of the assembly. The genome sequence of strain Q1 was uploaded to the Type Strain Genome Server (TYGS) for a whole genome-based taxonomic analysis (Meier-Kolthoff and Göker 2019). The distance-based phylogeny revealed that strain Q1 is well clustered together with Pseudomonas palleroniana (Fig. S1C). Furthermore, a digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value (86.9%) between strain Q1 and P. palleroniana was above the species boundary (≥70%), indicating that strain Q1 should be classified as P. palleroniana. In addition, P. palleroniana was re-isolated from potato tubers inoculated using a pin prick method with an inoculum concentration of 108 CFU/ml and was identified by morphological similarities and 16s rDNA sequencing described above, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Furthermore, aerial stem rot symptoms were observed after 3-5 days post inoculation of strain Q1 with a concentration of 108 CFU/ml on stems of young potato plants using a pin prick method (Fig. S1D). Notably, a couple of Pseudomonas spp. have been reported to cause soft rot in carrot (Godfrey and Marshall 2002) and melon (Zhang et al. 2016). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. palleroniana causing soft rot on potato tuber in China.}, } @article {pmid35766267, year = {2024}, author = {}, title = {Expression of Concern: Optimized lung tumor diagnosis system using enhanced version of crow search algorithm, Zernike moments, and support vector machine.}, journal = {Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine}, volume = {238}, number = {4}, pages = {NP1}, doi = {10.1177/09544119221105206}, pmid = {35766267}, issn = {2041-3033}, } @article {pmid35753785, year = {2022}, author = {Kuroha, Y and Takahashi, T and Arai, Y and Yoshino, M and Kasuga, K and Hasegawa, A and Matsubara, N and Koike, R and Ikeuchi, T}, title = {[Neuropsychological and regional cerebral blood flow of posterior parietal area features in patients with Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment].}, journal = {Rinsho shinkeigaku = Clinical neurology}, volume = {62}, number = {7}, pages = {532-540}, doi = {10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001709}, pmid = {35753785}, issn = {1882-0654}, mesh = {Aged ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology ; *Cognition Disorders ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging/etiology ; *Neocortex ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Parkinson Disease/complications/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {This study aimed to clarify associations between neuropsychological scales and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of on ‍[123]I-IMP-SPECT in patients with Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI). Forty-two participants (mean age, 65.5 ± 8.9 years; mean disease duration, 11.1 ±5.7 years) were evaluated using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, third edition (WAIS-III), Wechsler Memory Scale, revised (WMS-R), Stroop test, Category word fluency, Auditory verbal learning test, Raven colored progressive matrices, Trail Making Test-B, and Clock drawing test. Participants were classified into PD-MCI and PD non-demented (PD-ND) using ten of these scales or its subtests. The rCBF of the posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, and parietal lobes was evaluated by ‍[123]I-IMP-SPECT using the easy Z-‍score imaging system (eZIS analysis). Extent was the extent index of voxels showing z-score > 2, and Severity was mean z-score in those regions on eZIS analysis. Cingulate island sign score (CIScore) was the ratio of integrated z-scores of the posterior cingulate gyrus to those of the posterior cortex.Twenty-three participants were diagnosed with PD-MCI (55%). The rCBF indices were significantly increased in the PD-MCI group compared to the PD-ND group (Extent: P = 0.047; CIScore: P = 0.006). These indices were significantly correlated with WAIS-III Processing Speed (Extent: P = 0.041, R = -0.317; Severity: P = 0.047, R = -0.309), Stroop effect (Extent: P = 0.003, R = 0.443; Severity: P = 0.004, R = 0.437), WMS-R Visual memory (Extent: P = 0.019, R = -0.361; Severity: P = 0.014, R = -0.375), and Delayed memory score (Extent: P = 0.005, R = -0.423; Severity: P = 0.044, R = -0.312). The rCBF indices showed no correlations with the number of impaired cognitive domains. Collectively, decreased posterior parietal area rCBF and lower scores on selective neuropsychological scales might be helpful to detect a transition period from PD-MCI to PD-D.}, } @article {pmid35747185, year = {2022}, author = {Kizilkaya, MC and Kilic, SS and Bozkurt, MA and Sibic, O and Ohri, N and Faggen, M and Warren, L and Wong, J and Punglia, R and Bellon, J and Haffty, B and Sayan, M}, title = {Breast cancer awareness among Afghan refugee women in Turkey.}, journal = {EClinicalMedicine}, volume = {49}, number = {}, pages = {101459}, pmid = {35747185}, issn = {2589-5370}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Background Refugees and asylum-seekers have lower levels of cancer awareness and this contributes to low rates of screening and more advanced cancers at diagnosis, compared to non-refugee populations, due largely to reduced access to medical information and care. The global Afghan refugee population is rapidly increasing with the ongoing Afghan political crisis. The present study investigates breast cancer (BC) awareness among Afghan refugee women.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Afghan refugee women residing in Turkey was performed in September 2021. A validated BC patient awareness assessment, the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure (BCAM), was used to assess participants' knowledge of seven domains of BC: symptoms, self-examination, ability to notice breast changes, age-related risk of BC, urgency of addressing changes in the breast, BC risk factors, and BC screening. BCAM was translated into patients' native language and administered verbally by a physician with the assistance of an official interpreter. Routine statistical methods were employed for data analysis.

FINDINGS: A total of 430 patients were recruited to the study. The response rate was 97·7% (420 patients). The median participant age was 35 years (range: 18 to 68 years). The majority of participants (84%) had no formal education. Most participants (96%) were married, and most (95%) were not employed. Awareness of warning signs of BC was low: only seven to 18% of participants recognized 11 common warning signs of BC. Participant use of breast self-exam (BSE) was low, with 82% of participants stating they rarely or never complete BSE. Zero of 420 patients reported ever seeing a physician for a change in their breasts. Awareness of risk factors for BC was also low: only 15% of participants recognized increasing age as a risk factor for BC, and other risk factors were only recognized by four to 39% of participants.

INTERPRETATION: BC awareness among Afghan refugee women is critically low. There is an urgent need to target this population for practical interventions to increase BC awareness, in addition to screening and earlier diagnosis. Evidence-based interventions include educational sessions in patients' native language and use of BSE and clinical breast examination for screening.

FUNDING: American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) - Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Global Health Scholar Grant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Jay Harris Junior Faculty Research Grant.}, } @article {pmid35739314, year = {2022}, author = {Malvandi, H and Shamabadi, MH}, title = {Use of Feathers from Birds that Collided with Vehicles to Monitor Heavy Metal Contamination in Western Khorasan Razavi, Iran.}, journal = {Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology}, volume = {109}, number = {3}, pages = {495-501}, pmid = {35739314}, issn = {1432-0800}, mesh = {Accidents, Traffic ; Animals ; Birds ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Feathers/chemistry ; Iran ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Pica ; Strigiformes ; }, abstract = {In the present study, lead, zinc and copper concentrations in the feathers of Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), Crested lark (Galerida cristata), Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops), Little owl (Athene noctua), Long-eared owl (Asio otus), Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) and Long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) from Sabzevar and Neghab, Khorasan Razavi of Iran were measured. Almost all of the specimens were obtained from birds that had collided with vehicles or were unable to fly. There were no significant differences in metal concentrations between adult and juvenile, diurnal and nocturnal raptors and species with different diets. Elemental concentrations were lower than toxicity threshold values, so exposure to these elements does not appear to pose a health risk to the studied species. It should be noted that this study was the first study of metals in Galerida cristata, Asio otus and Buteo rufinus.}, } @article {pmid35733075, year = {2022}, author = {Singh, MP and Prinja, S and Rajsekar, K and Gedam, P and Aggarwal, V and Sachin, O and Naik, J and Agarwal, A and Kumar, S and Sinha, S and Singh, V and Patel, P and Patel, AC and Joshi, R and Hazra, A and Misra, R and Mehrotra, D and Biswal, SB and Panigrahy, A and Gaur, KL and Pankaj, JP and Sharma, DK and Madhavi, K and Madhusudana, P and Narayanasamy, K and Chitra, A and Velhal, GD and Bhondve, AS and Bahl, R and Sachdeva, A and Kaur, S and Nagar, A and Bhargava, B}, title = {Cost of Surgical Care at Public Sector District Hospitals in India: Implications for Universal Health Coverage and Publicly Financed Health Insurance Schemes.}, journal = {PharmacoEconomics - open}, volume = {6}, number = {5}, pages = {745-756}, pmid = {35733075}, issn = {2509-4254}, support = {F.NO.T.11011/02/2017-HR//Department of Health Research/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), provisioning for surgical care is a public health priority. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is India's largest national insurance scheme providing free surgical and medical care. In this paper, we present the costs of surgical health benefit packages (HBPs) for secondary care in public district hospitals.

METHODS: The costs were estimated using mixed (top-down and bottom-up) micro-costing methods. In phase II of the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study, data were collected from a sample of 27 district hospitals from nine states of India. The district hospitals were selected using stratified random sampling based on the district's composite development score. We estimated unit costs for individual services-outpatient (OP) visit, per bed-day in inpatient (IP) and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and surgical procedures. Together, this was used to estimate the cost of 250 AB PM-JAY HBPs.

RESULTS: At the current level of utilization, the mean cost per OP consultation varied from US$4.10 to US$2.60 among different surgical specialities. The mean unit cost per IP bed-day ranged from US$13.40 to US$35.60. For the ICU, the mean unit cost per bed-day was US$74. Further, the unit cost of HBPs varied from US$564 for bone tumour excision to US$49 for lid tear repair.

CONCLUSIONS: Data on the cost of delivering surgical care at the level of district hospitals is of critical value for evidence-based policymaking, price-setting for surgical care and planning to strengthen the availability of high quality and cost-effective surgical care in district hospitals.}, } @article {pmid35724843, year = {2022}, author = {Hallett, J and Feng, D and McCormick, AKHG and Allen, S and Inouye, J and Schure, M and Holder, S and Medicine, LO and Held, S}, title = {Improving Chronic Illness Self-Management with the Apsáalooke Nation: The Báa nnilah Project, a cluster randomized trial protocol.}, journal = {Contemporary clinical trials}, volume = {119}, number = {}, pages = {106835}, pmid = {35724843}, issn = {1559-2030}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Chronic Disease ; Community-Based Participatory Research ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *Self-Management ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Chronic illness (CI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for Indigenous people. In Montana, Indigenous communities disproportionately experience CI, a legacy of settler colonialism. For over two decades, Messengers for Health, an Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) non-profit, and Montana State University have partnered to improve community health using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. We developed Báa nnilah, an intervention utilizing community strengths, to improve CI self-management. This manuscript describes the protocol for a cluster randomized trial with two arms: an intervention group and a wait list control group, who both participated in the Báa nnilah program. Enrollment occurred through family/clan networks and community outreach and attended to limitations of existing CI self-management interventions by using an approach and content that were culturally consonant. Participants received program materials, attended seven gatherings focused on improving CI management, and received and shared health information through storytelling based on a conceptual framework from the Apsáalooke culture and incorporating CI self-management strategies. Participant support occurred within partnership dyads during and between gatherings, from community mentors, and by program staff. The study used mixed methods to evaluate the intervention, with qualitative measures including the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Patient Activation Measure (PAM), and a suite of PROMIS measures, various physical tests and qualitative survey responses, semi-structured interviews, and outcomes shared by participants with program staff. We hypothesized that Báa nnilah would significantly improve participant health outcome measures across multiple dimensions with quality of life (QoL) as the primary outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03036189. Registered on 30 January 2017. (From https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03036189).}, } @article {pmid35723939, year = {2022}, author = {Cavallini, M and Papagni, M and Augelli, F and Muti, GF and Santorelli, A and Raichi, M}, title = {Heterogeneous crow's feet line patterns and customized botulinum toxin rejuvenating treatment.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {10}, pages = {4294-4300}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15172}, pmid = {35723939}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Middle Aged ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Skin Aging ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Esthetics ; Aging ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: From early dynamic lines in smiling and squinting young people, crow's feet lines in the lateral canthal region evolve through prolonged tissue remodeling into mature, stable rhytids after the mid-to-late thirties, and requests for rejuvenating treatment. Because of the heterogeneous fanning behavior of crow's feet lines, individualizing neuromodulation with botulinum toxin injections might be a sound strategy to maximize aesthetic outcomes.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of variable crow's feet line patterns at maximum contracture and while smiling and comment on the relative distribution of such patterns and the influence of aging. These considerations will be the basis and rationale for future studies that will individualize the total 24-unit dose according to the distribution of crow's feet lines.

METHODS: Identifying CFL orientation at maximum frown and while smiling; assessment tool: the four-class 2015-version of Kane's classification further modified by converting the former "central fan pattern" into a new, more precisely defined "extended full-fan pattern" class.

RESULTS: The 323 cohort subjects had a mean age of 51.5 ± 9.28 years. Although with some differences, outcomes in a central-southern real-world European Caucasian population appear similar to the distribution first studied in 2003 in a highly selected population in New England involved in double-blind clinical trials. The full-fan pattern predominated both at maximum contraction and when smiling, followed in prevalence by the upper-fan pattern at maximum contraction and the extended full-fan pattern while smiling. Age significantly influenced the crow's feet line pattern-lower-fan patterns were more frequent than other patterns in the real-world younger middle-age group (40-49 years old); full-fan and extended full-fan patterns progressively more prevalent with aging.

CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms but somewhat modifies the previous evidence about the non-homogeneous distribution of crow's feet line fanning patterns in different age groups and reinforces the case to individualize the topography of botulinum toxin injections.}, } @article {pmid35716350, year = {2022}, author = {Piao, JZ and Oh, W and Choi, YJ and Lee, JH and Bae, H and Hu, KS and Kim, HM and Kim, HJ}, title = {Ultrasonographic analyses of Crow's feet and novel guideline for botulinum toxin injection.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {9}, pages = {3787-3793}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.15167}, pmid = {35716350}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {1711138194,KMDF_PR_20200901_0109-01//Korea Medical Device Development Fund grant funded by the Korea government (the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Health & Welfare, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Blepharoplasty/methods ; *Botulinum Toxins ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Facial Muscles/diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Rhytidoplasty/methods ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Crow's feet are bilateral orbital wrinkles formed by the orbital portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is the target muscle for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection.

OBJECTIVES: This study's aim was to demonstrate a novel BoNT injection guideline by assessing muscle width, thickness, and dynamic features using ultrasonography.

METHODS: Twenty healthy Korean volunteers (10 men, 10 women; mean age, 25.6) participated. The width, thickness, and dynamic movement of the orbicularis oculi muscle were measured using ultrasonography. Two volunteers were selected to receive BoNT injections. Injections were administered using a novel method with two curved reference lines passing a point 15 mm lateral to the lateral canthus (conventional injection) and a point 5 mm lateral to the lateral margin of the frontal process of zygomatic bone (additional injection).

RESULT: At the lateral canthus level, the distance between the lateral margin of the frontal process and the most lateral margin of the orbicularis oculi muscle was 12.5 ± 1.3 mm. The thickness of the orbicularis oculi muscle at the midpoint of the frontal process, the lateral marginal of the frontal process, and 5 mm lateral to the lateral marginal of the frontal process was 0.7 ± 0.3 mm, 1.1 ± 0.3 mm, and 1.2 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. The crow's feet of the two volunteers began to disappear from day 3 and completely disappeared on day 7 after the injection.

CONCLUSION: The novel injection technique based on the ultrasonographic anatomy resulted in improvements in the appearance of crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid35714793, year = {2022}, author = {Buniyaadi, A and Prabhat, A and Bhardwaj, SK and Kumar, V}, title = {Night melatonin levels affect cognition in diurnal animals: Molecular insights from a corvid exposed to an illuminated night environment.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {308}, number = {}, pages = {119618}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119618}, pmid = {35714793}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; Cognition/physiology ; Hippocampus/metabolism ; Light ; *Melatonin/metabolism/pharmacology ; Photoperiod ; }, abstract = {This study investigated the role of nocturnal melatonin secretion in the cognitive performance of diurnal animals. An initial experiment measured the cognitive performance in Indian house crows treated for 11 days with 12 h light at 1.426 W/m[2] (∼150 lux) coupled with 12 h of 0.058 W/m[2] (∼6-lux) dim light at night (dLAN) or with absolute darkness (0 lux dark night, LD). dLAN treatment significantly decreased midnight melatonin levels and negatively impacted cognitive performance. Subsequently, the role of exogenous melatonin (50 μg; administered intraperitoneally half an hour before the night began) was assessed on the regulation of cognitive performance in two separate experimental cohorts of crows kept under dLAN; LD controls received vehicle. Exogenous melatonin restored its mid-night levels under dLAN at par with those under LD controls, and improved the cognitive performance, as measured in the innovative problem-solving, and spatial and pattern learning-memory efficiency tests in dLAN-treated crows. There were concurrent molecular changes in the cognition-associated brain areas, namely the hippocampus, nidopallium caudolaterale and midbrain. In particular, the expression levels of genes involved in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity (bdnf, dcx, egr1, creb), and dopamine synthesis and signalling (th, drd1, drd2, darpp32, taar1) were restored to LD control levels in crows treated with illuminated nights and received melatonin. These results demonstrate that the maintenance of nocturnal melatonin levels is crucial for an optimal higher-order brain function in diurnal animals in the face of an environmental threat, such as light pollution.}, } @article {pmid35713817, year = {2022}, author = {Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Zhao, L and Tao, Y and Li, Z}, title = {Azure-winged Magpies would rather avoid losses than strive for benefits based on reciprocal altruism.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, pages = {1579-1588}, pmid = {35713817}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {31772470//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Altruism ; Game Theory ; Cooperative Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Reward ; Biological Evolution ; }, abstract = {It is no doubt that the reciprocal altruism of humans is unparalleled in the animal world. However, how strong altruistic behavior in the non-human animal is still very controversial. Almost all previous researches allowed only one individual in the dyad for action or dyad to accomplish tasks and obtain rewards simultaneously. Here, we designed current study based on the prisoner's dilemma to investigate reciprocal altruism under interactions of Azure-winged Magpies (Cyanopica cyanus), which is direct reciprocity of allowing subjects obtain rewards, respectively. The results suggest that Azure-winged Magpies failed to show continuously altruistic behavior due to the empiricism that stemmed from interactions, that is, avoiding losses. Meanwhile, the resource exchange game paradigm, which is designed in our study, is worthwhile to study the evolution of cooperation in more species in the future.}, } @article {pmid35707655, year = {2022}, author = {Anum, A}, title = {Does Socio-Economic Status Have Different Impact on Fluid and Crystallized Abilities? Comparing Scores on Raven's Progressive Matrices, Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children II Story Completion and Kilifi Naming Test Among Children in Ghana.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {880005}, pmid = {35707655}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Current literature shows an association between intelligence and socio-cultural or socio-economic factors. The available evidence supports a stronger effect of exogenous factors on measures of crystalized intelligence than on fluid intelligence. Despite this, the sources of variability in fluid and crystalized intelligence have not been explored adequately in intelligence research. The purpose of this study was to compare performance on tests that measure fluid and crystallized intelligence among children selected from public and private schools in Ghana. We tested the assumption that socio-economic status (SES) will have a stronger effect on tests that measure crystallized intelligence than on fluid intelligence. We selected 185 children between 6 and 12 years from private and public schools, and used inclusion in a private or public school as a proxy for SES. We administered the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), a fluid intelligence test, the KABC II story completion subtest as a measure of inductive reasoning and crystallized intelligence and the Kilifi Naming Test, a verbal ability measure designed to minimize the effect of school on vocabulary. The results showed age-related improvement in scores on all three tests with effect sizes ranging from 0.42 to 0.52. We also found significant effect for type of school on all the tests with effect sizes ranging from 0.37 to 0.66. The results also showed an increasing disparity in performance on the tests favoring children selected from private schools. These suggest that fluid and crystalized intelligence are affected by socioeconomic factors. The results also showed that SES factors tend to affect crystallized ability more than it affects fluid ability. The results are discussed in the context of differences in socioeconomic resources available to children such as quality of education in low- and middle-income countries.}, } @article {pmid35703981, year = {2022}, author = {McCullough, JM and Oliveros, CH and Benz, BW and Zenil-Ferguson, R and Cracraft, J and Moyle, RG and Andersen, MJ}, title = {Wallacean and Melanesian Islands Promote Higher Rates of Diversification within the Global Passerine Radiation Corvides.}, journal = {Systematic biology}, volume = {71}, number = {6}, pages = {1423-1439}, doi = {10.1093/sysbio/syac044}, pmid = {35703981}, issn = {1076-836X}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Islands ; Melanesia ; Phylogeny ; *Songbirds/genetics ; Water ; }, abstract = {The complex island archipelagoes of Wallacea and Melanesia have provided empirical data behind integral theories in evolutionary biology, including allopatric speciation and island biogeography. Yet, questions regarding the relative impact of the layered biogeographic barriers, such as deep-water trenches and isolated island systems, on faunal diversification remain underexplored. One such barrier is Wallace's Line, a significant biogeographic boundary that largely separates Australian and Asian biodiversity. To assess the relative roles of biogeographic barriers-specifically isolated island systems and Wallace's Line-we investigated the tempo and mode of diversification in a diverse avian radiation, Corvides (Crows and Jays, Birds-of-paradise, Vangas, and allies). We combined a genus-level data set of thousands of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and a species-level, 12-gene Sanger sequence matrix to produce a well-resolved supermatrix tree that we leveraged to explore the group's historical biogeography and the effects of the biogeographic barriers on their macroevolutionary dynamics. The tree is well resolved and differs substantially from what has been used extensively for past comparative analyses within this group. We confirmed that Corvides, and its major constituent clades, arose in Australia and that a burst of dispersals west across Wallace's Line occurred after the uplift of Wallacea during the mid-Miocene. We found that dispersal across this biogeographic barrier was generally rare, though westward dispersals were two times more frequent than eastward dispersals. Wallacea's central position between Sundaland and Sahul no doubt acted as a bridge for island-hopping dispersal out of Australia, across Wallace's Line, to colonize the rest of Earth. In addition, we found that the complex island archipelagoes east of Wallace's Line harbor the highest rates of net diversification and are a substantial source of colonists to continental systems on both sides of this biogeographic barrier. Our results support emerging evidence that island systems, particularly the geologically complex archipelagoes of the Indo-pacific, are drivers of species diversification. [Historical biogeography; island biogeography; Melanesia; molecular phylogenetics; state-dependent diversification and extinction.].}, } @article {pmid35698733, year = {2022}, author = {Iglesia, S and Kononov, T and Zahr, AS}, title = {A multi-functional anti-aging moisturizer maintains a diverse and balanced facial skin microbiome.}, journal = {Journal of applied microbiology}, volume = {133}, number = {3}, pages = {1791-1799}, doi = {10.1111/jam.15663}, pmid = {35698733}, issn = {1365-2672}, support = {//Revision Skincare/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; Middle Aged ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {AIMS: To assess the effect of a 28-day skincare regimen in healthy female subjects on the facial skin microbiome composition and to determine whether the skincare regimen including a gentle cleansing lotion, a multi-functional anti-aging moisturizer formulated with prebiotics and postbiotics at skin neutral pH, and bland sunscreen pushed the microbiome to a healthier state and improved skin aging measured by self-assessment and clinical photography.

METHODS AND RESULTS: The study protocol was in accordance with the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) guidance and met all international standards. In all, 25 female subjects between 35 and 65 years old with Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI, moderate crow's feet wrinkles and global face photodamage were enrolled. After 28 days, the skincare regimen improved microbial facial diversity and shifted the microbiota composition when compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS: After 28 days, the skincare regimen treatment shifted the distribution of the facial skin microbiome, positively influencing the skin microbiome diversity and balance, to promote long-term skin health and protect from further skin aging.

These results suggest that incorporating prebiotics and postbiotics into a skincare regimen may have a positive impact on the facial skin microbiome in healthy women.}, } @article {pmid35688056, year = {2022}, author = {Parajuli, N and Pradhan, B and Bapat, S}, title = {Effect of yoga on cognitive functions and anxiety among female school children with low academic performance: A randomized control trial.}, journal = {Complementary therapies in clinical practice}, volume = {48}, number = {}, pages = {101614}, doi = {10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101614}, pmid = {35688056}, issn = {1873-6947}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anxiety/psychology/therapy ; Anxiety Disorders ; Child ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; *Meditation/psychology ; *Yoga/psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: To achieve better academic performance, students should improve their cognitive faculties and overcome anxiety. Therefore, the present research was conducted to assess the effect of yoga on the cognitive functions of female adolescents with low academic performance.

METHODS: The present study is a randomized control trial (RCT). Eighty-nine female students in the age range of 12-14 years were randomly assigned into two groups [yoga (n = 45); physical exercise (n = 44)] at a school setting. Both groups were assessed before and after on Raven's standard progressive matrices (RSPM), Corsi Block Tapping Test (CBTT), Six Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT), Digit Letter Substitution Test (DLST), Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC).

RESULTS: Findings of the present study showed significant (p < .05) differences in scores of forward CBTT, SWCT, and SLCT in group × time interaction. Both the groups showed significant (p < .05) improvement in SLCT, backward scores of CBTT, and STAIC-T. All outcomes measured were significantly (p < .05) improved in the yoga group except STAIC-S.

CONCLUSION: Yoga improves general intelligence, visuospatial working memory, and attention, as well as reduces the anxiety of students with low academic performance. Similarly, physical exercise was also found to be improving visuospatial working memory, sustained attention, and reduce trait anxiety. However, the finding of the present study indicated yoga to be more effective compared to physical exercise in regards to students' fluid intelligence and executive function. Improvement in general intelligence, visuospatial working memory, and attention is expected to positively influence students' academic performance.}, } @article {pmid35686147, year = {2022}, author = {Lean, FZX and Vitores, AG and Reid, SM and Banyard, AC and Brown, IH and Núñez, A and Hansen, RDE}, title = {Gross pathology of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 2021-2022 epizootic in naturally infected birds in the United Kingdom.}, journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {100392}, pmid = {35686147}, issn = {2352-7714}, abstract = {High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) clade 2.3.4.4b has re-emerged in the United Kingdom in 2021-2022 winter season, with over 90 cases of HPAIV detected among poultry and captive birds in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Globally, HPAIV H5N1 has also had a wide geographical dispersion, causing outbreaks in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa, impacting on socioeconomic and wildlife conservation. It is important to raise awareness of the gross pathological features of HPAIV and subsequently aid disease investigation through definition of pathological indicators following natural infection. In this study, we report on the gross pathology of HPAI H5N1 in poultry species (chicken, turkey, pheasant, guineafowl, duck, goose), and captive or wild birds (mute swan, tufted duck, jackdaw, peahen, white-tailed eagle) that tested positive between October 2021 and February 2022. Pancreatic and splenic necrosis were the common pathological findings in both Galliformes and Anseriformes. In addition to the more severe lesions documented in Galliformes, we also noted increased detection of pathological changes in a broader range of Anseriformes particularly in domestic ducks, in contrast to those reported in previous seasons with other H5Nx HPAIV subtypes. A continual effort to characterise the pathological impact of the disease is necessary to update on the presentation of HPAIV for both domestic/captive and wild birds whilst guiding early presumptive diagnosis.}, } @article {pmid35681822, year = {2022}, author = {Gallup, AC and Schild, AB and Ühlein, MA and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {No Evidence for Contagious Yawning in Juvenile Ravens (Corvus corax): An Observational Study.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {35681822}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {The overt and reflexive matching of behaviors among conspecifics has been observed in a growing number of social vertebrates, including avian species. In general, behavioral contagion-such as the spread of yawning-may serve important functions in group synchronization and vigilance behavior. Here, we performed an exploratory study to investigate yawn contagion among 10 captive juvenile ravens (Corvus corax), across two groups. Using observational methods, we also examined the contagiousness of three other distinct behaviors: stretching, scratching, and shaking. A total of 44 20 min observations were made across both groups, including 28 in the morning and 16 in the afternoon. The time and occurrence of all the behaviors from each bird were coded, and the temporal pattern of each behavior across both groups was then analyzed to assess the degree of social contagion. Overall, we found no evidence for contagious yawning, stretching, scratching, or shaking. However, yawns were relatively infrequent per observation (0.052 ± 0.076 yawns/bird) and thus experimental methods should be used to support this finding.}, } @article {pmid35676708, year = {2022}, author = {Li, K and Walczak-Kozłowska, T and Lipowski, M and Li, J and Krokosz, D and Su, Y and Yu, H and Fan, H}, title = {The effect of the Baduanjin exercise on COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being and lower back pain of college students during the pandemic.}, journal = {BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {102}, pmid = {35676708}, issn = {2052-1847}, support = {BPN/GIN/2021/1/00010/U/00001//The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange/ ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effect of Baduanjin exercise on COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and the lower back pain of college students during the coronavirus pandemic in China.

SETTING: The study was carried out in a temporary experimental center of four universities in Wenzhou city in Zhejiang Province, China.

POPULATION: 387 participants who were college students were allocated to two groups: the Baduanjin exercise group(BEG, n = 195); and the Control group(CG,n = 192).

METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial,387 participants who were college students were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to 12-week Baduanjin exercise group (BEG, n = 195)and 12-week Control group(CG,n = 192).CAS(Coronavirus Anxiety Scale), PWBS(Psychological Well-being Scale),NMQ(Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), was used to assess COVID-19-related anxiety, psychological well-being, and lower back pain at second times (before and after the intervention). The paired t-test and an independent t-test (with a 95% confidence interval) was used to compare the outcome variables of the two groups.

RESULTS: Within-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention. In contrast, the Baduanjin group had a significant improvement before and after the intervention. Between-group comparison, the Baduanjin group had a significant difference from the control group. The intervention effect on the Baduanjin exercise group was remarkably better than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Participants in the Baduanjin group significantly improved the corvid-19-related anxiety score decreased from (5.22 ± 0.45 to 5.07 ± 0.27, p < 0.05). The total psychological well-being score increased from (70.11 ± 8.65 to 84.12 ± 7.38,p < 0.05) and the prevalence of low back pain decreased from (22.45 ± 1.67 to 18.35 ± 1.05, p < 0.05) among college students.

CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, the Baduanjin exercise contributes to the reduction of the perceived anxiety related to COVID-19, decreases the prevalence of the lower back pain, and improves the psychological well-being of college students.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04432038. Registered on June 16, 2020.}, } @article {pmid35673098, year = {2022}, author = {Balbino, M and Jandre, C and de Miranda, D and Nobre, C}, title = {Predictions of Academic Performance of Children and Adolescents with ADHD Using the SHAP Approach.}, journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics}, volume = {290}, number = {}, pages = {655-659}, doi = {10.3233/SHTI220159}, pmid = {35673098}, issn = {1879-8365}, mesh = {*Academic Performance ; Adolescent ; *Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/diagnosis ; Child ; Humans ; Mathematics ; Reading ; Schools ; Students ; Writing ; }, abstract = {Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or impulsivity-hyperactivity symptoms. Through Machine Learning methods and the SHAP approach, this work aims to discover which features have the most significant impact on the students' performance with ADHD in arithmetic, writing and reading. The SHAP allowed us to deepen the model's understanding and identify the most relevant features for academic performance. The experiments indicated that the Raven_Z IQ test score is the factor with the most significant impact on academic performance in all disciplines. Then, the mother's schooling, being from a private school, and the student's social class were the most frequently highlighted features. In all disciplines, the student having ADHD emerged as an important feature with a negative impact but less relevance than the previous features.}, } @article {pmid35662179, year = {2023}, author = {Kiyohara, T and Kumai, Y and Yubi, T and Ishikawa, E and Wakisaka, Y and Ago, T and Kitazono, T}, title = {Association between Early Cognitive Impairment and Short-Term Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke.}, journal = {Cerebrovascular diseases (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {52}, number = {1}, pages = {61-67}, doi = {10.1159/000524839}, pmid = {35662179}, issn = {1421-9786}, mesh = {Humans ; *Ischemic Stroke/complications ; *Brain Ischemia/diagnosis/therapy/complications ; Prospective Studies ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis/etiology ; *Stroke/diagnosis/therapy/complications ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and functional outcome in the acute care phase of ischemic stroke and the influence of the clinical condition of acute stroke on this association. We examined this issue, taking into account stroke-related factors, in a hospital-based prospective study of patients with acute ischemic stroke. The same analysis was also performed after subsequent rehabilitation to investigate whether the association observed in the acute care phase persisted after that. For comparison, the same analysis was performed for pre-stroke dementia (PreSD).

METHODS: We included in the study a total of 923 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to a hospital from 2012 to 2020 in Japan. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test at an average of 6.3 days after stroke onset. The subjects were divided into three groups with normal cognition, PSCI, and PreSD. Study outcome was a poor functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3 at the end of acute care (median 21 days after admission). Among total subjects, 460 were also assessed for poor functional outcome after rehabilitation (median 77 days after admission). A logistic regression model was applied in this study.

RESULTS: Patients with PSCI and PreSD had higher median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores than those with normal cognition (median [IQR]: 3 [2-6], 4 [2-12], and 2 [1-4], respectively). The age- and sex-adjusted cumulative incidence of poor functional outcome was significantly higher in patients with PSCI and PreSD than in those with normal cognition in the acute care and rehabilitation phases. In the acute care phase, these associations remained significant after adjustment for stroke-related factors and other confounders (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] for PSCI vs. normal cognition: 3.28 [2.07-5.20]; for PreSD: 2.39 [1.40-4.08]). Similar results were observed in the rehabilitation phase (for PSCI: 2.48 [1.31-4.70]; for PreSD: 3.92 [1.94-7.92]).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that PSCI, as well as PreSD, is possibly associated with the development of poor functional outcome in the acute care phase of ischemic stroke, and this association continues thereafter.}, } @article {pmid35658791, year = {2022}, author = {Poulton, A and Rutherford, K and Boothe, S and Brygel, M and Crole, A and Dali, G and Bruns, LR and Sinnott, RO and Hester, R}, title = {Evaluating untimed and timed abridged versions of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, pages = {73-84}, doi = {10.1080/13803395.2022.2080185}, pmid = {35658791}, issn = {1744-411X}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Wechsler Scales ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) are frequently utilized in clinical and experimental settings to index intellectual capacity. As the APM is a relatively long assessment, abridged versions of the test have been proposed. The psychometric properties of an untimed 12-item APM have received some consideration in the literature, but validity explorations have been limited. Moreover, both reliability and validity of a timed 12-item APM have not previously been examined.

METHOD: We considered the psychometric properties of untimed (Study 1; N = 608; Mage = 27.89, SD = 11.68) and timed (Study 2; N = 479; Mage = 20.93, SD = 3.12) versions of a brief online 12-item form of the APM.

RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses established both versions of the tests are unidimensional. Item response theory analyses revealed that, in each case, the 12 items are characterized by distinct differences in difficulty, discrimination, and guessing. Differential item functioning showed few male/female or native English/non-native English performance differences. Test-retest reliability was .65 (Study 1) to .69 (Study 2). Both tests had medium-to-large correlations with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (2nd ed.) Perceptual Reasoning Index (r = .50, Study 1; r = .56, Study 2) and Full-Scale IQ (r = .34, Study 1; r = .41, Study 2).

CONCLUSION: In sum, results suggest both untimed and timed online versions of the brief APM are psychometrically sound. As test duration was found to be highly variable for the untimed version, the timed form might be a more suitable choice when it is likely to form part of a longer battery of tests. Nonetheless, classical test and item response theory analyses, plus validity considerations, suggest the untimed version might be the superior abridged form.}, } @article {pmid35650120, year = {2022}, author = {Sasaki, Y and Nozawa-Takeda, T and Yonemitsu, K and Asai, T and Asakura, H and Nagai, H}, title = {Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni in large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) in Tochigi prefecture, Japan.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {84}, number = {7}, pages = {1029-1033}, pmid = {35650120}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Campylobacter jejuni/genetics ; Cattle ; *Cattle Diseases ; Chickens ; *Crows ; Humans ; Japan/epidemiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing/veterinary ; }, abstract = {As free-living crows are a potential source of Campylobacter infections in broilers and cattle, we characterized Campylobacter spp. isolated from crows using multilocus sequence typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We obtained 82 samples from 27 birds captured at seven different times using a trap set in Tochigi prefecture, Japan. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 55 (67.1%) of the 82 samples and classified into 29 sequence types, of which 21 were novel. Tetracycline and streptomycin resistance rates were 18.2% and 3.6%, respectively. These results show that most types of C. jejuni infecting crows differ from those isolated from humans, broilers, and cattle. Thus, the importance of free-living crows as reservoirs of Campylobacter infections in broilers and cattle may be limited.}, } @article {pmid35647890, year = {2022}, author = {Cheikh, F and Benhassine, NE and Sbaa, S}, title = {Fetal phonocardiogram signals denoising using improved complete ensemble (EMD) with adaptive noise and optimal thresholding of wavelet coefficients.}, journal = {Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering}, volume = {67}, number = {4}, pages = {237-247}, doi = {10.1515/bmt-2022-0006}, pmid = {35647890}, issn = {1862-278X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Heart ; *Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; *Wavelet Analysis ; }, abstract = {Although fetal phonocardiogram (fPCG) signals have become a good indicator for discovered heart disease, they may be contaminated by various noises that reduce the signals quality and the final diagnosis decision. Moreover, the noise may cause the risk of the data to misunderstand the heart signal and to misinterpret it. The main objective of this paper is to effectively remove noise from the fPCG signal to make it clinically feasible. So, we proposed a novel noise reduction method based on Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (ICEEMDAN), wavelet threshold and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). This noise reduction method, named ICEEMDAN-DWT-CSA, has three major advantages. They were, (i) A better suppress of mode mixing and a minimized number of IMFs, (ii) A choice of wavelet corresponding to the study signal proven by the literature and (iii) Selection of the optimal threshold value. Firstly, the noisy fPCG signal is decomposed into Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) by the (ICEEMDAN). Each noisy IMFs were decomposed by the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT). Then, the optimal threshold value using the (CSA) technique is selected and the thresholding function is carried out in the detail's coefficients. Secondly, each denoised (IMFs) is reconstructed by applying the Inverse Discrete Wavelet Transform (IDWT). Finally, all these denoised (IMFs) are combined to get the denoised fPCG signal. The performance of the proposed method has been evaluated by Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Mean Square Error (MSE) and the Correlation Coefficient (COR). The experiment gave a better result than some standard methods.}, } @article {pmid35645536, year = {2022}, author = {Agarwalla, S and Chandra, B and Santra, A and Kundu, GK}, title = {Impact of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) on Dental Caries amongst Socially Handicapped Orphan Children and Children Living with Their Parents.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {15}, number = {Suppl 2}, pages = {S230-S233}, pmid = {35645536}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the IQ and dental caries status of socially deprived orphan children and compare with children living with their parents.

STUDY DESIGN: For comparison, 100 children in age-group 7-11 years, were divided in two groups: 50 orphanage children (orphanage-group) and 50 school-going children living with their families were included (home group). Raven's colored progressive matrices test was used to record the intelligence quotient (IQ) and dental caries status of children was recorded using dmft Index.

RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference between children with different levels of IQ for both the groups. However, the majority of children who belong to below average IQ score had higher dental caries.

CONCLUSION: Children with better IQ had less dental caries. There was no difference in IQ and DMFT/dmft score between both the genders. The overall DMFT/dmft was high in children living with their parents when compared to orphanage children.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Agarwalla S. The Impact of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) on Dental Caries amongst Socially Handicapped Orphan Children and Children Living with Their Parents. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S230-S233.}, } @article {pmid35633699, year = {2022}, author = {Chu, KK and Zhou, ZJ and Wang, Q and Ye, SB and Guo, L and Qiu, Y and Zhang, YZ and Ge, XY}, title = {Characterization of Deltacoronavirus in Black-Headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) in South China Indicating Frequent Interspecies Transmission of the Virus in Birds.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {895741}, pmid = {35633699}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Deltacoronavirus (DCoV) is a genus of coronavirus (CoV) commonly found in avian and swine, but some DCoVs are capable of infecting humans, which causes the concern about interspecies transmission of DCoVs. Thus, monitoring the existence of DCoVs in animals near communities is of great importance for epidemic prevention. Black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) are common migratory birds inhabiting in most urban and rural wetlands of Yunnan Province, China, which is a typical habitat for black-headed gulls to overwinter. Whether Yunnan black-headed gulls carry CoV has never been determined. In this study, we identified three strains of DCoVs in fecal samples of Yunnan black-headed gulls by reverse-transcriptional PCR and sequenced their whole genomes. Genomic analysis revealed that these three strains shared genomic identity of more than 99%, thus named DCoV HNU4-1, HNU4-2, and HNU4-3; their NSP12 showed high similarity of amino acid sequence to the homologs of falcon coronavirus UAE-HKU27 (HKU27), houbara coronavirus UAE-HKU28 (HKU28), and pigeon coronavirus UAE-HKU29 (HKU29). Since both HKU28 and HKU29 were found in Dubai, there might be cross-border transmission of these avian DCoVs through specific routes. Further coevolutionary analysis supported this speculation that HNU4 (or its ancestors) in black-headed gulls originated from HKU28 (or its homologous strain) in houbara, which was interspecies transmission between two different avian orders. In addition, interspecies transmission of DCoV, from houbara to falcon, pigeon and white-eye, from sparrow to common-magpie, and quail and mammal including porcine and Asian leopard cat, from munia to magpie-robin, was predicted. This is the first report of black-headed gull DCoV in Asia which was highly homolog to other avian DCoVs, and the very "active" host-switching events in DCoV were predicted, which provides important reference for the study of spread and transmission of DCoVs.}, } @article {pmid35625072, year = {2022}, author = {Aaziz, R and Laroucau, K and Gobbo, F and Salvatore, D and Schnee, C and Terregino, C and Lupini, C and Di Francesco, A}, title = {Occurrence of Chlamydiae in Corvids in Northeast Italy.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {35625072}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Chlamydiaceae occurrence has been largely evaluated in wildlife, showing that wild birds are efficient reservoirs for avian chlamydiosis. In this study, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs of 108 corvids from Northeast Italy was screened for Chlamydiaceae by 23S real-time (rt)PCR. The positive samples were characterised by specific rtPCRs for Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia abortus, Chlamydia gallinacea, Chlamydia avium, Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia suis. Cloacal shedding of Chlamydiaceae was detected in 12 out of 108 (11.1%, 5.9%-18.6% 95% CI) corvids sampled. Molecular characterisation at the species level was possible in 8/12 samples, showing C. psittaci positivity in only one sample from a hooded crow and C. abortus positivity in seven samples, two from Eurasian magpies and five from hooded crows. Genotyping of the C. psittaci-positive sample was undertaken via PCR/high-resolution melting, clustering it in group III_pigeon, corresponding to the B genotype based on former ompA analysis. For C. abortus genotyping, multilocus sequence typing was successfully performed on the two samples with high DNA load from Eurasian magpies, highlighting 100% identity with the recently reported Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To confirm the intermediate characteristics between C. psittaci and C. abortus, both samples, as well as two samples from hooded crows, showed the chlamydial plasmid inherent in most C. psittaci and avian C. abortus, but not in ruminant C. abortus strains. The plasmid sequences were highly similar (≥99%) to those of the Polish avian C. abortus genotype 1V strain 15-58d44. To our knowledge, this is the first report of avian C. abortus strains in Italy, specifically genotype 1V, confirming that they are actively circulating in corvids in the Italian region tested.}, } @article {pmid35623693, year = {2022}, author = {Vermeylen, MK and Knowles, TG and Barron, HW}, title = {The influence of Lake Okeechobee discharges on Karenia brevis blooms and the effects on wildlife along the central west coast of Florida.}, journal = {Harmful algae}, volume = {115}, number = {}, pages = {102237}, doi = {10.1016/j.hal.2022.102237}, pmid = {35623693}, issn = {1878-1470}, mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Dinoflagellida ; Florida/epidemiology ; Harmful Algal Bloom ; Humans ; Lakes ; }, abstract = {Blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis) are a common occurrence in the Gulf of Mexico, especially along Florida's coast. The blooms produce brevetoxins, potent neurotoxins that are associated with mortalities of marine wildlife. In recent years, K. brevis blooms seem to have become more frequent and intense. The cause of these suspected increases is highly debated, with one suggested explanation being anthropogenic eutrophication. Patient records from the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island, Florida, USA, and K. brevis cell count samples from the west coast of Florida were used to assess trends in red tides and affected wildlife. Flow data from the Okeechobee waterway was used to investigate if discharges from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Estuary, where eutrophication is present, influence red tides along Florida's central west coast. Overall, K. brevis blooms show trends of increasing intensity and duration along Florida's coast between 1954 and 2020 (latest data available). This means the amount of wildlife affected will likely increase in the future, as a linear relationship was found between the number of admissions to CROW and K. brevis densities. Furthermore, water discharges from the Okeechobee waterway (including Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee Estuary) into the Gulf of Mexico were significantly correlated with K. brevis densities, which suggests that anthropogenic pollution might play a role in the observed increases. Clear correlations were found between K. brevis densities and brevetoxicosis patient numbers admitted, and this was strongest with overall admissions lagging 23 days behind cell counts. This further confirms brevetoxins as the likely cause of their morbidity and supports previous research on brevetoxin retention in the environment. Different species groups had significant correlations with K. brevis cell counts, double-crested cormorants showing the strongest link, and there were significant differences between these groups in lag times. The differences are likely due to their distinct foraging behaviours or susceptibilities to brevetoxins. These findings can help predict future trends in red tides and can guide further research on the effects of discharges on K. brevis blooms.}, } @article {pmid35622575, year = {2022}, author = {Rho, NK and Han, KH and Kim, HS}, title = {An Update on the Cosmetic Use of Botulinum Toxin: The Pattern of Practice among Korean Dermatologists.}, journal = {Toxins}, volume = {14}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {35622575}, issn = {2072-6651}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Asian People ; *Botulinum Toxins/therapeutic use ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatologists ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection have made it a popular aesthetic procedure worldwide. A cross-sectional survey was performed in order to determine the pattern of type A botulinum toxin injections in cosmetic practice, for which an 18-item questionnaire was distributed to dermatologists. A total of 469 Korean board-certified dermatologists participated in the survey, with the following results: the main candidates for type A botulinum toxin injection were individuals in their 40-50 years (46.1%), followed by those in their 20-30 years (33.4%), and people over 60 years of age (20.5%). Overall, the upper face (the glabella, forehead, and crow's line, in decreasing order) was the most favored area of injection (51%). In contrast, body contouring (i.e., shoulder, calf) and treatment for benign masseter hypertrophy were significantly more popular in the 20-30 years age group than their older counterparts. For wrinkle effacement, the most preferred dilution was 100 units/2.5 mL with isotonic sodium chloride injection (51.2%), and the most often used interval was six months (43.6%). About half (46.3%) of the dermatologists reported the experience of clinical cases which were suspicious of botulinum toxin resistance. Despite this, regarding the choice of the product, type A botulinum toxin products with greater cost-effectiveness were favored over products with a lower risk of antibody formation. Other than its cosmetic usage, botulinum toxin is applied for a variety of skin conditions. Further studies are suggested in order to identify the practice pattern of type A botulinum toxin for therapeutic uses in dermatology, such as hyperhidrosis and rosacea.}, } @article {pmid35620015, year = {2022}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Cauchoix, M and Ridley, AR}, title = {Long-term repeatability of cognitive performance.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {220069}, pmid = {35620015}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Measures of cognitive performance, derived from psychometric tasks, have yielded important insights into the factors governing cognitive variation. However, concerns remain over the robustness of these measures, which may be susceptible to non-cognitive factors such as motivation and persistence. Efforts to quantify short-term repeatability of cognitive performance have gone some way to address this, but crucially the long-term repeatability of cognitive performance has been largely overlooked. Quantifying the long-term repeatability of cognitive performance provides the opportunity to determine the stability of cognitive phenotypes and the potential for selection to act on them. To this end, we quantified long-term repeatability of cognitive performance in wild Australian magpies over a three-year period. Cognitive performance was repeatable in two out of four cognitive tasks-associative learning and reversal-learning performance was repeatable, but spatial memory and inhibitory control performance, although trending toward significance, was not. Measures of general cognitive performance, obtained from principal components analyses carried out on each cognitive test battery, were highly repeatable. Together, these findings provide evidence that at least some cognitive phenotypes are stable, which in turn has important implications for our understanding of cognitive evolution.}, } @article {pmid35609562, year = {2022}, author = {Kilian, L and Shahid, F and Zhao, JS and Nayeri, CN}, title = {Bioinspired morphing wings: mechanical design and wind tunnel experiments.}, journal = {Bioinspiration & biomimetics}, volume = {17}, number = {4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1088/1748-3190/ac72e1}, pmid = {35609562}, issn = {1748-3190}, mesh = {*Aircraft ; Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Birds ; Feathers ; *Flight, Animal ; *Models, Biological ; Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {Bioinspired morphing wings are part of a novel research direction offering greatly increased adaptability for use in unmanned aerial vehicles. Recent models published in the literature often rely on simplifications of the bird wing apparatus and fail to preserve many of the macroscopic morphological features. Therefore, a more holistic design approach could uncover further benefits of truly bioinspired bird wing models. With this issue in mind, a prototype inspired by crow wings (Corvusgenus) is developed, which is capable of planform wing morphing. The prototype imitates the feather structure of real birds and replicates the folding motion with a carbon fiber reinforced polymer skeleton with one controllable degree of freedom. The mechanism supplies a smooth airfoil lifting surface through a continuous morphing motion between a fully extended and a folded state. When extended, it has an elliptic planform and emarginated slots between primary remiges. In the folded state, the wingspan is reduced by 50% with a 40% reduction in surface area and the aspect ratio decreases from 2.9 to 1.2. Experimental data from a subsonic wind tunnel investigation is presented for flow velocities ranging from 5 to 20 m s[-1], corresponding to Reynolds numbers between 0.7 × 10[5]-2.8 × 10[5]. The wing is analyzed in the three static states (folded, intermediate, and extended) through aerodynamic coefficients and flow visualizations along the surface. The bioinspired design enables the wing to capture several phenomena found on real bird wings. Through its morphing capabilities and intrinsic softness, the wing can sustain large angles of attack with greatly delayed stall and maintain optimal performance at different velocities.}, } @article {pmid35609544, year = {2022}, author = {Farine, DR}, title = {Collective behaviour: Jackdaws vote to leave with their voice.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {32}, number = {10}, pages = {R467-R469}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.03.070}, pmid = {35609544}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Mass Gatherings ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Making a decision as a group requires not only choosing where to go but also when to go. A new study provides experimental evidence that, in jackdaws, vocalisations facilitate synchronous early morning departures from communal roosts.}, } @article {pmid35609539, year = {2022}, author = {Dibnah, AJ and Herbert-Read, JE and Boogert, NJ and McIvor, GE and Jolles, JW and Thornton, A}, title = {Vocally mediated consensus decisions govern mass departures from jackdaw roosts.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {32}, number = {10}, pages = {R455-R456}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.032}, pmid = {35609539}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Consensus ; *Crows ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; }, abstract = {In the early morning, large groups of up to hundreds or even thousands of roosting birds, sometimes comprising the entire roost population, often take off together in sudden mass departures. These departures commonly occur in low-light conditions and structurally complex habitats where access to visual cues is likely to be restricted. Roosting birds are often highly vocal, leading us to hypothesise that vocalisations, which can propagate over large distances, could provide a means of enabling individuals to agree on when to depart - that is to establish a consensus[1] - and thus coordinate the timing of mass movements. Investigations of the role of acoustic signals in coordinating collective decisions have been limited to honeybees[2] and relatively small vertebrate groups (<50 individuals)[3-5] and have rarely included experimental validation[2,3]. Here, by combining field recordings with a large-scale experimental manipulation, we show that jackdaws (Corvus monedula) use vocalisations to coordinate mass departures from winter roosts. This provides empirical evidence for vocally-mediated consensus decision-making in large vertebrate groups.}, } @article {pmid35601199, year = {2022}, author = {Moyer, RA and Beck, CJ and Van Atter, N and McLane, A}, title = {Advocacy services for survivors of intimate partner violence: Pivots and lessons learned during the COVID-19 quarantine in Tacoma, Washington.}, journal = {Family court review}, volume = {60}, number = {2}, pages = {288-302}, pmid = {35601199}, issn = {1531-2445}, abstract = {The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (CJFJC), like many advocacy programs for survivors of intimate partner violence, transformed its structure and operating procedures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States was in Washington State, where CJFJC is located, and Governor Jay Inslee acted quickly with a strict stay-at-home order. This paper describes the pre-pandemic, in-person service model used at CJFJC and then the transition to a fully online service model utilizing phone, email and online procedures and platforms. The rapid transition posed many opportunities to learn how to provide services during public pandemics, and how to provide services virtually. We conclude with detailed lessons learned from the experiences of filing domestic violence protection orders online, Zoom court hearings, innovation surrounding community partnerships, and information technology development.}, } @article {pmid35590208, year = {2022}, author = {Gill, J}, title = {Finding healing where it hurts.}, journal = {Med (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {80-82}, doi = {10.1016/j.medj.2022.01.003}, pmid = {35590208}, issn = {2666-6340}, mesh = {*Awards and Prizes ; Black People ; Humans ; Students ; }, abstract = {In 2021, Cell Press together with Cell Signaling Technology held the second installment of the Rising Black Scientist Award (RBSA) Essay Contest meant to support talented and motivated young Black scientists on their journey. Charleese Williams and Elle Lett won the 2021 RBSA undergraduate and post-graduate scholars, respectively (https://www.cell.com/cell/issue?pii=S0092-8674(21)X0003-7). In recognition of the excellence of this year's submissions, we at Med are honored to also highlight the unique story of Jay Gill, which strongly resonates with the journal's mission to improve global health.}, } @article {pmid35587723, year = {2023}, author = {Abe, Y and Seino, S and Kurihara, H and Kage, M and Tokudome, Y}, title = {2-kDa hyaluronan ameliorates human facial wrinkles through increased dermal collagen density related to promotion of collagen remodeling.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {320-327}, pmid = {35587723}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Hyaluronic Acid/pharmacology ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; Skin ; Collagen/pharmacology ; Emollients/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharides are involved in several biological processes, primarily collagen remodeling and wound healing. Collagen remodeling is retarded in aging skin and causes wrinkles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2-kDa HA oligosaccharides (HA2k) on wrinkles by permeation through the stratum corneum and promotion of collagen remodeling.

METHODS: A 3D skin model and excised human skin were used to evaluate the permeation of fluorescein-labeled HA2k. The effect of HA2k on collagen metabolism was evaluated by measuring the protein level of type 1 pro-collagen (COL1A1) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the 3D skin model. 0.1% HA2k solution and vehicle control was applied to the human forearm for 8 weeks to evaluate dermal collagen density. To evaluate the effect of HA2k on depth of facial wrinkles, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 0.1% HA2k lotion and vehicle lotion for 8 weeks.

RESULTS: HA2k was confirmed to permeate through the stratum corneum by fluorescent microscopy. Both COL1A1 and MMP-1 were upregulated by HA2k application in a 3D skin model culture. The collagen density was higher for the HA2k-treated forearm than for the vehicle control-treated forearm after 4 weeks. The maximum wrinkle depths in the nasolabial fold and crow's feet area were significantly shallower in the HA2k lotion group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION: HA2k permeated the stratum corneum, activated collagen synthesis and degradation simultaneously, and ameliorated wrinkles.}, } @article {pmid35578705, year = {2022}, author = {Borukhson, D and Lorenz-Spreen, P and Ragni, M}, title = {When Does an Individual Accept Misinformation? An Extended Investigation Through Cognitive Modeling.}, journal = {Computational brain & behavior}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {244-260}, pmid = {35578705}, issn = {2522-087X}, abstract = {A new phenomenon is the spread and acceptance of misinformation and disinformation on an individual user level, facilitated by social media such as Twitter. So far, state-of-the-art socio-psychological theories and cognitive models focus on explaining how the accuracy of fake news is judged on average, with little consideration of the individual. In this paper, a breadth of core models are comparatively assessed on their predictive accuracy for the individual decision maker, i.e., how well can models predict an individual's decision before the decision is made. To conduct this analysis, it requires the raw responses of each individual and the implementation and adaption of theories to predict the individual's response. Building on methods formerly applied on smaller and more limited datasets, we used three previously collected large datasets with a total of 3794 participants and searched for, analyzed and refined existing classical and heuristic modeling approaches. The results suggest that classical reasoning, sentiment analysis models and heuristic approaches can best predict the "Accept" or "Reject" response of a person, headed by a model put together from research by Jay Van Bavel, while other models such as an implementation of "motivated reasoning" performed worse. Further, hybrid models that combine pairs of individual models achieve a significant increase in performance, pointing to an adaptive toolbox.}, } @article {pmid35569183, year = {2022}, author = {Aydin, F and Saticioglu, IB and Ay, H and Kayman, T and Karakaya, E and Abay, S}, title = {Description of the two novel species of the genus Helicobacter: Helicobacter anatolicus sp. nov., and Helicobacter kayseriensis sp. nov., isolated from feces of urban wild birds.}, journal = {Systematic and applied microbiology}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {126326}, doi = {10.1016/j.syapm.2022.126326}, pmid = {35569183}, issn = {1618-0984}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Birds ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Fatty Acids/analysis ; Feces ; *Helicobacter ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Urease/genetics ; }, abstract = {A total of 26 Gram-negative, motile, gently curved, and rod-shaped isolates were recovered, during a study to determine the faeco-prevalence of Helicobacter spp. in urban wild birds. Pairwise comparisons of the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these isolates belonged to the genus Helicobacter and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates were separated into two divergent groups. The first group consisted of 20 urease-positive isolates sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence identity levels of 98.5-98.6% to H. mustelae ATCC 43772[T], while the second group contained six urease-negative isolates with the sequence identity level of 98.5% to the type strain of H. pametensis ATCC 51478[T]. Five isolates were chosen and subjected to comparative whole-genome analysis. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, gyrA and atpA gene sequences showed that Helicobacter isolates formed two separate phylogenetic clades, differentiating the isolates from the other Helicobacter species. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analyses between strains faydin-H8[T], faydin-H23[T] and their close neighbors H. anseris MIT 04-9362[T] and H. pametensis ATCC 51478[T], respectively, confirmed that both strains represent novel species in the genus Helicobacter. The DNA G+C contents of the strains faydin-H8[T] and faydin-H23[T] are 32.0% and 37.6%, respectively. The results obtained for the characterization of the wild bird isolates indicate that they represent two novel species, for which the names Helicobacter anatolicus sp. nov., and Helicobacter kayseriensis sp. nov., are proposed, with faydin-H8[T](=LMG 32237[T] = DSM 112312[T]) and faydin-H23[T](=LMG 32236[T] = CECT 30508[T]) as respective type strains.}, } @article {pmid35565633, year = {2022}, author = {Kövér, L and Paládi, P and Benmazouz, I and Šorgo, A and Špur, N and Juhász, L and Czine, P and Balogh, P and Lengyel, S}, title = {Is the Hitchcock Story Really True? Public Opinion on Hooded Crows in Cities as Input to Management.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {35565633}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {In recent years, the Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) has become one of the most successful wild bird species in urban environments across Europe. Hooded crows can cause several problems in cities, including trash scattering, noise disturbance, and aggressive behavior toward humans or pets, and they can be potential vectors of pathogens. To find effective solutions, the public has to be involved in the decision-making process in urban planning management, managed by the city administration. In this study, we surveyed the attitude of people in Hungary towards crows and crow management by collecting information using an online questionnaire containing 65 questions published in 14 Facebook groups. We found that many people were familiar with corvid species and had personal experience with them. In most cases, these experiences were not negative, so the crows were not or only rarely perceived to cause problems to people, such as aggressive behavior, damage to cars or stealing something. Most respondents recognized that the presence of large numbers of hooded crows is a problem to be solved and acknowledged that they do not know how to resolve it. The majority of people expressed their interest in raising public awareness of crows but not in their management actions, which they believe should be implemented by experts. Most respondents preferred passive, harmless methods. More direct methods such as egg/chick removal from the nest, control by trapping, poisoned baits or firearms, or oral contraceptives were the least acceptable. These results express the difficulty in identifying a control method for managing hooded crow populations that is both acceptable to most people and effective at the same time. This study demonstrates the importance of involving public opinion in wildlife management and providing more information to citizens to reduce human-crow conflicts.}, } @article {pmid35561680, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, ZY and Pergande, MR and Ragsdale, CW and Cologna, SM}, title = {Steroid hormones of the octopus self-destruct system.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {32}, number = {11}, pages = {2572-2579.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.043}, pmid = {35561680}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/physiology ; Female ; Hormones/metabolism ; *Octopodiformes/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; Steroids/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Among all invertebrates, soft-bodied cephalopods have the largest central nervous systems and the greatest brain-to-body mass ratios, yet unlike other big-brained animals, cephalopods are unusually short lived.[1-5] Primates and corvids survive for many decades, but shallow-water octopuses, such as the California two-spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides), typically live for only 1 year.[6][,][7] Lifespan and reproduction are controlled by the principal neuroendocrine center of the octopus: the optic glands, which are functional analogs to the vertebrate pituitary gland.[8-10] After mating, females steadfastly brood their eggs, begin fasting, and undergo rapid physiological decline, featuring repeated self-injury and leading to death.[11] Removal of the optic glands completely reverses this life history trajectory,[10] but the signaling factors underlying this major life transition are unknown. Here, we characterize the major secretions and steroidogenic pathways of the female optic gland using mass spectrometry techniques. We find that at least three pathways are mobilized to increase synthesis of select sterol hormones after reproduction. One pathway generates pregnane steroids, known in other animals to support reproduction.[12-16] Two other pathways produce 7-dehydrocholesterol and bile acid intermediates, neither of which were previously known to be involved in semelparity. Our results provide insight into invertebrate cholesterol pathways and confirm a remarkable unity of steroid hormone biology in life history processes across Bilateria.}, } @article {pmid35552760, year = {2022}, author = {DeRaad, DA and McCormack, JE and Chen, N and Peterson, AT and Moyle, RG}, title = {Combining Species Delimitation, Species Trees, and Tests for Gene Flow Clarifies Complex Speciation in Scrub-Jays.}, journal = {Systematic biology}, volume = {71}, number = {6}, pages = {1453-1470}, doi = {10.1093/sysbio/syac034}, pmid = {35552760}, issn = {1076-836X}, mesh = {Animals ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Speciation ; Genetics, Population ; *Passeriformes ; Phylogeny ; *Songbirds/genetics ; }, abstract = {Complex speciation, involving rapid divergence and multiple bouts of post-divergence gene flow, can obfuscate phylogenetic relationships and species limits. In North America, cases of complex speciation are common, due at least in part to the cyclical Pleistocene glacial history of the continent. Scrub-Jays in the genus Aphelocoma provide a useful case study in complex speciation because their range throughout North America is structured by phylogeographic barriers with multiple cases of secondary contact between divergent lineages. Here, we show that a comprehensive approach to genomic reconstruction of evolutionary history, i.e., synthesizing results from species delimitation, species tree reconstruction, demographic model testing, and tests for gene flow, is capable of clarifying evolutionary history despite complex speciation. We find concordant evidence across all statistical approaches for the distinctiveness of an endemic southern Mexico lineage (A. w. sumichrasti), culminating in support for the species status of this lineage under any commonly applied species concept. We also find novel genomic evidence for the species status of a Texas endemic lineage A. w. texana, for which equivocal species delimitation results were clarified by demographic modeling and spatially explicit models of gene flow. Finally, we find that complex signatures of both ancient and modern gene flow between the non-sister California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) and Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma woodhouseii) result in discordant gene trees throughout the species' genomes despite clear support for their overall isolation and species status. In sum, we find that a multi-faceted approach to genomic analysis can increase our understanding of complex speciation histories, even in well-studied groups. Given the emerging recognition that complex speciation is relatively commonplace, the comprehensive framework that we demonstrate for interrogation of species limits and evolutionary history using genomic data can provide a necessary roadmap for disentangling the impacts of gene flow and incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) to better understand the systematics of other groups with similarly complex evolutionary histories. [Gene flow; genomics; introgression; phylogenomics; population genetics; species delimitation; species trees; systematics.].}, } @article {pmid35552557, year = {2022}, author = {Trivedi, M and Saxena, A and Shroff, Z and Sharma, M}, title = {Experiences and challenges in accessing hospitalization in a government-funded health insurance scheme: Evidence from early implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) in India.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {e0266798}, pmid = {35552557}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; }, mesh = {Government ; *Health Services Accessibility ; Hospitalization ; Hospitals, Private ; Humans ; India ; *Insurance, Health ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Government-sponsored health insurance schemes can play an important role in improving the reach of healthcare services. Launched in 2018 in India, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world's largest government-sponsored health insurance schemes. The objective of this study is to understand beneficiaries' experience of availing healthcare services at the empaneled hospitals in PM-JAY. This study examines the responsiveness of PM-JAY by measuring the prompt attention in service delivery, and access to information by the beneficiaries; financial burden experienced by the beneficiaries; and beneficiary's satisfaction with the experience of hospitalization under PMJAY and its determinants.

METHODS: The study was conducted during March-August 2019. Data were obtained through a survey conducted with 200 PM-JAY beneficiaries (or their caregivers) in the Indian states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The study population comprised of patients who received healthcare services at 14 study hospitals in April 2019. Prompt attention was measured in the form of a) effectiveness of helpdesk, and b) time taken at different stages of hospitalization and discharge events. Access to information by the beneficiaries was measured using the frequency and purpose of text messages and phone calls from the scheme authorities to the beneficiaries. The financial burden was measured in terms of the incidence and magnitude of out-of-pocket payments made by the beneficiaries separate from the cashless payment provided to hospitals by PMJAY. Beneficiaries' satisfaction was measured on a five-point Likert scale.

RESULTS: Socio-economically weaker sections of the society are availing healthcare services under PM-JAY. In Gujarat, the majority of the beneficiaries were made aware of the scheme by the government official channels. In Madhya Pradesh, the majority of the beneficiaries got to know about the scheme from informal sources. For most of the elements of prompt attention, access to information, and beneficiaries' satisfaction, hospitals in Gujarat performed significantly better than the hospitals in Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, for most of the elements of prompt attention, access to information, and beneficiaries' satisfaction, public hospitals performed significantly better than private hospitals. Incidence and magnitude of out-of-pocket payments were significantly higher in Madhya Pradesh as compared to Gujarat, and in private hospitals as compared to the public hospitals.

CONCLUSION: There is a need to focus on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities for PM-JAY, especially in Madhya Pradesh. Capacity-building efforts need to be prioritized for private hospitals as compared to public hospitals, and for Madhya Pradesh as compared to Gujarat. There is a need to focus on enhancing the responsiveness of the scheme, and timely exchange of information with beneficiaries. There is also an urgent need for measures aimed at reducing the out-of-pocket payments made by the beneficiaries.}, } @article {pmid35527352, year = {2022}, author = {Brynychová, K and Sládeček, M and Pešková, L and Chajma, P and Firlová, V and Elhassan, E and Vozabulová, E and Janatová, V and Almuhery, A and Šálek, M}, title = {Aggressiveness in a subtropical shorebird's nest defense is adjusted to the predator species and shared by conspecifics.}, journal = {Aggressive behavior}, volume = {48}, number = {5}, pages = {475-486}, doi = {10.1002/ab.22032}, pmid = {35527352}, issn = {1098-2337}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; Birds ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Aggression is an important component of an animal's defense when protecting offspring from predators. Ground nesting birds use a variety of defense strategies. However, their choice according to situation context is poorly known, especially in nonpasserines and in the subtropics and tropics. The ability to distinguish between differently dangerous predator species and the opportunity to share defense with conspecifics are potentially important but little-studied aspects of nest defense strategy. We experimentally studied the nest defense of Red-Wattled Lapwing in an individually marked population in a desert area near Dubai, UAE. We used three stuffed models representing 1) a predator dangerous both to adults and to nests (a cat), 2) a nest predator (a raven), and 3) a harmless reference model (a moorhen). We confirmed that the lapwings distinguished between predator species (being most aggressive toward the cat, and least aggressive toward the moorhen) and adjusted their defense strategy accordingly. In addition, conspecific visitors play a variety of roles in parents' defense strategy. They can strengthen the parental reaction, or they can assist in distracting a predator. The visitors included not only nesting neighbors but also nonbreeding floaters. Both parents participated in nest defense to a similar extent, regardless of incubation stage and ambient temperature. This study provides new insight into the complexity of the defensive patterns in ground-nesting birds inhabiting a hot environment. Comparative experimental research on a range of environments, with various bird species and predator models, can help us to understand the drivers of these defensive behavioral patterns.}, } @article {pmid35526169, year = {2022}, author = {Hopf, C and Bunting, E and Clark, A and Childs-Sanford, S}, title = {Survival and Release of 5 American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) Naturally Infected With West Nile Virus.}, journal = {Journal of avian medicine and surgery}, volume = {36}, number = {1}, pages = {85-91}, doi = {10.1647/20-00112}, pmid = {35526169}, issn = {1082-6742}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology ; *Crows ; Humans ; *West Nile Fever/epidemiology/veterinary ; *West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) has had a significant effect on avian populations in the United States since being first identified in 1999. Avian species in WNV endemic areas do not suffer the same level of mortality that has been reported in birds within the United States since the virus was first identified in North America. Because of their unique susceptibility, American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are often used to monitor the spread and severity of WNV in North America. American crows with WNV infections are received and treated at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital (Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA) on a regular basis during the summer and fall and have historically had a 100% mortality rate. This report describes WNV-positive American crows that were treated, recovered from the infection, and were subsequently released. The 5 American crows in this case series were tested, when possible, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and plaque reduction neutralization on admission and monitored with both PCR and plaque reduction neutralization throughout their rehabilitation process. Four of the 5 birds had a negative PCR test before release, and 1 bird had a "suspect" positive PCR test result before release. One of the crows was confirmed to have survived for at least 2.5 years after release. Viral shedding was documented up to 93 days after initial hospitalization, which is longer than any previous report of WNV shedding in an American crow.}, } @article {pmid35522411, year = {2022}, author = {Jalil-Masir, H and Fattahi, R and Ghanbari-Adivi, E and Asadi Aghbolaghi, M and Ehteram, M and Ahmed, AN and El-Shafie, A}, title = {An inclusive multiple model for predicting total sediment transport rate in the presence of coastal vegetation cover based on optimized kernel extreme learning models.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {29}, number = {44}, pages = {67180-67213}, pmid = {35522411}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; *Learning ; }, abstract = {Predicting sediment transport rate (STR) in the presence of flexible vegetation is a critical task for modelers. Sediment transport modeling methods in the coastal region is equally challenging due to the nonlinearity of the STR-vegetation interaction. In the present study, the kernel extreme learning model (KELM) was integrated with the seagull optimization algorithm (SEOA), the crow optimization algorithm (COA), the firefly algorithm (FFA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to estimate the STR in the presence of vegetation cover. The rigidity index, D50/wave height, Newton number, drag coefficient, and cover density were used as inputs to the models. The root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and percentage of bias (PBIAS) were used to evaluate the capability of models. This study applied the novel ensemble model, and the inclusive multiple model (IMM), to assemble the outputs of the KELM models. In addition, the innovations of this study were the introduction of a new IMM model, and the use of new hybrid KELM models for predicting STR and investigating the effects of various parameters on the STR. At the testing level, the MAE of the IMM model was 22, 60, 68, 73, and 76% lower than those of the KELM-SEOA, KELM-COA, KELM-PSO, and KELM models, respectively. The IMM had a PBIAS of 5, whereas the KELM-SEOA, KELM-COA, KELM-PSOA, and KELM had PBIAS of 9, 12, 14, 18, and 21%, respectively. The results indicated that the increasing drag coefficient and D50/wave height had decreased the STR. From the findings, it was revealed that the IMM and KELM-SEOA had higher predictive ability for STR. Since the sediment is one of the most important sources of environmental pollution, therefore, this study is useful for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution.}, } @article {pmid35493937, year = {2022}, author = {Teixeira-Santos, AC and Moreira, CS and Pereira, DR and Pinal, D and Fregni, F and Leite, J and Carvalho, S and Sampaio, A}, title = {Working Memory Training Coupled With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Experiment.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {827188}, pmid = {35493937}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been employed to boost working memory training (WMT) effects. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of this combination in older adults. The present study is aimed to assess the delayed transfer effects of tDCS coupled with WMT in older adults in a 15-day follow-up. We explored if general cognitive ability, age, and educational level predicted the effects.

METHODS: In this single-center, double-blind randomized sham-controlled experiment, 54 older adults were randomized into three groups: anodal-tDCS (atDCS)+WMT, sham-tDCS (stDCS)+WMT, and double-sham. Five sessions of tDCS (2 mA) were applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Far transfer was measured by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM), while the near transfer effects were assessed through Digit Span. A frequentist linear mixed model (LMM) was complemented by a Bayesian approach in data analysis.

RESULTS: Working memory training improved dual n-back performance in both groups submitted to this intervention but only the group that received atDCS+WMT displayed a significant improvement from pretest to follow-up in transfer measures of reasoning (RAPM) and short-term memory (forward Digit Span). Near transfer improvements predicted gains in far transfer, demonstrating that the far transfer is due to an improvement in the trained construct of working memory. Age, formal education, and vocabulary score seem to predict the gains in reasoning. However, Bayesian results do not provide substantial evidence to support this claim.

CONCLUSION: This study will help to consolidate the incipient but auspicious field of cognitive training coupled with tDCS in healthy older adults. Our findings demonstrated that atDCS may potentialize WMT by promoting transfer effects in short-term memory and reasoning in older adults, which are observed especially at follow-up.}, } @article {pmid35490423, year = {2022}, author = {Blazkova, B and Ambroz, A and Milcova, A and Pastorkova, A and Pastorkova, A and Rossner, P and Solansky, I and Veleminsky, M and Veleminsky, M and Veleminsky, M and Sram, RJ and Sram, RJ}, title = {A possible link between cognitive development in 5 years old children and prenatal oxidative stress.}, journal = {Neuro endocrinology letters}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {27-38}, pmid = {35490423}, issn = {2354-4716}, mesh = {8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine ; *Air Pollutants/adverse effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Oxidative Stress ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects ; Pregnancy ; Vitamins ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: To study the impact of oxidative damage associated with particulate matter< 2.5 µm (PM2.5) during prenatal period on the cognitive development in five years old children.

METHODS: Two cohorts of children aged five years, born in the years 2013 and 2014, were studied for their cognitive development in the polluted district Karvina and the control district Ceske Budejovice. Exposure to PM2.5 in the ambient air was measured for each mother during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Oxidative damage was determined from the level of biomarkers at delivery in mothers´ and newborns´ urine as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2´-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and in plasma as 15-F2t-isoprostane levels (15-F2t-IsoP). The Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (BG test) and the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM test) were used as psychological cognitive tests.

RESULTS: Average concentrations of PM2.5 ± SD in the 3rd trimester of mothers´ pregnancies were 37.7 ± 14.7 µg/m3 and 17.1 ± 4.8 µg/m3 in Karvina and Ceske Budejovice, respectively (p < 0.001). The maternal level of 15-F2t-IsoP in plasma at the time of delivery was significantly associated with the results of the RCPM test (p < 0.05) and the BG test (p < 0.05) in five years old children.

CONCLUSIONS: Lipid peroxidation in maternal plasma at the time of delivery has an adverse effect on the results of psychological cognitive tests in five years old children.}, } @article {pmid35489251, year = {2022}, author = {Pavia, M and Val, A and Carrera, L and Steininger, CM}, title = {Fossil birds from Cooper's D aid in reconstructing the Early Pleistocene paleoenvironment in the Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng, South Africa).}, journal = {Journal of human evolution}, volume = {167}, number = {}, pages = {103185}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2022.103185}, pmid = {35489251}, issn = {1095-8606}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Fossils ; *Hominidae ; Mammals ; South Africa ; }, abstract = {Several large-bodied hominin and nonhuman primates have coexisted in the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa during the Early Pleistocene. Previous paleoenvironmental studies regarding the Plio-Pleistocene of South Africa have focused heavily on mammal assemblages. Here, we conducted a comprehensive taxonomic analysis of the fossil bird remains from Cooper's D, the most fossiliferous locality of the hominin-bearing Cooper's Cave complex in South Africa. Our taxonomic evaluation of 505 remains reveals the presence of 23 bird taxa, two of which are extinct and already reported from the nearby fossil locality of Kromdraai. The taxonomically diverse bird assemblage is dominated by Francolinus sp. and other species associated with open grassland habitats, followed by rock-dwelling species, including Tyto cf. alba and the extinct Corvus bragai, and by woodland species such as Agapornis sp., Accipiter melanoleucos, and the extinct Glaucidium ireneae. The occurrence of these taxa and their respective proportions in the assemblage, in terms of both numbers of bones and individuals, point to the presence of extensive open grassland and/or savannah with rocky outcrops and woodland. These findings corroborate previous analyses of mammals from Cooper's D, with the exception of aquatic species, which are rare in the bird assemblage. Comparison with older deposits from Kromdraai confirms the definitive establishment of open habitats in the Cradle of Humankind during the Early Pleistocene following a transition from woodier habitats during the Late Pliocene. This study constitutes a further step in investigating the fossil bird diversity in the Cradle of Humankind during the Plio-Pleistocene. Our results add to the larger body of work using avian fossils for paleoenvironmental reconstructions in Africa and support the utility of birds as paleoenvironmental proxies. Similar future studies will refine our understanding of the paleoenvironments and landscape transformation during the Plio-Pleistocene, a critical timeframe for hominin evolution in southern Africa.}, } @article {pmid35488497, year = {2023}, author = {Peona, V and Kutschera, VE and Blom, MPK and Irestedt, M and Suh, A}, title = {Satellite DNA evolution in Corvoidea inferred from short and long reads.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {32}, number = {6}, pages = {1288-1305}, doi = {10.1111/mec.16484}, pmid = {35488497}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {2016-05139//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2019-03900//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2020-04436//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 621-2014-5113//Vetenskapsrådet/ ; 2017-01597//Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas/ ; //Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *DNA, Satellite/genetics ; *Crows/genetics ; Eukaryota ; Eukaryotic Cells ; }, abstract = {Satellite DNA (satDNA) is a fast-evolving portion of eukaryotic genomes. The homogeneous and repetitive nature of such satDNA causes problems during the assembly of genomes, and therefore it is still difficult to study it in detail in nonmodel organisms as well as across broad evolutionary timescales. Here, we combined the use of short- and long-read data to explore the diversity and evolution of satDNA between individuals of the same species and between genera of birds spanning ~40 millions of years of bird evolution using birds-of-paradise (Paradisaeidae) and crow (Corvus) species. These avian species highlighted the presence of a GC-rich Corvoidea satellitome composed of 61 satellite families and provided a set of candidate satDNA monomers for being centromeric on the basis of length, abundance, homogeneity and transcription. Surprisingly, we found that the satDNA of crow species rapidly diverged between closely related species while the satDNA appeared more similar between birds-of-paradise species belonging to different genera.}, } @article {pmid35482064, year = {2022}, author = {Casabona, G and Kaye, K}, title = {Effects of Polynucleotide Dermal Filler in the Correction of Crow's Feet Using an Antera Three-Dimensional Camera.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {1910-1912}, pmid = {35482064}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Dermal Fillers ; Eye ; Humans ; Polynucleotides ; *Skin Aging ; }, } @article {pmid35476231, year = {2022}, author = {Ocañas, AR and Danoff-Burg, JA and Mulroe, K and Walton, SR}, title = {Addressing the raven food subsidy challenge by engaging restaurants to close their dumpsters.}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, pages = {491-500}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21696}, pmid = {35476231}, issn = {1098-2361}, support = {//Southern California Edison/ ; 8006.19.064748//National Fish and Wildlife Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo ; *Crows ; Food ; Humans ; *Refuse Disposal ; Restaurants ; }, abstract = {Ravens have benefitted from resource subsidies provided by humans so much that their population has increased by over 800% in the western Mojave desert over the last 50 years. Our food waste is an especially large subsidy. Raven predation is one of the greatest threats to desert tortoise survival in the California desert. We sought to create and evaluate a behavioral change program among restaurants in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms, California in the western Mojave with elevated raven populations. Half of the 60 restaurants in these two communities received an intervention encouraging them to close their dumpsters while the other half served as controls with no intervention. Treatment restaurants received two in-person visits to discuss the manifold importance of dumpster closure and laminated information signs to display and extend communication to staff. We surveyed all dumpsters for open/closed status five times before the intervention and five times again 3 months after the intervention. We found a significant increase in closure rates among treatment restaurants due to the interventions, with an average of 9.5% increase toward maximum possible lid closure. Restaurants achieving 80%+ closure received "Gold Star Awards" to further stimulate community-wide behavior change by publicly recognizing and encouraging desired behaviors. We summarize dumpster closure rates from similar interventions in nearby Joshua Tree and across the Coachella Valley to illustrate how local social norms may influence behavior.}, } @article {pmid35471293, year = {2022}, author = {Rezaei, MH and Yavari, MH}, title = {CROW-based Fano structures for all optical switching devices.}, journal = {Applied optics}, volume = {61}, number = {11}, pages = {3156-3164}, doi = {10.1364/AO.453364}, pmid = {35471293}, issn = {1539-4522}, abstract = {In this paper, an improved optical Fano switch based on coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) is presented. The new topological design is employed to achieve steeper and highly asymmetric Fano resonances (FRs). Physically, in the proposed structures, due to the increase in the effective refractive index at the center of the CROW, a confined mode arises in the continuum background according to the variational theorem and leads to FR. The results show that in CROW-based Fano switches, the Fano spectrum is improved by tuning the number of nanocavities. The ratio between the slope ratio and linewidth shows an improvement of 55.25% from single to CROW5. As an important application of FR, an ultra-compact device with a CROW-based Fano structure is demonstrated. The results of the numerical finite difference time domain simulation agree well with the theoretical coupled mode theory.}, } @article {pmid35469528, year = {2022}, author = {Al-Fakih, AM and Algamal, ZY and Qasim, MK}, title = {An improved opposition-based crow search algorithm for biodegradable material classification.}, journal = {SAR and QSAR in environmental research}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {403-415}, doi = {10.1080/1062936X.2022.2064546}, pmid = {35469528}, issn = {1029-046X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *Crows ; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship ; }, abstract = {The development of a reliable quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) classification model with a small number of molecular descriptors is a crucial step in chemometrics. In this study, an improvement of crow search algorithm (CSA) is proposed by adapting the opposite-based learning (OBL) approach, which is named as OBL-CSA, to improve the exploration and exploitation capability of the CSA in quantitative structure-biodegradation relationship (QSBR) modelling of classifying the biodegradable materials. The results reveal that the performance of OBL-CSA not only manifest in improving the classification performance, but also in reduced computational time required to complete the process when compared to the standard CSA and other four optimization algorithms tested, which are the particle swarm algorithm (PSO), black hole algorithm (BHA), grey wolf algorithm (GWA), and whale optimization algorithm (WOA). In conclusion, the OBL-CSA could be a valuable resource in the classification of biodegradable materials.}, } @article {pmid35465830, year = {2022}, author = {Kalaivani, K and Uma Maheswari, N and Venkatesh, R}, title = {Heart disease diagnosis using optimized features of hybridized ALCSOGA algorithm and LSTM classifier.}, journal = {Network (Bristol, England)}, volume = {33}, number = {1-2}, pages = {95-123}, doi = {10.1080/0954898X.2022.2061062}, pmid = {35465830}, issn = {1361-6536}, mesh = {Algorithms ; *Heart Diseases ; Humans ; *Quality of Life ; }, abstract = {Cardiac disease is the predominant cause of global death mainly due to its hidden symptoms and late diagnosis. Hence, early detection is important to improve quality of life. Though traditional researches attempted to predict heart disease, most of them lacked with respect to accuracy. To solve this, the present study proposes a hybridized Ant Lion Crow Search Optimization Genetic Algorithm (ALCSOGA) to perform effective feature selection. This hybrid optimization encompasses Ant Lion, Crow Search and Genetic Algorithm. Ant lion algorithm determines the elite position. While, the Crow Search Algorithm utilizes the phenomenon of position and memory of each crow for evaluating the objective function. Both these algorithms are fed into Genetic Algorithm to improve the performance of feature selection process. Then, Stochastic Learning rate optimized Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) is proposed to classify the extracted optimized features. Finally, comparative analysis is performed in terms of accuracy, recall, F1-score, and precision. Moreover, statistical analysis is performed with respect to Sum of Squares (SS), degree of freedom (df), F Critical (F crit), F Statistics (F), p, and Mean Square (MS) value. Analytical results revealed the efficiency of proposed system over conventional methods and thereby confirming its efficiency for predicting heart disease.}, } @article {pmid35460310, year = {2023}, author = {Kang, JW and Cho, HE and Choi, HM and Lee, IC}, title = {Anti-wrinkle properties of Angelica gigas Nakai root extracts using mineral-rich water.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {328-334}, pmid = {35460310}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Aging ; *Mineral Waters ; Collagen Type I ; Double-Blind Method ; *Angelica ; Minerals ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Angelica gigas Nakai is used as an herbal pharmaceutical material in Korea.

AIMS: To investigate the anti-wrinkle effects of A. gigas Nakai root extracts (ARE) using mineral-rich water in in vitro and clinical trials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cell viability of ARE was evaluated using a water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay. After evaluating ARE's cytotoxicity, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to assess the effects of ARE on type I collagen in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). During a double-blinded in vivo clinical study, participants were randomly assigned to use the sample and placebo formulations for the left and right sides of their face over an 8-week period. We evaluated the anti-wrinkle properties of the formulations using PRIMOS Lite and a global photodamage score.

RESULTS: A. gigas Nakai root extracts cytotoxicity was evaluated in HDFs. We demonstrate that ARE increased type I collagen production by 40% at 50 μg/ml as compared with the control. The use of an ARE lotion significantly reduced the presence of crow's feet wrinkles in comparison with the use of the placebo after 8 weeks. Additionally, use of the ARE lotion led to decreased photodamage scores, indicating anti-wrinkle effects.

CONCLUSION: The use of ARE with mineral-rich water has anti-wrinkle effects in in vitro and clinical trials.}, } @article {pmid35459668, year = {2022}, author = {Luo, D and Tan, L and Shen, D and Lai, M and Tang, Q and Xu, J and Li, J}, title = {Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive dysfunction induced by nitrous oxide abuse: protocol of a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {e054876}, pmid = {35459668}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {Cognition ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/chemically induced/therapy ; Double-Blind Method ; Humans ; *Hyperbaric Oxygenation ; Nitrous Oxide ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Research Design ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The cognitive dysfunction associated with nitrous oxide abuse is gradually becoming a major global public health concern. Despite the increasing prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse, there are currently no authorised/approved treatment options. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proven to be an efficient method to improve cognitive function. The current randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial will explore the effect of HBOT on cognitive dysfunction induced by nitrous oxide abuse.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Eighty participants who abuse nitrous oxide and have cognitive dysfunction, including memory decline, disorientation, attention deficits, slower reactions and learning disabilities, will be included in the trial. They will be randomly assigned to receive either HBOT or sham-HBOT 90-120 min once daily for 5 days per week for 2 weeks. The primary outcome will be the improvement in the total score of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery, which will measure comprehensive cognitive function between the two groups. Additionally, attention will be measured by integrated visual and auditory continuous performance tests, executive function will be measured by the Wisconsin card sorting test, intelligence will be measured by Raven's standard progressive matrices and cognitive control will be measured by the Stroop colour word interference test.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by the West China Hospital of Sichuan University Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. The report of the study will be disseminated via scientific forums including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100047111).}, } @article {pmid35459249, year = {2022}, author = {Johnsson, RD and Connelly, F and Gaviraghi Mussoi, J and Vyssotski, AL and Cain, KE and Roth, TC and Lesku, JA}, title = {Sleep loss impairs cognitive performance and alters song output in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {6645}, pmid = {35459249}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Birds ; Cognition ; Mammals ; *Sleep ; *Sleep Deprivation/psychology ; Wakefulness ; }, abstract = {Sleep maintains optimal brain functioning to facilitate behavioural flexibility while awake. Owing to a historical bias towards research on mammals, we know comparatively little about the role of sleep in facilitating the cognitive abilities of birds. We investigated how sleep deprivation over the full-night (12 h) or half-night (6 h) affects cognitive performance in adult Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen), relative to that after a night of undisturbed sleep. Each condition was preceded and followed by a baseline and recovery night of sleep, respectively. Prior to each treatment, birds were trained on an associative learning task; on the day after experimental treatment (recovery day), birds were tested on a reversal learning task. To glean whether sleep loss affected song output, we also conducted impromptu song recordings for three days. Ultimately, sleep-deprived magpies were slower to attempt the reversal learning task, less likely to perform and complete the task, and those that did the test performed worse than better-rested birds. We also found that sleep-deprived magpies sang longer yet fewer songs, shifted crepuscular singing to mid-day, and during the post-recovery day, song frequency bandwidth narrowed. These results collectively indicate that sleep loss impairs motivation and cognitive performance, and alters song output, in a social adult songbird.}, } @article {pmid35455594, year = {2022}, author = {Melogno, S and Pinto, MA and Lauriola, M}, title = {Becoming the Metalinguistic Mind: The Development of Metalinguistic Abilities in Children from 5 to 7.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {35455594}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {The object of this study is the development of metalinguistic abilities in an age range-5 to 7 years-where an important turn takes place in education, namely the transition between kindergarten and primary school. Based on the literature starting from the 70's of the last century, embryonic forms of awareness of how language variation can be manipulated to convey variation in meaning are widely attested in preschoolers. These forms, however, denote an intuitive and implicit level of awareness and will attain a "meta-level", based on more systematic and explicit reflectiveness, later in development in correlation with cognitive, linguistic, and educational factors. To measure the development of these abilities across the above age range, we recruited 160 native Italian-speaking children from 5 to 7, with comparable numerosity at each age, gender balance, average socio-cultural background, and no cognitive nor neuropsychological impairment. We used 6 metalinguistic tasks, the Raven's CPM, a lexical and grammatical ability tests. The results showed a significant increase in all the measures across the span considered and correlations between all the measures. A factor analysis on the metalinguistic tasks showed that a single factor accounted for a large part of the common variance.}, } @article {pmid35455521, year = {2022}, author = {Stegariu, VI and Abalasei, BA and Stoica, M}, title = {A Study on the Correlation between Intelligence and Body Schema in Children Who Practice Chess at School.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {35455521}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {The role of intelligence in chess is crucial because the game involves a situation of adversity between two players whose goal is to checkmate the opponent's king. Due to the complex nature of the game and the huge amount of information needed to become a professional chess player, the ability to receive, analyze, sort and use abstract notions is essential. A total of 67 children from the third grade were selected and tested twice, initially and finally, to establish the level of body schema and intelligence. The Raven test was used to numerically quantify their intelligence and the Goodenough test was conducted for the body schema. We used the paired samples T-test to highlight the statistical difference between the results and performed a simple linear regression to see if the level of intelligence is a predictor of the body schema. There is a linear relationship between intelligence and body schema, and we can use the first one to predict the evolution of the second. In conclusion, body schema can be educated through chess lessons, and this will lead to better psychomotor development.}, } @article {pmid35455490, year = {2022}, author = {Smirni, P and Smirni, D}, title = {Current and Potential Cognitive Development in Healthy Children: A New Approach to Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {35455490}, issn = {2227-9067}, abstract = {In clinical practice and research, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPMs) continue to be used according to a single procedure that aims to evaluate a single overall score of the current general intelligence level. This study aimed to examine potential cognitive development in a sample of 450 typically developing children, aged from 6 to 10 years, by administering RCPMs according to the standard procedure followed immediately by a standardized interview on incorrect items. In addition, the study aimed to analyze how performance differed across age groups. The results analysis was examined on the basis of three different factors in which the items were grouped in previous factorial studies. The results found that performance improved markedly and significantly after the interview; however, the improvement was not homogeneous in the three factors across age groups or within each age group. The age groups showed a different development potential in relation to the nature of the task: the younger ones showed a greater increase on items requiring figure completion, and the older ones showed a greater increase on analogical reasoning items. Finally, the children who showed the greatest improvement were those with the best performance in standard RCPM administration. The procedure described in the present research could represent a useful tool in clinical practice and in the research for a broader cognitive assessment focused on potential cognitive development, as well as on real cognitive development, and to favor the planning of more adequate rehabilitation and educational treatments.}, } @article {pmid35449129, year = {2022}, author = {Garcia-Porta, J and Sol, D and Pennell, M and Sayol, F and Kaliontzopoulou, A and Botero, CA}, title = {Niche expansion and adaptive divergence in the global radiation of crows and ravens.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {2086}, pmid = {35449129}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {The processes that allow some lineages to diversify rapidly at a global scale remain poorly understood. Although earlier studies emphasized the importance of dispersal, global expansions expose populations to novel environments and may also require adaptation and diversification across new niches. In this study, we investigated the contributions of these processes to the global radiation of crows and ravens (genus Corvus). Combining a new phylogeny with comprehensive phenotypic and climatic data, we show that Corvus experienced a massive expansion of the climatic niche that was coupled with a substantial increase in the rates of species and phenotypic diversification. The initiation of these processes coincided with the evolution of traits that promoted dispersal and niche expansion. Our findings suggest that rapid global radiations may be better understood as processes in which high dispersal abilities synergise with traits that, like cognition, facilitate persistence in new environments.}, } @article {pmid35441196, year = {2022}, author = {Sugimoto, T and Kuroda, Y and Matsumoto, N and Uchida, K and Kishino, Y and Saji, N and Niida, S and Sakurai, T}, title = {Cross-Sectional Associations of Sarcopenia and Its Components with Neuropsychological Performance among Memory Clinic Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.}, journal = {The Journal of frailty & aging}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {182-189}, doi = {10.14283/jfa.2022.3}, pmid = {35441196}, issn = {2260-1341}, mesh = {*Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Hand Strength/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Postural Balance ; *Sarcopenia/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Time and Motion Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The association of sarcopenia with cognitive function in its specific domains remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of sarcopenia and its components with neuropsychological performance among patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN: Cross-sectional design.

SETTING: A memory clinic in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS: The study included 497 MCI/684 AD patients aged 65-89 years.

MEASUREMENTS: Patients were assessed for muscle mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis, muscle strength by hand grip strength (HGS), and physical performance by timed up and go test (TUG). Sarcopenia was defined as presence of both low muscle strength and low muscle mass. The patients underwent neuropsychological tests, including logical memory, frontal lobe assessment battery, word fluency test, Raven's colored progressive matrices, digit span, and the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog).

RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia in men and women was 24.1% and 19.5%, respectively. In multiple regression analyses adjusting for confounders, unlike in men, sarcopenia was associated with memory function in women (ADAS-cog, memory domain, coefficient = 1.08, standard error (SE) = 0.36), which was thought likely due to the relationship between HGS and memory function (immediate recall of logical memory, coefficient = 0.07, SE = 0.03; ADAS-cog, memory domain, coefficient = -0.10, SE = 0.03). Of the components of sarcopenia in both sexes, HGS and TUG were associated with visuospatial function and frontal lobe function, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The specific association of sarcopenia and its components with cognitive domains may provide the key to elucidating the muscle-brain interactions in AD.}, } @article {pmid35428810, year = {2022}, author = {Amor, N and Noman, MT and Petru, M and Sebastian, N}, title = {Comfort evaluation of ZnO coated fabrics by artificial neural network assisted with golden eagle optimizer model.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {6350}, pmid = {35428810}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *Eagles ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Propylamines ; Sulfides ; Textiles ; *Zinc Oxide ; }, abstract = {This paper introduces a novel technique to evaluate comfort properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) coated woven fabrics. The proposed technique combines artificial neural network (ANN) and golden eagle optimizer (GEO) to ameliorate the training process of ANN. Neural networks are state-of-the-art machine learning models used for optimal state prediction of complex problems. Recent studies showed that the use of metaheuristic algorithms improve the prediction accuracy of ANN. GEO is the most advanced methaheurstic algorithm inspired by golden eagles and their intelligence for hunting by tuning their speed according to spiral trajectory. From application point of view, this study is a very first attempt where GEO is applied along with ANN to improve the training process of ANN for any textiles and composites application. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm ANN with GEO (ANN-GEO) was applied to map out the complex input-output conditions for optimal results. Coated amount of ZnO NPs, fabric mass and fabric thickness were selected as input variables and comfort properties were evaluated as output results. The obtained results reveal that ANN-GEO model provides high performance accuracy than standard ANN model, ANN models trained with latest metaheuristic algorithms including particle swarm optimizer and crow search optimizer, and conventional multiple linear regression.}, } @article {pmid35426243, year = {2023}, author = {Moy, M and Diaz, I and Lesniak, E and Giancola, G}, title = {Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {267-274}, pmid = {35426243}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Colgate-Palmolive Company/ ; //PCA SKIN/ ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Skin/diagnostic imaging ; Epidermis ; Peptides/pharmacology ; Amino Acids ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Effective anti-aging treatments are an unmet consumer need.

AIM: Ex vivoand clinical tests have evaluated the efficacy of a topical facial serum containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts on aged skin.

METHODS: In the ex vivo study the facial serum was compared to a commercially marketed face serum and to an untreated control on skin explants using microrelief, smoothness, and epidermal thickness endpoints. The 12 weeks monadic clinical study was designed for the test product to be used on the whole face. Subjects functioned as their own control; evaluating change from baseline. Skin was evaluated clinically by a Dermatologist for tolerability and for efficacy. Also part of the product assessment was skin hydration measurements, imaging, and a subject questionnaire.

RESULTS: The facial serum improved skin condition by significant reductions in skin surface area occupied by microfolds and in skin roughness. Additionally, it increased epidermal thickness as compared to the untreated control as well as the commercially marketed face serum. The facial serum provided a statistically increased skin moisturization compared to pretreatment values. Dermatological evaluation of the skin concluded that there were statistically and clinically significant improvements in skin smoothness, wrinkles severity, fine lines visibility and lifting, and tightening effects at crow's feet area, forehead, and upper lip.

CONCLUSION: A facial serum, containing a proprietary blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids, and marine extracts, has been shown to improve the overall quality of aged skin in a series of ex vivo and clinical tests.}, } @article {pmid35418640, year = {2022}, author = {}, title = {First Rounders: Jay Keasling.}, journal = {Nature biotechnology}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {475}, doi = {10.1038/s41587-022-01292-4}, pmid = {35418640}, issn = {1546-1696}, mesh = {*Biotechnology ; }, } @article {pmid35403214, year = {2022}, author = {Sianta, SA and Kay, KM}, title = {Phylogenomic analysis does not support a classic but controversial hypothesis of progenitor-derivative origins for the serpentine endemic Clarkia franciscana.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {76}, number = {6}, pages = {1246-1259}, pmid = {35403214}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; *Clarkia/genetics ; *Dolphins ; Genetic Speciation ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Budding speciation involves isolation of marginal populations at the periphery of a species range and is thought to be a prominent mode of speciation in organisms with low dispersal and/or strong local adaptation among populations. Budding speciation is typically evidenced by abutting, asymmetric ranges of ecologically divergent sister species and low genetic diversity in putative budded species. Yet these indirect patterns may be unreliable, instead caused by postspeciation processes such as range or demographic shifts. Nested phylogenetic relationships provide the most conclusive evidence of budding speciation. A putative case of budding speciation in the serpentine endemic Clarkia franciscana and two closely related widespread congeners was studied by Harlan Lewis, Peter Raven, Leslie Gottlieb, and others over a 20-year period, yet the origin of C. franciscana remains controversial. Here, we reinvestigate this system with phylogenomic analyses to determine whether C. franciscana is a recently derived budded species, phylogenetically nested within one of the other two putative progenitor species. In contrast to the hypothesized pattern of relatedness among the three Clarkia species, we find no evidence for recent budding speciation. Instead, the data suggest the three species diverged simultaneously. We urge caution in using contemporary range patterns to infer geographic modes of speciation.}, } @article {pmid35370868, year = {2021}, author = {Sofologi, M and Pliogou, V and Bonti, E and Efstratopoulou, M and Kougioumtzis, GA and Papatzikis, E and Ntritsos, G and Moraitou, D and Papantoniou, G}, title = {An Investigation of Working Memory Profile and Fluid Intelligence in Children With Neurodevelopmental Difficulties.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {773732}, pmid = {35370868}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The present study aims to evaluate the distinct patterns of working memory (WM) capacity of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), High-functioning children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and children with Down syndrome (DS). More specifically, the current study investigates the complex relationship of fluid intelligence and WM between 39 children with DLD, 20 H igh-functioning children with ASD, and 15 children with DS. All children were evaluated in different measures of Phonological Working Memory, Visual-spatial Working Memory whereas Fluid Intelligence was measured with Raven Progressive Matrices. The result analysis revealed a significant difference among the three groups, both among each function separately and the correlations among them, as well. The results revealed that the DLD groups and High-functioning ASD group exhibited a common picture or an overlap of performances in all Phonological and Visuo-spatial working memory measures, except Backward Digit Recall task. As for the DS group research findings revealed different and unique working memory patterns in comparison to DLD group and High-functioning ASD. Their differences have been studied and further conclusions have been drawn about the different patterns of working memory among the three clinical groups. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of support for learning. The common profile that characterize the two developmental conditions and the distinct pattern of working memory performance in DS group underlies the need for further research in the field.}, } @article {pmid35369078, year = {2022}, author = {Wei, K and Guo, C and Zhu, J and Wei, Y and Wu, M and Huang, X and Zhang, M and Li, J and Wang, X and Wang, Y and Wei, X}, title = {The Whitening, Moisturizing, Anti-aging Activities, and Skincare Evaluation of Selenium-Enriched Mung Bean Fermentation Broth.}, journal = {Frontiers in nutrition}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {837168}, pmid = {35369078}, issn = {2296-861X}, abstract = {Selenium-enriched mung bean (Se-MB) is a combination of mung bean (MB) and selenium (Se), which have a variety of potential biological activities. However, little is known about the skincare activity of Se-MB. The chemical composition of Se-MB fermentation broth (Se-MBFB) was analyzed to investigate the whitening, moisturizing, and anti-aging activities of Se-MBFB. The tyrosinase inhibition, anti-melanogenic in melanocytes (B16F10 cells), and moisturizing effect in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were analyzed. Besides, the free radical scavenging activity of Se-MBFB was assessed in vitro. To verify the in vivo effects and the potential of practical applications of Se-MBFB, a clinical trial was conducted on the participants: 31 Chinese women aged 25-60 years, with no pigmentation disorder, no illness, no history of hypersensitivity reaction, and no use of skincare product on the face. The participants used an Se-MBFB masque for 15-20 min after cleaning the face. The measurement points were Week 0, 2, and 4 (W0, W2, and W4) after using the masque, and target sites were cheek and canthus. The following parameters were recorded on the target sites at each visit: melanin index, skin color, cuticle moisture content, transepidermal water loss, and crow's feet. The results demonstrated that Se-MBFB was rich in polyphenols, peptides, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), displayed significant free radical scavenging and tyrosinase inhibiting activities, decreased the synthesis of melanin, and upregulated the aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression. The test of the Se-MBFB mask showed that after 4 weeks of using the Se-MBFB facemask, the faces of the participants became whiter with reduced wrinkles and increased moisture content. Se-MB possessed the excellent whitening, moisturizing, and antioxidant efficacy, which could lay a scientific foundation for utilization and development of skincare products of Se-MB and its related industrial cosmetics products.}, } @article {pmid35365698, year = {2022}, author = {Holtmann, B and Buskas, J and Steele, M and Sokolovskis, K and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Author Correction: Dominance relationships and coalitionary aggression against conspecifics in female carrion crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {5537}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-09406-3}, pmid = {35365698}, issn = {2045-2322}, } @article {pmid35357558, year = {2022}, author = {Kim, JH and Kim, ES and Kim, SW and Hong, SP and Kim, J}, title = {Effects of Polynucleotide Dermal Filler in the Correction of Crow's Feet Using an Antera Three-Dimensional Camera.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {1902-1909}, pmid = {35357558}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {*Dermal Fillers ; Humans ; Melanins ; Polynucleotides ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dermal fillers are gaining interest for tissue enlargement and skin improvement. Among them, polynucleotides have demonstrated multiple skin beneficial effects. The effects of polynucleotide fillers were objectively evaluated using an Antera 3D camera, subjectively evaluated by participants and investigators.

METHODS: Thirty subjects with crow's feet were enrolled in the study. The subjects received polynucleotide filler for crow's feet. Crow's feet grading score (CFGS), global esthetic improvement scale (GAIS), and Antera 3D imaging results were evaluated.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight subjects (93.3%) completed the study. An improvement in CFGS compared with that at baseline (p < 0.001) was observed 18 weeks after the first injection of polynucleotides. Additionally, at the final visit, there were improvements in wrinkle, texture, pore, depression, and Hb values compared with those at baseline (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in melanin level was detected between the initial and final visits.

CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in wrinkles, pores, texture, depression, and Hb level after polynucleotide filler injection were verified by objective and subjective evaluations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the objective evaluation of polynucleotide fillers in crow's feet using the Antera 3D camera.

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 {pmid35352289, year = {2022}, author = {Mechera-Ostrovsky, T and Heinke, S and Andraszewicz, S and Rieskamp, J}, title = {Cognitive abilities affect decision errors but not risk preferences: A meta-analysis.}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin & review}, volume = {29}, number = {5}, pages = {1719-1750}, pmid = {35352289}, issn = {1531-5320}, mesh = {Humans ; Bayes Theorem ; *Cognition ; *Decision Making ; Probability ; Risk-Taking ; }, abstract = {When making risky decisions, people should evaluate the consequences and the chances of the outcome occurring. We examine the risk-preference hypothesis, which states that people's cognitive abilities affect their evaluation of choice options and consequently their risk-taking behavior. We compared the risk-preference hypothesis against a parsimonious error hypothesis, which states that lower cognitive abilities increase decision errors. Increased decision errors can be misinterpreted as more risk-seeking behavior because in most risk-taking tasks, random choice behavior is often misclassified as risk-seeking behavior. We tested these two competing hypotheses against each other with a systematic literature review and a Bayesian meta-analysis summarizing the empirical correlations. Results based on 30 studies and 62 effect sizes revealed no credible association between cognitive abilities and risk aversion. Apparent correlations between cognitive abilities and risk aversion can be explained by biased risk-preference-elicitation tasks, where more errors are misinterpreted as specific risk preferences. In sum, the reported associations between cognitive abilities and risk preferences are spurious and mediated by a misinterpretation of erroneous choice behavior. This result also has general implications for any research area in which treatment effects, such as decreased cognitive attention or motivation, could increase decision errors and be misinterpreted as specific preference changes.}, } @article {pmid35350387, year = {2021}, author = {Lorenc, ZP and Jones, D and Kim, J and Gwak, HM and Batham, S and Vachon, G}, title = {Validating a Series of Photonumeric Rating Scales for Use in Facial Aesthetics Using Statistical Analysis of Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, pages = {ojab039}, pmid = {35350387}, issn = {2631-4797}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Growing demand for minimally invasive aesthetic procedures to correct age-related facial changes and optimize facial proportions has been met with innovation but has created an unmet need for objective assessment tools to evaluate results empirically.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to establish the intra- and inter-rater reliability of ordinal, photonumeric, 4-, or 5-point rating scales for clinical use to assess facial aesthetics.

METHODS: Board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists (3 raters) performed live validation of jawline contour, temple volume, chin retrusion, nasolabial folds, vertical perioral lip lines, midface volume loss, lip fullness, and crow's feet dynamic- and at rest-rating scales over 2 rounds, 2 weeks apart. Subjects selected for live validation represented the range of scores and included 54 to 83 subjects for each scale. Test-retest reliability was quantitated through intra- and inter-rater reliability, determined from the mean weighted kappa and round 2 intraclass correlation coefficients, respectively. The clinical significance of a 1-grade difference was assessed through rater comparison of 31 pairs of side-by-side photographs of subjects with the same grade or a different grade on the developed scales.

RESULTS: The study demonstrated substantial to near-perfect intra- and inter-rater reliability of all scales when utilized by trained raters to assess a diverse group of live subjects. Furthermore, the clinical significance of a 1-point difference on all the developed scales was established.

CONCLUSIONS: The high test-retest reliability and intuitive layout of these scales provide an objective approach with standardized ratings for clinical assessment of various facial features.}, } @article {pmid35347860, year = {2023}, author = {Buzzanca, A and Accinni, T and Frascarelli, M and Troisi, E and Kotzalidis, GD and Di Bonaventura, C and Fanella, M and Putotto, C and Marino, B and Pasquini, M and Biondi, M and Di Fabio, F}, title = {Recognition of facial emotion expressions and perceptual processes in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.}, journal = {Early intervention in psychiatry}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {76-84}, pmid = {35347860}, issn = {1751-7893}, mesh = {Humans ; *DiGeorge Syndrome/psychology ; Emotions ; *Schizophrenia/genetics ; *Psychotic Disorders ; Recognition, Psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Social cognition (SC) deficits and of its facial emotion expression (FEE) component have been described in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS), a high-risk for schizophrenia (SCZ) systemic genetic syndrome. Correlations between deficits in FEE skills and visual-spatial abilities in people with 22q11.2DS warrant investigation.

METHODS: The sample consisted of 37 patients with 22q11.2DS (DEL), 19 with 22q11.2DS and psychosis (DEL-SCZ), 23 with idiopathic SCZ, and 48 healthy controls. We assessed FEE through The Ekman 60 Faces test (EK-F60), visual-spatial skills with Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, and symptom severity with the positive And negative syndrome scale. Statistics were conducted through multivariate analysis of variance and correlation analysis.

RESULTS: Patients with 22q11.2DS performed worse that the other groups in recognizing Surprise, Disgust, Rage, Fear, and Neutral expressions on the EK-F60. Recognition of Surprise and Disgust correlated positively with visual-spatial abilities in patients with 22q11.2DS; negative and cognitive symptoms correlated negatively with recognition of Sadness, Surprise, and Disgust.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with 22q11.2DS show impairments of both peripheral and central steps of the emotional recognition process, leading to SC deficits. The latter are present regardless of the presence of a full-blown psychosis.}, } @article {pmid35338240, year = {2022}, author = {Ditz, HM and Fechner, J and Nieder, A}, title = {Cell-type specific pallial circuits shape categorical tuning responses in the crow telencephalon.}, journal = {Communications biology}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {269}, pmid = {35338240}, issn = {2399-3642}, support = {Ni 618/11-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; }, mesh = {Action Potentials/physiology ; Animals ; Cognition/physiology ; *Crows ; Mammals ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon ; }, abstract = {The nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), an integration centre in the telencephalon of birds, plays a crucial role in representing and maintaining abstract categories and concepts. However, the computational principles allowing pallial microcircuits consisting of excitatory and inhibitory neurons to shape the tuning to abstract categories remain elusive. Here we identified the major pallial cell types, putative excitatory projection cells and inhibitory interneurons, by characterizing the waveforms of action potentials recorded in crows performing a cognitively demanding numerical categorization task. Both cell types showed clear differences in their capacity to encode categorical information. Nearby and functionally coupled putative projection neurons generally exhibited similar tuning, whereas putative interneurons showed mainly opposite tuning. The results favour feedforward mechanisms for the shaping of categorical tuning in microcircuits of the NCL. Our findings help to decipher the workings of pallial microcircuits in birds during complex cognition and to compare them vis-a-vis neocortical processes in mammals.}, } @article {pmid35335628, year = {2022}, author = {Verma, AK and Kumar, M and Murugkar, HV and Nagarajan, S and Tosh, C and Namdeo, P and Singh, R and Mishra, S and Kombiah, S and Dhanapal, S and Singh, VP}, title = {Experimental Infection and In-Contact Transmission of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus in Crows.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {35335628}, issn = {2076-0817}, support = {OXX01585//Indian Council of Agricultural Research/ ; }, abstract = {This study aimed to investigate the potential of H9N2 avian influenza virus to cause disease and intra-species transmission in house crows (Corvus splendens). A group of six crows were intranasally inoculated with 10[6.0] EID50 of H9N2 virus (A/chicken/India/07OR17/2021), and 24 h post-inoculation six naïve crows were co-housed with infected crows. Crows were observed for 14 days for any overt signs of illness. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected up to 14 days to assess virus excretion. No apparent clinical signs were observed in either infected or in-contact crows. Virus excretion was observed only in infected birds up to 9 days post-infection (dpi) through both oropharyngeal and cloacal routes. All six infected crows seroconverted to H9N2 virus at 14 dpi, whereas all in-contact crows remained negative to H9N2 virus antibodies. No virus could be isolated from tissues viz., lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine. Although crows became infected with the H9N2 virus, transmission of the virus was inefficient to the in-contact group. However, virus excretion through oral and cloacal swabs from infected crows suggests a potential threat for inter-species transmission, including humans. Crows, being a common synanthrope species, might have some role in influenza virus transmission to poultry and humans, which needs to be explored further.}, } @article {pmid35331241, year = {2022}, author = {Valkiūnas, G and Duc, M and Iezhova, TA}, title = {Increase of avian Plasmodium circumflexum prevalence, but not of other malaria parasites and related haemosporidians in northern Europe during the past 40 years.}, journal = {Malaria journal}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {105}, pmid = {35331241}, issn = {1475-2875}, mesh = {Animals ; *Haemosporida ; Humans ; *Parasites ; *Passeriformes ; *Plasmodium/genetics ; Prevalence ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malaria is a health problem not only in human and veterinary medicine, but also in wildlife. Several theoretical studies have suggested that avian malaria transmission might be increasing in Europe. However, there are few direct empirical observations. Research on the distribution of avian haemosporidian parasites was initiated around the Curonian Lagoon, Europe in 1976 and continues since. This has provided an opportunity to compare the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium) and related haemosporidians (genera Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) in the same bird species using similar methodology but examined in two groups 40 years apart. This study aimed to describe and discuss the available data on this subject.

METHODS: Prevalence and diversity of haemosporidians was compared in two passeriform bird groups, which consisted of the same species that were sampled on the coast of the Curonian Lagoon (Russia, Lithuania) during the same season (September) in 1978-1983 (bird Group 1) and 2020 (bird Group 2). Blood films of the European robin, Coal tit, Great tit, Eurasian wren, and Eurasian jay were screened by microscopic examination. Parasites were identified using morphological characters of blood stages. PCR-based methods were applied to determine genetic lineages of the parasites found in birds of Group 2.

RESULTS: No difference was discernible in the prevalence or diversity of haemosporidian parasites belonging to Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium (Haemamoeba) and Plasmodium (Novyella) between birds of Groups 1 and 2. This indicates a similar rate of transmission and relatively stable epidemiological situation in regard of these infections during the past 40 years. The prevalence of only one malaria parasite species, Plasmodium (Giovannolaia) circumflexum, increased remarkably, but only in Coal tit, Great tit, and Eurasian wren, with no significant prevalence change in European robin and Eurasian jay.

CONCLUSION: Plasmodium circumflexum is spreading and seems to be a new invasive avian malaria pathogen in countries with cold climates. The exceptionally high prevalence of P. circumflexum in birds breeding in relatively close-nests suggests an important role of the nesting biology related to bird-vector interaction in this pathogen transmission. The epidemiological situation seems to be relatively stable in regard of other studied avian hosts and haemosporidian parasites in northern Europe.}, } @article {pmid35315161, year = {2022}, author = {Cheek, RG and Forester, BR and Salerno, PE and Trumbo, DR and Langin, KM and Chen, N and Scott Sillett, T and Morrison, SA and Ghalambor, CK and Chris Funk, W}, title = {Habitat-linked genetic variation supports microgeographic adaptive divergence in an island-endemic bird species.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {31}, number = {10}, pages = {2830-2846}, pmid = {35315161}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; *Genome-Wide Association Study ; Humans ; Male ; *Passeriformes/genetics ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {We investigated the potential mechanisms driving habitat-linked genetic divergence within a bird species endemic to a single 250-km[2] island. The island scrub-jay (Aphelocoma insularis) exhibits microgeographic divergence in bill morphology across pine-oak ecotones on Santa Cruz Island, California (USA), similar to adaptive differences described in mainland congeners over much larger geographic scales. To test whether individuals exhibit genetic differentiation related to habitat type and divergence in bill length, we genotyped over 3000 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 123 adult island scrub-jay males from across Santa Cruz Island using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. Neutral landscape genomic analyses revealed that genome-wide genetic differentiation was primarily related to geographic distance and differences in habitat composition. We also found 168 putatively adaptive loci associated with habitat type using multivariate redundancy analysis while controlling for spatial effects. Finally, two genome-wide association analyses revealed a polygenic basis to variation in bill length with multiple loci detected in or near genes known to affect bill morphology in other birds. Our findings support the hypothesis that divergent selection at microgeographic scales can cause adaptive divergence in the presence of ongoing gene flow.}, } @article {pmid35315058, year = {2022}, author = {Wampole, EM and Gerber, BD and Farris, ZJ and Razafimahaimodison, JC and Andrianarisoa, MH and Ralazampirenena, CJ and Wright, PC and Rasamisoa, CD and Gibson, D and Tobler, MW and Eppley, TM and Vasey, N and Johnson, SE and Filla, C and Valenta, K and Ross, P and Murphy, A and Karpanty, SM and Kelly, MJ and Anderson, C and Cardinal, C and Donati, G and Razafy, P and Rafaliarison, R and Rasambainarivo, F and Razafindramanana, J and Merson, SD and Larney, E}, title = {Madagascar Terrestrial Camera Survey Database 2021: A collation of protected forest camera surveys from 2007-2021.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {103}, number = {6}, pages = {e3687}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.3687}, pmid = {35315058}, issn = {1939-9170}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Birds ; *Forests ; Humans ; Madagascar/epidemiology ; Mammals ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Madagascar is a threatened global biodiversity hotspot and conservation priority, yet we lack broad-scale surveys to assess biodiversity across space and time. To fill this gap, we collated camera trap surveys, capturing species occurrences within Madagascar into a single standardized database. This data set includes nine distinct protected areas of Madagascar and encompasses 13 subprojects, 38 camera arrays, and 1156 sampling units (independent camera site per survey) within two important biodiversity eco-regions: western dry deciduous forest and eastern humid rainforest. Camera surveys were conducted from June 2007 to January 2021. The final data set includes 17 unique families of mammals (Bovidae, Canidae, Cheirogaleidae, Daubentoniidae, Equidae, Eupleridae, Felidae, Hominidae, Indriidae, Lemuridae, Lepilemuridae, Muridae, Nesomyidae, Pteropodidae, Soricidae, Suidae, Tenrecidae) comprising 45 species and 27 unique families of birds (Accipitridae, Acrocephalidae, Alcedinidae, Bernieridae, Brachypteraciidae, Caprimulgidae, Cisticolidae, Columbidae, Coraciidae, Corvidae, Cuculidae, Dicruridae, Mesitornithidae, Monarchidae, Motacillidae, Muscicapidae, Numididae, Phasianidae, Rallidae, Sarothruridae, Strigidae, Sturnidae, Sulidae, Threskiornithidae, Upupidae, Vangidae, Zosteropidae) comprising 58 species. Images were processed and verified by individual project data set creators and camera operation and species tables were then collated. The final product represents the first broad-scale freely available standardized formal faunal database for Madagascar. Data are available through this publication and at DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5801806. These data will be useful for examining species-level and community-level trends in occurrence across space or time within Madagascar and globally, evaluating native and invasive species dynamics, and will aid in determining species conservation status and planning for at-risk species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this paper when using the data for publication.}, } @article {pmid35308384, year = {2022}, author = {Boostrom, I and Portal, EAR and Spiller, OB and Walsh, TR and Sands, K}, title = {Comparing Long-Read Assemblers to Explore the Potential of a Sustainable Low-Cost, Low-Infrastructure Approach to Sequence Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria With Oxford Nanopore Sequencing.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {796465}, pmid = {35308384}, issn = {1664-302X}, support = {MR/S013768/2/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Long-read sequencing (LRS) can resolve repetitive regions, a limitation of short read (SR) data. Reduced cost and instrument size has led to a steady increase in LRS across diagnostics and research. Here, we re-basecalled FAST5 data sequenced between 2018 and 2021 and analyzed the data in relation to gDNA across a large dataset (n = 200) spanning a wide GC content (25-67%). We examined whether re-basecalled data would improve the hybrid assembly, and, for a smaller cohort, compared long read (LR) assemblies in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and mobile genetic elements. We included a cost analysis when comparing SR and LR instruments. We compared the R9 and R10 chemistries and reported not only a larger yield but increased read quality with R9 flow cells. There were often discrepancies with ARG presence/absence and/or variant detection in LR assemblies. Flye-based assemblies were generally efficient at detecting the presence of ARG on both the chromosome and plasmids. Raven performed more quickly but inconsistently recovered small plasmids, notably a ∼15-kb Col-like plasmid harboring bla KPC . Canu assemblies were the most fragmented, with genome sizes larger than expected. LR assemblies failed to consistently determine multiple copies of the same ARG as identified by the Unicycler reference. Even with improvements to ONT chemistry and basecalling, long-read assemblies can lead to misinterpretation of data. If LR data are currently being relied upon, it is necessary to perform multiple assemblies, although this is resource (computing) intensive and not yet readily available/useable.}, } @article {pmid35302039, year = {2022}, author = {Bravo, C and Sarasa, M and Bretagnolle, V and Pays, O}, title = {Detectability and predator strategy affect egg depredation rates: Implications for mitigating nest depredation in farmlands.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {829}, number = {}, pages = {154558}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154558}, pmid = {35302039}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Farms ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Predation is a major evolutionary force in animal ecology. Mechanisms by which prey coloration provides camouflage has been widely studied. However, predator response to prey camouflage and concealment has received less attention. Understanding vegetation structure effect on depredation success could help managers design strategies to mitigate the depredation of managed species (e.g., threatened or hunted). We aimed to investigate the relationship between depredation rate, nest camouflage and concealment in ground-nesting birds of farmlands, and their predators. We set up an experiment of 2576 artificial ground nests to assess the role of egg coloration (white, light green, and dark green), egg size (small, medium, and large), and vegetation structure (vegetation height and land use) in nest survival rates. We also explored the role of predator searching strategies by analysing clumped depredation and multiple depredation events. Of the nests, 34.0% were depredated, with corvids as the predators 78.5% of the time. Corvid depredation decreased by 40-60% in grasslands and spring crops above a vegetation height of 30 cm. In contrast, vegetation height and land use may be of far less importance in avoiding depredation by other predators. The probability of depredation was spatially clumped, suggesting that predators increase search effort in areas where a nest was previously encountered. Neighboring depredation and depredation repetition were more frequent in corvids than in other predators. Our study indicates that nests in vegetation higher than 30 cm had a drastic reduction in depredation rates by corvids. Management of vegetation structure is a key tool to mitigate depredation risk, and improving the availability of alternative food resources may be a complementary tool.}, } @article {pmid35298198, year = {2022}, author = {Murillo, L}, title = {Harvey Schlossberg (1936-2021).}, journal = {The American psychologist}, volume = {77}, number = {5}, pages = {718}, doi = {10.1037/amp0000997}, pmid = {35298198}, issn = {1935-990X}, mesh = {Humans ; Male ; New York ; *Police ; Universities ; *Violence ; }, abstract = {Memorializes Harvey Schlossberg (1936-2021). Author of Psychologist With a Gun (1974), Schlossberg was the first New York Police Department (NYPD) police officer with a PhD in psychology, and a pioneer in police psychology. With the help of two other patrolmen, he developed a program that would evaluate the recruits who entered the Police Academy. He was featured in the 1999 documentary "The Sons of Sam: A Decent into Darkness" in which David Berkowitz was investigated by the NYPD and Schlossberg helped solve the crime. By 1974, Schlossberg began teaching at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. After leaving the NYPD in 1978, he served as chief Psychologist for the police department in Rye, New York (1988-1994), and for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (1990-1999). He continued to expand the Psychological Services for the NYPD and pioneered treatment for violence-prone police. Schlossberg passed away peacefully on May 21, 2021. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid35287378, year = {2022}, author = {Dida, H and Charif, F and Benchabane, A}, title = {Registration of computed tomography images of a lung infected with COVID-19 based in the new meta-heuristic algorithm HPSGWO.}, journal = {Multimedia tools and applications}, volume = {81}, number = {13}, pages = {18955-18976}, pmid = {35287378}, issn = {1380-7501}, abstract = {Computed tomography (CT) helps the radiologist in the rapid and correct detection of a person infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and this by showing the presence of the ground-glass opacity in the lung of with the virus. Tracking the evolution of the spread of the ground-glass opacity (GGO) in the lung of the person infected with the virus needs to study more than one image in different times. The various CT images must be registration to identify the evolution of the ground glass in the lung and to facilitate the study and identification of the virus. Due to the process of registration images is essentially an improvement problem, we present in this paper a new HPSGWO algorithm for registration CT images of a lung infected with the COVID-19. This algorithm is a hybridization of the two algorithms Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Grey wolf optimizer (GWO). The simulation results obtained after applying the algorithm to the test images show that the proposed approach achieved high-precision and robust registration compared to other methods such as GWO, PSO, Firefly Algorithm (FA), and Crow Searcha Algorithms (CSA).}, } @article {pmid35270106, year = {2022}, author = {Aboelkassem, A and Alzamel, NM and Alzain, MN and Loutfy, N}, title = {Effect of Pb-Contaminated Water on Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H. Raven Physiology and Phytoremediation Performance.}, journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {35270106}, issn = {2223-7747}, abstract = {A laboratory experiment was led to examine the lead bioaccumulation capacity of Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) exposed to various Pb concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L) for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. The lead accumulation increased as the metal concentrations in the solution increased and over time, to an extreme accretion of 6840 mg/kg DW(dry weight) at 100 mg/L of lead on the 10 days exposure. The proportion removal efficiency, translocation factor, and bioconcentration factor of the plant were assessed. The maximum bioconcentration factor values (1981.13) indicate that the plant was a Pb hyperaccumulator, and translocation factor values (1.85), which are >1, indicate fit of L. stolonifera for eliminating Pb in Pb-contaminated water. Photosynthetic pigments were decreased with increase of Pb concentration and time exposure. Total chlorophyll content and Chl a/b ratio lowered to between 46 and 62% at 100 mg/L Pb after 10 days exposure. Protein content and soluble carbohydrate indicated a similar trend, which showed the highest decrease (7.26 and 36.2 mg/g FW(fresh weight), respectively) at 100 mg/L of Pb after 10 days. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, ascorbate, and peroxidase was increased significantly in comparison to the control. The results indicate that L. stolonifera is a newly recognized Pb hyperaccumulator (6840 mg/kg DW), but physiological status indicates that the plant is not tolerant to high Pb concentrations.}, } @article {pmid35262199, year = {2022}, author = {Cogni, R and Quental, TB and Guimarães, PR}, title = {Ehrlich and Raven escape and radiate coevolution hypothesis at different levels of organization: Past and future perspectives.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {76}, number = {6}, pages = {1108-1123}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14456}, pmid = {35262199}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; }, abstract = {The classic paper by Ehrlich and Raven on coevolution will soon be 60 years old. Although they were not the first to develop the idea of coevolution, their thought-provoking paper certainly popularized this idea and inspired several generations of scientists interested in coevolution. Here, we describe some of their main contributions, quantitatively measure the impact of their seminal paper on different fields of research, and discuss how ideas related to their original paper might push the study of coevolution forward. To guide our discussion, we explore their original hypothesis into three research fields that are associated with distinct scales/levels of organization: (1) the genetic mechanisms underlying coevolutionary interactions; (2) the potential association between coevolutionary diversification and the organization of ecological networks; and (3) the micro- and macroevolutionary mechanisms and expected patterns under their hypothesis. By doing so, we discuss potentially overlooked aspects and future directions for the study of coevolutionary dynamics and diversification.}, } @article {pmid35255297, year = {2022}, author = {González, R and Rojas, M and Rosselli, M and Ardila, A}, title = {Linguistic profiles of variants of primary progressive aphasia.}, journal = {Journal of communication disorders}, volume = {97}, number = {}, pages = {106202}, doi = {10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106202}, pmid = {35255297}, issn = {1873-7994}, mesh = {Aged ; *Aphasia, Primary Progressive/diagnosis ; Comprehension ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Language Tests ; Male ; Semantics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Several subtypes of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) have been proposed. Most reports use small samples, and few have included Spanish-speaking participants.

AIM: To analyze the language profile and nonlinguistic deficits in a large sample of PPA Spanish monolingual participants.

METHOD: 177 individuals were diagnosed with PPA in a sample consisting of 69 men and 108 women (Mage = 66.40 years, SD = 9.30). The participants were assessed using the Spanish versions of the Western Aphasia Battery Revised (SWAB-R) and the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (SBDAE). Non-verbal reasoning was evaluated with the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: 41.8% of the sample met the criteria for the logopenic variant (lvPPA), while 28.2% met the criteria for semantic (svPPA), 15.3% for lexical (lxvPPA), and 14.7% for nonfluent/agrammatic (nfvPPA) variants. Language difficulties were similar in all variants except for lxvPPA. Scores on Spontaneous Language, Auditory Comprehension, Repetition, and Naming were significantly higher for the lxvPPA group. Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices scores were significantly lower in lvPPA. Years of education correlated with all test scores, while age was negatively associated with naming. When the PPA variants were classified according to the traditional aphasia classification, discrepancies were evident. Furthermore, the most frequent type of aphasia was Amnesic, while the least frequent was Wernicke's aphasia.

CONCLUSION: The SWAB-R is useful in describing the clinical characteristics of aphasia for each variant of PPA, but quantitative scores from this battery are not capable of distinguishing between variants of PPA, with the exception of lxvPPA.}, } @article {pmid35252287, year = {2022}, author = {AlThuneyyan, DA and AlGhamdi, FF and AlZain, RN and AlDhawyan, ZS and Alhmly, HF and Purayidathil, TS and AlGindan, YY and Abdullah, AA}, title = {The Effect of Breastfeeding on Intelligence Quotient and Social Intelligence Among Seven- to Nine-Year-Old Girls: A Pilot Study.}, journal = {Frontiers in nutrition}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {726042}, pmid = {35252287}, issn = {2296-861X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is an optimal infant feeding method that provides adequate nutrients, achieves healthy growth and development, and enhances the health status of both infants and mothers. Breast milk contains a variety of substances that might positively affect cognition and the development of children's psychomotor abilities.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the variations in intelligence quotient (IQ), social intelligence (SI), and body mass index (BMI) among 7- to 9-year-old girls who were exclusively breastfed, exclusively bottle-fed, or mixed-fed during their first 6 months of life.

METHODS: This study involved 111 healthy girls, aged 7 to 9 years, who were recruited from nine government and private schools in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices were used to measure the participants' IQs, and the Vineland Social Maturity Assessment was used to measure their SI through individual interviews. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standard methods.

RESULTS: The breastfed group showed a greater number of above-average IQ test scores (35 vs. 23%; P = 0.479) and better SI scores (78 vs. 55%; P = 0.066) compared with the bottle-fed group. The number of girls with normal BMIs was significantly higher in the breastfed group than in the bottle-fed (68 vs. 41%; P = 0.045) or mixed-fed groups.

CONCLUSION: Exclusively breastfed girls had higher IQ and SI results compared with bottle-fed girls. However, unlike the BMI differences, these results were not statistically significant. This study provides fundamental observational data and can be further modified for use on a larger national-scale level.}, } @article {pmid35250890, year = {2022}, author = {Yu, X and Jiang, Y and Li, Y and He, Q and Pan, L and Zhu, P and Wang, Y and Wang, P}, title = {Comparison of Different Mandibular Jawlines Classifications on Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Experiences of 690 Cases.}, journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {842148}, pmid = {35250890}, issn = {1664-2392}, mesh = {Humans ; *Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery/adverse effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/etiology/surgery ; *Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology ; Thyroidectomy/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The influences of patients' different mandibular jawlines on transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA) have not been described before. The objective of this study was to introduce a new classification to assess different mandibular jawlines, and to evaluate the effects on TOETVA in terms of safety, feasibility, and postoperative feelings in the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS: The crossing angle of esthetic plane and mandibular plane was defined as Wang Angle, used to assess patients' different mandibular jawlines. Mandibular classifications of A (angle: 80° ~ 110°), B (angle > 110°), and C (angle < 80°) types were compared to evaluate the surgical outcomes of TOETVA by a retrospective study. 690 patients of PTC who received TOETVA were included in this study, which were divided into three groups according to mandibular classifications.

RESULTS: Clinicopathological characteristics of the patients including age, gender, body mass index, tumor size, Hashimoto thyroiditis were similar in the three groups. Patients' length of jay in group C was significantly longer than group A and group B (P < 0.01). The ratios of using suspension system in group C were significantly higher than group A and group B (P < 0.01). The scores of postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and ratios of mandibular swell in group C were significantly higher than group A and group B (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the three groups regarding surgical outcomes, including postoperative vocal cord paralysis, hypocalcemia, serum white blood cells and C-reactive protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS: The Wang angle and mandibular jawline classifications were firstly introduced in TOETVA. All the patients of class A, B, and C mandibular jawline can achieve safe and effective surgical outcomes in the treatment of PTC with TOETVA. Patients of class C need more assistance of suspension system, would experience higher scores of VAS, and higher ratios of mandibular swell compared with class A and B.}, } @article {pmid35250755, year = {2022}, author = {Nittono, H and Ohashi, A and Komori, M}, title = {Creation and Validation of the Japanese Cute Infant Face (JCIF) Dataset.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {819428}, pmid = {35250755}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Research interest in cuteness perception and its effects on subsequent behavior and physiological responses has recently been increasing. The purpose of the present study was to produce a dataset of Japanese infant faces that are free of portrait rights and can be used for cuteness research. A total of 80 original facial images of 6-month-old infants were collected from their parents. The cuteness level of each picture was rated on a 7-point scale by 200 Japanese people (100 men and 100 women in their 20s-60s). Prototypical high- and low-cuteness faces were created by averaging the top 10 and bottom 10 faces according to the mean cuteness ratings. Then, 50 composite faces were made by mixing two faces randomly chosen from the 60 unused middle-cuteness faces. The normative cuteness ratings of these composite faces were obtained from 229 Japanese men and women in their 20s-60s. The shape of each composite face was transformed to be cuter (+50%) or less cute (-50%) along a continuum between the high- and low-cuteness prototypical faces. A two-alternative forced-choice task (N = 587) confirmed that cuteness discrimination was better than the chance level for all 50 face pairs. Moreover, the results showed that young men had poorer sensitivity to cuteness differences in infant faces than older men and women of any age. This Japanese Cute Infant Face (JCIF, "jay-sif") dataset, including composite face images and normative rating scores, is publicly available online.}, } @article {pmid35238601, year = {2022}, author = {Kroupin, IG and Carey, SE}, title = {The importance of inference in relational reasoning: Relational matching as a case study.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {151}, number = {1}, pages = {224-245}, doi = {10.1037/xge0001068}, pmid = {35238601}, issn = {1939-2222}, support = {//James S. McDonnell Foundation/ ; //Harvard University/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Concept Formation ; Humans ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Nonhuman animals and preschoolers struggle with Relational-Match-to-Sample (RMTS), a classic test of the capacity for second-order relational, analogical, and reasoning. These failures are often explained by limitations in representational or computational capacities. Drawing on recent evidence for robust spontaneous RMTS success (i.e., without error-feedback) in crows and parrots after minimal second-order training, we present five experiments with human adults consistent with the possibility that population differences sometimes instead derive from differences in inductive biases alone. Experiment 1 confirms human adults have the capacities and requisite representations to succeed spontaneously on RMTS. Experiments 2-5 utilize a modified RMTS task in which adults make relational matches only about half of the time. Experiment 3 tests whether eight trials of various MTS tasks, nonsecond-order training featured in the aforementioned comparative studies, can increase spontaneous second-order relational responding in human adults. Two of the MTS tasks (Number, Size MTS) do so, demonstrating that MTS training can, in fact, increase relational responding by changing inductive biases alone. The other MTS tasks (Identity, Color MTS) do not do so, evidence that the facilitating effect is not a result of matching involved in MTS per se. Experiments 4 and 5 test one hypothesized mechanism by which specifically Number/Size MTS tasks may have led to increased relational responding, that is, by inhibiting preexisting biases to match on shape and/or color, making relational matches relatively more likely. We close by discussing the importance of research into inductive biases to the project of understanding relational reasoning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid37377487, year = {2022}, author = {Notter, IR and Logan, JR}, title = {Residential Segregation under Jim Crow: Whites, Blacks, and Mulattoes in Southern Cities, 1880-1920.}, journal = {City & community}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {42-61}, pmid = {37377487}, issn = {1535-6841}, support = {P2C HD041020/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HD049493/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R24 HD041020/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {We study the residential patterns of blacks and mulattoes in 10 Southern cities in 1880 and 1920. researchers have documented the salience of social differences among African Americans in this period, partly related to mulattoes' higher occupational status. Did these differences result in clustering of these two groups in different neighborhoods, and were mulattoes less separated from whites? If so, did the differences diminish in these decades after reconstruction due a Jim Crow system that did not distinguish between blacks and mulattoes? We use geocoded census microdata for 1880 and 1920 to address these questions. Segregation between whites and both blacks and mulattoes was already high in 1880, especially at a fine spatial scale, and it increased sharply by 1920. In this respect, whites did not distinguish between these two groups. However, blacks and mulattoes were quite segregated from one another in 1880, and even more so by 1920. this pattern did not result from mulattoes' moderately higher-class position. Hence, as the color line between whites and all non-whites was becoming harder, blacks and mulattoes were separating further from each other. understanding what led to this pattern remains a key question about racial identities and racialization in the early twentieth century.}, } @article {pmid37283849, year = {2022}, author = {Ruef, M}, title = {Racial Segregation under Slavery.}, journal = {Social forces; a scientific medium of social study and interpretation}, volume = {100}, number = {3}, pages = {935-960}, pmid = {37283849}, issn = {0037-7732}, support = {P2C HD065563/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Social demographers and historians have devoted extensive research to patterns of racial segregation that emerged under Jim Crow and during the post-Civil Rights era but have paid less attention to the role of slavery in shaping the residential distribution of Black populations in the United States. One guiding assumption has been that slavery rendered racial segregation to be both unnecessary and impractical. In this study, I argue that apart from the master-slave relationship, slavery relentlessly produced racial segregation during the antebellum period through the residential isolation of slaves and free people of color. To explain this pattern, I draw on racial threat theory to test hypotheses regarding interracial economic competition and fear of slave mobilization using data from the 1850 Census, as well as an architectural survey of antebellum sites. Findings suggest that the residential segregation of free people of color increased with their local prevalence, whereas the segregation of slaves increased with the prevalence of the slave population. These patterns continue to hold after controlling for interracial competition over land or jobs and past slave rebellions or conspiracies.}, } @article {pmid35225922, year = {2022}, author = {Antoniou, F and Alkhadim, G and Mouzaki, A and Simos, P}, title = {A Psychometric Analysis of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices: Evaluating Guessing and Carelessness Using the 4PL Item Response Theory Model.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {35225922}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {TURSP-2020/334//Taif University/ ; }, abstract = {The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of Raven's colored progressive matrices by estimating the presence of pseudo-guessing and pseudo-carelessness. Participants were 1127 children from ages 5 to 11. Guessing and carelessness were assessed using the lower and upper asymptotes of the 3PL and 4PL item response theory (IRT) models, respectively. Optimal model fit was judged using difference loglikelihood tests and information criteria. Results indicated that guessing, but not carelessness, were evident in the AB and B forms of the CPM, with successful guessing being more prevalent in the AB form. It is concluded that nonverbal IQ estimation in CPM should include variable estimation methods so that aptitude scores are estimated with the highest possible accuracy.}, } @article {pmid35201636, year = {2022}, author = {Abdel Maksoud, MKM and Ibrahim, AAH and Nabil, TM and Moawad, UK}, title = {Histomorphological, histochemical and scanning electron microscopic investigation of the proventriculus (Ventriculus glandularis) of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix).}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {380-389}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12798}, pmid = {35201636}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Electrons ; Female ; Gizzard, Avian/anatomy & histology ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/veterinary ; *Proventriculus/anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {The current investigation aimed to clarify the histomorphological features, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histochemistry of the proventriculus in the adult hooded crow (Corvus cornix). Twenty-two adult birds of both sexes were collected from El-Fayoum and Beni-Suef governorates, Egypt; ten were used for anatomical investigation, two were scanned using SEM, and ten were subjected to routine histological technique. The obtained anatomical results revealed a small-sized spindle-shaped proventriculus obliquely located in the left ventral part of the body cavity with an average body weight, length and diameter of 1.689 ± 0.231 gm, 1.54 ± 0.383cm and 3.51 ± 0.416cm, respectively. The histological examination revealed a typical tubular organ. The mucosa exhibited several plicae and sulci that were lined with simple columnar cells. The lamina propria was composed of collagenous connective tissue infiltrated by lymphocytes, lymphatic aggregations and tubular glands. The submucosa consisted of collagenic fibres and compound tubuloalveolar glandular lobules lined with oxynticopeptic cells and enteroendocrine cells. The oxynticopeptic cells reacted negatively with PAS and Alcian Blue stains, whereas the ductal cells reacted positively with PAS only. Enteroendocrine cells were seen singly in the lamina epithelialis mucosae and were abundant in submucosal glands. The tunica musclaris was arranged in two layers covered by serosa. The proventricular glands' openings were noticed by SEM as raised tubes with regular circular outlines surrounded by anastomosed microscopic folds. The obtained histomorphological structure of the hooded crow's proventriculus revealed some shared morphological features with most species of birds and some variations that might be attributed to their diet and feeding behaviour.}, } @article {pmid35185662, year = {2021}, author = {Leniarska, M and Zajenkowski, M}, title = {Why Narcissism Reduces Distress: The Consequences of Narcissistic Intellectual Self-Confidence.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {668257}, pmid = {35185662}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between grandiose narcissism and the feeling of distress. We referred to the narcissistic admiration and rivalry model. We hypothesized that people with high narcissistic admiration would experience less distress and fear and that intellectual self-confidence would account for this relationship. We examined two dimensions of grandiose narcissism using Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, self-assessed intelligence, and various aspects of distress in two studies. In Study 1 (N = 170), we assessed distress (with the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire), related to performance in an intelligence test (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices), and in Study 2 (N = 258) we measured fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In both studies, narcissistic admiration was inversely related to distress/fear, and this relationship was fully mediated by self-assessed intelligence. Narcissistic rivalry was unrelated to both distress and self-assessed intelligence. These findings emphasize the importance of self-views related to intelligence for those with high narcissistic admiration. In particular, intellectual self- confidence plays an important role in reducing distress among narcissists.}, } @article {pmid35182942, year = {2022}, author = {Jacob, M and Stotesbury, H and Kija, E and Saunders, D and Mtei, RJ and Tutuba, H and Masanu, U and Kilonzo, M and Kazema, R and Hood, AM and Kirkham, F and Dimitriou, D and Makani, J}, title = {Effect of age, cerebral infarcts, vasculopathy and haemoglobin on cognitive function, in Tanzanian children with sickle cell anaemia.}, journal = {European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society}, volume = {37}, number = {}, pages = {105-113}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.01.010}, pmid = {35182942}, issn = {1532-2130}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Anemia, Sickle Cell/complications/diagnostic imaging ; Cerebral Infarction/complications/etiology ; Child ; Cognition ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Hemoglobins ; Humans ; Tanzania ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Developmental difficulties in many cognitive domains are common in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Children with stroke are most affected but delayed or atypical cognitive function has been reported in children with SCA and silent infarcts (SCI), vasculopathy, and normal brain MRI. However, very few studies of cognition have been conducted in Africa, a continent with 75% of the SCA burden. We therefore investigated cognitive profiles in Tanzanian children with SCA and examined the impact of age, SCI, vasculopathy, and haemoglobin concentration (Hb).

METHODS: Children aged 6-16 years with and without SCA were eligible for this cross-sectional study. Cognitive assessment was performed using Raven's Matrices, assessing fluid, non-verbal intelligence and subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC-IV), assessing processing speed (PS), perceptual reasoning (PR), and working memory (WM) as these tests are less culture-bound. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) were also completed to assess the presence of SCI and vasculopathy. Hb was collected in both SCA children and their non-SCA siblings.

RESULTS: Seventy-three children with SCA and 71 healthy siblings (Meanages 11.9, SD = 2.8 and 11.1, SD = 2.9 years respectively) were recruited. Compared with healthy siblings, children with SCA had lower PS (Meandiff 7.35 points; p = .002). Older children had higher performance scores on all tests in relation to their ages. Lowest cognitive scores were observed on the PS subtest, where patients with SCI (SCI+) had lowest mean values as compared to children with no SCI (SCI-) and healthy siblings (i.e., SCI+ < SCI- < healthy siblings, p = .028). On post-hoc analysis the difference was between SCI+ and healthy siblings SCI+ < non-SCA siblings (p = .015); there was no difference between SCI+ and SCI- patient groups. PS was significantly lower in SCA patients with no vasculopathy as compared to healthy siblings. The mean difference from healthy siblings was -8.352 and -0.752 points for VASC- and VASC + respectively (p = .004). There was a significant positive effect of Hb on PSI (p = .001) in both patients and controls and a trend level significant positive effect of Hb on PR (p = .050) and WM (p = .051).

CONCLUSION: In this Tanzanian study, cognitive performance was reduced in children with SCA with or without SCI on MRI or vasculopathy. Cognitive performance improved with increasing age. Lower Hb was associated with lower cognitive performance in both patients with SCA and their non-SCA siblings. SCI and vasculopathy do not appear to have an impact on cognitive function.}, } @article {pmid35182937, year = {2022}, author = {Yadav, P and Chang, SX and Cheng, CW and DesRosiers, CM and Mitra, RK and Das, IJ}, title = {Dosimetric evaluation of high-Z inhomogeneity used for hip prosthesis: A multi-institutional collaborative study.}, journal = {Physica medica : PM : an international journal devoted to the applications of physics to medicine and biology : official journal of the Italian Association of Biomedical Physics (AIFB)}, volume = {95}, number = {}, pages = {148-155}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.02.007}, pmid = {35182937}, issn = {1724-191X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; *Hip Prosthesis ; Humans ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Radiometry ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; *Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: A multi-institutional investigation for dosimetric evaluation of high-Z hip prosthetic device in photon beam.

METHODS: A bilateral hip prosthetic case was chosen. An in-house phantom was built to replicate the human pelvis with two different prostheses. Dosimetric parameters: dose to the target and organs at risk (OARs) were compared for the clinical case generated by various treatment planning system (TPS) with varied algorithms. Single beam plans with different TPS for phantom using 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams with and without density correction were compared with measurement.

RESULTS: Wide variations in target and OAR dosimetry were recorded for different TPS. For clinical case ideal PTV coverage was noted for plans generated with Corvus and Prowess TPS only. However, none of the TPS were able to meet plan objective for the bladder. Good correlation was noticed for the measured and the Pinnacle TPS for corrected dose calculation at the interfaces as well as the dose ratio in elsewhere. On comparing measured and calculated dose, the difference across the TPS varied from -20% to 60% for 6 MV and 3% to 50% for the 15 MV, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Most TPS do not provide accurate dosimetry with high-Z prosthesis. It is important to check the TPS under extreme conditions of beams passing through the high-Z region. Metal artifact reduction algorithms may reduce the difference between the measured and calculated dose but still significant differences exist. Further studies are required to validate the calculational accuracy.}, } @article {pmid35179665, year = {2022}, author = {Bisazza, A and Santacà, M}, title = {Zebrafish excel in number discrimination under an operant conditioning paradigm.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, pages = {917-933}, pmid = {35179665}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {DOR grant//Università degli Studi di Padova/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Conditioning, Operant ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; *Poecilia ; Vertebrates ; Zebrafish ; }, abstract = {Numerical discrimination is widespread in vertebrates, but this capacity varies enormously between the different species examined. The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), the only teleost examined following procedures that allow a comparison with the other vertebrates, outperforms amphibians, reptiles and many warm-blooded vertebrates, but it is unclear whether this is a feature shared with the other teleosts or represents a peculiarity of this species. We trained zebrafish (Danio rerio) to discriminate between numbers differing by one unit, varying task difficulty from 2 versus 3 to 5 versus 6 items. Non-numerical variables that covary with number, such as density or area, did not affect performance. Most fish reached learning criterion on all tasks up to 4 versus 5 discrimination with no sex difference in accuracy. Although no individual reached learning criterion in the 5 versus 6 task, performance was significant at the group level, suggesting that this may represent the discrimination threshold for zebrafish. Numerosity discrimination abilities of zebrafish compare to those of guppy, being higher than in some warm-blooded vertebrates, such as dogs, horses and domestic fowl, though lower than in parrots, corvids and primates. Learning rate was similar in a control group trained to discriminate between different-sized shapes, but zebrafish were slightly more accurate when discriminating areas than numbers and males were more accurate than females. At the end of the experiment, fish trained on numbers and controls trained on areas generalized to the reciprocal set of stimuli, indicating they had used a relational strategy to solve these tasks.}, } @article {pmid35169186, year = {2022}, author = {McCune, KB and Valente, JJ and Jablonski, PG and Lee, SI and Ha, RR}, title = {Social behavior mediates the use of social and personal information in wild jays.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {2494}, pmid = {35169186}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*psychology ; Association Learning/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cues ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Environment ; *Social Evolution ; Social Learning/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The factors favoring the evolution of certain cognitive abilities in animals remain unclear. Social learning is a cognitive ability that reduces the cost of acquiring personal information and forms the foundation for cultural behavior. Theory predicts the evolutionary pressures to evolve social learning should be greater in more social species. However, research testing this theory has primarily occurred in captivity, where artificial environments can affect performance and yield conflicting results. We compared the use of social and personal information, and the social learning mechanisms used by wild, asocial California scrub-jays and social Mexican jays. We trained demonstrators to solve one door on a multi-door task, then measured the behavior of naïve conspecifics towards the task. If social learning occurs, observations of demonstrators will change the rate that naïve individuals interact with each door. We found both species socially learned, though personal information had a much greater effect on behavior in the asocial species while social information was more important for the social species. Additionally, both species used social information to avoid, rather than copy, conspecifics. Our findings demonstrate that while complex social group structures may be unnecessary for the evolution of social learning, it does affect the use of social versus personal information.}, } @article {pmid35158664, year = {2022}, author = {Athanasakopoulou, Z and Sofia, M and Giannakopoulos, A and Papageorgiou, K and Chatzopoulos, DC and Spyrou, V and Petridou, E and Petinaki, E and Billinis, C}, title = {ESBL-Producing Moellerella wisconsensis-The Contribution of Wild Birds in the Dissemination of a Zoonotic Pathogen.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {35158664}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {T2DGE-0944//the European Union and the Greek General Secretariat for Research and Innovation, Ministry of Development & Investments/ ; }, abstract = {Moellerella wisconsensis is an Enterobacteriaceae with unclarified dispersion and pathogenicity. During an ongoing investigation about antimicrobial resistance in Greece, the occurrence of M. wisconsensis was evaluated among wild birds and humans. A total of 445 wild bird and 2000 human fecal samples were collected and screened for the presence of the organism. Subsequently, all M. wisconsensis strains were phenotypically and molecularly characterized regarding their antimicrobial resistance characteristics. Four M. wisconsensis were isolated from a common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), two Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and a great white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). Among these four strains, the three latter presented resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins, were phenotypically confirmed to produce ESBLs and were found to harbor blaCTX-M-1. The three ESBL isolates additionally exhibited resistance to tetracyclines, while resistance to aminoglycosides was detected in two of them and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in one. No Moellerella wisconsensis strains were retrieved from the human samples tested. This is the first report that provides evidence of M. wisconsensis dissemination among wild birds in Greece, describing CTX-M-1 production in multidrug resistant wild birds' isolates of this bacterial species.}, } @article {pmid35156765, year = {2022}, author = {Hügül, H and Özkoca, D and Kutlubay, Z}, title = {A retrospective analysis of the uses of BoNT-A in daily dermatological practice.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, pages = {1948-1952}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14845}, pmid = {35156765}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Aged ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Cosmetics ; Female ; Humans ; *Hyperhidrosis/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Hypertrophy/drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; Retrospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) has been increasingly used in the cosmetic dermatology daily routine. The treatment areas of BoNT-A are glabellar lines, forehead wrinkles, periorbital lines (crow's feet), eyebrow lifting, perioral lines, platysmal bands, masseter hypertrophy, and hyperhidrosis. The aim of this study was to reveal the epidemiologic characteristics of the patients treated with BoNT-A and the frequencies of treatment areas.

PATIENT AND METHODS: The patients were grouped into five categories: facial wrinkles, platysmal bands, masseter hypertrophy, axillary hyperhidrosis, and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis. Each patient received either onabotulinum toxin-A (diluted with 2 cc saline) or abobotulinum toxin-A (diluted with 3 cc saline) treatment. The patients' age, gender, and the total numbers of treatment received in each area were noted. SPSS version 21 was used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 1614 patients were included: 165 (6.5%) male and 1509 (93.5%) female. There is no difference between genders in terms of treatment area (p = 0.855). The number of treatment sessions is independent of the patients' gender (p = 0.703). The mean age of the patients was 46.6 years. There is a relationship between the patients' age and treatment area (sig 0.000). There is no relationship between the number of repetitive treatments and the patients' age (p=0.081). The number of repetitive treatments is dependent to the treatment area (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Facial wrinkles, platysmal bands, and masseter hypertrophy are the most commonly treated areas. The treatment area is dependent on the age as platysmal bands are more commonly treated in older patients; however, no relationship between gender and treatment area was found. BoNT-A treatment for hyperhidrosis is not as commonly repeated as for that of cosmetic concerns.}, } @article {pmid35155058, year = {2023}, author = {Alsaeedi, MAK and Kurnaz, S}, title = {RETRACTED ARTICLE: Feature selection for diagnose coronavirus (COVID-19) disease by neural network and Caledonian crow learning algorithm.}, journal = {Applied nanoscience}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {3129}, doi = {10.1007/s13204-021-02159-x}, pmid = {35155058}, issn = {2190-5509}, } @article {pmid35153853, year = {2021}, author = {Yu, Z and Wu, X and Jiang, R and Chen, Y and Shen, Y and Li, C and Feng, W}, title = {Feasibility and Engagement of Multi-domain Cognitive Training in Community-Dwelling Healthy Elderly in Shanghai.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {781050}, pmid = {35153853}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In recent years, cognitive training has been one of the important non-pharmaceutical treatment methods that could delay cognitive decline and improve quality of life in the elderly. In different types of cognitive training, both the cognitive domains focused on and their training methods widely vary. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and engagement of multidomain cognitive training in Chinese community-dwelling healthy elderly.

METHODS: Based on the cluster sampling method, a total of 151 healthy elderly, aged 70 or above, who lived in the neighborhoods in Shanghai met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Among them, 90 participants were assigned to the cognitive training group (intervention group), and 61 were assigned to the no cognitive training group (control group). Participants in the intervention group attended a 1-h multidomain cognitive training course twice a week for 12 weeks (total of 24 times), which targeted memory, reasoning, strategy-based problem-solving skills, etc. The control group did not receive any intervention.

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in test scores of story recall (t = -8.61, p = 0.00) and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) (t = -10.60, p = 0.00) after in-class interventions. The overall completion of homework was 77.78%. Fifty percent of the 90 participants completed self-training. The top three self-training methods were physical exercise, reading books and newspapers, and watching TV. The overall attendance rate of the intervention group was 76.14%, and more than 50% of them had an attendance rate of 77.8%. The attendance rate was positively correlated with years of education and baseline SF-36 (physical functioning, general health, vitality, and mental health) scores, whereas it was negatively correlated with baseline disease index and fatalism of personality indicators (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The elderly with higher educational levels and better physical and psychological conditions had a higher engagement in multidomain cognitive training. The training course proved to be rational, feasible, and effective for community-scale application.}, } @article {pmid35153252, year = {2022}, author = {Seguchi, A and Mogi, K and Izawa, EI}, title = {Measurement of urinary mesotocin in large-billed crows by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {84}, number = {4}, pages = {520-524}, pmid = {35153252}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Crows ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; *Oxytocin/analogs & derivatives ; }, abstract = {Mesotocin (MT) is an avian homologue of oxytocin (OT). Behavioral pharmacological studies in birds have suggested the involvement of MT in socially affiliative behavior. However, investigations of peripheral MT levels associated with social behavior are lacking because non-invasive methods to measure surrogate plasma MT have yet to be established. This study aimed to measure urinary MT in crows using a commercially available OT enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Urine samples were collected after intravenous injection of MT and centrifuged to separate urine and fecal components. We found that urinary MT was significantly elevated 15-30 min after MT injection. These results validate our method for the use of urine samples for the measurement of peripheral MT levels in crows.}, } @article {pmid35149543, year = {2022}, author = {Warmuth, VM and Weissensteiner, MH and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Accumulation and ineffective silencing of transposable elements on an avian W Chromosome.}, journal = {Genome research}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, pages = {671-681}, pmid = {35149543}, issn = {1549-5469}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *DNA Transposable Elements ; Drosophila ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Male ; Sex Chromosomes/genetics ; }, abstract = {One of the defining features of transposable elements (TEs) is their ability to move to new locations in the host genome. To minimize the potentially deleterious effects of de novo TE insertions, hosts have evolved several mechanisms to control TE activity, including recombination-mediated removal and epigenetic silencing; however, increasing evidence suggests that silencing of TEs is often incomplete. The crow family experienced a recent radiation of LTR retrotransposons (LTRs), offering an opportunity to gain insight into the regulatory control of young, potentially still active TEs. We quantified the abundance of TE-derived transcripts across several tissues in 15 Eurasian crows (Corvus (corone) spp.) raised under common garden conditions and find evidence for ineffective TE suppression on the female-specific W Chromosome. Using RNA-seq data, we show that ∼9.5% of all transcribed TEs had considerably greater (average, 16-fold) transcript abundance in female crows and that >85% of these female-biased TEs originated on the W Chromosome. After accounting for differences in TE density among chromosomal classes, W-linked TEs were significantly more highly expressed than TEs residing on other chromosomes, consistent with ineffective silencing on the former. Together, our results suggest that the crow W Chromosome acts as a source of transcriptionally active TEs, with possible negative fitness consequences for female birds analogous to Drosophila (an X/Y system), in which overexpression of Y-linked TEs is associated with male-specific aging and fitness loss ("toxic Y").}, } @article {pmid35145455, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, J and Cui, R and Stolarz-Fantino, S and Fantino, E and Liu, X}, title = {Differences in Mood, Optimism, and Risk-Taking Behavior Between American and Chinese College Students.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {781609}, pmid = {35145455}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Mood and optimism have been demonstrated to influence risk-taking decisions; however, the literature on mood, optimism, and decision-making is mixed and conducted primarily with western samples. This study sought to address this gap in the literature by examining the impact of mood and dispositional optimism on risk-taking and whether these associations differed between undergraduate students from the United States (N = 141) and the People's Republic of China (N = 90). Both samples completed a dispositional optimism questionnaire and an autobiographical mood induction task. They were then tasked with choosing to complete the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices reasoning task on easy, medium, or hard difficulty for hypothetical money. Selecting harder difficulties was interpreted as more risk-taking due to a higher chance of failure. More positive mood and higher dispositional optimism were associated with decreased risk-taking, i.e., selecting easier puzzle difficulties, in the American sample but increased risk-taking decisions, i.e., selecting harder difficulties, in the Chinese sample (p < 0.05 for all). These findings suggest that the effect of mood and optimism on decision-making may differ by nationality and/or culture.}, } @article {pmid35139199, year = {2022}, author = {Walsemann, KM and Ureña, S and Farina, MP and Ailshire, JA}, title = {Race Inequity in School Attendance Across the Jim Crow South and Its Implications for Black-White Disparities in Trajectories of Cognitive Function Among Older Adults.}, journal = {The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences}, volume = {77}, number = {8}, pages = {1467-1477}, pmid = {35139199}, issn = {1758-5368}, support = {R01 AG067536/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AG000037/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; AARG-NTF-20-684252/ALZ/Alzheimer's Association/United States ; P30 AG043073/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P30 AG017265/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Black or African American ; Aged ; Cognition ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Schools ; United States ; *White People ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Although education is a key determinant of cognitive function, its role in determining Black-White disparities in cognitive function is unclear. This may be due, in part, to data limitations that have made it difficult to account for systemic educational inequities in the Jim Crow South experienced by older cohorts, including differences in the number of days Black students attended school compared to their White counterparts or Black peers in better-funded southern states. We determine if accounting for differential rates of school attendance across race, years, and states in the Jim Crow South better illuminates Black-White disparities in trajectories of cognitive function.

METHODS: We linked historical state-level data on school attendance from the 1919/1920 to 1953/1954 Biennial Surveys of Education to the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of U.S. adults older than age 50. We restricted our sample to Black and White older adults who attended school in the Jim Crow South and began primary school in/after 1919/1920 and completed primary/secondary school by 1953/1954 (n = 4,343). We used linear mixed models to estimate trajectories of total cognitive function, episodic memory, and working memory.

RESULTS: Self-reported years of schooling explained 28%-33% of the Black-White disparity in level of cognitive function, episodic memory, and working memory. Duration of school, a measure that accounted for differential rates of school attendance, explained 41%-55% of the Black-White disparity in these outcomes.

DISCUSSION: Our study highlights the importance of using a more refined measure of schooling for understanding the education-cognitive health relationship.}, } @article {pmid35136194, year = {2022}, author = {Kitowski, I and Korniłłowicz-Kowalska, T and Bohacz, J and Ciesielska, A}, title = {Dispersal of Aphanoascus keratinophilus by the rook Corvus frugilegus during breeding in East Poland.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {2142}, pmid = {35136194}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*microbiology ; Mycoses/*transmission ; Onygenales/*genetics ; Poland ; }, abstract = {The process of dispersal of the potentially disease-causing, geophilic and keratinolytic fungal strain Aphanoascus keratinophilus (the perfect, sexual stage of Chrysosporium keratinophilum) by the rook Corvus frugilegus was studied. The source of A. keratinophilus strains was pellets of the rook, thus far not considered a carrier of this particular opportunistic pathogen. Pellets collected from breeding colonies of rooks were analysed in terms of the occurrence of keratinolytic fungi with the application of the native keratin bait method. Among the 83 rook pellets analysed, 24 (29%) were infected by keratinophilic fungi. Pure cultures of the fungi were identified to species based on traditional morphological features. Traditional mycological identification was verified by the PCR-RFLP molecular identification method as well as DNA sequencing. The obtained results showed the presence of 90 Aphanoascus keratinophilus strains, 6 Chrysosporium tropicum strains, and 3 Chrysosporium pannicola strains. The PCR melting profile (PCR-MP) method was used to identify intraspecies variations of the 90 analysed A. keratinophilus strains. The dispersal of genotypes and possible pathways of A. keratinophilus dispersal and infection via rook pellets were analysed.}, } @article {pmid35132811, year = {2022}, author = {De Mendoza, RS and Gómez, RO}, title = {Ecomorphology of the tarsometatarsus of waterfowl (Anseriformes) based on geometric morphometrics and its application to fossils.}, journal = {Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)}, volume = {305}, number = {11}, pages = {3243-3253}, doi = {10.1002/ar.24891}, pmid = {35132811}, issn = {1932-8494}, mesh = {Animals ; *Anseriformes ; Ducks ; *Fossils ; Geese ; Phylogeny ; Water ; }, abstract = {Anseriformes is a diverse group of birds that comprises screamers, the Magpie Goose, and swans ducks and geese, with a relatively rich fossil record. Waterfowl live in close relation to water bodies, but show a diversity of locomotory habits, being typically categorized as walkers, dabblers, and divers. Owing to its functional significance and high preservation potential, the tarsometatarsus has been considered to be a "key" element upon which to base ecomorphological inferences in fossil waterfowl. For instance, based on features of the tarsometatarsus the Miocene flightless duck Cayaoa bruneti and the Oligocene-Miocene large waterfowl Paranyroca have been inferred as divers. Herein, we use a geometric morphometric approach and comparative methods to assess the phylogenetic and ecomorphological signals in the shape and size of waterfowl tarsometatarsi in relation to their locomotory habits. We also apply phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis (pFDA) to test the inferred diving habits in the extinct waterfowl Cayaoa and Paranyroca. Extant waterfowl species are largely distributed according to their locomotory habit along the main axis of variation in the shape space, a pattern mirrored by the phylogenetic generalized least squares model, which shows that a third of the shape variation is significantly explained by the habit. The pFDA reclassifies correctly almost all extant species and classified with high posterior probabilities the fossil Cayaoa and Paranyroca as a diver and as a dabbler, respectively. Our quantitative multivariate approach confirms the tarsometatarsus as a useful source of data upon which reliably assesses locomotory habits of fossil waterfowl.}, } @article {pmid35130984, year = {2022}, author = {Harlow, SD and Burnett-Bowie, SM and Greendale, GA and Avis, NE and Reeves, AN and Richards, TR and Lewis, TT}, title = {Disparities in Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health between Black and White women: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN).}, journal = {Women's midlife health}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {3}, pmid = {35130984}, issn = {2054-2690}, support = {U19AG063720/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AG062622/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012531/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG017719/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01NR004061/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012553/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012495/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 NR004061/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AG063720/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AG012505/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012539/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012535/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012554/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U01AG012546/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {This paper reviews differences in the experience of the menopause transition and midlife health outcomes between Black and White women who participated in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a 25-year, longitudinal, multi-racial/ethnic cohort study. We identify health disparities, i.e., instances in which Black women's outcomes are less favorable than those of White women, and consider whether structural racism may underlie these disparities. Although SWAN did not explicitly assess structural racism, Black women in SWAN grew up during the Jim Crow era in the United States, during which time racism was legally sanctioned. We consider how we might gain insight into structural racism by examining proxy exposures such as socioeconomic characteristics, reports of everyday discrimination, and a range of life stressors, which likely reflect the longstanding, pervasive and persistent inequities that have roots in systemic racism in the US. Thus, this paper reviews the presence, magnitude, and longitudinal patterns of racial disparities observed in SWAN in six areas of women's health - menopause symptoms, sleep, mental health, health related quality of life, cardio-metabolic health, and physical function -and elucidates the contextual factors that are likely influencing these disparities. We review the strengths and weaknesses of SWAN's design and approach to analysis of racial disparities and use this as a springboard to offer recommendations for future cohort studies.}, } @article {pmid35119577, year = {2022}, author = {Gonthier, C}, title = {Cross-cultural differences in visuo-spatial processing and the culture-fairness of visuo-spatial intelligence tests: an integrative review and a model for matrices tasks.}, journal = {Cognitive research: principles and implications}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {11}, pmid = {35119577}, issn = {2365-7464}, mesh = {Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Spatial Processing ; }, abstract = {Visuo-spatial reasoning tests, such as Raven's matrices, Cattell's culture-fair test, or various subtests of the Wechsler scales, are frequently used to estimate intelligence scores in the context of inter-racial comparisons. This has led to several high-profile works claiming that certain ethnic groups have lower intelligence than others, presumably due to genetic inferiority. This logic is predicated on the assumption that such visuo-spatial tests, because they are non-verbal, must be culture-fair: that their solution process does not significantly draw on factors that vary from one culture to the next. This assumption of culture-fairness is dubious at best and has been questioned by many authors. In this article, I review the substantial body of psychological and ethnographic literature which has demonstrated that the perception, manipulation and conceptualization of visuo-spatial information differs significantly across cultures, in a way that is relevant to intelligence tests. I then outline a model of how these inter-cultural differences can affect seven major steps of the solution process for Raven's matrices, with a brief discussion of other visuo-spatial reasoning tests. Overall, a number of cultural assumptions appear to be deeply ingrained in all visuo-spatial reasoning tests, to the extent that it disqualifies the view of such tests as intrinsically culture-fair and makes it impossible to draw clear-cut conclusions from average score differences between ethnic groups.}, } @article {pmid39072224, year = {2022}, author = {Wenig, K and Pacher, L and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Testing the contagious nature of allopreening: bystander ravens are affected by conspecifics' affiliative interactions.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {184}, number = {}, pages = {71-80}, pmid = {39072224}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Emotional contagion refers to the mechanism of aligning with conspecifics' emotional states and is thought to be highly beneficial in social group living. While emotional contagion is well studied in humans, most studies in nonhuman animals fail to clearly distinguish between behavioural and emotional contagion. Furthermore, evidence for positive emotional contagion in nonhuman animals is almost entirely restricted to the context of play. In the present study, we aimed at adding observational evidence of contagion in a positive context, while separating aspects of behavioural and emotional contagion. In a group of nonbreeder common ravens, Corvus corax, we investigated whether witnessing conspecifics in positive social interaction, namely allopreening, would influence a bystander's behavioural and, possibly, emotional state. We recorded behavioural expressions of bystanders in postpreening observation phases and compared them to those in matched-control observation phases. We found effects of witnessing others' allopreening on the bystanders' subsequent affiliative interactions but not on their self-directed behaviours (e.g. autopreening) or agonistic interactions. Specifically, bystanders were more likely to engage in allopreening themselves in the postpreening observation phase than in the matched-control observation phase, which could be explained via behavioural and emotional contagion; however, bystanders also showed elevated levels of nonpreening affiliative interactions and spent more time close to conspecifics after observing others allopreening, which hints towards a more general effect on the bystanders' emotional states. Whether these nonpreening affiliative interactions are indeed an indication of emotional contagion needs to be tested in further studies that measure, and manipulate, emotional states.}, } @article {pmid35096356, year = {2021}, author = {Quílez-Robres, A and Moyano, N and Cortés-Pascual, A}, title = {Executive Functions and SelfEsteem in Academic Performance: A Mediational Analysis.}, journal = {International journal of psychological research}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {52-60}, pmid = {35096356}, issn = {2011-7922}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Once the paradigm of intelligence as the only predictor of academic performance has been overcome, the influence of other variables, such as reasoning, verbal fluency, executive functions, motivation and self-esteem, was studied.

METHOD: For this purpose, an exploratory and incidental research design was used in a sample of 132 subjects aged 6-9 years. Different instruments were administered: RAVEN, Effective Reading, Brief II, MAPE II, and Coopersmith Scale, respectively.

RESULTS: The results indicate that the predictive model formed by reasoning, verbal fluency, executive functions, and self-esteem explains 55.4% of the academic results. As mediating variables, self-esteem emerges as a predictor of both cognitive and motivational variables, and executive functions, as a predictor of emotional and motivational variables.

DISCUSSION: This implies theoretical and practical implications of an educational nature with practical implications in primary school classrooms, in order to implement plans to develop self-esteem and executive functions.}, } @article {pmid35095799, year = {2021}, author = {Nagy, BJ and Balázs, B and Benmazouz, I and Gyüre, P and Kövér, L and Kaszab, E and Bali, K and Lovas-Kiss, Á and Damjanova, I and Majoros, L and Tóth, Á and Bányai, K and Kardos, G}, title = {Comparison of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates From Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) and Contemporary Human-Derived Strains: A One Health Perspective.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {785411}, pmid = {35095799}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {During winter, a large number of rooks gather and defecate at the park of a university clinic. We investigated the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in these birds and compared recovered isolates with contemporary human isolates. In 2016, fecal samples were collected from 112 trap-captured rooks and investigated for presence of ESBL producers using eosin methylene blue agar supplemented by 2 mg/L cefotaxime; 2,455 contemporary human fecal samples of patients of the clinics sent for routine culturing were tested similarly. In addition, 42 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates collected during the same period from inpatients were also studied. ESBL genes were sought for by PCR and were characterized by sequencing; E. coli ST131 clones were identified. Epidemiological relatedness was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and confirmed using whole genome sequencing in selected cases. Thirty-seven (33%) of sampled rooks and 42 (1.7%) of human stools yielded ESBL-producing E coli. Dominant genes were bla CTX-M-55 and bla CTX-M-27 in corvid, bla CTX-M-15 and bla CTX-M-27 in human isolates. ST162 was common among rooks. Two rook-derived E. coli belonged to ST131 C1-M27, which was also predominant (10/42) among human fecal and (15/42) human clinical isolates. Another potential link between rooks and humans was a single ST744 rook isolate grouped with one human fecal and three clinical isolates. Despite possible contact, genotypes shared between rooks and humans were rare. Thus, rooks are important as long-distance vectors and reservoirs of ESBL-producing E. coli rather than direct sources of infections to humans in our setting.}, } @article {pmid35093720, year = {2022}, author = {Suzuki, Y and Hiroki, H and Xie, H and Nishiyama, M and Sakamoto, SH and Uemura, R and Nukazawa, K and Ogura, Y and Watanabe, T and Kobayashi, I}, title = {Antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from dairy cows and their surrounding environment on a livestock farm practicing prudent antimicrobial use.}, journal = {International journal of hygiene and environmental health}, volume = {240}, number = {}, pages = {113930}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113930}, pmid = {35093720}, issn = {1618-131X}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Anti-Infective Agents ; Cattle ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Escherichia coli ; Farms ; Feces/microbiology ; Female ; Livestock ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Rats ; }, abstract = {On a livestock farm where antimicrobial administration and its history had been managed for prudent use of antimicrobials, we surveyed antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli strains isolated from cow feces and the surrounding environment (i.e., rat and crow feces, and water samples from a drainage pit and wastewater processing tank) every month for 1 year. Two strains (1.7%) in cow feces were resistant to tetracycline, whereas all other strains were susceptible to all other antimicrobials. Among 136 strains isolated from cows and wild animals, only one ampicillin-resistant strain was identified. The antibiotic resistance rate in the drainage from the barn was 8.3% (10/120), and all strains showed susceptibility for 8 months of the year. Tetracycline resistance was common in all resistant strains isolated from animal feces and water samples; all tetracycline-resistant strains carried tetA. These results strongly support the proper use and management of antibiotics on farms to minimize the outbreak and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.}, } @article {pmid35091487, year = {2022}, author = {Lewenson, SB}, title = {The Public Health Nurses of Jim Crow Florida, by Christine Ardalan.}, journal = {Nursing history review : official journal of the American Association for the History of Nursing}, volume = {30}, number = {1}, pages = {154-155}, doi = {10.1891/1062-8061.30.154}, pmid = {35091487}, issn = {1062-8061}, } @article {pmid35085401, year = {2022}, author = {Suh, YH and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW}, title = {Staging to join non-kin groups in a classical cooperative breeder, the Florida scrub-jay.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {91}, number = {5}, pages = {970-982}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13669}, pmid = {35085401}, issn = {1365-2656}, support = {BSR-8705443//National Science Foundation/ ; BSR-8996276//National Science Foundation/ ; BSR-9021902//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB97-07622//National Science Foundation/ ; //U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Why unrelated members form groups in animal societies remains a pertinent topic in evolutionary biology because benefits for group members often are not obvious. We studied subordinates that disperse to join unrelated social groups in the Florida scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens, a cooperative breeding species mainly composed of kin-based groups. We evaluated potential adaptive benefits of dispersing to become an unrelated helper (staging) versus remaining home and dispersing only to pair and breed (direct dispersal) to understand why non-kin-based groups form. Using 35 years of demographic data, we quantified life-history aspects of staging individuals and tested associations between social and ecological factors on the natal and staging territories. We compared fitness outcomes between dispersal strategies by analysing survival, breeding recruitment and direct reproductive output. We tested for sexual asymmetry potentially driven by differences in territory acquisition patterns and female-biased dispersal for this species. Of birds that reached 1 year, 28% staged at a non-natal territory before breeding or disappearing. Staging dispersers departed at younger ages and moved greater distances than direct dispersers. When looking at proximate factors on the natal territory associated with staging, males left groups with many same-sex helpers, while females often left when their father disappeared. For both sexes, staging individuals more likely came from high-quality territories and joined groups with fewer same-sex helpers than in their natal group. While staging and direct dispersers did not differ in survival or likelihood of becoming a breeder, staging males became breeders later and had lower lifetime reproductive success than direct dispersers. In Florida scrub-jays, staging appears to be an alternative strategy for female helpers, but a best-of-a-bad-situation for males. This sexual asymmetry is consistent with males having more options than females to achieve higher reproductive success by breeding near home. Trade-offs in cost-benefits of departing the natal territory and joining unrelated groups as a helper seem to best explain alternative dispersal patterns, with optimal social queues primarily driving the benefits. This research highlights plasticity in dispersal behaviour in response to social and environmental conditions and offers a new perspective in our understanding of non-kin-based social groups.}, } @article {pmid35078329, year = {2022}, author = {Sorensen, MC and Strickland, D and Freeman, NE and Fuirst, M and Sutton, AO and Norris, DR}, title = {Early-life experience shapes patterns of senescence in a food-caching passerine.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {20210532}, pmid = {35078329}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Food ; Male ; *Reproduction ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {For many species, breeding performance increases through early adulthood followed by declines later in life. Although patterns of age-specific decline have been shown to vary between individuals, the factors that lead to this individual variation in the intensity of reproductive senescence are yet to be fully understood. We investigated whether early-life social status influenced age-related trends in the breeding performance of male Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis), year-round residents of North America's boreal and sub-alpine forests. Shortly after young become nutritionally independent, intra-brood dominance struggles lead to one juvenile (Dominant Juvenile) remaining on the natal territory after expelling its subordinate siblings (Ejectees). First, we show via radio tracking that in our declining range-edge population Ejectees either join an unrelated pair (67%), form a breeding pair with another bird (28%) or occupy a territory alone (5%). Second, using 39 years of breeding data, we demonstrate that Ejectee males advanced laying dates and increased the annual number of nestlings until 6 years of age before declining, whereas Dominant Juvenile males advanced laying dates until 11 years and increased annual number of nestlings until 12 years of age before declining. This study documents clear variation in ageing patterns between dominant and expelled young, with implications for the role of early-life experiences and phenotypic quality in determining patterns of ageing.}, } @article {pmid35067742, year = {2022}, author = {Juozaitytė-Ngugu, E and Butkauskas, D and Švažas, S and Prakas, P}, title = {Investigations on Sarcocystis species in the leg muscles of the bird family Corvidae in Lithuania.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {121}, number = {2}, pages = {703-711}, pmid = {35067742}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Lithuania ; Muscles ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; *Sarcocystis/genetics ; *Sarcocystosis/epidemiology/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Although three species of Sarcocystis, S. cornixi, S. corvusi and S. kutkienae, have been described in corvids, molecular studies of sarcocysts isolated from these birds are incomplete. Leg muscles of 83 corvids, 35 hooded crows (Corvus cornix), 21 western jackdaws (Coloeus monedula), 11 rooks (Corvus frugilegus), 9 common ravens (Corvus corax), 4 common magpies (Pica pica) and 3 Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius), from Lithuania were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. in the present study. In methylene blue-stained squashed samples, sarcocysts were detected in 26 birds (31.0%). Under a light microscope, two morphological types of sarcocysts were distinguished (type A and type B). Sarcocysts of type A had a smooth and thin (about 1 μm) cyst wall, while cysts of type B were characterised by a thicker (1.4-2.5 μm) cyst wall. Based on ITS1 sequence comparison, sarcocysts of type A were identified as S. halieti and Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax, whereas cysts of type B belonged to S. kutkienae and S. cornixi. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a single bird could host two different Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocystis halieti was detected in corvids for the first time in the common raven and the hooded crow. Also, this study presents the first evidence of S. kutkienae in the hooded crow and the common magpie, and S. cornixi in the western jackdaw. Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax was genetically characterised using almost complete 18S rDNA, partial 28S rDNA and complete ITS1 sequences. Sarcocystis sp. ex Corvus corax clustered together with S. columbae, S. corvusi and S. halieti in phylogenetic trees reconstructed using 28S rDNA and ITS1 sequences.}, } @article {pmid35064615, year = {2022}, author = {Akulinina, I and Stefanaki, I and Pavlíčková, E and Maiolino, M and Hajduk, S and Sápy, M and Mertin, B and Rijo, H and Tekeli, Ö and Valois, A and Delva, C and Kerob, D}, title = {Topical formulation containing peptides and vitamin C in ampoules improves skin aging signs: Results of a large, international, observational study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {9}, pages = {3910-3916}, pmid = {35064615}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Laboratoires Vichy/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Ascorbic Acid/adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Middle Aged ; *Peptides/adverse effects ; *Skin Aging ; Water ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Peptide-C ampoules (PC) contain peptides, 10% of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralizing water.

AIMS: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of PC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational study conducted in 9 countries in women ≥30 years old with signs of facial skin aging (grade >0 for forehead and/or crow's feet wrinkles and bothered by skin quality). Investigator assessments and subject questionnaires were performed at initial visit and Day 30 after application of PC twice daily for 28 days. Tolerance was assessed throughout the study.

RESULTS: Effectiveness and safety were analyzed in 1382 and 1742 subjects, respectively. Most subjects (mean age 48.5 ± 8.6 years) had skin phototype II or III (91.7%) and dry or combination skin (63.9%). PC was used as a standalone care or prior to a planned procedure (70%), or after a procedure (30%). Between baseline and Day 30, 63% and 64% of all subjects (N = 1360) had an improvement in forehead wrinkles and crow's feet wrinkles, respectively. Skin hydration improved in 67.3% of subjects. According to investigator and subject assessments, skin quality, skin radiance, skin aging signs, wrinkles, complexion, and skin pores significantly improved by Day 30. Similar results were observed for subgroup analyses when PC was used as standalone skin care or after a procedure. Tolerance of PC was rated as good to very good by 97.7% of subjects.

CONCLUSIONS: Peptide-C ampoules is effective in reducing visible signs of skin aging, and well tolerated, when used alone or as an adjunct to anti-aging procedures.}, } @article {pmid35060310, year = {2022}, author = {Signorini, M and Piero Fundarò, S and Bertossi, D and Cavallini, M and Cirillo, P and Natuzzi, G and Quartucci, S and Sciuto, C and Patalano, M and Trocchi, G}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA from lines to facial reshaping: A new Italian consensus report.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, pages = {550-563}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14728}, pmid = {35060310}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Allergan SpA/ ; }, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Consensus ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Esthetics, Dental ; Gingiva ; Humans ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; Smiling ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin type A is the most widely used nonsurgical treatment for esthetic improvement of the face and neck. In 2015, an Italian consensus panel met to discuss the optimal methods for using onabotulinumtoxinA. However, clinical practice continues to evolve and the original report is now considered obsolete.

AIMS: To provide updated guidance on the esthetic uses of onabotulinumtoxinA in the face and neck.

METHODS: A panel of 10 Italian specialists (including plastic and maxillofacial surgeons, dermatologists, and esthetic doctors) individually completed a questionnaire on their own clinical practice, and then met to discuss their responses and agree on a revised treatment consensus.

RESULTS: Recommendations are provided on patient assessment, reconstitution of onabotulinumtoxinA, and preferred procedures (injection sites, doses, anatomical targets, safety precautions, etc.) across a variety of treatment areas, including glabellar, crow's feet, and forehead lines; brow lifting and shaping; lower eyelid hypertrophy; bunny lines; sagging nasal tip; gummy smile; masseter hypertrophy; perioral lines; marionette lines and "sad mouth;" mentalis hypertonia; and platysma bands. Some of the recommended doses are substantially increased from the previous consensus (particularly in the upper third and masseter) for the purpose of achieving longer lasting results without affecting safety. Furthermore, two increasingly popular techniques-the Nefertiti lift and Microbotox-are included in the consensus for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS: Optimal practice with onabotulinumtoxinA requires a systematic approach to maximize safety and effectiveness across the range of potential uses. The present consensus was developed to support these aims.}, } @article {pmid35048808, year = {2022}, author = {Pistacchi, M and Gioulis, M and Marsala, SZ}, title = {Association between Delirium and Cognitive Impairment: Is there a Link?.}, journal = {Current Alzheimer research}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {47-55}, doi = {10.2174/1567205019666220120114552}, pmid = {35048808}, issn = {1875-5828}, mesh = {Aged ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/epidemiology ; *Delirium/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Delirium and dementia are both disorders involving global cognitive impairment that can occur separately or at the same time in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the frequency, correlation, and relative risk between delirium and cognitive impairment in a prospective population study starting at the basal line (onset of delirium) over a period of five years. The secondary aim was to determine any possible correlation between the kind of delirium and a specific type of dementia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 325 patients diagnosed according to the DSM-IV. The neuropsychological, moods and delirium disorders were evaluated with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98, MMSE, Rey auditory-verbal learning test, Digit Span, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Raven Progressive Matrices, ADL, and IADL.

RESULTS: The prevalence of delirium in our population was 89 cases (27.4%): 78 patients (48 women and 30 men) showed evolution toward dementia (mean age was 67.9 ± 6.1 years for men and 68.4 ± 9.1 for women), and 11 patients (5 men and 6 women) presented only isolated delirium without evolution toward cognitive impairment (mean age of men was 68.1 ± 5.1 years and of women 66.4 ± 7.1). The neuropsychological study of the patients with delirium with dementia evolution revealed statistically significant differences over time with a statistically significant intergroup difference and predisposition toward depression.

CONCLUSION: The association between delirium and cognitive impairment and the possible role of delirium as an early marker of neurodegenerative diseases need to be investigated in the future.}, } @article {pmid35041298, year = {2022}, author = {Kasimov, V and Dong, Y and Shao, R and Brunton, A and Anstey, SI and Hall, C and Chalmers, G and Conroy, G and Booth, R and Timms, P and Jelocnik, M}, title = {Emerging and well-characterized chlamydial infections detected in a wide range of wild Australian birds.}, journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases}, volume = {69}, number = {5}, pages = {e3154-e3170}, pmid = {35041298}, issn = {1865-1682}, support = {DE190100238//Australian Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Australia/epidemiology ; Birds ; *Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; *Chlamydophila psittaci/genetics ; *Circovirus/genetics ; Humans ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; }, abstract = {Birds can act as successful long-distance vectors and reservoirs for numerous zoonotic bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens, which can be a concern given the interconnectedness of animal, human and environmental health. Examples of such avian pathogens are members of the genus Chlamydia. Presently, there is a lack of research investigating chlamydial infections in Australian wild and captive birds and the subsequent risks to humans and other animals. In our current study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of chlamydial organisms infecting wild birds from Queensland and the rate of co-infections with beak and feather disease virus (BFDV). We screened 1114 samples collected from 564 different birds from 16 orders admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital from May 2019 to February 2021 for Chlamydia and BFDV. Utilizing species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, we revealed an overall Chlamydiaceae prevalence of 29.26% (165/564; 95% confidence interval (CI) 25.65-33.14), including 3.19% (18/564; 95% CI 2.03-4.99%) prevalence of the zoonotic Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydiaceae co-infection with BFDV was detected in 9.75% (55/564; 95% CI 7.57-12.48%) of the birds. Molecular characterization of the chlamydial 16S rRNA and ompA genes identified C. psittaci, in addition to novel and other genetically diverse Chlamydia species: avian Chlamydia abortus, Ca. Chlamydia ibidis and Chlamydia pneumoniae, all detected for the first time in Australia within a novel avian host range (crows, figbirds, herons, kookaburras, lapwings and shearwaters). This study shows that C. psittaci and other emerging Chlamydia species are prevalent in a wider range of avian hosts than previously anticipated, potentially increasing the risk of spill-over to Australian wildlife, livestock and humans. Going forward, we need to further characterize C. psittaci and other emerging Chlamydia species to determine their exact genetic identity, potential reservoirs, and factors influencing infection spill-over.}, } @article {pmid35031024, year = {2022}, author = {Saxena, A and Trivedi, M and Shroff, ZC and Sharma, M}, title = {Improving hospital-based processes for effective implementation of Government funded health insurance schemes: evidence from early implementation of PM-JAY in India.}, journal = {BMC health services research}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {73}, pmid = {35031024}, issn = {1472-6963}, support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; }, mesh = {Government ; Health Services ; Hospitals ; Humans ; India ; *Insurance, Health ; *Universal Health Insurance ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Government-sponsored health insurance schemes (GSHIS) aim to improve access to and utilization of healthcare services and offer financial protection to the population. India's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one such GSHIS. This paper aims to understand how the processes put in place to manage hospital-based transactions, from the time a beneficiary arrives at the hospital to discharge are being implemented in PM-JAY and how to improve them to strengthen the scheme's operation.

METHODS: Guidelines were reviewed for the processes associated with hospital-based transactions, namely, beneficiary authentication, treatment package selection, preauthorization, discharge, and claims payments. Across 14 hospitals in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh states, the above-mentioned processes were observed, and using a semi-structured interview guide fifty-three respondents were interviewed. The study was carried out from March 2019 to August 2019.

RESULTS: Average turn-around time for claim reimbursement is two to six times higher than that proposed in guidelines and tender. As opposed to the guidelines, beneficiaries are incurring out-of-pocket expenditure while availing healthcare services. The training provided to the front-line workers is software-centric. Hospital-based processes are relatively more efficient in hospitals where frontline workers have a medical/paramedical/managerial background.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to broaden capacity-building efforts from enabling frontline staff to operate the scheme's IT platform to developing the technical, managerial, and leadership skills required for them. At the hospital level, an empowered frontline worker is the key to efficient hospital-based processes. There is a need to streamline back-end processes to eliminate the causes for delay in the processing of claim payment requests. For policymakers, the most important and urgent need is to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. To that end, there is a need to both revisit and streamline the existing guidelines and ensure adherence to the guidelines.}, } @article {pmid35012054, year = {2021}, author = {Chi, M and Gargouri, R and Schrader, T and Damak, K and Maâlej, R and Sierka, M}, title = {Atomistic Descriptors for Machine Learning Models of Solubility Parameters for Small Molecules and Polymers.}, journal = {Polymers}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {35012054}, issn = {2073-4360}, support = {Project number 316213987 - SFB 1278 "PolyTarget" (project A01)//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {Descriptors derived from atomic structure and quantum chemical calculations for small molecules representing polymer repeat elements were evaluated for machine learning models to predict the Hildebrand solubility parameters of the corresponding polymers. Since reliable cohesive energy density data and solubility parameters for polymers are difficult to obtain, the experimental heat of vaporization ΔHvap of a set of small molecules was used as a proxy property to evaluate the descriptors. Using the atomistic descriptors, the multilinear regression model showed good accuracy in predicting ΔHvap of the small-molecule set, with a mean absolute error of 2.63 kJ/mol for training and 3.61 kJ/mol for cross-validation. Kernel ridge regression showed similar performance for the small-molecule training set but slightly worse accuracy for the prediction of ΔHvap of molecules representing repeating polymer elements. The Hildebrand solubility parameters of the polymers derived from the atomistic descriptors of the repeating polymer elements showed good correlation with values from the CROW polymer database.}, } @article {pmid35009658, year = {2021}, author = {Zi, J and Lv, D and Liu, J and Huang, X and Yao, W and Gao, M and Xi, R and Zhang, Y}, title = {Improved Swarm Intelligent Blind Source Separation Based on Signal Cross-Correlation.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {35009658}, issn = {1424-8220}, support = {No. 333 31860332//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No.2015FIA02//Kunming Forestry Information Engineering Technology Research Center/ ; No.202002AD080002//Major Special Projects in Yunnan Province/ ; No. 202002AA10007//Major scientific and technological projects in Yunnan Province/ ; No.61462078//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Animals ; *Butterflies ; Intelligence ; }, abstract = {In recent years, separating effective target signals from mixed signals has become a hot and challenging topic in signal research. The SI-BSS (Blind source separation (BSS) based on swarm intelligence (SI) algorithm) has become an effective method for the linear mixture BSS. However, the SI-BSS has the problem of incomplete separation, as not all the signal sources can be separated. An improved algorithm for BSS with SI based on signal cross-correlation (SI-XBSS) is proposed in this paper. Our method created a candidate separation pool that contains more separated signals than the traditional SI-BSS does; it identified the final separated signals by the value of the minimum cross-correlation in the pool. Compared with the traditional SI-BSS, the SI-XBSS was applied in six SI algorithms (Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Differential Evolution (DE), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA), and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA)). The results showed that the SI-XBSS could effectively achieve a higher separation success rate, which was over 35% higher than traditional SI-BSS on average. Moreover, SI-SDR increased by 14.72 on average.}, } @article {pmid35002129, year = {2021}, author = {Prabhakar, A and Abdulkhayarkutty, K and Cheruvallil, SV and Sudhakaran, P}, title = {Effect of Endemic Fluorosis on Cognitive Function of School Children in Alappuzha District, Kerala: A Cross Sectional Study.}, journal = {Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology}, volume = {24}, number = {5}, pages = {715-720}, pmid = {35002129}, issn = {0972-2327}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to high fluoride levels in drinking water can lead to a number of adverse effects in children, including cognitive dysfunction. Despite being endemic for fluorosis, studies on its effect on the cognitive function of children are lacking in Kerala.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the cognitive function of school children with fluorosis with that of normal children and to correlate between the severity of dental fluorosis and cognitive function.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, conducted in collaboration with the National Fluorosis Control Programme, among school children in Alappuzha district, Kerala.

METHODS: Children aged 8-10 years, studying in 2 lower primary schools in Alappuzha district with confirmed fluorosis were selected, and compared with healthy age- and sex-matched children from the same school. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and MISIC digit span subtest were used to assess the cognitive function.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Continuous variables were assessed by independent samples t test and categorical variables by Chi-square test. The relationship between severity of dental fluorosis and grade of cognitive impairment was assessed using Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS: There were 60 children each in fluorosis and control groups. The mean age of the children was 8.95 ± 0.50. Only 15% of the children with fluorosis scored Grade I and II Raven's SPM grades (Intellectually superior/above the average) versus 30% in the control group. None of the children without fluorosis scored Grade V (intellectually impaired) category versus 20% in the fluorosis group. The mean digit span was significantly higher in the control group. A strong positive correlation between severity of dental fluorosis and Raven's SPM grades was found (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.740).

CONCLUSIONS: Fluorosis is associated with impaired cognition in children. There is a positive correlation between severity of dental fluorosis and the grade of cognitive impairment.}, } @article {pmid35000442, year = {2022}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Gallego-Abenza, M and Massen, JJM and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Dominance in a socially dynamic setting: hierarchical structure and conflict dynamics in ravens' foraging groups.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {377}, number = {1845}, pages = {20200446}, pmid = {35000442}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; *Crows ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {Dominance hierarchies typically emerge in systems where group members regularly encounter and compete for resources. In birds, the 'open' and dynamic structure of foraging groups may prevent the emergence of structured hierarchies, although this assumption have hardly been tested. We report on agonistic data for ravens Corvus corax, collected over two 18-month periods for 183 marked individuals of a wild (fluid) population and 51 birds from six captive (stable) groups. We show that the dominance structure (steep and transitive) in wild foraging groups is strikingly similar to that found in captivity. In the wild, we found that higher ranks are mainly occupied by males, older and more aggressive individuals that also tend to receive fewer aggressions. Exploring the mechanisms sustaining the wild dominance structure, we confirmed that males are more aggressive than females and, with age, tend to receive fewer aggressions than females. Males that are about to leave the foraging groups for some months are less aggressive than newcomers or locals, while newcomers are specifically targeted by aggressions in their first year (as juveniles). Taken together, our results indicate that the socially dynamic conditions ravens face during foraging do not hinder, but provide opportunities for, using (advanced) social cognition. This article is part of the theme issue 'The centennial of the pecking order: current state and future prospects for the study of dominance hierarchies'.}, } @article {pmid34997767, year = {2022}, author = {Ströckens, F and Neves, K and Kirchem, S and Schwab, C and Herculano-Houzel, S and Güntürkün, O}, title = {High associative neuron numbers could drive cognitive performance in corvid species.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {530}, number = {10}, pages = {1588-1605}, doi = {10.1002/cne.25298}, pmid = {34997767}, issn = {1096-9861}, support = {STR 1404/1-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; GU 227/16-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; Cerebral Cortex ; Cognition ; Columbidae ; *Neurons/physiology ; *Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {Corvids possess cognitive skills, matching those of nonhuman primates. However, how these species with their small brains achieve such feats remains elusive. Recent studies suggest that cognitive capabilities could be based on the total numbers of telencephalic neurons. Here we extend this hypothesis further and posit that especially high neuron counts in associative pallial areas drive flexible, complex cognition. If true, avian species like corvids should specifically accumulate neurons in the avian associative areas meso- and nidopallium. To test the hypothesis, we analyzed the neuronal composition of telencephalic areas in corvids and noncorvids (chicken, pigeons, and ostriches-the species with the largest bird brain). The overall number of pallial neurons in corvids was much higher than in chicken and pigeons and comparable to those of ostriches. However, neuron numbers in the associative mesopallium and nidopallium were twice as high in corvids and, in correlation with these associative areas, the corvid subpallium also contained high neuron numbers. These findings support our hypothesis that large absolute numbers of associative pallial neurons contribute to cognitive flexibility and complexity and are key to explain why crows are smart. Since meso-/nidopallial and subpallial areas scale jointly, it is conceivable that associative pallio-striatal loops play a similar role in executive decision making as described in primates.}, } @article {pmid34997433, year = {2022}, author = {LaFave, SE and Suen, JJ and Seau, Q and Bergman, A and Fisher, MC and Thorpe, RJ and Szanton, SL}, title = {Racism and Older Black Americans' Health: a Systematic Review.}, journal = {Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine}, volume = {99}, number = {1}, pages = {28-54}, pmid = {34997433}, issn = {1468-2869}, support = {F31 NR019211/NR/NINR NIH HHS/United States ; TL1 TR003100/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AG066576/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; DP1 AG069874/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; F31 AG071353/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Black or African American/psychology ; Aged ; Black People ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Racism/psychology ; *Social Segregation ; Systemic Racism ; }, abstract = {We reviewed research that examines racism as an independent variable and one or more health outcomes as dependent variables in Black American adults aged 50 years and older in the USA. Of the 43 studies we reviewed, most measured perceived interpersonal racism, perceived institutional racism, or residential segregation. The only two measures of structural racism were birth and residence in a "Jim Crow state." Fourteen studies found associations between racism and mental health outcomes, five with cardiovascular outcomes, seven with cognition, two with physical function, two with telomere length, and five with general health/other health outcomes. Ten studies found no significant associations in older Black adults. All but six of the studies were cross-sectional. Research to understand the extent of structural and multilevel racism as a social determinant of health and the impact on older adults specifically is needed. Improved measurement tools could help address this gap in science.}, } @article {pmid34990824, year = {2022}, author = {Martin, RJ and Dick, MF and Sherry, DF}, title = {Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) balance protein and energy targets simultaneously in both consumed and cached food.}, journal = {Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology}, volume = {266}, number = {}, pages = {111142}, doi = {10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111142}, pmid = {34990824}, issn = {1531-4332}, mesh = {Animals ; Canada ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Food ; Seasons ; *Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Food scarce periods pose serious physiological challenges for birds, especially in energetically demanding conditions. For species in the northern hemisphere, a decrease in available resources during winter adds further physiological stress to the energetic demands of life at low temperatures. Some species cache food to provide a reliable energy and nutrient resource during scarcity. Canada Jays are a year-round food-caching resident of the North American boreal forest. Canada Jays also rear their young prior to spring green up, making food caching not only essential for adult winter survival, but also potentially important for meeting the requirements of growing offspring in late winter and early spring. We examined the diet choices of Canada Jays immediately prior to winter, and the macronutrient composition of the foods Canada Jay consumed and cached at this time. We found that Canada Jays cache the same relative amounts of macronutrients as they consume but did not vary macronutrients seasonally. The similarities in the macronutrient proportions cached and consumed suggest a consistent nutrient intake pattern, and that Canada Jays are foraging to simultaneously meet similar minimum energy and minimum protein targets for both the present and future. These simultaneous targets constrain the caching decisions of jays when presented with dietary choices.}, } @article {pmid34983896, year = {2022}, author = {Marsja, E and Stenbäck, V and Moradi, S and Danielsson, H and Rönnberg, J}, title = {Is Having Hearing Loss Fundamentally Different? Multigroup Structural Equation Modeling of the Effect of Cognitive Functioning on Speech Identification.}, journal = {Ear and hearing}, volume = {43}, number = {5}, pages = {1437-1446}, doi = {10.1097/AUD.0000000000001196}, pmid = {34983896}, issn = {1538-4667}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition ; *Deafness ; Humans ; Latent Class Analysis ; Middle Aged ; *Presbycusis ; Speech ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Previous research suggests that there is a robust relationship between cognitive functioning and speech-in-noise performance for older adults with age-related hearing loss. For normal-hearing adults, on the other hand, the research is not entirely clear. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive functioning, aging, and speech-in-noise, in a group of older normal-hearing persons and older persons with hearing loss who wear hearing aids.

DESIGN: We analyzed data from 199 older normal-hearing individuals (mean age = 61.2) and 200 older individuals with hearing loss (mean age = 60.9) using multigroup structural equation modeling. Four cognitively related tasks were used to create a cognitive functioning construct: the reading span task, a visuospatial working memory task, the semantic word-pairs task, and Raven's progressive matrices. Speech-in-noise, on the other hand, was measured using Hagerman sentences. The Hagerman sentences were presented via an experimental hearing aid to both normal hearing and hearing-impaired groups. Furthermore, the sentences were presented with one of the two background noise conditions: the Hagerman original speech-shaped noise or four-talker babble. Each noise condition was also presented with three different hearing processing settings: linear processing, fast compression, and noise reduction.

RESULTS: Cognitive functioning was significantly related to speech-in-noise identification. Moreover, aging had a significant effect on both speech-in-noise and cognitive functioning. With regression weights constrained to be equal for the two groups, the final model had the best fit to the data. Importantly, the results showed that the relationship between cognitive functioning and speech-in-noise was not different for the two groups. Furthermore, the same pattern was evident for aging: the effects of aging on cognitive functioning and aging on speech-in-noise were not different between groups.

CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed similar cognitive functioning and aging effects on speech-in-noise performance in older normal-hearing and aided hearing-impaired listeners. In conclusion, the findings support the Ease of Language Understanding model as cognitive processes play a critical role in speech-in-noise independent from the hearing status of elderly individuals.}, } @article {pmid34976286, year = {2021}, author = {Wu, Y and Li, C and Garcia, J and Baradaran, S}, title = {Patient-reported Outcomes in Chinese Subjects Treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA for Crow's Feet Lines.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, pages = {27-31}, pmid = {34976286}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Crow's feet lines (CFLs) can impact the emotional state, self-perception, and consciousness regarding appearance of patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess patient-reported outcomes after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for CFLs among Chinese subjects.

METHODS: A five-month, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical study was conducted including Chinese adults with moderate-to-severe CFLs at maximum smile. Subjects were randomized 3:1 to 24 U of onabotulinumtoxinA or placebo and completed the 11-item Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) questionnaire and Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLSQ) at baseline; on Days 8, 15, and 30; and monthly thereafter until Day 150. Item-level and/or domain analyses for the FLO-11 and FLSQ were conducted.

RESULTS: Of 417 treated subjects, 316 received onabotulinumtoxinA and 101 received placebo. For all 10 validated stand-alone FLO-11 items, there was a significantly greater proportion of responders in the onabotulinumtoxinA group versus placebo (P<0.001) at Day 30 that was maintained through Day 150. Significant improvements at Day 30 were reported for all FLSQ items and the FLSQ Follow-up Impact Domain (P≤0.01).

CONCLUSION: FLO-11 and FLSQ data indicated high satisfaction and significant improvements in appearance-related and emotional impacts through Day 150 in patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA for moderate-to-severe CFLs in Chinese subjects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier no. NCT02195687.}, } @article {pmid34975660, year = {2021}, author = {Khvatov, IA and Smirnova, AA and Samuleeva, MV and Ershov, EV and Buinitskaya, SD and Kharitonov, AN}, title = {Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix) May Be Aware of Their Own Body Size.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {769397}, pmid = {34975660}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Body-awareness is one of the manifestations of self-awareness, expressed in the ability of people and animals to represent their own body physical properties. Relatively little work has been devoted to this phenomenon in comparison with the studies of the ability of self-recognition in the mirror, and most studies have been conducted on mammals and human infants. Crows are known to be "clever" birds, so we investigated whether hooded crows (Corvus cornix) may be aware of their own body size. We set up an experimental design in which the crows had to pass through one of three openings to reach the bait. In the first experiment, we studied whether crows prefer a larger hole if all the three are suitable for passage, and what other predictors influence their choice. In the second experiment, we assessed the ability of the crows to select a single passable hole out of three on the first attempt, even though the area of the former was smaller than that of the other two. The results of the first experiment suggest that when choosing among three passable holes, crows prefer those holes that require less effort from them, e.g., they do not need to crouch or make other additional movements. In the second experiment, three of the five crows reliably more often chose a single passable hole on the first try, despite its smaller size. We believe that these results suggest that hooded crows may be aware of their own body size.}, } @article {pmid34972418, year = {2021}, author = {Halliday, JWD and Bland, SN and Hare, JD and Parker, S and Suttle, LG and Russell, DR and Lebedev, SV}, title = {A time-resolved imaging system for the diagnosis of x-ray self-emission in high energy density physics experiments.}, journal = {The Review of scientific instruments}, volume = {92}, number = {12}, pages = {123507}, doi = {10.1063/5.0073174}, pmid = {34972418}, issn = {1089-7623}, abstract = {A diagnostic capable of recording spatially and temporally resolved x-ray self-emission data was developed to characterize experiments on the MAGPIE pulsed-power generator. The diagnostic used two separate imaging systems: a pinhole imaging system with two-dimensional spatial resolution and a slit imaging system with one-dimensional spatial resolution. The two-dimensional imaging system imaged light onto the image plate. The one-dimensional imaging system imaged light onto the same piece of image plate and a linear array of silicon photodiodes. This design allowed the cross-comparison of different images, allowing a picture of the spatial and temporal distribution of x-ray self-emission to be established. The design was tested in a series of pulsed-power-driven magnetic-reconnection experiments.}, } @article {pmid37387290, year = {2022}, author = {Chłopaś-Konowałek, A and Zawadzki, M and Kurach, Ł and Wachełko, O and Ciaputa, R and Tusiewicz, K and Szpot, P}, title = {Simultaneous poisoning of 48 birds of prey - bendiocarb determination with the use of UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method in fatal case from Eastern Europe.}, journal = {Archiwum medycyny sadowej i kryminologii}, volume = {72}, number = {2}, pages = {67-80}, doi = {10.4467/16891716AMSIK.22.009.16807}, pmid = {37387290}, issn = {1689-1716}, abstract = {AIM: Bendiocarb is used against a wide range of insects but has already been withdrawn from the market in some countries. It poses a high risk to birds as they can accidentally ingest it while searching for food, followed by toxic effects. This paper presents the results of toxicological and histopathological studies of 48 cases of intentional birds of prey poisoning with bendiocarb in Eastern Europe, specifically Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A novel ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method for bendiocarb determination in animal liver samples was developed and fully validated. The sample preparation technique was based on one-step precipitation of proteins with cold acetonitrile. The internal standard used was carbaryl-d7. Full time of analysis was less than 10 minutes. The application of the UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method allowed us to achieve the lowest LOQ (1 ng/g) of bendiocarb in biological samples to date.

RESULTS: Necropsies and histopathological examinations of common ravens (Corvus corax), western marsh harriers (Circus aeruginosus), red kites (Milvus milvus), and a white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) revealed multi-organ toxicity manifested as congestion, oedema, or stagnation of blood. An analytical investigation confirmed the presence of bendiocarb in liver in the 1808-7721 ng/g range. Furthermore, the presence of this compound was qualitatively confirmed in the stomach and beak contents and also in the bait located near the deceased animals.

CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive forensic examination is crucial to monitor wildlife fatalities, especially applying a combined analytical and histopathological approach to identify and eliminate highly toxic substances which pose a threat to the ecosystem.}, } @article {pmid34958693, year = {2022}, author = {Shariff, R and Du, Y and Dutta, M and Kumar, S and Thimmaiah, S and Doraiswamy, C and Kumari, A and Kale, V and Nair, N and Zhang, S and Joshi, M and Santhanam, U and Qiang, Q and Damodaran, A}, title = {Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, pages = {103-117}, pmid = {34958693}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Aging ; *Hexylresorcinol/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Hyperpigmentation/drug therapy ; Niacinamide/pharmacology ; Skin Pigmentation ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the synergistic effect of 4-hexylresorcinol (4-HR) with niacinamide in boosting anti-melanogenic efficacy in vitro and establish the in vivo efficacy and safety of the combination in a human trial.

METHODS: Primary human epidermal melanocytes and 3D pigmented skin equivalents were treated with 4-HR, niacinamide, and their combinations for their effect on pigmentation. This was followed by a randomized, double-blind, split-face clinical study in Chinese subjects, and effects on skin tone, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, hydration, and skin firmness were measured for a 12-week study period.

RESULTS: In vitro tyrosinase enzyme activity studies showed that 4-HR is one of the most potent tyrosinase inhibitors. The combination of 4-HR and niacinamide showed a synergistic reduction in melanin production in cultured melanocytes and lightened the 3D skin equivalent model. In vitro as well as in the human trial, the combination of 4-HR and niacinamide showed significantly improved efficacy over niacinamide alone on hyperpigmentation spots as measured by L*, the visual appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in crow's feet and perioral area and skin firmness, with no product-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: A formulation containing a combination of 4-HR and niacinamide delivered superior skin tone and anti-ageing benefits significantly better than niacinamide alone with no adverse events. This study demonstrates that a product designed to affect multiple pathways of melanogenesis, inflammation, and ageing may provide an additional treatment option, beyond hydroquinone and retinoids, for hyperpigmentation and ageing.}, } @article {pmid34946442, year = {2021}, author = {Shcherbakov, N and Varako, N and Kovyazina, M and Zueva, Y and Baulina, M and Skvortsov, A and Chernikova, D}, title = {Dynamics of Neuropsychological Symptoms during the Training of Executive Functions in Neurological Patients.}, journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {34946442}, issn = {2227-9032}, abstract = {Executive function disorder rehabilitation in neurological patients is associated with many difficulties. We investigated the effectiveness of group training, proposed by B. Wilson et al., which has the model of frontal lobes functioning by D. T. Stuss as the theoretical background. The study participants were 16 patients with executive function disorder caused by TBI, strokes, and infections. The training was shortened from 9 weeks to 3 and adopted to the conditions of the rehabilitation centre where the study was held. The evaluation of training effectiveness was carried out by the methods of neuropsychological diagnostics proposed by A. R. Luria as well as standardized quantitative tests (CWIT test, Raven test, FAB) and questionnaires (EBIQ) aimed at assessing the state of executive functions and general well-being. In result positive trends, but not reaching the level of significance, were revealed in the performance of all evaluating methods, with the exception of "arithmetic problems" and "inhibitory control" as part of the FAB test. Statistically significant result was obtained concerning such tests as "counting", "analysis of story pictures", and index of total uncorrected errors in the CWIT test. Thus, the results of eventual assessment showed positive dynamic of executive functions state.}, } @article {pmid34930821, year = {2022}, author = {Willi, Y and Kristensen, TN and Sgrò, CM and Weeks, AR and Ørsted, M and Hoffmann, AA}, title = {Conservation genetics as a management tool: The five best-supported paradigms to assist the management of threatened species.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {34930821}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Endangered Species ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Load ; Genetic Markers ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; *Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {About 50 y ago, Crow and Kimura [An Introduction to Population Genetics Theory (1970)] and Ohta and Kimura [Genet. Res. 22, 201-204 (1973)] laid the foundations of conservation genetics by predicting the relationship between population size and genetic marker diversity. This work sparked an enormous research effort investigating the importance of population dynamics, in particular small population size, for population mean performance, population viability, and evolutionary potential. In light of a recent perspective [J. C. Teixeira, C. D. Huber, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 118, 10 (2021)] that challenges some fundamental assumptions in conservation genetics, it is timely to summarize what the field has achieved, what robust patterns have emerged, and worthwhile future research directions. We consider theory and methodological breakthroughs that have helped management, and we outline some fundamental and applied challenges for conservation genetics.}, } @article {pmid34930523, year = {2021}, author = {Klump, BC and St Clair, JJ and Rutz, C}, title = {New Caledonian crows keep 'valuable' hooked tools safer than basic non-hooked tools.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34930523}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/S018484/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The temporary storage and re-use of tools can significantly enhance foraging efficiency. New Caledonian crows in one of our study populations use two types of stick tools - hooked and non-hooked - which differ in raw material, manufacture costs, and foraging performance. Using a large sample of wild-caught, temporarily captive New Caledonian crows, we investigated experimentally whether individuals prefer one tool type over the other when given a choice and whether they take better care of their preferred tools between successive episodes of use, safely storing them underfoot or in nearby holes. Crows strongly preferred hooked stick tools made from Desmanthus virgatus stems over non-hooked stick tools. Importantly, this preference was also reflected in subsequent tool-handling behaviour, with subjects keeping hooked stick tools safe more often than non-hooked stick tools sourced from leaf litter. These results suggest that crows 'value' hooked stick tools, which are both costlier to procure and more efficient to use, more than non-hooked stick tools. Results from a series of control treatments suggested that crows altered their tool 'safekeeping' behaviour in response to a combination of factors, including tool type and raw material. To our knowledge, our study is the first to use safekeeping behaviour as a proxy for assessing how non-human animals value different tool types, establishing a novel paradigm for productive cross-taxonomic comparisons.}, } @article {pmid34929801, year = {2021}, author = {Yani, SI and Seweng, A and Mallongi, A and Nur, R and Abdullah, MT and Salmah, U and Sirajuddin, S and Basir-Cyio, M and Mahfudz, and Anshary, A}, title = {The influence of fluoride in drinking water on the incidence of fluorosis and intelligence of elementary school students in Palu City.}, journal = {Gaceta sanitaria}, volume = {35 Suppl 2}, number = {}, pages = {S159-S163}, doi = {10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.07.010}, pmid = {34929801}, issn = {1578-1283}, mesh = {Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Drinking Water ; Fluorides/adverse effects ; *Fluorosis, Dental/epidemiology/etiology ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intelligence ; Prevalence ; Schools ; Students ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This research aims to know the influence of fluoride in drinking water towards Fluorosis and the Intelligence Level of Elementary School Students in Palu City.

METHOD: This cross-sectional study was performed through descriptive analysis on 100 students aged 6-12 years old selected by stratified random sampling from two different areas with different levels of fluoride in drinking water in Palu City. The samples were collected from two different elementary schools which were SDN 2 Talise and SDN Inpres 1 Birobuli. The examination was performed by a dentist using Dean's Fluorosis Index and philology, who measured students' IQ using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: High level of F in drinking water affects the fluorosis status of students (p=0.001), in which among 40 students (40%) who experienced fluorosis, 38 (38%) of them are from the area whose F level is high. The high level of F also affected the children's IQ, obtaining a p-value of 0.001, showing that there were no students with low IQ found in the area with low F level. For the status of Fluorosis and IQ, p=0.001 was obtained. Among the 60 students who did not experience fluorosis, 96.6% of them had a high IQ level.

CONCLUSION: The recent research found that fluorosis was found more often in the area of which F level was high, where the IQ level of the students was found to be lower compared to the students who loved in the area with low F level.}, } @article {pmid34915494, year = {2021}, author = {Satoh, M and Tabei, KI and Abe, M and Kamikawa, C and Fujita, S and Ota, Y}, title = {The Correlation between a New Online Cognitive Test (the Brain Assessment) and Widely Used In-Person Neuropsychological Tests.}, journal = {Dementia and geriatric cognitive disorders}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, pages = {473-481}, doi = {10.1159/000520521}, pmid = {34915494}, issn = {1421-9824}, mesh = {Aged ; Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *COVID-19 ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; SARS-CoV-2 ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: There are several problems with standard in-person neuropsychological assessments, such as habituation, necessity of human resources, and difficulty of in-person assessment under societal conditions during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019. Thus, we developed an online cognitive test (the Brain Assessment [BA]). In this study, we investigated the correlation between the results of the BA and those of established neuropsychological tests.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven elderly persons (mean 71.3 ± 5.1 years old; range 65-86; male:female = 45:32) were recruited through the internet. Correlations were evaluated between the BA and the following widely used neuropsychological tests: the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM), the logical memory I and II of the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test, the word fluency (WF) test, and the Trail-Making TestA/B.

RESULTS: We found moderate correlations between the total cognitive score of the BA and the total score of the MMSE (r = 0.433, p < 0.001), as well as between the total BA score and the total RCPM score (r = 0.582, p < 0.001) and time to complete the RCPM (r = 0.455, p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were also observed between the cognitive score of the memory of words BA subtest and the LM-I (r = 0.518, p < 0.001), the mental rotation subtest and figure drawing (r = 0.404, p < 0.001), the logical reasoning subtest and total RCPM score (r = 0.491, p < 0.001), and the memory of numbers and words subtests and WF (memory of numbers and total WF: r = 0.456, p < 0.001; memory of words and total WF: r = 0.571, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION: We found that the BA showed moderate correlations between established neuropsychological tests for intellect, memory, visuospatial function, and frontal function. The MMSE and the RCPM reflect Spearman's s-factor and g-factor, respectively, and thus the BA also covered both factors.

CONCLUSION: The BA is a useful tool for assessing the cognitive function of generally healthy elderly persons.}, } @article {pmid34913110, year = {2022}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Cornero, FM and Clayton, NS and Emery, NJ}, title = {Mirror-mediated string-pulling task in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {3}, pages = {691-700}, pmid = {34913110}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {TWCF0317//Templeton World Charity Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Parrots ; *Passeriformes ; Problem Solving ; Reward ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Mirror tasks can be used to investigate whether animals can instrumentally use a mirror to solve problems and can understand the correspondence between reflections and the real objects they represent. Two bird species, a corvid (New Caledonian crow) and a parrot (African grey parrot), have demonstrated the ability to use mirrors instrumentally in mirror-mediated spatial locating tasks. However, they have not been challenged with a mirror-guided reaching task, which involves a more complex understanding of the mirror's properties. In the present study, a task approximating the mirror-guided reaching task used in primate studies was adapted for, and given to, a corvid species (Eurasian jay) using a horizontal string-pulling paradigm. Four birds learned to pull the correct string to retrieve a food reward when they could see the food directly, whereas none used the reflected information to accomplish the same objective. Based on these results, it cannot be concluded whether these birds understand the correspondence between the location of the reward and its reflected information, or if the relative lack of visual-perceptual motor feedback given by the setup interfered with their performance. This novel task is posited to be conceptually more difficult compared to mirror-mediated spatial locating tasks, and should be used in avian species that have previously been successful at using the mirror instrumentally. This would establish whether these species can still succeed at it, and thus whether the task does indeed pose additional cognitive demands.}, } @article {pmid34912558, year = {2021}, author = {Atim, C and Bhushan, I and Blecher, M and Gandham, R and Rajan, V and Davén, J and Adeyi, O}, title = {Health financing reforms for Universal Health Coverage in five emerging economies.}, journal = {Journal of global health}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {16005}, pmid = {34912558}, issn = {2047-2986}, mesh = {Financing, Government ; Health Expenditures ; *Healthcare Financing ; Humans ; Medical Assistance ; *Universal Health Insurance ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many countries have committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage. This paper summarizes selected health financing themes from five middle-income country case studies with incomplete progress towards UHC.

METHODS: The paper focuses on key flagship UHC programs in these countries, which exist along other publicly financed health delivery systems, reviewed through the lens of key health financing functions such as revenue raising, pooling and purchasing as well as governance and institutional arrangements.

RESULTS: There is variable progress across countries. Indonesia's Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) reforms have made substantial progress in health services coverage and health financing indicators though challenges remain in its implementation. In contrast, Ghana has seen reduced funding levels for health and achieved less than 50% in the UHC service coverage index. In India, despite Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) reforms having provided important innovations in purchasing and public-private mix, out of pocket spending remains high and the public health financing level low. Kenya still has a challenge to use public financing to enhance coverage for the informal sector, while South Africa has made little progress in strategic purchasing.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite variations across countries, therefore, important challenges include inadequate financing, sub-optimal pooling, and unmet expectations in strategic purchasing. While complex federal systems may complicate the path forward for most of these countries, evidence of strong political commitment in some of these countries bodes well for further progress.}, } @article {pmid34898162, year = {2021}, author = {Addae, A and Zahr, A and Jiang, L and Desai, S and Kononov, T}, title = {Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerability of Cosmeceuticals Targeting the Dermal-Epidermal Junction.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {20}, number = {12}, pages = {1314-1321}, doi = {10.36849/jdd.6355}, pmid = {34898162}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Aged ; *Cosmeceuticals ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), composed of rare proteins, plays a significant role in facial skin aging. A newly enhanced multi-ingredient anti-aging facial moisturizer (MFM) and eye cream (MEC) were formulated to target DEJ-related aging. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a dual-product regimen MFM and MEC as a treatment in improving intrinsically and extrinsically aged facial and periorbital skin.

METHOD: Forty-two female subjects, 42 to 65 years, Fitzpatrick skin type I&ndash;VI, with mild to moderate droopy eyelids, moderate crow’s feet wrinkles, and moderate global photodamage completed this institutional review board (IRB)-approved study. Subjects applied the MFM and MEC twice-daily for 12 weeks. Clinical grading of efficacy and tolerability parameters, VISIA&reg;-CR imaging, image analysis of wrinkles, skin pH, Tewameter, and pinch recoil measurements were performed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging was performed at baseline and week 12.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was shown in both clinically graded parameters and bio-instrumentational analyses at all time points. Both products were well tolerated by subjects.

CONCLUSION: This IRB-approved clinical study demonstrated effectiveness in improving intrinsic and extrinsic signs of the global face and periorbital eye area aging after twelve weeks of twice-daily application. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(12):1314-1321. doi:10.36849/JDD.6355.}, } @article {pmid34898049, year = {2022}, author = {Yamaguchi, E and Fujii, K and Kayano, M and Sakurai, Y and Nakatani, A and Sasaki, M and Hertl, JA and Grohn, YT}, title = {Is Salmonella enterica shared between wildlife and cattle in cattle farming areas? An 11-year retrospective study in Tokachi district, Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {Veterinary medicine and science}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {758-770}, pmid = {34898049}, issn = {2053-1095}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Cattle ; Farms ; Japan/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; *Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology ; *Salmonella enterica/genetics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica in cattle has long been problematic and suspected to be transmitted by wildlife in Tokachi, Hokkaido, a major cattle farming area in Japan. Understanding the role of wildlife in S. enterica transmission would be helpful for developing control strategies of bovine salmonellosis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to elucidate the possibility of S. enterica transmission between sympatric wildlife, including raccoons and crows and cattle, in Tokachi from 2008 to 2018 by analysing S. enterica detection records, and the genetic relatedness of serotypes shared between wildlife and cattle.

METHODS: S. enterica detection records were based on the results of a field survey and existing cattle records at relevant organisations, including clinical reports, a monitoring survey and quarantine for introduced calves at growing farms and public calving farms. S. enterica was identified by polymerase chain reaction assay and serotyped by agglutination assay. The detection records were organised chronologically to investigate whether common serotypes in wildlife and cattle were detected in the same year. The isolates corresponding to detection records were assessed for their genetic patterns by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS: The prevalence of S. enterica in raccoons and crows was 10.7% (17/159) and 5.7% (55/967), respectively. The following serotypes were detected from both wildlife and cattle: Braenderup, Dublin, Infantis, Mbandaka, Montevideo, 4,[5],12:i:- and Typhimurium. Genetically similar isolates for S. Braenderup, S. Dublin, S. Montevideo and S. 4,[5],12:i:- were detected from both species in the same year.

CONCLUSIONS: Our long-term retrospective observations supported that S. enterica was shared between wildlife and cattle. Wildlife invasions should be controlled at farms to prevent inter-species transmission of S. enterica from livestock farms.}, } @article {pmid34878289, year = {2021}, author = {Baune, C and Wolfe, LL and Schott, KC and Griffin, KA and Hughson, AG and Miller, MW and Race, B}, title = {Reduction of Chronic Wasting Disease Prion Seeding Activity following Digestion by Mountain Lions.}, journal = {mSphere}, volume = {6}, number = {6}, pages = {e0081221}, pmid = {34878289}, issn = {2379-5042}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Assay ; Brain/metabolism ; Feces/chemistry ; Prions/*metabolism ; Puma/*metabolism ; Wasting Disease, Chronic/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible prion disease first observed in the 1960s in North America. This invariably fatal disease affects multiple cervid species in the wild and in captivity. In addition to the several known transmission pathways involving cervid host species, prions have been detected in the feces of crows and coyotes after consumption of experimentally spiked tissues. This raises questions about the role of cervid consumers in the perpetuation of CWD. Mountain lions have been shown to preferentially select CWD-infected prey and are also apparently resistant to infection. In this study, two captive mountain lions were fed ground mule deer muscle tissue spiked with brain-derived CWD prions, and lion feces were collected for 1 week afterward. The input brain and resulting fecal materials were analyzed using the highly sensitive real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to quantify prion seeding activity. We recovered only 2.8 to 3.9% of input CWD prions after passage through the mountain lions' gastrointestinal tracts. Interestingly, CWD prions were shed only in the first defecation following consumption. Our data support the possibility that mountain lions feeding upon infected carcasses could excrete CWD prions in their feces over a short period of time but also suggest that most of the ingested prions are eliminated or sequestered by this large predator. IMPORTANCE CWD prions appear to spread naturally among susceptible cervid species in captivity and in the wild. A better understanding of all the ways these prions move, persist, and subsequently infect target species through the environment is critical to developing comprehensive disease control strategies. In our study, we show limited, transient pass-through of CWD prions in an apex predator, the mountain lion, using the highly sensitive RT-QuIC assay on feces collected after lions were fed prion-spiked muscle tissue. Prions were detected in feces only in the first defecation after exposure. Moreover, the amount of CWD prions recovered in feces was reduced by >96% after passing through the lion digestive system. This indicates that mountain lions may have some potential to distribute CWD prions within their home ranges but that they also effectively eliminate most of the CWD prions they consume.}, } @article {pmid34875182, year = {2021}, author = {Martin, RJ and Martin, GK and Roberts, WA and Sherry, DF}, title = {No evidence for future planning in Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {20210504}, pmid = {34875182}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Canada ; Feeding Behavior ; Food ; Humans ; *Passeriformes ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {In the past 20 years, research in animal cognition has challenged the belief that complex cognitive processes are uniquely human. At the forefront of these challenges has been research on mental time travel and future planning in jays. We tested whether Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) demonstrated future planning, using a procedure that has produced evidence of future planning in California scrub-jays. Future planning in this procedure is caching in locations where the bird will predictably experience a lack of food in the future. Canada jays showed no evidence of future planning in this sense and instead cached in the location where food was usually available, opposite to the behaviour described for California scrub-jays. We provide potential explanations for these differing results adding to the recent debates about the role of complex cognition in corvid caching strategies.}, } @article {pmid34867521, year = {2021}, author = {Bartonek, Å and Guariglia, C and Piccardi, L}, title = {Locomotion and Topographical Working Memory in Children With Myelomeningocele and Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {729859}, pmid = {34867521}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Background: In children with myelomeningocele (MMC) and arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC), adequate rehabilitation measures are accessible with the goal of attaining the utmost motor development. However, there is a lack of knowledge as to how children develop navigation utilizing their locomotion abilities. The aim of the present study was to explore topographic working memory in children with MMC and AMC. Methods: For this purpose, we assessed 41 children with MMC and AMC, assigned an ambulation group, and 120 typical developing (TD) children, with mean ages of 11.9, 10.6, and 9.9 years, respectively. All groups performed a topographic working memory test while moving in a walking space and a visuospatial working memory test in a reaching space. Children with MMC and AMC also performed a test to measure their ability to reason on visuospatial material, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Results: The topographic working memory span was shorter in the MMC group than in the TD group. In general, all ambulation groups had a shorter topographic working memory span than the TD group. The visuospatial working memory span was shorter in the non-ambulation group than in the TD group. Scores from the visuospatial reasoning test were lower in the non-ambulation group than in the community ambulation group. Conclusions: Even though a higher cognitive score was found in the community ambulation group than in the non-ambulation group, topographic working memory was affected similarly in both groups. Including children who develop community ambulation in therapy programs containing aspects of navigation may gain even children with low levels of MMC and AMC. These results evidenced the importance of motor development and navigational experience gained through direct exploration of the environment on topographic memory.}, } @article {pmid34867472, year = {2021}, author = {Pendergraft, LT and Marzluff, JM and Cross, DJ and Shimizu, T and Templeton, CN}, title = {American Crow Brain Activity in Response to Conspecific Vocalizations Changes When Food Is Present.}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {766345}, pmid = {34867472}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Social interaction among animals can occur under many contexts, such as during foraging. Our knowledge of the regions within an avian brain associated with social interaction is limited to the regions activated by a single context or sensory modality. We used 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to examine American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) brain activity in response to conditions associated with communal feeding. Using a paired approach, we exposed crows to either a visual stimulus (the sight of food), an audio stimulus (the sound of conspecifics vocalizing while foraging) or both audio/visual stimuli presented simultaneously and compared to their brain activity in response to a control stimulus (an empty stage). We found two regions, the nucleus taenia of the amygdala (TnA) and a medial portion of the caudal nidopallium, that showed increased activity in response to the multimodal combination of stimuli but not in response to either stimulus when presented unimodally. We also found significantly increased activity in the lateral septum and medially within the nidopallium in response to both the audio-only and the combined audio/visual stimuli. We did not find any differences in activation in response to the visual stimulus by itself. We discuss how these regions may be involved in the processing of multimodal stimuli in the context of social interaction.}, } @article {pmid34865301, year = {2022}, author = {Pavicic, T and Pooth, R and Prinz, V and Cajkovsky, M and Green, JB and Hernandez, CA and Mueller, DS and Sattler, S and Klepetko, H and Day, D and Kerscher, M and Suwanchinda, A and Cotofana, S and Frank, K and Fabi, SG}, title = {Validated 5-point photonumeric scales for the assessment of the periorbital region.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {158-166}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14643}, pmid = {34865301}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Croma Pharma GmbH/ ; }, mesh = {Face ; Humans ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to create and validate 5-point photonumeric scales for the assessment of dynamic crow's feet, static crow's feet, and infraorbital hollows.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three novel 5-point photonumeric scales were created by a medical team. A total of 12 raters from all over the world performed a digital validation, and a total of 5 raters a live validation of the created scale.

RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed almost perfect intra-rater and inter-rater reliability in the digital validation of the scales for the assessment of static and dynamic crow's feet as well as infraorbital hollows. In the live validation, both crow's feet scales showed almost perfect intra-rater reliability, while the Croma Infraorbital Hollow Assessment Scale showed substantial intra-rater reliability. Inter-rater reliability was substantial for all three scales in the live validation. All three scales, the Croma Dynamic Crow's Feet Assessment Scale, Croma Static Crow's Feet Assessment Scale, and Croma Infraorbital Hollow Assessment Scale, were validated digitally and in a live setting.

CONCLUSION: The created scales to assess infraorbital hollowing, dynamic and static crow's feet have been shown to provide substantial to almost perfect agreement in the digital and live validation and can thus be considered as helpful tools in the clinical and research setting. While technical methods and appliances to assess the degrees of severity of age-dependent features are advancing, validated scales are of great importance due to their ease of use and, as shown by the validations, reliability, and reproducibility.}, } @article {pmid34859781, year = {2021}, author = {Hahn, LA and Balakhonov, D and Fongaro, E and Nieder, A and Rose, J}, title = {Working memory capacity of crows and monkeys arises from similar neuronal computations.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34859781}, issn = {2050-084X}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Macaca mulatta/*physiology ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Prefrontal Cortex/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Complex cognition relies on flexible working memory, which is severely limited in its capacity. The neuronal computations underlying these capacity limits have been extensively studied in humans and in monkeys, resulting in competing theoretical models. We probed the working memory capacity of crows (Corvus corone) in a change detection task, developed for monkeys (Macaca mulatta), while we performed extracellular recordings of the prefrontal-like area nidopallium caudolaterale. We found that neuronal encoding and maintenance of information were affected by item load, in a way that is virtually identical to results obtained from monkey prefrontal cortex. Contemporary neurophysiological models of working memory employ divisive normalization as an important mechanism that may result in the capacity limitation. As these models are usually conceptualized and tested in an exclusively mammalian context, it remains unclear if they fully capture a general concept of working memory or if they are restricted to the mammalian neocortex. Here, we report that carrion crows and macaque monkeys share divisive normalization as a neuronal computation that is in line with mammalian models. This indicates that computational models of working memory developed in the mammalian cortex can also apply to non-cortical associative brain regions of birds.}, } @article {pmid34847753, year = {2021}, author = {Luo, Y and Zhang, L and Song, R and Zhu, C and Yang, J and Badami, B}, title = {Optimized lung tumor diagnosis system using enhanced version of crow search algorithm, Zernike moments, and support vector machine.}, journal = {Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {9544119211055870}, doi = {10.1177/09544119211055870}, pmid = {34847753}, issn = {2041-3033}, abstract = {Early detection of lung tumors is so important to heal this disease in the initial steps. Automatic computer-aided detection of this disease is a good method for reducing human mistakes and improving detection precision. The major concept here is to propose the best CAD system for lung tumor detection. In the presented technique, after pre-processing and segmentation of the lung area, its features including different orders of Zernike moments have been extracted. After features extraction, they have been injected into an optimized version of Support Vector Machine (SVM) for final diagnosis. The optimization of the SVM is based on an enhanced design of the Crow Search Algorithm (ECSA). For validating the proposed method, it was applied to three datasets including Lung CT-Diagnosis, TCIA, and RIDER Lung CT collection, and the results are validated by comparing with three state-of-the-art methods including Walwalker method, Mon method, and Naik method to indicate the system superiority toward the compared methods. The system is also analyzed based on different orders of Zernike moment to select the best order. The final results indicate that the suggested method has a suitable accuracy for diagnosing lung cancer.}, } @article {pmid34840655, year = {2021}, author = {Barbarino, SC and van Loghem, JAJ and Burgess, CM and Corduff, N}, title = {Evaluating the Effect of Incobotulinumtoxin A for Glabellar, Forehead, and Crow's Feet Lines Using A High Dilution.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, pages = {34-40}, pmid = {34840655}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: As aesthetic preferences have evolved and patients wish their muscles to be relaxed, but not frozen, a higher dilution of incobotulinumtoxinA (INCO) has allowed for increased spread using fewer units, yet no studies to date have investigated the efficacy, longevity, and safety of hyperdiluted INCO.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of incobotulinumtoxinA (INCO) in glabellar, forehead, and lateral periorbital lines using a high dilution.

METHODS: Subjects with moderate-to-severe upper facial lines at rest according to the Merz Aesthetics Scales[™] (Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany) received 15U of INCO to the glabellar (n=4 injection sites), 10U to the rest of the forehead (n=10 injection sites), and 5U to the lateral periorbital lines (n=3 injection sites/eye). Primary outcomes were physician- and subject-rated improvement at one month using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and changes in line severity using the Merz Aesthetics Scales[™].

RESULTS: The study included 15 women aged 35 to 65 years. At one month, physician GAIS scores indicated 91.2% of subjects were very much improved and 8.8% were much improved; 91.5%, 78.0%, and 57.6% of participants remained at least improved at four, five, and six months, respectively. Subject GAIS scores at one month were in agreement with physician scores. At one month, an improvement of at least one point in Merz Aesthetics Scales[™] scores in glabellar, forehead, and lateral periorbital lines was reported in 88.9%, 98.3%, and 94.8% of participants, respectively. Subject satisfaction was high throughout the study. No treatment-related adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION: Hyperdilute INCO was effective at improving overall appearance and reducing line severity in individuals with moderate-to-severe upper facial lines. Patient satisfaction was maintained up to six months and treatment was well tolerated.}, } @article {pmid34827989, year = {2021}, author = {Juozaitytė-Ngugu, E and Švažas, S and Šneideris, D and Rudaitytė-Lukošienė, E and Butkauskas, D and Prakas, P}, title = {The Role of Birds of the Family Corvidae in Transmitting Sarcocystis Protozoan Parasites.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {34827989}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {S-MIP-20-24//Lietuvos Mokslo Taryba/ ; }, abstract = {Members of the family Corvidae are ecologically flexible omnivorous birds, particularly adaptive to urban habitats, and living in proximity to humans; these birds may serve as definitive hosts (DH) for Sarcocystis spp., but research about this is lacking. In the present study, intestinal samples from 91 corvids collected in Lithuania were molecularly tested by species-specific PCR targeting the ITS1 and cox1 genes and subsequently sequenced for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Under a light microscope, oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 43 samples (47.3%), while molecular methods, detected Sarcocystis spp. in 77 birds (84.6%). Eleven Sarcocystis spp. (S. columbae, S. cornixi, potentially pathogenic S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. lari, S. turdusi, S. wobeseri, S. arctica, S. lutrae, S. ovalis, and S. oviformis) were identified in the intestinal samples from six corvid species from Lithuania. Infections with multiple Sarcocystis spp. were detected in 79.2% of the infected corvid birds. Three of the identified Sarcocystis spp. use corvids as intermediate hosts (IH); therefore, corvids may serve as IH and DH of the same Sarcocystis species. Based on molecular results and on corvid diet, omnivorous corvids may play an important role in transmitting Sarcocystis spp.}, } @article {pmid34827957, year = {2021}, author = {Benmazouz, I and Jokimäki, J and Lengyel, S and Juhász, L and Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, ML and Kardos, G and Paládi, P and Kövér, L}, title = {Corvids in Urban Environments: A Systematic Global Literature Review.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {34827957}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {SH-00355-004/2019//Stipendium Hungaricum program/ ; NKFIH-OTKA K134391//National Research, Development, and Innovation Office of Hungary/ ; }, abstract = {Urbanization is one of the most prevalent drivers of biodiversity loss, yet few taxonomic groups are remarkably successful at adapting to urban environments. We systematically surveyed the global literature on the effects of urbanization on species of family Corvidae (crows, choughs, jackdaws, jays, magpies, nutcrackers, ravens, rooks, treepies) to assess the occurrence of corvids in urban environments and the factors affecting their success. We found a total of 424 primary research articles, and the number of articles has increased exponentially since the 1970s. Most studies were carried out in cities of Europe and North America (45.5% and 31.4%, respectively) and were directed on a single species (75.2). We found that 30 corvid species (23% of 133 total) regularly occur in urban environments. The majority (72%) of the studies reported positive effects of urbanization on corvids, with 85% of studies detecting population increases and 64% of studies detecting higher breeding success with urbanization. Of the factors proposed to explain corvids' success (availability of nesting sites and food sources, low predation and persecution), food availability coupled with diet shifts emerged as the most important factors promoting Corvidae to live in urban settings. The breeding of corvids in urban environments was further associated with earlier nesting, similar or larger clutches, lower hatching but higher fledging success, reduced home range size and limited territoriality, increased tolerance towards humans and increasing frequency of conflicts with humans. Despite geographic and taxonomic biases in our literature sample, our review indicates that corvids show both flexibility in resource use and behavioral plasticity that enable them to exploit novel resources for nesting and feeding. Corvids can thus be urban exploiters of the large-scale modifications of ecosystems caused by urbanization.}, } @article {pmid34827796, year = {2021}, author = {Schneider, S and Goettlich, S and Diercks, C and Dierkes, PW}, title = {Discrimination of Acoustic Stimuli and Maintenance of Graded Alarm Call Structure in Captive Meerkats.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {34827796}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Animals living in human care for several generations face the risk of losing natural behaviors, which can lead to reduced animal welfare. The goal of this study is to demonstrate that meerkats (Suricata suricatta) living in zoos can assess potential danger and respond naturally based on acoustic signals only. This includes that the graded information of urgency in alarm calls as well as a response to those alarm calls is retained in captivity. To test the response to acoustic signals with different threat potential, meerkats were played calls of various animals differing in size and threat (e.g., robin, raven, buzzard, jackal) while their behavior was observed. The emitted alarm calls were recorded and examined for their graded structure on the one hand and played back to them on the other hand by means of a playback experiment to see whether the animals react to their own alarm calls even in the absence of danger. A fuzzy clustering algorithm was used to analyze and classify the alarm calls. Subsequently, the features that best described the graded structure were isolated using the LASSO algorithm and compared to features already known from wild meerkats. The results show that the graded structure is maintained in captivity and can be described by features such as noise and duration. The animals respond to new threats and can distinguish animal calls that are dangerous to them from those that are not, indicating the preservation of natural cooperative behavior. In addition, the playback experiments show that the meerkats respond to their own alarm calls with vigilance and escape behavior. The findings can be used to draw conclusions about the intensity of alertness in captive meerkats and to adapt husbandry conditions to appropriate welfare.}, } @article {pmid34825760, year = {2022}, author = {Ma, Y and Li, C and Mai, Z and Yang, J and Tai, M and Leng, G}, title = {Efficacy and safety testing of dissolving microarray patches in Chinese subjects.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {8}, pages = {3496-3502}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14594}, pmid = {34825760}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {China ; *Cosmetics/adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; *Hyaluronic Acid/adverse effects ; *Skin Aging/drug effects ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of clinical research in the Chinese market concerning dissolving microarray (DMA) patches in cosmetic applications. In this study, the clinical efficacy and safety tests of DMA patch technology were performed on Chinese consumers.

METHODS: A 4-week clinical efficacy and safety evaluation was conducted on 30 Chinese female subjects with crow's feet and eye bags. DMA patches loaded with hyaluronic acid (HA-DMA) were applied under the eyes and corners of the eyes of the subjects three times a week over four consecutive weeks. Skin firmness and dermal layer strength were measured using ultrasound, and changes in skin wrinkles were detected using VISIA-CR and Primos Lite. Eye bag ratings were evaluated by professional dermatologists based on the 0-6 grades of eye bags in the "Skin Aging Atlas Volume 2: Asian Type."

RESULTS: HA-DMA patches produced good clinical improvements on both crow's feet and eye bags in the study participants. HA-DMA effectively increased skin firmness while reducing the number, area, and volume of crow's feet, along with reducing eye bag ratings. The reductions in all metrics were statistically significant with positive effects evident in as little as 1 week of treatment. There were no adverse effects related to the treatments observed during the test period.

CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical efficacy trial of 30 Chinese female subjects, HA-DMA showed excellent therapeutic benefits without adverse effects while reducing crow's feet and eye bags. HA-DMA is expected to be a safe, effective, and novel cosmetic for improving the appearance of aging skin.}, } @article {pmid34817909, year = {2022}, author = {Yang, F and Zhou, Z and Guo, M and Zhou, Z}, title = {The study of skin hydration, anti-wrinkles function improvement of anti-aging cream with alpha-ketoglutarate.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {1736-1743}, pmid = {34817909}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Aging ; Humans ; Ketoglutaric Acids/pharmacology ; Nasolabial Fold ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Cream ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is a key metabolic pathway for driving the generation of mitochondrial energy in all oxidative organisms. Alpha-ketoglutarate (Alpha-KG), a precursor of glutamine, is known as a crucial intermediate of the TCA cycle and plays a pivotal role in multiple metabolic processes. As a precursor of glutamate and glutamine, AKG acts as an antioxidant agent as it directly reacts with hydrogen peroxide with formation of succinate, water, and carbon dioxide; meanwhile, it discharges plenty of ATP by oxidative decarboxylation. Several studies reported that Alpha-KG is a key participant in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species and acts as an integral part of the oxidative defense machinery. However, few studies have been reported on the efficacy of Alpha-KG in the maintenance of skin functions. This study demonstrated that Alpha-KG has beneficial effects on skin hydration and barrier function and that fermentation is an effective way to enhance the synthesis of Alpha-KG in yeast, which possesses mitochondria.

METHODS: Evaluation of promoting effects on epidermal keratinocyte proliferation: Keratinocytes were incubated with a test sample, and the degree of proliferation was determined by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Evaluation of promoting effects on mRNA expression of genes related to skin hydration and barrier function: Keratinocytes were incubated with a test sample, and gene expression levels of filaggrin (FLG), serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), and involucrin (IVL) were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Analysis of Alpha-KG in rice fermented liquid: Alpha-KG in rice fermented liquid was quantitatively analyzed by capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOF-MS). Clinical study testing methods and VISIA testing: After 28 days of treatment use the cream with Alpha-KG and control sample without Alpha-KG, instrumentation measurements were adopted to assess skin wrinkles, texture, elasticity, and firmness, tested by the VISIA-CR.

RESULTS: Immediately after using the sample for D0, the skin wrinkles were significantly reduced by 23.64%. After using the sample for D7, the average clinical score of outer corner wrinkles was significantly reduced by 15.23%, and nasolabial groove wrinkles were significantly reduced by 25.68%. After using the sample for D56, the mean clinical evaluation score of crow's feet decreased significantly by 25.42%; the average score of clinical evaluation of skin firmness increased significantly by 41.40%; the skin gloss increased significantly by 28.67%.

CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that Alpha-KG is expected to promote skin hydration and barrier function by the activation of cell proliferation and the up-regulation of mRNA expression of genes related to the maintenance of epidermal function in in vitro tests. In order to develop a cosmetic ingredient including Alpha-KG, we focused on fermentation with yeast as an efficient production method of Alpha-KG and found that fermentation of rice with yeast efficiently produced Alpha-KG. Taken together, it is considered that rice fermented liquid containing Alpha-KG could be a promising ingredient for skin care products. Through the clinical testing, rice fermented liquid containing Alpha-KG could be a promising cosmetic ingredient for skin care products.}, } @article {pmid34813525, year = {2022}, author = {Leopold, SS}, title = {A Conversation with … Jay Nordlinger, the Writer Who Sees Both Sides.}, journal = {Clinical orthopaedics and related research}, volume = {480}, number = {2}, pages = {217-219}, pmid = {34813525}, issn = {1528-1132}, mesh = {*Communication ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; *Journalism ; Male ; *Periodicals as Topic ; *Physician-Patient Relations ; }, } @article {pmid34806292, year = {2022}, author = {Ye, Y and Li, Y and Bi, T and Jiang, L}, title = {Improvement of urban eye skin in Chinese female by supramolecular retinol plus acmella oleracea extract-containing product.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {8}, pages = {3416-3422}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14621}, pmid = {34806292}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd./ ; }, mesh = {Asian People ; *Asteraceae ; China ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; Vitamin A ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Studies on the anti-wrinkle effects of retinol have been widely reported, but there are few reports on the infraorbital dark circles reducing effects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency and tolerance of one novel formulation containing supramolecular retinol plus acmella oleracea extract in Chinese urban eye skin.

METHODS: Thirty-three women with dark circles and visible fine wrinkles around the eyes, aged 20-45 years, were enrolled and instructed to use the formula for 6 weeks. Instrumental measures and subject assessment were obtained at baseline and at 3-week intervals.

RESULTS: After 6 weeks, Mexameter MX18 results demonstrated a statistically significant 13.8% decrease in MI (melanin index) value, and Colorimeter CL400 results demonstrated a statistically significant 0.5% increase in L* (lightness) value, which proved the efficacy of reducing dark circles. Primos-Lite data showed that the wrinkles parameters of Ra, the wrinkle area %, and number of the wrinkles under the eyes and crow's feet revealed significant reduction to varying degrees. Cutometer results showed that R2 value increased significantly by 13.0%, indicating the benefits of firmer skin. In addition, subject assessment revealed that at the end of 6 weeks, the eye skin was noticeably improved.

CONCLUSIONS: By clinical evaluation and subject assessment, the novel formulation containing supramolecular retinol plus acmella oleracea extract can effectively diminish the collective signs of stressed urban eye skin for Chinese female in terms of dark circles, fine wrinkles, and sagging skin with good tolerance.}, } @article {pmid34803129, year = {2022}, author = {Kishimoto, T and Kato, K and Ashizawa, K and Kurihara, Y and Tokuyama, T and Sakai, F}, title = {A retrospective study on radiological findings of diffuse pleural thickening with benign asbestos pleural effusion in Japanese cases.}, journal = {Industrial health}, volume = {60}, number = {5}, pages = {429-435}, pmid = {34803129}, issn = {1880-8026}, mesh = {*Asbestos/adverse effects ; *Asbestosis ; Humans ; Japan ; *Pleural Diseases/diagnostic imaging ; *Pleural Effusion/diagnostic imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {The requirement for compensation for diffuse pleural thickening in benign asbestos pleural effusion include five computed tomography findings of organized pleural effusion: [1] heterogeneity in the pleural effusion, [2] declined chest capacity, [3] "crow's feet" sign at the pleura, [4] immobilization of effusion volume, and [5] air in the effusion. Pleural effusion is diagnosed as organized, immobilized, and in the state of diffuse pleural thickening if at least three of these items are fulfilled, ([1] and [3] compulsory + one of the remaining items). This retrospective study investigated whether the requirement to confirm no organized pleural effusion changes after a follow-up of >3 months were available for cases fulfilling three of the five items; i.e., the confirmation of only [2] with [1] and [3]. Of 302 cases recognized by the Japanese laws, 105 cases with diffuse pleural thickening with organized effusion were enrolled. The number of subjects who fulfilled the diagnostic requirement for organized pleural effusion was confirmed. Eight subjects had a full score of 5 points, 82 subjects scored 4 points, and only 15 subjects scored 3 points. Furthermore, no changes were observed in the organized pleural effusion volume after a follow-up of >3 months.}, } @article {pmid34793696, year = {2022}, author = {Miller, R and Lambert, ML and Frohnwieser, A and Brecht, KF and Bugnyar, T and Crampton, I and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Gould, K and Greggor, AL and Izawa, EI and Kelly, DM and Li, Z and Luo, Y and Luong, LB and Massen, JJM and Nieder, A and Reber, SA and Schiestl, M and Seguchi, A and Sepehri, P and Stevens, JR and Taylor, AH and Wang, L and Wolff, LM and Zhang, Y and Clayton, NS}, title = {Socio-ecological correlates of neophobia in corvids.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {74-85.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2021.10.045}, pmid = {34793696}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {P 33960/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Fear ; Humans ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Behavioral responses to novelty, including fear and subsequent avoidance of novel stimuli, i.e., neophobia, determine how animals interact with their environment. Neophobia aids in navigating risk and impacts on adaptability and survival. There is variation within and between individuals and species; however, lack of large-scale, comparative studies critically limits investigation of the socio-ecological drivers of neophobia. In this study, we tested responses to novel objects and food (alongside familiar food) versus a baseline (familiar food alone) in 10 corvid species (241 subjects) across 10 labs worldwide. There were species differences in the latency to touch familiar food in the novel object and novel food conditions relative to the baseline. Four of seven socio-ecological factors influenced object neophobia: (1) use of urban habitat (versus not), (2) territorial pair versus family group sociality, (3) large versus small maximum flock size, and (4) moderate versus specialized caching (whereas range, hunting live animals, and genus did not), while only maximum flock size influenced food neophobia. We found that, overall, individuals were temporally and contextually repeatable (i.e., consistent) in their novelty responses in all conditions, indicating neophobia is a stable behavioral trait. With this study, we have established a network of corvid researchers, demonstrating potential for further collaboration to explore the evolution of cognition in corvids and other bird species. These novel findings enable us, for the first time in corvids, to identify the socio-ecological correlates of neophobia and grant insight into specific elements that drive higher neophobic responses in this avian family group. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, } @article {pmid34768843, year = {2021}, author = {Ling, J and Huang, X and Jia, Y and Li, W and Zhang, X}, title = {The Overexpression of NUC Promotes Development and Increases Resistance to Nitrogen Deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {22}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {34768843}, issn = {1422-0067}, support = {2017FB057//Yunnan Applied Basic Research Project/ ; 2017AB001//Yunnan Applied Basic Research Project/ ; }, mesh = {Arabidopsis/genetics/metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Carrier Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; Gene Expression/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/genetics ; Nitrogen/*deficiency/metabolism ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics ; Seedlings/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; Transcription Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {NUTCRACKER (NUC) is a transcription factor expressed in multiple tissues, but little is known about its physiological roles. In this study, we explored the physiological function of NUC with the Arabidopsis knockout, rescue, and overexpression lines. We found that NUC overexpression promoted development at the germination, seedling, and juvenile stages. NUC overexpression increased resistance to nitrogen (N) deficiency stress by increasing the chlorophyll content, suppressing anthocyanin accumulation, and increasing the biomass under N deficiency. In contrast, the absence of NUC did not affect such characteristics. N deficiency significantly increased the expression of NUC in leaves but did not affect the expression of NUC in roots. The overexpression of NUC promoted primary root length under both normal and N deficiency conditions. Furthermore, we found that the N-responsive and lateral-root-related genes TGA1 and NRT2.4 had NUC-binding sites in their promoter regions and that their expression was upregulated by NUC under N deficiency. The overexpression of the NUC increased the number and length of the lateral roots under N deficiency through inducible promotion. Multiple lines of investigation suggest that the regulatory function of the NUC could be bypassed through its redundant MAGPIE (MGP) when the NUC is absent. Our findings provide novel insight into NUC's functions and will assist efforts to improve plants' development and resistance to nutrient stresses.}, } @article {pmid34764369, year = {2021}, author = {See, K and Kadonosono, T and Miyamoto, K and Tsubaki, T and Ota, Y and Katsumi, M and Ryo, S and Aida, K and Minegishi, M and Isozaki, T and Kuchimaru, T and Kizaka-Kondoh, S}, title = {Antibody-guided design and identification of CD25-binding small antibody mimetics using mammalian cell surface display.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {22098}, pmid = {34764369}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {JP19ak0101098h0002//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; }, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/*immunology ; Antibody Affinity/immunology ; Cell Line ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Surface Display Techniques/*methods ; Flow Cytometry/methods ; HEK293 Cells ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/*immunology ; K562 Cells ; Mammals/*immunology ; Peptide Library ; Protein Binding/*immunology ; }, abstract = {Small antibody mimetics that contain high-affinity target-binding peptides can be lower cost alternatives to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We have recently developed a method to create small antibody mimetics called FLuctuation-regulated Affinity Proteins (FLAPs), which consist of a small protein scaffold with a structurally immobilized target-binding peptide. In this study, to further develop this method, we established a novel screening system for FLAPs called monoclonal antibody-guided peptide identification and engineering (MAGPIE), in which a mAb guides selection in two manners. First, antibody-guided design allows construction of a peptide library that is relatively small in size, but sufficient to identify high-affinity binders in a single selection round. Second, in antibody-guided screening, the fluorescently labeled mAb is used to select mammalian cells that display FLAP candidates with high affinity for the target using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. We demonstrate the reliability and efficacy of MAGPIE using daclizumab, a mAb against human interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25). Three FLAPs identified by MAGPIE bound CD25 with dissociation constants of approximately 30 nM as measured by biolayer interferometry without undergoing affinity maturation. MAGPIE can be broadly adapted to any mAb to develop small antibody mimetics.}, } @article {pmid34755845, year = {2021}, author = {Huang, XF and Reardon, KF}, title = {Quorum-sensing molecules increase ethanol yield from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.}, journal = {FEMS yeast research}, volume = {21}, number = {8}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/femsyr/foab056}, pmid = {34755845}, issn = {1567-1364}, support = {//National Renewable Energy Laboratory/ ; DE-AC36-08-GO28308//U.S. Department of Energy/ ; //U.S. Department of Energy/ ; //Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy/ ; //Bioenergy Technologies Office/ ; 1.3.5.270//WBS/ ; }, mesh = {Ethanol ; Fermentation ; Quorum Sensing ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins/metabolism ; }, abstract = {One strategy to increase the yield of desired fermentation products is to redirect substrate carbon from biomass synthesis. Nongenetic approaches to alter metabolism may have advantages of general applicability and simple control. The goal of this study was to identify and evaluate chemicals for their ability to inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae while allowing ethanol production with higher yields. Eight potential growth-inhibitory chemicals were screened for their ability to reduce cell growth in 24-well plates. Effective chemicals were then evaluated in cultivations to identify those that simultaneously reduced biomass yield and increased ethanol yield. The yeast quorum-sensing molecules 2-phenylethanol, tryptophol and tyrosol were found to increase the ethanol yield of S. cerevisiae JAY 270. These molecules were tested with seven other yeast strains and ethanol yields of up to 15% higher were observed. The effects of 2-phenylethanol and tryptophol were also studied in bioreactor fermentations. These findings demonstrate for the first time that the ethanol yield can be improved by adding yeast quorum-sensing molecules to reduce the cell growth of S. cerevisiae, suggesting a strategy to improve the yield of ethanol and other yeast fermentation products by manipulating native biological control systems.}, } @article {pmid34752630, year = {2022}, author = {İremli, BG and Şendur, SN and Ünlütürk, U}, title = {Response to Letter to the Editor From Raven: Three Cases of Subacute Thyroiditis Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism}, volume = {107}, number = {4}, pages = {e1773-e1774}, pmid = {34752630}, issn = {1945-7197}, mesh = {*COVID-19/prevention & control ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Thyroiditis, Subacute/diagnosis/etiology ; }, } @article {pmid34752614, year = {2022}, author = {Raven, LM and McCormack, AI and Greenfield, JR}, title = {Letter to the Editor From Raven et al: "Three Cases of Subacute Thyroiditis Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine".}, journal = {The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism}, volume = {107}, number = {4}, pages = {e1767-e1768}, pmid = {34752614}, issn = {1945-7197}, mesh = {*COVID-19/prevention & control ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Thyroiditis, Subacute/diagnosis/etiology ; }, } @article {pmid34752035, year = {2021}, author = {Korolenkova, MV and Rakhmanova, MS}, title = {[Phantom root as dental trauma complication in immature teeth (systematic literature and clinical cases review)].}, journal = {Stomatologiia}, volume = {100}, number = {5}, pages = {53-57}, doi = {10.17116/stomat202110005153}, pmid = {34752035}, issn = {0039-1735}, mesh = {*Dental Pulp Necrosis ; Humans ; *Periapical Periodontitis ; Root Canal Therapy ; }, abstract = {The paper presents literature review and the analysis of three clinical cases of phantom root development. Phantom root is a rare complication occurring as a result of apical papilla detachment, usually after dental trauma. Some authors suggest regenerative endodontic procedure may contribute to phantom root development because of rude intervention in periapical tissues needed to induce apical bleeding required for intracanal blood clot formation. Phantom root is not an indication for endodontic treatment. The prognosis depends on initial root formation stage and root to crow length ratio at the time of trauma. In the majority of cases the teeth may be preserved, but continuous root development is not to be expected.}, } @article {pmid34748405, year = {2021}, author = {Erdogan Bamac, O and Cizmecigil, UY and Mete, A and Yilmaz, A and Aydin, O and Tali, HE and Tali, BH and Yilmaz, SG and Gurel, A and Turan, N and Ozsoy, S and Vatansever Celik, E and Sadeyen, JR and Roman-Sosa, G and Iqbal, M and Richt, JA and Yilmaz, H}, title = {Emergence of West Nile Virus Lineage-2 in Resident Corvids in Istanbul, Turkey.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {21}, number = {11}, pages = {892-899}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2021.0010}, pmid = {34748405}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; Serbia ; Turkey/epidemiology ; *West Nile Fever/epidemiology/veterinary ; *West Nile virus/genetics ; }, abstract = {West Nile fever is a vector-borne viral disease affecting animals and humans causing significant health and economic problems globally. This study was aimed at investigating circulating West Nile virus (WNV) strains in free-ranging corvids in Istanbul, Turkey. Brain, liver, and kidney were collected from corvids (n = 34) between June 2019 and April 2020 and analyzed for the presence of WNV-specific RNA by quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations were also performed. Samples found to be positive by qRT-PCR were partially sequenced. WNV-specific RNA was detected in 8 of 34 corvids analyzed, which included 7 hooded crows (Corvus cornix) and 1 Eurasian magpie (Pica pica). Phylogenetic analysis based on partial WNV sequences from the 8 WNV-positive corvids identified in this study revealed that all sequences clustered within the WNV lineage-2; they were at least 97% homologues to WNV lineage-2 sequences from Slovakia, Italy, Czechia, Hungary, Senegal, Austria, Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Germany. WNV sequences showed a divergence (87.94-94.46%) from sequences reported from Romania, Central African Republic, South Africa, Madagascar, Israel, and Cyprus, which clustered into a different clade of WNV lineage-2. Common histopathologic findings of WNV-positive corvids included lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, myocarditis, and splenitis. The liver and heart were found to be the tissues most consistently positive for WNV-specific antigen by immunohistochemistry, followed by the kidney and brain. This study demonstrates for the first time the existence of WNV virus belonging to the genetic lineage-2 in resident corvids in Istanbul, Turkey. We hypothesize that the WNV strains circulating in Istanbul are possibly the result of a spillover event from Europe. Since WNV is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted by mosquito vectors, the emergence of WNV in Istanbul also poses a risk to humans and other susceptible animals in this densely populated city and needs to be addressed by animal and public health authorities.}, } @article {pmid34744759, year = {2021}, author = {Flores-Santin, J and Burggren, WW}, title = {Beyond the Chicken: Alternative Avian Models for Developmental Physiological Research.}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {712633}, pmid = {34744759}, issn = {1664-042X}, abstract = {Biomedical research focusing on physiological, morphological, behavioral, and other aspects of development has long depended upon the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) as a key animal model that is presumed to be typical of birds and generally applicable to mammals. Yet, the modern chicken in its many forms is the result of artificial selection more intense than almost any other domesticated animal. A consequence of great variation in genotype and phenotype is that some breeds have inherent aberrant physiological and morphological traits that may show up relatively early in development (e.g., hypertension, hyperglycemia, and limb defects in the broiler chickens). While such traits can be useful as models of specific diseases, this high degree of specialization can color general experimental results and affect their translational value. Against this background, in this review we first consider the characteristics that make an animal model attractive for developmental research (e.g., accessibility, ease of rearing, size, fecundity, development rates, genetic variation, etc.). We then explore opportunities presented by the embryo to adult continuum of alternative bird models, including quail, ratites, songbirds, birds of prey, and corvids. We conclude by indicating that expanding developmental studies beyond the chicken model to include additional avian groups will both validate the chicken model as well as potentially identify even more suitable avian models for answering questions applicable to both basic biology and the human condition.}, } @article {pmid34738933, year = {2021}, author = {Kas, JJ and Vila, FD and Pemmaraju, CD and Tan, TS and Rehr, JJ}, title = {Advanced calculations of X-ray spectroscopies with FEFF10 and Corvus.}, journal = {Journal of synchrotron radiation}, volume = {28}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {1801-1810}, doi = {10.1107/S1600577521008614}, pmid = {34738933}, issn = {1600-5775}, support = {DE-AC02-76SF00515//US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering/ ; DEFG02-97ER45623//US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences/ ; DE-AC02-05CH11231//US Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; X-Rays ; }, abstract = {The real-space Green's function code FEFF has been extensively developed and used for calculations of X-ray and related spectra, including X-ray absorption (XAS), X-ray emission (XES), inelastic X-ray scattering, and electron energy-loss spectra. The code is particularly useful for the analysis and interpretation of the XAS fine-structure (EXAFS) and the near-edge structure (XANES) in materials throughout the periodic table. Nevertheless, many applications, such as non-equilibrium systems, and the analysis of ultra-fast pump-probe experiments, require extensions of the code including finite-temperature and auxiliary calculations of structure and vibrational properties. To enable these extensions, we have developed in tandem a new version FEFF10 and new FEFF-based workflows for the Corvus workflow manager, which allow users to easily augment the capabilities of FEFF10 via auxiliary codes. This coupling facilitates simplified input and automated calculations of spectra based on advanced theoretical techniques. The approach is illustrated with examples of high-temperature behavior, vibrational properties, many-body excitations in XAS, super-heavy materials, and fits of calculated spectra to experiment.}, } @article {pmid34725818, year = {2022}, author = {Séguin, K and Durand-Guévin, A and Lavallée, C and Ouimet, F and Maisonhaute, JÉ and Watson, CJ and Forbes, SL}, title = {The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in southern Quebec during summer and fall in two distinct habitats.}, journal = {Journal of forensic sciences}, volume = {67}, number = {2}, pages = {460-470}, doi = {10.1111/1556-4029.14929}, pmid = {34725818}, issn = {1556-4029}, support = {C150-2017-12//Canada 150 Research Chair in Forensic Thanatology/ ; RGPIN/6098/2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Ecosystem ; *Feeding Behavior ; Postmortem Changes ; Quebec ; Seasons ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Decomposition of human remains is a complex process impacted by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A less-studied extrinsic factor in forensic taphonomy are the scavengers that consume soft and hard tissue. Scavengers physically degrade and remove soft tissue, disperse, and destroy skeletal elements, which can make locating remains challenging. While invertebrate activity has been largely investigated, there is limited quantitative data available on vertebrate activity, particularly in Canada. This study aimed to determine which species (vertebrate and invertebrate) belong to the scavenger guilds in southern Quebec, and their potential taphonomic impact on the decomposition process. Two independent trials were conducted in 2020 using pig carcasses: one during summer in a forest habitat and one during fall in a grassland habitat. Each carcass was placed a minimum 100 m apart in semi-rural land. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded by continuous surveillance using trail cameras. Carcasses were also regularly visited to monitor the decomposition process and the activity of invertebrate scavengers. Overall, the vertebrate scavenger guilds included a narrow range of corvids, turkey vultures, coyotes, and skunks. The intensity of vertebrate scavengers was greater in the grassland habitat (fall), while the intensity of invertebrate scavengers was greater in the forest habitat (summer). With the exception of invertebrate scavengers, very few species visited during the fresh stage of decomposition, and the probability of body displacement increased as decomposition progressed. These results identify which scavengers have the greatest taphonomic impact and highlight the importance of incorporating scavenger impact when searching for human remains.}, } @article {pmid34722946, year = {2021}, author = {Hiraoka, T and Metani, H and Yasunaga, M and Yoine, T and Yagi, M and Yamamoto, S and Arai, N and Tsubahara, A and Hanayama, K}, title = {Foundational Study on the Simple Detection of Impairment Resulting in Dangerous Driving in Patients with Higher Brain Dysfunction.}, journal = {Progress in rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {20210040}, pmid = {34722946}, issn = {2432-1354}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: We performed a survey of medical records to reveal the cognitive deficits behind dangerous driving in patients with higher brain dysfunction.

METHODS: Thirty-four patients with higher brain dysfunction were included in this study. Patients' basic characteristics, neuropsychological test results, scores on two types of driving aptitude tests, and accident/near miss data from a driving simulator were extracted from medical records. We conducted χ[2] tests for independence between comprehensive driving aptitude scores and "traffic accidents" / "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses." Backward logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess correlations of "traffic accidents" and "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses" with neuropsychological test scores.

RESULTS: No significant correlation was observed between the comprehensive driving aptitude score and "traffic accidents" / "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses." The score on the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test was the only factor identified as a significant predictor of "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses."

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that it is important to focus on the decline in problem-solving ability as a predictor of "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses."}, } @article {pmid34708918, year = {2022}, author = {Meunier, M and Scandolera, A and Chapuis, E and Lapierre, L and Sandré, J and Brunner, G and Lovchik, M and Reynaud, R}, title = {The anti-wrinkles properties of sodium acetylated hyaluronate.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {7}, pages = {2749-2762}, pmid = {34708918}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Aging ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Sodium/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intrinsic aging promotes wrinkles formation by an imbalance between matrix synthesis/degradation in favor of degradation. This is accelerated by the exposome leading to overproduction of protease and fewer remodeling.

OBJECTIVE: Protecting the integrity of extracellular matrix appears as the most efficient anti-aging solution. We developed a grafted HA specifically designed to get anti-aging property due to a specific molecular weight and acetylation degree.

METHODS: A transcriptomic analysis was performed on fibroblasts, followed by a measurement of MMP secretion and subsequent effect on collagen degradation. MMP expression in skin explants concerned by chronobiological and extrinsic aging was analyzed by immunostaining. A clinical study was conducted on volunteers presenting wrinkles on face to evaluate flash reduction of wrinkles after 6 h of application by profilometry and anti-aging efficacy after 2 months by VISIA[®] CR2.3.

RESULTS: Transcriptomic analysis evidenced an inhibition of MMP gene expression with acetylated HA, confirmed by an inhibition of MMPs release by fibroblasts, and a protection of type I collagen against degradation. We confirmed the reduction of MMPs in mature skin and in skin explants exposed to UV and urban dust. We demonstrated during clinical studies the flash reduction effect of acetylated HA on crow's feet wrinkles and a filling of nasogenian areas 6 h after application, and a wrinkles number reduction on nasogenian area up to 2 months of application.

CONCLUSION: We developed a new grafted HA owing protective properties against ECM degradation induced by chronobiological and extrinsic aging, leading to a significant and efficient anti-wrinkles effect.}, } @article {pmid34703616, year = {2021}, author = {Wascher, CAF and Allen, K and Szipl, G}, title = {Learning and motor inhibitory control in crows and domestic chickens.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, pages = {210504}, pmid = {34703616}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Cognitive abilities allow animals to navigate through complex, fluctuating environments. In the present study, we tested the performance of a captive group of eight crows, Corvus corone and 10 domestic chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus, in the cylinder task, as a test of motor inhibitory control and reversal learning as a measure of learning ability and behavioural flexibility. Four crows and nine chickens completed the cylinder task, eight crows and six chickens completed the reversal learning experiment. Crows performed better in the cylinder task compared with chickens. In the reversal learning experiment, species did not significantly differ in the number of trials until the learning criterion was reached. The performance in the reversal learning experiment did not correlate with performance in the cylinder task in chickens. Our results suggest crows to possess better motor inhibitory control compared with chickens. By contrast, learning performance in a reversal learning task did not differ between the species, indicating similar levels of behavioural flexibility. Interestingly, we describe notable individual differences in performance. We stress the importance not only to compare cognitive performance between species but also between individuals of the same species when investigating the evolution of cognitive skills.}, } @article {pmid34694633, year = {2021}, author = {Metzler, D and Knief, U and Peñalba, JV and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Assortative mating and epistatic mating-trait architecture induce complex movement of the crow hybrid zone.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {75}, number = {12}, pages = {3154-3174}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14386}, pmid = {34694633}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Phenotype ; Reproduction ; Reproductive Isolation ; }, abstract = {Hybrid zones provide a window into the evolutionary processes governing species divergence. Yet, the contribution of mate choice to the temporal and spatial stability of hybrid zones remains poorly explored. Here, we investigate the effects of assortative mating on hybrid-zone dynamics by means of a mathematical model parameterized with phenotype and genotype data from the hybrid zone between all-black carrion and gray-coated hooded crows. In the best-fit model, narrow clines of the two mating-trait loci were maintained by a moderate degree of assortative mating inducing pre- and postzygotic isolation via positive frequency-dependent selection. Epistasis between the two loci induced hybrid-zone movement in favor of alleles conveying dark plumage followed by a shift in the opposite direction favoring gray-coated phenotypes ∼1 200 generations after secondary contact. Unlinked neutral loci diffused near-unimpeded across the zone. These results were generally robust to the choice of matching rule (self-referencing or parental imprinting) and effects of genetic drift. Overall, this study illustrates under which conditions assortative mating can maintain steep clines in mating-trait loci without generalizing to genome-wide reproductive isolation. It further emphasizes the importance of the genetic mating-trait architecture for spatio-temporal hybrid-zone dynamics.}, } @article {pmid34690869, year = {2021}, author = {Choi, W}, title = {Musicianship Influences Language Effect on Musical Pitch Perception.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {712753}, pmid = {34690869}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Given its practical implications, the effect of musicianship on language learning has been vastly researched. Interestingly, growing evidence also suggests that language experience can facilitate music perception. However, the precise nature of this facilitation is not fully understood. To address this research gap, I investigated the interactive effect of language and musicianship on musical pitch and rhythmic perception. Cantonese and English listeners, each divided into musician and non-musician groups, completed the Musical Ear Test and the Raven's 2 Progressive Matrices. Essentially, an interactive effect of language and musicianship was found on musical pitch but not rhythmic perception. Consistent with previous studies, Cantonese language experience appeared to facilitate musical pitch perception. However, this facilitatory effect was only present among the non-musicians. Among the musicians, Cantonese language experience did not offer any perceptual advantage. The above findings reflect that musicianship influences the effect of language on musical pitch perception. Together with the previous findings, the new findings offer two theoretical implications for the OPERA hypothesis-bi-directionality and mechanisms through which language experience and musicianship interact in different domains.}, } @article {pmid34690156, year = {2021}, author = {Cardon, N}, title = {Cycling on the Color Line: Race, Technology, and Bicycle Mobilities in the Early Jim Crow South, 1887-1905.}, journal = {Technology and culture}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {973-1002}, doi = {10.1353/tech.2021.0151}, pmid = {34690156}, issn = {1097-3729}, mesh = {Black or African American ; *Bicycling ; Humans ; Technology ; United States ; *White People ; }, abstract = {The safety bicycle arrived in the U.S. South in the middle of a transition from relative African American freedom following the Civil War to a reassertion of white hegemony in the region. This article examines how white and African American southerners interpreted the meanings and practices of the safety bicycle through a contingent spatial and mobility politics found at the intersection of race and technology. For African Americans, the bicycle was both a symbolic and real opportunity to express modern freedoms at the moment those freedoms were being curtailed. The South, however, was not the only region of the world where the politics of race shaped bicycle mobilities, and this article points to the ways the southern experience of bicycle technology mirrors but does not necessarily replicate places beyond the United States.}, } @article {pmid34687465, year = {2022}, author = {Molin, N and Wang, N and Isaacson, G}, title = {A Novel Adenoidectomy Training System.}, journal = {The Laryngoscope}, volume = {132}, number = {10}, pages = {2056-2062}, doi = {10.1002/lary.29925}, pmid = {34687465}, issn = {1531-4995}, mesh = {Adenoidectomy/methods ; *Adenoids/surgery ; Animals ; Cattle ; Humans ; Nasopharynx ; Prospective Studies ; *Students, Medical ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Young residents find mirror-guided adenoidectomy difficult. Inexperienced trainees must learn to focus a headlight beam, work upside-down and backward in a small space and thoroughly ablate adenoid tissue-all new skills. We present an adenoidectomy training system that is low-cost, easy to construct, and is focused on these basic adenoidectomy skills.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study.

METHODS: This training suite includes three stations each targeting a different skill. The first employs a mannequin head with exposed nasopharynx. It trains the student to coordinate a headlight and mirror while touching a series of targets with a curved probe. At the second station participants electrodessicate (or microdebride) an anchored piece of veal thymus. The third station combines both sets of skills as participants ablate thymus in a simulated nasopharynx (30 mm rectangular aluminum tube) constrained within a Crow-Davis retractor, using a headlight, mirror, and suction electrosurgical electrode (or microdebrider). To evaluate the training system's efficacy, we assessed the performance of 10 surgically naïve medical student volunteers before and after 15 minutes of practice using a validated rating scale used for adenoidectomy.

RESULTS: There was significant improvement in adenoidectomy skill scores after practicing. Overall scores were higher, time taken to touch a series of targets with a headlight and mirror was less and amount of tissue ablated at the final station was greater (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: This novel adenoidectomy training system is inexpensive and easy to build. Practice with the model resulted in statistically significant improvement in adenoidectomy skill scores for inexperienced student surgeons.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:2056-2062, 2022.}, } @article {pmid34677128, year = {2021}, author = {Zeiträg, C and Jacobs, I}, title = {The elusive perspective of a food thief.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34677128}, issn = {2050-084X}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Food ; *Passeriformes ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Eurasian jays fail to take into account the point of view and desire of other jays when hiding food they can eat later.}, } @article {pmid34676090, year = {2021}, author = {Zhao, W}, title = {A forum on synthetic biology: meet the great challenges with new technology.}, journal = {National science review}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {nwaa252}, doi = {10.1093/nsr/nwaa252}, pmid = {34676090}, issn = {2053-714X}, abstract = {Synthetic biology aims to redesign and reconstruct living systems for understanding life or for useful real-world applications. In the past two decades, scientists have been able to use engineered living systems to produce many kinds of products from bioplastics to drugs, to construct a minimal bacterium with a fully synthetic genome and to store huge amount of information within a cell. And in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, the synthetic biology community became one of the major forces to develop effective diagnostic approaches as well as the drugs and vaccines, to rapidly cope with this great challenge with the state-of-the-art technologies in their hands. In this panel discussion held on 3rd August 2020, eleven pioneering synthetic biologists from six countries across four continents gathered to discuss the development trend, challenges and biosafety issues concerning synthetic biology. George Church Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at Harvard and MIT, USA Paul Freemont Professor of Structural Biology in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College and a member of the Science Advisory Board of Tierra Biosciences, UK Akihiko Kondo Professor in School of Science, Technology and Innovation, and Department of Chemical Science and Engineering at Kobe University, Japan Christina Smolke Professor of Bioengineering and of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University and CEO of Antheia Inc., USA Xian-En Zhang Professor at the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Chenli Liu (Chair) Professor and Director of Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Jim Collins Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering & Science and Professor of Biological Engineering at MIT, USA Jay Keasling Professor of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley, USA Sang Yup Lee Dean of KAIST Institutes and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea Claudia Vickers Director of the Future Science Platform in Synthetic Biology at Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia Guoping Zhao Professor at the Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.}, } @article {pmid34671286, year = {2021}, author = {Xia, T and Kang, M and Chen, M and Ouyang, J and Hu, F}, title = {Design Training and Creativity: Students Develop Stronger Divergent but Not Convergent Thinking.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {695002}, pmid = {34671286}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Design training programs that teach creativity often emphasize divergent thinking (generation of ideas) more than convergent thinking (evaluation of ideas). We hypothesized that training would lead to more both types of creativity, but especially divergent thinking. Three groups of university students (N=120; n=40 in each group) were recruited to participate: senior design students (graduate students with at least 4years of design training as undergraduates); junior design students (undergraduates in their first year of design training); and undergraduate students in majors unrelated to design. The students completed three tasks in a classroom setting to assess divergent thinking (Alternate Uses Task), convergent thinking (Remote Associates Task), and nonverbal abstract reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices Test). The results of one-way ANOVAs showed that as expected, senior design students significantly outperformed junior design students and non-design majors in divergent thinking. However, contrary to expectations, senior design students had significantly lower scores than the non-design group on convergent thinking; the junior design students' scores fell in the middle but were not significantly different from either of the other groups. There were no group differences in nonverbal abstract reasoning. These findings suggest that design training significantly improves students' ability to generate ideas but does not improve, or may even hinder, their ability to evaluate whether the ideas are useful for the task at hand. The results have implications for developing a research-based curriculum in design training programs.}, } @article {pmid34657464, year = {2021}, author = {Pesendorfer, MB and Bowman, R and Gratzer, G and Pruett, S and Tringali, A and Fitzpatrick, JW}, title = {Fire history and weather interact to determine extent and synchrony of mast-seeding in rhizomatous scrub oaks of Florida.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {376}, number = {1839}, pages = {20200381}, pmid = {34657464}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; *Fires ; *Quercus ; Seeds ; Weather ; }, abstract = {In disturbance-prone ecosystems, fitness consequences of plant reproductive strategies are often determined by the relative timing of seed production and disturbance events, but the role of disturbances as proximate drivers of seed production has been overlooked. We use long-term data on seed production in Quercus chapmanii, Q. geminata and Q. inopina, rhizomatous oaks found in south central Florida's oak scrub, to investigate the role of fire history and its interaction with weather in shaping acorn production and its synchrony. Acorn production increased with the time since last fire, combined with additive or interactive effects of spring precipitation (+) or drought (-). Furthermore, multiple matrix regression models revealed that ramet pairs with shared fire history were more synchronous in seed production than ones that burned in different years. Long-term trends suggest that increasingly drier spring weather, in interaction with fire frequency, may drive a decline of seed production. Such declines could affect the community of acorn-reliant vertebrates in the Florida scrub, including endangered Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens). These results illustrate that fire can function as a proximate driver of seed production in mast-seeding species, highlighting the increasingly recognized importance of interactions among reproductive strategies and disturbance regimes in structuring plant populations and communities. This article is part of the theme issue 'The ecology and evolution of synchronized seed production in plants'.}, } @article {pmid34656051, year = {2021}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Consciousness without cortex.}, journal = {Current opinion in neurobiology}, volume = {71}, number = {}, pages = {69-76}, doi = {10.1016/j.conb.2021.09.010}, pmid = {34656051}, issn = {1873-6882}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; *Cerebral Cortex ; *Consciousness/physiology ; Mammals ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon ; }, abstract = {Sensory consciousness - the awareness and ability to report subjective experiences - is a property of biological nervous systems that has evolved out of unconscious processing over hundreds of millions of years. From which brain structures and based on which mechanisms can conscious experience emerge? Based on the body of work in human and nonhuman primates, the emergence of consciousness is intimately associated with the workings of the mammalian cerebral cortex with its specific cell types and layered structure. However, recent neurophysiological recordings demonstrate a neuronal correlate of consciousness in the pallial endbrain of crows. These telencephalic integration centers in birds originate embryonically from other pallial territories, lack a layered architecture characteristic for the cerebral cortex, and exhibit independently evolved pallial cell types. This argues that the mammalian cerebral cortex is not a prerequisite for consciousness to emerge in all vertebrates. Rather, it seems that the anatomical and physiological principles of the telencephalic pallium offer this structure as a brain substrate for consciousness to evolve independently across vertebrate phylogeny.}, } @article {pmid34648926, year = {2021}, author = {Kombiah, S and Kumar, M and Murugkar, HV and Nagarajan, S and Tosh, C and Senthilkumar, D and Rajukumar, K and Kalaiyarasu, S and Gautam, S and Singh, R and Karikalan, M and Sharma, AK and Singh, VP}, title = {Role of expression of host cytokines in the pathogenesis of H9N2-PB2 reassortant and non-reassortant H5N1 avian influenza viruses isolated from crows in BALB/c mice.}, journal = {Microbial pathogenesis}, volume = {161}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {105239}, doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105239}, pmid = {34648926}, issn = {1096-1208}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens ; *Crows ; Cytokines ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; *Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype/genetics ; *Influenza in Birds ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Reassortant Viruses/genetics ; }, abstract = {The present experiment was conducted to study the role of cytokine, chemokine and TLRs responses of H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1 virus as compared to non-reassortant H5N1 virus isolated from crows in BALB/c mice. Two groups (12 mice each) of 6-8 weeks old BALB/c mice were intranasally inoculated with 10[6] EID50/ml of viruses A/crow/India/03CA04/2015 (H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1) and A/crow/India/02CA01/2012 (non-reassortant H5N1). At each interval, brain, lung and spleen were collected and relative quantification of cytokines, chemokines and TLRs was done by qPCR. The H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1 infected mice brain, the transcripts of TLR7 were significantly higher than other cytokines at 3dpi and KC was significantly upregulated at 7dpi. In non-reassortant H5N1 infected mice brain showed, TLR 7 and IFNα upregulation at 3dpi and IFNγ and TLR7 upregulation at 7dpi. The H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1 infected mice lung revealed, IL2 and TLR7 significant upregulation at 3dpi and in non-reassortant H5N1 infected mice, IL6 was significantly upregulated. At 7dpi in H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1 virus infected group mice, IL1 and TLR 3 were significantly upregulated in lungs and in non-reassortant group mice, IL1 and TLR7 were significantly upregulated. At 3dpi in H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1 virus infected mice spleen, IL4, IFNα, IFNβ were significantly downregulated and TLR7 transcript was significantly upregulated. In non-reassortant group mice, IL6, IFNα, IFNβ and TLR 3 were significantly upregulated. At 7dpi in H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1 virus infected mice spleen, IFNα, IFNβ and TLR7 were significantly lower than other cytokines and in non-reassortant group mice, IFNα and IFNβ were significantly downregulated. This study concludes that dysregulation of cytokines in lungs and brain might have contributed to the pathogenesis of both the viruses in mice.}, } @article {pmid34641734, year = {2021}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Solvi, C and La Cava, S and Pilenga, C and Gamba, M and Favaro, L}, title = {Cross-modal individual recognition in the African penguin and the effect of partnership.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {288}, number = {1960}, pages = {20211463}, pmid = {34641734}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; Endangered Species ; Humans ; Recognition, Psychology ; *Spheniscidae ; Territoriality ; }, abstract = {An animal's ability to recognize another individual by matching their image to their voice suggests they form internal representations of other individuals. To what extent this ability, termed cross-modal individual recognition, extends to birds other than corvids is unknown. Here, we used an expectancy violation paradigm to determine whether a monogamous territorial seabird (Spheniscus demersus) can cross-modally recognize familiar conspecifics (partners or colony-mates). After pairs of penguins spent time together in an isolated area, one of the penguins was released from the area leaving the focal penguin alone. Subsequently, we played contact calls of the released penguin (congruent condition) or a different penguin (incongruent condition). After being paired with a colony-mate, focal penguins' response latency to the auditory stimulus was faster in the incongruent compared to congruent condition, indicating the mismatch violated their expectations. This behavioural pattern was not observed in focal penguins after being paired with their partner. We discuss these different results in the light of penguins' natural behaviour and the evolution of social communication strategies. Our results suggest that cross-modal individual recognition extends to penguins and reveals, in contrast with previously thought, that social communication between members of this endangered species can also use visual cues.}, } @article {pmid34636975, year = {2021}, author = {Tomita, K}, title = {Camera traps reveal interspecific differences in the diel and seasonal patterns of cicada nymph predation.}, journal = {Die Naturwissenschaften}, volume = {108}, number = {6}, pages = {52}, pmid = {34636975}, issn = {1432-1904}, support = {21J1301901//the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Nymph ; Predatory Behavior ; Seasons ; *Ursidae ; }, abstract = {Cicadas, a group of large-bodied insects, are preyed upon at both nymphal and adult stages by diverse range of vertebrates such as birds and mammals. Although the behavior of predators toward adult cicadas is well documented, there is a lack of research on the predation on cicada nymphs. In this study, camera traps deployed in conifer plantations, in which high population densities of cicadas Lyristes bihamatus emerge, were used to evaluate the seasonal and diel patterns of predation upon cicada nymphs by three predator species, namely brown bears, red foxes, and jungle crows, from May to September in 2018 and 2019 in northern Japan. Among all three species, cicada nymph predation occurred until early August when the final instar nymphs fully emerged. Bears were observed to constantly dig for cicada nymphs until early August, whereas foxes and crows were frequently observed foraging from late July to early August, during the season of L. bihamatus emergence. In contract to the powerful digging ability of bears, which facilitates efficient predation upon subterranean cicada nymphs, it is generally difficult for foxes and crows with limited or no digging ability to gain access these nymphs until the period of emergence. Cicada nymph predation by bears and crows was observed primarily during the daytime, despite the typical crepuscular/nocturnal emergence schedules of these insects. Contrastingly, the predatory activities of foxes tended to be nocturnal during the period prior to the beginning of cicada emergence, although subsequently became diurnal during the cicada emergence period. These observations indicate that the temporal activity patterns of cicada nymph predators are determined by interspecific differences in predation abilities and cicada emergence schedules. Accordingly, the findings of this study provide evidence to indicate that the timing and duration of trophic interactions between above- and belowground communities might vary among predator species, depending on their predation abilities.}, } @article {pmid34636463, year = {2022}, author = {Tsai, TY and Lin, RJ and Liu, C and Tseng, YP and Chan, LP and Liang, CH}, title = {Djulis supplementation against oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation-induced cell damage: The influence of antioxidant status and aging of skin in healthy subjects.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {7}, pages = {2945-2953}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14482}, pmid = {34636463}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {KMTTH-108-053//Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital/ ; KMUH106-6R-50//Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Antioxidants/pharmacology ; Collagen ; Cross-Over Studies ; Dietary Supplements ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Oxidative Stress ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) is a cereal food and its antioxidant and pigment constituents may protect skin from photoaging, but conclusive experiments have not been carried out.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation evaluates the effects of djulis extract as a functional supplement.

PATIENTS/METHODS: In this study, the effects of djulis functional drinks on the free radical scavenging activities, promotion of collagen synthesis and protection against oxidative stress and the effects of ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated of pUC119 DNA were explored. Thirty healthy subjects (aged 35-55 years old) were randomly allocated to djulis or placebo drinks groups (50 ml of a djulis/placebo drink daily for 8 weeks for each subject) in a double-blind crossover study.

RESULTS: The regular consumption of the djulis functional drinks significantly increased levels of the serum biochemical superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (+9.5% and +124.8%) after 8 weeks, relative to baseline controls. The improvements in skin moisture, brightness, elasticity, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, and collagen content after 8 weeks in the djulis group were +13.3%, +3.8%, +13.2%, -21.8%, -12.1%, -11.0%, -1.4%, and +33.7%, respectively, relative to the baseline without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: These work findings suggest the daily consumption of djulis drinks can protect the skin against oxidative stress-induced damage, delay skin aging and improve skin conditions.}, } @article {pmid34626170, year = {2022}, author = {Fabi, S and Alexiades, M and Chatrath, V and Colucci, L and Sherber, N and Heydenrych, I and Jagdeo, J and Dayan, S and Swift, A and Chantrey, J and Stevens, WG and Sangha, S}, title = {Facial Aesthetic Priorities and Concerns: A Physician and Patient Perception Global Survey.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {42}, number = {4}, pages = {NP218-NP229}, pmid = {34626170}, issn = {1527-330X}, support = {//AbbVie/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Esthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perception ; Phobic Disorders ; *Physicians ; *Skin Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive and noninvasive facial aesthetic treatments are increasingly popular, and a greater understanding of patient perspectives on facial aesthetic priorities is needed.

OBJECTIVES: The authors surveyed facial aesthetic concerns, desires, and treatment goals of aesthetically conscious men and women, and physicians, in 18 countries.

METHODS: This was a global, internet-based survey on desired appearance and experiences with, or interest in, facial aesthetic treatments. Eligible respondents were aesthetically conscious adults (21-75 years). Eligible aesthetic physicians were required to see ≥30 patients per month for aesthetic reasons, have 2 to 30 years of experience in clinical practice, and spend ≥70% of their time in direct patient care.

RESULTS: A total of 14,584 aesthetically conscious adults (mean age, 41 years; 70% women) and 1315 aesthetic physicians (mean age, 45 years; 68% men) completed the survey. Most respondents (68%) reported that aesthetic procedures should be sought in their 30s to 40s; physicians recommended patients seek treatment earlier. Respondents expressed greatest concern over crow's feet lines, forehead lines, facial skin issues, hair-related concerns, and under-eye bags or dark circles; in contrast, physicians tended to underestimate concerns about under-eye bags or dark circles, mid-face volume deficits, and skin quality. Although both physicians and respondents cited cost as a major barrier to seeking aesthetic treatments, respondents also emphasized safety, fear of injections or procedure-related pain, and concern about unnatural-looking outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This global survey provides valuable insight into facial aesthetic concerns and perspectives that may be implemented in patient education and consultations to improve patient satisfaction following aesthetic treatments.}, } @article {pmid34618523, year = {2021}, author = {Delamater, AR and Wasserman, EA}, title = {Comparative cognition-Conceptual and methodological advancements.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal learning and cognition}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {219-222}, doi = {10.1037/xan0000309}, pmid = {34618523}, issn = {2329-8464}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Concept Formation ; Dogs ; Mice ; Pan troglodytes ; Rats ; }, abstract = {This special issue originally placed a Call for Papers that emphasized the importance of "Conceptual and Methodological" advances in the field of Comparative Cognition. Represented here is a collection of 14 papers that helps to display some of the diversity of ideas and approaches within this flourishing research area. The first paper in this issue, by Gazes and Lazareva (2021), discusses transitive inference learning from the perspectives of: identifying the problems of contextual variables in studying different species; whether associative processes can or cannot fully account for the behavior and, if not, what alternative representational mechanisms might be at work; and, finally, how ecological considerations may support comparative research by suggesting novel theoretical and empirical questions. The next paper, by Loy et al. (2021) investigates questions related to the complexity of learning in invertebrate species, single-celled organisms, and plants. The paper by Rawlings et al. (2021) reviews the literature on cumulative cultural evolution, primarily in nonhuman primate species, and critically evaluates the importance of identifying the essential conceptual and methodological issues in what many have deemed to be a uniquely human form of behavior. The paper by Goto and Watanabe (2021) explores whether the mouse visual system is sensitive to Gestalt principles, using operant discrimination learning tasks similar to those used previously to document Gestalt processing in chimpanzees and humans. Qadri and Cook (2021) use the innovative approach of "adaptive genetic algorithms" to assess the relative importance of different features of a stimulus in controlling organisms' discrimination learning performance. Wittek et al. (2021) introduce a novel method for studying the importance of visual accumulation processes in pigeons when information is presented to a single hemisphere at a time. The paper by Cowie et al. (2021) focuses on a misallocation model of two-step sequence learning in young children and explores from a behavioranalytic viewpoint the implications of assuming that reinforcement might be misattributed to a misremembered response at the beginning of the behavioral sequence. The paper by López-Tolsa and Pellón (2021) explores whether the opportunity to display schedule-induced drinking as an early response within a behavioral sequence might alter the accuracy of temporal control in different-length fixed-interval schedule tasks with rats. Crystal (2021) reviews the literature examining episodic memory in nonhuman species and considers a variety of criteria and methods thought to be crucial for establishing empirical evidence for episodic memory in nonhumans, in general, and rats, in particular. Vila et al. (2021) discuss the use a novel 'hide-and-seek' task in preschool age children to study episodic-like memory; their work illustrates how memory dynamics can change over time in a manner not very unlike what has been demonstrated in other nonhuman research paradigms. The paper by Krichbaum et al. (2021) discusses some of the methodological difficulties one faces in studying spatial cognition in canines. The paper by Castro et al. (2021) uses a complex categorization learning task in which different sets of display features are diagnostic, or not, of category mastery depending upon context. The paper by Vernouillet et al. (2021) explores the formation of same/different concept learning in two species of corvids (pinyon jays and California scrub jays). The final paper, by Lazarowski et al. (2021) examines the possibility of abstract same/different learning in canines using a trial-unique training matching-to-sample procedure with olfactory stimuli. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid34616332, year = {2021}, author = {Bianchi, R and Schonfeld, IS}, title = {Occupational Depression, Cognitive Performance, and Task Appreciation: A Study Based on Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {695539}, pmid = {34616332}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) was recently developed to assess depressive symptoms that individuals specifically attribute to their work. Research on the criterion validity of the instrument is still in its infancy. In this study, we examined whether the ODI predicted performance on, and appreciation of, a cognitively challenging test. In light of the link established between clinical depression and neuropsychological impairment, and considering that individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely to feel helpless under challenging circumstances, we hypothesized that occupational depression would be associated with poorer cognitive performance and a darkened appreciation of the task undertaken. We relied on a sample of 1,359 educational staff members. We used an abridged version of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPMs) as a cognitively challenging task and measure of cognitive performance. RAPMs assess so-called eductive ability (meaning-making and problem-solving abilities) through items of various degrees of difficulty. Transient mood was assessed with a three-item measure before RAPMs were administered. Task appreciation was assessed with a single-item measure after the completion of RAPMs. We found occupational depression to be negatively linked to cognitive performance. A two-step cluster analysis, in which ODI and RAPMs scores were used as classifiers, revealed two profiles of respondents. The first profile was characterized by relatively low levels of depressive symptoms and high levels of cognitive performance; the second profile, by relatively high levels of depressive symptoms and low levels of cognitive performance. The two profiles differed strongly from one another, as indexed by Cohen's ds of 2.492 regarding depressive symptoms and 1.263 regarding cognitive performance. As anticipated, occupational depression predicted a darkened appreciation of the test. The association remained statistically significant, and largely unchanged, controlling for pretest mood and test performance. The highest levels of depressive symptoms were observed among individuals evaluating the task as "frustrating" and "discouraging." Our study suggests that occupational depression predicts poorer cognitive performance and a negativized experience of cognitive challenge. Such features may be part of a self-sustaining loop fostering the maintenance of depressive symptoms. The extent to which the ODI predicts performance in the work context needs to be investigated.}, } @article {pmid34613989, year = {2021}, author = {Raymond, S and Schwartz, ALW and Thomas, RJ and Chadwick, E and Perkins, SE}, title = {Temporal patterns of wildlife roadkill in the UK.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {10}, pages = {e0258083}, pmid = {34613989}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Accidents, Traffic/*prevention & control ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Deer ; *Ecosystem ; Female ; Foxes/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Rabbits ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Seasons ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Wildlife-vehicle collisions are one of the main causes of mortality for wild mammals and birds in the UK. Here, using a dataset of 54,000+ records collated by a citizen science roadkill recording scheme between 2014-2019, we analyse and present temporal patterns of wildlife roadkill of the 19 most commonly reported taxa in the UK (84% of all reported roadkill). Most taxa (13 out of 19) showed significant and consistent seasonal variations in road mortality and fitted one of two seasonal patterns; bimodal or unimodal: only three species (red fox Vulpes vulpes, European polecat Mustela putorius and Reeves' muntjac deer Muntiacus reevesi) showed no significant seasonality. Species that increase movement in spring and autumn potentially have bimodal patterns in roadkill due to the increase in mate-searching and juvenile dispersal during these respective time periods (e.g. European badger Meles meles). Unimodal patterns likely represent increased mortality due to a single short pulse in activity associated with breeding (e.g. birds) or foraging (e.g. grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis in autumn). Importantly, these patterns also indicate periods of increased risk for drivers, potentially posing a greater threat to human welfare. In addition to behaviour-driven annual patterns, abiotic factors (temperature and rainfall) explained some variance in roadkill. Notably, high rainfall was associated with decreased observations of two bird taxa (gulls and Eurasian magpies Pica pica) and European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. By quantifying seasonal patterns in roadkill, we highlight a significant anthropogenic impact on wild species, which is important in relation to conservation, animal welfare, and human safety.}, } @article {pmid34604660, year = {2021}, author = {Baky, MH and Shawky, EM and Elgindi, MR and Ibrahim, HA}, title = {Comparative Volatile Profiling of Ludwigia stolonifera Aerial Parts and Roots Using VSE-GC-MS/MS and Screening of Antioxidant and Metal Chelation Activities.}, journal = {ACS omega}, volume = {6}, number = {38}, pages = {24788-24794}, pmid = {34604660}, issn = {2470-1343}, abstract = {Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H.Raven belonging to the family Onagraceae is an important aquatic herbal plant of economic importance in water bioremediation. We explored the compositional heterogeneity in the aroma profile of L. stolonifera aerial parts and roots. Volatile profiling was employed for the first time using volatile solvent extraction (VSE-GC-MS/MS) of both aerial parts and roots. A total of 85 volatiles were identified belonging to eight classes, viz., aliphatic, aromatic, and oxygenated hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, diterpenes, alcohols, acids/esters, and sterols. Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were found to be the most abundant metabolite groups in both aerial parts and roots. Furthermore, antioxidant and metal chelation activities of aerial parts and roots were investigated, revealing a potent activity as an antioxidant and high metal chelation capacity for heavy metals.}, } @article {pmid34604259, year = {2021}, author = {DiNatale, L and Idkowiak-Baldys, J and Zhuang, Y and Gonzalez, A and Stephens, TJ and Jiang, LI and Li, W and Basson, R and Bayat, A}, title = {Novel Rotational Combination Regimen of Skin Topicals Improves Facial Photoaging: Efficacy Demonstrated in Double-Blinded Clinical Trials and Laboratory Validation.}, journal = {Frontiers in medicine}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {724344}, pmid = {34604259}, issn = {2296-858X}, abstract = {Topical antiaging products are often a first-line intervention to counter visible signs of facial photoaging, aiming for sustained cosmetic improvement. However, prolonged application of a single active topical compound was observed clinically to lead to a plateau effect in improving facial photoaging. In view of this, we set out to reduce this effect systematically using a multi-tiered approach with laboratory evidence and clinical trials. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of active topical ingredients applied either alone, in combination, or in a rotational manner on modulation of facial photoaging. The study methodology included in vitro, organotypic, and ex vivo skin explants; in vivo biopsy study; as well as clinical trials. We demonstrate for the first time that a pair of known antiaging ingredients applied rotationally, on human dermal fibroblasts, maximized pro-collagen I production. Indeed, rotational treatment with retinol and phytol/glycolic acid (PGA) resulted in better efficacy than application of each active ingredient alone as shown by explants and in vivo biopsy study, with penetration of active ingredients confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, two split-face, randomized, double-blinded clinical trials were conducted, one for 12 months to compare treated vs. untreated and the other for 6 months followed by a 2-month regression to compare treated vs. commercially marketed products. In both studies, rotational regimen showed superior results to its matching comparison as assessed by clinical grading and image analysis of crow's feet wrinkles. In conclusion, rotational regimen using retinol and PGA is effective in treating facial photoaging signs with long-lasting benefits.}, } @article {pmid34596763, year = {2021}, author = {Cristiani, E and Menci, M and Papi, M and Brafman, L}, title = {An all-leader agent-based model for turning and flocking birds.}, journal = {Journal of mathematical biology}, volume = {83}, number = {4}, pages = {45}, pmid = {34596763}, issn = {1432-1416}, mesh = {Animals ; Models, Theoretical ; *Starlings ; }, abstract = {Starting from recent experimental observations of starlings and jackdaws, we propose a minimal agent-based mathematical model for bird flocks based on a system of second-order delayed stochastic differential equations with discontinuous (both in space and time) right-hand side. The model is specifically designed to reproduce self-organized spontaneous sudden changes of direction, not caused by external stimuli like predator's attacks. The main novelty of the model is that every bird is a potential turn initiator, thus leadership is formed in a group of indistinguishable agents. We investigate some theoretical properties of the model and we show the numerical results. Biological insights are also discussed.}, } @article {pmid34592662, year = {2022}, author = {Hossain, SMZ and Sultana, N and Mohammed, ME and Razzak, SA and Hossain, MM}, title = {Hybrid support vector regression and crow search algorithm for modeling and multiobjective optimization of microalgae-based wastewater treatment.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {301}, number = {}, pages = {113783}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113783}, pmid = {34592662}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Biomass ; *Chlorella ; *Crows ; *Microalgae ; Nitrogen ; Wastewater ; *Water Purification ; }, abstract = {Microalgae-based wastewater treatment (and biomass production) is an environmentally benign and energetically efficient technique as compared to traditional practices. The present study is focused on optimization of the major treatment variables such as temperature, light-dark cycle (LD), and nitrogen (N)-to-phosphate (P) ratio (N/P) for the elimination of N and P from tertiary municipal wastewater utilizing Chlorella kessleri microalgae species. In this regard, a hybrid support vector regression (SVR) technique integrated with the crow search algorithm has been applied as a novel modeling/optimization tool. The SVR models were formulated using the experimental data, which were furnished according to the response surface methodology with Box-Behnken Design. Various statistical indicators, including mean absolute percentage error, Taylor diagram, and fractional bias, confirmed the superior performance of SVR models as compared to the response surface methodology (RSM) and generalized linear model (GLM). Finally, the best SVR model was hybridized with the crow search algorithm for single/multi-objective optimizations to acquire the global optimal treatment conditions for maximum N and P removal efficiencies. The best-operating conditions were found to be 29.3°C, 24/0 h/h of LD, and 6:1 of N/P, with N and P elimination efficiencies of 99.97 and 93.48%, respectively. The optimized values were further confirmed by new experimental data.}, } @article {pmid34587009, year = {2021}, author = {Zhuo, T and Huang, Q and Kankanhalli, M}, title = {Unsupervised Abstract Reasoning for Raven's Problem Matrices.}, journal = {IEEE transactions on image processing : a publication of the IEEE Signal Processing Society}, volume = {30}, number = {}, pages = {8332-8341}, doi = {10.1109/TIP.2021.3114987}, pmid = {34587009}, issn = {1941-0042}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Neural Networks, Computer ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) is highly correlated with human intelligence, and it has been widely used to measure the abstract reasoning ability of humans. In this paper, to study the abstract reasoning capability of deep neural networks, we propose the first unsupervised learning method for solving RPM problems. Since the ground truth labels are not allowed, we design a pseudo target based on the prior constraints of the RPM formulation to approximate the ground-truth label, which effectively converts the unsupervised learning strategy into a supervised one. However, the correct answer is wrongly labelled by the pseudo target, and thus the noisy contrast will lead to inaccurate model training. To alleviate this issue, we propose to improve the model performance with negative answers. Moreover, we develop a decentralization method to adapt the feature representation to different RPM problems. Extensive experiments on three datasets demonstrate that our method even outperforms some of the supervised approaches. Our code is available at https://github.com/visiontao/ncd.}, } @article {pmid34578176, year = {2021}, author = {Lopes, C and Brandão, R and Lopes, AF and Sargo, R and Casero, M and Nunes, C and Silva, F and Dubey, JP and Cardoso, L and Lopes, AP}, title = {Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Different Wild Bird Species Admitted to Rehabilitation Centres in Portugal.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {34578176}, issn = {2076-0817}, support = {UIDB/CVT/00772/2020//Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/ ; }, abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic parasite. According to the "One Health" approach, studies on toxoplasmosis are essential since it affects humans and domestic and wild animals. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 263 wild birds located in five wildlife rehabilitation centres in mainland Portugal by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cut-off titre of 20. An overall seroprevalence of 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.7-42.6) was observed. For the first time, antibodies to T. gondii were detected in some avian species, including pallid swift (Apus pallidus) (33.3%), black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) (39.3%), European turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) (100%), bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (50.0%), carrion crow (Corvus corone) (33.3%), and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) (100%), which expands the list of intermediate hosts of T. gondii. A lower seroprevalence was found in juvenile birds (31.9%) compared to adults (48.7%) (p = 0.016). The central region of Portugal was considered a risk factor for T. gondii infection in wild birds (odds ratio: 3.61; 95% CI: 1.09-11.91). This pioneer study calls attention to the need for further studies, to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, because it reflects wide dispersion of T. gondii oocysts in the environment.}, } @article {pmid34566706, year = {2021}, author = {Eutrope, J and Novo, A and Barbe, C and Loron, G and Rolland, AC and Caillies, S}, title = {Impact of Executive Functions and Parental Anxiety on the Development of Social Cognition in Premature Children: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Protocol.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {484571}, pmid = {34566706}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Background: Recent research has identified neuropsychological disorders, specifically executive function disorders, in premature children. Executive functions support goal-oriented mental activity and play a role in the development of social cognition. This underlies the social and emotional behavior of individuals. Parental anxiety is also an important environmental factor that can influence the psycho-emotional development of children. Objectives: The present protocol aims to compare the development of social cognition in school-age children born prematurely to that of school-age children born full-term, and to determine the impact of executive (dys)function and parental anxiety on such development. Methods/Design: In this cross-sectional protocol, 28 prematurely born children aged 7-10 years ("preterm") and 28 full-term born children aged 7-10 years ("control") will be included. The "preterm" and "control" groups will be matched for sex and age. The neuropsychological evaluation will include that of non-verbal intellectual efficiency (Raven's colored progressive matrices), verbal level (WISC-IV subtests), and executive functions (NEPSY II subtests and the opposite worlds of TEA-CH). The evaluation of social cognition will be conducted via tests of the theory of cognitive and affective mind. Several dimensions of the level of parental anxiety will be collected through the Spielberg Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, Beck Depression Inventory, Social Support Questionnaire-6, Parental Stress Index and, specifically for mothers, the Modified Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire. Discussion: The results of this protocol will aid our understanding of the development of social cognition in premature children and to determine the factors that influence such development. This clinical research project, although following a fundamental approach, will have clinical implications because a more precise description of the development of social cognition in this school-age population will make it possible to better determine the cognitive targets of therapeutic actions and to search for predictive indices of the efficacy of practices. Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03007095, identifier: NCT03007095.}, } @article {pmid34558671, year = {2021}, author = {Jaffe, RJ and Constantinidis, C}, title = {Working Memory: From Neural Activity to the Sentient Mind.}, journal = {Comprehensive Physiology}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {2547-2587}, pmid = {34558671}, issn = {2040-4603}, support = {R01 EY017077/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH116675/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; Cognition ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Neurons ; *Prefrontal Cortex ; }, abstract = {Working memory (WM) is the ability to maintain and manipulate information in the conscious mind over a timescale of seconds. This ability is thought to be maintained through the persistent discharges of neurons in a network of brain areas centered on the prefrontal cortex, as evidenced by neurophysiological recordings in nonhuman primates, though both the localization and the neural basis of WM has been a matter of debate in recent years. Neural correlates of WM are evident in species other than primates, including rodents and corvids. A specialized network of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, aided by neuromodulatory influences of dopamine, is critical for the maintenance of neuronal activity. Limitations in WM capacity and duration, as well as its enhancement during development, can be attributed to properties of neural activity and circuits. Changes in these factors can be observed through training-induced improvements and in pathological impairments. WM thus provides a prototypical cognitive function whose properties can be tied to the spiking activity of brain neurons. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-41, 2021.}, } @article {pmid34555011, year = {2021}, author = {Camacho Mateu, J and Sireci, M and Muñoz, MA}, title = {Phenotypic-dependent variability and the emergence of tolerance in bacterial populations.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {17}, number = {9}, pages = {e1009417}, pmid = {34555011}, issn = {1553-7358}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Bacteria/drug effects ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Biological Evolution ; Computational Biology ; Computer Simulation ; Drug Tolerance ; Microbiota/drug effects/physiology ; Models, Biological ; Phenotype ; Stress, Physiological ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; }, abstract = {Ecological and evolutionary dynamics have been historically regarded as unfolding at broadly separated timescales. However, these two types of processes are nowadays well-documented to intersperse much more tightly than traditionally assumed, especially in communities of microorganisms. Advancing the development of mathematical and computational approaches to shed novel light onto eco-evolutionary problems is a challenge of utmost relevance. With this motivation in mind, here we scrutinize recent experimental results showing evidence of rapid evolution of tolerance by lag in bacterial populations that are periodically exposed to antibiotic stress in laboratory conditions. In particular, the distribution of single-cell lag times-i.e., the times that individual bacteria from the community remain in a dormant state to cope with stress-evolves its average value to approximately fit the antibiotic-exposure time. Moreover, the distribution develops right-skewed heavy tails, revealing the presence of individuals with anomalously large lag times. Here, we develop a parsimonious individual-based model mimicking the actual demographic processes of the experimental setup. Individuals are characterized by a single phenotypic trait: their intrinsic lag time, which is transmitted with variation to the progeny. The model-in a version in which the amplitude of phenotypic variations grows with the parent's lag time-is able to reproduce quite well the key empirical observations. Furthermore, we develop a general mathematical framework allowing us to describe with good accuracy the properties of the stochastic model by means of a macroscopic equation, which generalizes the Crow-Kimura equation in population genetics. Even if the model does not account for all the biological mechanisms (e.g., genetic changes) in a detailed way-i.e., it is a phenomenological one-it sheds light onto the eco-evolutionary dynamics of the problem and can be helpful to design strategies to hinder the emergence of tolerance in bacterial communities. From a broader perspective, this work represents a benchmark for the mathematical framework designed to tackle much more general eco-evolutionary problems, thus paving the road to further research avenues.}, } @article {pmid34549646, year = {2022}, author = {Cowan, ES and Dill, LJ and Sutton, S}, title = {Collective Healing: A Framework for Building Transformative Collaborations in Public Health.}, journal = {Health promotion practice}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, pages = {356-360}, doi = {10.1177/15248399211032607}, pmid = {34549646}, issn = {1524-8399}, mesh = {Humans ; *Public Health ; }, abstract = {The capacity of cross-sector collaboration to create meaningful change across social-ecological levels has long been understood in public health. But the ability of cross-sector collaboration to achieve systemic change around the structural determinants of health remains complicated. In 2021, now more than ever, we understand the imperative of strengthening the capacity of collaborative efforts to address the myriad structural health crises facing our communities, from police violence and mass incarceration to Jim Crow laws and redlining, to urban renewal and environmental injustice. Our proposed collective healing framework brings together the collective impact model and radical healing framework to offer a blueprint for cross-sector collaboration that understands the practices of healing to be at the center of public health collaborations and public health practice at large. In this framework, public health practitioners and our collaborators are asked to prioritize relationship building, engage in critical self-reflection, to move beyond compromise, to address differences, to interrogate traditional metrics and approaches, to remake the collective table, and to build shared understanding through action.}, } @article {pmid34534371, year = {2022}, author = {Allen, S and Held, S and Milne-Price, S and McCormick, A and Feng, D and Inouye, J and Schure, M and Castille, D and Howe, RB and Pitts, M and Keene, S and Belone, L and Wallerstein, N}, title = {Community sharing: Contextualizing Western research notions of contamination within an Indigenous research paradigm.}, journal = {American journal of community psychology}, volume = {69}, number = {1-2}, pages = {145-156}, pmid = {34534371}, issn = {1573-2770}, support = {U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Chronic Disease ; *Health Services, Indigenous ; Humans ; *Population Groups ; Universities ; }, abstract = {Báa nnilah is a chronic illness self-management program designed by and for the Apsáalooke (Crow) community. Arising from a collaboration between an Indigenous nonprofit organization and a university-based research team, Báa nnilah's development, implementation, and evaluation have been influenced by both Indigenous and Western research paradigms (WRPs). Báa nnilah was evaluated using a randomized wait-list control group design. In a WRP, contamination, or intervention information shared by the intervention group with the control group, is actively discouraged as it makes ascertaining causality difficult, if not impossible. This approach is not consonant with Apsáalooke cultural values that include the encouragement of sharing helpful information with others, supporting an Indigenous research paradigm's (IRP) goal of benefiting the community. The purpose of this paper is to address contamination and sharing as an area of tension between WRP and IRP. We describe how the concepts of contamination and sharing within Báa nnilah's implementation and evaluation are interpreted differently when viewed from these contrasting paradigms, and set forth a call for greater exploration of Indigenous research approaches for developing, implementing, and evaluating intervention programs in Indigenous communities. (Improving Chronic Illness Management with the Apsáalooke Nation: The Báa nnilah Project.: NCT03036189), ClinicalTrials. gov: NCT03036189).}, } @article {pmid34532917, year = {2022}, author = {Bauch, C and Boonekamp, JJ and Korsten, P and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {High heritability of telomere length and low heritability of telomere shortening in wild birds.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {31}, number = {23}, pages = {6308-6323}, pmid = {34532917}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Telomere Shortening/genetics ; Animals, Wild/genetics ; Birds/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Telomere/genetics ; *Crows/genetics ; }, abstract = {Telomere length and telomere shortening predict survival in many organisms. This raises the question of the contribution of genetic and environmental effects to variation in these traits, which is still poorly known, particularly for telomere shortening. We used experimental (cross-fostering) and statistical (quantitative genetic "animal models") means to disentangle and estimate genetic and environmental contributions to telomere length variation in pedigreed free-living jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Telomere length was measured twice in nestlings, at ages 4 (n = 715) and 29 days (n = 474), using telomere restriction fragment (TRF) analysis, adapted to exclude interstitial telomeric sequences. Telomere length shortened significantly over the nestling period (10.4 ± 0.3 bp day[-1]) and was highly phenotypically (rP = 0.95 ± 0.01) and genetically (rG > 0.99 ± 0.01) correlated within individuals. Additive genetic effects explained a major part of telomere length variation among individuals, with its heritability estimated at h[2] = 0.74 on average. We note that TRF-based studies reported higher heritabilities than qPCR-based studies, and we discuss possible explanations. Parent-offspring regressions yielded similar heritability estimates for mothers and fathers when accounting for changes in paternal telomere length over life. Year effects explained a small but significant part of telomere length variation. Heritable variation for telomere shortening was low (h[2] = 0.09 ± 0.11). The difference in heritability between telomere length (high) and telomere shortening (low) agrees with evolutionary theory, in that telomere shortening has stronger fitness consequences in this population. Despite the high heritability of telomere length, its evolvability, which scales the additive genetic variance by mean telomere length, was on average 0.48%. Hence, evolutionary change of telomere length due to selection is likely to be slow.}, } @article {pmid34528189, year = {2022}, author = {Ehteram, M and Panahi, F and Ahmed, AN and Huang, YF and Kumar, P and Elshafie, A}, title = {Predicting evaporation with optimized artificial neural network using multi-objective salp swarm algorithm.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {29}, number = {7}, pages = {10675-10701}, pmid = {34528189}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Malaysia ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Uncertainty ; Water ; }, abstract = {Evaporation is a crucial component to be established in agriculture management and water engineering. Evaporation prediction is thus an essential issue for modeling researchers. In this study, the multilayer perceptron (MLP) was used for predicting daily evaporation. MLP model is as one of the famous ANN models with multilayers for predicting different target variables. A new strategy was used to enhance the accuracy of the MLP model. Three multi-objective algorithms, namely, the multi-objective salp swarm algorithm (MOSSA), the multi-objective crow algorithm (MOCA), and the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), were respectively and separately coupled to the MLP model for determining the model parameters, the best input combination, and the best activation function. In this study, three stations in Malaysia, namely, the Muadzam Shah (MS), the Kuala Terengganu (KT), and the Kuantan (KU), were selected for the prediction of the respective daily evaporation. The spacing (SP) and maximum spread (MS) indices were used to evaluate the quality of generated Pareto front (PF) by the algorithms. The lower SP and higher MS showed better PF for the models. It was observed that the MOSSA had higher MS and lower SP than the other algorithms, at all stations. The root means square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), percent bias (PBIAS), and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) quantifiers were used to compare the ability of the models with each other. The MLP-MOSSA had reduced RMSE compared to the MLP-MOCA, MLP-MOPSO, and MLP models by 18%, 25%, and 35%, respectively, at the MS station. The MAE of the MLP-MOSSA was 2.7%, 4.1%, and 26%, respectively lower than those of the MLP-MOCA, MLP-MOPSO, and MLP models at the KU station. The MLP-MOSSA showed lower MAE than the MLP-MOCA, MLP-MOPSO, and MLP models by 16%, 18%, and 19%, respectively, at the KT station. An uncertainty analysis was performed based on the input and parameter uncertainty. The results indicated that the MLP-MOSSA had the lowest uncertainty among the models. Also, the input uncertainty was lower than the parameter uncertainty. The general results indicated that the MLP-MOSSA had the high efficiency for predicting evaporation.}, } @article {pmid34522959, year = {2022}, author = {Rodríguez, JM and Bae, B and Geronimus, AT and Bound, J}, title = {The Political Realignment of Health: How Partisan Power Shaped Infant Health in the United States, 1915-2017.}, journal = {Journal of health politics, policy and law}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, pages = {201-224}, pmid = {34522959}, issn = {1527-1927}, support = {P2C HD041028/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Government Agencies ; Humans ; Infant ; *Infant Health ; Mass Gatherings ; Policy ; *Politics ; United States ; }, abstract = {The US two-party system was transformed in the 1960s when the Democratic Party abandoned its Jim Crow protectionism to incorporate the policy agenda fostered by the civil rights movement, and the Republican Party redirected its platform toward socioeconomic and racial conservatism. The authors argue that the policy agendas promoted by the two parties through presidents and state legislatures codify a racially patterned access to resources and power detrimental to the health of all. To test the hypothesis that fluctuations in overall and race-specific infant mortality rates (IMRs) shift between the parties in power before and after the political realignment (PR), the authors apply panel data analysis methods to state-level data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the period 1915 through 2017. Net of trend, overall, and race-specific IMRs were not statistically different between presidential parties before the PR. This pattern, however, changed after the PR, with Republican administrations consistently underperforming Democratic ones. Net of trend, non-Southern state legislatures controlled by Republicans underperform Democratic ones in overall and racial IMRs in both periods.}, } @article {pmid34516784, year = {2021}, author = {Haslam, SA}, title = {Leveraging the collective mindThe Power of Us Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer Little, Brown Spark, 2021. 320 pp.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {373}, number = {6560}, pages = {1206}, doi = {10.1126/science.abl5269}, pmid = {34516784}, issn = {1095-9203}, abstract = {Shared social identities can better prepare us to confront societal problems.}, } @article {pmid34505575, year = {2021}, author = {Amodio, P and Farrar, BG and Krupenye, C and Ostojić, L and Clayton, NS}, title = {Little evidence that Eurasian jays protect their caches by responding to cues about a conspecific's desire and visual perspective.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {34505575}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {BB/M011194/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; *Feeding Behavior ; Food ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Eurasian jays have been reported to protect their caches by responding to cues about either the visual perspective or current desire of an observing conspecific, similarly to other corvids. Here, we used established paradigms to test whether these birds can - like humans - integrate multiple cues about different mental states and perform an optimal response accordingly. Across five experiments, which also include replications of previous work, we found little evidence that our jays adjusted their caching behaviour in line with the visual perspective and current desire of another agent, neither by integrating these social cues nor by responding to only one type of cue independently. These results raise questions about the reliability of the previously reported effects and highlight several key issues affecting reliability in comparative cognition research.}, } @article {pmid34483862, year = {2021}, author = {Alghamdi, RJ and Murphy, MJ and Goharpey, N and Crewther, SG}, title = {The Age-Related Changes in Speed of Visual Perception, Visual Verbal and Visuomotor Performance, and Nonverbal Intelligence During Early School Years.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {667612}, pmid = {34483862}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Speed of sensory information processing has long been recognized as an important characteristic of global intelligence, though few studies have concurrently investigated the contribution of different types of information processing to nonverbal IQ in children, nor looked at whether chronological age vs. months of early schooling plays a larger role. Thus, this study investigated the speed of visual information processing in three tasks including a simple visual inspection time (IT) task, a visual-verbal processing task using Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN) of objects as an accepted preschool predictor of reading, and a visuomotor processing task using a game-like iPad application, (the "SLURP" task) that requires writing like skills, in association with nonverbal IQ (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices) in children (n = 100) aged 5-7 years old. Our results indicate that the rate and accuracy of information processing for all three tasks develop with age, but that only RAN and SLURP rates show significant improvement with years of schooling. RAN and SLURP also correlated significantly with nonverbal IQ scores, but not with IT. Regression analyses demonstrate that months of formal schooling provide additional contributions to the speed of dual-task visual-verbal (RAN) and visuomotor performance and Raven's scores supporting the domain-specific hypothesis of processing speed development for specific skills as they contribute to global measures such as nonverbal IQ. Finally, RAN and SLURP are likely to be useful measures for the early identification of young children with lower intelligence and potentially poor reading.}, } @article {pmid34479861, year = {2022}, author = {Videman, K and Hallamaa, L and Heimonen, O and Mangani, C and Luntamo, M and Maleta, K and Ashorn, P and Ashorn, U}, title = {Child growth and neurodevelopment after maternal antenatal antibiotic treatment.}, journal = {Archives of disease in childhood}, volume = {107}, number = {4}, pages = {323-328}, pmid = {34479861}, issn = {1468-2044}, mesh = {Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; *Antimalarials/therapeutic use ; Azithromycin ; Child ; Drug Combinations ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Growth Disorders/drug therapy/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; *Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/drug therapy/epidemiology/prevention & control ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To assess whether intermittent preventive treatment of pregnant women (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and azithromycin (AZI) in a malaria-endemic area leads to sustained gains in linear growth and development in their offspring.

DESIGN: Follow-up study of a randomised trial.

SETTING: Mangochi District in rural southern Malawi.

PARTICIPANTS: 1320 pregnant women and their offspring.

INTERVENTIONS: IPTp monthly with SP and twice with AZI (AZI-SP group), monthly with SP but no AZI (monthly SP), or twice with SP (control). No intervention was given to children.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cognitive performance using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) at 13 years of age; mean height and height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), cumulative incidence and prevalence of stunting (HAZ <-2); weight, body mass index, mid-upper-arm circumference and head circumference.

RESULTS: At approximately 13 years of age, the mean CPM score was 14.3 (SD 3.8, range 6-29, maximum 36), with no differences between groups. Children in the AZI-SP group were on average 0.4 cm (95% CI -0.9 to 1.7, p=0.6) taller than those in the control group. For cumulative incidence of stunting, the HR in the AZI-SP group was 0.72 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.84, p<0.001) compared with the control and 0.76 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.90, p<0.001) compared with the monthly SP groups. There was no intergroup difference in stunting prevalence or anthropometric measurements.

CONCLUSIONS: In rural Malawi, maternal intensified infection control during pregnancy reduces offspring's cumulative incidence of ever being stunted by 13 years of age. In this study, there was no evidence of a positive impact on cognitive performance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00131235.}, } @article {pmid34465241, year = {2021}, author = {Boeckle, M and Schiestl, M and Frohnwieser, A and Gruber, R and Miller, R and Suddendorf, T and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {New Caledonian crows' planning behaviour: a reply to de Mahy et al.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {288}, number = {1958}, pages = {20211271}, pmid = {34465241}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, } @article {pmid34465238, year = {2021}, author = {de Mahy, D and Esteve, NA and Santariello, A}, title = {New test, old problems: comment on 'New Caledonian crows plan for specific future tool use'.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {288}, number = {1958}, pages = {20210186}, pmid = {34465238}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, } @article {pmid34460065, year = {2021}, author = {Zhang, C and Yang, Y and Hu, T and Zhou, H and Zhang, C and Cao, J and Li, J and Wang, P and Wong, G and Wang, X and Song, H and Gao, GF and Shi, W and Bi, Y}, title = {Three Novel Avastroviruses Identified in Dead Wild Crows.}, journal = {Virologica Sinica}, volume = {36}, number = {6}, pages = {1673-1677}, pmid = {34460065}, issn = {1995-820X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Avastrovirus ; *Crows ; }, } @article {pmid34457330, year = {2021}, author = {Schnell, AK and Loconsole, M and Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Wilkins, C and Clayton, NS}, title = {Jays are sensitive to cognitive illusions.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {8}, number = {8}, pages = {202358}, pmid = {34457330}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Jays hide food caches, steal them from conspecifics and use tactics to minimize cache theft. Jays are sensitive to the content of their own caches, retrieving items depending on their preferences and the perishability of the cached item. Whether jays impose the same content sensitivity when they steal caches is less clear. We adapted the 'cups-and-balls' magic routine, creating a cognitive illusion to test whether jays are sensitive to the (i) content of hidden items and (ii) type of displacement. Subjects were presented with two conditions in which hidden food was consistent with their expectations; and two conditions in which food was manipulated to violate their expectations by switching their second preferred food for their preferred food (up-value) or vice versa (de-value). Subjects readily accepted food when it was consistent with their expectations but were more likely to re-inspect the baited cup and alternative cup when their expectations were violated. In the de-value condition, jays exhibited longer latencies to consume the food and often rejected it. Dominant subjects were more likely to reject the food, suggesting that social factors influence their responses to cognitive illusions. Using cognitive illusions offers innovative avenues for investigating the psychological constraints in diverse animal minds.}, } @article {pmid34456766, year = {2021}, author = {Lutz, M and Streb, J and Titze, L and Büsselmann, M and Riemat, N and Prüter-Schwarte, C and Dudeck, M}, title = {Migrants With Schizophrenia in Forensic Psychiatric Hospitals Benefit From High-Intensity Second Language Programs.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {711836}, pmid = {34456766}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Background: As a result of migration, an increasing number of patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals show poor skills in the national language, which can affect their treatment. Improving the second language (L2) of inpatients with schizophrenia may help to enable effective psychotherapy and thus reduce the risk of criminal recidivism and facilitate reintegration into society, for example because of a language-related higher degree of social functioning. For this purpose, a Hessian forensic psychiatric hospital established a ward specialized in L2 acquisition. The ward accommodates up to 21 patients with schizophrenia, who attend an L2 program consisting of 800-900 lessons within 1 year. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate whether patients on the specialized ward (experimental group) achieve at least Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level A2 in the L2 program. Additionally, it examined whether language acquisition is better among participants in the experimental group than among those on regular wards (control group). Methods: Achievements in the L2 were assessed by an L2 test 3 times: at the beginning of the program, after 6 months, and after 1 year. The impact of intelligence on achievements in L2 was evaluated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Results: The experimental group showed significantly better improvement than the control group. Literacy was a significant predictor of improvement in the L2. The majority of the experimental group reached at least CEFR level A2 after 1 year. Conclusions: High-intensity L2 programs are an effective way to improve the L2 of inpatients with schizophrenia in forensic psychiatric hospitals.}, } @article {pmid38217213, year = {2021}, author = {Vaser, R and Šikić, M}, title = {Time- and memory-efficient genome assembly with Raven.}, journal = {Nature computational science}, volume = {1}, number = {5}, pages = {332-336}, pmid = {38217213}, issn = {2662-8457}, support = {IP-2018-01-5886//Hrvatska Zaklada za Znanost (Croatian Science Foundation)/ ; KK.01.1.1.01.0009//EC | European Regional Development Fund (Europski Fond za Regionalni Razvoj)/ ; }, abstract = {Whole genome sequencing technologies are unable to invariably read DNA molecules intact, a shortcoming that assemblers try to resolve by stitching the obtained fragments back together. Here, we present methods for the improvement of de novo genome assembly from erroneous long reads incorporated into a tool called Raven. Raven maintains similar performance for various genomes and has accuracy on par with other assemblers that support third-generation sequencing data. It is one of the fastest options while having the lowest memory consumption on the majority of benchmarked datasets.}, } @article {pmid35719894, year = {2021}, author = {Hentati-Sundberg, J and Berglund, PA and Hejdström, A and Olsson, O}, title = {COVID-19 lockdown reveals tourists as seabird guardians.}, journal = {Biological conservation}, volume = {254}, number = {}, pages = {108950}, pmid = {35719894}, issn = {0006-3207}, abstract = {The widespread lockdowns put in place to limit the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) offers a rare opportunity in understanding how human presence influence ecosystems. Using data from long-term seabird monitoring, we reveal a previously concealed guarding effect by tourist groups on an iconic seabird colony in the Baltic Sea. The absence of tourists in 2020 lead to a sevenfold increase in presence of white-tailed eagles Haliaeetus albicilla, a sevenfold increase in their disturbance of breeding common murres Uria aalge and causing 26% lower murre productivity than the long-term average. Eagles did not prey on murres, but their frequent disturbances delayed egg laying and facilitated egg predation from herring gulls Larus argentatus and hooded crows Corvus cornix. Based on our findings, we suggest that human presence could be used as a strategic measure in guarding seabird colonies, and that a social-ecological systems perspective is vital for long-term success in protected area management.}, } @article {pmid36133889, year = {2020}, author = {Annadhasan, M and Kumar, AV and Venkatakrishnarao, D and Mamonov, EA and Chandrasekar, R}, title = {Mechanophotonics: precise selection, assembly and disassembly of polymer optical microcavities via mechanical manipulation for spectral engineering.}, journal = {Nanoscale advances}, volume = {2}, number = {12}, pages = {5584-5590}, pmid = {36133889}, issn = {2516-0230}, abstract = {The advancement of nanoscience and technology relies on the development and utility of innovative techniques. Precise manipulation of photonic microcavities is one of the fundamental challenges in nanophotonics. This challenge impedes the construction of optoelectronic and photonic microcircuits. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate here that an atomic force microscopy cantilever and confocal microscopy can be used together to mechanically micromanipulate polymer-based whispering gallery mode microcavities or microresonators into well-ordered geometries. The micromanipulation technique efficiently assembles or disassembles resonators and also produces well-ordered dimer, trimer, tetramer, and pentamer assemblies of resonators in linear and bent geometries. Interestingly, an intricate L-shaped coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) comprising a pentamer assembly effectively transduces light through a 90° bend angle. The presented new research direction, which combines mechanical manipulation and nanophotonics, is also expected to open up a plethora of opportunities in nano and microstructure-based research areas including nanoelectronics and nanobiology.}, } @article {pmid34909003, year = {2020}, author = {Höijer, I and Ilonen, T and Löyttyniemi, E and Salokangas, RKR}, title = {Onset Age of Substance Use and Neuropsychological Performance in Hospital Patients.}, journal = {Clinical neuropsychiatry}, volume = {17}, number = {5}, pages = {271-280}, pmid = {34909003}, issn = {2385-0787}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Several studies have found neurocognitive deficits in adolescents following substance abuse. Predisposing risk factors may further impact vulnerability to neurocognitive deficits. Little is known about the cognitive performance of adult onset substance users compared to earlier onset users. This study aims to explore differences in neuropsychological functioning between early (EOAs) and late onset substance abusers (LOAs) when the effects of confounding factors are controlled.

METHOD: Data for this cross-sectional study was collected from hospital patients. A total of 164 patients with substance use disorder (SUD) aged 19 to 65, 76 with single-drug diagnosis and 88 with multidrug diagnosis, underwent neuropsychological tests for verbal capacity, attention, speed of processing, perceptual reasoning, memory and learning, executive functioning, and inhibitory capacity. Associations between regular onset age and neuropsychological measures were analysed using in multi-way ANCOVA, and the effect of age, multiple substance abuse, education level and learning difficulties were controlled.

RESULTS: Compared with LOAs, EOAs had weaker performance in the Digit Symbol test for mono-substance users. Meanwhile, compared with EOAs, LOAs had weaker performance in the Delayed Visual Memory test and the Raven test for mono-substance users, and the Block Design test for poly-substance users. From the confounding factors, early onset age of substance use is heightened among individuals with learning disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS: Onset age of substance use is related to the deterioration of performance in neuropsychological tests. Premorbid poor learning and inhibitory capacity may be important predisposing risk factors of SUD. Conversely, high level of education may be a protective factor for cognitive performance in patients with SUD.}, } @article {pmid34616929, year = {2021}, author = {Yang, C and Huang, J and Liang, W and Møller, AP}, title = {Absence of anti-parasitic defenses in an Asian population of the magpie, a regular host of the great spotted cuckoo in Europe.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {67}, number = {3}, pages = {345-347}, pmid = {34616929}, issn = {1674-5507}, } @article {pmid39026409, year = {2020}, author = {Barath, H}, title = {Flocking Phase Change: New work shows how jackdaw flocks (sometimes) transition from chaos to order.}, journal = {Scientific American}, volume = {322}, number = {2}, pages = {21}, doi = {10.1038/scientificamerican0220-21}, pmid = {39026409}, issn = {0036-8733}, } @article {pmid36819761, year = {2019}, author = {McCrary, LL}, title = {To Be Young, Black, and Powerless: Disenfranchisement in the New Jim Crow Era.}, journal = {Journal of healthcare, science and the humanities}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {32-37}, pmid = {36819761}, issn = {2159-8819}, abstract = {This article examines the challenges of being young and black in America. In the United States, African Americans have historically suffered from systemic discrimination. Such discrimination deprived them of fundamental rights such as the right to vote. Although African Americans are no longer denied the right to vote based solely on race, the future of the black vote remains threatened by the criminalization of African American youth. African American youths are increasing alienated from systems that are supposed to help them. They are excessively disciplined in schools and disproportionately incarcerated, resulting in the New Jim Crow. This article recounts some of the reasons why and what can be done to address these problems.}, } @article {pmid34949081, year = {1987}, author = {Miller, JS}, title = {HOST-PLANT RELATIONSHIPS IN THE PAPILIONIDAE (LEPIDOPTERA): PARALLEL CLADOGENESIS OR COLONIZATION?.}, journal = {Cladistics : the international journal of the Willi Hennig Society}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {105-120}, doi = {10.1111/j.1096-0031.1987.tb00501.x}, pmid = {34949081}, issn = {1096-0031}, abstract = {Abstract- Stepwise coevolution, as defined by Ehrlich and Raven (1964) and others, can be equated with parallel cladogenesis or association by descent (Mitter and Brooks, 1983). I review the insect/plant literature and discuss recent cladistic findings for the Papilionidae, and compare two contrasting theories: 1) that insect/host associations have evolved through parallel cladogenesis; or 2) that insects have 'colonized' their hosts subsequent to plant cladogenesis. I conclude that no documented examples of parallel cladogenesis between insects and plants are known. The swallowtail cladograms instead offer evidence in support of the second theory. They suggest that host association patterns in the Papilionidae have resulted from repeated colonization of plants belonging to a relatively small number of families. I discuss data which indicate that plant secondary chemicals have been important 'barriers' to colonization (sensu Ehrlich and Raven, 1964), and have in large part mediated host switching in the Papilionidae.}, } @article {pmid35829363, year = {1888}, author = {}, title = {Our New York Letter: Neurasthenia-Distinguished Medical Visitors-Counter-Prescribing-Jay Gould's Physician.}, journal = {Atlanta medical and surgical journal (1884)}, volume = {5}, number = {10}, pages = {626-628}, pmid = {35829363}, } @article {pmid36491500, year = {1884}, author = {}, title = {Eating Crow: The Origin of the Phrase That Is Just Now of Such Interest.}, journal = {Hall's journal of health}, volume = {31}, number = {6}, pages = {111-112}, pmid = {36491500}, } @article {pmid34455631, year = {2022}, author = {Endo, Y and Yoshida, H and Akazawa, Y and Yamazaki, K and Ota, Y and Sayo, T and Takahashi, Y}, title = {Antiwrinkle efficacy of 1-ethyl-β-N-acetylglucosaminide, an inducer of epidermal hyaluronan production.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {58-65}, pmid = {34455631}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Epidermis ; Female ; Humans ; *Hyaluronic Acid ; Keratinocytes ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan (HA) has a unique hydration capacity that contributes to firmness and bounciness of the skin. Epidermal HA declines with skin aging, which may lead to clinical signs of aging including skin wrinkles and loss of hydration and elasticity. Recently, we developed a new cosmetic agent 1-ethyl-β-N-acetylglucosaminide (β-NAG2), which enhances HA production in cultured human keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to explore antiaging potential of β-NAG2 in reconstructed human epidermal models and human clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The amount of HA in β-NAG2-treated epidermal models by topical application was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-like assay. A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study was conducted in Japanese females (n = 33) by topically treating each side of the face with a lotion formulated with β-NAG2 or placebo for 8 weeks.

RESULTS: Topically applied β-NAG2 dose dependently increased HA production in epidermal models. Treatment with β-NAG2-formulated lotion significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity and reduced skin wrinkling in crow's foot areas when compared to the placebo formulation.

CONCLUSION: Topically applied β-NAG2 promoted epidermal HA production in vitro and showed antiwrinkle activity in vivo accompanying the improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. Our study provides a novel strategy for antiwrinkle care through β-NAG2-induced epidermal HA production.}, } @article {pmid34451412, year = {2021}, author = {Stokes, HS and Berg, ML and Bennett, ATD}, title = {A Review of Chlamydial Infections in Wild Birds.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {34451412}, issn = {2076-0817}, support = {N/A//School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University/ ; LP140100691 and DP180103494//Australian Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {The Chlamydia are a globally distributed genus of bacteria that can infect and cause disease in a range of hosts. Birds are the primary host for multiple chlamydial species. The most well-known of these is Chlamydia psittaci, a zoonotic bacterium that has been identified in a range of wild and domesticated birds. Wild birds are often proposed as a reservoir of Chlamydia psittaci and potentially other chlamydial species. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of chlamydial infections in wild avian populations. We focus on C. psittaci but also consider other Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia-related bacteria that have been identified in wild birds. We summarise the diversity, host range, and clinical signs of infection in wild birds and consider the potential implications of these infections for zoonotic transmission and avian conservation. Chlamydial bacteria have been found in more than 70 species of wild birds, with the greatest chlamydial diversity identified in Europe. The Corvidae and Accipitridae families are emerging as significant chlamydial hosts, in addition to established wild hosts such as the Columbidae. Clarifying the effects of these bacteria on avian host fitness and the zoonotic potential of emerging Chlamydiales will help us to understand the implications of these infections for avian and human health.}, } @article {pmid34440479, year = {2021}, author = {Kljakovic Gaspic, T and Pavicic Ivelja, M and Kumric, M and Matetic, A and Delic, N and Vrkic, I and Bozic, J}, title = {In-Hospital Mortality of COVID-19 Patients Treated with High-Flow Nasal Oxygen: Evaluation of Biomarkers and Development of the Novel Risk Score Model CROW-65.}, journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {34440479}, issn = {2075-1729}, abstract = {To replace mechanical ventilation (MV), which represents the cornerstone therapy in severe COVID-19 cases, high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy has recently emerged as a less-invasive therapeutic possibility for those patients. Respecting the risk of MV delay as a result of HFNO use, we aimed to evaluate which parameters could determine the risk of in-hospital mortality in HFNO-treated COVID-19 patients. This single-center cohort study included 102 COVID-19-positive patients treated with HFNO. Standard therapeutic methods and up-to-date protocols were used. Patients who underwent a fatal event (41.2%) were significantly older, mostly male patients, and had higher comorbidity burdens measured by CCI. In a univariate analysis, older age, shorter HFNO duration, ventilator initiation, higher CCI and lower ROX index all emerged as significant predictors of adverse events (p < 0.05). Variables were dichotomized and included in the multivariate analysis to define their relative weights in the computed risk score model. Based on this, a risk score model for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients treated with HFNO consisting of four variables was defined: CCI > 4, ROX index ≤ 4.11, LDH-to-WBC ratio, age > 65 years (CROW-65). The main purpose of CROW-65 is to address whether HFNO should be initiated in the subgroup of patients with a high risk of in-hospital mortality.}, } @article {pmid34432054, year = {2022}, author = {Johnsson, RD and Connelly, F and Vyssotski, AL and Roth, TC and Lesku, JA}, title = {Homeostatic regulation of NREM sleep, but not REM sleep, in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Sleep}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/sleep/zsab218}, pmid = {34432054}, issn = {1550-9109}, mesh = {Australia ; *Electroencephalography ; Homeostasis/physiology ; Humans ; Sleep/physiology ; Sleep Deprivation ; Sleep Stages/physiology ; *Sleep, REM/physiology ; }, abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVES: We explore non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep homeostasis in Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen tyrannica). We predicted that magpies would recover lost sleep by spending more time in NREM and REM sleep, and by engaging in more intense NREM sleep as indicated by increased slow-wave activity (SWA).

METHODS: Continuous 72-h recordings of EEG, EMG, and tri-axial accelerometry, along with EEG spectral analyses, were performed on wild-caught Australian magpies housed in indoor aviaries. Australian magpies were subjected to two protocols of night-time sleep deprivation: full 12-h night (n = 8) and first 6-h half of the night (n = 5), which were preceded by a 36-h baseline recording and followed by a 24-h recovery period.

RESULTS: Australian magpies recovered from lost NREM sleep by sleeping more, with increased NREM sleep consolidation, and increased SWA during recovery sleep. Following 12-h of night-time sleep loss, magpies also showed reduced SWA the following night after napping more during the recovery day. Surprisingly, the magpies did not recover any lost REM sleep.

CONCLUSIONS: Only NREM sleep is homeostatically regulated in Australian magpies with the level of SWA reflecting prior sleep/wake history. The significance of emerging patterns on the apparent absence of REM sleep homeostasis, now observed in multiple species, remains unclear.}, } @article {pmid34431914, year = {2021}, author = {Khan, RA and Ullah, Z and Zaman, IU and Khan, MS and Mahmood, S and Akhtar, N and Khan, MF and Yasmin, S and Saqlain, M and Rehman, AU and Aksar, N and Khan, SN and Hussain, SS}, title = {Population distribution and habitat analysis of Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) in Abbottabad, Pakistan.}, journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia}, volume = {83}, number = {}, pages = {e247018}, doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.247018}, pmid = {34431914}, issn = {1678-4375}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Pakistan ; Population Density ; }, abstract = {The Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) belongs to family corvidae, order Passeriformes which includes about 100 species. The current study was conducted to gather information about the Population distribution and habitat analysis of D. vagabunda at District Abbottabad, Pakistan. The data were collected on monthly basis both morning and evening times (2018-2019). "The ''Point count Method" was used for population estimation and ''Quadrates Method" for habitat analysis of study area. The result shows an average month-wise population density of D. vagabunda was maximum at Jhangra 0.14±0.039/ha, whereas minimum at Havelian 0.11±0.022/ha. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among monthly population densities of D. vagabunda, however, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found between morning and evening times population of the specie. The present study revealed that importance value index (IVI) of plants species at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 59.6±12.6, 50.1±6.9, 53.4±6.3, 66.8±10 and 60.1±7.7. Likewise, the frequency of shrubs at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 33.3±4.2, 45±9.4, 46.7±8.2, 55.6±22.2 and 37.5±8.5. Similarly, the frequency of herbs at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 40.4±6.0, 37.5±5.6, 53.3±7.4, 48.5±5.2 and 46.9±7.4 respectively. Our results show the study area as suitable habitat for D. vagabunda.}, } @article {pmid34427802, year = {2022}, author = {Veselý, P and Syrová, M and Voháňková, M and Havlíček, J and Nácarová, J and Fuchs, R}, title = {Cowards or clever guys: an alternative nest defence strategy employed by shrikes against magpies.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {307-317}, pmid = {34427802}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {048/2019/P//Jihočeská Univerzita v Českých Budějovicích/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Passeriformes/physiology ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {Red-backed shrikes (Lanius collurio) show a substantial variability in their nest defence behaviour, which usually follows the rules of optimal parental behaviour, vigorously attacking egg and chick predators and only passively guarding against harmless animals. Nevertheless, shrikes hesitate to attack the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), which specializes in plundering passerine nests. Our previous studies have suggested that this behaviour may be the result of an alternative defence strategy, relying on nest crypsis. To test this hypothesis, at the shrike nests, we presented a magpie dummy associated with playbacks drawing the predators' attention to the presence of the nest. We predicted that the presentation of a magpie dummy associated with shrike alarm calls moves the parents to action, causing them to chase the magpie away from the nest. We showed that the presence of a magpie dummy associated with shrike alarm calls elicits a significantly more active response in shrike parents compared to a magpie dummy associated with neutral song. Parents actively moved around the dummy and produced alarm calls; nevertheless, most of the tested pairs hesitated to attack the dummy. We may conclude that the low nest defence activity of shrike parents towards magpie dummy was partly the result of an alternative strategy, which may be cancelled out by alerting the predator to the location of the nest; nevertheless, shrikes seem to be afraid of the magpie and hesitate to attack it physically.}, } @article {pmid34419195, year = {2021}, author = {Lane, R}, title = {Ollie Jay: managing heat, improving health.}, journal = {Lancet (London, England)}, volume = {398}, number = {10301}, pages = {655}, doi = {10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01799-2}, pmid = {34419195}, issn = {1474-547X}, mesh = {*Hot Temperature ; Humans ; }, } @article {pmid34416712, year = {2021}, author = {Tempero, M}, title = {Something to Crow About!.}, journal = {Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN}, volume = {19}, number = {8}, pages = {881-882}, doi = {10.6004/jnccn.2021.0039}, pmid = {34416712}, issn = {1540-1413}, } @article {pmid34413575, year = {2022}, author = {Das, S and Sahu, TP and Janghel, RR and Sahu, BK}, title = {Effective forecasting of stock market price by using extreme learning machine optimized by PSO-based group oriented crow search algorithm.}, journal = {Neural computing & applications}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {555-591}, pmid = {34413575}, issn = {0941-0643}, abstract = {Stock index price forecasting is the influential indicator for investors and financial investigators by which decision making capability to achieve maximum benefit with minimum risk can be improved. So, a robust engine with capability to administer useful information is desired to achieve the success. The forecasting effectiveness of stock market is improved in this paper by integrating a modified crow search algorithm (CSA) and extreme learning machine (ELM). The effectiveness of proposed modified CSA entitled as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based Group oriented CSA (PGCSA) to outperform other existing algorithms is observed by solving 12 benchmark problems. PGCSA algorithm is used to achieve relevant weights and biases of ELM to improve the effectiveness of conventional ELM. The impact of hybrid PGCSA ELM model to predict next day closing price of seven different stock indices is observed by using performance measures, technical indicators and hypothesis test (paired t-test). The seven stock indices are considered by incorporating data during COVID-19 outbreak. This model is tested by comparing with existing techniques proposed in published works. The simulation results provide that PGCSA ELM model can be considered as a suitable tool to predict next day closing price.}, } @article {pmid34388763, year = {2021}, author = {Cheng, Z and Zhang, J and Dong, J and Ding, Y}, title = {Compact high-contrast silicon optical filter using all-passive and CROW Fano nanobeam resonators.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {46}, number = {16}, pages = {3873-3876}, doi = {10.1364/OL.433850}, pmid = {34388763}, issn = {1539-4794}, abstract = {We propose and experimentally demonstrate a high-order coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) nanobeam filter with semi-symmetrical Fano resonance enhancement. Thanks to the tight arrangement of multiple nanobeams and assistance of the partial transmission element, the designed filter has a high-contrast transmission and low insertion loss. Finally, the fabricated filter has a compact size of 20µm×10µm, a high extinction ratio as much as 70 dB, and an insertion loss as low as 1 dB. This filter shows a passive structure without thermal control configuration for calibration on each resonator. This compact filter can be a basic building block for various applications requiring high extinction ratio filtering, such as single-photon source filtering of integrated photon chips.}, } @article {pmid34379642, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, H and Parris, JJ}, title = {Popular media as a double-edged sword: An entertainment narrative analysis of the controversial Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {8}, pages = {e0255610}, pmid = {34379642}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Bullying ; *Communication ; Drama ; Humans ; Motion Pictures/*statistics & numerical data ; Social Media/*statistics & numerical data ; Suicide/*psychology ; Television/*standards/trends ; *Suicide Prevention ; }, abstract = {13 Reasons Why is a Netflix original series adapted from Jay Asher's 2007 young adult novel with the same title. Season 1 premiered on March 31, 2017 and featured the sensitive issue of teen suicide along with bullying, substance use, depression, and sexual assault. Unlike the typical teen dramas on popular streaming platforms, this show was created not only for entertainment, but also to stimulate conversations about taboo topics that people often shy away from. However, it also caused significant controversy, especially criticism around the main character Hannah's suicide scene. More than three years into the initial controversy and at least two dozen scholarly publications later, this study is the first to examine the entertainment narrative content of 13 Reasons Why Season 1 to better understand how these health and social issues were portrayed in the show, what specific examples we could identify as potential behavioral modeling, and to what degree it complied with the 2017 WHO guidelines for media professionals. We used the framing theory and social cognitive theory in communication research and media studies as our guiding conceptual frameworks and a narrative analysis approach to investigate a total of 660 cut scenes in all 13 episodes. Our findings provided empirical evidence, along with contextual information and detailed examples, to demonstrate that a popular entertainment program like the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why serves as a double-edged sword. The production team's good will and due diligence are commendable. Yet, additional steps can be taken in the future to effectively promote professional resources and reduce viewers' risks, especially the most vulnerable groups.}, } @article {pmid34377816, year = {2021}, author = {He, A and Guo, J and Peng, H and Huang, Z and Liu, J and Xu, X}, title = {The complete mitochondrial genome of Atypus karschi (Araneae, Atypidae) with phylogenetic consideration.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {6}, number = {9}, pages = {2523-2525}, pmid = {34377816}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Atypus karschi has a circular genome of 14,149 bp, comprised of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a control region. The nucleotide composition is 35.82% of T, 35.13% of A, 17.19% of G, and 9.16% of C. Most genes are encoded on the heavy strand except seven tRNA genes (Leu, Phe, His, Pro, Leu, Ile, Gln), four protein-coding genes (nad5, nad4, nad4l, nad1), and 16S-rRNA on the light strand. Most protein-coding genes start with TTG, ATT or ATA initiation codon except cox1, cox1's start codon cannot be determined, and three types of inferred termination codons are TAA, TAG, and an incomplete stop codon. There are four intergenic spacers and 25 gene overlaps. The phylogenetic analysis shows that A. karschi has closer genetic relationship with Cyriopagopus schmidti (von Wirth, 1991) and Phyxioschema suthepium (Raven & Schwendinger, 1898) with high bootstrap support.}, } @article {pmid34374698, year = {2021}, author = {Vishwanath, and Hemal, A and Nimesh, M and Singh, M and Agarwal, S}, title = {Neurocognitive Lag in School-Aged Children Living With HIV in India and Its Relevance.}, journal = {Cureus}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {e16110}, pmid = {34374698}, issn = {2168-8184}, abstract = {Objective Objective assessment of neurocognitive lags in pediatric HIV patients and its correlation with various clinical, social and familial factors. Methods Ninety-eight school-aged children living with HIV (CLHIV) (age 7-18 years) attending regional pediatric HIV clinic were observed for neurocognitive lag using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices by the same trained instructor. Sociodemographic data, mode of transmission, clinical staging, CD4 count, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) duration were recorded and analyzed in the well-performing group and under-performing group. Results 29.6% of children had definitive neurocognitive lag. The proportion of older children (11-18 years) in the under-performing group was significantly high (P = 0.007). The mean CD4 counts were low in the under-performing group (P = 0.001). Other socioeconomic factors could not be specifically correlated with neurocognitive lag in either of the groups. Conclusion CLHIV has a significant neurocognitive lag, which is accentuated in the upper age group. Findings point toward declining intellectual gains with increasing age in CLHIV.}, } @article {pmid34372622, year = {2021}, author = {Escribano-Romero, E and Jiménez de Oya, N and Camacho, MC and Blázquez, AB and Martín-Acebes, MA and Risalde, MA and Muriel, L and Saiz, JC and Höfle, U}, title = {Previous Usutu Virus Exposure Partially Protects Magpies (Pica pica) against West Nile Virus Disease But Does Not Prevent Horizontal Transmission.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {34372622}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/virology ; Cross Protection/*immunology ; Disease Transmission, Infectious/*veterinary ; Flavivirus/*immunology ; Flavivirus Infections/immunology/*veterinary ; Passeriformes/*virology ; Spain ; West Nile Fever/prevention & control/*transmission/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*immunology ; }, abstract = {The mosquito-borne flaviviruses USUV and WNV are known to co-circulate in large parts of Europe. Both are a public health concern, and USUV has been the cause of epizootics in both wild and domestic birds, and neurological cases in humans in Europe. Here, we explore the susceptibility of magpies to experimental USUV infection, and how previous exposure to USUV would affect infection with WNV. None of the magpies exposed to USUV showed clinical signs, viremia, or detectable neutralizing antibodies. After challenge with a neurovirulent WNV strain, neither viremia, viral titer of WNV in vascular feathers, nor neutralizing antibody titers of previously USUV-exposed magpies differed significantly with respect to magpies that had not previously been exposed to USUV. However, 75% (6/8) of the USUV-exposed birds survived, while only 22.2% (2/9) of those not previously exposed to USUV survived. WNV antigen labeling by immunohistochemistry in tissues was less evident and more restricted in magpies exposed to USUV prior to challenge with WNV. Our data indicate that previous exposure to USUV partially protects magpies against a lethal challenge with WNV, while it does not prevent viremia and direct transmission, although the mechanism is unclear. These results are relevant for flavivirus ecology and contention.}, } @article {pmid34358575, year = {2021}, author = {Tobari, Y and Masuzawa, A and Harada, N and Suzuki, K and Meddle, SL}, title = {Noradrenergic alpha-2A receptor activation suppresses courtship vocalization in male Japanese quail.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {414}, number = {}, pages = {113513}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113513}, pmid = {34358575}, issn = {1872-7549}, support = {BB/P013759/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/M027805/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; Animals ; Clonidine/pharmacology ; Coturnix ; *Courtship ; Male ; Mesencephalon/drug effects/*metabolism ; Norepinephrine/*physiology ; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2/*physiology ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects/*physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/drug effects/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Male Japanese quail produce high-frequency crow vocalizations to attract females during the breeding season. The nucleus of intercollicularis (ICo) is the midbrain vocal center in birds and electrical stimulation of the ICo produces calls that include crowing. Noradrenaline plays a significant role in sexual behavior but the contribution of noradrenaline in the control of courtship vocalizations in quail has not been well established. Using dose-dependent intracerebroventricular injection of clonidine, an α2-adrenergic receptor-specific agonist, crowing vocalization was immediately suppressed. At the same time as crow suppression by clonidine there was a reduction of immediate early gene, zenk mRNA, in the ICo; no zenk mRNA expression was detected in the dorsomedial division of the nucleus. Using histochemistry, we determined that the ICo receives noradrenergic innervation and expresses α2A-adrenergic receptor mRNA. Taken together, these data suggest that noradrenaline regulates courtship vocalization in quail, possibly via the α2A-adrenergic receptor expressed on ICo neurons.}, } @article {pmid34341940, year = {2021}, author = {Chang, TY and Gauthier, I}, title = {Domain-specific and domain-general contributions to reading musical notation.}, journal = {Attention, perception & psychophysics}, volume = {83}, number = {7}, pages = {2983-2994}, pmid = {34341940}, issn = {1943-393X}, mesh = {Cognition ; Humans ; *Music ; Reading ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Musical practice may benefit not only domain-specific abilities, such as pitch discrimination and music performance, but also domain-general abilities, like executive functioning and memory. Behavioral and neural changes in visual processing have been associated with music-reading experience. However, it is still unclear whether there is a domain-specific visual ability to process musical notation. This study investigates the specificity of the visual skills relevant to simple decisions about musical notation. Ninety-six participants varying in music-reading experience answered a short survey to quantify experience with musical notation and completed a test battery that assessed musical notation reading fluency and accuracy at the level of individual note or note sequence. To characterize how this ability may relate to domain-general abilities, we also estimated general intelligence (as measured with the Raven's Progressive Matrices) and general object-recognition ability (as measure by a recently proposed construct o). We obtained reliable measurements on our various tasks and found evidence for a domain-specific ability of the perception of musical notation. This music-reading ability and domain-general abilities were found to contribute to performance on specific tasks differently, depending on the level of experience reading music.}, } @article {pmid34341857, year = {2022}, author = {Borba, A and Matayoshi, S and Rodrigues, M}, title = {Avoiding Complications on the Upper Face Treatment With Botulinum Toxin: A Practical Guide.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {385-394}, pmid = {34341857}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Face ; Forehead ; Humans ; Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Currently, botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections are the most commonly performed non-invasive procedure for rejuvenation on the upper face. The therapeutic use of botulinum toxin has generally been safe and well tolerated. Adverse effects are considered mild, transient, and self-limited. However, as with all other injectable procedures, this one is also susceptible to adverse events and complications. When the safety zones are respected, the chance of any of these complications is practically null. Thus, this review aims to describe the main complications of treatment with BoNT on the upper face and to present a practical guide based on current evidence on how to avoid them.

METHODS: The literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) and reference lists of respective articles.

RESULTS: The main complications secondary to BoNT injections on the upper face are: ptosis of eyelid or eyebrow, eyebrow asymmetry, diplopia, Lakeophthalmos, Palpebral ectropion, and prominence of the palpebral bags. To avoid such complications, it is necessary to have knowledge of the anatomy of this region and adequate and individualized planning based on the existing patterns of the frontalis muscle, glabella, and crow's feet. This review presents the specificities of each of these regions and practical suggestions to obtain satisfactory results, avoiding complications.

CONCLUSION: Particularly on the upper face treatment with BoNT offers predictable results, has few adverse effects, and is associated with high patient satisfaction. However, it is suggested that the commented parameters and safety areas be incorporated into daily practice so that the possibilities of complications are minimized as much as possible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 {pmid34322856, year = {2022}, author = {Schelly, D}, title = {Life in the Time of COVID-19: a Case Study of Community Health.}, journal = {Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {1648-1661}, pmid = {34322856}, issn = {2196-8837}, mesh = {Black or African American ; *COVID-19 ; Hispanic or Latino ; Humans ; Public Health ; White People ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This report uses a present day global pandemic as a case study of health inequities that are best understood by considering the role of time and place.

METHOD: I provide a historical overview of Milwaukee, Wisconsin-one of the most segregated cities in the U.S.-to consider prior health disparities and social conditions. I then focus on COVID-19, tracking the monthly census tract distribution of cases for 6 months, including case and mortality data by race and class.

RESULTS: As expected, Black and Hispanic majority census tracts are the most affected by COVID-19, with some communities experiencing nearly 1 positive case per 10 residents. In previous years, Blacks and Hispanics provided approximately 27% and 3% of the shares of "natural" deaths, respectively; their shares of COVID-19 deaths in the first 6 months of the pandemic were approximately 35% and 13%. On the contrary, the share of natural deaths for whites was approximately 65% in previous years and dropped to 47% for COVID-19 deaths. The average ages of COVID-19 deaths were 72.5 for Blacks, 61.3 for Hispanics, and 79.9 for whites.

CONCLUSION: The disparities in COVID-19 outcomes in Milwaukee cannot be separated from historical forces, including race-based politics that intensified during the Great Migration of African Americans from the Jim Crow South. The paper concludes by returning to the turn of the 19th century with a historical snapshot of Jane Addams, who lived a short distance south, in a time with conspicuous parallels to the COVID-19 crisis.}, } @article {pmid34315102, year = {2021}, author = {Sarker, S and Bowden, TR and Boyle, DB}, title = {Genomic characterisation of a novel avipoxvirus, magpiepox virus 2, from an Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen terraereginae).}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {562}, number = {}, pages = {121-127}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2021.07.010}, pmid = {34315102}, issn = {1096-0341}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Avipoxvirus/classification/*genetics ; DNA, Viral/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Viral/*genetics ; Genomics ; Multigene Family ; Open Reading Frames ; Passeriformes/*virology ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Avipoxviruses are large, double-stranded DNA viruses and are considered significant pathogens that may impact on the conservation of numerous bird species. The vast majority of avipoxviruses in wild birds remain uncharacterised and their genetic variability is unclear. Here, we fully sequenced a novel avipoxvirus, magpiepox virus 2 (MPPV2), which was isolated 62 years ago (in 1956) from an Australian black-backed magpie. The MPPV2 genome was 298,392 bp in length and contained 419 predicted open-reading frames (ORFs). While 43 ORFs were novel, a further 24 ORFs were absent compared with another magpiepox virus (MPPV) characterised in 2018. The MPPV2 genome contained an additional ten genes that were homologs to shearwaterpox virus 2 (SWPV2). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses showed that the novel MPPV2 was most closely related to other avipoxviruses isolated from passerine and shearwater bird species, and demonstrated a high degree of sequence similarity (95.0%) with MPPV.}, } @article {pmid34311037, year = {2022}, author = {Berry, OO}, title = {Editorial: Race-Based Traumatic Stress and Vicarious Racism Within the Parent-Child Dyad: Opportunities for Intervention.}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry}, volume = {61}, number = {3}, pages = {362-363}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaac.2021.07.007}, pmid = {34311037}, issn = {1527-5418}, mesh = {*COVID-19 ; Humans ; Pandemics ; Parent-Child Relations ; *Racism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; United States ; }, abstract = {With every disaster, there are fault lines that deepen our understanding of what has happened and what needs to come. The events over the past 18 months including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the murder of George Floyd and the associated protests throughout the United States brought those fault lines into stark relief by highlighting the history of systemic racism that has fostered marginalization and discrimination against Black Americans. These clouds of systemic racism and discrimination-encompassing 250 years of slavery, 100 years of Jim Crow, police brutality, redlining, and the resulting high rates of poverty and poorer health outcomes-have created systems in which Black Americans face unequal and unequitable stressful situations. The medical community is now beginning to take notice of this race-based traumatic stress, a term coined by Carter in 2007,[1] to describe how social determinants of health impacted by racial discrimination can "get under the skin" through the accumulative effects of ongoing exposure to toxic stress.[2].}, } @article {pmid34306115, year = {2021}, author = {Khosravi, M and Seifi, S and Tazeh, Z}, title = {Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of VIIl sub-genotype of avian orthoavulavirus 1 isolated from Eurasian magpie (Pica pica).}, journal = {Iranian journal of veterinary research}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {155-160}, pmid = {34306115}, issn = {1728-1997}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) has been categorized as a highly contagious viral disease, remaining as a constant threat to both wild birds and commercial chickens.

AIMS: In this study, we recovered and characterized the avian orthoavulavirus 1 (AOaV-1) strain, nominated as EM1, from the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica).

METHODS: The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the fusion protein (F protein) of EM1 were determined and its phylogenetic relationship was investigated with well-characterized AOaV-1 genotypes, which originated from wild bird species and chickens around the world.

RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis and deduced amino acid sequences of the F gene revealed that EM1 virus belonged to VIIl sub-genotype viruses with the characteristic multibasic amino acid sequences associated with the velogenic motif as [112]RRQKRF[117] at the cleavage site of its precursor fusion protein. EM1 shared a high level of similarity to the other virus sub-genotypes in nucleotide and amino acid sequences of F protein. Furthermore, the evolutionary difference between the studied virus and viruses belonging to the VIIl sub-genotype indicated that a close relatedness and the possibility of a common origin.

CONCLUSION: These results show that the virulent AOaV-1 of sub-genotype VIIl is circulating continuously in Iran, and is disseminating among wild and domestic bird species that can cause bidirectional spillover infection. Therefore, further epidemiological studies can be beneficial in the assessment of the evolution of AOaV-1 in its hosts and will help us to be well-equipped in facing the emergence of new sub-genotypes of this virus.}, } @article {pmid34303277, year = {2021}, author = {Spaniol, MM and Magalhães, J and Mevorach, C and Shalev, L and Teixeira, MCTV and Lowenthal, R and de Paula, CS}, title = {Association between attention, nonverbal intelligence and school performance of school-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from a public health context in Brazil.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {116}, number = {}, pages = {104041}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104041}, pmid = {34303277}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Brazil ; Child ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Public Health ; Schools ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviour, interests or activities. Difficulties in a broad spectrum of cognitive skills is often present, including attentional processes and nonverbal intelligence, which might be related to academic difficulties.

AIMS: In this study, the association between attentional skills and nonverbal intelligence to school performance of children with ASD was assessed.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 32 children/adolescents between 8-14 years old, who attended a treatment unit linked to the public health system of São Paulo-Brazil participated in the study. The following instruments were utilized: Cancellation Attention Test; Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices; and School Performance Test.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: After correlation analysis, statistically significant associations were found between attention and nonverbal intelligence with school performance. Regression analysis showed that attention drives school performance irrespective of nonverbal intelligence.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results evidence the link between attention and school performance in ASD, suggesting that attentional mechanisms may be a promising route to follow in the design of interventions for school improvement of children and adolescents with ASD.}, } @article {pmid34302270, year = {2022}, author = {Li, F and Wan, S and Zhang, L and Li, B and He, Y and Shen, H and Liu, L}, title = {A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Iodine Excess on the Intellectual Development of Children in Areas with High Iodine Levels in their Drinking Water.}, journal = {Biological trace element research}, volume = {200}, number = {4}, pages = {1580-1590}, pmid = {34302270}, issn = {1559-0720}, mesh = {Child ; China/epidemiology ; *Drinking Water/analysis ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; *Iodine/analysis ; }, abstract = {The purpose of this meta-analysis is to comprehensively investigate the effect of iodine excess on children's intellectual development in areas with high iodine levels in their drinking water. We systematically searched the electronic databases and identified 17 publications (16 in Chinese and 1 in English) on the effect of iodine excess on children's intelligence published between January 31, 1985, and January 31, 2020. This meta-analysis included 14,794 children from 28 studies. The results showed that compared with the control group, the intelligence level of children in the high iodine group reduced significantly by 1.64 points (WMD=-1.64; 95% CI (-3.225, -0.049), Z=2.02, P<0.05). Subgroup analyses were performed according to the water iodine concentration, water iodine concentration of the control group, the intelligence test method, and regions of China (i.e., north and south). We noted that when the water iodine concentration was <300μg/L, 301-600μg/L, 600.1-900μg/L, and >900μg/L, the intelligence level of the high iodine groups decreased by varying degrees, although not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The water iodine concentration of the control group was divided into two groups (<150 μg/L and <100 μg/L) and the heterogeneity analysis showed that the heterogeneity of the control group decreased significantly when the concentration of water iodine was <150 μg/L, I[2] = 67.3%, P<0.001, which indicated a potential source of heterogeneity. The analyses by test method showed that among the studies which used the China Joint Raven's test, the intelligence level of children in the high iodine group was 0.86 points lower than in the control group (P>0.05). Conversely, we observed that among the studies which used the China Binet intelligence test and the binaphthalene intelligence test of Tanzhida in Japan to evaluate children's intelligence level, the intelligence level of children in the high iodine groups was significantly lower (3.65 points and 8.0 points, respectively) compared with the control groups (P<0.05). The analysis of the regions of China demonstrated that whereas the reduction in children's intelligence level from excess iodine in the north of China was not statistically significant (WMD=-0.16, 95% CI (-2.18, 1.85), P>0.05), the association was statistically significant in the southern part of China (WMD=-1.86, 95% CI (-3.57, -0.09), P<0.05). This study found that high iodine concentration was statistically significantly associated with a decline in intelligence level in children. Comparatively, the intelligence level of children who were exposed to high iodine concentrations reduced significantly by 1.64 points. These findings have public health implications.}, } @article {pmid34300242, year = {2021}, author = {Scarano, A and Inchingolo, F and Amuso, D and Scogna, G and Amore, R and Lorusso, F}, title = {Static Crow's Feet Treated with Voltaic Arc Dermabrasion (Atmospheric Plasma): Post-Operative Pain Assessment by Thermal Infrared Imaging.}, journal = {Journal of clinical medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {34300242}, issn = {2077-0383}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the literature, several strategies have been described for the treatment of unaesthetic marks on the face resulting from the aging processes. The atmospheric plasma procedure is a non-invasive, inexpensive technique proposed for the rejuvenation of facial tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of voltaic arc dermabrasion (VAD) for the treatment of static crow's feet of the periorbital area.

METHODS: The crow's feet of 135 patients (127 female and 8 male) were treated using the VAD technique. The perioperative skin temperature measurement was assessed using an Infrared Temperature sensor. The pain was measured using the Visual Analogic Score (VAS) at 1 week, 1 month and 1 year. The patient's and surgeon's satisfaction were assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) at 1 month and 1 year from the procedure. The severity of the crow's feet was rated using the Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS).

RESULTS: A complete epidermal healing of all the subjects treated was evident at 7 days. The atmospheric plasma technique showed an efficient treatment for the removal of the crow's feet, with a good aesthetic outcome, high surgeon and patient satisfaction, without clinical complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The atmospheric plasma technique can be a useful modality in the cosmetic as well as therapeutic treatment of crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid34292115, year = {2022}, author = {Ellis, RJ and Rönnberg, J}, title = {Temporal fine structure: associations with cognition and speech-in-noise recognition in adults with normal hearing or hearing impairment.}, journal = {International journal of audiology}, volume = {61}, number = {9}, pages = {778-786}, doi = {10.1080/14992027.2021.1948119}, pmid = {34292115}, issn = {1708-8186}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition ; Hearing ; *Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Speech ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between sensitivity to temporal fine structure (TFS) and performance in cognitive and speech-in-noise recognition tests.

DESIGN: A binaural test of TFS sensitivity (the TFS-LF) was used. Measures of cognition included the reading span, Raven's, and text-reception threshold tests. Measures of speech recognition included the Hearing in noise (HINT) and the Hagerman matrix sentence tests in three signal processing conditions.

STUDY SAMPLE: Analyses are based on the performance of 324/317 adults with and without hearing impairment.

RESULTS: Sensitivity to TFS was significantly correlated with both the reading span test and the recognition of speech-in-noise processed using noise reduction, the latter only when limited to participants with hearing impairment. Neither association was significant when the effects of age were partialled out.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings are consistent with previous research in finding no evidence of a link between sensitivity to TFS and working memory once the effects of age had been partialled out. The results provide some evidence of an influence of signal processing strategy on the association between TFS sensitivity and speech-in-noise recognition. However, further research is necessary to assess the generalisability of the findings before any claims can be made regarding any clinical implications of these findings.}, } @article {pmid34287804, year = {2022}, author = {Roberts, WA}, title = {An operant analog of food caching in the pigeon (Columba livia).}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, pages = {82-88}, pmid = {34287804}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Reinforcement Schedule ; *Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Although pigeons do not naturally cache and recover food items as found in members of the corvid and parid families, an operant analog of food caching and recovery in pigeons was studied in four experiments. Pigeons were trained to peck a caching key that added a fixed increment of time to the final duration of reinforcement obtained by pecking a payoff key. The same key served as the caching and payoff keys in Experiment 1, but separate caching and payoff keys were used in Experiments 2-4. In Experiments 2-3, each peck on a left red caching key added 0.5 s of reinforcement earned by pecking a right white payoff key. In Experiment 4, red or green caching keys appeared on different trials, with 0.5 s of reinforcement earned for pecking the red key and 1.0 s of reinforcement earned for pecking the green key. Pigeons showed an increased number of pecks on the caching key over ten sessions in Experiments 1-3 and more pecks on the green caching key than on the red caching key in Experiment 4.}, } @article {pmid34268296, year = {2021}, author = {Meilak, EA and Gostling, NJ and Palmer, C and Heller, MO}, title = {On the 3D Nature of the Magpie (Aves: Pica pica) Functional Hindlimb Anatomy During the Take-Off Jump.}, journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {676894}, pmid = {34268296}, issn = {2296-4185}, abstract = {Take-off is a critical phase of flight, and many birds jump to take to the air. Although the actuation of the hindlimb in terrestrial birds is not limited to the sagittal plane, and considerable non-sagittal plane motion has been observed during take-off jumps, how the spatial arrangement of hindlimb muscles in flying birds facilitates such jumps has received little attention. This study aims to ascertain the 3D hip muscle function in the magpie (Pica pica), a bird known to jump to take-off. A musculoskeletal model of the magpie hindlimb was developed using μCT scans (isotropic resolution of 18.2 μm) to derive bone surfaces, while the 3D muscle path definition was further informed by the literature. Function was robustly characterized by determining the 3D moment-generating capacity of 14 hip muscles over the functional joint range of motion during a take-off leap considering variations across the attachment areas and uncertainty in dynamic muscle geometry. Ratios of peak flexion-extension (FE) to internal-external rotation (IER) and abduction-adduction (ABD) moment-generating capacity were indicators of muscle function. Analyses of 972 variations of the 3D muscle paths showed that 11 of 14 muscles can act as either flexor or extensor, while all 14 muscles demonstrated the capacity to act as internal or external rotators of the hip with the mean ratios of peak FE to IER and ABD moment-generating capacity were 0.89 and 0.31, respectively. Moment-generating capacity in IER approaching levels in the FE moment-generating capacity determined here underline that the avian hip muscle function is not limited to the sagittal plane. Together with previous findings on the 3D nature of hindlimb kinematics, our results suggest that musculoskeletal models to develop a more detailed understanding of how birds orchestrate the use of muscles during a take-off jump cannot be restricted to the sagittal plane.}, } @article {pmid34263015, year = {2021}, author = {Honja Kabero, T and Bosha, T and Feleke, FW and Haile Weldegebreal, D and Stoecker, B}, title = {Nutritional Status and Its Association with Cognitive Function among School Aged Children at Soddo Town and Soddo Zuriya District, Southern Ethiopia: Institution Based Comparative Study.}, journal = {Global pediatric health}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {2333794X211028198}, pmid = {34263015}, issn = {2333-794X}, abstract = {About 1 billion stunted school-aged children are growing up with impaired mental development which can lead to low cognitive performance, reduced school achievement, and low productivity. But there is scarce evidence on cognitive function, school performance and their associated factors among school aged children. The main aim of this study was to assess cognitive function, school performance and determine their association with nutritional status among school children aged 7 to 10 years at Soddo Town and Soddo Zuriya Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Institutional comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 178 primary school children. The Raven's Color Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and selected tests from Kaufman assessment battery for children second edition were used. Mid-year average students' examination result was also used. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25, WHO Anthro plus, and independent sample t-test. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were also used. Mean (±SD) cognitive test scores of urban study participants was 18.7 ± 3.4 for RCPM which was higher (P < .001) as compared to rural (16.5 ± 3.3). The urban mean cognitive test scores was also higher for both pattern reasoning and visual processing with (P < .001) as compared to rural counterparts. School performance was higher (P < .001) for urban. Maternal education (P < .002) and wealth index (P < .006) were positively predicted while stunting (P < .001) negatively predicted cognitive function test scores and school performance. Cognitive function and school performance of study participants were associated with their nutritional status and rural participants had significantly lower mean scores as compared to urban counterparts. Further study should be done to community level.}, } @article {pmid34260789, year = {2022}, author = {Sen, K and Berglund, T and Patel, N and Chhabra, N and Ricci, DM and Dutta, S and Mukhopadhyay, AK}, title = {Genotypic analyses and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Campylobacter jejuni from crows (Corvidae) of United States and India reflect their respective local antibiotic burdens.}, journal = {Journal of applied microbiology}, volume = {132}, number = {1}, pages = {696-706}, doi = {10.1111/jam.15220}, pmid = {34260789}, issn = {1365-2672}, support = {//Fulbright Global Fellowship to Keya Sen/ ; //King County WaterWorks Program, Washington/ ; //University of Washington Bothell Facilities Services , Washington/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Campylobacter ; *Campylobacter Infections/veterinary ; *Campylobacter coli ; *Campylobacter jejuni/genetics ; *Crows ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; Humans ; India ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; United States ; }, abstract = {AIM: The study examined the hypothesis that crow-borne Campylobacter can function as environmental reservoirs and indicators of antibiotic resistance (AR) determinants circulating in a human population.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Two species of crows from Washington (WA), United States, and Kolkata, India, respectively, were examined for their ability to carry antibiotic resistant Campylobacter. Campylobacter jejuni was the only species isolated by selective agar plating from crow faecal samples. Disk diffusion method used to compare the AR profile of the isolates showed tetracycline (TET) resistance to be the most prevalent (27%) among WA isolates, followed by ciprofloxacin (CIP; 24%). Among Kolkata isolates, nalidixic acid resistance was most common (36%), followed by CIP (27%). The AR profile demonstrated by crow isolates of WA reflects those reported by the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System for human isolates (2007-2011), where resistance to TET was most prevalent (≈45%), followed by quinolones (≈24%). The Kolkata crow isolates reflected the AR profile of human clinical isolates from India, where 97% resistance was shown to quinolones, followed by TET (18%). Multilocus sequence typing of 37 isolates, including 11 water isolates from the crow roost area, showed 24 different sequence types (STs). Seventeen of these were previously found in wild birds, 2 in human diarrhoea, 4 in poultry and 8 in environmental water. One isolate was found in both water and faeces, though from different sites within WA.

CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that crows most likely acquire the AR from anthropogenic sources. Although they are colonized by specific STs, rarely isolated from humans, they can facilitate the spread of AR.

By studying two areas in different continents, this research demonstrates that Campylobacter borne by crows can function as environmental reservoirs and indicators of AR determinants that circulate in a human population. This information will be of importance to scientists from the medical and poultry industries.}, } @article {pmid34256579, year = {2021}, author = {Breen, AJ}, title = {Animal culture research should include avian nest construction.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {17}, number = {7}, pages = {20210327}, pmid = {34256579}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Finches ; *Nesting Behavior ; }, abstract = {Material culture-that is, group-shared and socially learned object-related behaviour(s)-is a widespread and diverse phenomenon in humans. For decades, researchers have sought to confirm the existence of material culture in non-human animals; however, the main study systems of interest-namely, tool making and/or using non-human primates and corvids-cannot provide such confirmatory evidence: because long-standing ethical and logistical constraints handicap the collection of necessary experimental data. Synthesizing evidence across decades and disciplines, here, I present a novel framework for (mechanistic, developmental, behavioural, and comparative) study on animal material culture: avian nest construction.}, } @article {pmid34253607, year = {2021}, author = {Steele, MP and Neaves, LE and Klump, BC and St Clair, JJH and Fernandes, JRSM and Hequet, V and Shaw, P and Hollingsworth, PM and Rutz, C}, title = {DNA barcoding identifies cryptic animal tool materials.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {118}, number = {29}, pages = {}, pmid = {34253607}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; RPG-2015-273/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; DNA, Plant/genetics ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Plant Structures/anatomy & histology/classification/genetics ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Some animals fashion tools or constructions out of plant materials to aid foraging, reproduction, self-maintenance, or protection. Their choice of raw materials can affect the structure and properties of the resulting artifacts, with considerable fitness consequences. Documenting animals' material preferences is challenging, however, as manufacture behavior is often difficult to observe directly, and materials may be processed so heavily that they lack identifying features. Here, we use DNA barcoding to identify, from just a few recovered tool specimens, the plant species New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) use for crafting elaborate hooked stick tools in one of our long-term study populations. The method succeeded where extensive fieldwork using an array of conventional approaches-including targeted observations, camera traps, radio-tracking, bird-mounted video cameras, and behavioral experiments with wild and temporarily captive subjects-had failed. We believe that DNA barcoding will prove useful for investigating many other tool and construction behaviors, helping to unlock significant research potential across a wide range of study systems.}, } @article {pmid34243677, year = {2022}, author = {Jalaludin, B and Garden, FL and Chrzanowska, A and Haryanto, B and Cowie, CT and Lestari, F and Morgan, G and Mazumdar, S and Metcalf, K and Marks, GB}, title = {Associations Between Ambient Particulate Air Pollution and Cognitive Function in Indonesian Children Living in Forest Fire-Prone Provinces.}, journal = {Asia-Pacific journal of public health}, volume = {34}, number = {1}, pages = {96-105}, doi = {10.1177/10105395211031735}, pmid = {34243677}, issn = {1941-2479}, mesh = {*Air Pollutants/toxicity ; *Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data ; Child ; Cognition ; Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data ; *Fires ; Humans ; Indonesia/epidemiology ; Particulate Matter/analysis/toxicity ; *Wildfires ; }, abstract = {Smoke from forest fires can reach hazardous levels for extended periods of time. We aimed to determine if there is an association between particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and living in a forest fire-prone province and cognitive function. We used data from the Indonesian Family and Life Survey. Cognitive function was assessed by the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM). We used regression models to estimate associations between PM2.5 and living in a forest fire-prone province and cognitive function. In multivariable models, we found very small positive relationships between PM2.5 levels and RCPM scores (PM2.5 level at year of survey: β = 0.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.01, 0.19%]). There were no differences in RCPM scores for children living in forest fire-prone provinces compared with children living in non-forest fire-prone provinces (mean difference = -1.16%, 95% CI [-2.53, 0.21]). RCPM scores were lower for children who had lived in a forest fire-prone province all their lives compared with children who lived in a non-forest fire-prone province all their life (β = -1.50%; 95% CI [-2.94, -0.07]). Living in a forest fire-prone province for a prolonged period of time negatively affected cognitive scores after adjusting for individual factors.}, } @article {pmid34242287, year = {2021}, author = {Nahid, MI and Fossøy, F and Stokke, BG and Abernathy, V and Begum, S and Langmore, NE and Røskaft, E and Ranke, PS}, title = {No evidence of host-specific egg mimicry in Asian koels.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {7}, pages = {e0253985}, pmid = {34242287}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Color ; Egg Shell/physiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions/*physiology ; Linear Models ; Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Ovum/*physiology ; Parasites/physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Avian brood parasitism is costly for the host, in many cases leading to the evolution of defenses like discrimination of parasitic eggs. The parasite, in turn, may evolve mimetic eggs as a counter-adaptation to host egg rejection. Some generalist parasites have evolved host-specific races (gentes) that may mimic the eggs of their main hosts, while others have evolved 'jack-of-all-trades' egg phenotypes that mimic key features of the eggs of several different host species. The Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a widely distributed generalist brood parasite that exploits a wide range of host species. Based on human vision, previous studies have described Asian koel eggs as resembling those of its main host, the house crow (Corvus splendens). Using measurements of egg length and breadth, digital image analysis, reflectance spectrophotometry and avian visual modelling, we examined Asian koel egg variation and potential mimicry in egg size and shape, and eggshell pattern and color in three sympatrically occurring host species in Bangladesh: the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), house crow, and long-tailed shrike (Lanius schach). We found some differences among Asian koel eggs laid in different host nests: a) Asian koel eggs in long-tailed shrike nests were larger than those laid in common myna and house crow nests, and b) Asian koel eggs in house crow nests were less elongated than those in common myna nests. However, these changes in Asian koel egg volume and shape were in the opposite direction with respect to their corresponding host egg characteristics. Thus, our study found no evidence for Asian koel host-specific egg mimicry in three sympatrically occurring host species.}, } @article {pmid34240581, year = {2021}, author = {Nourani, L and Baghkheirati, AA and Zargar, M and Karimi, V and Djadid, ND}, title = {Haemoproteosis and avian malaria in Columbidae and Corvidae from Iran.}, journal = {Veterinary medicine and science}, volume = {7}, number = {5}, pages = {2043-2050}, pmid = {34240581}, issn = {2053-1095}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology ; Columbidae ; Iran/epidemiology ; *Malaria, Avian/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; *Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology ; }, abstract = {Avian malaria (Plasmodium) and related genera (Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) are diverse and widespread parasites. Despite the extent of knowledge on avian haemosporidian parasites, information about domestic and wild bird's blood parasites is overall insufficient in Iran. Prevalence of the haemosporidian parasites' and phylogenetic relationship of lineages are studied by using molecular and morphological results of 152 examined hosts belonging to 17 species. Molecular analysis for haemosporidian detections demonstrated overall prevalence 22.36%. Inspected hosts mostly belonging to Common Pigeons (Columba livia) parasitized by Haemoproteus spp., and Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix) and Carrion Crow (C. corone) were identified as hosting Plasmodium spp. Detected lineages COLIV03, COQUI05, LINN01, ROFI04 and SGS01 are identified as new reports from Iran. We detected no evidence of Leucocytozoon lineages, while the high prevalence of H. columbae was found in Common Pigeons. Such investigation on avian blood parasites contributes to providing new information on the prevalence, epidemiology and geographical distribution of haemosporidian parasites circulating in domestic, pets and wild birds.}, } @article {pmid34234956, year = {2021}, author = {Hooper, R and Meekins, E and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Wild jackdaws respond to their partner's distress, but not with consolation.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {8}, number = {6}, pages = {210253}, pmid = {34234956}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Individuals are expected to manage their social relationships to maximize fitness returns. For example, reports of some mammals and birds offering unsolicited affiliation to distressed social partners (commonly termed 'consolation') are argued to illustrate convergent evolution of prosocial traits across divergent taxa. However, most studies cannot discriminate between consolation and alternative explanations such as self-soothing. Crucially, no study that controls for key confounds has examined consolation in the wild, where individuals face more complex and dangerous environments than in captivity. Controlling for common confounds, we find that male jackdaws (Corvus monedula) respond to their mate's stress-states, but not with consolation. Instead, they tended to decrease affiliation and partner visit rate in both experimental and natural contexts. This is striking because jackdaws have long-term monogamous relationships with highly interdependent fitness outcomes, which is precisely where theory predicts consolation should occur. Our findings challenge common conceptions about where consolation should evolve, and chime with concerns that current theory may be influenced by anthropomorphic expectations of how social relationships should be managed. To further our understanding of the evolution of such traits, we highlight the need for our current predictive frameworks to incorporate the behavioural trade-offs inherent to life in the wild.}, } @article {pmid34224576, year = {2021}, author = {Camargo, CP and Xia, J and Costa, CS and Gemperli, R and Tatini, MD and Bulsara, MK and Riera, R}, title = {Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles.}, journal = {The Cochrane database of systematic reviews}, volume = {7}, number = {7}, pages = {CD011301}, pmid = {34224576}, issn = {1469-493X}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Bias ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Dermal Fillers/therapeutic use ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Placebos/therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BontA) is the most frequent treatment for facial wrinkles, but its effectiveness and safety have not previously been assessed in a Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of all commercially available botulinum toxin type A products for the treatment of any type of facial wrinkles.

SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases up to May 2020: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS. We also searched five trials registers, and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs with over 50 participants, comparing BontA versus placebo, other types of BontA, or fillers (hyaluronic acid), for treating facial wrinkles in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were participant assessment of success and major adverse events (AEs) (eyelid ptosis, eyelid sensory disorder, strabismus). Secondary outcomes included physician assessment of success; proportion of participants with at least one AE and duration of treatment effect. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS: We included 65 RCTs, involving 14,919 randomised participants. Most participants were female, aged 18 to 65 years. All participants were outpatients (private office or day clinic). Study duration was between one week and one year. No studies were assessed as low risk of bias in all domains; the overall risk of bias was unclear for most studies. The most common comparator was placebo (36 studies). An active control was used in 19 studies. There were eight dose-ranging studies of onabotulinumtoxinA, and a small number of studies compared against fillers. Treatment was given in one cycle (54 studies), two cycles (three studies), or three or more cycles (eight studies). The treated regions were glabella (43 studies), crow's feet (seven studies), forehead (two studies), perioral (two studies), full face (one study), or more than two regions (nine studies). Most studies analysed moderate to severe wrinkles; mean duration of treatment was 20 weeks. The following results summarise the main comparisons, based on studies of one treatment cycle for the glabella. AEs were collected over the duration of these studies (over four to 24 weeks). Compared to placebo, onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U probably has a higher success rate when assessed by participants (risk ratio (RR) 19.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.60 to 43.99; 575 participants; 4 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) or physicians (RR 17.10, 95% CI 10.07 to 29.05; 1339 participants; 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) at week four. Major AEs are probably higher with onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U (Peto OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.50 to 8.74; 1390 participants; 8 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), but there may be no difference in any AEs (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.45; 1388 participants; 8 studies; low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U has a higher participant-assessed success rate at week four (RR 21.22, 95% CI 7.40 to 60.56; 915 participants; 6 studies; high-certainty evidence); and probably has a higher physician-assessed success rate (RR 14.93, 95% CI 8.09 to 27.55; 1059 participants; 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There are probably more major AEs with abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U (Peto OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.88 to 12.87; 1294 participants; 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Any AE may be more common with abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.49; 1471 participants; 8 studies; low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, incobotulinumtoxinA-20 U probably has a higher participant-assessed success rate at week four (RR 66.57, 95% CI 13.50 to 328.28; 547 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence), and physician-assessed success rate (RR 134.62, 95% CI 19.05 to 951.45; 547 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Major AEs were not observed (547 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be no difference between groups in any AEs (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.53; 547 participants; 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). AbobotulinumtoxinA-50 U is no different to onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U in participant-assessed success rate (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.08, 388 participants, 1 study, high-certainty evidence) and physician-assessed success rate (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.06; 388 participants; 1 study; high-certainty evidence) at week four. Major AEs are probably more likely in the abobotulinumtoxinA-50 U group than the onabotulinumtoxinA-20 U group (Peto OR 2.65, 95% CI 0.77 to 9.09; 433 participants; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). There is probably no difference in any AE (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.54; 492 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). IncobotulinumtoxinA-24 U may be no different to onabotulinumtoxinA-24 U in physician-assessed success rate at week four (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.05; 381 participants; 1 study; low-certainty evidence) (participant assessment was not measured). One participant reported ptosis with onabotulinumtoxinA, but we are uncertain of the risk of AEs (Peto OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.77; 381 participants; 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, daxibotulinumtoxinA-40 U probably has a higher participant-assessed success rate (RR 21.10, 95% CI 11.31 to 39.34; 683 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and physician-assessed success rate (RR 23.40, 95% CI 12.56 to 43.61; 683 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) at week four. Major AEs were not observed (716 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be an increase in any AE with daxibotulinumtoxinA compared to placebo (RR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.40; 716 participants; 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Major AEs reported were mainly ptosis; BontA is also known to carry a risk of strabismus or eyelid sensory disorders.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: BontA treatment reduces wrinkles within four weeks of treatment, but probably increases risk of ptosis. We found several heterogeneous studies (different types or doses of BontA, number of cycles, and different facial regions) hindering meta-analyses. The certainty of the evidence for effectiveness outcomes was high, low or moderate; for AEs, very low to moderate. Future RCTs should compare the most common BontA (onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA, incobotulinumtoxinA, daxibotulinumtoxinA, prabotulinumtoxinA) and evaluate long-term outcomes. There is a lack of evidence about the effects of multiple cycles of BontA, frequency of major AEs, duration of effect, efficacy of recently-approved BontA and comparisons with other treatments.}, } @article {pmid34224139, year = {2022}, author = {Blake, JA and Pelecanos, A and Najman, JM and Callaway, L and Scott, JG}, title = {The association between birth by caesarean section at term and offspring cognitive and academic performance: A birth cohort study.}, journal = {The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology}, volume = {62}, number = {2}, pages = {226-233}, doi = {10.1111/ajo.13403}, pmid = {34224139}, issn = {1479-828X}, support = {//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Birth Cohort ; *Cesarean Section/adverse effects ; Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Delivery, Obstetric ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Caesarean section (CS) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes for both mothers and offspring. The evidence for an association between CS and reduced offspring cognitive and academic performance has been inconsistent, with considerable limitations.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare cognitive and academic performance in childhood and early adulthood in offspring delivered by CS with those delivered vaginally at term.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on 4327 mothers and offspring from a longitudinal birth cohort study were analysed. Offspring cognitive performance was measured by the Picture Peabody Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) at ages five and 21 and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices at age 14. Academic achievement was assessed using the Wide Range Achievement Test at age 14.

RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding factors, there was no statistically significant association between cognitive performance and offspring birth mode at age five (P = 0.11). The adjusted difference of mean scores at five years on the PPVT-R for elective CS birth compared to those born by vaginal delivery was -2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) -4.3 to -0.2), whereas for emergency CS it was 0.0 (95% CI -2.0 to 2.0). There were no differences in cognitive or academic performance at ages 14 and 21.

CONCLUSION: Birth mode was not significantly associated with offspring cognitive or academic performance. Our study does not support concerns that CS is associated with a reduction in cognitive performance.}, } @article {pmid34222609, year = {2021}, author = {Varghese, JS and Patel, SA and Martorell, R and Ramirez-Zea, M and Stein, AD}, title = {Relative and absolute wealth mobility since birth in relation to health and human capital in middle adulthood: An analysis of a Guatemalan birth cohort.}, journal = {SSM - population health}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {100852}, pmid = {34222609}, issn = {2352-8273}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wealth mobility, as both relative (positional) and absolute (material) wealth acquisition, may counteract negative consequences of early life adversities on adult health.

METHODS: We use longitudinal data (1967-2018) from the INCAP birth cohort, Guatemala (n = 1386). Using wealth as a measure of socio-economic position, we assess the association of life course relative mobility using latent class analysis and absolute material gains using conditional wealth measures. We estimate associations of wealth mobility with indicators of human capital, specifically height, weight status (BMI in kg/m[2]), psychological distress (WHO SRQ-20 score) and fluid intelligence (Ravens Progressive Matrices score; RPM) in middle adulthood.

RESULTS: We identified four latent classes of relative mobility - Stable Low (n = 498), Stable High (n = 223), Downwardly Mobile (n = 201) and Upwardly Mobile (n = 464). Attained schooling (years) was positively associated with membership in Upwardly Mobile (odds ratio; 1.50, 95%CI: 1.31, 1.71) vs Stable Low, and inversely with membership in Downwardly Mobile (0.65, 95%CI: 0.54, 0.79) vs Stable High. Being Upwardly Mobile (vs Stable Low) was positively associated with height (1.88 cm, 95%CI: 1.04, 2.72), relative weight (1.32 kg/m[2], 95%CI: 0.57, 2.07), lower psychological distress (-0.82 units, 95%CI: 1.34, -0.29) and fluid intelligence (0.94 units, 95%CI: 0.28, 1.59). Being Downwardly Mobile (vs Stable High) was associated with lower fluid intelligence (-2.69 units, 95%CI: 3.69, -1.68), and higher psychological distress (1.15 units, 95%CI: 0.34, 1.95). Absolute wealth gains (z-scores) from early to middle adulthood were positively associated with relative weight (0.62 kg/m[2], 95%CI: 0.28, 0.96), lower psychological distress (-0.37 units, 95%CI: 0.60, -0.14) and fluid intelligence (0.50 units, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS: Higher attained schooling provided a pathway for upward relative mobility and higher absolute wealth gains as well as protection against downward relative mobility. Upward mobility was associated with lower psychological distress and higher fluid intelligence but also higher weight status.}, } @article {pmid34221231, year = {2021}, author = {Smit, R and Gubanova, E and Kaufman, J and Landau, M and Molina, B and Andriopoulos, B and Maisonobe, P and Prygova, I and Redaelli, A}, title = {Patient Satisfaction with AbobotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Use in the Upper Face: A Systematic Literature Review and Post-hoc Analysis of the APPEAL Study.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {E69-E88}, pmid = {34221231}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: AbobotulinumtoxinA (AboBoNT-A; Dysport[®]; Ipsen, Boulogne-Billancourt, France/Azzalure[®]; Galderma, Lausanne, Switzerland) is a botulinum neurotoxin type A approved for aesthetic use in the treatment of glabellar lines in adult patients under 65 years in Europe, the United States, and other countries. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze current literature on patient satisfaction with aboBoNT-A for upper facial aesthetic indications. METHODS: A systematic review of literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) was performed to identify English-language publications reporting on patients with aesthetic indications (including glabellar lines and wrinkles) receiving aboBoNT-A, that assessed patient and/or physician satisfaction with treatment, with no restrictions on comparator studies. Structured data extraction was used to enable inter-study analysis. A post-hoc analysis was also performed to assess patient satisfaction by sex and age, using results from the noninterventional APPEAL study of patients' satisfaction with aboBoNT-A for treating glabellar lines. RESULTS: Overall, 22 original research papers were identified. Patient satisfaction rates for aboBoNT-A treatment were significantly higher versus placebo from two weeks to between three and five months postinjection. At two to three weeks postinjection, patient satisfaction rates were 52% and 99% across studies. In studies with later time points, patient satisfaction rates were 85 to 87 percent at 5 months and between 25 and 100 percent at 6 months post-injection. Physician satisfaction was also high (97%-100%, across three treatments). No notable differences in patient satisfaction by sex or age were observed in the APPEAL study. CONCLUSION: High rates of patient satisfaction have been achieved with aboBoNT-A treatment for upper facial aesthetic indications. Despite the current recommended interval of ≥12 weeks, satisfaction with the aesthetic results of aboBoNT-A therapy is still evident up to 6 months post-injection in some patients.}, } @article {pmid34220569, year = {2021}, author = {Faedda, N and Guariglia, C and Piccardi, L and Natalucci, G and Rossetti, S and Baglioni, V and Alunni Fegatelli, D and Romani, M and Vigliante, M and Guidetti, V}, title = {Link Between Topographic Memory and the Combined Presentation of ADHD (ADHD-C): A Pilot Study.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {647243}, pmid = {34220569}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {Background: Topographic memory is the ability to reach various places by recognizing spatial layouts and getting oriented in familiar environments. It involves several different cognitive abilities, in particular executive functions (EF), such as attention, working memory, and planning. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show impairments in inhibitory control, regulation of attention, planning, and working memory. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the topographic memory in children with ADHD-combined subtype (ADHD-C). Method: Fifteen children (8-10 years) with a diagnosis of ADHD-C (DSM-5) (ADHD-C group) were compared to 15 children with typical development (TD group) of the same age. All children performed Raven's colored progressive matrices (CPM) test to obtain a measure related with cognitive functioning. The walking Corsi test (WalCT), a large-scale version of the Corsi block-tapping test, was used to assess topographic memory in experimental environment. Results: A higher impairment was observed in ADHD-C than TD with significant differences in the WalCT, in particular on the topographic short-term memory (TSTM) task, on the topographic learning (TL) task, and on the repetition number (RN) task during the TL task. Perseverative errors were reported in performing the square-sequence in the WalCT. Zero-order correlations showed a positive correlation between TSTM and auditory attention, and memory of design of NEPSY-II and digit span of WISC-IV. No statistically significant differences were found between the ADHD-C group and TD group in the TL task in the WalCT condition. Conclusion: In ADHD-C, initial topographic learning was compromised whereas the long-term retention of learned topographical material seemed to not be impaired. In particular, these impairments seem to be linked with difficulties in sustained attention, in spatial memory for novel visual materials, in a poor working memory, and in perseverative behaviors.}, } @article {pmid34213460, year = {2020}, author = {Bhargava, A and Bhargava, M and Meher, A}, title = {Universal health coverage and tuberculosis care in India in the times of Covid-19: Aligning Ayushman Bharat (National Health Assurance Scheme) to improve case detection, reduce deaths and catastrophic health expenditure.}, journal = {The National medical journal of India}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {298-301}, doi = {10.4103/0970-258X.303111}, pmid = {34213460}, issn = {2583-150X}, mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Communicable Disease Control/*organization & administration ; *Early Diagnosis ; Health Expenditures ; Health Services Accessibility/standards/statistics & numerical data ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; *Hospitalization ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; Mortality ; *Patient Care Management/methods/organization & administration/trends ; Public Health/methods/trends ; Quality Improvement/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Time-to-Treatment ; *Tuberculosis/diagnosis/economics/mortality/therapy ; *Universal Health Insurance ; }, abstract = {India has the largest global burden of new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and deaths due to TB. These occur predominantly in the poor who suffer catastrophic costs during diagnosis and treatment. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme has ambitious goals of 80% reduction of incidence of TB, 90% reduction in mortality due to TB by 2025 and 0% occurrence of catastrophic costs to households affected by TB by 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting disruption to TB services are expected to worsen the situation. There are gaps in case finding at the peripheral level and access to care at the higher level for patients with TB. An estimated 32% patients with active TB do not access diagnostic services, while catastrophic costs associated with hospitalization are a barrier to access for seriously ill patients. Deaths due to TB in India occur largely at home and not in medical facilities, and are preventable with appropriate inpatient care. The Ayushman Bharat scheme with its Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and coverage for inpatient care under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) can facilitate, the achievement of the goals of TB elimination. The HWCs provide an opportunity to close the case-finding gap as first point of contact by enabling sputum transport services to the designated microscopy centres. This will facilitate case detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and decrease community transmission and the incidence of TB. The benefit package of PM-JAY can cover patients with pulmonary TB, inpatient evaluation for other forms of TB, enhance the allocation for treatment and cover management of comorbid conditions such as severe undernutrition, anaemia, HIV and diabetes.}, } @article {pmid34211049, year = {2021}, author = {Amor, N and Noman, MT and Petru, M and Mahmood, A and Ismail, A}, title = {Neural network-crow search model for the prediction of functional properties of nano TiO2 coated cotton composites.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {13649}, pmid = {34211049}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {This paper presents a new hybrid approach for the prediction of functional properties i.e., self-cleaning efficiency, antimicrobial efficiency and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) coated cotton fabric. The proposed approach is based on feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) model called a multilayer perceptron (MLP), trained by an optimized algorithm known as crow search algorithm (CSA). ANN is an effective and widely used approach for the prediction of extremely complex problems. Various studies have been proposed to improve the weight training of ANN using metaheuristic algorithms. CSA is a latest and an effective metaheuristic method relies on the intelligent behavior of crows. CSA has been never proposed to improve the weight training of ANN. Therefore, CSA is adopted to optimize the initial weights and thresholds of the ANN model, in order to improve the training accuracy and prediction performance of functional properties of TiO2 NPs coated cotton composites. Furthermore, our proposed algorithm i.e., multilayer perceptron with crow search algorithm (MLP-CSA) was applied to map out the complex input-output conditions to predict the optimal results. The amount of chemicals and reaction time were selected as input variables and the amount of titanium dioxide coated on cotton, self-cleaning efficiency, antimicrobial efficiency and UPF were evaluated as output results. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the performance of CSA in prediction process. MLP-CSA provided excellent result that were statistically significant and highly accurate as compared to standard MLP model and other metaheuristic algorithms used in the training of ANN reported in the literature.}, } @article {pmid34200875, year = {2021}, author = {Ciebiera, O and Czechowski, P and Morelli, F and Piekarski, R and Bocheński, M and Chachulska-Serweta, J and Jerzak, L}, title = {Selection of Urbanized Areas by Magpie Pica pica in a Medium Size City in Poland.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {34200875}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {The Magpie Pica pica occurs all over open agricultural areas in Poland, especially near human settlements (particularly in western Poland). The aim of this study was to estimate the size of the local Magpie population and characterize, in detail, nest site selection in a medium size city Górzów Wlkp. in the XXI century. For this study, the whole city was divided into a total of 114 squares of 1 × 1 km. Data were collected in spring 2014. A total of 474 Magpie pairs were recorded. The average density was 5.5 pairs/km[2] (min = 0, max = 22 nests/square), in the non-urbanized habitat type-3.7 p/km[2], and in the urbanized habitat type-13.5 p/km[2]. Magpie nests were found most often on Spruces Picea sp. and Poplars Populus sp. The mean height of the nest site was 11.5 m, while the mean height of trees used for nesting was 13.4 m. The type of tree arrangement most frequently used for nesting was tree rows (26.3%), followed by single trees (24.6%) and clusters of 4-10 trees (20.1%). The results for the Magpie's environmental preferences do not differ from the general patterns described earlier. The study shows that magpies can adapt to changing urbanization factors, and changes in the choice of conifers help the species to adapt to highly anthropogenic habitats.}, } @article {pmid34190650, year = {2021}, author = {Makhni, E and Lizzio, V and Chalmers, P}, title = {The Effect of the Crow Hop on Elbow Stress During an Interval Throwing Program: Response.}, journal = {The American journal of sports medicine}, volume = {49}, number = {8}, pages = {NP32-NP33}, doi = {10.1177/03635465211021402}, pmid = {34190650}, issn = {1552-3365}, mesh = {Animals ; *Baseball ; *Crows ; Elbow ; *Elbow Joint ; Humans ; }, } @article {pmid34190645, year = {2021}, author = {Wong, R and Laudner, K and Evans, D and Meister, K}, title = {The Effect of the Crow Hop on Elbow Stress During an Interval Throwing Program: Letter to the Editor.}, journal = {The American journal of sports medicine}, volume = {49}, number = {8}, pages = {NP31-NP32}, doi = {10.1177/03635465211021409}, pmid = {34190645}, issn = {1552-3365}, mesh = {Animals ; *Baseball ; *Crows ; Elbow ; *Elbow Joint ; Humans ; }, } @article {pmid34185776, year = {2021}, author = {Laumer, IB and Massen, JJM and Boehm, PM and Boehm, A and Geisler, A and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Individual Goffin´s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) show flexible targeted helping in a tool transfer task.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {6}, pages = {e0253416}, pmid = {34185776}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {P 29084/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cockatoos/*physiology ; *Creativity ; Female ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {Flexible targeted helping is considered an advanced form of prosocial behavior in hominoids, as it requires the actor to assess different situations that a conspecific may be in, and to subsequently flexibly satisfy different needs of that partner depending on the nature of those situations. So far, apart from humans such behaviour has only been experimentally shown in chimpanzees and in Eurasian jays. Recent studies highlight the prosocial tendencies of several bird species, yet flexible targeted helping remained untested, largely due to methodological issues as such tasks are generally designed around tool-use, and very few bird species are capable of tool-use. Here, we tested Goffin's cockatoos, which proved to be skilled tool innovators in captivity, in a tool transfer task in which an actor had access to four different objects/tools and a partner to one of two different apparatuses that each required one of these tools to retrieve a reward. As expected from this species, we recorded playful object transfers across all conditions. Yet, importantly and similar to apes, three out of eight birds transferred the correct tool more often in the test condition than in a condition that also featured an apparatus but no partner. Furthermore, one of these birds transferred that correct tool first more often before transferring any other object in the test condition than in the no-partner condition, while the other two cockatoos were marginally non-significantly more likely to do so. Additionally, there was no difference in the likelihood of the correct tool being transferred first for either of the two apparatuses, suggesting that these birds flexibly adjusted what to transfer based on their partner´s need. Future studies should focus on explanations for the intra-specific variation of this behaviour, and should test other parrots and other large-brained birds to see how this can be generalized across the class and to investigate the evolutionary history of this trait.}, } @article {pmid34173817, year = {2021}, author = {Pardal, R and Heidstra, R}, title = {Root stem cell niche networks: it's complexed! Insights from Arabidopsis.}, journal = {Journal of experimental botany}, volume = {72}, number = {19}, pages = {6727-6738}, pmid = {34173817}, issn = {1460-2431}, mesh = {*Arabidopsis/metabolism ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Meristem/metabolism ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; Stem Cell Niche ; }, abstract = {The presence of two meristematic cell populations in the root and shoot apex allows plants to grow indefinitely. Due to its simple and predictable tissue organization, the Arabidopsis root apical meristem remains an ideal model to study mechanisms such as stem cell specification, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation in plants. The root stem cell niche consists of a quiescent organizing centre surrounded by mitotically active stem cells, which originate all root tissues. The transcription factors PLETHORA, SCARECROW, and WOX5 form signalling hubs that integrate multiple inputs from an increasing number of proteins implicated in the regulation of stem cell niche function. Recently, locally produced auxin was added to the list of important mobile factors in the stem cell niche. In addition, protein-protein interaction data elegantly demonstrate how parallel pathways can meet in a common objective. Here we discuss how multiple networks converge to specify and maintain the root stem cell niche.}, } @article {pmid34173069, year = {2021}, author = {Kim, S and Maleki, N and Rezaie-Balf, M and Singh, VP and Alizamir, M and Kim, NW and Lee, JT and Kisi, O}, title = {Assessment of the total organic carbon employing the different nature-inspired approaches in the Nakdong River, South Korea.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {193}, number = {7}, pages = {445}, pmid = {34173069}, issn = {1573-2959}, support = {20200027-001//Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology/ ; }, mesh = {Carbon ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Republic of Korea ; *Rivers ; Water Quality ; }, abstract = {Total organic carbon (TOC) has vital significance for measuring water quality in river streamflow. The detection of TOC can be considered as an important evaluation because of issues on human health and environmental indicators. This research utilized the novel hybrid models to improve the predictive accuracy of TOC at Andong and Changnyeong stations in the Nakdong River, South Korea. A data pre-processing approach (i.e., complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN)) and evolutionary optimization algorithm (i.e., crow search algorithm (CSA)) were implemented for enhancing the accuracy and robustness of standalone models (i.e., multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) and M5Tree). Various water quality indicators (i.e., TOC, potential of Hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature (WT), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and suspended solids (SS)) were utilized for developing the standalone and hybrid models based on three input combinations (i.e., categories 1~3). The developed models were evaluated utilizing the correlation coefficient (CC), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The CEEMDAN-MARS-CSA based on category 2 (C-M-CSA2) model (CC = 0.762, RMSE = 0.570 mg/L, and NSE = 0.520) was the most accurate for predicting TOC at Andong station, whereas the CEEMDAN-MARS-CSA based on category 3 (C-M-CSA3) model (CC = 0.900, RMSE = 0.675 mg/L, and NSE = 0.680) was the best at Changnyeong station.}, } @article {pmid34171800, year = {2021}, author = {Park, K and Barghi, M and Lim, JE and Ko, HM and Nam, HY and Lee, SI and Moon, HB}, title = {Assessment of regional and temporal trends in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances using the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) in Korea.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {793}, number = {}, pages = {148513}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148513}, pmid = {34171800}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Adult ; *Alkanesulfonic Acids/analysis ; Carboxylic Acids ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Pollutants ; Female ; *Fluorocarbons/analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Pica ; Republic of Korea ; }, abstract = {Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in industrial and commercial products due to their amphiphilic properties. Birds have been utilized as biomonitoring species due to their environmental pollutant vulnerability and wide distribution. The Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) is a representative residential species inhabiting terrestrial environments. In this study, we measured PFAS concentrations in Magpie liver tissue (n = 253) collected from 12 Korean regions in 2004 and 2017. The predominant compounds were perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; mean: 23.8 ng/g wet weight), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA; 2.79 ng/g), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA: 2.11 ng/g). We observed significant correlations between Magpie PFAS measurements, indicating similar sources and bioaccumulation processes. Adult females showed significantly lower PFOS concentrations than adult males and young males and females, indicating that avian sex is a crucial physiological factor of PFAS accumulation. PFOS, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) concentrations in urban regions were significantly higher than rural regions. PFOS concentrations in Magpie livers increased significantly between sampling years, whereas C11-C13 carboxylic acids (PFCAs) decreased. This suggests that urbanization and population are major factors in Magpie PFAS accumulation. Almost all hepatic PFOS concentrations were below the threshold values proposed by previous studies, implying limited risks. Our findings suggest that the Oriental Magpies are PFAS sentinel in residential environments. This is the first comprehensive report on biomonitoring of PFASs using the Oriental Magpie.}, } @article {pmid34166533, year = {2021}, author = {Agrawal, AA and Zhang, X}, title = {The evolution of coevolution in the study of species interactions.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {75}, number = {7}, pages = {1594-1606}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14293}, pmid = {34166533}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Herbivory ; Phylogeny ; Plants ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The study of reciprocal adaptation in interacting species has been an active and inspiring area of evolutionary research for nearly 60 years. Perhaps owing to its great natural history and potential consequences spanning population divergence to species diversification, coevolution continues to capture the imagination of biologists. Here we trace developments following Ehrlich and Raven's classic paper, with a particular focus on the modern influence of two studies by Dr. May Berenbaum in the 1980s. This series of classic work presented a compelling example exhibiting the macroevolutionary patterns predicted by Ehrlich and Raven and also formalized a microevolutionary approach to measuring selection, functional traits, and understanding reciprocal adaptation between plants and their herbivores. Following this breakthrough was a wave of research focusing on diversifying macroevolutionary patterns, mechanistic chemical ecology, and natural selection on populations within and across community types. Accordingly, we breakdown coevolutionary theory into specific hypotheses at different scales: reciprocal adaptation between populations within a community, differential coevolution among communities, lineage divergence, and phylogenetic patterns. We highlight progress as well as persistent gaps, especially the link between reciprocal adaptation and diversification.}, } @article {pmid34159574, year = {2021}, author = {Pruneti, C and Vanello, N and Paterni, M and Landini, L and Guidotti, S and Ferdeghini, EM}, title = {Combined functional magnetic resonance imaging and skin conductance to detect localized neural response to psychological stress: a pilot study.}, journal = {Archives italiennes de biologie}, volume = {159}, number = {1}, pages = {21-27}, doi = {10.12871/00039829202112}, pmid = {34159574}, issn = {0003-9829}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; Stress, Psychological/diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This preliminary study aims at investigating the neural correlates of the stress response, intended as an emotional and cognitive response, through the description of the activation of the autonomic nervous system in a problem-solving task and central functional data; in particular, we recorded skin conductance level (SCL) and response (SCR) and observed the correlation with fMRI data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results obtained from 6 healthy subjects, 3 males and 3 females, aged between 18 and 45 (average = 27, SD = 7.08) who voluntarily offered to participate in the study were examined. They were previously subjected to a brief clinical psychological assessment (MMPI-2) and then to a psychophysiological evaluation. The real experiment consisted in subjecting the participants to an adapted version of the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices 47 (CPM 47) test to evaluate some consequences on brain activity of attention, orientation, reflex and response to stress during fMRI data acquisition and SCL-SCR recording.

RESULTS: SCR changes were found to be related to the activity of different brain regions such as bilateral precentral gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus, bilateral superior frontal gyri and left anterior cingulate suggesting a specific relationship between attentive processing and autonomic arousal.

CONCLUSION: The association of SC measurement with neuroimaging allows to highlight the interaction between emotional and cognitive processes: although preliminary, these results partially confirm what previously found in literature on the neural correlates of psychological stress and underline the interaction between cognitive function and autonomic arousal system during a stressful problem-solving task.}, } @article {pmid34159532, year = {2021}, author = {Kelly, D and Leonard, K and Gibson, B}, title = {Adaptive specialization for spatial memory does not improve route efficiency: Comparing the ability of Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) and pigeons (Columba livia) to solve traveling salesperson problems.}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin & review}, volume = {28}, number = {6}, pages = {1991-2002}, pmid = {34159532}, issn = {1531-5320}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Columbidae ; *Passeriformes ; Spatial Memory ; }, abstract = {An important question in comparative cognition is whether animals are capable of planning ahead. Todd and Hills (Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(3), 309-315, 2020) recently suggested that the ability to plan and choose internally may have scaffolded upon the cognitive mechanisms required by animals to search among patchy resources in their external environment. The traveling salesperson problem (TSP) is a spatial optimization problem in which a traveler is faced with the task of finding the best route from a start location to two or more destinations or targets. The Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) is a food-storing corvid with a highly specialized spatial memory. Spatial memory would appear to be deeply rooted in the cognitive mechanisms required for choosing efficiently among multiple alternative routes during a TSP. If so, then species like nutcrackers that are more dependent upon spatial memory for survival may have a greater ability to plan ahead or choose more efficiently among different route options than species that have less selective pressure for remembering the location of food, like pigeons. We examined the ability of nutcrackers to solve TSPs using the same procedures and target configurations as in our past research (Gibson, Wilkerson, & Kelly, Animal Cognition, 15, 379-391, 2012) to explore if nutcrackers can efficiently solve TSPs and how their route solutions compare with those of pigeons. Nutcrackers did not display an advantage in route efficiency and performed comparably to pigeons. Both species tended to prefer a nearest-neighbor strategy to more globally efficient routes. Having a more robust spatial memory may not improve the ability of animals to determine routes to multiple locations.}, } @article {pmid34158103, year = {2021}, author = {Wheeler, SS and Taff, CC and Reisen, WK and Townsend, AK}, title = {Mosquito blood-feeding patterns and nesting behavior of American crows, an amplifying host of West Nile virus.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {331}, pmid = {34158103}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {13-2735//Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*physiopathology/virology ; Crows/blood/*physiology/*virology ; Culex/*physiology/*virology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Nesting Behavior ; West Nile Fever/physiopathology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although American crows are a key indicator species for West Nile virus (WNV) and mount among the highest viremias reported for any host, the importance of crows in the WNV transmission cycle has been called into question because of their consistent underrepresentation in studies of Culex blood meal sources. Here, we test the hypothesis that this apparent underrepresentation could be due, in part, to underrepresentation of crow nesting habitat from mosquito sampling designs. Specifically, we examine how the likelihood of a crow blood meal changes with distance to and timing of active crow nests in a Davis, California, population.

METHODS: Sixty artificial mosquito resting sites were deployed from May to September 2014 in varying proximity to known crow nesting sites, and Culex blood meal hosts were identified by DNA barcoding. Genotypes from crow blood meals and local crows (72 nestlings from 30 broods and 389 local breeders and helpers) were used to match mosquito blood meals to specific local crows.

RESULTS: Among the 297 identified Culex blood meals, 20 (6.7%) were attributable to crows. The mean percentage of blood meals of crow origin was 19% in the nesting period (1 May-18 June 2014), but 0% in the weeks after fledging (19 June-1 September 2014), and the likelihood of a crow blood meal increased with proximity to an active nest: the odds that crows hosted a Culex blood meal were 38.07 times greater within 10 m of an active nest than > 10 m from an active nest. Nine of ten crow blood meals that could be matched to a genotype of a specific crow belonged to either nestlings in these nests or their mothers. Six of the seven genotypes that could not be attributed to sampled birds belonged to females, a sex bias likely due to mosquitoes targeting incubating or brooding females.

CONCLUSION: Data herein indicate that breeding crows serve as hosts for Culex in the initial stages of the WNV spring enzootic cycle. Given their high viremia, infected crows could thereby contribute to the re-initiation and early amplification of the virus, increasing its availability as mosquitoes shift to other moderately competent later-breeding avian hosts.}, } @article {pmid34148013, year = {2021}, author = {Shen, M and Zhang, C and Yi, X and Guo, J and Xu, S and Huang, Z and He, M and Chen, X and Luo, D and Yang, F}, title = {Association of multi-metals exposure with intelligence quotient score of children: A prospective cohort study.}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {155}, number = {}, pages = {106692}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2021.106692}, pmid = {34148013}, issn = {1873-6750}, mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; Child ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; *Metals ; Prospective Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Associations between most single metals and children's intelligence quotient (IQ) scores have been evaluated in previous studies. However, associations between multi-metal exposures and children's IQ scores have not been analyzed.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the joint effects of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn) and titanium (Ti) co-exposure on children's IQ scores.

METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in Shimen and Huayuan, Hunan Province, China. Urine metals levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) at baseline. Children's IQ scores were repeatedly measured at baseline and follow-up following the method of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and standardized as z scores. We fitted linear regression models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to investigate the associations of metal levels with children's IQ scores after adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS: A total of 633 participants aged 7-10 years completed the survey. Urinary Pb (β = -0.028, P = 0.022) and urinary Ti (β = -0.0003, P = 0.001) were inversely associated with children's IQ scores. The BKMR analyses revealed significant negative overall effects of the five metals on children's IQ scores when all the metals were above their median levels, while significant positive associations were shown when all the metal concentrations were below their median levels. The model also showed negative trends of Sn and Ti on children's IQ. Furthermore, Ti and Sn had a synergistic relationship, with a decline in IQ score when Sn exposure was relatively high. The urinary Sn concentration was significantly higher but the urinary Ti concentration was significantly lower in participants from the Shimen area than in those from the Huayuan area. Decreasing trends of the overall effects were observed in both the Shimen and Huayuan areas.

CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that multi-metal exposures caused a decline in children's IQ scores according to traditional linear regression models and the BKMR model. Our results provide some evidence of the association between multi-metal exposure and children's IQ. Meanwhile, interactions between multi-metal exposures on children's IQ should be given more attention.}, } @article {pmid34144393, year = {2021}, author = {Stocker, M and Prosl, J and Vanhooland, LC and Horn, L and Bugnyar, T and Canoine, V and Massen, JJM}, title = {Measuring salivary mesotocin in birds - Seasonal differences in ravens' peripheral mesotocin levels.}, journal = {Hormones and behavior}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {105015}, doi = {10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105015}, pmid = {34144393}, issn = {1095-6867}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Crows ; *Oxytocin/analogs & derivatives ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Oxytocin is involved in a broad array of social behaviours. While saliva has been used regularly to investigate the role of oxytocin in social behaviour of mammal species, so far, to our knowledge, no-one has tried to measure its homolog, mesotocin, in birds' saliva. Therefore, in this study we measured salivary mesotocin in common ravens (Corvus corax), and subsequently explored its link to three aspects of raven sociality. We trained ravens (n = 13) to voluntarily provide saliva samples and analysed salivary mesotocin with a commercial oxytocin enzyme-immunoassay kit, also suitable for mesotocin. After testing parallelism and recovery, we investigated the effect of bonding status, sex and season on mesotocin levels. We found that mesotocin was significantly more likely to be detected in samples taken during the breeding season (spring) than during the mating season (winter). In those samples in which mesotocin was detected, concentrations were also significantly higher during the breeding than during the mating season. In contrast, bonding status and sex were not found to relate to mesotocin detectability and concentrations. The seasonal differences in mesotocin correspond to behavioral patterns known to be associated with mesotocin/oxytocin, with ravens showing much more aggression during the mating season while being more tolerant of conspecifics in the breeding season. We show for the first time that saliva samples can be useful for the non-invasive determination of hormone levels in birds. However, the rate of successfully analysed samples was very low, and collection and analysis methods will benefit from further improvements.}, } @article {pmid34141215, year = {2021}, author = {Ormrod, AEC and Doyle, FI and Lawson, KJ and Hodges, KE}, title = {Niche partitioning of avian predators in northern grasslands amended by biosolids.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {11}, number = {11}, pages = {6248-6259}, pmid = {34141215}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Many food webs are affected by bottom-up nutrient addition, as additional biomass or productivity at a given trophic level can support more consumers. In turn, when prey are abundant, predators may converge on the same diets rather than partitioning food resources. Here, we examine the diets and habitat use of predatory and omnivorous birds in response to biosolids amendment of northern grasslands used as grazing range for cattle in British Columbia, Canada. From an ecosystem management perspective, we test whether dietary convergence occurred and whether birds preferentially used the pastures with biosolids. Biosolids treatments increased Orthoptera densities and our work occurred during a vole (Microtus spp.) population peak, so both types of prey were abundant. American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) consumed both small mammals and Orthoptera. Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) and Long-eared owls (Asio otus) primarily ate voles (>97% of biomass consumed) as did Northern Harriers (Circus hudsonius, 88% vole biomass). Despite high dietary overlap, these species had minimal spatial overlap, and Short-eared Owls strongly preferred pastures amended with biosolids. Common Ravens (Corvus corax), Black-billed Magpies (Pica hudsonia), and American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) consumed Orthoptera, Coleoptera, vegetation, and only a few small mammals; crows avoided pastures with biosolids. Thus, when both insect and mammalian prey were abundant, corvids maintained omnivorous diets, whereas owls and Harriers specialized on voles. Spatial patterns were more complex, as birds were likely responding to prey abundance, vegetation structure, and other birds in this consumer guild.}, } @article {pmid34137635, year = {2021}, author = {Sarker, S and Nath, BK and Talukder, S and Raidal, SR}, title = {Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of the Magpie-Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca).}, journal = {Microbiology resource announcements}, volume = {10}, number = {24}, pages = {e0034221}, pmid = {34137635}, issn = {2576-098X}, abstract = {Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an Australian passerine bird, magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca). The circular genome has a size of 16,933 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. This study provides a reference mitochondrial genome of magpie-lark for further molecular studies.}, } @article {pmid34127940, year = {2020}, author = {Kwon, JH and Lee, DH and Criado, MF and Killmaster, L and Ali, MZ and Giasuddin, M and Samad, MA and Karim, MR and Hasan, M and Brum, E and Nasrin, T and Swayne, DE}, title = {Genetic evolution and transmission dynamics of clade 2.3.2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Virus evolution}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {veaa046}, pmid = {34127940}, issn = {2057-1577}, abstract = {Asian lineage A/H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have been responsible for continuous outbreaks in Bangladesh since 2007. Although clades 2.2.2 and 2.3.4.2 HPAIVs have disappeared since poultry vaccination was introduced in 2012, clade 2.3.2.1a viruses have continued to be detected in Bangladesh. In this study, we identified A/H9N2 (n = 15), A/H5N1 (n = 19), and A/H5N1-A/H9N2 (n = 18) mixed viruses from live bird markets, chicken farms, and wild house crows (Corvus splendens) in Bangladesh from 2016 to 2018. We analyzed the genetic sequences of the H5 HPAIVs, to better understand the evolutionary history of clade 2.3.2.1a viruses in Bangladesh. Although seven HA genetic subgroups (B1-B7) and six genotypes (G1, G1.1, G1.2, G2, G2.1, and G2.2) have been identified in Bangladesh, only subgroup B7 and genotypes G2, G2.1, and G2.2 were detected after 2016. The replacement of G1 genotype by G2 in Bangladesh was possibly due to vaccination and viral competition in duck populations. Initially, genetic diversity decreased after introduction of vaccination in 2012, but in 2015, genetic diversity increased and was associated with the emergence of genotype G2. Our phylodynamic analysis suggests that domestic Anseriformes, including ducks and geese, may have played a major role in persistence, spread, evolution, and genotype replacement of clade 2.3.2.1a HPAIVs in Bangladesh. Thus, improvements in biosecurity and monitoring of domestic Anseriformes are needed for more effective control of HPAI in Bangladesh.}, } @article {pmid34117940, year = {2021}, author = {King, DI and Jeffery, M and Bailey, BA}, title = {Generating indicator species for bird monitoring within the humid forests of northeast Central America.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {193}, number = {7}, pages = {413}, pmid = {34117940}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Animals ; Belize ; Biodiversity ; *Birds ; Central America ; Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Forests ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The use of indicator species can simplify bird monitoring by reducing the level of specialized skills needed, which increases the potential pool of participants and reduces training costs and complexity. To facilitate monitoring in the humid forests of northeast Central America, we conducted point count surveys for birds across gradients of disturbance in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize, and analyzed the association of bird species with remotely sensed metrics of forest condition and anthropogenic disturbance using indicator species analysis. Twenty species exhibited significant associations with one or more of these metrics. We propose six species as indicators for anthropogenic disturbance based on our criteria of being associated with anthropogenically disturbed sites, or anthropogenically disturbed and riparian sites with no explicit mention in the literature of an obligate association with riparian habitats, or association of remotely sensed metrics that appeared to reflect disturbance: yellow-olive flycatcher, red-legged honeycreeper, dusky antbird, blue ground dove, buff-throated saltator, and brown jay. We propose the keel-billed motmot as an indicator of undisturbed forest based on its association with forested sites in our analyses. Green shrike vireo, collard trogon, rufous-tailed jacamar, and rufous piha were associated with a specific elevational range but not associated with disturbance, so upward shifts in elevation that might indicate response to climate change would not be confounded with habitat disturbance or degradation. This exercise yielded a much-reduced list of monitoring targets, which will greatly reduce the cost and complexity of forest bird monitoring in the region, as well as reducing barriers to participation.}, } @article {pmid34104076, year = {2022}, author = {Burfurd, I and Wilkening, T}, title = {Cognitive heterogeneity and complex belief elicitation.}, journal = {Experimental economics}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {557-592}, pmid = {34104076}, issn = {1386-4157}, abstract = {The Stochastic Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (SBDM) mechanism is a theoretically elegant way of eliciting incentive-compatible beliefs under a variety of risk preferences. However, the mechanism is complex and there is concern that some participants may misunderstand its incentive properties. We use a two-part design to evaluate the relationship between participants' probabilistic reasoning skills, task complexity, and belief elicitation. We first identify participants whose decision-making is consistent and inconsistent with probabilistic reasoning using a task in which non-Bayesian modes of decision-making lead to violations of stochastic dominance. We then elicit participants' beliefs in both easy and hard decision problems. Relative to Introspection, there is less variation in belief errors between easy and hard problems in the SBDM mechanism. However, there is a greater difference in belief errors between consistent and inconsistent participants. These results suggest that while the SBDM mechanism encourages individuals to think more carefully about beliefs, it is more sensitive to heterogeneity in probabilistic reasoning. In a follow-up experiment, we also identify participants with high and low fluid intelligence with a Raven task, and high and low proclivities for cognitive effort using an extended Cognitive Reflection Test. Although performance on these tasks strongly predict errors in both the SBDM mechanism and Introspection, there is no significant interaction effect between the elicitation mechanism and either ability or effort. Our results suggest that mechanism complexity is an important consideration when using elicitation mechanisms, and that participants' probabilistic reasoning is an important consideration when interpreting elicited beliefs.}, } @article {pmid34093700, year = {2021}, author = {Jia, YH and Qiu, J and Ma, ZZ and Li, FF}, title = {A Novel Crow Swarm Optimization Algorithm (CSO) Coupling Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA).}, journal = {Computational intelligence and neuroscience}, volume = {2021}, number = {}, pages = {6686826}, pmid = {34093700}, issn = {1687-5273}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Benchmarking ; *Crows ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The balance between exploitation and exploration essentially determines the performance of a population-based optimization algorithm, which is also a big challenge in algorithm design. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has strong ability in exploitation, but is relatively weak in exploration, while crow search algorithm (CSA) is characterized by simplicity and more randomness. This study proposes a new crow swarm optimization algorithm coupling PSO and CSA, which provides the individuals the possibility of exploring the unknown regions under the guidance of another random individual. The proposed CSO algorithm is tested on several benchmark functions, including both unimodal and multimodal problems with different variable dimensions. The performance of the proposed CSO is evaluated by the optimization efficiency, the global search ability, and the robustness to parameter settings, all of which are improved to a great extent compared with either PSO and CSA, as the proposed CSO combines the advantages of PSO in exploitation and that of CSA in exploration, especially for complex high-dimensional problems.}, } @article {pmid34090340, year = {2021}, author = {Guiglielmoni, N and Houtain, A and Derzelle, A and Van Doninck, K and Flot, JF}, title = {Overcoming uncollapsed haplotypes in long-read assemblies of non-model organisms.}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {22}, number = {1}, pages = {303}, pmid = {34090340}, issn = {1471-2105}, support = {764840//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Genome ; *Genomics ; Haplotypes ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-read sequencing is revolutionizing genome assembly: as PacBio and Nanopore technologies become more accessible in technicity and in cost, long-read assemblers flourish and are starting to deliver chromosome-level assemblies. However, these long reads are usually error-prone, making the generation of a haploid reference out of a diploid genome a difficult enterprise. Failure to properly collapse haplotypes results in fragmented and structurally incorrect assemblies and wreaks havoc on orthology inference pipelines, yet this serious issue is rarely acknowledged and dealt with in genomic projects, and an independent, comparative benchmark of the capacity of assemblers and post-processing tools to properly collapse or purge haplotypes is still lacking.

RESULTS: We tested different assembly strategies on the genome of the rotifer Adineta vaga, a non-model organism for which high coverages of both PacBio and Nanopore reads were available. The assemblers we tested (Canu, Flye, NextDenovo, Ra, Raven, Shasta and wtdbg2) exhibited strikingly different behaviors when dealing with highly heterozygous regions, resulting in variable amounts of uncollapsed haplotypes. Filtering reads generally improved haploid assemblies, and we also benchmarked three post-processing tools aimed at detecting and purging uncollapsed haplotypes in long-read assemblies: HaploMerger2, purge_haplotigs and purge_dups.

CONCLUSIONS: We provide a thorough evaluation of popular assemblers on a non-model eukaryote genome with variable levels of heterozygosity. Our study highlights several strategies using pre and post-processing approaches to generate haploid assemblies with high continuity and completeness. This benchmark will help users to improve haploid assemblies of non-model organisms, and evaluate the quality of their own assemblies.}, } @article {pmid34086914, year = {2021}, author = {Freeman, NE and Norris, DR and Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Kyser, TK and Newman, AEM}, title = {Early-Life Corticosterone Body Condition Influence Social Status and Survival in a Food-Caching Passerine.}, journal = {Integrative and comparative biology}, volume = {61}, number = {1}, pages = {9-19}, doi = {10.1093/icb/icab038}, pmid = {34086914}, issn = {1557-7023}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Corticosterone ; Feathers ; Social Behavior ; *Songbirds/physiology ; }, abstract = {Individuals undergo profound changes throughout their early life as they grow and transition between life-history stages. As a result, the conditions that individuals experience during development can have both immediate and lasting effects on their physiology, behavior, and, ultimately, fitness. In a population of Canada jays in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, we characterized the diet composition and physiological profile of young jays at three key time points during development (nestling, pre-fledge, and pre-dispersal) by quantifying stable-carbon (δ13C) and -nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes and corticosterone concentrations in feathers. We then investigated the downstream effects of early-life diet composition, feather corticosterone, and environmental conditions on a juvenile's social status, body condition, and probability of being observed in the fall following hatch. Across the three time points, the diet of Canada jay young was composed primarily of vertebrate tissue and human food with the proportion of these food items increasing as the jays neared dispersal. Feather corticosterone concentrations also shifted across the three time points, decreasing from nestling to pre-dispersal. Dominant juveniles had elevated corticosterone concentrations in their feathers grown pre-dispersal compared with subordinates. High body condition as nestlings was associated with high body condition as juveniles and an increased probability of being observed in the fall. Together, our results demonstrate that nestling physiology and body condition influence the social status and body condition once individuals are independent, with potential long-term consequences on survival and fitness.}, } @article {pmid34086153, year = {2021}, author = {Kovalev, SY and Yakimenko, VV}, title = {Kama virus (KAMV) is an atypical representative of the seabird tick-borne flaviviruses.}, journal = {Virus genes}, volume = {57}, number = {4}, pages = {395-399}, pmid = {34086153}, issn = {1572-994X}, mesh = {Animals ; Antigens, Viral/genetics ; Birds ; Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Flavivirus/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Flavivirus Infections/*genetics/pathology/virology ; Genome, Viral/*genetics ; Humans ; Ixodes/genetics/virology ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; }, abstract = {According to modern classification, tick-borne flaviviruses have been divided into a mammalian tick-borne virus group and a seabird tick-borne virus group (STBVG). The STBVG includes the Tyuleniy virus, Meaban virus, Saumarez Reef virus, and the recently discovered Kama virus (KAMV). The latter was isolated from Ixodes lividus, an obligate parasitic tick of the sand martin (Riparia riparia), in 1989 in the central part of the Russian Plain. In 2014, based on molecular genetic analysis, it was shown that KAMV is a new virus belonging to STBVG, genus Flavivirus, fam. Flaviviridae. Very little is known about the Kama virus concerning its range, vectors, and reservoir hosts. GenBank contains a single sequence of the complete genome of this virus. In the present study, the complete genome sequences of two strains, isolated in 1983 in the Omsk region (Western Siberia) from gamasid mites in the nests of rooks (Corvus frugilegus), have been determined. Phylogenetic analyses of their genomes showed a close relationship both with each other (approx. 98.9% nucleotide identity) and with KAMV isolated in European Russia (approx. 98.4% nucleotide identity). The ecological features of KAMV that are due to the species of the vector (gamasid mites) and its hosts (colonial birds of the mainland of Eurasia) indicate that KAMV is an atypical representative STBVG.}, } @article {pmid34082829, year = {2021}, author = {Chakarov, N and Veiga, J and Ruiz-Arrondo, I and Valera, F}, title = {Atypical behavior of a black fly species connects cavity-nesting birds with generalist blood parasites in an arid area of Spain.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {298}, pmid = {34082829}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {CGL2014-55969//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; BES-2015-075951//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PGC2018-097426-B-C22//Agencia Estatal de Investigación (ES)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*blood/etiology/*parasitology ; Blood ; Desert Climate ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Insect Vectors/anatomy & histology/genetics/*parasitology/physiology ; Meals ; Nesting Behavior ; Phylogeny ; Simuliidae/anatomy & histology/genetics/*parasitology/physiology ; Spain ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The feeding behavior of bloodsucking insects determines the transmission, distribution, host spectrum and evolution of blood parasites in the wild. Conventional wisdom suggests that some vector groups (e.g. black flies, family Simuliidae) are consistently exophagous daytime biters. We aimed to understand more about the exceptions to this pattern by combining targeted trapping and molecular identification of parasites in vectors.

METHODS: In this study, we collected black flies in nest boxes used by European rollers Coracias garrulus in southeastern Spain. We molecularly analyzed 434 individual insects, identifying the black fly species caught in the nest boxes, their potential vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages that they carried.

RESULTS: Only one black fly species, Simulium rubzovianum, appeared to enter the nest boxes of rollers. Among the trapped specimens, 15% contained vertebrate DNA, which always belonged to rollers, even though only half of those specimens were visibly engorged. Furthermore, 15% of all black flies contained Leucocytozoon lineages, indicating previous feeding on avian hosts but probably not on infected adult rollers. The known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages suggested that large and/or abundant birds are their hosts. Particularly represented were cavity-nesting species breeding in the vicinity, such as pigeons, corvids and owls. Open-nesting species such as thrushes and birds of prey were also represented.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data strongly suggest that S. rubzovianum bites uninfected roller nestlings and infected individuals of other species, potentially incubating adults, inside nest boxes and natural cavities. This simuliid does not appear to have a strong preference for specific host clades. Contrary to the general pattern for the group, and possibly enhanced by the harsh environmental conditions in the study area, this black fly appeared to intensively use and may even have a preference for confined spaces such as cavities for feeding and resting. Preferences of vectors for atypical microhabitat niches where hosts are less mobile may enable social and within-family transmission and parasite speciation in the long term. At the same time, a lack of host preference in concentrated multispecies communities can lead to host switches. Both processes may be underappreciated driving forces in the evolution of avian blood parasites.}, } @article {pmid34081496, year = {2021}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Leonard, K and Katz, JS and Magnotti, JF and Wright, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Abstract-concept learning in two species of new world corvids, pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus Cyanocephalus) and California scrub jays (Aphelocoma Californica).}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Animal learning and cognition}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {384-392}, doi = {10.1037/xan0000283}, pmid = {34081496}, issn = {2329-8464}, support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; //Canada Research Chair fund/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; *Concept Formation ; *Learning ; }, abstract = {concepts require individuals to identify relationships between novel stimuli. Previous studies have reported that the ability to learn abstract concepts is found in a wide range of species. In regard to a same/different concept, Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) and black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia), two corvid species, were shown to outperform other avian and primate species (Wright et al., 2017). Two additional corvid species, pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) and California scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica) chosen as they belong to a different clade than nutcrackers and magpies, were examined using the same set-size expansion procedure of the same/different task (the task used with nutcrackers and magpies) to evaluate whether this trait is common across the Corvidae lineage. During this task, concept learning is assessed with novel images after training. Results from the current study showed that when presented with novel stimuli after training with an 8-image set, discrimination accuracy did not differ significantly from chance for pinyon jays and California scrub jays, unlike the magpies and nutcrackers from previous studies that showed partial transfer at that stage. However, concept learning improved with each set-size expansion, and the jays reached full concept learning with a 128-image set. This performance is similar to the other corvids and monkeys tested, all of which outperform pigeons. Results from the current study show a qualitative similarity in full abstract-concept learning in all species tested with a quantitative difference in the set-size functions, highlighting the shared survival importance of mechanisms supporting abstract-concept learning for corvids and primates. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid34080508, year = {2022}, author = {Saleh, G and Ahmed, A and Hassanain, O and Emad, A and Essameldin, S and Ragai, M and Saad, Y}, title = {Nutrition in Cancer Patients Positive for COVID-19; Case Series and a Systematic Review of Literature.}, journal = {Nutrition and cancer}, volume = {74}, number = {2}, pages = {450-462}, doi = {10.1080/01635581.2021.1931363}, pmid = {34080508}, issn = {1532-7914}, mesh = {Adult ; *COVID-19 ; Humans ; Male ; *Neoplasms/complications ; Pandemics ; RNA, Viral ; SARS-CoV-2 ; }, abstract = {Cancer is making patients vulnerable to diseases by impairing immunity directly or by anticancer therapy. In COVID-19 era, it is mandatory to face cancer with more organized & prompter response. Nutrition plays an important role in prevention & management of cancer patients. The objective of this study is to understand the role of nutrition in cancer patients during Corvid 19 era. We conducted literature searches till May 2020, electronic databases, evidence-based collections, relevant websites and trial registries about SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 and nutrition in cancer patients. Search generated 836 sources; 83/836 sources were relevant. This review summarized role of nutrition in predisposition, prevention and management of COVID-19 in cancer patient and role of vitamins, mineral supplements and microbiota in era of COVID-19. In this review, implementing appropriate nutritional care with vitamins or mineral supplementation & their effect on outcome remain largely unknown. COVID co-infection with cancer whether under chemotherapy or not have worse outcome especially in male adults. Findings may help in creating recommendations on nutritional protocol of management & prevention of complications during ongoing COVID-19 pandemic for all cancer patients.}, } @article {pmid34077897, year = {2021}, author = {Julvez, J and López-Vicente, M and Warembourg, C and Maitre, L and Philippat, C and Gützkow, KB and Guxens, M and Evandt, J and Andrusaityte, S and Burgaleta, M and Casas, M and Chatzi, L and de Castro, M and Donaire-González, D and Gražulevičienė, R and Hernandez-Ferrer, C and Heude, B and Mceachan, R and Mon-Williams, M and Nieuwenhuijsen, M and Robinson, O and Sakhi, AK and Sebastian-Galles, N and Slama, R and Sunyer, J and Tamayo-Uria, I and Thomsen, C and Urquiza, J and Vafeiadi, M and Wright, J and Basagaña, X and Vrijheid, M}, title = {Early life multiple exposures and child cognitive function: A multi-centric birth cohort study in six European countries.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {284}, number = {}, pages = {117404}, pmid = {34077897}, issn = {1873-6424}, support = {MR/S03532X/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Child ; Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Environmental Exposure ; Europe ; *Exposome ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; }, abstract = {Epidemiological studies mostly focus on single environmental exposures. This study aims to systematically assess associations between a wide range of prenatal and childhood environmental exposures and cognition. The study sample included data of 1298 mother-child pairs, children were 6-11 years-old, from six European birth cohorts. We measured 87 exposures during pregnancy and 122 cross-sectionally during childhood, including air pollution, built environment, meteorology, natural spaces, traffic, noise, chemicals and life styles. The measured cognitive domains were fluid intelligence (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices test, CPM), attention (Attention Network Test, ANT) and working memory (N-Back task). We used two statistical approaches to assess associations between exposure and child cognition: the exposome-wide association study (ExWAS) considering each exposure independently, and the deletion-substitution-addition algorithm (DSA) considering all exposures simultaneously to build a final multiexposure model. Based on this multiexposure model that included the exposure variables selected by ExWAS and DSA models, child organic food intake was associated with higher fluid intelligence (CPM) scores (beta = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.50, 1.87) and higher working memory (N-Back) scores (0.23; 0.05, 0.41), and child fast food intake (-1.25; -2.10, -0.40), house crowding (-0.39; -0.62, -0.16), and child environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (-0.89; -1.42, -0.35), were all associated with lower CPM scores. Indoor PM2.5 exposure was associated with lower N-Back scores (-0.09; -0.16, -0.02). Additional associations in the unexpected direction were found: Higher prenatal mercury levels, maternal alcohol consumption and child higher perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) levels were associated with better cognitive performance; and higher green exposure during pregnancy with lower cognitive performance. This first comprehensive and systematic study of many prenatal and childhood environmental risk factors suggests that unfavourable child nutrition, family crowdedness and child indoor air pollution and ETS exposures adversely and cross-sectionally associate with cognitive function. Unexpected associations were also observed and maybe due to confounding and reverse causality.}, } @article {pmid34077582, year = {2021}, author = {Pizzol, D and Tudor, F and Racalbuto, V and Bertoldo, A and Veronese, N and Smith, L}, title = {Systematic review and meta-analysis found that malnutrition was associated with poor cognitive development.}, journal = {Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)}, volume = {110}, number = {10}, pages = {2704-2710}, doi = {10.1111/apa.15964}, pmid = {34077582}, issn = {1651-2227}, mesh = {Child ; Cognition ; Humans ; *Malnutrition/complications/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {AIM: Malnutrition is a major public health issue that has been associated with high susceptibility for impaired brain development and mental functioning. However, to date studies on this topic have not been collated and appraised. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between malnutrition and cognitive development.

METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase PsycINFO and Cochrane Library databases in English up to 8 December 2020. All studies reporting an association between nutritional status and cognitive development were included. p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant and the results are reported as standardised mean differences (SMD), 95% confidence intervals (95%) and I[2] statistics.

RESULTS: We included 12 studies comprising 7,607 participants aged 1 to 12 years. Children with malnutrition had worse scores than controls for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale (SMD -0.40; 95% CI -0.60 to -0.20; p < 0.0001; I[2] 77.1%), the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (SMD -3.75; 95% CI -5.68 to -1.83; p < 0.0001; I[2] 99.2%), visual processing (SMD -0.85; 95% CI -1.23 to -0.46; p 0.009; I[2] 11.0%) and short memory (SMD 0.85; 95% CI -1.21 to -0.49; p < 0.0001; I[2] 0%) tests.

CONCLUSION: Normal cognitive development requires access to good and safe nutrition.}, } @article {pmid34077293, year = {2021}, author = {Walker, MA and Uribasterra, M and Asher, V and Getz, WM and Ryan, SJ and Ponciano, JM and Blackburn, JK}, title = {Anthrax Surveillance and the Limited Overlap Between Obligate Scavengers and Endemic Anthrax Zones in the United States.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {21}, number = {9}, pages = {675-684}, pmid = {34077293}, issn = {1557-7759}, support = {R01 GM117617/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Anthrax/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Bacillus anthracis ; Ecosystem ; *Falconiformes ; United States/epidemiology ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {Anthrax is a zoonosis caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, with potential for high fatality rate, especially in herbivores. Upon host death, spores can enter the soil surrounding the carcass and be ingested by other animals feeding in the same location. Accordingly, surveillance to quickly identify and decontaminate anthrax carcasses is crucial to outbreak prevention. In endemic anthrax areas such as Texas and Africa, vultures are used as a surveillance tool for identifying presence and location of dead animals. However, many anthrax outbreaks in the United States have occurred in areas outside the ranges of both black and turkey vultures. Here, we used a longitudinal camera trap survey at carcass sites in southwestern Montana to investigate the utility of facultative avian scavengers on disease and carcass surveillance in a reemerging anthrax risk zone. From August 2016 to September 2018, camera traps at 11 carcass sites were triggered 1996 times by avian scavengers. While the majority were facultative avian scavengers such as corvids and eagles, our results suggest that facultative scavengers cannot replace vultures as a surveillance tool in this ecosystem due to their absence during the anthrax risk period (June to August), reduced search efficiency, or low flight patterns. We found that the conditions in Montana likely parallel systems elsewhere in the continental United States. Using ecological niche models of B. anthracis distribution overlaid with relative abundance maps of turkey vultures, we found that much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa have areas of anthrax risk, but low or absent turkey vulture populations. Without vultures in these areas, surveillance capacity is reduced, and it becomes more difficult to identify anthrax cases, meaning fewer carcasses are decontaminated, and consequently, outbreaks could become more frequent or severe.}, } @article {pmid34074798, year = {2021}, author = {Garcia-Pelegrin, E and Schnell, AK and Wilkins, C and Clayton, NS}, title = {Exploring the perceptual inabilities of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) using magic effects.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {118}, number = {24}, pages = {}, pmid = {34074798}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Female ; Hand ; Humans ; *Magic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Perception/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {In recent years, scientists have begun to use magic effects to investigate the blind spots in our attention and perception [G. Kuhn, Experiencing the Impossible: The Science of Magic (2019); S. Macknik, S. Martinez-Conde, S. Blakeslee, Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deceptions (2010)]. Recently, we suggested that similar techniques could be transferred to nonhuman animal observers and that such an endeavor would provide insight into the inherent commonalities and discrepancies in attention and perception in human and nonhuman animals [E. Garcia-Pelegrin, A. K. Schnell, C. Wilkins, N. S. Clayton, Science 369, 1424-1426 (2020)]. Here, we performed three different magic effects (palming, French drop, and fast pass) to a sample of six Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius). These magic effects were specifically chosen as they utilize different cues and expectations that mislead the spectator into thinking one object has or has not been transferred from one hand to the other. Results from palming and French drop experiments suggest that Eurasian jays have different expectations from humans when observing some of these effects. Specifically, Eurasian jays were not deceived by effects that required them to expect an object to move between hands when observing human hand manipulations. However, similar to humans, Eurasian jays were misled by magic effects that utilize fast movements as a deceptive action. This study investigates how another taxon perceives the magician's techniques of deception that commonly deceive humans.}, } @article {pmid34073851, year = {2021}, author = {Horn, L and Zewald, JS and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {Carrion Crows and Azure-Winged Magpies Show No Prosocial Tendencies When Tested in a Token Transfer Paradigm.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {34073851}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {To study the evolution of humans' cooperative nature, researchers have recently sought comparisons with other species. Studies investigating corvids, for example, showed that carrion crows and azure-winged magpies delivered food to group members when tested in naturalistic or simple experimental paradigms. Here, we investigated whether we could replicate these positive findings when testing the same two species in a token transfer paradigm. After training the birds to exchange tokens with an experimenter for food rewards, we tested whether they would also transfer tokens to other birds, when they did not have the opportunity to exchange the tokens themselves. To control for the effects of motivation, and of social or stimulus enhancement, we tested each individual in three additional control conditions. We witnessed very few attempts and/or successful token transfers, and those few instances did not occur more frequently in the test condition than in the controls, which would suggest that the birds lack prosocial tendencies. Alternatively, we propose that this absence of prosociality may stem from the artificial nature and cognitive complexity of the token transfer task. Consequently, our findings highlight the strong impact of methodology on animals' capability to exhibit prosocial tendencies and stress the importance of comparing multiple experimental paradigms.}, } @article {pmid34068802, year = {2021}, author = {Doerr, EM and Carretti, B and Toffalini, E and Lanfranchi, S and Meneghetti, C}, title = {Developmental Trajectories in Spatial Visualization and Mental Rotation in Individuals with Down Syndrome.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {34068802}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The analysis of developmental trajectories of visuospatial abilities in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) remains an unexplored field of investigation to examine in depth. The study aimed to fill such a gap by examining changes in two visuospatial abilities: spatial visualization (the ability to manage spatial stimuli) and mental rotation (the ability to rotate spatial stimuli).

METHOD: Eighty-seven participants with DS, aged between 7 and 53 years (forty-seven males and forty females), completed spatial visualization and mental rotation tasks. Changes in these two abilities were analyzed in relation to chronological age and developmental level, the latter derived from Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: Chronological age was linearly associated with spatial visualization performance, whereas mental rotation performance increased until 14 years of age and then decreased. Developmental level was linearly associated with increased performance in spatial visualization, the trend in mental rotation was segmented with an increase after 5 years of age. Furthermore, developmental trajectories in mental rotation depended on the rotation degree.

CONCLUSION: Chronological age explains a modest quote of variance. Developmental level better describes changes in spatial visualization and mental rotation of individuals with DS.}, } @article {pmid34062633, year = {2021}, author = {Jasim, M and Brindha, T}, title = {Spinal cord segmentation and injury detection using a Crow Search-Rider optimization algorithm.}, journal = {Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, pages = {293-304}, doi = {10.1515/bmt-2019-0180}, pmid = {34062633}, issn = {1862-278X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Crows ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Spinal Cord/*physiology ; Spinal Cord Injuries/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {The damage in the spinal cord due to vertebral fractures may result in loss of sensation and muscle function either permanently or temporarily. The neurological condition of the patient can be improved only with the early detection and the treatment of the injury in the spinal cord. This paper proposes a spinal cord segmentation and injury detection system based on the proposed Crow search-Rider Optimization-based DCNN (CS-ROA DCNN) method, which can detect the injury in the spinal cord in an effective manner. Initially, the segmentation of the CT image of the spinal cord is performed using the adaptive thresholding method, followed by which the localization of the disc is performed using the Sparse FCM clustering algorithm (Sparse-FCM). The localized discs are subjected to a feature extraction process, where the features necessary for the classification process are extracted. The classification process is done using DCNN trained using the proposed CS-ROA, which is the integration of the Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) and Rider Optimization Algorithm (ROA). The experimentation is performed using the evaluation metrics, such as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The proposed method achieved the high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.874, 0.8961, and 0.8828, respectively that shows the effectiveness of the proposed CS-ROA DCNN method in spinal cord injury detection.}, } @article {pmid34061249, year = {2021}, author = {Layton-Matthews, K and Griesser, M and Coste, CFD and Ozgul, A}, title = {Forest management affects seasonal source-sink dynamics in a territorial, group-living bird.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {196}, number = {2}, pages = {399-412}, pmid = {34061249}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {PPOOP3_123520; PPOOP3_123520//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (CH)/ ; 31BD30_172465//ERA-NET BiodivERsA/ ; 665778//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; Forestry ; Forests ; Humans ; *Passeriformes ; Population Dynamics ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {The persistence of wildlife populations is under threat as a consequence of human activities, which are degrading natural ecosystems. Commercial forestry is the greatest threat to biodiversity in boreal forests. Forestry practices have degraded most available habitat, threatening the persistence of natural populations. Understanding population responses is, therefore, critical for their conservation. Population viability analyses are effective tools to predict population persistence under forestry management. However, quantifying the mechanisms driving population responses is complex as population dynamics vary temporally and spatially. Metapopulation dynamics are governed by local dynamics and spatial factors, potentially mediating the impacts of forestry e.g., through dispersal. Here, we performed a seasonal, spatially explicit population viability analysis, using long-term data from a group-living territorial bird (Siberian jay, Perisoreus infaustus). We quantified the effects of forest management on metapopulation dynamics, via forest type-specific demography and spatially explicit dispersal, and how forestry impacted the stability of metapopulation dynamics. Forestry reduced metapopulation growth and stability, through negative effects on reproduction and survival. Territories in higher quality natural forest contributed more to metapopulation dynamics than managed forests, largely through demographic processes rather than dispersal. Metapopulation dynamics in managed forest were also less resilient to disturbances and consequently, may be more vulnerable to environmental change. Seasonal differences in source-sink dynamics observed in managed forest, but not natural forests, were caused by associated seasonal differences in dispersal. As shown here, capturing seasonal source-sink dynamics allows us to predict population persistence under human disturbance and to provide targeted conservation recommendations.}, } @article {pmid34049884, year = {2021}, author = {Cunha, FCR and Griesser, M}, title = {Who do you trust? Wild birds use social knowledge to avoid being deceived.}, journal = {Science advances}, volume = {7}, number = {22}, pages = {}, pmid = {34049884}, issn = {2375-2548}, abstract = {Many species give deceptive warning calls, enabled by the high risk of ignoring them. In Siberian jays, a territorial, group-living bird, individuals give warning calls toward perched predators and mob them. However, intruding neighbors can emit these warning calls in the absence of predators to access food, but breeders often ignore these calls. Playback field experiments show that breeders flee sooner and return later after warning calls of former group members than those of neighbors or unknown individuals. Thus, breeders respond appropriately only to warning calls of previous cooperation partners. This mechanism facilitates the evolution and maintenance of communication vulnerable to deceptive signaling. This conclusion also applies to human language because of its cooperative nature and thus, its vulnerability to deception.}, } @article {pmid34043918, year = {2022}, author = {Fochesatto, CF and Gaya, ACA and Cristi-Montero, C and Brand, C and Dias, AF and Ruschel Bandeira, D and Marasca, AR and Gaya, AR}, title = {Association between physical fitness components and fluid intelligence according to body mass index in schoolchildren.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {640-646}, doi = {10.1080/21622965.2021.1924718}, pmid = {34043918}, issn = {2162-2973}, mesh = {Body Mass Index ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; *Overweight/epidemiology/psychology ; *Pediatric Obesity/epidemiology/psychology ; Physical Fitness/psychology ; }, abstract = {Physical fitness is considered a protective factor for children's general health and has been related to enhanced cognitive functioning. However, it appears that cognition could be affected in children with overweight or obesity. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between physical fitness components and fluid intelligence in normal-weight and overweight/obese children. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 317 schoolchildren participated (165 boys, 52.05%), aged between six and 11 years old (1st to 5th grade), belonging to a public school in the south of Brazil. Psychologists evaluated fluid intelligence through the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test. The physical fitness evaluation followed the procedures of the "Brazil Sports Project". Weight and height were measured to determine body mass index and generalized linear regression analyses were used with a 95% confidence interval. Our results showed that agility was inversely associated with fluid intelligence only in the overweight/obese group (β = -1.506; p = 0.01). Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness were not associated with fluid intelligence. In conclusion, agility was the only physical fitness component related to fluid intelligence, and this relationship was found exclusively in overweight/obese schoolchildren.}, } @article {pmid34043664, year = {2021}, author = {Joseph, J and Sankar D, H and Nambiar, D}, title = {Empanelment of health care facilities under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in India.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e0251814}, pmid = {34043664}, issn = {1932-6203}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Facilities/*economics/supply & distribution ; Health Services/*economics/supply & distribution ; Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration ; Hospitals, Private/organization & administration ; Hospitals, Public/organization & administration ; Humans ; India ; Public Health/*methods ; Universal Health Insurance/*organization & administration ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: India's Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world's largest health assurance scheme providing health cover of 500,000 INR (about USD 6,800) per family per year. It provides financial support for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization expenses to about 500 million of India's poorest households through various insurance models with care delivered by public and private empanelled providers. This study undertook to describe the provider empanelment of PM-JAY, a key element of its functioning and determinant of its impact.

METHODS: We carried out secondary analysis of cross-sectional administrative program data publicly available in PM-JAY portal for 30 Indian states and 06 UTs. We analysed the state wise distribution, type and sector of empanelled hospitals and services offered through PM-JAY scheme across all the states and UTs.

RESULTS: We found that out of the total facilities empanelled (N = 20,257) under the scheme in 2020, more than half (N = 11,367, 56%) were in the public sector, while 8,157 (40%) facilities were private for profit, and 733 (4%) were private not for profit entities. State wise distribution of hospitals showed that five states (Karnataka (N = 2,996, 14.9%), Gujarat (N = 2,672, 13.3%), Uttar Pradesh (N = 2,627, 13%), Tamil Nadu (N = 2315, 11.5%) and Rajasthan (N = 2,093 facilities, 10.4%) contributed to more than 60% of empanelled PMJAY facilities: We also observed that 40% of facilities were offering between two and five specialties while 14% of empanelled hospitals provided 21-24 specialties.

CONCLUSION: A majority of the hospital empanelled under the scheme are in states with previous experience of implementing publicly funded health insurance schemes, with the exception of Uttar Pradesh. Reasons underlying these patterns of empanelment as well as the impact of empanelment on service access, utilisation, population health and financial risk protection warrant further study. While the inclusion and regulation of the private sector is a goal that may be served by empanelment, the role of public sector remains critical, particularly in underserved areas of India.}, } @article {pmid34041776, year = {2022}, author = {Langener, AM and Kramer, AW and van den Bos, W and Huizenga, HM}, title = {A shortened version of Raven's standard progressive matrices for children and adolescents.}, journal = {The British journal of developmental psychology}, volume = {40}, number = {1}, pages = {35-45}, pmid = {34041776}, issn = {2044-835X}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Numerous developmental studies assess general cognitive ability, not as the primary variable of interest, but rather as a background variable. Raven's Progressive Matrices is an easy to administer non-verbal test that is widely used to measure general cognitive ability. However, the relatively long administration time (up to 45 min) is still a drawback for developmental studies as it often leaves little time to assess the primary variable of interest. Therefore, we used a machine learning approach - regularized regression in combination with cross-validation - to develop a short 15-item version. We did so for two age groups, namely 9 to 12 years and 13 to 16 years. The short versions predicted the scores on the standard full 60-item versions to a very high degree r = 0.89 (9-12 years) and r = 0.93 (13-16 years). We, therefore, recommend using the short version to measure general cognitive ability as a background variable in developmental studies.}, } @article {pmid34025579, year = {2021}, author = {Bianciardi, E and Raimondi, G and Samela, T and Innamorati, M and Contini, LM and Procenesi, L and Fabbricatore, M and Imperatori, C and Gentileschi, P}, title = {Neurocognitive and Psychopathological Predictors of Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study.}, journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {662252}, pmid = {34025579}, issn = {1664-2392}, mesh = {Adult ; *Bariatric Surgery ; Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology/surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Obesity/*psychology/*surgery ; Psychopathology ; *Weight Loss ; }, abstract = {Twenty to thirty percent of patients experience weight regain at mid and long-term follow-up. Impaired cognitive functions are prevalent in people suffering from obesity and in those with binge eating disorder, thereby, affecting the weight-loss outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate neurocognitive and psychopathological predictors of surgical efficacy in terms of percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) at follow-up intervals of one year and 4-year. Psychosocial evaluation was completed in a sample of 78 bariatric surgery candidates and included psychometric instruments and a cognitive battery of neuropsychological tests. A schedule of 1-year and 4-year follow-ups was implemented. Wisconsin Sorting Card Test total correct responses, scores on the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, and age predicted %EWL at, both, early and long-term periods after surgery while the severity of pre-operative binge eating (BED) symptoms were associated with lower %EWL only four years after the operation. Due to the role of pre-operative BED in weight loss maintenance, the affected patients are at risk of suboptimal response requiring ongoing clinical monitoring, and psychological and pharmacological interventions when needed. As a result of our findings and in keeping with the latest guidelines we encourage neuropsychological assessment of bariatric surgery candidates. This data substantiated the rationale of providing rehabilitative interventions tailored to cognitive domains and time specific to the goal of supporting patients in their post-surgical course.}, } @article {pmid34013520, year = {2021}, author = {Fielding, MW and Buettel, JC and Brook, BW and Stojanovic, D and Yates, LA}, title = {Roadkill islands: Carnivore extinction shifts seasonal use of roadside carrion by generalist avian scavenger.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {90}, number = {10}, pages = {2268-2276}, doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.13532}, pmid = {34013520}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; *Carnivora ; *Ecosystem ; Food Chain ; Islands ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Global road networks facilitate habitat modification and are integral to human expansion. Many animals, particularly scavengers, use roads as they provide a reliable source of food, such as carrion left after vehicle collisions. Tasmania is often cited as the 'roadkill capital of Australia', with the isolated offshore islands in the Bass Strait experiencing similar, if not higher, levels of roadkill. However, native mammalian predators on the islands are extirpated, meaning the remaining scavengers are likely to experience lower interference competition. In this study, we used a naturally occurring experiment to examine how the loss of mammalian carnivores within a community impacts roadside foraging behaviour by avian scavengers. We monitored the locations of roadkill and forest ravens Corvus tasmanicus, an abundant scavenger species, on eight road transects across the Tasmanian mainland (high scavenging competition) and the Bass Strait islands (low scavenging competition). We represented raven observations as one-dimensional point patterns, using hierarchical Bayesian models to investigate the dependence of raven spatial intensity on habitat, season, distance to roadkill and route location. We found that roadkill carcasses were a strong predictor of raven presence along road networks. The effect of roadkill was amplified on roads on the Bass Strait islands, where roadside carrion was a predictor of raven presence across the entire year. In contrast, ravens were more often associated with roadkill on Tasmanian mainland roads in the autumn, when other resources were low. This suggests that in the absence of competing mammalian scavengers, ravens choose to feed on roadside carrion throughout the year, even in seasons when other resources are available. This lack of competition could be disproportionately benefiting forest ravens, leading to augmented raven populations and changes to the vertebrate community structure. Our study provides evidence that scavengers modify their behaviour in response to reduced scavenger species diversity, potentially triggering trophic shifts and highlighting the importance of conserving or reintroducing carnivores within ecosystems.}, } @article {pmid34010354, year = {2021}, author = {Mantey, AA and Annan, RA and Lutterodt, HE and Twumasi, P}, title = {Iron status predicts cognitive test performance of primary school children from Kumasi, Ghana.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e0251335}, pmid = {34010354}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/blood/epidemiology/psychology ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet ; Female ; Ferritins/blood ; Ghana/epidemiology ; Hemoglobins/metabolism ; Humans ; Iron/*blood ; Iron Deficiencies ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Nutritional Status ; Schools ; Social Class ; Urban Population ; Zinc/blood ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Good nutritional status of school-aged children is crucial in achieving improved cognition. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and cognition of school-aged children in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.

METHODS: 389 children were selected from ten government-owned schools. Socio-demographic and anthropometric data were collected. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients levels. Dietary intakes were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and previous day's nutrients intake. Cognition test was performed using the Ravens Colored Progressive Matrix (RCPM).

RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 8.9±1.4 years, mean RCPM score was 17.9±5.4. More girls scored RCPM below the 40th percentile (45.5%) than boys (33.7%), while mother's level of education significantly associated with RCPM percentiles of the children (p = 0.037). Four dietary patterns were generated from food frequency data, and scores of the second pattern, depicting vegetables, non-fruits, bread and cereals, showed a weak negative correlation (r = -0.132, p = 0.026) with previous day's dietary zinc intake. Cognitive status did not vary by anthropometric and dietary patterns. More anemic (54.4%) than non-anemic (33.3%) children were below the 40th RCPM percentile. Mean previous day's intake for folate (p<0.001), vitamin B6 (p = 0.018), iron (p<0.001), and zinc (p = 0.001) differed significantly between the cognitive test score percentiles of the children. Spearman rank correlation showed weak positive associations between RCPM score and hemoglobin (r = 0.246, p = 0.003) and serum ferritin (r = 0.176, p = 0.036). Binary regression analysis showed anemic children (aOR = 0.4; 95%CI = 0.2-0.8, p = 0.014), compared with non-anemic had decreased odds, while boys, compared with girls had increased odds (aOR = 2.0 95%CI = 1.0-4.0, p = 0.035) for scoring above the 50th RCPM percentile.

CONCLUSIONS: Iron status, especially hemoglobin levels, correlated with the cognitive performance of school-aged children in the metropolis. Thus nutritional strategies aimed at reducing iron deficiency anemia are needed.}, } @article {pmid34010302, year = {2021}, author = {Bladon, AJ and Donald, PF and Collar, NJ and Denge, J and Dadacha, G and Wondafrash, M and Green, RE}, title = {Climatic change and extinction risk of two globally threatened Ethiopian endemic bird species.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {e0249633}, pmid = {34010302}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Climate Change ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Endangered Species/*trends ; Ethiopia ; Models, Statistical ; Swallows/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Climate change is having profound effects on the distributions of species globally. Trait-based assessments predict that specialist and range-restricted species are among those most likely to be at risk of extinction from such changes. Understanding individual species' responses to climate change is therefore critical for informing conservation planning. We use an established Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) protocol to describe the curious range-restriction of the globally threatened White-tailed Swallow (Hirundo megaensis) to a small area in southern Ethiopia. We find that, across a range of modelling approaches, the distribution of this species is well described by two climatic variables, maximum temperature and dry season precipitation. These same two variables have been previously found to limit the distribution of the unrelated but closely sympatric Ethiopian Bush-crow (Zavattariornis stresemanni). We project the future climatic suitability for both species under a range of climate scenarios and modelling approaches. Both species are at severe risk of extinction within the next half century, as the climate in 68-84% (for the swallow) and 90-100% (for the bush-crow) of their current ranges is predicted to become unsuitable. Intensive conservation measures, such as assisted migration and captive-breeding, may be the only options available to safeguard these two species. Their projected disappearance in the wild offers an opportunity to test the reliability of SDMs for predicting the fate of wild species. Monitoring future changes in the distribution and abundance of the bush-crow is particularly tractable because its nests are conspicuous and visible over large distances.}, } @article {pmid33999415, year = {2021}, author = {Hancock, ZB and Lehmberg, ES and Bradburd, GS}, title = {Neo-darwinism still haunts evolutionary theory: A modern perspective on Charlesworth, Lande, and Slatkin (1982).}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {75}, number = {6}, pages = {1244-1255}, pmid = {33999415}, issn = {1558-5646}, support = {R35 GM137919/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Biology/*history ; History, 20th Century ; Models, Biological ; Phylogeny ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The Modern Synthesis (or "Neo-Darwinism"), which arose out of the reconciliation of Darwin's theory of natural selection and Mendel's research on genetics, remains the foundation of evolutionary theory. However, since its inception, it has been a lightning rod for criticism, which has ranged from minor quibbles to complete dismissal. Among the most famous of the critics was Stephen Jay Gould, who, in 1980, proclaimed that the Modern Synthesis was "effectively dead." Gould and others claimed that the action of natural selection on random mutations was insufficient on its own to explain patterns of macroevolutionary diversity and divergence, and that new processes were required to explain findings from the fossil record. In 1982, Charlesworth, Lande, and Slatkin published a response to this critique in Evolution, in which they argued that Neo-Darwinism was indeed sufficient to explain macroevolutionary patterns. In this Perspective for the 75th Anniversary of the Society for the Study of Evolution, we review Charlesworth et al. in its historical context and provide modern support for their arguments. We emphasize the importance of microevolutionary processes in the study of macroevolutionary patterns. Ultimately, we conclude that punctuated equilibrium did not represent a major revolution in evolutionary biology - although debate on this point stimulated significant research and furthered the field - and that Neo-Darwinism is alive and well.}, } @article {pmid33995180, year = {2021}, author = {Strößner, C}, title = {Default Inheritance in Modified Statements: Bias or Inference?.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {626023}, pmid = {33995180}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {It is a fact that human subjects rate sentences about typical properties such as "Ravens are black" as very likely to be true. In comparison, modified sentences such as "Feathered ravens are black" receive lower ratings, especially if the modifier is atypical for the noun, as in "Jungle ravens are black". This is called the modifier effect. However, the likelihood of the unmodified statement influences the perceived likelihood of the modified statement: the higher the rated likelihood of the unmodified sentence, the higher the rated likelihood of the modified one. That means the modifier effect does not fully block default inheritance of typical properties from nouns to modified nouns. This paper discusses this inheritance effect. In particular, I ask whether it is the direct result of composing concepts from nouns, that is, a bias toward "black" when processing "raven". I report a series of experiments in which I find no evidence for a direct inheritance from composition. This supports the view that default inheritance is rather an inference than a bias.}, } @article {pmid33989896, year = {2021}, author = {Sharma, S and Singh, G and Sharma, M}, title = {A comprehensive review and analysis of supervised-learning and soft computing techniques for stress diagnosis in humans.}, journal = {Computers in biology and medicine}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {104450}, doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104450}, pmid = {33989896}, issn = {1879-0534}, mesh = {Algorithms ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Bayes Theorem ; Fuzzy Logic ; Humans ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; }, abstract = {Stress is the most prevailing and global psychological condition that inevitably disrupts the mood and behavior of individuals. Chronic stress may gravely affect the physical, mental, and social behavior of victims and consequently induce myriad critical human disorders. Herein, a review has been presented where supervised learning (SL) and soft computing (SC) techniques used in stress diagnosis have been meticulously investigated to highlight the contributions, strengths, and challenges faced in the implementation of these methods in stress diagnostic models. A three-tier review strategy comprising of manuscript selection, data synthesis, and data analysis was adopted. The issues in SL strategies and the potential possibility of using hybrid techniques in stress diagnosis have been intensively investigated. The strengths and weaknesses of different SL (Bayesian classifier, random forest, support vector machine, and nearest neighbours) and SC (fuzzy logic, nature-inspired, and deep learning) techniques have been presented to obtain clear insights into these optimization strategies. The effects of social, behavioral, and biological stresses have been highlighted. The psychological, biological, and behavioral responses to stress have also been briefly elucidated. The findings of the study confirmed that different types of data/signals (related to skin temperature, electro-dermal activity, blood circulation, heart rate, facial expressions, etc.) have been used in stress diagnosis. Moreover, there is a potential scope for using distinct nature-inspired computing techniques (Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, Ant Colony Optimization, Whale Optimization Algorithm, Butterfly Optimization, Harris Hawks Optimizer, and Crow Search Algorithm) and deep learning techniques (Deep-Belief Network, Convolutional-Neural Network, and Recurrent-Neural Network) on multimodal data compiled using behavioral testing, electroencephalogram signals, finger temperature, respiration rate, pupil diameter, galvanic-skin-response, and blood pressure. Likewise, there is a wider scope to investigate the use of SL and SC techniques in stress diagnosis using distinct dimensions such as sentiment analysis, speech recognition, handwriting recognition, and facial expressions. Finally, a hybrid model based on distinct computational methods influenced by both SL and SC techniques, adaption, parameter tuning, and the use of chaos, levy, and Gaussian distribution may address exploration and exploitation issues. However, factors such as real-time data collection, bias, integrity, multi-dimensional data, and data privacy make it challenging to design precise and innovative stress diagnostic systems based on artificial intelligence.}, } @article {pmid33984600, year = {2021}, author = {Garcia-Barrios, J and Drysdale, M and Ratelle, M and Gaudreau, É and LeBlanc, A and Gamberg, M and Laird, BD}, title = {Biomarkers of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Sub-Arctic and Arctic communities in Canada.}, journal = {International journal of hygiene and environmental health}, volume = {235}, number = {}, pages = {113754}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113754}, pmid = {33984600}, issn = {1618-131X}, mesh = {*Alkanesulfonic Acids ; Biological Monitoring ; Biomarkers ; Canada ; *Environmental Pollutants ; Female ; *Fluorocarbons/analysis ; Humans ; Male ; }, abstract = {Polyfluoroalkyl substances and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of anthropogenic chemicals that are used in food packaging, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams for their water and oil resistant properties. Though levels of some PFAS appear to be decreasing in Canada's south, environmental levels have been increasing in the Arctic due to long-range transport. However, the implications of this on human exposures in sub-Arctic and Arctic populations in Canada have yet to be established. To address this data gap, human biomonitoring research was completed in Old Crow, Yukon, and the Dehcho region, Northwest Territories. Blood samples were collected from adults residing in seven northern First Nations and were analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. A total of nine PFAS were quantified: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulphonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluorobutane sulphonic acid (PFBS). In the Dehcho (n = 124), five PFAS had a detection rate greater than 50% including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA. In addition to these PFAS, PFUdA was also detected in at least half of the samples collected in Old Crow (n = 54). Generally, male participants had higher concentrations of PFAS compared to female participants, and PFAS concentrations tended to increase with age. For most PFAS, Old Crow and Dehcho levels were similar or lower to those measured in the general Canadian population (as measured through the Canadian Health Measures Survey or CHMS) and other First Nations populations in Canada (as measured through the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative or FNBI). The key exception to this was for PFNA which, relative to the CHMS (0.51 μg/L), was approximately 1.8 times higher in Old Crow (0.94 μg/L) and 2.8 times higher in Dehcho (1.42 μg/L) than observed in the general Canadian population. This project provides baseline PFAS levels for participating communities, improving understanding of human exposures to PFAS in Canada. Future research should investigate site-specific PFNA exposure sources and monitor temporal trends in these regions.}, } @article {pmid33976306, year = {2021}, author = {Li, G and Chen, Y and Le, TM and Wang, W and Tang, X and Li, CR}, title = {Neural correlates of individual variation in two-back working memory and the relationship with fluid intelligence.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {9980}, pmid = {33976306}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Reaction Time/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Working memory has been examined extensively using the N-back task. However, less is known about the neural bases underlying individual variation in the accuracy rate (AR) and reaction time (RT) as metrics of N-back performance. Whereas AR indexes the overall performance, RT may more specifically reflect the efficiency in updating target identify. Further, studies have associated fluid intelligence (Gf) with working memory, but the cerebral correlates shared between Gf and N-back performance remain unclear. We addressed these issues using the Human Connectome Project dataset. We quantified the differences in AR (critical success index or CSI) and RT between 2- and 0-backs (CSI2-0 and RT2-0) and identified the neural correlates of individual variation in CSI2-0, RT2-0, and Gf, as indexed by the number of correct items scored in the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) test. The results showed that CSI2-0 and RT2-0 were negatively correlated, suggesting that a prolonged response time did not facilitate accuracy. At voxel p < 0.05, FWE-corrected, the pre-supplementary motor area (preSMA), bilateral frontoparietal cortex (biFPC) and right anterior insula (rAI) showed activities in negative correlation with CSI2-0 and positive correlation with RT2-0. In contrast, a cluster in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) bordering the SMA showed activities in positive correlation with CSI2-0 and negative correlation with RT2-0. Further, path analyses showed a significant fit of the model dACC → RT2-0 → CSI2-0, suggesting a critical role of target switching in determining performance accuracy. Individual variations in RT2-0 and Gf were positively correlated, although the effect size was small (f[2] = 0.0246). RT2-0 and Gf shared activities both in positive correlation with the preSMA, biFPC, rAI, and dorsal precuneus. These results together suggest inter-related neural substrates of individual variation in N-back performance and highlight a complex relationship in the neural processes supporting 2-back and RSPM performance.}, } @article {pmid33957480, year = {2021}, author = {Park, HY and Seo, E and Park, KM and Koo, SJ and Lee, E and An, SK}, title = {Shame and guilt in youth at ultra-high risk for psychosis.}, journal = {Comprehensive psychiatry}, volume = {108}, number = {}, pages = {152241}, doi = {10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152241}, pmid = {33957480}, issn = {1532-8384}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Emotions ; Empathy ; *Guilt ; Humans ; *Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis ; Shame ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Feelings of shame and guilt have rarely been investigated in people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. We aimed to outline differences in shame and guilt in relation to empathy and theory of mind (ToM) in young people, particularly those at UHR for psychosis.

METHODS: First, 166 young healthy controls were assessed for their proneness to shame and guilt using the Test of Self-Conscious Affect, empathy and its four subdomains (perspective taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress) using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), ToM using the ToM picture stories task, and neurocognitive performance using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). Next, we evaluated shame and guilt in 24 UHR individuals comparing them to 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Finally, we explored relationships for shame and guilt in relation to empathy and ToM in the UHR individuals.

RESULTS: In the healthy youth, a regression analysis showed fantasy and personal distress in IRI to be significant determinants of shame, while perspective taking and empathic concern in IRI, ToM, and SPM were independent predictors of guilt. Meanwhile, compared to the healthy controls, individuals with UHR exhibited higher levels of shame, which was associated with increased personal distress.

DISCUSSION: Our findings showed that four subdomains of empathy, ToM, and neurocognition were differentially associated with shame and guilt in healthy young people. Given the correlation between excessive feelings of shame and high levels of the personal distress dimension of empathy in UHR for psychosis, redressing the tendency to focus on self-oriented negative emotions upon witnessing distress of others could possibly reduce self-blame or self-stigma of help-seeking individuals.}, } @article {pmid33944656, year = {2020}, author = {Norman, S}, title = {Lifting effect of onabotulinumtoxinA in patients treated for glabellar and crow's feet rhytids.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {22}, number = {6-8}, pages = {232-238}, doi = {10.1080/14764172.2021.1918341}, pmid = {33944656}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Adult ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A/therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Female ; Humans ; Lifting ; Middle Aged ; *Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Retrospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {OnabotulinumtoxinA injection can enhance the appearance of the eyes. This study evaluated the lifting effect of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of the eye area. A retrospective, single-center audit of patients treated for glabellar and crow's feet rhytids was undertaken. Standardized photographs taken before and 2-4 weeks after treatment were assessed. Computer-based measurements were made of the height of the visible superior tarsal plate (STP) and brow (measured from upper eyelid lash edge to eyebrow base) at rest and maximum frown. One hundred patients were included (96 females; mean age: 46.2 ± 8.8 years). Mean onabotulinumtoxinA doses were 14.95 ± 0.61 units (glabella) and 17.83 ± 2.74 units (crow's feet). There were significant post-treatment increases in mean STP height at rest (left side, 0.76 ± 0.99 mm, p = .02; right side, 0.79 ± 0.94 mm, p = .01) and maximum frown (left, 2.25 ± 1.52 mm, p < .0001; right, 1.87 ± 1.34 mm, p < .0001), and mean brow height at rest (left side, 1.54 ± 1.49 mm, p = .0006; right side, 1.47 ± 1.84 mm, p = .0009) and maximum frown (left, 4.37 ± 2.29 mm, p < .0001; right, 4.16 ± 1.88 mm, p < .0001). OnabotulinumtoxinA injection is effective for elevating brow position and increasing STP show.}, } @article {pmid33940610, year = {2021}, author = {Rassi, MS and Al-Mefty, O}, title = {Surgical Treatment of Bilateral Optic Nerve Sheath Meningioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.}, journal = {Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {E418-E419}, doi = {10.1093/ons/opab052}, pmid = {33940610}, issn = {2332-4260}, mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Meningioma/diagnostic imaging/radiotherapy/surgery ; Optic Nerve/diagnostic imaging/surgery ; *Optic Nerve Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging/radiotherapy/surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Vision Disorders/etiology ; }, abstract = {Even though intracranial meningiomas commonly invade the optic canals, true optic nerve sheath meningiomas are extremely rare. They are insidious lesions that frequently grow in 4 stages, leading to progressive visual loss.1-4 Frequently, management includes observation for asymptomatic patients, and fractioned stereotactic radiotherapy with progressive visual loss.1,3 However, surgery is avoided due to the risk of perioperative visual loss.2-4 However, many of these cases present in the early stage of tumor growth, where an arachnoidal plane is still present, and vision can be saved by microsurgical tumor resection.2 Here we present the case of a 33-yr-old female presenting with a 3-wk history of blurred vision. Neuroimaging depicted an enhancing lesion along both optic nerves consistent with bilateral optic nerve sheath meningioma. Neuroophthalmological examination showed inferior cut of visual field bilaterally, more extensive on the left eye. Acuity was 20/20 on both eyes. Microsurgical resection of the tumor was performed through left supraorbital craniotomy, with the goal of eliminating intracranial extension and stabilizing visual function.5 The optic canal was unroofed with diamond bit drill under copious irrigation. A remarkable improvement of her visual field was observed with maintenance of acuity at 20/20 on follow-up. As the patient is attempting pregnancy, she is closely monitored without radiation. Surgery can be offered as a primary treatment of optic nerve sheath meningiomas, especially in early stages, with likely preservation and, in some cases, improvement of visual function.6 The patient consented to the procedure and the use of image. Images at 1:46 and 3:48 reprinted from Al-Mefty O, Operative Atlas of Meningiomas. 1998: Raven Press; Philadelphia, PA, with permission from LWW. Image at 2:57 reprinted from Rassi et al2; © Anil Can, 2018, used with permission. Image at 9:27 in public domain/age.}, } @article {pmid33937549, year = {2021}, author = {Mori, S and Osawa, A and Maeshima, S and Sakurai, T and Ozaki, K and Kondo, I and Saitoh, E}, title = {Possibility of Using Quantitative Assessment with the Cube Copying Test for Evaluation of Visuo-spatial Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.}, journal = {Progress in rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {20210021}, pmid = {33937549}, issn = {2432-1354}, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the Cube Copying Test (CCT) for quantitative assessment of visuo-spatial function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS: The CCT, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), and other neuropsychological tests were administered to 152 AD outpatients. For the quantitative assessment of CCT, we scored the points of connection (POC) and the number of plane-drawing errors (PDE) and categorized the pattern classification (PAC). We also measured Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) to assess the severity of AD. The relationships among CCT, RCPM, and FAST were then analyzed.

RESULTS: The mean POC and PDE scores were 2.7 and 3.6, respectively, and the median PAC score was 6.0. PDE and PAC showed a linear relationship, but POC and PDE, and POC and PAC did not. Each component of CCT showed a significant correlation with RCPM scores. PDE and PAC had closer correlations with RCPM scores than POC did. The PDE and PAC results were significantly different among most of the FAST stages.

CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment using CCT may be effective for the quick determination of the visuo-spatial function in AD patients.}, } @article {pmid33935888, year = {2021}, author = {Parishar, P and Mohapatra, AN and Iyengar, S}, title = {Investigating Behavioral Responses to Mirrors and the Mark Test in Adult Male Zebra Finches and House Crows.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {637850}, pmid = {33935888}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Earlier evidence suggests that besides humans, some species of mammals and birds demonstrate visual self-recognition, assessed by the controversial "mark" test. Whereas, there are high levels of inter-individual differences amongst a single species, some species such as macaques and pigeons which do not spontaneously demonstrate mirror self-recognition (MSR) can be trained to do so. We were surprised to discover that despite being widely used as a model system for avian research, the performance of zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata) on the mark test had not been studied earlier. Additionally, we studied the behavioral responses of another species of passerine songbirds (Indian house crows; Corvus splendens) to a mirror and the MSR mark test. Although a small number of adult male zebra finches appeared to display heightened responses toward the mark while observing their reflections, we could not rule out the possibility that these were a part of general grooming rather than specific to the mark. Furthermore, none of the house crows demonstrated mark-directed behavior or increased self-exploratory behaviors when facing mirrors. Our study suggests that self-directed behaviors need to be tested more rigorously in adult male zebra finches while facing their reflections and these findings need to be replicated in a larger population, given the high degree of variability in mirror-directed behaviors.}, } @article {pmid33935569, year = {2021}, author = {Galal, TM and Abu Alhmad, MF and Al-Yasi, HM}, title = {Nutrient sequestration potential of water primrose Ludwigia stolinefera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H. Raven: A strategy for restoring wetland eutrophication.}, journal = {Saudi journal of biological sciences}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {2438-2446}, pmid = {33935569}, issn = {1319-562X}, abstract = {The current work investigates the capacity of the water primrose (Ludwigia stolinefera) to sequester inorganic and organic nutrients in its biomass to restore eutrophic wetlands, besides its nutritive quality as fodder for animals. The nutrient elements and nutritive value of the water primrose were assessed seasonally in polluted and unpolluted watercourses. The water primrose plants' highest biomass was attained during summer; then, it was significantly reduced till it reached its lowest value during winter. In the polluted canal, the plant root and shoot accumulated higher contents of all nutrient elements (except Na and Mg) rather than in the unpolluted Nile. They accumulated most investigated nutrients in the growing season during summer. The shoots accumulated higher contents of N, P, Ca, and Mg than the root, which accumulated higher concentrations of Na and K. Therefore, summer season is the ideal time to harvest water primrose for removing the maximum nutrients for restoring eutrophic watercourses. The aboveground tissues had the highest values of ether extract (EE) during spring and the highest crude fibers (CF) and total proteins (TP) during summer. In contrast, the belowground tissues had the lowest EE, CF, and TP during winter. In spring, autumn, and winter seasons, the protein content in the grazeable parts (shoots) of the water primrose was within the range, while in summer, it was higher than the minimum requirement for the maintenance of animals. There was a decrease in crude fibers and total proteins, while an increase in soluble carbohydrates content in the below- and above-ground tissues of water primrose under pollution stress. The total protein, lipids, and crude fibers of the aboveground parts of water primrose support this plant as a rough forage.}, } @article {pmid33931670, year = {2021}, author = {Cuoco, S and Cappiello, A and Scarpa, A and Troisi, D and Autuori, M and Ponticorvo, S and Cassandro, C and Manara, R and Esposito, F and Santangelo, G and Barone, P and Cassandro, E and Pellecchia, MT}, title = {Neuropsychological profile of hearing-impaired patients and the effect of hearing aid on cognitive functions: an exploratory study.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {9384}, pmid = {33931670}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Case-Control Studies ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*psychology/therapy ; Female ; Hearing Aids/*statistics & numerical data ; Hearing Loss/*psychology/rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Few studies have investigated the neuropsychological profile of Hearing Loss (HL) subjects and the effects of hearing-aid on cognitive decline. We investigated the neuropsychological profile of HL patients at baseline and compared the neuropsychological profiles of patients with and without hearing-aid at 6 month. Fifty-six HL patients and 40 healthy subjects (HC) underwent neuropsychological and behavioral examination and were compared at baseline. Changes at follow-up were compared between HL patients with (N = 25) and without (N = 31) hearing-aids. At baseline, significant differences between HL and HC were found in MOCA test, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) and SF-36. Among mild-HL patients, patients with hearing-aid significantly improved on the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) as compared to patients without hearing-aid. Our findings indicate that hearing loss is associated with both a reduced efficiency of the global cognitive state and a worse quality of life as compared to HC, supporting the association between HL and cognitive impairment. Moreover, only patients with mild-HL shows some cognitive improvement after using hearing-aid, suggesting that rehabilitative strategies may be more effective to delay cognitive decline in such patients. However, we cannot exclude that hearing-aids may affect cognitive decline in more severe-HL, but a longer follow-up is needed.}, } @article {pmid33926813, year = {2021}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {The Evolutionary History of Brains for Numbers.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {25}, number = {7}, pages = {608-621}, doi = {10.1016/j.tics.2021.03.012}, pmid = {33926813}, issn = {1879-307X}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Brain ; Cognition ; *Telencephalon ; }, abstract = {Humans and other animals share a number sense', an intuitive understanding of countable quantities. Having evolved independent from one another for hundreds of millions of years, the brains of these diverse species, including monkeys, crows, zebrafishes, bees, and squids, differ radically. However, in all vertebrates investigated, the pallium of the telencephalon has been implicated in number processing. This suggests that properties of the telencephalon make it ideally suited to host number representations that evolved by convergent evolution as a result of common selection pressures. In addition, promising candidate regions in the brains of invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and cephalopods, can be identified, opening the possibility of even deeper commonalities for number sense.}, } @article {pmid33917545, year = {2021}, author = {Kvapil, P and Račnik, J and Kastelic, M and Bártová, E and Korva, M and Jelovšek, M and Avšič-Županc, T}, title = {A Sentinel Serological Study in Selected Zoo Animals to Assess Early Detection of West Nile and Usutu Virus Circulation in Slovenia.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {33917545}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo/classification/*virology ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood ; Antibodies, Viral/*blood ; Female ; Flavivirus/*immunology ; Flavivirus Infections/blood/*diagnosis/epidemiology/immunology ; Male ; Slovenia/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/blood/*diagnosis/epidemiology/immunology ; West Nile virus/*immunology ; }, abstract = {Monitoring infectious diseases is a crucial part of preventive veterinary medicine in zoological collections. This zoo environment contains a great variety of animal species that are in contact with wildlife species as a potential source of infectious diseases. Wild birds may be a source of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) virus, which are both emerging pathogens of rising concern. The aim of this study was to use zoo animals as sentinels for the early detection of WNV and USUV in Slovenia. In total, 501 sera from 261 animals of 84 animal species (including birds, rodents, lagomorphs, carnivores, ungulates, reptiles, equids, and primates) collected for 17 years (2002-2018) were tested for antibodies to WNV and USUV. Antibodies to WNV were detected by indirect immunofluorescence tests in 16 (6.1%) of 261 animals representing 10 species, which were sampled prior to the first active cases of WNV described in 2018 in Slovenia in humans, a horse, and a hooded crow (Corvus cornix). Antibodies to USUV were detected in 14 out of 261 animals tested (5.4%) that were positive prior to the first positive cases of USUV infection in common blackbirds (Turdus merula) in Slovenia. The study illustrates the value of zoological collections as a predictor of future emerging diseases.}, } @article {pmid33917146, year = {2021}, author = {Shrader-Frechette, K and Biondo, AM}, title = {Health Misinformation about Toxic-Site Harm: The Case for Independent-Party Testing to Confirm Safety.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {18}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {33917146}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {*Air Pollutants/analysis ; *Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis ; Child ; Communication ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation ; Gases ; Humans ; Soil ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; }, abstract = {Health misinformation can cause harm if regulators or private remediators falsely claim that a hazardous facility is safe. This misinformation especially threatens the health of children, minorities, and poor people, disproportionate numbers of whom live near toxic facilities. Yet, perhaps because of financial incentives, private remediators may use safety misinformation to justify reduced cleanup. Such incentives exist in nations like the United States, where most toxic-site testing/remediation is semi-privatized or voluntary, conducted by private parties, commercial redevelopers, who can increase profits by underestimating health harm, thus decreasing required testing/remediation. Our objective is to begin to determine whether or not interested parties misrepresent health harm (at hazardous facilities that they test/remediate/redevelop) when they use traditional and social media to claim that these sites are safe. Our hypothesis is that, contrary to the safety claims of the world's largest commercial developer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate/Trammell Crow (CBRE/TCC), the authors' screening assessment, especially its lab-certified, toxic-site, indoor-air tests, show violations of all three prominent government, cancer-safety benchmarks. If so, these facilities require additional testing/remediation, likely put site renters at risk, and may reveal problems with privatized hazardous cleanup. To our knowledge, we provide the first independent tests of privatized, toxic-site assessments before cancer reports occur. Our screening assessment of this hypothesis tests indoor air in rental units on a prominent former weapons-testing site (the US Naval Ordnance Testing Station, Pasadena, California (NOTSPA) that is subject to carcinogenic vapor intrusion by volatile organic compounds, VOCs), then compares test results to the redeveloper's site-safety claims, made to government officials and citizens through traditional and social media. Although NOTSPA toxic soil-gas concentrations are up to nearly a million times above allowed levels, and indoor air was never tested until now, both the regulator and the remediator (CBRE/TCC) have repeatedly claimed on social media that "the site is safe at this time." We used mainly Method TO-17 and two-week sampling with passive, sorbent tubes to assess indoor-air VOCs. Our results show that VOC levels at every location sampled-all in occupied site-rental units-violate all three government-mandated safety benchmarks: environmental screening levels (ESLs), No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs), and inhalation risks based on the Inhalation Unit Risk (IUR); some violations are two orders of magnitude above multiple safety benchmarks. These results support our hypothesis and suggest a need for independent assessment of privatized cleanups and media-enhanced safety claims about them. If our results can be replicated at other sites, then preventing health misinformation and toxic-facility safety threats may require new strategies, one of which we outline.}, } @article {pmid33916633, year = {2021}, author = {Athanasakopoulou, Z and Reinicke, M and Diezel, C and Sofia, M and Chatzopoulos, DC and Braun, SD and Reissig, A and Spyrou, V and Monecke, S and Ehricht, R and Tsilipounidaki, K and Giannakopoulos, A and Petinaki, E and Billinis, C}, title = {Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from Animals in Greece.}, journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {33916633}, issn = {2079-6382}, support = {T2DGE-0944 and 01EI1701//The European Union and the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation, Ministry of Development & Investments (GR) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (DE)/ ; }, abstract = {The prevalence of multidrug resistant, extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae is increasing worldwide. The present study aimed to provide an overview of the multidrug resistance phenotype and genotype of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates of livestock and wild bird origin in Greece. Nineteen phenotypically confirmed ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from fecal samples of cattle (n = 7), pigs (n = 11) and a Eurasian magpie that presented resistance to at least one class of non β-lactam antibiotics, were selected and genotypically characterized. A DNA-microarray based assay was used, which allows the detection of various genes associated with antimicrobial resistance. All isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1/15, while blaTEM was co-detected in 13 of them. The AmpC gene blaMIR was additionally detected in one strain. Resistance genes were also reported for aminoglycosides in all 19 isolates, for quinolones in 6, for sulfonamides in 17, for trimethoprim in 14, and for macrolides in 8. The intI1 and/or tnpISEcp1 genes, associated with mobile genetic elements, were identified in all but two isolates. This report describes the first detection of multidrug resistance genes among ESBL-producing E. coli strains retrieved from feces of cattle, pigs, and a wild bird in Greece, underlining their dissemination in diverse ecosystems and emphasizing the need for a One-Health approach when addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance.}, } @article {pmid33910774, year = {2021}, author = {Kwon, JH and Criado, MF and Killmaster, L and Ali, MZ and Giasuddin, M and Samad, MA and Karim, MR and Brum, E and Hasan, MZ and Lee, DH and Spackman, E and Swayne, DE}, title = {Efficacy of two vaccines against recent emergent antigenic variants of clade 2.3.2.1a highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Vaccine}, volume = {39}, number = {21}, pages = {2824-2832}, doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.04.022}, pmid = {33910774}, issn = {1873-2518}, mesh = {Animals ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Chickens ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; *Influenza Vaccines ; *Influenza in Birds/prevention & control ; }, abstract = {H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused outbreaks in poultry in Bangladesh since 2007. While clade 2.2.2 and 2.3.4.2 HPAIVs have not been detected since 2012, clade 2.3.2.1a viruses have caused continuous outbreaks since 2012 despite the use of vaccines. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of two H5 vaccines licensed in Bangladesh, RE-6 inactivated vaccine, and a recombinant herpesvirus of turkeys vaccine with an H5 insert (rHVT-H5), for protection against recent field viruses in chickens. We selected three viruses for efficacy tests (A/chicken/Bangladesh/NRL-AI-3237/2017, A/crow/Bangladesh/NRL-AI-8471/2017 and A/chicken/Bangladesh/NRL-AI-8323/2017) from 36 H5 viruses isolated from Bangladesh between 2016 and 2018 by comparing the amino acid sequences at five antigenic sites (A-E) and analyzing hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers with reference antisera. The RE-6 and rHVT-H5 vaccines both conferred 80-100% clinical protection (i.e. reduced morbidity and mortality) against the three challenge viruses with no significant differences in protection. In addition, both vaccines significantly decreased viral shedding from infected chickens as compared to challenge control chickens. Based on these metrics, the current licensed H5 vaccines protected chickens against the recent field viruses. However, the A/crow/Bangladesh/NRL-AI-8471/2017 virus exhibited antigenic divergence including: several unique amino acid changes in antigenic epitope sites A and B and was a serological outlier in cross HI tests as visualized on the antigenic map. The continuing emergence of such antigenic variants which could alter the dominant antigenicity of field viruses should be continuously monitored and vaccines should be updated if field efficacy declines.}, } @article {pmid33892586, year = {2021}, author = {Iemmi, T and Menozzi, A and Basini, G and Grasselli, F and Grolli, S and Ramoni, R and Serventi, P and Quintavalla, F and Bertini, S}, title = {Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Blood of Domestic Chickens and Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica).}, journal = {Journal of avian medicine and surgery}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {28-36}, doi = {10.1647/1082-6742-35.1.28}, pmid = {33892586}, issn = {1082-6742}, mesh = {Animals ; Antioxidants ; *Chickens ; Female ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; Oxidative Stress ; *Pica ; }, abstract = {A physiological equilibrium exists between pro- and antioxidant factors. When the oxidant factors exceed the capacity of their removal or inactivation, oxidative stress (OS) occurs. The OS levels were assayed in plasma obtained from 2 bird species. Blood samples were collected from 20 healthy domestic chicken hens, 10 living in an intensive farming environment and 10 free-range, and from 18 healthy Eurasian magpies (Pica pica; 7 females and 11 males, with an estimated age of >1 year of age). For OS biomarker assessment, the determinable reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) were measured, and the plasmatic antioxidant test (PAT) was performed; the OS index (OSI) was then calculated (d-ROMs/PAT × 1000) as a parameter of overall oxidative stress. Moreover, lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring plasmatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. A hematological evaluation was also performed on each bird with a hemocytometer, on which a blood sample was placed to obtain both a total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count. In hens, OSI and MDA levels were significantly higher (P = .04, and P = .004) in subjects from intensive farming (14.7 ± 7.1 and 27.2 ± 10.4 nmol/mL) than in those bred in rural conditions (5.6 ± 10.3 and 8.2 ± 13.3 nmol/mL). In magpies, a positive correlation between the total WBC count and OS was found, and both d-ROMs and OSI were significantly higher (P = .03) in subjects with a total WBC count greater than the median value (20.4 × 10[3] cells/µL) with respect to those with a total WBC count less than the median value. The results generated from this study indicate that higher OS levels occurred in hens bred in an intensive indoor farm environment compared with outdoor free-range conditions. Possibly the higher OS levels could be related to the higher stocking density and dust levels found in the indoor facility. Additionally, the correlation between OS biomarker levels in magpies and total WBC count suggests that OS level is influenced by immune response, in agreement with previous studies. Collectively, present data seem to be promising for the application of OS measurement in avian medicine for health and animal welfare monitoring.}, } @article {pmid33879528, year = {2021}, author = {Choksey, L}, title = {Environmental racialisation and poetics of influence in the postgenomic era: fire, soil, spirit.}, journal = {Medical humanities}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, pages = {145-155}, pmid = {33879528}, issn = {1473-4265}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {This article considers processes of environmental racialisation in the postgenomic era through their politics of difference and poetics of influence. Subfields like epigenetics promise to account for a plurality of possible influences on health outcomes. While this appears to present possibilities for historical reparation to communities whose epigenomes may have been chronically altered by histories of violence and trauma, the prevailing trend has been to compound processes of racialisation in the reproduction of good/bad environments. The postgenomic era has promised an epistemological transformation of ideas and values of human life, but its practices, technologies and ideology have so far prevented this. Epigenetics, rather, reproduces biomedical exclusions through imaginaries of embodied contexts, methods of occlusion and hypervisibility, and assignations of delay and deviance. This is more complex than both genetic reductionism and environmental racism: studies on epigenetics reveal a poetics of influence at work under liberal humanism complicit in the creation of death-worlds for racialised populations. Other experiments with life are possible and unfolding: Jay Bernard's poem 'Chemical', set in the aftermath of London's Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, unmoors its bodies from material environment, offering a spectral configuration of collective life. This configuration involves negotiating with the fixing of time and space on which genomic imaginaries depend.}, } @article {pmid33878441, year = {2022}, author = {Sharma, MS}, title = {Commentary: The Crow and the Pitcher - Necessity is the Mother of Invention for Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction.}, journal = {Seminars in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {983-984}, doi = {10.1053/j.semtcvs.2021.03.020}, pmid = {33878441}, issn = {1532-9488}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Humans ; Inventions ; *Pulmonary Valve ; Treatment Outcome ; *Ventricular Outflow Obstruction/diagnostic imaging/etiology/surgery ; }, } @article {pmid33875573, year = {2021}, author = {Kirschhock, ME and Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Behavioral and Neuronal Representation of Numerosity Zero in the Crow.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {41}, number = {22}, pages = {4889-4896}, pmid = {33875573}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows ; Male ; *Mathematical Concepts ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Different species of animals can discriminate numerosity, the countable number of objects in a set. The representations of countable numerosities have been deciphered down to the level of single neurons. However, despite its importance for human number theory, a special numerical quantity, the empty set (numerosity zero), has remained largely unexplored. We explored the behavioral and neuronal representation of the empty set in carrion crows. Crows were trained to discriminate small numerosities including the empty set. Performance data showed a numerical distance effect for the empty set in one crow, suggesting that the empty set and countable numerosities are represented along the crows' "mental number line." Single-cell recordings in the endbrain region nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) showed a considerable proportion of NCL neurons tuned to the preferred numerosity zero. As evidenced by neuronal distance and size effects, NCL neurons integrated the empty set in the neural number line. A subsequent neuronal population analysis using a statistical classifier approach showed that the neuronal numerical representations were predictive of the crows' success in the task. These behavioral and neuronal data suggests that the conception of the empty set as a cognitive precursor of a zero-like number concept is not an exclusive property of the cerebral cortex of primates. Zero as a quantitative category cannot only be implemented in the layered neocortex of primates, but also in the anatomically distinct endbrain circuitries of birds that evolved based on convergent evolution.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The conception of "nothing" as number "zero" is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in mathematics. To explore whether precursors of zero-like concepts can be found in vertebrates with a cerebrum that anatomically differs starkly from our primate brain, we investigated this in carrion crows. We show that crows can grasp the empty set as a null numerical quantity that is mentally represented next to number one. Moreover, we show that single neurons in an associative avian cerebral region specifically respond to the empty set and show the same physiological characteristics as for countable quantities. This suggests that zero as a quantitative category can also be implemented in the anatomically distinct endbrain circuitries of birds that evolved based on convergent evolution.}, } @article {pmid33865988, year = {2021}, author = {Yang, R and Brice, B and Berto, BP and Ryan, U}, title = {Morphological and molecular description of a new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa) from a New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae).}, journal = {Parasitology international}, volume = {83}, number = {}, pages = {102348}, doi = {10.1016/j.parint.2021.102348}, pmid = {33865988}, issn = {1873-0329}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Isospora/*classification/cytology/genetics ; Isosporiasis/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; Protozoan Proteins/analysis ; *Songbirds ; Western Australia/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {A new Isospora species is described from New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterised as subspheroidal, 29-32 × 28-31 (29.8 × 29.4); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.01-1.02 (1.01). Wall bi-layered, 1.3-1.6 (1.5) thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 25) ovoidal, 18-19 × 12-14 (18.4 × 12.3); L/W ratio 1.42-1.53 (1.50). Stieda body present, flattened, c.0.5 deep × 2.5 wide; sub-Stieda present, rounded, c.2.5 deep × 3.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually a distinctly irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with robust anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Molecular characterization was conducted at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic 18S and mt COI sequences indicated that Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. was genetically similar to Isospora coronoideae, isolated from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia, with a 99.3% and 98.4% homology, respectively. The 28S rRNA sequence was most similar to Isospora anthochaerae (KF766053) and Isospora manorinae (KT224381), both with a 98.2% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and genetic data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. after its host.}, } @article {pmid33835668, year = {2022}, author = {Bhat, S and Amirthalingam, M and Ballambat, SP and Bhupasandra Vasudev, M and Gupta, PK and Padya, BS and Mutalik, S and Seetharam, RN}, title = {Novel bioactive formulation derived from the conditioned medium of mesenchymal stromal cells reduces under-eye dark circles in human volunteers.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, pages = {814-826}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.14145}, pmid = {33835668}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Stempeutics Research Pvt Ltd, India/ ; }, mesh = {Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; *Rejuvenation ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Under-eye dark circles are a common condition observed in dermatology practice. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived conditioned medium (MSC-CM) contains an array of growth factors and cytokines reported to promote periorbital rejuvenation and may be useful in removing the dark circle around the eyes.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of developed bioactive formulation containing mesenchymal stromal cell-derived conditioned medium in reducing the under-eye dark circles.

PATIENTS/METHODS: We tested the safety profile of MSC-CM along with antioxidants, in vitro using human melanocytes cultures. The bioactive formulation containing MSC-CM was developed and tested for physicochemical parameters. The dermatological safety was evaluated by primary irritant patch-test under complete occlusion on healthy human subjects. To elucidate its safety and efficacy, monocentric, open-label, single-arm study was carried out in 20 Indian female subjects for the duration of 12 weeks. Parameters such as eye puffiness, radiance, skin smoothness, even skin tone, periorbital fine lines and wrinkles, crow's feet, whitening, pigmentation, skin tightening, and refreshing/soothing effect were used to investigate the rejuvenating property of the bioactive formulation.

RESULTS: Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived conditioned medium along with antioxidants decreased the melanin content compared to the CM alone in the melanocyte cultures. Besides, the bioactive formulation was safe and emerged as a non-irritant product. Improvement in the majority of the clinical parameters assessed through efficacy study was observed within 4 weeks of topical application of the formulation twice daily, and showed continued improvement for 12 weeks as evaluated by the dermatologists as well as self-assessment by the subjects.

CONCLUSION: The bioactive formulation containing MSC-CM was safe and effective in reducing the under-eye dark circles and was beneficial in improving the overall appearance of the eye area.}, } @article {pmid33833029, year = {2021}, author = {Zaręba-Marchewka, K and Szymańska-Czerwińska, M and Niemczuk, K}, title = {Draft Genome Sequences of Avian Chlamydia abortus Genotype G2 Strain 15-49d3, Isolated from Mallard, and Genotype 1V Strain 15-58d44, Isolated from Magpie in Poland.}, journal = {Microbiology resource announcements}, volume = {10}, number = {14}, pages = {}, pmid = {33833029}, issn = {2576-098X}, abstract = {Here, we report the draft genome sequences of avian Chlamydia abortus genotype G2 strain 15-49d3, isolated from mallard, and genotype 1V strain 15-58d44, isolated from magpie in Poland. The total genome assembly lengths are 1,140,139 bp and 1,158,207 bp, respectively.}, } @article {pmid33822168, year = {2021}, author = {Seilern-Moy, K and Heaver, JP and Fernandez, JR and Macgregor, SK and John, SK and Cunningham, AA and Lawson, B}, title = {Atypical Knemidokoptosis in Two Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) in Southern England.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, pages = {467-470}, doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-20-00152}, pmid = {33822168}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology/pathology ; England/epidemiology ; Mite Infestations/epidemiology/parasitology/pathology/*veterinary ; Mites/*classification ; Songbirds/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {Avian knemidokoptosis, caused by knemidokoptid mites (Knemidokoptinae: Epidermoptidae), has been reported in wild and domestic birds globally. We report two cases of severe knemidokoptosis in Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) from separate sites in Great Britain, where the disease has previously been reported predominantly in finches and, less frequently, in corvids.}, } @article {pmid33822149, year = {2021}, author = {Zylberberg, M and Van Hemert, C and Handel, CM and Liu, RM and DeRisi, JL}, title = {POECIVIRUS IS PRESENT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH BEAK DEFORMITIES IN SEVEN SPECIES OF NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, pages = {273-281}, doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-20-00017}, pmid = {33822149}, issn = {1943-3700}, support = {/HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Beak/*pathology/virology ; Bird Diseases/*pathology/virology ; Birds ; Cloaca/virology ; North America ; Picornaviridae/*isolation & purification ; Picornaviridae Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Avian keratin disorder (AKD), a disease of unknown etiology characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth, has increasingly affected wild bird populations since the 1990s. A novel picornavirus, poecivirus, is closely correlated with disease status in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) in Alaska, US. However, our knowledge of the relationship between poecivirus and beak deformities in other species and other geographic areas remains limited. The growing geographic scope and number of species affected by AKD-like beak deformities require a better understanding of the causative agent to evaluate the population-level impacts of this epizootic. Here, we tested eight individuals from six avian species with AKD-consistent deformities for the presence of poecivirus: Mew Gull (Larus canus), Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus), Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia), American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), and Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata). The birds were sampled in Alaska and Maine (1999-2016). We used targeted PCR followed by Sanger sequencing to test for the presence of poecivirus in each specimen and to obtain viral genome sequence from virus-positive host individuals. We detected poecivirus in all individuals tested, but not in negative controls (water and tissue samples). Furthermore, we used unbiased metagenomic sequencing to test for the presence of other pathogens in six of these specimens (Hairy Woodpecker, two American Crows, two Red-breasted Nuthatches, Blackpoll Warbler). This analysis yielded additional viral sequences from several specimens, including the complete coding region of poecivirus from one Red-breasted Nuthatch, which we confirmed via targeted PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. This study demonstrates that poecivirus is present in individuals with AKD-consistent deformities from six avian species other than Black-capped Chickadee. While further investigation will be required to explore whether there exists a causal link between this virus and AKD, this study demonstrates that poecivirus is not geographically restricted to Alaska, but rather occurs elsewhere in North America.}, } @article {pmid33819991, year = {2021}, author = {Suttle, LG and Hare, JD and Halliday, JWD and Merlini, S and Russell, DR and Tubman, ER and Valenzuela-Villaseca, V and Rozmus, W and Bruulsema, C and Lebedev, SV}, title = {Collective optical Thomson scattering in pulsed-power driven high energy density physics experiments (invited).}, journal = {The Review of scientific instruments}, volume = {92}, number = {3}, pages = {033542}, doi = {10.1063/5.0041118}, pmid = {33819991}, issn = {1089-7623}, abstract = {Optical collective Thomson scattering (TS) is used to diagnose magnetized high energy density physics experiments at the Magpie pulsed-power generator at Imperial College London. The system uses an amplified pulse from the second harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (3 J, 8 ns, 532 nm) to probe a wide diversity of high-temperature plasma objects, with densities in the range of 10[17]-10[19] cm[-3] and temperatures between 10 eV and a few keV. The scattered light is collected from 100 μm-scale volumes within the plasmas, which are imaged onto optical fiber arrays. Multiple collection systems observe these volumes from different directions, providing simultaneous probing with different scattering K-vectors (and different associated α-parameters, typically in the range of 0.5-3), allowing independent measurements of separate velocity components of the bulk plasma flow. The fiber arrays are coupled to an imaging spectrometer with a gated intensified charge coupled device. The spectrometer is configured to view the ion-acoustic waves of the collective Thomson scattered spectrum. Fits to the spectra with the theoretical spectral density function S(K, ω) yield measurements of the local plasma temperatures and velocities. Fitting is constrained by independent measurements of the electron density from laser interferometry and the corresponding spectra for different scattering vectors. This TS diagnostic has been successfully implemented on a wide range of experiments, revealing temperature and flow velocity transitions across magnetized shocks, inside rotating plasma jets and imploding wire arrays, as well as providing direct measurements of drift velocities inside a magnetic reconnection current sheet.}, } @article {pmid33815253, year = {2021}, author = {Meloni, M and Saibene, FL and Di Tella, S and Di Cesare, M and Borgnis, F and Nemni, R and Baglio, F}, title = {Functional and Cognitive Improvement After an Intensive Inpatient Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program in Mild to Severe Parkinson's Disease: A Retrospective and Observational Study.}, journal = {Frontiers in neurology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {626041}, pmid = {33815253}, issn = {1664-2295}, abstract = {Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor (resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, and gait disturbances) and nonmotor symptoms (cognitive, neuropsychiatric, and autonomic problems). In recent years, several studies demonstrated that neurorehabilitation therapy is an effective treatment in addition to pharmacological personalized interventions in persons with PD (PwPD). The main aim of this study was to explore the short-term changes in functional, cognitive, and geriatric domains after a multidimensional rehabilitation program in PwPD (as primary condition) in mild-moderate (M-Ms) to severe (Ss) stages. Our second aim was to compare the effects of multidimensional rehabilitation in M-Ms versus Ss of PD. Twenty-four PwPD in M-Ms to Ss [age (mean ± SD) = 76.25 ± 9.42 years; male/female = 10/14; Hoehn and Yahr (median; IQR) = 4.00; 1.75] were included in a retrospective, observational study. Motor, cognitive, functional, and neuropsychiatric aspects were collected in admission (T0) and in discharge (T1). PwPD were involved in a person-tailored (to individual's needs), inpatient, intensive (5-7 days per week), multidisciplinary (combining cognitive, physical, occupational, and speech therapies), comprehensive, and rehabilitative program. According to Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III cutoff, PwPD were classified in M-Ms or Ss (M-Ms ≤59; Ss >59); 87.50% of our sample reported significant reduction of functional disability at Barthel Index (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in Token test (p = 0.021), semantic fluency (p = 0.036), Rey's Figure-Copy (p < 0.001), and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (p = 0.004) was observed. The pain intensity perception (p < 0.001) and the risk of developing pressure ulcers (p < 0.001) as assessed, respectively, by the Numeric Rating Scale and by the Norton Scale were improved. With regard to the second aim, in M-Ms group, we found a positive correlation between the number of neuromotor sessions and the change in functional disability and language comprehension; in the Ss group, on the other hand, despite a higher number of hospitalization days, the total number of completed sessions was positively associated with the change in visuoconstructional abilities. Our findings suggest that an intensive, inpatient, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation program may improve functional abilities, some strategic cognitive functions, and geriatric aspects in PwPD with mild-moderate motor impairment.}, } @article {pmid33799387, year = {2021}, author = {Iemmi, T and Menozzi, A and Pérez-López, M and Basini, G and Grasselli, F and Menotta, S and Serventi, P and Bertini, S}, title = {Heavy Metal Assessment in Feathers of Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica): A Possible Strategy for Monitoring Environmental Contamination?.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {33799387}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Animals ; Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollution/analysis ; *Feathers/chemistry ; Female ; Italy ; Male ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Pica ; }, abstract = {In the present study, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), was evaluated as a possible bioindicator of environmental pollution by heavy metals (HMs). Levels of Ni, Pb, Cd, and Hg in feathers of 64 magpies (31 males and 33 females) were measured by ICP-MS technique. Plasmatic biomarkers of oxidative stress (OS) were also assessed. The birds were captured in the province of Parma (Italy), in different capture sites within 1 km from urban area (UZ), and farther than 5 km from urban area (RZ). Median HM levels were 0.68 mg/kg (0.18-2.27), 2.80 mg/kg (0.41-17.7),
OBJECTIVE: Here, we compared the efficacy and safety of HU-014 and onabotulinumtoxinA in CFL treatment.

METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, active drug-controlled, multicenter, 16-week, Phase I/III study designed to determine the noninferiority of HU-014 compared with onabotulinumtoxinA in moderate-to-severe CFL treatment. In the Phase III study, 290 subjects were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive a single treatment of HU-014 or onabotulinumtoxinA. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects achieving Grade 0 or 1 in the facial wrinkle scale on maximum smile at Week 4.

RESULTS: The primary endpoint was achieved by 72% of the subjects with HU-014 and onabotulinumtoxinA treatments, supporting the noninferiority of HU-014 compared with onabotulinumtoxinA. All secondary efficacy outcomes were achieved by the subjects. The 2 groups showed no significant differences in the safety analysis.

CONCLUSION: HU-014 has noninferior efficacy and safety compared with onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of CFL.}, } @article {pmid33791052, year = {2021}, author = {Shapiro, SD and Boehme, AK and Chang, BP and Miller, EC and Willey, J and Elkind, MSV}, title = {Safety and Hospital Costs Averted Using a Rapid Outpatient Management Strategy for Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Strokes: The RAVEN Clinic.}, journal = {The Neurohospitalist}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {107-113}, pmid = {33791052}, issn = {1941-8744}, support = {R01 HL146811/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; KL2 TR001874/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL132347/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL141811/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL146911/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVE: Patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) with transient ischemic attack and minor strokes (TIAMS) are often admitted for evaluation, though experience in other countries have suggested that an expedited outpatient care models may be a safe alternative. We hypothesized that a rapid access clinic for select TIAMS was feasible and would avert hospitalization costs.

METHODS: This retrospective analysis included patients presenting to our institution's ED with TIAMS and NIHSS ≤5 in calendar year 2017. We referred low-risk patients with TIAMS to a Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation-Neurology (RAVEN) clinic within 24 hours of ED discharge. We identified admitted patients who met RAVEN criteria at ED presentation. Rates of follow-up to the RAVEN clinic were recorded. Financial data collected included total hospital costs and time spent in the ED, as well hospital length of stay for admitted patients with low-risk TIAMS.

RESULTS: In 2017, 149 patients were referred to RAVEN clinic and 50 patients were admitted. Of the RAVEN patients 99 (94%) appeared as scheduled. None had clinical changes between ED discharge and clinical evaluation. One patient required hospitalization at the RAVEN evaluation. When compared to RAVEN patients, admitted patients had significantly higher $7,719 (SD 354) total hospital costs and were hospitalized for 2 days on average. Overall, the RAVEN strategy averted approximately $764,000 in hospitalization costs and 208 hospital bed-days in accounting year 2017.

CONCLUSIONS: For select patients presenting with TIAMS without disabling deficits, a rapid outpatient evaluation may be feasible while averting significant total hospital costs and preserving inpatient hospital beds.}, } @article {pmid33783651, year = {2021}, author = {Malekian, M and Shagholian, J and Hosseinpour, Z}, title = {Pathogen Presence in Wild Birds Inhabiting Landfills in Central Iran.}, journal = {EcoHealth}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {76-83}, pmid = {33783651}, issn = {1612-9210}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Humans ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology ; Iran/epidemiology ; Salmonella ; *Starlings ; Waste Disposal Facilities ; }, abstract = {Wild birds are important in the transmission of many zoonotic pathogens such as salmonella and avian influenza virus (AIV). The current study investigated the presence of bacterial and viral pathogens in birds foraging at an open landfill located in Central Iran. We collected blood and intestinal samples from five abundant species, including rook (Corvus frugilegus), European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and slender-billed gull Chroicocephalus genei for bacteriological and serological examinations. Escherichia coli was present in all of the five species, while Salmonella spp. was found in four species. Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia spp., Cytrobacter spp., and Klebsiella spp. were other bacteria isolated from all of the five species. Competitive ELISA showed that 19 samples (32%) from the two gull species were positive for AIV. There was no detection of West Nile virus, or Newcastle disease virus in the 150 birds sampled. The prevalence of these pathogens in landfill birds indicated that a potential risk is posed to landfill workers and the surrounding community, adding to our limited knowledge of the potential for landfills to support disease vectors.}, } @article {pmid33783594, year = {2021}, author = {Iqbal, F and Ayub, Q and Wilson, R and Song, BK and Talei, A and Yeong, KY and Hermawan, AA and Fahim, M and Rahman, S}, title = {Monitoring of heavy metal pollution in urban and rural environments across Pakistan using House crows (Corvus splendens) as bioindicator.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {193}, number = {4}, pages = {237}, pmid = {33783594}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Animals ; Cities ; *Crows ; Environmental Biomarkers ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Pakistan ; }, abstract = {A widely distributed urban bird, the house crow (Corvus splendens), was used to assess bioavailable heavy metals in urban and rural environments across Pakistan. Bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) was investigated in wing feathers of 96 crows collected from eight locations and categorized into four groups pertaining to their geographical and environmental similarities. Results revealed that the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, and Cr were positively correlated and varied significantly among the four groups. Zn, Fe, Cr, and Cu regarded as industrial outputs, were observed in birds both in industrialized cities and in adjoining rural agricultural areas irrigated through the Indus Basin Irrigation System. Birds in both urban regions accrued Pb more than the metal toxicity thresholds for birds. The house crow was ranked in the middle on the metal accumulation levels in feathers between highly accumulating raptor and piscivore and less contaminated insectivore and granivore species in the studied areas,. This study suggests that the house crow is an efficient bioindicator and supports the feasibility of using feathers to discriminate the local pollution differences among terrestrial environments having different levels and kinds of anthropogenic activities.}, } @article {pmid33781549, year = {2022}, author = {Guha, D and Roy, PK and Banerjee, S}, title = {Performance evolution of different controllers for frequency regulation of a hybrid energy power system employing chaotic crow search algorithm.}, journal = {ISA transactions}, volume = {120}, number = {}, pages = {128-146}, doi = {10.1016/j.isatra.2021.03.017}, pmid = {33781549}, issn = {1879-2022}, abstract = {The work described herein compares the performance of different optimized controllers, viz. proportional-integral, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) with filter, two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF)-PID, 3DOF-PID, fractional-order-PID, cascade PI-PID, tilt-integral-derivative (TID), and cascade-TID (CC-TID) controllers in frequency regulation of a hybrid energy distributed power system (HEDPS). The HEDPS is integrated with a multi-unit hydrothermal power plant for ensuring stable power supply. Crow search algorithm has been adopted with chaotic mapping (CCSA) for fine-tuning of the controller settings mentioned above. Extensive analysis has been presented to confirm the superiority of the CC-TID controller compared to other prevalent controllers of state-of-art in terms of different performance specifications. The tuning competence of the CCSA has been demonstrated over conventional CSA and other available optimization techniques. To enhance the mastery of the controller, disturbance-observer (Dob) is developed to estimate fast-changing disturbance profiles and subsequently refines the control law. The controller's robustness is affirmed under random perturbations, presence of nonlinearities, and variation of parameters. The effect of integration of a geothermal power plant on the system performance has also been outlined. The efficacy of Dob-aided CC-TID controller in frequency regulation is validated thereof.}, } @article {pmid33776175, year = {2020}, author = {Pendergraft, LT and Lehnert, AL and Marzluff, JM}, title = {Individual and social factors affecting the ability of American crows to solve and master a string pulling task.}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {126}, number = {2}, pages = {229-245}, pmid = {33776175}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {S10 OD017980/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 RR024689/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Crows and other birds in the family Corvidae regularly share information to learn the identity and whereabouts of dangerous predators, but can they use social learning to solve a novel task for a food reward? Here we examined the factors affecting the ability of 27 wild-caught American crows to solve a common string-pulling task in a laboratory setting. We split crows into two groups; one group was given the task after repeatedly observing a conspecific model the solution, the other solved in the absence of conspecific models. We recorded the crows' estimated age, sex, size, body condition, level of nervousness, and brain volume using DICOM images from a CT scan. Although none of these variables were statistically significant, crows without a conspecific model and large brain volumes consistently mastered the task in the minimum number of days, whereas those with conspecific models and smaller brain volumes required varying and sometimes a substantial number of days to master the task. We found indirect evidence that body condition might also be important for motivating crows to solve the task. Crows with conspecific models were no more likely to initially solve the task than those working the puzzle without social information, but those that mastered the task usually copied the method most frequently demonstrated by their knowledgeable neighbors. These findings suggest that brain volume and possibly body condition may be factors in learning new tasks, and that crows can use social learning to refine their ability to obtain a novel food source, although they must initially learn to access it themselves.}, } @article {pmid33770628, year = {2021}, author = {Yang, J and Kang, C and Wu, C and Lin, Y and Zeng, L and Yuan, J and Zhang, Y and Wei, Y and Xu, L and Zhou, F}, title = {Pharmacogenetic associations of NRG1 polymorphisms with neurocognitive performance and clinical symptom response to risperidone in the untreated schizophrenia.}, journal = {Schizophrenia research}, volume = {231}, number = {}, pages = {67-69}, doi = {10.1016/j.schres.2021.03.001}, pmid = {33770628}, issn = {1573-2509}, mesh = {*Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Asian People ; China ; Humans ; *Neuregulin-1/genetics ; Pharmacogenetics ; Prospective Studies ; *Risperidone/therapeutic use ; *Schizophrenia/drug therapy/genetics ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore pharmacogenetic relationships of NRG1 genotypes with neurocognitive performance and clinical symptoms after 12 week treatment of risperidone in Chinese Han first-episode schizophrenia.

METHODS: A cohort of 221 patients with schizophrenia were recruited for this research. Finally 177 untreated first-episode patients were clinically evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), Digit Vigilance Test (DVT), Digit Span (DS), underwent genotyping for five polymorphisms of NRG1, and completed a 12-week prospective study of risperidone monotherapy.

RESULTS: 1. After risperidone treatment of 12 weeks, the total scores, positive score, negative score and general score of PANSS decreased significantly; the scores of RSPM, DVT and DS increased significantly. 2. No significant association with PANSS scores at baseline or change in scores after 12 weeks'treatment was found with any of the five SNPs. There was also neither significant association of DVT, DS or RSPM at baseline with any of the five SNPs. 3. After risperidone treatment of 12 weeks, rs3924999 and rs35753505 showed significant association with change in DVT and in RSPM in which there were significant differences among different genotype groups.

CONCLUSION: This study suggested pharmacogenetic relationships between NRG1 variants and changes in cognition response with exposure to 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone. Two variants, rs3924999 and rs35753505, in the NRG1 gene were associated with the changes in attention and reasoning ability after risperidone treatment of 12 weeks.}, } @article {pmid33765401, year = {2022}, author = {Albuquerque, MR and Rennó, GVC and Bruzi, AT and Fortes, LS and Malloy-Diniz, LF}, title = {Association between motor competence and executive functions in children.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {495-503}, doi = {10.1080/21622965.2021.1897814}, pmid = {33765401}, issn = {2162-2973}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Aged ; Child ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Motor Skills ; }, abstract = {Previous studies investigating the relationship between executive functions (EFs) and motor competence (MC) in typically developing children have produced inconsistent findings regarding the association's strength and nature. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between EFs and MC in typically developing children aged 6-11 years old. Additionally, we aimed to explore the relationship between EFs and MC in younger (6-8 years old) and older (9-11 years old) typically developing children. In total, 152 children of both sexes performed the Flanker/Reverse Flanker test, Tower of London, Raven's Colored Matrices, Körperkoordinations Test Für Kinder, and Test of Gross Motor Development. Using the global score of MC and EFs and controlling for age, our results showed a significant and medium correlation between MC and EFs (r = 0.380, p < .001). Moreover, the correlation in younger children (r = 0.470), as well as in older (r = 0.272) children were significant. The regression analysis also showed that MC predicts EFs performance in all participants, in younger children, and older children, although with less explained variance for older children. In short, our study suggests that it is needed to promote the development of MC and EFs in children, especially the younger ones.}, } @article {pmid33762704, year = {2021}, author = {Nikel, W}, title = {My dreams have been weird since the magpies arrived.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-021-00783-9}, pmid = {33762704}, issn = {1476-4687}, } @article {pmid33754308, year = {2021}, author = {Hasenäcker, J and Solaja, O and Crepaldi, D}, title = {Does morphological structure modulate access to embedded word meaning in child readers?.}, journal = {Memory & cognition}, volume = {49}, number = {7}, pages = {1334-1347}, pmid = {33754308}, issn = {1532-5946}, mesh = {Child ; Family ; Humans ; *Reading ; Schools ; *Semantics ; }, abstract = {Beginning readers have been shown to be sensitive to the meaning of embedded neighbors (e.g., CROW in CROWN). Moreover, developing readers are sensitive to the morphological structure of words (TEACH-ER). However, the interaction between orthographic and morphological processes in meaning activation during reading is not well established. What determines semantic access to orthographically embedded words? What is the role of suffixes in this process? And how does this change throughout development? To address these questions, we asked 80 Italian elementary school children (third, fourth, and fifth grade) to make category decisions on words (e.g., is CARROT a type of food?). Critically, some target words for no-answers (e.g., is CORNER a type of food?) contained category-congruent embedded stems (i.e., CORN). To gauge the role of morphology in this process, half of the embedded stems were accompanied by a pseudosuffix (CORN-ER) and half by a non-morphological ending (PEA-CE). Results revealed that words were harder to reject as members of a category when the embedded stem was category-congruent. This effect held both with and without a pseudosuffix, but was larger for pseudosuffixed words in the error rates. These results suggest that orthographic stems are activated and activation is fed forward to the semantic level regardless of morphological structure, followed by a decision-making process that might strategically use suffix-like endings.}, } @article {pmid33751048, year = {2022}, author = {Cohen, JL and Rivkin, A and Dayan, S and Shamban, A and Werschler, WP and Teller, CF and Kaminer, MS and Sykes, JM and Weinkle, SH and Garcia, JK}, title = {Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment on the Appearance of Aging, Social Confidence, and Psychological Well-being: HARMONY Study.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {42}, number = {2}, pages = {NP115-NP124}, pmid = {33751048}, issn = {1527-330X}, support = {//Allergan plc/ ; }, mesh = {Aging ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Esthetics ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Infant ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A global approach to facial rejuvenation involves multiple treatment modalities.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of multimodal facial aesthetic treatment on self-reported psychological and social outcomes.

METHODS: HARMONY, a prospective, multicenter, 4-month study, enrolled patients aged 35 to 65 years to receive on-label treatment with a combination of hyaluronic fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and/or HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Fillers were injected on Day 1, with touch-ups performed on Day 14. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected at Month 3 into glabellar lines and/or crow's feet lines. Patients applied bimatoprost to eyelashes once daily for 17 weeks. Mean change from baseline on FACE-Q Psychological Well-being and Social Confidence Scales, FACE-Q Aging Appearance Appraisal Scale, and FACE-Q Age Appraisal Visual Analog Scale were assessed.

RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated, 93 were evaluated at 4 months posttreatment. Significant improvement vs baseline was observed on the FACE-Q Scales for Psychological Well-being (mean change, -19.9; P < 0.00001), Social Confidence (mean change, -18.2; P < 0.00001), and Aging Appearance (mean change, -28.5; P < 0.0001). On average, patients' self-assessed age was 0.1 years older than actual age at baseline and 4.5 years younger at Month 4 (P < 0.001 vs baseline). Forty-two patients experienced adverse events, all mild to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS: Multimodal, full facial aesthetic treatment improves patients' self-reported psychological well-being, social confidence, aging appearance, and perceptions of chronologic age.}, } @article {pmid33746815, year = {2021}, author = {Somma, F and Bartolomeo, P and Vallone, F and Argiuolo, A and Cerrato, A and Miglino, O and Mandolesi, L and Zurlo, MC and Gigliotta, O}, title = {Further to the Left: Stress-Induced Increase of Spatial Pseudoneglect During the COVID-19 Lockdown.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {573846}, pmid = {33746815}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The measures taken to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, such as the lockdown in Italy, do impact psychological health; yet, less is known about their effect on cognitive functioning. The transactional theory of stress predicts reciprocal influences between perceived stress and cognitive performance. However, the effects of a period of stress due to social isolation on spatial cognition and exploration have been little examined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spatial cognition tasks, particularly those concerning spatial exploration, and the physiological leftward bias known as pseudoneglect. A right-hemisphere asymmetry for spatial attention processes crucially contributes to pseudoneglect. Other evidence indicates a predominantly right-hemisphere activity in stressful situations. We also analyzed the effects of lockdown on coping strategies, which typically show an opposite pattern of hemispheric asymmetry, favoring the left hemisphere. If so, then pseudoneglect should increase during the lockdown and be negatively correlated with the efficacy of coping strategies.

METHODS: One week before the start of the lockdown due to COVID-19 in Italy (T1), we had collected data from a battery of behavioral tests including tasks of peri-personal spatial cognition. During the quarantine period, from late April to early May 2020 (T2), we repeated the testing sessions with a subgroup of the same participants (47 right-handed students, mean age = 20, SD = 1.33). At both testing sessions, participants performed digitized neuropsychological tests, including a Cancellation task, Radial Arm Maze task, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices. Participants also completed a newly developed COVID-19 Student Stress Scale, based on transactional models of stress, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced-New Italian Version (COPE-NIV) to assess coping orientation.

RESULTS: The tendency to start cancelation from a left-sided item, to explore first a left-sided arm of the maze, and to choose erroneous response items on the left side of the page on Raven's matrices increased from T1 to T2. The degree of pseudoneglect increment positively correlated with perceived stress and negatively correlated with Positive Attitude and Problem-Solving COPE-NIV subscales.

CONCLUSION: Lockdown-related stress may have contributed to increase leftward bias during quarantine through a greater activation of the right hemisphere. On the other hand, pseudoneglect was decreased for better coping participants, perhaps as a consequence of a more balanced hemispheric activity in these individuals.}, } @article {pmid33743020, year = {2021}, author = {Aziz, B and Zubair, M and Irshad, N and Ahmad, KS and Mahmood, M and Tahir, MM and Shah, KH and Shaheen, A}, title = {Biomonitoring of Toxic Metals in Feathers of Birds from North-Eastern Pakistan.}, journal = {Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology}, volume = {106}, number = {5}, pages = {805-811}, pmid = {33743020}, issn = {1432-0800}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Monitoring ; Birds ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Feathers/chemistry ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Pakistan ; }, abstract = {The current study was designed to determine the concentrations of toxic metals (Ni, Pb and Cr) in feathers of birds collected from four regions of NE Pakistan. Feather samples of birds (House Crow, Common Myna and House Sparrow) were collected from different areas. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the concentration of metals in feathers. Analysis of the data revealed that concentrations of Pb and Cr were significantly different (p < 0.05) among bird species, whereas no difference (p > 0.05) was detected among bird species (house crow, common myna and house sparrow) for Ni. A significant difference was found for the concentration of Pb and Ni in all the four studied regions. Whereas, non-significant difference was found in all the studied regions for the concentrating of Cr. It was revealed that there is significant rising concentration of metals (Pb, Cr) in feathers of birds in Azad Kashmir.}, } @article {pmid33742425, year = {2021}, author = {Wright, AA and Kelly, DM and Katz, JS}, title = {Same/different concept learning by primates and birds.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {76-84}, pmid = {33742425}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae ; *Concept Formation ; Conditioning, Operant ; *Learning ; Memory ; }, abstract = {Same/different abstract-concept learning experiments were conducted with two primate species and three avian species by progressively increasing the size of the training stimulus set of distinctly different pictures from eight to 1,024 pictures. These same/different learning experiments were trained with two pictures presented simultaneously. Transfer tests of same and different learning employed interspersed trials of novel pictures to assess the level of correct performance on the very first time of subjects had seen those pictures. All of the species eventually performed these tests with high accuracy, contradicting the long-accepted notion that nonhuman animals are unable to learn the concept of same/different. Capuchin and rhesus monkeys learned the concept more readily than did pigeons. Clark's nutcrackers and black-billed magpies learned as readily as monkeys, and even showed a slight advantage with the smallest training stimulus sets. Those tests of same/different learning were followed by delay procedures, such that a delay was introduced after the subjects responded to the sample picture and before the test picture. In the sequential same/different task, accuracy was shown to diminish when the stimulus on a previous trial matched the test picture previously shown on a different trial. This effect is known as proactive interference. The pigeons' proactive interference was greater at 10-s delays than 1-s delays, revealing time-based interference. By contrast, time delays had little or no effect on rhesus monkeys' proactive interference, suggesting that rhesus monkeys have better explicit memory of where and when they saw the potential interfering picture, revealing better event-based memory.}, } @article {pmid33735945, year = {2021}, author = {Johnston, S and Tutticci, N and Theobald, K and Ramsbotham, J}, title = {Comparison of simulation observer tools on engagement and maximising learning: a pilot study.}, journal = {International journal of nursing education scholarship}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {33735945}, issn = {1548-923X}, mesh = {Clinical Competence ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; Problem-Based Learning ; *Simulation Training ; *Students, Nursing ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This pilot study examined if the Clinical Reasoning Observer Worksheet (CROW) compared to a standard observer worksheet used during simulation, would enhance nursing students active learning behaviours and perceptions of clinical reasoning ability.

METHODS: This pilot study was undertaken to test the design and processes for a future larger study and reports on preliminary evidence of efficacy of recruitment procedures and instrumentation in addition to student's learning outcomes.

RESULTS: There was little overall difference in outcomes between groups who used either simulation observer worksheet. Overall, participants who used either worksheet perceived their ability to apply clinical reasoning to an episode of patient care increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Modifications were identified as necessary for a larger study including changes to instrumentation, method of survey delivery and training of simulation facilitators. A more definitive evaluation will be achievable with a larger group of students in a main study with the suggested modifications.}, } @article {pmid33732918, year = {2021}, author = {Amenya, PCA and Annan, RA and Apprey, C and Kpewou, DE}, title = {Physical fitness and cognitive function among school-aged children in selected basic schools in the Ho Municipality of Ghana.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {e06324}, pmid = {33732918}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {Physical fitness is thought to promote cognitive function. Evidence about this is however lacking in the Ghanaian context. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical fitness and cognitive function among basic school children aged 8-13 years. A cross-sectional study involving 591 school children, recruited from 12 randomly selected public and private basic schools was conducted. Physical fitness tests were done using a five-test battery (Fifty metre run, handgrip strength, sit-up, flexibility and standing board jump) following standardized procedures. Cognitive function test using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) were carried out. More girls (55%), children from 8-13 years old (49.1%) and public school children (66.1%) participated in the study. For fitness, boys performed better than girls in sit ups 3.4 ± 2.2 (mean ± SD), p = 0.012, handgrip 4.3 ± 2.0, p = 0.001 and overall fitness 4.3 ± 2.0, p = 0.007. Children in public schools performed significantly better in forward jump (p < 0.001) while those in private schools did better in 50m run (p < 0.001). For cognition, 46.1% of participants had less than 50% of the total score. Cognitive test score varied for forward jump and handgrip alone and not for sit ups, 50m run and overall score. Mean forward jump score was lowest in poor cognition group (4.9 ± 2.3), followed by good (5.3 ± 2.2) and highest among excellent (5.5 ± 2.3, p = 0.044) cognition group. Similar observation was made for handgrip. Cognition score and hand grip strength were positively but weakly correlated. (r = 0.132, p = 0.026). Although handgrip strength (measuring muscular strength) was significantly associated with cognitive function, this study found no significant association between overall physical fitness and cognitive function. These results indicate that only some components of physical fitness may be associated with cognitive function. This study is however correlational and one cannot infer causality.}, } @article {pmid33723800, year = {2022}, author = {Bah, HAF and Dos Anjos, ALS and Gomes-Júnior, EA and Bandeira, MJ and de Carvalho, CF and Dos Santos, NR and Martinez, VO and Adorno, EV and Menezes-Filho, JA}, title = {Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase, Low Blood Lead Levels, Social Factors, and Intellectual Function in an Afro-Brazilian Children Community.}, journal = {Biological trace element research}, volume = {200}, number = {2}, pages = {447-457}, pmid = {33723800}, issn = {1559-0720}, support = {PPSUS0040/2018//Fundação de Apoio a Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia/ ; }, mesh = {Brazil ; Child ; Environmental Exposure ; Ethnicity ; Genotype ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Lead/blood ; *Porphobilinogen Synthase/genetics ; *Social Factors ; }, abstract = {Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) enzyme catalyzes the second phase of the heme biosynthesis and is involved in lead toxicokinetics. This research aimed to evaluate its influence on the relationship between blood lead (PbB) levels and intellectual performance in Afro-Brazilian children. PbB, hemoglobin concentration, ALAD activity, and polymorphism were determined in whole blood. Anthropometric, socioeconomic, and family environment stimuli data were collected with appropriate instruments. The non-verbal intelligence of children and their mothers or guardians was assessed using the correspondent Raven's Progressive Matrix versions. The medians (range) of PbB levels and ALAD activity were 1.0 μg/dL (0.1-21.3) and, 71 U/L (31-113), respectively. ALAD G177C was distributed as follows: 97.9% for ALAD1/1 and 2.1% for ALAD1/2 genotypes. The mean of Raven raw score was 19.3 (± 5.6) points and there were no differences according to sex or environmental Pb exposure. No statistically significant association was observed between PbB level and children's IQ. However, ALAD activity presented an inverse significant association with PbB levels, children's percentile IQ, and children's IQ/Age ratio, suggesting a neuroprotective role of ALAD1 genotype in those with low PbB level.}, } @article {pmid33722974, year = {2021}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Neuroethology of number sense across the animal kingdom.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {224}, number = {Pt 6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.218289}, pmid = {33722974}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; *Brain ; Cerebral Cortex ; *Cognition ; Mammals ; Neurons ; }, abstract = {Many species from diverse and often distantly related animal groups (e.g. monkeys, crows, fish and bees) have a sense of number. This means that they can assess the number of items in a set - its 'numerosity'. The brains of these phylogenetically distant species are markedly diverse. This Review examines the fundamentally different types of brains and neural mechanisms that give rise to numerical competence across the animal tree of life. Neural correlates of the number sense so far exist only for specific vertebrate species: the richest data concerning explicit and abstract number representations have been collected from the cerebral cortex of mammals, most notably human and nonhuman primates, but also from the pallium of corvid songbirds, which evolved independently of the mammalian cortex. In contrast, the neural data relating to implicit and reflexive numerical representations in amphibians and fish is limited. The neural basis of a number sense has not been explored in any protostome so far. However, promising candidate regions in the brains of insects, spiders and cephalopods - all of which are known to have number skills - are identified in this Review. A comparative neuroscientific approach will be indispensable for identifying evolutionarily stable neuronal circuits and deciphering codes that give rise to a sense of number across phylogeny.}, } @article {pmid33721365, year = {2021}, author = {Yoo, KH and Park, SJ and Han, HS and Won, CH and Lee, YW and Kim, BJ}, title = {Randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, multicentre, phase III clinical trial with two stages to assess the safety and efficacy of letibotulinum toxin a vs. onabotulinum toxin a for subjects with moderate to severe crow's feet.}, journal = {Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV}, volume = {35}, number = {7}, pages = {1587-1594}, doi = {10.1111/jdv.17217}, pmid = {33721365}, issn = {1468-3083}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; Republic of Korea ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Letibotulinum toxin A (LeBA) was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (known as the Korea Food & Drug Administration) for cosmetic indications in 2012. However, the efficacy and safety of this newly introduced LeBA have not been investigated in crow's feet lines (CFL) treatment and standardization before its universal use.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this multicentre, double-blind, randomized, parallel, active-controlled Phase III clinical trial with two stages (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03408236) was to investigate the non-inferiority of LeBA vs. the existing onabotulinum toxin A (OnBA) for the treatment of CFL.

METHODS: A total of 240 subjects were randomized to either the test (LeBA) or control (OnBA) group. At the baseline and at weeks 4 while maximum smiling (primary efficacy assessment), 8, 12 and 16, investigator's on-site evaluation, independent evaluator, evaluation by the subjects, subjects' satisfaction assessment and safety assessment were performed.

RESULTS: At week 4, the response rate of primary efficacy assessment was 69.75% and 68.33% in the test (LeBA) and control (OnBA) groups, respectively, without a significant difference. Other minor secondary evaluation results showed significant differences suggesting that LeBA offered better improvement than OnBA, but the overall results did not show significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that LeBA was as effective and safe as OnBA for the treatment of CFL at the same doses.}, } @article {pmid33720901, year = {2021}, author = {Luca, A and Nicoletti, A and Donzuso, G and Terravecchia, C and Cicero, CE and D'Agate, C and Rascuná, C and Manna, R and Mostile, G and Zappia, M}, title = {Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Midbrain Atrophy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {80}, number = {4}, pages = {1669-1674}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-210023}, pmid = {33720901}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {Aged ; Atrophy/pathology ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mesencephalon/diagnostic imaging/*pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*pathology/physiopathology ; *Phonetics ; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive/*pathology/physiopathology ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The neuropsychological profile of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients is mainly characterized by executive dysfunction, but the relationship between the latter and midbrain atrophy is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to investigate which test evaluating executive functioning is more frequently impaired in PSP patients and to evaluate the relationship between midbrain-based MRI morphometric measures and executive dysfunction.

METHODS: PSP patients who had undergone a neuropsychological battery assessing executive functioning with the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the phonemic verbal fluency F-A-S, the Raven's Progressive Colored Matrix, and the Stroop word colors test (time and errors) were enrolled in the study. A group of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients matched by age, sex, education, and global cognitive status was selected. All the enrolled patients also underwent a volumetric T1-3D brain MRI.

RESULTS: Thirty-five PSP patients and 35 PD patients were enrolled. Patients with PSP as compared to patients with PD showed a significant greater impairment in verbal fluency (16.0±7.9 and 23.4±8.7 words/180 s; p < 0.001) and a significant lower score at the FAB total score (11.5±3.8 and 13.7±3.4; p = 0.013). Midbrain area was significantly smaller in PSP patients than in PD patients (83.9±20.1 and 134.5±19.9 mm2; p < 0.001). In PSP patients, a significant positive correlation between verbal fluency and the midbrain area (r = 0.421; p = 0.028) was observed.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the phonemic verbal fluency is among the most frequently impaired executive functions in PSP patients and is strongly correlated to midbrain atrophy.}, } @article {pmid33717337, year = {2020}, author = {Dholakia, S}, title = {An Ethical Analysis of the 'Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY)' Scheme using the Stakeholder Approach to Universal Health Care in India.}, journal = {Asian bioethics review}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {195-203}, pmid = {33717337}, issn = {1793-9453}, abstract = {This paper analyses the ethical considerations using the stakeholder theory on two specific domains of the newly implemented 'Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY)' scheme by the Government of India. The paper recommends a solidarity-based approach over an entitlement based one that focuses on out-of-pocket expenses for the most vulnerable and a stewardship role from the private sector to ensure equity, accountability, and sustainability of PM-JAY scheme.}, } @article {pmid33709778, year = {2021}, author = {}, title = {Tribute to Jay S. Skyler, MD, MACP.}, journal = {Diabetes technology & therapeutics}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {235-244}, doi = {10.1089/dia.2021.0090}, pmid = {33709778}, issn = {1557-8593}, } @article {pmid33683590, year = {2021}, author = {Ghaemi, A and Zhian, T and Pirzadeh, B and Hashemi Monfared, S and Mosavi, A}, title = {Reliability-based design and implementation of crow search algorithm for longitudinal dispersion coefficient estimation in rivers.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {28}, number = {27}, pages = {35971-35990}, pmid = {33683590}, issn = {1614-7499}, support = {EFOP-3.6.1-16-2016-00010//European Commission/ ; }, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; *Crows ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Rivers ; Water Quality ; }, abstract = {The longitudinal dispersion coefficient (LDC) of river pollutants is considered as one of the prominent water quality parameters. In this regard, numerous research studies have been conducted in recent years, and various equations have been extracted based on hydrodynamic and geometric elements. LDC's estimated values obtained using different equations reveal a significant uncertainty due to this phenomenon's complexity. In the present study, the crow search algorithm (CSA) is applied to increase the equation's precision by employing evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) to model an extensive amount of geometrical and hydraulic data. The results indicate that the CSA improves the performance of EPR in terms of R[2] (0.8), Willmott's index of agreement (0.93), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (0.77), and overall index (0.84). In addition, the reliability analysis of the proposed equation (i.e., CSA) reduced the failure probability (Pf) when the value of the failure state containing 50 to 600 m[2]/s is increasing for the Pf determination using the Monte Carlo simulation. The best-fitted function for correct failure probability prediction was the power with R[2] = 0.98 compared with linear and exponential functions.}, } @article {pmid33683078, year = {2021}, author = {Farris, P and Draelos, ZD and Felipe de Oliveira Stehling, L}, title = {Novel Facial Treatment Regimen Improves Aging Skin Appearance.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {274-278}, doi = {10.36849/JDD.5791}, pmid = {33683078}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Aged ; Cosmeceuticals/*administration & dosage ; Face/diagnostic imaging ; Facial Dermatoses/diagnosis/*therapy ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation/diagnosis/*therapy ; Middle Aged ; Photography ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/physiology ; Skin Care/*methods ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin care regimens with multiple active ingredients offer a multimodal approach to anti-aging treatments.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of a multimodal skincare regimen on facial skin appearance after 12 weeks of twice daily use as compared to baseline.

METHOD: 35 healthy female subjects 35&ndash;65 years of age of Fitzpatrick skin types I&ndash;III with mild to moderate facial photoaging characterized by hyperpigmentation were enrolled. Subjects were seen at baseline, week 6, and week 12, and underwent subject and investigator assessments along with noninvasive evaluations (elasticity, corneometry, dermaspectrophotometer) and photography.

RESULTS: Most notable at week 12 was a 60% improvement in smoothness, 82% improvement in dryness, 30% improvement in fine lines, and 24% improvement in crow’s feet. There was an 8% reduction in macule hyperpigmentation (P<0.001) at week 12, supporting excellent pigment lightening qualities for the regimen. There was a statistically significant increase in skin firmness (decrease in elasticity) as early as week 6 of 6% with further improvement observed at week 12 of 16% (P=0.002).

SUMMARY: A multimodal skincare regimen with antioxidants, retinol, hydrolyzed pearl, caviar extract, peptides, and growth factors including EGF and TGF-β results in an improvement in the appearance of photoaged skin after 12 weeks of twice daily use. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(3):274-278. doi:10.36849/JDD.5791.}, } @article {pmid33680687, year = {2021}, author = {Dabek, RJ and Araim, F and Bojovic, B}, title = {"Smizing": COVID-19 Is Giving Us Crow's Feet.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {e3458}, pmid = {33680687}, issn = {2169-7574}, } @article {pmid33676115, year = {2021}, author = {Benassi, M and Giovagnoli, S and Pansell, T and Mandolesi, L and Bolzani, R and Magri, S and Forsman, L and Hellgren, K}, title = {Developmental trajectories of global motion and global form perception from 4 years to adulthood.}, journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology}, volume = {207}, number = {}, pages = {105092}, doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2021.105092}, pmid = {33676115}, issn = {1096-0457}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Depth Perception ; Eye Movements ; *Form Perception ; Humans ; *Motion Perception ; Vision, Ocular ; }, abstract = {Literature on the development of global motion and global form perception demonstrated their asynchronous developmental trajectories. However, former studies have failed to clearly establish the critical period of maturation for these specific abilities. This study aimed to analyze the developmental trajectories of global motion and global form discrimination abilities by controlling for basic visual functions and general cognitive ability and to present the global motion and global form normative scores. A sample of 456 children and adolescents (4-17 years of age) and 76 adults recruited from the Italian and Swedish general population participated in the study. Motion and form perception were evaluated by the motion coherence test and form coherence test, respectively. Raven's matrices were used to assess general cognitive ability, the Lea Hyvärinen chart test was used for full- and low-contrast visual acuity, and the TNO test was used for stereopsis. General cognitive ability and basic visual functions were strongly related to motion and form perception development. Global motion perception had an accelerated maturation compared with global form perception. For motion perception, an analysis of the oblique effect's development showed that it is present at 4 years of age. The standardized scores of global motion and form coherence tests can be used for clinical purposes.}, } @article {pmid33669706, year = {2021}, author = {Shrader-Frechette, K and Biondo, AM}, title = {Data-Quality Assessment Signals Toxic-Site Safety Threats and Environmental Injustices.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {33669706}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Child ; Environmental Pollution ; Hazardous Substances ; *Hazardous Waste Sites ; Humans ; *Trichloroethylene ; United States ; United States Environmental Protection Agency ; }, abstract = {Most hazardous-waste sites are located in urban areas populated by disproportionate numbers of children, minorities, and poor people who, as a result, face more severe pollution threats and environmental-health inequalities. Partly to address this harm, in 2017 the United Nations unanimously endorsed the New Urban Agenda, which includes redeveloping urban-infill-toxic-waste sites. However, no systematic, independent analyses assess the public-health adequacy of such hazardous-facility redevelopments. Our objective is to provide a preliminary data-quality assessment (PDQA) of urban-infill-toxic-site testing, conducted by private redevelopers, including whether it adequately addresses pollution threats. To this end, we used two qualitative, weight-of-evidence methods. Method 1 employs nine criteria to select assessments for PDQA and help control for confounders. To conduct PDQA, Method 2 uses three US Environmental Protection Agency standards-the temporal, geographical, and technological representativeness of sampling. Our Method 1 results reveal four current toxic-site assessments (by CBRE/Trammell Crow, the world's largest commercial developer); at all of these sites the main risk drivers are solvents, volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene. Our Method 2 results indicate that all four assessments violate most PDQA standards and systematically underestimate health risk. These results reveal environmental injustice, disproportionate health threats to children/minorities/poor people at all four sites. Although preliminary, our conclusion is that alleviating harm and environmental-health inequalities posed by urban-infill-toxic-site pollution may require improving both the testing/cleanup/redevelopment requirements of the New Urban Agenda and the regulatory oversight of assessment and remediation performed by private redevelopers.}, } @article {pmid33664383, year = {2021}, author = {Kolkert, HL and Smith, R and Rader, R and Reid, N}, title = {Prey removal in cotton crops next to woodland reveals periodic diurnal and nocturnal invertebrate predation gradients from the crop edge by birds and bats.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {5256}, pmid = {33664383}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Chiroptera/*physiology ; Coleoptera/pathogenicity ; Crops, Agricultural/parasitology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Forests ; Gossypium/parasitology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Factors influencing the efficacy of insectivorous vertebrates in providing natural pest control services inside crops at increasing distances from the crop edge are poorly understood. We investigated the identity of vertebrate predators (birds and bats) and removal of sentinel prey (mealworms and beetles) from experimental feeding trays in cotton crops using prey removal trials, camera traps and observations. More prey was removed during the day than at night, but prey removal was variable at the crop edge and dependent on the month (reflecting crop growth and cover) and time of day. Overall, the predation of mealworms and beetles was 1-times and 13-times greater during the day than night, respectively, with predation on mealworms 3-5 times greater during the day than night at the crop edge compared to 95 m inside the crop. Camera traps identified many insectivorous birds and bats over crops near the feeding trays, but there was no evidence of bats or small passerines removing experimental prey. A predation gradient from the crop edge was evident, but only in some months. This corresponded to the foraging preferences of open-space generalist predators (magpies) in low crop cover versus the shrubby habitat preferred by small passerines, likely facilitating foraging away from the crop edge later in the season. Our results are in line with Optimal Foraging Theory and suggest that predators trade-off foraging behaviour with predation risk at different distances from the crop edge and levels of crop cover. Understanding the optimal farm configuration to support insectivorous bird and bat populations can assist farmers to make informed decisions regarding in-crop natural pest control and maximise the predation services provided by farm biodiversity.}, } @article {pmid33662942, year = {2021}, author = {Eggers, T and Kilgore, J and Green, D and Vrabec, T and Kilgore, K and Bhadra, N}, title = {Combining direct current and kilohertz frequency alternating current to mitigate onset activity during electrical nerve block.}, journal = {Journal of neural engineering}, volume = {18}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {33662942}, issn = {1741-2552}, support = {R01 EB024860/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Action Potentials ; Animals ; Electric Stimulation ; Electricity ; *Nerve Block ; *Neural Conduction ; Peripheral Nerves ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; }, abstract = {Objective.Electrical nerve block offers the ability to immediately and reversibly block peripheral nerve conduction and would have applications in the emerging field of bioelectronics. Two modalities of electrical nerve block have been investigated-kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) and direct current (DC). KHFAC can be safely delivered with conventional electrodes, but has the disadvantage of having an onset response, which is a period of increased neural activation before block is established and currently limits clinical translation. DC has long been known to block neural conduction without an onset response but creates damaging reactive species. Typical electrodes can safely deliver DC for less than one second, but advances in high capacitance electrodes allow DC delivery up to 10 s without damage. The present work aimed to combine DC and KHFAC into a single waveform, named the combined reduced onset waveform (CROW), which can initiate block without an onset response while also maintaining safe block for long durations. This waveform consists of a short, DC pre-pulse before initiating KHFAC.Approach.Simulations of this novel waveform were carried out in the axonal simulation environment NEURON to test feasibility and gain insight into the mechanisms of action. Two sets of acute experiments were then conducted in adult Sprague-Dawley rats to determine the effectiveness of the waveform in mitigating the onset response.Main results.The CROW reduced the onset response bothin silicoandin vivo. The onset area was reduced by over 90% with the tested parameters in the acute experiments. The amplitude of the DC pulse was shown to be particularly important for effective onset mitigation, requiring amplitudes 6-8 times the DC block threshold.Significance.This waveform can reliably reduce the onset response due to KHFAC and could allow for wider clinical implementation of electrical nerve block.}, } @article {pmid33658172, year = {2021}, author = {Mota-Veloso, I and Ramos-Jorge, J and Freitas, LRP and Ferreira, FO and Ramos-Jorge, ML and Paiva, SM and Soares, RV}, title = {The prevalence of malocclusion is higher in schoolchildren with signs of hyperactivity.}, journal = {American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics}, volume = {159}, number = {5}, pages = {653-659}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajodo.2019.11.027}, pmid = {33658172}, issn = {1097-6752}, mesh = {*Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/epidemiology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; *Malocclusion/epidemiology ; Pacifiers ; Prevalence ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by a lack of focus, impulsive behavior, and or excessive activity. This research aimed to evaluate the association between signs of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and malocclusion in schoolchildren.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 633 children aged 7-12 years. The children were clinically examined for malocclusion using the Dental Aesthetic Index. The predominant breathing pattern was also determined. Parents answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic characteristics and the presence of nonnutritive sucking habits. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Scale-IV was filled out by both parents and teachers to compare behavioral patterns. The children were submitted to a neuropsychological evaluation using the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test. Data analysis involved the chi-square test and Poisson regression analysis.

RESULTS: The prevalence of malocclusion was 42% higher among children with signs of hyperactivity reported by both parents and teachers (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.81; P = 0.004). In the final Poisson regression model, the prevalence of malocclusion was lower among schoolchildren aged 11 and 12 years (PR, 0.62; 95% CI. 0.52-0.73; P <0.001) and higher among those who used a pacifier for at least 4 years (PR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.54; P = 0.029) as well as those classified as mouth breathers (PR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among children with signs of hyperactivity independently of age, pacifier use, and mouth breathing.}, } @article {pmid33654486, year = {2021}, author = {Gao, LF and Zhang, HY and Zhang, W and Zhang, XD and Zhu, ZQ and Du, B}, title = {Fitness consequences of divorce in the azure-winged magpie depends on the breeding experience of a new mate.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {67}, number = {1}, pages = {17-25}, pmid = {33654486}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Sexual conflict in producing and raising offspring is a critical issue in evolutionary ecology research. Individual experience affects their breeding performance, as measured by such traits of provisioning of offspring and engagement in extra-pair copulations, and may cause an imbalance in sexual conflict. Thus, divorce is hypothesized to occur within aged social pairs, irrespective of current reproductive success. This concept was explored in the azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus by investigating the divorce of a social pair and its relationship to their changes in breeding performance with prior experience. Females engaging in extra-pair copulation may intensify sexual conflicts and may be the main reason for divorce. Once divorced, females repairing with an inexperienced male realized higher reproductive success than that repairing with an experienced male; males repairing with an experienced female realized higher reproductive success than that repairing with an inexperienced female. This finding indicates that the fitness consequence of divorce depends on the breeding experience of new mates. Divorced females can obtain more extra-pair copulations, whereas divorced males cannot, when they repair with inexperienced breeders. Divorced females provisioned a brood at lower rates than inexperienced females whereas divorced males had no such difference. It appears that divorced females can obtain an advantage in sexual conflicts with inexperienced mates in future reproduction. Consequently, females are probably more active than males in divorcing their aged mates so as to select an inexperienced male as a new mate. Azure-winged magpies thus provide novel insights into the implications of sexual conflict in birds.}, } @article {pmid33652621, year = {2021}, author = {Athanasakopoulou, Z and Tsilipounidaki, K and Sofia, M and Chatzopoulos, DC and Giannakopoulos, A and Karakousis, I and Giannakis, V and Spyrou, V and Touloudi, A and Satra, M and Galamatis, D and Diamantopoulos, V and Mpellou, S and Petinaki, E and Billinis, C}, title = {Poultry and Wild Birds as a Reservoir of CMY-2 Producing Escherichia coli: The First Large-Scale Study in Greece.}, journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {33652621}, issn = {2079-6382}, support = {T2DGE-0944//The European Union and the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation, Ministry of Development & Investments/ ; }, abstract = {Resistance mediated by β-lactamases is a globally spread menace. The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence of Escherichia coli producing plasmid-encoded AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpC) in animals. Fecal samples from chickens (n = 159), cattle (n = 104), pigs (n = 214), and various wild bird species (n = 168), collected from different Greek regions during 2018-2020, were screened for the presence of pAmpC-encoding genes. Thirteen E. coli displaying resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and a positive AmpC confirmation test were detected. blaCMY-2 was the sole pAmpC gene identified in 12 chickens' and 1 wild bird (Eurasian magpie) isolates and was in all cases linked to an upstream ISEcp1-like element. The isolates were classified into five different sequence types: ST131, ST117, ST155, ST429, and ST1415. Four chickens' stains were assigned to ST131, while five chickens' strains and the one from the Eurasian magpie belonged to ST117. Seven pAmpC isolates co-harbored genes conferring resistance to tetracyclines (tetM, tetB, tetC, tetD), 3 carried sulfonamide resistance genes (sulI and sulII), and 10 displayed mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of gyrA (S83L+D87N) and parC (S80I+E84V). This report provides evidence of pAmpC dissemination, describing for the first time the presence of CMY-2 in chickens and wild birds from Greece.}, } @article {pmid33647856, year = {2021}, author = {Saviola, F and Bellani, M and Perlini, C and Squarcina, L and Maggioni, E and Zacà, D and Lasalvia, A and Dusi, N and Bonetto, C and Cristofalo, D and Alessandrini, F and Zoccatelli, G and Ciceri, E and Mesiano, L and Semrov, E and Lo Parrino, R and Furlato, K and Pratelli, M and Ruggeri, M and Brambilla, P and Jovicich, J and , }, title = {"First-episode psychosis: Structural covariance deficits in salience network correlate with symptoms severity".}, journal = {Journal of psychiatric research}, volume = {136}, number = {}, pages = {409-420}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.044}, pmid = {33647856}, issn = {1879-1379}, mesh = {Brain/diagnostic imaging ; Cerebral Cortex/diagnostic imaging ; Gray Matter/diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Psychotic Disorders/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patterns of coordinated variations of gray matter (GM) morphology across individuals are promising indicators of disease. However, it remains unclear if they can help characterize first-episode psychosis (FEP) and symptoms' severity.

METHODS: Sixty-seven FEP and 67 matched healthy controls (HC) were assessed with structural MRI to evaluate the existence of distributed GM structural covariance patterns associated to brain areas belonging to salience network. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and structural covariance differences, investigated with salience network seed-based Partial Least Square, were applied to explore differences between groups. GM density associations with Raven's intelligent quotient (IQ) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were investigated.

RESULTS: Univariate VBM results gave trend without significant GM differences across groups. GM and IQ correlated positively in both groups: in FEP, mostly in hippocampus, insula, and fronto-temporal structures, while in HC mostly in amygdala, thalamus and fronto-temporal regions. GM and PANSS scores correlated negatively in FEP, with widespread clusters located in limbic regions. Multivariate analysis showed strong and opposite structural GM covariance with salience network for FEP and HC. Moreover, structural covariance of the salience network in FEP correlated negatively with severity of clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence supporting the insular dysfunction model of psychosis. Reduced structural GM covariance of the salience network, with its association to symptom's severity, appears a promising morphometry feature for FEP detection.}, } @article {pmid33635988, year = {2021}, author = {Dezfuli, BS and Manera, M and Rubini, S}, title = {Intestinal Histopathology due to an Acanthocephalan in Two Corvid Species from Northern Italy.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, pages = {215-219}, doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-20-00080}, pmid = {33635988}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {*Acanthocephala ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology/pathology ; Helminthiasis, Animal/epidemiology/parasitology/*pathology ; Intestinal Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Italy/epidemiology ; Passeriformes/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {Carnivorous birds maintain parasites in the sylvatic cycle and have a role in their diffusion. The histopathology and ultrastructure of the intestine of 29 Hooded Crows (Corvus corone cornix) and 51 Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica), from the Province of Ferrara (Northern Italy), naturally infected with Sphaerirostris picae (Acanthocephala), were investigated. In both bird species, the prevalence of infection was around 10%, and the intensity of the infection in the Hooded Crows ranged from two to 12 acanthocephalans per host, whereas in the Eurasian Magpies it ranged from one to nine worms per bird. Previous records on the histopathology of acanthocephalans in birds do not provide information on the type of cells involved in the host's reaction. We aimed to gain information on the effects of acanthocephalans on the structural integrity of the birds' intestine and to describe the type of immune cells in the hosts against the parasite. Our results showed that S. picae disrupted the intestinal wall at the site of attachment by means of its neck and proboscis, and three main types of bird intestinal reactions were noticed. The most severe response of the hosts was against the proboscis because of the action of its hooks with recruitment of macrophages, giant cells, eosinophils, and heterophils. Sphaerirostris picae perforated the birds' entire intestinal wall, reaching the peritoneal visceral serosa, but it did not provoke a diffuse peritonitis.}, } @article {pmid33626062, year = {2021}, author = {Brooks, J and Onishi, E and Clark, IR and Bohn, M and Yamamoto, S}, title = {Uniting against a common enemy: Perceived outgroup threat elicits ingroup cohesion in chimpanzees.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {e0246869}, pmid = {33626062}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Aggression/*physiology ; Animals ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Outgroup threat has been identified as an important driver of ingroup cohesion in humans, but the evolutionary origin of such a relationship is unclear. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the wild are notably aggressive towards outgroup members but coordinate complex behaviors with many individuals in group hunting and border patrols. One hypothesis claims that these behaviors evolve alongside one another, where outgroup threat selects for ingroup cohesion and group coordination. To test this hypothesis, 5 groups of chimpanzees (N = 29 individuals) were observed after hearing either pant-hoots of unfamiliar wild chimpanzees or control crow vocalizations both in their typical daily environment and in a context of induced feeding competition. We observed a behavioral pattern that was consistent both with increased stress and vigilance (self-directed behaviors increased, play decreased, rest decreased) and increased ingroup cohesion (interindividual proximity decreased, aggression over food decreased, and play during feeding competition increased). These results support the hypothesis that outgroup threat elicits ingroup tolerance in chimpanzees. This suggests that in chimpanzees, like humans, competition between groups fosters group cohesion.}, } @article {pmid33619738, year = {2021}, author = {Stocco, A and Prat, CS and Graham, LK}, title = {Individual Differences in Reward-Based Learning Predict Fluid Reasoning Abilities.}, journal = {Cognitive science}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {e12941}, doi = {10.1111/cogs.12941}, pmid = {33619738}, issn = {1551-6709}, mesh = {Attention ; Basal Ganglia ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Problem Solving ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {The ability to reason and problem-solve in novel situations, as measured by the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM), is highly predictive of both cognitive task performance and real-world outcomes. Here we provide evidence that RAPM performance depends on the ability to reallocate attention in response to self-generated feedback about progress. We propose that such an ability is underpinned by the basal ganglia nuclei, which are critically tied to both reward processing and cognitive control. This hypothesis was implemented in a neurocomputational model of the RAPM task, which was used to derive novel predictions at the behavioral and neural levels. These predictions were then verified in one neuroimaging and two behavioral experiments. Furthermore, an effective connectivity analysis of the neuroimaging data confirmed a role for the basal ganglia in modulating attention. Taken together, these results suggest that individual differences in a neural circuit related to reward processing underpin human fluid reasoning abilities.}, } @article {pmid33613354, year = {2020}, author = {Ashworth, M and Palikara, O and Burchell, E and Purser, H and Nikolla, D and Van Herwegen, J}, title = {Online and Face-to-Face Performance on Two Cognitive Tasks in Children With Williams Syndrome.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {594465}, pmid = {33613354}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {There has been an increase in cognitive assessment via the Internet, especially since the coronavirus disease 2019 surged the need for remote psychological assessment. This is the first study to investigate the appropriability of conducting cognitive assessments online with children with a neurodevelopmental condition and intellectual disability, namely, Williams syndrome. This study compared Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and British Picture Vocabulary Scale (BPVS) scores from two different groups of children with WS age 10-11 years who were assessed online (n = 14) or face-to-face (RCPM n = 12; BPVS n = 24). Bayesian t-tests showed that children's RCPM scores were similar across testing conditions, but suggested BPVS scores were higher for participants assessed online. The differences between task protocols are discussed in line with these findings, as well as the implications for neurodevelopmental research.}, } @article {pmid33608624, year = {2021}, author = {Walker, MA and Uribasterra, M and Asher, V and Getz, WM and Ryan, SJ and Ponciano, JM and Blackburn, JK}, title = {Factors influencing scavenger guilds and scavenging efficiency in Southwestern Montana.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {4254}, pmid = {33608624}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {R01 GM117617/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Ecosystem ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Geography ; *Models, Theoretical ; Montana ; }, abstract = {Scavenging of carrion shapes ecological landscapes by influencing scavenger population demography, increasing inter- and intra-specific interactions, and generating ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and disease moderation. Previous research found the cues promoting, or the constraints limiting, an individual's propensity or ability to scavenge vary widely, depending on anthropogenic and environmental factors. Here we investigated differences in scavenging patterns in a complex scavenger guild in Southwestern Montana. We used camera traps established at 13 carcass sites to monitor carcass detection, visitation, and consumption times, during 2016-2018 and generalized linear models to explore the influence of carcass characteristics, habitat features, and seasonality, on carcass selection and scavenging efficiency. We found that scavenger species diversity was higher at higher elevations and in grassland habitats. Scavenging efficiency was influenced inter alia by seasonality, distance to water, and elevation. We found that most carcass consumption was via facultative scavengers (bears, wolves, magpies, Corvus spp.) rather than turkey vultures, the only obligate scavengers in the study area. However, growing populations of turkey vultures may lead to increased competition with facultative scavengers over carrion, and could have cascading effects on food webs in this ecosystem.}, } @article {pmid33608384, year = {2021}, author = {Rinnert, P and Nieder, A}, title = {Neural Code of Motor Planning and Execution during Goal-Directed Movements in Crows.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {41}, number = {18}, pages = {4060-4072}, pmid = {33608384}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain Mapping ; Conditioning, Operant ; Crows/*physiology ; Decision Making/*physiology ; Goals ; Head Movements/physiology ; Male ; Movement/*physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {The planning and execution of head-beak movements are vital components of bird behavior. They require integration of sensory input and internal processes with goal-directed motor output. Despite its relevance, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying action planning and execution outside of the song system are largely unknown. We recorded single-neuron activity from the associative endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) of two male carrion crows (Corvus corone) trained to plan and execute head-beak movements in a spatial delayed response task. The crows were instructed to plan an impending movement toward one of eight possible targets on the left or right side of a touchscreen. In a fraction of trials, the crows were prompted to plan a movement toward a self-chosen target. NCL neurons signaled the impending motion direction in instructed trials. Tuned neuronal activity during motor planning categorically represented the target side, but also specific target locations. As a marker of intentional movement preparation, neuronal activity reliably predicted both target side and specific target location when the crows were free to select a target. In addition, NCL neurons were tuned to specific target locations during movement execution. A subset of neurons was tuned during both planning and execution period; these neurons experienced a sharpening of spatial tuning with the transition from planning to execution. These results show that the avian NCL not only represents high-level sensory and cognitive task components, but also transforms behaviorally-relevant information into dynamic action plans and motor execution during the volitional perception-action cycle of birds.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Corvid songbirds have become exciting new models for understanding complex cognitive behavior. As a key neural underpinning, the endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) represents sensory and memory-related task components. How such representations are converted into goal-directed motor output remained unknown. In crows, we report that NCL neurons are involved in the planning and execution of goal-directed movements. NCL neurons prospectively signaled motion directions in instructed trials, but also when the crows were free to choose a target. NCL neurons showed a target-specific sharpening of tuning with the transition from the planning to the execution period. Thus, the avian NCL not only represents high-level sensory and cognitive task components, but also transforms relevant information into action plans and motor execution.}, } @article {pmid33607622, year = {2021}, author = {Torell, EJ and Pistone, TS and Gard, AP}, title = {The history of neurosurgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.}, journal = {Journal of neurosurgery}, volume = {135}, number = {4}, pages = {1252-1258}, doi = {10.3171/2020.8.JNS20634}, pmid = {33607622}, issn = {1933-0693}, abstract = {The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has grown considerably from one neurosurgeon in 1923 into a first-class department with diverse subspecialty care and innovative faculty. Founding neurosurgeon Dr. J. Jay Keegan, a student of Harvey Cushing, instituted a legacy of clinical and research excellence that he passed on to his successors. The department created a lecture series to honor Keegan's pioneering techniques and impact in the field, featuring prominent neurosurgeons from across the country. Keegan's successors, such as Dr. Lyal Leibrock, grew the department through a unique partnership with private practice. The current faculty has continued the tradition of exceptional resident training and innovative patient care.}, } @article {pmid33604599, year = {2021}, author = {Lozano-Ruiz, A and Fasfous, AF and Ibanez-Casas, I and Cruz-Quintana, F and Perez-Garcia, M and Pérez-Marfil, MN}, title = {Cultural Bias in Intelligence Assessment Using a Culture-Free Test in Moroccan Children.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {36}, number = {8}, pages = {1502–1510}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acab005}, pmid = {33604599}, issn = {1873-5843}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that cognitive tests can lead to misclassification when applying non-representative norms to measure cognitive performance. The objective of this study was to investigate whether this misclassification also occurs with a non-verbal so-called "culture-free" intelligence test administered to different age groups.

METHOD: The intelligence of a sample of healthy Moroccan children (N = 147) ages 7, 9, and 11 was assessed using the Coloured Raven's Progressive Matrices (CPM). Raw scores were used to study age differences, as well as misclassifications when applying the norms of three countries culturally different from Morocco (United Kingdom, Spain, and Oman).

RESULTS: Intelligence performance was not within the normal range when non-representative norms were applied to the Moroccan raw scores. Misclassifications accounted for a large percentage of the participants that supposedly displayed intelligence deficits, especially when applying the British norms. Up to 15.68% of the healthy children fell within the "intellectually impaired" range, and up to 62.5% fell "below average," with these percentages especially higher at older ages.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that "culture-free" tests should be adapted to each culture and applied together with their culture's specific norms to prevent misclassification and allow for a better, unbiased neuropsychological assessment.}, } @article {pmid33598801, year = {2021}, author = {Güntürkün, O}, title = {The conscious crow.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {3-4}, pmid = {33598801}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; *Consciousness ; *Crows ; Neurons ; }, abstract = {Nieder, Wagener, & Rinnert (Science, 369(6511), 1626-1629, 2020) demonstrated that some neurons in a prefrontal-like brain area of carrion crows signal neither the physical stimulus nor the intended action but the upcoming choice. This pattern of results implies that neural computations for consciousness can be generated by nonmammalian brains in similar ways as in primates.}, } @article {pmid33594558, year = {2021}, author = {Zhukovskaya, A and Goryachev, V and Zakhartsev, M and Chelomin, V}, title = {The role of the cadmium-binding protein response of the digestive gland of the Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) for marine environmental assessments.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {28}, number = {24}, pages = {30986-30992}, pmid = {33594558}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; Cadmium ; *Metallothionein ; *Pectinidae ; Seafood ; }, abstract = {The ability of Pectinidae to accumulate heavy metals and store them in their tissues allows the use of scallops for biomonitoring marine pollution. High molecular weight metallothionein (MT)-like proteins (MTlps) play a central role in this process. Two major MTlps (72 and 43 kDa) have been identified in the digestive glands of Mizuhopecten yessoensis (Yesso scallop). These proteins have a very high affinity for the heavy metals cadmium, cobalt, and caesium. Additionally, these proteins can be deposited in large quantities in the digestive glands of this mollusc. It has been shown that 72 kDa MTlp is the main stress-response protein in areas polluted with cadmium or radioactive metals. Monitoring the amounts of MTlps in the digestive glands of the scallop M. yessoensis in areas with different anthropogenic pollutants has shown that these proteins are reliable biological markers of heavy-metal pollution in the marine environment.}, } @article {pmid33580613, year = {2021}, author = {Meunier, M and Chapuis, E and Lapierre, L and Auriol, P and Paulus, C and Elbaum, B and Don Simoni, E and Sandré, J and Auriol, D and Scandolera, A and Reynaud, R}, title = {Mannose-6-phosphate complex and improvement in biomechanical properties of the skin.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1598-1610}, pmid = {33580613}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Fibroblasts ; Mannosephosphates ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The dermis is composed of a tangle of macromolecules that provides the skin its biomechanical properties. During chronological aging, fibroblasts lose their ability to synthesize collagen and an accumulation of matrix metalloproteinases leads to an increase in collagen degradation. As a result, there is a decline in the biomechanical properties of the skin. Skin aging is accelerated by external factors such as UV radiation and pollution, which induce accumulation of oxidants, and so of oxidized proteins in the skin.

AIMS: Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as an alternative method for studying the biomechanical properties of skin cells and tissues.

METHODS/RESULTS: Thus, we identified mannose-6-phosphate complex as a new powerful molecule capable of reversing the visible signs of aging by reorganizing the collagen network of the dermis and by improving the skin biomechanical properties. This effect was correlated with clinical studies that showed a marked antiaging effect through a reduction in the number of crow's feet and in the depth and size of neck wrinkles.

CONCLUSION: Mannose-6-phosphate complex appeared to be able to protect proteins in the dermis scaffold against oxidation and degradation, allowing an improvement in the skin biomechanical properties.}, } @article {pmid33572837, year = {2021}, author = {Gil-Sánchez, JM and Aguilera-Alcalá, N and Moleón, M and Sebastián-González, E and Margalida, A and Morales-Reyes, Z and Durá-Alemañ, CJ and Oliva-Vidal, P and Pérez-García, JM and Sánchez-Zapata, JA}, title = {Biases in the Detection of Intentionally Poisoned Animals: Public Health and Conservation Implications from a Field Experiment.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {33572837}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Bias ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Poisons ; Public Health ; Spain/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Intentional poisoning is a global wildlife problem and an overlooked risk factor for public health. Managing poisoning requires unbiased and high-quality data through wildlife monitoring protocols, which are largely lacking. We herein evaluated the biases associated with current monitoring programmes of wildlife poisoning in Spain. We compared the national poisoning database for the 1990-2015 period with information obtained from a field experiment during which we used camera-traps to detect the species that consumed non-poisoned baits. Our findings suggest that the detection rate of poisoned animals is species-dependent: Several animal groups (e.g., domestic mammalian carnivores and vultures) tended to be over-represented in the poisoning national database, while others (e.g., corvids and small mammals) were underrepresented. As revealed by the GLMM analyses, the probability of a given species being overrepresented was higher for heaviest, aerial, and cryptic species. In conclusion, we found that monitoring poisoned fauna based on heterogeneous sources may produce important biases in detection rates; thus, such information should be used with caution by managers and policy-makers. Our findings may guide to future search efforts aimed to reach a more comprehensive understanding of the intentional wildlife poisoning problem.}, } @article {pmid33569865, year = {2021}, author = {Kim, J and Kim, J and Jongudomsombat, T and Kim Bs, E and Suk, J and Lee, D and Lee, JH}, title = {The efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde: A double-blinded, randomized, split-face controlled study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {9}, pages = {2874-2879}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13993}, pmid = {33569865}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Humans ; Prospective Studies ; *Retinaldehyde ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Cream ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Retinaldehyde is one of the major members of the retinoid family, which has potential skin rejuvenating effects on photoaged skin and has a good safety profile.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multilamellar vesicle containing retinaldehyde (MLV-RAL) 0.05% and 0.1% used to treat photoaged skin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, prospective, investigator-blinded, split-face comparison study was conducted. We enrolled 23 Korean volunteers who applied MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% cream on one randomized side of their face and retinol 0.05%/0.1% cream on the opposite side. Wrinkle depth on both crow's feet was assessed by the Antera 3D system. Skin hydration, elasticity, facial curved length, and dermal density were also evaluated.

RESULTS: After an 8-week application, all objective parameters, including wrinkle depth, were significantly improved in both MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% and retinol 0.05%/0.1% treated sides. Compared with the retinol-treated side, MLV-RAL-treated side showed a significant improvement of objective assessments except for dermal density. Additionally, there was no adverse event associated with the use of either MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% or retinol 0.05%/0.1% cream.

CONCLUSION: The application of MLV-RAL 0.05%/0.1% cream improved wrinkle, facial contour, and biophysical parameters associated with skin aging.}, } @article {pmid33559368, year = {2022}, author = {Wang, Q and Zhou, ZJ and You, Z and Wu, DY and Liu, SJ and Zhang, WL and Fan, KR and Luo, R and Qiu, Y and Ge, XY}, title = {Epidemiology and evolution of novel deltacoronaviruses in birds in central China.}, journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases}, volume = {69}, number = {2}, pages = {632-644}, pmid = {33559368}, issn = {1865-1682}, support = {2017YFD0500104//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32041001//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81902070//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019JJ20004//Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; 2019JJ50035//Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Birds ; China/epidemiology ; *Coronavirus/genetics ; *Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology/veterinary ; Deltacoronavirus ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {The variety and widespread of coronavirus in natural reservoir animals is likely to cause epidemics via interspecific transmission, which has attracted much attention due to frequent coronavirus epidemics in recent decades. Birds are natural reservoir of various viruses, but the existence of coronaviruses in wild birds in central China has been barely studied. Some bird coronaviruses belong to the genus of Deltacoronavirus. To explore the diversity of bird deltacoronaviruses in central China, we tested faecal samples from 415 wild birds in Hunan Province, China. By RT-PCR detection, we identified eight samples positive for deltacoronaviruses which were all from common magpies, and in four of them, we successfully amplified complete deltacoronavirus genomes distinct from currently known deltacoronavirus, indicating four novel deltacoronavirus stains (HNU1-1, HNU1-2, HNU2 and HNU3). Comparative analysis on the four genomic sequences showed that these novel magpie deltacoronaviruses shared three different S genes among which the S genes of HNU1-1 and HNU1-2 showed 93.8% amino acid (aa) identity to that of thrush coronavirus HKU12, HNU2 S showed 71.9% aa identity to that of White-eye coronavirus HKU16, and HNU3 S showed 72.4% aa identity to that of sparrow coronavirus HKU17. Recombination analysis showed that frequent recombination events of the S genes occurred among these deltacoronavirus strains. Two novel putative cleavage sites separating the non-structural proteins in the HNU coronaviruses were found. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis showed that the south coast of China might be a potential origin of bird deltacoronaviruses existing in inland China. In summary, these results suggest that common magpie in China carries diverse deltacoronaviruses with novel genomic features, indicating an important source of environmental coronaviruses closed to human communities, which may provide key information for prevention and control of future coronavirus epidemics.}, } @article {pmid33557698, year = {2021}, author = {Yadav, J and Menon, G and Agarwal, A and John, D}, title = {Burden of injuries and its associated hospitalization expenditure in India.}, journal = {International journal of injury control and safety promotion}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {153-161}, doi = {10.1080/17457300.2021.1879163}, pmid = {33557698}, issn = {1745-7319}, mesh = {Cost of Illness ; Family Characteristics ; *Health Expenditures ; *Hospitalization ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Injuries are a major public health concern, affect the most productive age group i.e. (15-60 years) and increases disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and results in a huge financial burden on the household. Disease burden is represented by DALYs and economic burden represents the out of pocket (OOP) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). We examined the burden of injury and its impact on household financial burden among the working population (15-60 years) in India. We used data on National and State Level DALYs for Injuries for 2017 from the published National Disease Burden Estimate (NBE, 2019) Study. The cost of treatment was extracted from 75th round of the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO, 2017-18). DALYs is the sum of YLLs and YLDs. OOPEs were estimated as a per episode of hospitalization expenses after reimbursement and CHE was defined as out of pocket expenditure exceeding 10% of household consumption expenditure. Accidental injuries particularly road traffic injuries have higher DALY rates among 15-60 years in India (1288 DALYs per 100,000). However, the mean OOPE was found to be higher due to intentional self-harm. Persons suffering from injury in states like Punjab, Haryana, UP, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh approached private facilities more compared to public facilities. Whereas, people from states like Jammu and Kashmir, Orissa, West Bengal, North East availed public facilities more than private. OOPE was found to be five times more in private facilities than in public. The households who sought treatment in private facilities were faced 3 times more to Catastrophic expenditure than those who took the treatment in public hospital of any injury. The present study indicated high DALYs, OOPE and % CHE for injury in India. Higher proportion of households were pushed to catastrophic expenditure due to high OOPE of injury treatment. Disease and economic burden due to road traffic injury and fall was found to be high as compared to other injuries. Our study strengthens the need for executing effective financial protection approach in India like PM-JAY, to minimize the financial burden incurred due to injuries in India.}, } @article {pmid33539129, year = {2021}, author = {Lütke, N and Lange-Küttner, C}, title = {The magical number four in children's mental rotation of cube aggregates.}, journal = {Developmental psychology}, volume = {57}, number = {2}, pages = {211-226}, doi = {10.1037/dev0001139}, pmid = {33539129}, issn = {1939-0599}, mesh = {Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {We investigated mental rotation in children by systematically varying the adult cube aggregate's set size, rotation angle, and picture/depth plane rotations in a new test. Eighty 4- to 11-year-old mainly middle-class children (British Indian and British African majority and white minority; 40 girls and 40 boys) were assessed using the new matching-to-sample Colored Mental Rotation Test (CMRT) and, for comparison, the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices Test (RCPM). A high Cronbach's alpha of .94 and the Rasch model demonstrated item homogeneity of the CMRT. As expected, there were main effects of age showing increases in accuracy and of sex as boys outperformed girls. A main effect of set size showed that from age four until age 10 as four-cube aggregates proved to be the most economical three-dimensional (3D) object for mental rotation. Several higher-order interactions all involved four-cube aggregates, for example, 3D cube element protrusions had the largest effect in the four-cube-aggregate. We thus suggest that the magical number four (Cowan, 2001) as an attentional limit may also be valid in mental rotation and linked to the 'Good Gestalt' design of the four-cube aggregate. The cross-validation of CMRT with the RCPM showed high correlations increasing from .69 in 4- to 5-year-olds to .77 in 10- to 11-year-olds. Interestingly, 4- to 5-year-olds girls scored higher in the Raven test of nonverbal reasoning than in the CRMT scores with 3D cube aggregates demonstrating the particular complexity of 3D pictorial space. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid33532814, year = {2021}, author = {Kandhari, R and Imran, A and Sethi, N and Rahman, E and Mosahebi, A}, title = {Onabotulinumtoxin Type A Dosage for Upper Face Expression Lines in Males: A Systematic Review of Current Recommendations.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {41}, number = {12}, pages = {1439-1453}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjab015}, pmid = {33532814}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin injection is the most commonly performed minimally invasive aesthetic procedure in men. Despite various recommendations by experts on the use of onabotulinumtoxin type A in the literature, distinct guidelines for its use in males and females do not exist.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to delineate safe and effective doses for the use of onabotulinumtoxin type A in males for correction of upper facial expression lines.

METHODS: PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, the Cochrane database, and Google Scholar were searched from 2002 to 2019 inclusive. Three researchers independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data, checked for accuracy, and assessed the evidence with AGREE II.

RESULTS: Average dosing recommended for the treatment of upper face expression lines was specific to glabellar frown lines, crow's feet, and horizontal forehead lines. Changing trends and gender variation was noted in each of the studies. Six of the 11 recommendations suggest the need to alter dosing in male patients, although do not give separate recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for up-to-date recommendations for the use of onabotulinumtoxin type A in upper face expression lines of male patients.}, } @article {pmid33530934, year = {2021}, author = {Zappa, G and LoMauro, A and Baranello, G and Cavallo, E and Corti, P and Mastella, C and Costantino, MA}, title = {Intellectual abilities, language comprehension, speech, and motor function in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1.}, journal = {Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {9}, pmid = {33530934}, issn = {1866-1955}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; *Comprehension ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Muscular Atrophy, Spinal ; Retrospective Studies ; Speech ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a chronic, neuromuscular disease characterized by degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons, resulting in progressive muscular atrophy and weakness. SMA1 is the most severe form characterized by significant bulbar, respiratory, and motor dysfunction. SMA1 prevents children from speaking a clearly understandable and fluent language, with their communication being mainly characterized by eye movements, guttural sounds, and anarthria (type 1a); severe dysarthria (type 1b); and nasal voice and dyslalia (type 1c). The aim of this study was to analyze for the first time cognitive functions, language comprehension, and speech in natural history SMA1 children according to age and subtypes, to develop cognitive and language benchmarks that provide outcomes for the clinical medication trials that are changing SMA1 course/trajectory.

METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 22 children with SMA1 (10 affected by subtype 1a-1b: AB and 12 by 1c: C) aged 3-11 years in clinical stable condition with a coded way to communicate "yes" and "no". Data from the following assessments have been retrieved from patient charts: one-dimensional Raven test (RCPM), to evaluate cognitive development (IQ); ALS Severity Score (ALSSS) to evaluate speech disturbances; Brown Bellugy modified for Italian standards (TCGB) to evaluate language comprehension; and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) to assess motor functioning.

RESULTS: SMA 1AB and 1C children were similar in age, with the former characterized by lower CHOP-INTEND scores compared to the latter. All 22 children had collaborated to RCPM and their median IQ was 120 with no difference (p = 0.945) between AB and C. Global median score of the speech domain of the ALSSS was 5; however, it was 2 in AB children, being significantly lower than C (6.5, p < 0.001). TCGB test had been completed by 13 children, with morphosyntactic comprehension being in the normal range (50). Although ALSSS did not correlate with both IQ and TCGB, it had a strong (p < 0.001) correlation with CHOP-INTEND described by an exponential rise to maximum.

CONCLUSIONS: Although speech and motor function were severely compromised, children with SMA1 showed general intelligence and language comprehension in the normal range. Speech impairment was strictly related to global motor impairment.}, } @article {pmid33528413, year = {2021}, author = {Ge, R and Luo, Y and Gao, S and Han, Y and Chen, L and Cai, X}, title = {Reconfigurable silicon bandpass filters based on cascaded Sagnac loop mirrors.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {580-583}, doi = {10.1364/OL.410477}, pmid = {33528413}, issn = {1539-4794}, abstract = {We demonstrate a high-performance reconfigurable bandpass filter implemented by cascaded Sagnac loop mirror (SLM)-based coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROWs) on the silicon-on-insulator platform. By dynamic thermal tuning of the reflectivity in each SLM, the proposed filter can achieve simultaneous 3 dB bandwidth tuning from 8.50 to 20.25 GHz and a central wavelength tuning range of 216.25 GHz. A box-like filtering response with an ultra-high extinction ratio up to 70 dB and an ultra-sharp roll-off of 0.61 are observed in a 6th-order SLM-coupled resonator optical waveguide (SLM-CROW). The proposed reconfigurable SLM-CROW filter can satisfy the demand for next-generation flexible-grid WDM networks.}, } @article {pmid33525382, year = {2021}, author = {Sarker, S and Athukorala, A and Bowden, TR and Boyle, DB}, title = {Genomic Characterisation of a Novel Avipoxvirus Isolated from an Endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes).}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {33525382}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; Avipoxvirus/classification/*genetics/*isolation & purification ; Bird Diseases/*virology ; Endangered Species ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Viral ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; New Zealand ; Phylogeny ; Poxviridae Infections/*veterinary/virology ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Spheniscidae/*virology ; }, abstract = {Emerging viral diseases have become a significant concern due to their potential consequences for animal and environmental health. Over the past few decades, it has become clear that viruses emerging in wildlife may pose a major threat to vulnerable or endangered species. Diphtheritic stomatitis, likely to be caused by an avipoxvirus, has been recognised as a significant cause of mortality for the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) in New Zealand. However, the avipoxvirus that infects yellow-eyed penguins has remained uncharacterised. Here, we report the complete genome of a novel avipoxvirus, penguinpox virus 2 (PEPV2), which was derived from a virus isolate obtained from a skin lesion of a yellow-eyed penguin. The PEPV2 genome is 349.8 kbp in length and contains 327 predicted genes; five of these genes were found to be unique, while a further two genes were absent compared to shearwaterpox virus 2 (SWPV2). In comparison with penguinpox virus (PEPV) isolated from an African penguin, there was a lack of conservation within the central region of the genome. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses of the PEPV2 genome positioned it within a distinct subclade comprising the recently isolated avipoxvirus genome sequences from shearwater, canary, and magpie bird species, and demonstrated a high degree of sequence similarity with SWPV2 (96.27%). This is the first reported genome sequence of PEPV2 from a yellow-eyed penguin and will help to track the evolution of avipoxvirus infections in this rare and endangered species.}, } @article {pmid33523683, year = {2021}, author = {Roelofs, A}, title = {How attention controls naming: Lessons from Wundt 2.0.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {150}, number = {10}, pages = {1927-1955}, doi = {10.1037/xge0001030}, pmid = {33523683}, issn = {1939-2222}, mesh = {*Attention ; Humans ; }, abstract = {When models of the attentional control of vocal naming, applied to color-word Stroop and picture-word interference, were first computationally implemented and examined in 1990, an implementable model proposed by Wundt (1880, 1902) was not considered. Although these modern computer models, and more recent ones, clarify many aspects of the interference, most models fail to explain its time course, as outlined in Roelofs (2003). Wundt's (1902) model assigns a key role to top-down inhibition, which is absent in most of the modern models. Here, an implementation of his model is presented, called Wundt 2.0. The necessity of perceptual inhibition was demonstrated by computer simulations of the interference and its time course, and supported by existing evidence from oscillatory brain activity in the alpha frequency band. Moreover, a new empirical study showed that Raven scores measuring the general intelligence factor g, discovered by Wundt's student Spearman (1904), predict the magnitude of the Stroop effect in fast errors, in line with the model and evidence on alpha band activity. Also, the study provided evidence that response inhibition is absent during vocal naming in the Stroop task. To conclude, Wundt's model has stood the test of time and provides a number of enduring lessons for our understanding of attention and performance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid33513947, year = {2021}, author = {Cukor, J and Linda, R and Andersen, O and Eriksen, LF and Vacek, Z and Riegert, J and Šálek, M}, title = {Evaluation of Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Predation Risk to Forest Grouse Nests in the Central European Mountain Regions.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {33513947}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {TACR TH04030524//Technology Agency of the Czech Republic/ ; RVO 68081766//Akademie Věd České Republiky/ ; }, abstract = {We evaluated the spatiotemporal patterns of predation risk on black grouse nests using artificial nests that were monitored by camera traps in mountain areas with a small extant (Ore Mts.) and already extinct (Jeseníky Mts.) black grouse population. The overall predation rate of artificial nests was 56% and we found significant differences in survival rate courses over time between both study areas (68% Ore Mts. vs. 41%, Jeseníky Mts.). Within the time required for successful egg incubation (25 days), nest survival probability was 0.32 in the Ore Mts. and 0.59 in Jeseníky Mts. The stone marten (Martes foina) was the primary nest predator in both study areas (39% in total), followed by common raven (Corvus corax, 25%) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes, 22%). The proportion of depredated nests did not differ between habitat types (i.e., open forest interior, clearing, forest edge), but we recorded the effect of interaction of study area and habitat. In Ore Mts., the main nest predator was common raven with seven records (37%). The Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) was responsible for most predation attempts in Jeseníky Mts. (five records, i.e., 83%), while in the Ore Mts., most predation attempts were done by red fox (six records, i.e., 38%).}, } @article {pmid33510690, year = {2020}, author = {Etcoff, N and Stock, S and Krumhuber, EG and Reed, LI}, title = {A Novel Test of the Duchenne Marker: Smiles After Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Crow's Feet Wrinkles.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {612654}, pmid = {33510690}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Smiles that vary in muscular configuration also vary in how they are perceived. Previous research suggests that "Duchenne smiles," indicated by the combined actions of the orbicularis oculi (cheek raiser) and the zygomaticus major muscles (lip corner puller), signal enjoyment. This research has compared perceptions of Duchenne smiles with non-Duchenne smiles among individuals voluntarily innervating or inhibiting the orbicularis oculi muscle. Here we used a novel set of highly controlled stimuli: photographs of patients taken before and after receiving botulinum toxin treatment for crow's feet lines that selectively paralyzed the lateral orbicularis oculi muscle and removed visible lateral eye wrinkles, to test perception of smiles. Smiles in which the orbicularis muscle was active (prior to treatment) were rated as more felt, spontaneous, intense, and happier. Post treatment patients looked younger, although not more attractive. We discuss the potential implications of these findings within the context of emotion science and clinical research on botulinum toxin.}, } @article {pmid33503032, year = {2021}, author = {Boone, JD and Witt, C and Ammon, EM}, title = {Behavior-specific occurrence patterns of Pinyon Jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) in three Great Basin study areas and significance for pinyon-juniper woodland management.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {e0237621}, pmid = {33503032}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; Crows/*metabolism ; Demography ; Ecosystem ; Forests ; Juniperus/growth & development ; Population Density ; Trees ; United States ; }, abstract = {The Pinyon Jay is a highly social, year-round inhabitant of pinyon-juniper and other coniferous woodlands in the western United States. Range-wide, Pinyon Jays have declined ~ 3-4% per year for at least the last half-century. Occurrence patterns and habitat use of Pinyon Jays have not been well characterized across much of the species' range, and obtaining this information is necessary for better understanding the causes of ongoing declines and determining useful conservation strategies. Additionally, it is important to better understand if and how targeted removal of pinyon-juniper woodland, a common and widespread vegetation management practice, affects Pinyon Jays. The goal of this study was to identify the characteristics of areas used by Pinyon Jays for several critical life history components in the Great Basin, which is home to nearly half of the species' global population, and to thereby facilitate the inclusion of Pinyon Jay conservation measures in the design of vegetation management projects. To accomplish this, we studied Pinyon Jays in three widely separated study areas using radio telemetry and direct observation and measured key attributes of their locations and a separate set of randomly-selected control sites using the U. S. Forest Service's Forest Inventory Analysis protocol. Data visualizations, principle components analysis, and logistic regressions of the resulting data indicated that Pinyon Jays used a distinct subset of available pinyon-juniper woodland habitat, and further suggested that Pinyon Jays used different but overlapping habitats for seed caching, foraging, and nesting. Caching was concentrated in low-elevation, relatively flat areas with low tree cover; foraging occurred at slightly higher elevations with generally moderate but variable tree cover; and nesting was concentrated in slightly higher areas with high tree and vegetation cover. All three of these Pinyon Jay behavior types were highly concentrated within the lower-elevation band of pinyon-juniper woodland close to the woodland-shrubland ecotone. Woodland removal projects in the Great Basin are often concentrated in these same areas, so it is potentially important to incorporate conservation measures informed by Pinyon Jay occurrence patterns into existing woodland management paradigms, protocols, and practices.}, } @article {pmid33497062, year = {2021}, author = {Ing, C and Landau, R and DeStephano, D and Miles, CH and von Ungern-Sternberg, BS and Li, G and Whitehouse, AJO}, title = {Prenatal Exposure to General Anesthesia and Childhood Behavioral Deficit.}, journal = {Anesthesia and analgesia}, volume = {133}, number = {3}, pages = {595-605}, pmid = {33497062}, issn = {1526-7598}, support = {R01 HS026493/HS/AHRQ HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Anesthesia, General/*adverse effects ; Anesthetics, General/*adverse effects ; Child ; Child Behavior/*drug effects ; Child Behavior Disorders/*chemically induced/diagnosis/physiopathology/psychology ; Child Development/*drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nervous System/*drug effects/growth & development ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to surgery and anesthesia in early childhood has been found to be associated with an increased risk of behavioral deficits. While the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against prenatal exposure to anesthetic drugs, little clinical evidence exists to support this recommendation. This study evaluates the association between prenatal exposure to general anesthesia due to maternal procedures during pregnancy and neuropsychological and behavioral outcome scores at age 10.

METHODS: This is an observational cohort study of children born in Perth, Western Australia, with 2 generations of participants contributing data to the Raine Study. In the Raine Study, the first generation (Gen1) are mothers enrolled during pregnancy, and the second generation (Gen2) are the children born to these mothers from 1989 to 1992 with neuropsychological and behavioral tests at age 10 (n=2024). In the primary analysis, 6 neuropsychological and behavioral tests were evaluated at age 10: Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM), McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND), Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) with written and oral scores, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF) with Expressive, Receptive, and Total language scores, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) with Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total behavior scores. Outcome scores of children prenatally exposed to general anesthesia were compared to children without prenatal exposure using multivariable linear regression models adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates (sex, race, income, and maternal education, alcohol or tobacco use, and clinical diagnoses: diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, psychiatric disorders, or thyroid dysfunction). Bonferroni adjustment was used for the 6 independent tests in the primary analysis, so a corrected P value <.0083 (P = .05 divided by 6 tests, or a 99.17% confidence interval [CI]) was required for statistical significance.

RESULTS: Among 2024 children with available outcome scores, 22 (1.1%) were prenatally exposed to general anesthesia. Prenatally exposed children had higher CBCL Externalizing behavioral scores (score difference of 6.1 [99.17% CI, 0.2-12.0]; P = .006) than unexposed children. Of 6 tests including 11 scores and subscores, only CBCL Externalizing behavioral scores remained significant after multiple comparisons adjustment with no significant differences found in any other score.

CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to general anesthetics is associated with increased externalizing behavioral problems in childhood. However, given the limitations of this study and that avoiding necessary surgery during pregnancy can have significant detrimental effects on the mother and the child, further studies are needed before changes to clinical practice are made.}, } @article {pmid33496915, year = {2021}, author = {Dupont-Soares, M and Dos Santos, M and Garcia, EM and Soares, MCF and Muccillo-Baisch, AL and da Silva Júnior, FMR}, title = {Maternal, neonatal and socio-economic factors associated with intellectual development among children from a coal mining region in Brazil.}, journal = {Environmental geochemistry and health}, volume = {43}, number = {8}, pages = {3055-3066}, pmid = {33496915}, issn = {1573-2983}, support = {001//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; }, mesh = {Brazil ; Coal ; *Coal Mining ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Power Plants ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {Coal is the most aggressive energy sources in the environment. Several adverse outcomes on children's health exposure to coal pollutants have been reported. Pollutants from coal power plants adversely affect the intellectual development and capacity. The present study aimed to evaluate the intellectual development and associated factors among children living a city under the direct influence (DI) and six neighboring municipalities under the indirect influence (II) of coal mining activity in the largest coal reserve of Brazil. A structured questionnaire was completed by the child's guardian, and Raven's Progressive Color Matrices were administered to each child to assess intellectual development. A total of 778 children participated. In general, no significant difference was observed between the two cities. The DI city had better socioeconomic conditions than the II municipalities according to family income (< 0.001). The prevalence of children who were intellectually below average or with intellectual disabilities was 22.9%, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between municipalities. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, intellectual development was associated with maternal age, marital situation and maternal education level, birth weight, breast feeding, frequent children's daycare, paternal participation in children's care and child growth. Living in the DI area was not associated with intellectual disability. The results suggest that socioeconomic conditions and maternal and neonatal outcomes are more important than environmental factors for intellectual development of children living in a coal mining area.}, } @article {pmid33488467, year = {2020}, author = {Song, JHH and Loyal, S and Lond, B}, title = {Metacognitive Awareness Scale, Domain Specific (MCAS-DS): Assessing Metacognitive Awareness During Raven's Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {607577}, pmid = {33488467}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Metacognition, the cognition about cognition, is closely linked to intelligence and therefore understanding the metacognitive processes underlying intelligence test performance, specifically on Raven's Progressive Matrices, could help advance the knowledge about intelligence. The measurement of metacognition, is often done using domain-general offline questionnaires or domain-specific online think-aloud protocols. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metacognitive awareness and intelligence via the design and use of a novel Meta-Cognitive Awareness Scale - Domain Specific (MCAS-DS) that encourages reflection of task strategy processes. This domain-specific scale was first constructed to measure participants' awareness of their own metacognition linked to Raven's Progressive Matrices (SPM). Following discriminatory index and Exploratory Factor Analysis, a 15-item scale was derived. Exploratory Factor Analysis showed five factors: Awareness of Engagement in Self-Monitoring, Awareness of Own Ability, Awareness of Responding Speed/Time, Awareness of Alternative Solutions and Awareness of Requisite Problem-Solving Resources. The intelligence level of ninety-eight adults was then estimated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Participants also completed the MCAS-DS, and further items that examined their test-taking behavior and Confidence level. Metacognitive awareness was positively correlated to standardized IQ scores derived from the SPM whilst Over-Confidence derived using the Confidence level measure was negatively correlated to SPM. Despite some limitations, this study shows promise for elucidating the relationship between metacognitive awareness and intelligence using the task-specific scale.}, } @article {pmid33474740, year = {2021}, author = {Kersten, Y and Friedrich-Müller, B and Nieder, A}, title = {A histological study of the song system of the carrion crow (Corvus corone).}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {529}, number = {10}, pages = {2576-2595}, doi = {10.1002/cne.25112}, pmid = {33474740}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; Crows/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Neural Pathways/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {The song system of songbirds (oscines) is one of the best studied neuroethological model systems. So far, it has been treated as a relatively constrained sensorimotor system. Songbirds such as crows, however, are also known for their capability to cognitively control their audio-vocal system. Yet, the neuroanatomy of the corvid song system has never been explored systematically. We aim to close this scientific gap by presenting a stereotactic investigation of the extended song system of the carrion crow (Corvus corone), an oscine songbird of the corvid family that has become an interesting model system for cognitive neuroscience. In order to identify and delineate the song nuclei, the ascending auditory nuclei, and the descending vocal-motor nuclei, four stains were applied. In addition to the classical Nissl-, myelin-, and a combination of Nissl-and-myelin staining, staining for tyrosine hydroxylase was used to reveal the distribution of catecholaminergic neurons (dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and adrenergic) in the song system. We show that the crow brain contains the important song-related nuclei, including auditory input and motor output structures, and map them throughout the brain. Fiber-stained sections reveal putative connection patterns between the crow's song nuclei comparable to other songbirds.}, } @article {pmid33471214, year = {2021}, author = {Worrell, SL and Kirschner, ML and Shatz, RS and Sengupta, S and Erickson, MG}, title = {Interdisciplinary Approaches to Survivorship with a Focus on the Low-grade and Benign Brain Tumor Populations.}, journal = {Current oncology reports}, volume = {23}, number = {2}, pages = {19}, pmid = {33471214}, issn = {1534-6269}, mesh = {Adenoma/therapy ; Brain Neoplasms/pathology/*therapy ; Cancer Survivors/*statistics & numerical data ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Humans ; Meningeal Neoplasms/therapy ; Meningioma/therapy ; *Patient Care Team ; Pituitary Neoplasms/therapy ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; *Survivorship ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: "Brain tumor is a bump in the road." Sheryl Crow a famous singer was quoted talking about her meningioma, a benign brain tumor that caused her to forget her lyrics. In this review, we focus on low-grade gliomas in adults and benign brain tumors, such as meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, and pituitary tumors, since these individuals survive a long time and morbidity is a major issue.

RECENT FINDINGS: As per the NCI dictionary definition, cancer survivorship focuses on the health and well-being of a person with cancer from the time of diagnosis until the end of life. This includes the physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer that begin at diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond. The survivorship experience also includes issues related to follow-up care (including regular health and wellness checkups), late effects of treatment, cancer recurrence, second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience (NCI Dictionary: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms).}, } @article {pmid33462775, year = {2021}, author = {Prinja, S and Singh, MP and Rajsekar, K and Sachin, O and Gedam, P and Nagar, A and Bhargava, B and , }, title = {Translating Research to Policy: Setting Provider Payment Rates for Strategic Purchasing under India's National Publicly Financed Health Insurance Scheme.}, journal = {Applied health economics and health policy}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {353-370}, pmid = {33462775}, issn = {1179-1896}, mesh = {Delivery of Health Care ; Health Services ; Humans ; *Insurance, Health ; *National Health Programs ; Policy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In 2018, the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), a large tax-funded health insurance scheme. In this paper, we present findings of the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study, describe the process of use of cost evidence for price-setting under AB PM-JAY, and estimate its fiscal impact.

METHODS: Reference costs were generated from the first phase of CHSI study, which sampled 11 tertiary public hospitals from 11 Indian states. Cost for Health Benefit Packages (HBPs) was estimated using mixed (top-down and bottom-up) micro-costing methods. The process adopted for price-setting under AB PM-JAY was observed. The cost of each HBP was compared with AB PM-JAY prices before and after the revision, and the budgetary impact of this revision in prices was estimated.

FINDINGS: Following the CHSI study evidence and price consultations, 61% of AB PM-JAY HBP prices were increased while 18% saw a decline in the prices. In absolute terms, the mean increase in HBP price was ₹14,000 (₹450-₹1,65,000) and a mean decline of ₹6,356 (₹200-₹74,500) was observed. Nearly 42% of the total HBPs, in 2018, had a price that was less than 50% of the true cost, which declined to 20% in 2019. The evidence-informed revision of HBP prices is estimated to have a minimal fiscal impact (0.7%) on the AB PM-JAY claims pay-out.

INTERPRETATION: Evidence-informed price-setting helped to reduce wide disparities in cost and price, as well as aligning incentives towards broader health system goals. Such strategic purchasing and price-setting requires the creation of systems of generating evidence on the cost of health services. Further research is recommended to develop a cost-function to study changes in cost with variations in time, region, prices, skill-mix and other factors.}, } @article {pmid33457825, year = {2020}, author = {Meng, D and Zhang, Z and Li, Z and Si, Y and Guo, Q and Liu, Z and Teng, L}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of the spotted nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes (Passeriformes: Corvidae) from Shan'xi Province, China.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {2456-2457}, pmid = {33457825}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {We determined the whole mtDNA genome of the Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) in Tianlong Mountain, Shan'xi Province, China. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,914 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGS), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region (D-loops). The nucleotide composition is 25.08% A, 25.08% T, 24.75% G, and 25.08% C. The result of phylogenetic analysis showed that there was close genetic relationship between N. caryocatactes and N. columbiana. It is expected that the complete mitochondrial genome presented here will contribute to the analysis of species distribution.}, } @article {pmid33453095, year = {2021}, author = {Araco, A and Francesco, A}, title = {Prospective randomized clinical study of a new topical formulation for face wrinkle reduction and dermal regeneration.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {9}, pages = {2832-2840}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13937}, pmid = {33453095}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Aged ; *Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Regeneration ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A new topical formulation (TF) based on 3 main lifting components has been developed to reduce superficial facial wrinkles.

OBJECTIVES: Determine the effectiveness of this new TF in reducing superficial face wrinkles and restructuring the dermal matrix.

METHODS: Women, aged 30-65 y.o. with moderate to severe crow's feet wrinkles were included.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: men; younger than 30 or older than 65 years old; smokers. Patients received 15 IU of botulinum toxin on crow's feet and 2 creams. Fifty patients (Group 1) applied the TP (Product A) and 50 (Group 2) a placebo (Product B). Assessments were made by digital macro-photography's, Antera 3D, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS: From April to June 2019, 100 women were enrolled in the study and were divided into two homogeneous groups. No major or minor side effects were reported. In group 1, wrinkles, texture, static and dynamic crow's feet wrinkles improved significantly at 3 and 6 months. Patients were very satisfied at 3 months and satisfied at 6 months. In group 2, wrinkles and texture improved significantly at 3 months but did not improve at 6 months. Static and dynamic crow's feet wrinkles improved significantly at 1 and 3 months but did not improve significantly at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective and randomized study has shown that the new TF is safe and effective in reducing superficial face wrinkles and producing dermal regeneration. It, therefore, prolongs the duration of the botulinum toxin. Further controlled study would be necessary to compare the new TF to neurotoxin treatment, or its action alone.}, } @article {pmid33450902, year = {2021}, author = {Feklicheva, I and Zakharov, I and Chipeeva, N and Maslennikova, E and Korobova, S and Adamovich, T and Ismatullina, V and Malykh, S}, title = {Assessing the Relationship between Verbal and Nonverbal Cognitive Abilities Using Resting-State EEG Functional Connectivity.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {33450902}, issn = {2076-3425}, support = {18-013-00944//Russian Foundation for Basic Research/ ; }, abstract = {The present study investigates the relationship between individual differences in verbal and non-verbal cognitive abilities and resting-state EEG network characteristics. We used a network neuroscience approach to analyze both large-scale topological characteristics of the whole brain as well as local brain network characteristics. The characteristic path length, modularity, and cluster coefficient for different EEG frequency bands (alpha, high and low; beta1 and beta2, and theta) were calculated to estimate large-scale topological integration and segregation properties of the brain networks. Betweenness centrality, nodal clustering coefficient, and local connectivity strength were calculated as local network characteristics. We showed that global network integration measures in the alpha band were positively correlated with non-verbal intelligence, especially with the more difficult part of the test (Raven's total scores and E series), and the ability to operate with verbal information (the "Conclusions" verbal subtest). At the same time, individual differences in non-verbal intelligence (Raven's total score and C series), and vocabulary subtest of the verbal intelligence tests, were negatively correlated with the network segregation measures. Our results show that resting-state EEG functional connectivity can reveal the functional architecture associated with an individual difference in cognitive performance.}, } @article {pmid33447925, year = {2021}, author = {Donzuso, G and Monastero, R and Cicero, CE and Luca, A and Mostile, G and Giuliano, L and Baschi, R and Caccamo, M and Gagliardo, C and Palmucci, S and Zappia, M and Nicoletti, A}, title = {Neuroanatomical changes in early Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment: a VBM study; the Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Impairment Study (PaCoS).}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {42}, number = {9}, pages = {3723-3731}, pmid = {33447925}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging/etiology ; Gray Matter/diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Parkinson Disease/complications/diagnostic imaging ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but the underlying pathological mechanism has not been fully understood. Voxel-based morphometry could be used to evaluate regional atrophy and its relationship with cognitive performances in early PD-MCI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and six patients with PD were recruited from a larger cohort of patients, the Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Impairment Study (PaCoS). Subject underwent a T1-3D MRI and a complete clinical and neuropsychological evaluation. Patients were divided into PD with normal cognition (PD-NC) and PD-MCI according to the MDS level II criteria-modified for PD-MCI. A subgroup of early patients with short disease duration (≤ 2 years) was also identified. VBM analysis between PD-NC and PD-MCI and between early PD-NC and PD-MCI was performed using two-sample t tests with whole-brain statistical threshold of p < 0.001 uncorrected in the entire PD group and p < 0.05 FWE inside ROIs, in the early PD.

RESULTS: Forty patients were diagnosed with MCI and 66 were PD-NC. PD-MCI patients showed significant gray matter (GM) reduction in several brain regions, including frontal gyrus, precuneus, angular gyrus, temporal lobe, and cerebellum. Early PD-MCI showed reduction in GM density in superior frontal gyrus and cerebellum. Moreover, correlation analysis between neuropsychological performances and GM volume of early PD-MCI patients showed associations between performances of Raven and superior frontal gyrus volume, Stroop time and inferior frontal gyrus volume, accuracy of Barrage and volume of precuneus.

CONCLUSION: The detection of frontal and cerebellar atrophy, even at an early stage, could be used as an early marker of PD-related cognitive impairment.}, } @article {pmid33445579, year = {2021}, author = {Martin, C and Simonds, VW and Young, SL and Doyle, J and Lefthand, M and Eggers, MJ}, title = {Our Relationship to Water and Experience of Water Insecurity among Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) People, Montana.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {18}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {33445579}, issn = {1660-4601}, support = {P20 GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 1P50ES026102/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Drinking Water ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Montana ; Water Insecurity ; Water Supply ; }, abstract = {Affordable access to safe drinking water is essential to community health, yet there is limited understanding of water insecurity among Native Americans. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to describe Apsáalooke (Crow Indian) tribal members' experiences with water insecurity. For Apsáalooke people, local rivers and springs are still vitally important for traditional cultural activities. We interviewed 30 Native American adults living on the Crow Reservation in Southeastern Montana. Participants answered six open-ended interview questions about their water access, costs of obtaining water and changes in their domestic and traditional water uses. Participants emphasized how the use of water has changed over time and described the complex challenges associated with addressing water insecurity in their community, including the importance of considering the spiritual and cultural impacts of water insecurity on health. Water insecurity is a growing global problem and more attention and efforts are needed to find appropriate and affordable solutions.}, } @article {pmid33444862, year = {2021}, author = {Rial-Berriel, C and Acosta-Dacal, A and Cabrera Pérez, MÁ and Suárez-Pérez, A and Melián Melián, A and Zumbado, M and Henríquez Hernández, LA and Ruiz-Suárez, N and Rodriguez Hernández, Á and Boada, LD and Macías Montes, A and Luzardo, OP}, title = {Intensive livestock farming as a major determinant of the exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in raptors of the Canary Islands (Spain).}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {768}, number = {}, pages = {144386}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144386}, pmid = {33444862}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Anticoagulants ; Europe ; Farms ; Livestock ; *Raptors ; *Rodenticides ; Spain ; }, abstract = {The Canary Islands (Spain) is a biodiversity hotspot, with more than 4500 registered endemic species. However, it is subject to high anthropogenic pressure that threatens its wildlife in various ways. In the context of forensic toxicological surveys, the presence of anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) has been investigated in the liver of 831 animal carcasses with georeferenced data from 2011 to May 2020. The high concentrations of toxic pesticides in carcasses and in baits found close to the corpses indicated that all the reptiles and most of the mammals tested positive for AR were intentionally poisoned, although mainly by other substances. The frequency of detection of AR in non-raptor birds (n = 343) was only 4.1%, being the Canary raven the most frequently affected species (7/97, 7.2%). On the contrary, in raptors (n = 308) the detection frequency was almost 60%, with an average of more than 2 ARs per animal. The highest concentrations were found in the common kestrel. We present for the first-time results of AR contamination in two species of raptors that are very rare in Europe, Eleonora's falcon (n = 4) and Barbary falcon (n = 13). The temporal trend of positive cases remains stable, but since the entry into force of the restriction to the concentration of the active ingredient in baits (<30 ppm), a decrease in the concentrations of these compounds in the raptors' liver has been detected. Conversely, we registered an increase in the number of ARs per animal. From the study of the geographic information system (GIS) it can be deduced that intensive livestock farms are an important determinant in the exposure of raptors to ARs. Those birds that have their territory near intensive production farms have higher levels of exposure than those of birds that live far from such facilities.}, } @article {pmid33444031, year = {2021}, author = {Tornick, J and Gibson, B}, title = {Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) use a visual barrier for cache protection.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {135}, number = {2}, pages = {170-175}, doi = {10.1037/com0000262}, pmid = {33444031}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Previous work with corvids such as scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica) and ravens (Corvus corax) suggests that many social corvids alter their caching behavior when observed by conspecifics to protect their caches. We examined whether the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), an asocial corvid, can utilize a barrier to conceal its caching activities from a conspecific observer. Nutcrackers were allowed to cache nuts in a visible or concealed location in either the presence or absence of an observer. Nutcrackers were also given experience of having their caches pilfered. The nutcrackers cached significantly more nuts in the concealed compared to a visible location when observed. Importantly, nutcrackers also recovered a larger percentage of their nuts 24 hr later from a visible cache location but when the observer was no longer present. The results extend recent work suggesting that relatively nonsocial corvids, similar to their more social relatives, also engage in multiple forms of cache protection. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid33442816, year = {2021}, author = {Schuster, RK and Wibbelt, G}, title = {Redescription of Serratospiculum seurati Bain & Mawson, 1981 (Nematoda; Diplotriaenidae) from Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus Tunstall, 1771).}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {120}, number = {3}, pages = {941-948}, pmid = {33442816}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Falconiformes/*parasitology ; Female ; Male ; Mice ; Microscopy ; Pakistan ; Spirurina/*classification/cytology/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {Air sac nematodes from birds are known for more than 200 years now and Filaria attenuata was the first described species from falcons, owl and corvid birds. The superficial description and the loss of the original material made F. attenuata a species inquirenda. Seurat (1915) redescribed the species with material from lanner falcon and pallid harrier from Algeria and based on this description Bain and Mawson, Rec S Aust Mus 18:265-28, (1981) created a new species, Serratospiculum seurati, by adding some, slightly divergent, measurements. The current paper is based on light and scanning electron microscopy of five male and 10 female S. seurati specimens from a Peregrine falcon that acquired the infection in Pakistan. The length of the slender male and female nematodes varied between 42-70 and 165-221 mm, respectively, spicules of unequal shape and length measured 292-325 and 638-785 μm. S. seurati was also found in Saker, Barbary and crossbreed falcons.}, } @article {pmid33436969, year = {2021}, author = {Amodio, P and Brea, J and Farrar, BG and Ostojić, L and Clayton, NS}, title = {Testing two competing hypotheses for Eurasian jays' caching for the future.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {835}, pmid = {33436969}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BB/M011194/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Previous research reported that corvids preferentially cache food in a location where no food will be available or cache more of a specific food in a location where this food will not be available. Here, we consider possible explanations for these prospective caching behaviours and directly compare two competing hypotheses. The Compensatory Caching Hypothesis suggests that birds learn to cache more of a particular food in places where that food was less frequently available in the past. In contrast, the Future Planning Hypothesis suggests that birds recall the 'what-when-where' features of specific past events to predict the future availability of food. We designed a protocol in which the two hypotheses predict different caching patterns across different caching locations such that the two explanations can be disambiguated. We formalised the hypotheses in a Bayesian model comparison and tested this protocol in two experiments with one of the previously tested species, namely Eurasian jays. Consistently across the two experiments, the observed caching pattern did not support either hypothesis; rather it was best explained by a uniform distribution of caches over the different caching locations. Future research is needed to gain more insight into the cognitive mechanism underpinning corvids' caching for the future.}, } @article {pmid33436920, year = {2021}, author = {Zhang, Y and Yu, C and Chen, L and Li, Z}, title = {Performance of Azure-winged magpies in Aesop's fable paradigm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {804}, pmid = {33436920}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; }, abstract = {In this study, the improved Aesop's fable paradigm-a series of experiments originally used to test whether some animals understand the causality associated with water replacement-was used to explore the cognitive ability of Azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus). Experimental results on causal cue tasks showed that the Azure-winged magpies prefer water-filled tubes over sand-filled tubes, heavy objects over light objects, and solid objects over hollow objects. However, they failed to notice the diameter and water level of the tubes. They also failed to pass the counterintuitive U-shaped tube task in arbitrary cue tasks. Our results demonstrated that Azure-winged magpies have a certain cognitive ability but not an understanding of causality, a characteristic comparable to that of other corvids. Moreover, Azure-winged magpies exhibited the ability of training transfer and analogical problem solving from the perspective of cognitive psychology. We believe that object-bias has little effect on Azure-winged magpies in this study. We can conclude that the Azure-winged magpies partially completed the tasks by trial-and-error learning.}, } @article {pmid33425589, year = {2020}, author = {Trevidic, P and Andre, P and Benadiba, L and Deutsch, JJ and Galatoire, O and Garcia, P and Grand-Vincent, A and Boisnic, S and Salomon, C and Fanian, F}, title = {Objective 18-month Comparison of the Tolerability of 2 Dermal Fillers Formulated with Tri-Hyal Technology.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {8}, number = {12}, pages = {e3274}, pmid = {33425589}, issn = {2169-7574}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The first phase of this study showed that ART FILLER Universal filler (AFU; FILORGA Laboratories) and ART FILLER Fine lines (AFFL) were non-inferior to JUVÉDERM Ultra 3 (Allergan) and FIRST LINES PureSense (Teoxane), respectively. The clinical benefits of AFU and AFFL on nasolabial folds and crow's feet persisted until at least Day 180. This article reports results from an open-label extension phase that assessed the tolerability and efficacy of AFU and AFFL for up to 18 months based on clinical evaluation and ultrasound high-frequency imaging.

METHODS: Eligible subjects were enrolled at D180 and assessed on D270, D360, and D540. The primary outcome measured was local tolerability. Secondary outcomes measured included: proportion of subjects in whom the severity of nasolabial folds and crow's feet remained at least 1 point below the baseline measurement (Lemperle scale); general safety; Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores by subjects and investigators; wrinkle volumes; and skin thickness by high-frequency ultrasound.

RESULTS: Adverse events were consistent with the product information and the initial study. No serious adverse events were recorded. In exploratory analyses, wrinkle correction with AFU and AFFL is sustained for at least 18 months: 48.4% and 98.3% of subjects respectively still showed at least a 1-point decrease in the mean Lemperle score compared with the baseline. The benefits were sustained irrespective of whether subjects received additional injections. Modifications in wrinkle volume and skin thickness at D540 were statistically significant compared with the baseline.

CONCLUSION: AFU and AFFL were well tolerated and, in exploratory analyses, showed a sustained efficacy for at least 18 months.}, } @article {pmid33424476, year = {2021}, author = {Mazzia, F and De Armond, M}, title = {Causality dilemma: creating a twenty-first century university archive.}, journal = {Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA}, volume = {109}, number = {1}, pages = {137-140}, doi = {10.5195/jmla.2021.1056}, pmid = {33424476}, issn = {1558-9439}, mesh = {*Archives ; Computer-Assisted Instruction/standards ; Hospitals, University/*organization & administration ; Humans ; Information Storage and Retrieval/*standards ; Libraries, Digital/*organization & administration ; Universities ; }, abstract = {For its fifteenth anniversary, the Jay Sexter Library at Touro University Nevada (TUN) sought ways to capture its institutional history by founding an archive. Among many challenges, the library struggled to convince the administration of the importance of an archive. To generate interest in TUN's history, a task force comprising library, executive administration, and advancement staff hosted and recorded a panel event with some of the university's original faculty, staff, and administration. By having this event, new TUN employees were able to experience the shared knowledge of TUN's early days, and the library was able to create and preserve its own institutional history.}, } @article {pmid33424448, year = {2020}, author = {Sehanovic, A and Smajlovic, D and Tupkovic, E and Ibrahimagic, OC and Kunic, S and Dostovic, Z and Zoletic, E and Pasic, Z}, title = {Cognitive Disorders in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.}, journal = {Materia socio-medica}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {191-195}, pmid = {33424448}, issn = {1512-7680}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, (auto) immune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Cognitive disorders are found in over 50% of patients.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of cognitive disorders in people with MS.

METHODS: The prospective study included 135 respondents with MS and 50 healthy respondents. The respondents were divided into three groups: the first group consisted of 85 respondents where the disease lasted longer than one year, the second group consisted of 50 respondents with newly diagnosed MS, the third group consisted of 50 healthy respondents. Clinical assessment instruments were: Extended Disability Score in Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Mini Mental Status, Battery of Tests to Assess Cognitive Functions: Wechsler Intelligence Scale, Revised Beta Test, Raven Colored Progressive Matrices, Wechsler Memory Scale, Rey Audio Verbal Learning Test -Osterriecht's complex character test, verbal fluency test.

RESULTS: Cognitive disorders were present in 40-60% of respondents with MS. Visuospatial, visuoconstructive and visuoperceptive functions are worse in the first group. Mnestic functions (learning process, short-term and long-term memory, recollection, verbal-logical memory) were most affected in both groups of respondents, ranging from 30-60%. Poorer cognitive domains are in the first groups of respondents. Immediate working process memory (current learning), memory, attention, short-term and logical memory is worse in the examinees of the first group. At the beginning of the disease, 16% had verbal fluency difficulties, and as the disease progresses, the difficulties become more pronounced.

CONCLUSION: Cognitive disorders are heterogeneous, they can be noticed in the early stages of the disease. They refer to impairments of working memory, executive functions and attention, while global intellectual efficiency is later reduced.}, } @article {pmid33420859, year = {2021}, author = {Wenig, K and Boucherie, PH and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Early evidence for emotional play contagion in juvenile ravens.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {4}, pages = {717-729}, pmid = {33420859}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Emotions ; Empathy ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Perceiving, evaluating and reacting towards conspecifics' emotional states are important challenges of social group living. Emotional contagion describes an alignment of emotional states between individuals and is widely believed to be based on behavioral synchronization, i.e., behavioral contagion. As basic empathy-like processes, the occurrence of both forms of contagion seems to underlie early ontogenetic trajectories in humans and non-human species. In the present study, we assessed play as a context for studying the development of emotional contagion and its interlink with behavioral contagion in ten juvenile common ravens. Ravens are exceptional players that engage in all three forms of play: object, locomotion and social play. To assess potential ontogenetic patterns of both behavioral and emotional contagion, we tested juvenile ravens at two different periods of early development, at three- and six-month post-hatching. We elicited object play in one or several ravens (demonstrators) in a standardized experimental environment, using a playground setup. At both test ages, we found evidence for emotional contagion as observer ravens showed an increase of locomotion and social play after we provided the demonstrator(s) with the playground setup, but no significant changes in the amount of object play. Hence, observers did not copy motor patterns from demonstrator(s) but engaged in other forms of play. Our findings speak for a transfer of a general mood state in the context of play in ravens as young as 3 months and against behavioral mimicry as a precondition for emotional contagion.}, } @article {pmid33420703, year = {2021}, author = {Gallego-Abenza, M and Blum, CR and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Who is crying wolf? Seasonal effect on antipredator response to age-specific alarm calls in common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {159-167}, pmid = {33420703}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Crows ; *Predatory Behavior ; Seasons ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Communication about threats including those posed by the presence of predators occurs mainly through acoustic signals called alarm calls. The comprehension of these calls by receivers and their rapid antipredator response are crucial in terms of survival. However, to avoid overreaction, individuals should evaluate whether or not an antipredator response is needed by paying attention to who is calling. For instance, we could expect adults to be more experienced with predator encounters than juveniles and thus elicit stronger antipredator responses in others when alarming. Similarly, we could expect a stronger response to alarm calls when more than one individual is calling. To test these assumptions, we applied a playback experiment to wild ravens, in which we manipulated the age class (adult or juvenile) and the number (one or two) of the callers. Our results revealed a seasonal effect of age class but no effect of number of callers. Specifically, the ravens responded with stronger antipredator behaviour (vigilance posture) towards alarm calls from adults as compared to juveniles in summer and autumn, but not in spring. We discuss alternative interpretations for this unexpected seasonal pattern and argue for more studies on call-based communication in birds to understand what type of information is relevant under which conditions.}, } @article {pmid33408830, year = {2020}, author = {Murniastuti, DS and Etnawati, K and Pudjiati, SR}, title = {The correlation between severity of melasma with facial wrinkles in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.}, journal = {Dermatology reports}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {8390}, pmid = {33408830}, issn = {2036-7392}, abstract = {Melasma is a common disfiguring condition involving acquired hyperpigmentation especially on the face, for which the pathogenesis is still uncertain, however histopathological studies showed that there is not only hyperpigmentation in the epidermis, but also solar elastosis or photo-aging due to abnormality of dermal extracellular matrix which contributes to clinical wrinkles. This study aimed to examine a link between the severity of melasma and facial wrinkles as a manifestation of photoaging in a tropical area. This study was an observational study with crosssectional design, conducted in Yogyakarta, Indonesia involving 51 patients with melasma aged 30-50 years who had fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The melasma severity was measured clinically with the modified Melasma Severity Index (mMASI), and objectively with the Melanin Index (MI) and Erythema Index (EI) assessed with Mexameter Courage Khazaka. The wrinkle severity was measured clinically by scoring from forehead horizontal lines, crow's feet, glabellar and nasolabial lines, and total scores were obtained from all of them. The correlation analysis was done statistically with Spearman's rank tests. The results showed a weak positive but not significant correlation between the mMASI score and total facial wrinkle score (r: 0.165), and a weak positive non-significant correlation between EI and total facial wrinkle score (r: 0.06). There were significant positive moderate correlations between MI and total facial wrinkle score (r: 0.441), due to significant positive moderate correlations between MI and glabella wrinkle (r: 0.392), and between MI and nasolabial wrinkle (r: 0.339). In conclusion, a positive moderate correlation was found between MI and total facial wrinkle score, especially relating to glabellar and nasolabial wrinkles. However, there was no correlation between mMASI score and total facial wrinkle score.}, } @article {pmid33402613, year = {2020}, author = {Kumar, RK and Reddy, KS and Reddy, NV and Karthik, T and Reddy, MA and Nagakishore, }, title = {Relationship between dental fluorosis and I.Q of school going children aged 10-12 years in and around Nalgonda district-A cross-sectional study.}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry}, volume = {38}, number = {4}, pages = {332-337}, doi = {10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_160_20}, pmid = {33402613}, issn = {1998-3905}, mesh = {Aged ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fluorides/adverse effects ; *Fluorosis, Dental/epidemiology ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Schools ; Water Supply ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The fluoride ion toxicity has been associated with both dental fluorosis and neurotoxicity; dental fluorosis has tended to be considered with respect to tooth appearance and function rather than as a marker for neurotoxicity.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the intelligence quotient (IQ) of school-going children aged 10-12 years in villages of Nalgonda district with different fluoride levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the permanent residents of Nalgonda district of Telangana state, India. A total of 480 government schoolchildren aged 10-12 years were selected by stratified random sampling from three different areas with different levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water. Intelligence levels were assessed by conducting the Ravens standard progressive matrices test (1991 edition).

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t-test, and Krustal-Wallis ANOVA. A logistic regression model was performed (SPSS version; 21(IBM corporation, Chicago,IL, USA)).

RESULTS: The mean IQ levels were more in the villages with low fluoride concentration in drinking water (15.26) compared to villages with medium fluoride content (12.91) and high fluoride content (9.1). A significant statistical association was found (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The overall IQ levels in children exposed to high fluoride level significantly lower than the low fluoride areas. Thus, children intelligence can be affected by high water fluoride levels.}, } @article {pmid33391363, year = {2020}, author = {Gao, LF and Zhang, W and Zhang, HY and Zhu, ZQ and Zhang, XD and Du, B}, title = {Parental dependence on the nest's spatial cues in offspring recognition decreases with nestling growth in the azure-winged magpie.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {66}, number = {6}, pages = {643-648}, pmid = {33391363}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {In altricial birds, to address which cues are used by parents to recognize their offspring, and when they switch between cues during reproduction, it has not been well determined. In this study, we address this question in a Tibetan population of the azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus, by examining the dependence of parents on a nest's spatial position in offspring recognition. During the egg and nestling phases, azure-winged magpie nests were translocated to new positions across various distances from their original site, and parental responses to the translocated nests were investigated. Our findings show that a nest's spatial position is not connected with the survival of its young, but might be used as a cue in parental offspring recognition. When nests are translocated to a new position within a certain distance, parents could recognize their nests and returned to resume their parenting behaviors. Parental dependence on the nest's spatial position in offspring recognition is higher during the egg phase than during the nestling phase, and it decreases with the growth of nestlings. After nestlings reach a certain age, the nest' s spatial position was no longer used by parents as the single cue for offspring recognition. These findings suggest that azure-winged magpies switch their cues in offspring recognition during the different stages of reproduction. After parent-offspring communication has been established, the offspring's phenotypic traits may become a more reliable cue than the nest's spatial position in offspring recognition.}, } @article {pmid33385935, year = {2021}, author = {Sarker, S and Athukorala, A and Raidal, SR}, title = {Molecular characterisation of a novel pathogenic avipoxvirus from an Australian passerine bird, mudlark (Grallina cyanoleuca).}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {554}, number = {}, pages = {66-74}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2020.12.011}, pmid = {33385935}, issn = {1096-0341}, mesh = {Animals ; *Avipoxvirus/classification/genetics/pathogenicity/ultrastructure ; Bird Diseases/pathology/*virology ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genes, Viral ; Genome, Viral ; Passeriformes/*virology ; Phylogeny ; Poxviridae Infections/pathology/*veterinary/virology ; Virion/ultrastructure ; }, abstract = {Avipoxviruses have been recognised as significant pathogens in the conservation of numerous bird species. However, the vast majority of the avipoxviruses that infect wild birds remain uncharacterised. Here, we characterise a novel avipoxvirus, mudlarkpox virus (MLPV) isolated from an Australian passerine bird, mudlark (Grallina cyanoleuca). In this study, tissues with histopathologically confirmed lesions consistent with avian pox were used for transmission electron microscopy, and showed characteristic ovoid to brick-shaped virions, indicative of infectious particles. The MLPV genome was >342.7 Kbp in length and contained six predicted novel genes and a further six genes were missing compared to shearwaterpox virus-2 (SWPV-2). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses of the MLPV genome positioned the virus within a distinct subclade also containing recently characterised avipoxvirus genomes from shearwater, canary and magpie bird species, and demonstrated a high degree of sequence similarity with SWPV-2 (94.92%).}, } @article {pmid33378223, year = {2021}, author = {Lizzio, VA and Smith, DG and Guo, EW and Cross, AG and Gulledge, CM and Koolmees, DS and Chalmers, PN and Makhni, EC}, title = {The Effect of the Crow Hop on Elbow Stress During an Interval Throwing Program.}, journal = {The American journal of sports medicine}, volume = {49}, number = {2}, pages = {359-363}, doi = {10.1177/0363546520976629}, pmid = {33378223}, issn = {1552-3365}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Baseball ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Elbow ; Elbow Joint/*physiology ; Humans ; Torque ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postoperative rehabilitation protocols after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction typically involve a structured interval throwing program. In an effort to minimize torque placed on the UCL, athletes are often instructed to throw with a crow hop, even at short throwing distances. However, the effect of the crow hop on medial elbow stress is unknown.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose was to determine whether elbow stress differs with and without a crow hop across the throwing distances of a typical interval throwing program. We hypothesized that crow hop throws would generate lower torque on the elbow than standing throws at each distance of the interval throwing program.

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS: Healthy high school and collegiate pitchers and position players were recruited from the surrounding area. Each player was outfitted with a wearable athletic sleeve and device that recorded elbow torque (Newton-meters), arm slot (degrees), arm speed (revolutions per minute), and shoulder rotation (degrees). Ball velocity (miles per hour) was measured using a radar gun. Players were instructed to perform 3 crow hop throws and 3 standing throws at distances of 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 feet. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare ball velocity, elbow torque, arm slot, arm speed, and shoulder rotation between crow hop and standing throws at each throwing distance.

RESULTS: Twenty athletes participated in this study (average age, 17.8 years; range, 15-25 years). The average medial elbow torque increased at each distance for both crow hop and standing throws at distances of 30, 45, 60, and 90 feet (P < .05), after which there were no significant increases in elbow torque (P > .05). The average torque was higher for crow hop throws than standing throws at distances of 30 feet (13.9 N·m vs 12.0 N·m; P = .002), 45 feet (21.8 N·m vs 19.3 N·m; P = .005), and 60 feet (28.0 N·m vs 24.5 N·m; P = .02).

CONCLUSION: Crow hop throws generated greater medial elbow torque than standing throws at distances up to 60 feet; however, there were no differences in elbow torque at distances greater than 60 feet between the 2 throw types. For both crow hop and standing throws, elbow stress increased at each distance interval up to 90 feet before plateauing at distances greater than 90 feet. The crow hop throwing technique does not reduce medial elbow stress during a simulated interval throwing program, and it may actually increase torque at shorter throwing distances.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of our study indicate that it would be prudent for players to initially perform standing throws at shorter distances and only later be allowed to employ a natural crow hop at greater distances to minimize torque placed on the medial elbow during UCL rehabilitation protocols.}, } @article {pmid33372273, year = {2021}, author = {Blakey, ML}, title = {Understanding racism in physical (biological) anthropology.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {175}, number = {2}, pages = {316-325}, doi = {10.1002/ajpa.24208}, pmid = {33372273}, issn = {1096-8644}, mesh = {Humans ; *Anthropology, Physical/history ; *Racism ; History, 20th Century ; }, abstract = {The mainstream of American physical anthropology began as racist and eugenical science that defended slavery, restricted "non-Nordic" immigration, and justified Jim Crow segregation. After World War II, the field became more anti-racial than anti-racist. It has continued as a study of natural influences on human variation and thus continues to evade the social histories of inequitable biological variation. Also reflecting its occupancy of white space, biological anthropology continues to deny its own racist history and marginalizes the contributions of Blacks. Critical disciplinary history and a shift toward biocultural studies might begin an anti-racist human biology.}, } @article {pmid33367109, year = {2020}, author = {Kryukov, AP and Spiridonova, LN and Tyunin, AP and Kryukov, KA and Dorda, BA}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genomes of five subspecies of the Eurasian magpie Pica pica, obtained with Oxford Nanopore MinION, and their interpretation regarding intraspecific taxonomy.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {3810-3811}, pmid = {33367109}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of five subspecies of the Eurasian (Common) magpie Pica pica were determined for the first time. Lengths of the circular genomes comprise 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes (for 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 tRNA genes, and the non-coding control region (CR). Gene content and lengths of the genomes (16,936-16,945 bp) are similar to typical vertebrate mt genomes. The subspecies studied differs by several single substitutions and indels, especially in the CR. The phylogenetic tree based on complete mt genomes shows a deep divergence of the two groups of subspecies which supports the proposed division into two distinct species: P. pica and P. serica.}, } @article {pmid33366575, year = {2020}, author = {Zhao, C and Dou, H and Du, P and Liu, Z and Zhang, L and Zhang, H}, title = {The complete mitochondrial genome of Daurian jackdaw (Corvus dauuricus).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {400-401}, pmid = {33366575}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Daurian jackdaw (Corvus dauuricus, Pallas, 1776) was sequenced and deposited to GeneBank for the first time using muscle tissue. This mitochondrial genome is a circular molecule of 16921 bp in length and sequence analysis showed it contains 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and D_loop. The phylogenetic analysis basis of 12 protein-coding genes except for ND6 gene of 13 species shows that most of the genus of Corvus were grouped into two clades, and C. dauuricus was basal to all other Corvus.}, } @article {pmid33366551, year = {2019}, author = {Iqbal, F and Ayub, Q and Song, BK and Wilson, R and Fahim, M and Rahman, S}, title = {Sequence and phylogeny of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Himalayan jungle crow (Corvidae: Corvus macrorhynchos intermedius) from Pakistan.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {348-350}, pmid = {33366551}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {Corvus macrorhynchos formerly referred to as the jungle crow or the large-billed crow is a polytypic species with unresolved taxonomy, comprising various subspecies widespread across South, Southeast, and East Asia. In this study, we report the complete mitogenome of one of these subspecies, Corvus macrorhynchos intermedius (Himalaya crow), from Pakistan. The mitochondrial genome is circular, 16,927 bp and contains typical animal mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA, and 22 transfer RNA) and one non-coding region (D-loop) with a nucleotide content of A (30.6%), T (24.8%), G (14.8%), and C (29.8%). Phylogenetic analysis using the whole mitochondrial genome showed that C. m. intermedius and only reported subspecies Corvus macrorhynchos culminatus (Indian Jungle crow) are genetically distinct and it supports the recognition of the latter as a separate biospecies.}, } @article {pmid33364368, year = {2020}, author = {Bauer, D and Germano, M and Stierlin, J and Brem, B and Stöckli, Y and Schnabel, KP}, title = {Delivering a geriatric OSCE station in times of Covid-19 using makeup artistry.}, journal = {GMS journal for medical education}, volume = {37}, number = {7}, pages = {Doc89}, pmid = {33364368}, issn = {2366-5017}, mesh = {COVID-19/*epidemiology ; Clinical Competence ; Education, Medical/*organization & administration ; Educational Measurement/*methods ; Geriatrics/*education ; Humans ; Pandemics ; *Patient Simulation ; SARS-CoV-2 ; }, abstract = {In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, people over 65 or suffering from certain conditions were deemed at high risk and asked to isolate themselves. This led to the simulated patient (SP) program at the University of Bern being depleted of middle-aged and elderly SP. Meanwhile, an OSCE had to be delivered using adapted cases that minimized physical contact between candidates and SP. Short of suitable cases at such short notice, the case of an elderly patient with postural instability had to be added to the exam blueprint. With elderly SP off the roster, it was decided to use makeup effects to achieve visual authenticity. A combination of wigs (grey hair, hairdo), 3D Probondo transfers (forehead wrinkles), old age stipple (crow's feet), and colouring (age spots) were used to achieve the old-age effects, while SPs wore scarves to cover their neckline. The lower face was covered with protective face masks in accordance with the exam's Covid-19 hygiene protocol. Case-related feedback from candidates and examiners was analysed for any direct or indirect remark attributable to the ageing effects. As no comment touched upon the subject of the appearance of age, this was interpreted as success, as any distracting effect from the SPs' appearance in this regard would surely have prompted remarks or even complaints. The SPs' feedback revealed how applying the ageing effects helped them adopt the octogenarian's role. This report explains how SP in their fifties were made fit for an octogenarian's case in an OSCE using makeup effects. The effort required for the ageing simulation was considerable, but it is hoped that in future, with more planning time, the amount of effort required can be reduced. The feedback obtained from the candidates suggest the appearance of SPs was not experienced as a distraction, which was the primary objective of this exercise. Adapting our approach to their own contexts allows educators to include cases with elderly patients in their OSCE that cannot be re-written for younger SP, so long as Covid-19 prevents elderly SP from participating.}, } @article {pmid33362034, year = {2021}, author = {Kumar, RR and Tsang, HK}, title = {High-extinction CROW filters for scalable quantum photonics.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {134-137}, doi = {10.1364/OL.409784}, pmid = {33362034}, issn = {1539-4794}, abstract = {We report an integrated tunable-bandwidth optical filter with a passband to stop-band ratio of over 96 dB using a single silicon chip with an ultra-compact footprint. The integrated filter is used in filtering out the pump photons in non-degenerate spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM), which is used for producing correlated photon pairs at different wavelengths. SFWM occurs in a long silicon waveguide, and two cascaded second-order coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) filters were used to spectrally remove the pump photons. The tunable bandwidth of the filter is useful to adjust the coherence time of the quantum correlated photons and may find applications in large-scale integrated quantum photonic circuits.}, } @article {pmid33360592, year = {2021}, author = {Zhao, L and Yu, C and Lv, J and Cui, Y and Wang, Y and Hou, C and Yu, J and Guo, B and Liu, H and Li, L}, title = {Fluoride exposure, dopamine relative gene polymorphism and intelligence: A cross-sectional study in China.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety}, volume = {209}, number = {}, pages = {111826}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111826}, pmid = {33360592}, issn = {1090-2414}, mesh = {Child ; China/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dopamine/*genetics ; Drinking Water ; Environmental Exposure/*statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Fluorides/analysis/*toxicity ; Genotype ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Excessive fluoride exposure is related to adverse health outcomes, but whether dopamine (DA) relative genes are involved in the health effect of low-moderate fluoride exposure on children's intelligence remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the role of DA relative genes in the health effect of low-moderate fluoride exposure in drinking water.

METHODS: We recruited 567 resident children, aged 6-11 years old, randomly from endemic and non-endemic fluorosis areas in Tianjin, China. Spot urine samples were tested for urinary fluoride concentration, combined Raven`s test was used for intelligence quotient test. Fasting venous blood were collected to analyze ANKK1 Taq1A (rs1800497), COMT Val158Met (rs4680), DAT1 40 bp VNTR and MAOA uVNTR. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess associations between fluoride exposure and IQ scores. We applied multiplicative and additive models to appraise single gene-environment interaction. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to evaluate high-dimensional interactions of gene-gene and gene-environment.

RESULTS: In adjusted model, fluoride exposure was inversely associated with IQ scores (β = -5.957, 95% CI: -9.712, -2.202). The mean IQ scores of children with high-activity MAOA genotype was significantly lower than IQ scores of those with low-activity (P = 0.006) or female heterozygote (P = 0.016) genotype. We detected effect modification by four DA relative genes (ANKK1, COMT, DAT1 and MAOA) on the association between UF and IQ scores. We also found a high-dimensional gene-environment interaction among UF, ANKK1, COMT and MAOA on the effect of IQ (testing balanced accuracy = 0.5302, CV consistency: 10/10, P = 0.0107).

CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests DA relative genes may modify the association between fluoride and intelligence, and a potential interaction among fluoride exposure and DA relative genes on IQ.}, } @article {pmid33353351, year = {2021}, author = {Kong, Z and Mo, Y and Zhang, Z and Jiang, J}, title = {Neurocognitive improvement after angioplasty in patients with chronic middle cerebral artery stenosis and cerebral ischemia.}, journal = {Annals of palliative medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {1642-1649}, doi = {10.21037/apm-20-15}, pmid = {33353351}, issn = {2224-5839}, mesh = {Aged ; Angioplasty ; *Brain Ischemia/diagnostic imaging/therapy ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Middle Cerebral Artery ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome ; United States ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of middle cerebral artery (MCA) angioplasty compared with drug therapy has been controversial. Few studies have reported the correlations between cognitive function improvement and MCA angioplasty. This study aimed to explore neurocognitive function after angioplasty in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCAS) and objective cerebral ischemia.

METHODS: We identified 14 patients diagnosed with MCAS aged 45-65 years. Neurocognitive function evaluation was performed by 2 independent clinical psychologists using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), and Multi-Dimensional Psychology. All patients received general anesthesia, underwent diagnostic cerebral angiography (DSA) via the femoral route and angioplasty, and then were sent to the neurologic intensive care unit (NICU) for overnight hemodynamic and neurologic monitoring. Aspirin and clopidogrel treatments were continued for 3 months after successful intervention. Complete neurologic examinations, including assessment with the National Institutes of Health Stroke (NIHSS), and modulate RANK score (MRS) were conducted by 2 independent neurologists. The patients received a family follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the interventional procedure. Neurologic sequelae, intracranial hemorrhages, and deaths were recorded as an endpoint. Follow-up clinical and imageological examinations were scheduled at 6 months after the intervention. Follow-up brain computed tomography (CT) perfusion or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) perfusion scans performed by 2 imageological scanners were scheduled 6 months after the procedure.

RESULTS: Angioplasty technical success was achieved in 14 parents (100%). We found that 10 patients did not have recurrent MCAS in the angioplasty site and had significant improvements in the associated brain perfusion situation and cognitive founction as compared before and after angioplasty. Also, 4 patients had evident restenosis in the angioplasty site. In the nonstenosis group, we found significant improvements in the MMSE, 3-dimensional (3D) mental rotation, simple calculation, and spatial working memory. In the recurrent stenosis group, we found no statistically significant changes in cognitive function compared with the baseline and after a 6-month follow up. There were high correlations between the changes in perfusion and the changes in word and picture memory. There was a significant correlation between the change in perfusion with MMSE (-0.522), spatial working memory (0.655), and Raven's progressive matrices test (0.637); a moderate correlation with 3D rotation (0.413), and simple calculation (-0.359); and weak correlation with visual tracking (0.026) and MoCA (0.279).

CONCLUSIONS: Angioplasty surgery significantly improves neurocognitive function in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCAS) and objective cerebral ischemia.}, } @article {pmid33347694, year = {2020}, author = {Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Freeman, NE and Norris, DR}, title = {Climate-driven carry-over effects negatively influence population growth rate in a food-caching boreal passerine.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.15445}, pmid = {33347694}, issn = {1365-2486}, support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Society of Canadian Ornithologists/ ; //University of Guelph/ ; //Government of Ontario/ ; //Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry/ ; //Wildlife Conservation Society/ ; //Bird Studies Canada/ ; //Ontario Parks/ ; //W. Garfield Weston Foundation/ ; }, abstract = {Understanding how events throughout the annual cycle are linked is important for predicting variation in individual fitness, but whether and how carry-over effects scale up to influence population dynamics is poorly understood. Using 38 years of demographic data from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, and a full annual cycle integrated population model, we examined the influence of environmental conditions and density on the population growth rate of Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a resident boreal passerine that relies on perishable cached food for over-winter survival and late-winter breeding. Our results demonstrate that fall environmental variables, most notably the number of freeze-thaw events, carried over to influence late-winter fecundity, which, in turn, was the main vital rate driving population growth. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that warmer and more variable fall conditions accelerate the degradation of perishable stored food that is relied upon for successful reproduction. Future warming during the fall and winter may compromise the viability of cached food that requires consistent subzero temperatures for effective preservation, potentially exacerbating climate-driven carry-over effects that impact long-term population dynamics.}, } @article {pmid33341038, year = {2021}, author = {Zhao, L and Higuchi, T and Kanamori, M and Natsuike, M and Misaka, N and Murakami-Sugihara, N and Tanaka, K and Shirai, K}, title = {Identification of timing of scallop morphological deformity and mortality from shell oxygen isotope records.}, journal = {Marine environmental research}, volume = {163}, number = {}, pages = {105149}, doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105149}, pmid = {33341038}, issn = {1879-0291}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bivalvia ; Humans ; Japan ; Oxygen Isotopes ; *Pectinidae ; Seawater ; }, abstract = {The Yesso scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay), is one of the most important bivalve species in the Japanese and Chinese mariculture industry. In recent years, however, high incidences of scallop shell deformity and mortality have occurred with increasing frequency, but timing of onset and underlying causes are often unclear. Here, we proposed a promising δ[18]Oshell-based method for constraining the onset of shell deformity and mortality of P. yessoensis. Following six months of intermediate suspension culture in Funka Bay, Northern Japan, shells from healthy, deformed and dead scallops were randomly sampled. High-resolution seawater temperature time-series computed from healthy scallop shell δ[18]O profiles were precisely and temporally aligned to the instrumental temperature curve, thus allowing δ[18]Oshell-derived temperature time-series from deformed and dead scallops to be contextualized and allowing timing of scallop deformity and death to be retrieved. Irrespective of scallop shell length, onsets of deformity were anchored in February, and since then deformed scallops grew slowly in comparison to healthy individuals. Without exception, however, dead scallops had already ceased their shell building and died before February, indicating different underlying causes of scallop deformity and mortality. Perhaps most promisingly, considering that shells do not have any isotopic turn-over and once formed, temperature information is locked in. Thus, this approach holds great promise for identifying time anchor points (onsets of deformity and death) in archived scallops collected over different time scales, especially during massive mortality events.}, } @article {pmid33325260, year = {2022}, author = {Maraver, MJ and Gómez-Ariza, CJ and Borella, E and Bajo, MT}, title = {Baseline capacities and motivation in executive control training of healthy older adults.}, journal = {Aging & mental health}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {595-603}, doi = {10.1080/13607863.2020.1858755}, pmid = {33325260}, issn = {1364-6915}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/psychology ; Cognition ; *Executive Function/physiology ; Humans ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; *Motivation ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Normal aging involves progressive prefrontal declines and impairments in executive control. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an executive-control training focusing on working memory and inhibition, in healthy older adults, and to explore the role of individual differences in baseline capacities and motivation in explaining training gains.

METHODS: Forty-four healthy older adults were randomly assigned to an experimental (training executive control) or active control group (training processing speed). Participants completed six online training sessions distributed across two weeks. Transfer effects to working memory (Operation Span test), response inhibition (Stop-Signal test), processing speed (Pattern Comparison) and reasoning (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and Cattell Culture Fair test) were evaluated. Furthermore, we explored individual differences in baseline capacities and assessed motivation during and after the intervention.

RESULTS: The experimental group, but not the active control, showed significant transfer to response inhibition. Moreover, a general compensation effect was found: older adults with lower baseline capacities achieved higher levels of training improvement. Motivation was not related to training performance.

CONCLUSION: Our results encourage the use of executive control training to improve cognitive functions, reveal the importance of individual differences in training-related gains, and provide further support for cognitive plasticity during healthy aging.}, } @article {pmid33321971, year = {2020}, author = {Kaplan, G}, title = {Of Great Apes and Magpies: Initiations into Animal Behaviour.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {10}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {33321971}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {This paper presents three case studies of exceptional human encounters with animals. These particular examples were selected because they enabled analysis of the underlying reasons that led the human participants to respond in new ways to their animal counterparts. The question asked here is whether sudden insights into the needs and abilities of an animal arises purely from an anthropocentric position as empathy because of genetic closeness (e.g., chimpanzees) or is something else and whether new insights can be applied to other phylogenetic orders not close to us, e.g., birds, and change research questions and implicit prejudices and stereotypes. Particularly in avian species, phylogenetically distant from humans, the prejudices (anthroprocentric position) and the belief in human uniqueness (human exceptionalism) might be greater than in the reactions to primates. Interestingly, in studies of great apes, contradictory opinions and controversies about cognitive abilities, especially when compared with humans, tend to be pronounced. Species appropriateness in test designs are desirable present and future goals but here it is suggested how different experiences can also lead to different questions that explode the myth of human uniqueness and then arrive at entirely different and new results in cognitive and affective abilities of the species under investigation.}, } @article {pmid33317391, year = {2021}, author = {Takeuchi, H and Taki, Y and Nouchi, R and Yokoyama, R and Kotozaki, Y and Nakagawa, S and Sekiguchi, A and Iizuka, K and Hanawa, S and Araki, T and Miyauchi, CM and Sakaki, K and Sassa, Y and Nozawa, T and Ikeda, S and Yokota, S and Magistro, D and Kawashima, R}, title = {General Intelligence Is Associated with Working Memory-Related Functional Connectivity Change: Evidence from a Large-Sample Study.}, journal = {Brain connectivity}, volume = {11}, number = {2}, pages = {89-102}, doi = {10.1089/brain.2020.0769}, pmid = {33317391}, issn = {2158-0022}, mesh = {Brain/diagnostic imaging ; *Brain Mapping ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Background/Purpose: Psychometric intelligence is closely related to working memory (WM) and the associated brain activity. We aimed to clarify the associations between psychometric intelligence and WM-induced functional connectivity changes. Materials and Methods: Here we determined the associations between psychometric intelligence measured by nonverbal reasoning (using the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) and WM-induced changes in functional connectivity during the N-back paradigm, in a large cohort of 1221 young adults. Results: We observed that the measures of general intelligence showed a significant positive correlation with WM-induced changes in the functional connectivity with the key nodes of the frontoparietal network, such as the bilateral premotor cortices and the presupplementary motor area. Those significant correlations were observed for (1) areas showing a WM-induced increase of the functional connectivity with the abovementioned key nodes, such as the lateral parietal cortex; (2) areas showing a WM-induced decrease of the functional connectivity with the abovementioned key nodes (2-a) such as left perisylvian areas and cuneus, the fusiform gyrus, and the lingual gyrus, which play key roles in language processing, (2-b) hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, which play key roles in memory processing, and (2-c) the key node of the default mode network such as the medial prefrontal cortex; as well as (3) the border areas between (1) and (2). Conclusion: Psychometric intelligence is associated with WM-induced changes in functional connectivity, influencing the way in which WM key nodes dynamically modulate the interaction with other brain nodes in response to WM.}, } @article {pmid33316356, year = {2021}, author = {Aastrup, C and Hegemann, A}, title = {Jackdaw nestlings rapidly increase innate immune function during the nestling phase but no evidence for a trade-off with growth.}, journal = {Developmental and comparative immunology}, volume = {117}, number = {}, pages = {103967}, doi = {10.1016/j.dci.2020.103967}, pmid = {33316356}, issn = {1879-0089}, mesh = {Adaptive Immunity/*immunology ; Age Factors ; Animals ; Body Size/*immunology ; Crows/growth & development/*immunology ; Female ; Immune System/growth & development/*immunology ; Immunity, Innate/*immunology ; Male ; }, abstract = {Although animals are born with a protective immune system, even the innate immune system is under development from birth to adulthood and this development may be affected by sex and growth. However, most knowledge comes from captive animals or long-lived slow growing species. Moreover, little is known about how innate immune function, the important first line of defence, develops during early life in fast-growing animals such as free-living passerines. We studied development of innate baseline immune function in nestlings of free-living jackdaws Corvus monedula. We measured four immune parameters (hemolysis, hemagglutination, bacterial-killing capacity, haptoglobin concentration) and structural body size (body mass, wing length, tarsus length) at day 12 and day 29 post-hatching. We found that three out of four immune parameters (hemolysis, hemagglutination, bacterial-killing capacity) substantially increased with nestling age and had roughly reached adult levels shortly prior to fledging. We found little differences in immune development between males and females despite them differing in structural development. We also found no evidence that the nestlings traded off immune development with growth. That nestlings rapidly increase innate baseline immune function during early life and similarly in males and females indicates the importance of a well-functioning immune system already during the nestling phase.}, } @article {pmid33311334, year = {2020}, author = {Mori, A and Bertani, R}, title = {Revision and cladistic analysis of Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 (Araneae: Theraphosidae) based on a cladistic analysis of relationships of Theraphosidae, Barychelidae and Paratropididae.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4873}, number = {1}, pages = {zootaxa.4873.1.1}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4873.1.1}, pmid = {33311334}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Fossils ; *Spiders ; }, abstract = {The genera Psalistops Simon, 1889, Trichopelma, Simon, 1888 and Cyrtogrammomma Pocock, 1895 are revised and included in cladistics analyses including almost all species of these genera. In order to test previous morphological hypotheses on the relationships of Barychelidae, Paratropididae and Theraphosidae and because of the controversial taxonomic position of Psalistops and Trichopelma, a set of terminal taxa representing all subfamilies of Paratropididae (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae), Barychelidae (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies were included, as well as a diplurid, a nemesiid, and a pycnothelid, the later used to root the cladogram. The matrix with 66 terminal taxa, 2 continuous and 93 discrete characters was analysed with TNT 1.5. We found that Trichopelmatinae is not a monophyletic group, and Psalistops is transferred to Theraphosidae, as well as the barychelid genus Cyrtogrammomma and the paratropidid genus Melloina Brignoli. Cyrtogrammomma was retrieved as the sister group of Trichopelma, and Melloina as the sister group of Holothele Karsch. Psalistops was retrieved as the sister group of Reichlingia Rudloff, and the clade with these two genera is the most basal in Theraphosidae. Barychelidae was found to be monophyletic and the sister group of Theraphosidae. Paratropididae was retrieved as the sister group of Barychelidae + Theraphosidae. The relationship and possible synapomorphies of the three families are herein discussed. This is the first time since Raven (1985) that representatives of all barychelid (Barychelinae, Sasoninae, Trichopelmatinae), paratropidid (Paratropidinae, Glabropelmatinae) and most theraphosid subfamilies have been included in a morphological cladistic analysis. Psalistops comprises two species, P. melanopygius Simon, 1889 (type species) and P. colombianus sp. nov. Psalistops montigena Simon, 1889, P. tigrinus Simon, 1889 and P. zonatus Simon, 1889 are synonymized with P. melanopygius Simon, 1889. Psalistops fulvus Bryant, 1948, P. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 (fossil), P. maculosus Bryant, 1948, P. venadensis Valerio, 1986 and P. steini (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Trichopelma. Psalistops gasci Maréchal, 1996 is transferred to Hapalopus Ausserer (Theraphosidae); P. opifex (Simon, 1889) and P. solitarius (Simon, 1889) are transferred to Schismatothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Schismatothele solitarius (Simon, 1889) n. comb. is synonymized with Schismatothele lineata Karsch, 1879, n. syn. Psalistops nigrifemuratus Mello-Leitão, 1939 is probably a nemesiid or pycnothelid, and herein considered as nomen dubium in Pycnothelidae. Trichopelma comprises 22 species: Trichopelma nitidum Simon, 1888 (type species), T. coenobita (Simon, 1889), T. steini (Simon, 1889), T. affine (Simon, 1892), T. cubanum (Simon, 1903), T. maculatum (Banks, 1906), T. zebra (Petrunkevitch, 1925), T. banksia Özdikmen Demir, 2012, T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926), T. fulvus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb., T. laselva Valerio, 1986, T. venadensis (Valerio, 1986) n. comb., T. huffi sp. nov., T. gabrieli sp. nov., T. tostoi sp. nov., T. goloboffi sp. nov., T. juventud sp. nov., T. laurae sp. nov., T.bimini sp. nov., T. loui sp. nov., T. platnicki sp. nov., and T. hispaniolensis Wunderlich, 1988 n. comb. (fossil). Trichopelma maculosus (Bryant, 1948) n. comb. is synonymized with P. fulvus Bryant, 1948; T. corozalis (Petrunkevitch, 1929) is synonymized with T. insulanum (Petrunkevitch, 1926). Trichopelma astutum Simon, 1889 is transferred to Euthycaelus Simon, 1889, and T. maddeni Esposito Agnarsson, 2014 to Holothele Karsch, 1879 (Theraphosidae). Trichopelma flavicomum Simon, 1891 is transferred to Neodiplothele (Barychelidae, Sasoninae). The species T. illetabile Simon, 1888, T. spinosum (Franganillo, 1926), T. scopulatum (Fischel, 1927) and T. eucubanum Özdikmen Demir, 2012 are considered as nomina dubia. Cyrtogrammomma comprises two species: C. monticola Pocock, 1895 (type species) and C. raveni sp. nov.}, } @article {pmid33305388, year = {2021}, author = {Dussex, N and Kutschera, VE and Wiberg, RAW and Parker, DJ and Hunt, GR and Gray, RD and Rutherford, K and Abe, H and Fleischer, RC and Ritchie, MG and Rutz, C and Wolf, JBW and Gemmell, NJ}, title = {A genome-wide investigation of adaptive signatures in protein-coding genes related to tool behaviour in New Caledonian and Hawaiian crows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {973-986}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15775}, pmid = {33305388}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {BB/G023913/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows/genetics ; Hawaii ; *Life History Traits ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Very few animals habitually manufacture and use tools. It has been suggested that advanced tool behaviour co-evolves with a suite of behavioural, morphological and life history traits. In fact, there are indications for such an adaptive complex in tool-using crows (genus Corvus species). Here, we sequenced the genomes of two habitually tool-using and ten non-tool-using crow species to search for genomic signatures associated with a tool-using lifestyle. Using comparative genomic and population genetic approaches, we screened for signals of selection in protein-coding genes in the tool-using New Caledonian and Hawaiian crows. While we detected signals of recent selection in New Caledonian crows near genes associated with bill morphology, our data indicate that genetic changes in these two lineages are surprisingly subtle, with little evidence at present for convergence. We explore the biological explanations for these findings, such as the relative roles of gene regulation and protein-coding changes, as well as the possibility that statistical power to detect selection in recently diverged lineages may have been insufficient. Our study contributes to a growing body of literature aiming to decipher the genetic basis of recently evolved complex behaviour.}, } @article {pmid33304499, year = {2020}, author = {Gomo, G and Rød-Eriksen, L and Andreassen, HP and Mattisson, J and Odden, M and Devineau, O and Eide, NE}, title = {Scavenger community structure along an environmental gradient from boreal forest to alpine tundra in Scandinavia.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {23}, pages = {12860-12869}, pmid = {33304499}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Scavengers can have strong impacts on food webs, and awareness of their role in ecosystems has increased during the last decades. In our study, we used baited camera traps to quantify the structure of the winter scavenger community in central Scandinavia across a forest-alpine continuum and assess how climatic conditions affected spatial patterns of species occurrences at baits. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the main habitat type (forest or alpine tundra) and snow depth was main determinants of the community structure. According to a joint species distribution model within the HMSC framework, species richness tended to be higher in forest than in alpine tundra habitat, but was only weakly associated with temperature and snow depth. However, we observed stronger and more diverse impacts of these covariates on individual species. Occurrence at baits by habitat generalists (red fox, golden eagle, and common raven) typically increased at low temperatures and high snow depth, probably due to increased energetic demands and lower abundance of natural prey in harsh winter conditions. On the contrary, occurrence at baits by forest specialists (e.g., Eurasian jay) tended to decrease in deep snow, which is possibly a consequence of reduced bait detectability and accessibility. In general, the influence of environmental covariates on species richness and occurrence at baits was lower in alpine tundra than in forests, and habitat generalists dominated the scavenger communities in both forest and alpine tundra. Following forecasted climate change, altered environmental conditions are likely to cause range expansion of boreal species and range contraction of typical alpine species such as the arctic fox. Our results suggest that altered snow conditions will possibly be a main driver of changes in species community structure.}, } @article {pmid33303790, year = {2020}, author = {Pika, S and Sima, MJ and Blum, CR and Herrmann, E and Mundry, R}, title = {Ravens parallel great apes in physical and social cognitive skills.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {20617}, pmid = {33303790}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Pan troglodytes/*physiology ; Pongo/*physiology ; *Psychomotor Performance ; *Social Skills ; }, abstract = {Human children show unique cognitive skills for dealing with the social world but their cognitive performance is paralleled by great apes in many tasks dealing with the physical world. Recent studies suggested that members of a songbird family-corvids-also evolved complex cognitive skills but a detailed understanding of the full scope of their cognition was, until now, not existent. Furthermore, relatively little is known about their cognitive development. Here, we conducted the first systematic, quantitative large-scale assessment of physical and social cognitive performance of common ravens with a special focus on development. To do so, we fine-tuned one of the most comprehensive experimental test-batteries, the Primate Cognition Test Battery (PCTB), to raven features enabling also a direct, quantitative comparison with the cognitive performance of two great ape species. Full-blown cognitive skills were already present at the age of four months with subadult ravens' cognitive performance appearing very similar to that of adult apes in tasks of physical (quantities, and causality) and social cognition (social learning, communication, and theory of mind). These unprecedented findings strengthen recent assessments of ravens' general intelligence, and aid to the growing evidence that the lack of a specific cortical architecture does not hinder advanced cognitive skills. Difficulties in certain cognitive scales further emphasize the quest to develop comparative test batteries that tap into true species rather than human specific cognitive skills, and suggest that socialization of test individuals may play a crucial role. We conclude to pay more attention to the impact of personality on cognitive output, and a currently neglected topic in Animal Cognition-the linkage between ontogeny and cognitive performance.}, } @article {pmid33302453, year = {2020}, author = {Bohacz, J and Możejko, M and Kitowski, I}, title = {Arthroderma tuberculatum and Arthroderma multifidum Isolated from Soils in Rook (Corvus frugilegus) Colonies as Producers of Keratinolytic Enzymes and Mineral Forms of N and S.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {24}, pages = {}, pmid = {33302453}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Animals ; Arthrodermataceae/*enzymology/isolation & purification ; *Crows ; Feathers ; Minerals ; Nitrogen/*metabolism ; Peptide Hydrolases/*metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; Sulfur/*metabolism ; Waste Management ; }, abstract = {Keratinolytic fungi representing the genus Arthroderma that were isolated from the soils of a rook (Corvus frugilegus) colony were used as biological agents for the disposal of waste feathers. The aim of this study was to assess the abilities of Arthroderma tuberculatum and Arthroderma multifidum fungi with a varied inflow of keratin matter to biodegrade waste feathers. The evaluation was based on the determination of feather mass loss, the activity of keratinolytic enzymes, and the content of mineral N and S forms. It was found that the activity of protease released by the fungi contributed to an increase in the level of soluble proteins and peptides and the concentration of ammonium ions, as well as alkalization of the culture medium. Keratinase activity was significantly correlated with sulfate release, especially in A. tuberculatum cultures. The strains of A. tuberculatum fungi isolated from the soil with the highest supply of organic matter, i.e., strains III, IV, and V, had the lowest enzymatic activity, compared to the A. multifidum strains, but they released mineral nitrogen and sulfur forms that are highly important for fertilization, as well as nutritionally important peptides and amino acids. A. tuberculatum strains can be used for the management of waste feathers that can be applied in agricultural practice.}, } @article {pmid33299193, year = {2020}, author = {Bauer, N and Bertram, C and Schultes, A and Klein, D and Luderer, G and Kriegler, E and Popp, A and Edenhofer, O}, title = {Quantification of an efficiency-sovereignty trade-off in climate policy.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {588}, number = {7837}, pages = {261-266}, pmid = {33299193}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {Commerce/*economics/*legislation & jurisprudence ; Environmental Policy/*economics/*legislation & jurisprudence ; Global Warming/economics/*legislation & jurisprudence/*prevention & control ; International Cooperation/*legislation & jurisprudence ; Paris ; Social Justice ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {The Paris Agreement calls for a cooperative response with the aim of limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels while reaffirming the principles of equity and common, but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities[1]. Although the goal is clear, the approach required to achieve it is not. Cap-and-trade policies using uniform carbon prices could produce cost-effective reductions of global carbon emissions, but tend to impose relatively high mitigation costs on developing and emerging economies. Huge international financial transfers are required to complement cap-and-trade to achieve equal sharing of effort, defined as an equal distribution of mitigation costs as a share of income[2,3], and therefore the cap-and-trade policy is often perceived as infringing on national sovereignty[2-7]. Here we show that a strategy of international financial transfers guided by moderate deviations from uniform carbon pricing could achieve the goal without straining either the economies or sovereignty of nations. We use the integrated assessment model REMIND-MAgPIE to analyse alternative policies: financial transfers in uniform carbon pricing systems, differentiated carbon pricing in the absence of financial transfers, or a hybrid combining financial transfers and differentiated carbon prices. Under uniform carbon prices, a present value of international financial transfers of 4.4 trillion US dollars over the next 80 years to 2100 would be required to equalize effort. By contrast, achieving equal effort without financial transfers requires carbon prices in advanced countries to exceed those in developing countries by a factor of more than 100, leading to efficiency losses of 2.6 trillion US dollars. Hybrid solutions reveal a strongly nonlinear trade-off between cost efficiency and sovereignty: moderate deviations from uniform carbon prices strongly reduce financial transfers at relatively small efficiency losses and moderate financial transfers substantially reduce inefficiencies by narrowing the carbon price spread. We also identify risks and adverse consequences of carbon price differentiation due to market distortions that can undermine environmental sustainability targets[8,9]. Quantifying the advantages and risks of carbon price differentiation provides insight into climate and sector-specific policy mixes.}, } @article {pmid33296864, year = {2021}, author = {Valaparla, VL and Nehra, R and Mehta, UM and Grover, S}, title = {Social cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and their neurocognitive correlates across the different phases of illness.}, journal = {Asian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {55}, number = {}, pages = {102501}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102501}, pmid = {33296864}, issn = {1876-2026}, mesh = {Cognition ; *Cognition Disorders ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology ; Humans ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Schizophrenia/complications ; }, abstract = {AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between neurocognition (NC) and social cognition (SC) in patients with schizophrenia during the symptomatic phase and the phase of clinical remission.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two patients were assessed on Color trail test (CTT), Hopkins verbal learning test (HVLT), Controlled oral word association (COWA) test, Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), Ravens standard progressive matrices (SPM) and Social cognition rating tool in Indian setting (SOCRATIS) during symptomatic and remission phases of illness at least 3 months apart.

RESULTS: Compared to baseline assessment, even after controlling for PANSS scores except for social perception index all other domains of SC showed significant improvement at the time of remission. Although there was significant improvement in a few subtests of verbal learning, IQ and number of correct responses of COWA, colour trail test, no significant difference was seen in performance on WCST. Although second order theory of mind task had some association with IQ at the baseline assessment, no association was seen between SC and NC in the remission phase.

CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, present study suggests that impairments in all the domains of SC (except for social perception index) and NC (except for WCST) improve in the remission phase.}, } @article {pmid33287499, year = {2020}, author = {Duan, Z}, title = {[The exploration of Hujia Pasture wooden slip medicine prescription].}, journal = {Zhonghua yi shi za zhi (Beijing, China : 1980)}, volume = {50}, number = {5}, pages = {307-310}, doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112155-20200804-00125}, pmid = {33287499}, issn = {0255-7053}, support = {GZK-2015-18//Scientific Research Project Approved by Gansu Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2015/ ; }, mesh = {Child ; China ; Epilepsy/drug therapy ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/*history ; *Moxibustion ; Prescriptions/*history ; }, abstract = {Some features in the medical prescriptions of western Han dynasty on the wooden slips unearthed in Hujia Pasture were interpreted, and the words were annotated and translated. The study found that this recipe with male magpie excrement treatment epileptic disease is the first moxibustion combined with drugs to treat epilepsy. This is the earliest recorded treatment. The drug is still administered to lactate children by applying it to the mother's nipple and making the child to suck, and it is the earliest recorded of its kind.}, } @article {pmid33286157, year = {2020}, author = {Lu, C}, title = {Channels' Confirmation and Predictions' Confirmation: From the Medical Test to the Raven Paradox.}, journal = {Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {33286157}, issn = {1099-4300}, abstract = {After long arguments between positivism and falsificationism, the verification of universal hypotheses was replaced with the confirmation of uncertain major premises. Unfortunately, Hemple proposed the Raven Paradox. Then, Carnap used the increment of logical probability as the confirmation measure. So far, many confirmation measures have been proposed. Measure F proposed by Kemeny and Oppenheim among them possesses symmetries and asymmetries proposed by Elles and Fitelson, monotonicity proposed by Greco et al., and normalizing property suggested by many researchers. Based on the semantic information theory, a measure b* similar to F is derived from the medical test. Like the likelihood ratio, measures b* and F can only indicate the quality of channels or the testing means instead of the quality of probability predictions. Furthermore, it is still not easy to use b*, F, or another measure to clarify the Raven Paradox. For this reason, measure c* similar to the correct rate is derived. Measure c* supports the Nicod Criterion and undermines the Equivalence Condition, and hence, can be used to eliminate the Raven Paradox. An example indicates that measures F and b* are helpful for diagnosing the infection of Novel Coronavirus, whereas most popular confirmation measures are not. Another example reveals that all popular confirmation measures cannot be used to explain that a black raven can confirm "Ravens are black" more strongly than a piece of chalk. Measures F, b*, and c* indicate that the existence of fewer counterexamples is more important than more positive examples' existence, and hence, are compatible with Popper's falsification thought.}, } @article {pmid33279924, year = {2020}, author = {Perpetuini, D and Chiarelli, AM and Filippini, C and Cardone, D and Croce, P and Rotunno, L and Anzoletti, N and Zito, M and Zappasodi, F and Merla, A}, title = {Working Memory Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Is Detected by Complexity Analysis of Multimodal EEG-fNIRS.}, journal = {Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {22}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {33279924}, issn = {1099-4300}, support = {692470//H2020, ECSEL-04-2015-Smart Health, Advancing Smart Optical Imaging and Sensing for Health (ASTONISH)/ ; }, abstract = {Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by working memory (WM) failures that can be assessed at early stages through administering clinical tests. Ecological neuroimaging, such as Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), may be employed during these tests to support AD early diagnosis within clinical settings. Multimodal EEG-fNIRS could measure brain activity along with neurovascular coupling (NC) and detect their modifications associated with AD. Data analysis procedures based on signal complexity are suitable to estimate electrical and hemodynamic brain activity or their mutual information (NC) during non-structured experimental paradigms. In this study, sample entropy of whole-head EEG and frontal/prefrontal cortex fNIRS was evaluated to assess brain activity in early AD and healthy controls (HC) during WM tasks (i.e., Rey-Osterrieth complex figure and Raven's progressive matrices). Moreover, conditional entropy between EEG and fNIRS was evaluated as indicative of NC. The findings demonstrated the capability of complexity analysis of multimodal EEG-fNIRS to detect WM decline in AD. Furthermore, a multivariate data-driven analysis, performed on these entropy metrics and based on the General Linear Model, allowed classifying AD and HC with an AUC up to 0.88. EEG-fNIRS may represent a powerful tool for the clinical evaluation of WM decline in early AD.}, } @article {pmid33271875, year = {2020}, author = {Chen, Z and Erickson, DL and Meng, J}, title = {Benchmarking Long-Read Assemblers for Genomic Analyses of Bacterial Pathogens Using Oxford Nanopore Sequencing.}, journal = {International journal of molecular sciences}, volume = {21}, number = {23}, pages = {}, pmid = {33271875}, issn = {1422-0067}, support = {U01FD001418//U.S. Food and Drug Administration/ ; }, mesh = {Bacteria/classification/drug effects/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Computational Biology/methods ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics/*methods ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/*methods ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Phylogeny ; Reproducibility of Results ; Virulence/genetics ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; }, abstract = {Oxford Nanopore sequencing can be used to achieve complete bacterial genomes. However, the error rates of Oxford Nanopore long reads are greater compared to Illumina short reads. Long-read assemblers using a variety of assembly algorithms have been developed to overcome this deficiency, which have not been benchmarked for genomic analyses of bacterial pathogens using Oxford Nanopore long reads. In this study, long-read assemblers, namely Canu, Flye, Miniasm/Racon, Raven, Redbean, and Shasta, were thus benchmarked using Oxford Nanopore long reads of bacterial pathogens. Ten species were tested for mediocre- and low-quality simulated reads, and 10 species were tested for real reads. Raven was the most robust assembler, obtaining complete and accurate genomes. All Miniasm/Racon and Raven assemblies of mediocre-quality reads provided accurate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, while the Raven assembly of Klebsiella variicola with low-quality reads was the only assembly with an accurate AMR profile among all assemblers and species. All assemblers functioned well for predicting virulence genes using mediocre-quality and real reads, whereas only the Raven assemblies of low-quality reads had accurate numbers of virulence genes. Regarding multilocus sequence typing (MLST), Miniasm/Racon was the most effective assembler for mediocre-quality reads, while only the Raven assemblies of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and K. variicola with low-quality reads showed positive MLST results. Miniasm/Racon and Raven were the best performers for MLST using real reads. The Miniasm/Racon and Raven assemblies showed accurate phylogenetic inference. For the pan-genome analyses, Raven was the strongest assembler for simulated reads, whereas Miniasm/Racon and Raven performed the best for real reads. Overall, the most robust and accurate assembler was Raven, closely followed by Miniasm/Racon.}, } @article {pmid33269437, year = {2021}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Casidsid, HJM and Kelly, DM}, title = {Conspecific presence, but not pilferage, influences pinyon jays' (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) caching behavior.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {23-35}, pmid = {33269437}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Food ; *Passeriformes ; Social Behavior ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Caching species store food when plentiful to ensure availability when resources are scarce. These stores may be at risk of pilferage by others present at the time of caching. Cachers may reduce the risk of loss by using information from the social environment to engage in behaviors to secure the resource-cache protection strategies. Here, we examined whether pinyon jays, a highly social corvid, use information from the social environment to modify their caching behavior. Pinyon jays were provided with pine seeds to cache in two visually distinct trays. The cacher could be observed by a non-pilfering conspecific, a pilfering conspecific, or an inanimate heterospecific located in an adjoining cage compartment, or the cacher could be alone. After caching, the pilfered tray was placed in the adjoining compartment where caches were either pilfered (pilfering conspecific and inanimate heterospecific conditions) or remained intact (non-pilfering conspecific and alone conditions). The safe tray was placed in a visible, but inaccessible, location. Overall, pinyon jays reduced the number of pine seeds cached in the pilfered tray when observed, compared with caching alone. However, their caching behavior did not differ between the pilfering conspecific and the non-pilfering conspecific conditions. These results suggest that either pinyon jays were unable to discriminate between the pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics, or they generalized their experience of risk from the pilfering conspecific to the non-pilfering conspecific. Thus, we report evidence that pinyon jays use cache protection strategies to secure their resources when observed, but respond similarly when observed by pilfering and non-pilfering conspecifics.}, } @article {pmid33268388, year = {2020}, author = {Reha-Krantz, LJ and Goodman, MF}, title = {John W. (Jan) Drake: A Biochemical View of a Geneticist Par Excellence.}, journal = {Genetics}, volume = {216}, number = {4}, pages = {827-836}, pmid = {33268388}, issn = {1943-2631}, support = {R35 ES028343/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; RM1 GM130450/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Bacteriophage T4/genetics ; DNA Replication ; Genetics/*history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Mutagenesis ; }, abstract = {John W. Drake died 02-02-2020, a mathematical palindrome, which he would have enjoyed, given his love of "word play and logic," as stated in his obituary and echoed by his family, friends, students, and colleagues. Many aspects of Jan's career have been reviewed previously, including his early years as a Caltech graduate student, and when he was editor-in-chief, with the devoted assistance of his wife Pam, of this journal for 15 impactful years. During his editorship, he raised the profile of GENETICS as the flagship journal of the Genetics Society of America and inspired and contributed to the creation of the Perspectives column, coedited by Jim Crow and William Dove. At the same time, Jan was building from scratch the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics on the newly established Research Triangle Park campus of the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, which he headed for 30 years. This commentary offers a unique perspective on Jan's legacy; we showcase Jan's 1969 benchmark discovery of antimutagenic T4 DNA polymerases and the research by three generations (and counting) of scientists whose research stems from that groundbreaking discovery. This is followed by a brief discussion of Jan's passion: his overriding interest in analyzing mutation rates across species. Several anecdotal stories are included to bring alive one of Jan's favorite phrases, "to think like a geneticist." We feature Jan's genetical approach to mutation studies, along with the biochemistry of DNA polymerase function, our area of expertise. But in the end, we acknowledge, as Jan did, that genetics, also known as in vivo biochemistry, prevails.}, } @article {pmid33240589, year = {2020}, author = {Adawaren, EO and Du Plessis, M and Suleman, E and Kindler, D and Oosthuizen, AO and Mukandiwa, L and Naidoo, V}, title = {The complete mitochondrial genome of Gyps coprotheres (Aves, Accipitridae, Accipitriformes): phylogenetic analysis of mitogenome among raptors.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e10034}, pmid = {33240589}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Three species of Old World vultures on the Asian peninsula are slowly recovering from the lethal consequences of diclofenac. At present the reason for species sensitivity to diclofenac is unknown. Furthermore, it has since been demonstrated that other Old World vultures like the Cape (Gyps coprotheres; CGV) and griffon (G. fulvus) vultures are also susceptible to diclofenac toxicity. Oddly, the New World Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and pied crow (Corvus albus) are not susceptible to diclofenac toxicity. As a result of the latter, we postulate an evolutionary link to toxicity. As a first step in understanding the susceptibility to diclofenac toxicity, we use the CGV as a model species for phylogenetic evaluations, by comparing the relatedness of various raptor species known to be susceptible, non-susceptible and suspected by their relationship to the Cape vulture mitogenome. This was achieved by next generation sequencing and assembly. The Cape vulture mitogenome had a genome size of 16,908 bp. The mitogenome phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between Old World vultures and other members of the Accipitridae as indicated by bootstrap value of 100% on the phylogenetic trees. Based on this, we postulate that the other species could also be sensitive to the toxic effects of diclofenac. This warrants further investigations.}, } @article {pmid33239782, year = {2020}, author = {O'Connor, PM and Turner, AH and Groenke, JR and Felice, RN and Rogers, RR and Krause, DW and Rahantarisoa, LJ}, title = {Late Cretaceous bird from Madagascar reveals unique development of beaks.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {588}, number = {7837}, pages = {272-276}, pmid = {33239782}, issn = {1476-4687}, support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Beak/*anatomy & histology ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy & histology/classification ; *Fossils ; Madagascar ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Mesozoic birds display considerable diversity in size, flight adaptations and feather organization[1-4], but exhibit relatively conserved patterns of beak shape and development[5-7]. Although Neornithine (that is, crown group) birds also exhibit constraint on facial development[8,9], they have comparatively diverse beak morphologies associated with a range of feeding and behavioural ecologies, in contrast to Mesozoic birds. Here we describe a crow-sized stem bird, Falcatakely forsterae gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous epoch of Madagascar that possesses a long and deep rostrum, an expression of beak morphology that was previously unknown among Mesozoic birds and is superficially similar to that of a variety of crown-group birds (for example, toucans). The rostrum of Falcatakely is composed of an expansive edentulous maxilla and a small tooth-bearing premaxilla. Morphometric analyses of individual bony elements and three-dimensional rostrum shape reveal the development of a neornithine-like facial anatomy despite the retention of a maxilla-premaxilla organization that is similar to that of nonavialan theropods. The patterning and increased height of the rostrum in Falcatakely reveals a degree of developmental lability and increased morphological disparity that was previously unknown in early branching avialans. Expression of this phenotype (and presumed ecology) in a stem bird underscores that consolidation to the neornithine-like, premaxilla-dominated rostrum was not an evolutionary prerequisite for beak enlargement.}, } @article {pmid33233498, year = {2020}, author = {Smirni, D}, title = {The Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices in Healthy Children: A Qualitative Approach.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {33233498}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Studies on the structure of intelligence refer to two main theoretical models: the first one considers intelligence as a unitary construct, the second one assumes the involvement of a plurality of factors. Studies using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) tasks have often highlighted the involvement of different cognitive abilities and brain structures, but in the clinical setting, RCPM measurement continues to be used as a single score. The current study aimed to analyse the RCPM performance following qualitative clustering, in order to provide an interpretation of the intelligence assessment through a factorial criterion. The RCPM have been administered to a large group of typically developing children between 6 and 11 years of age. The sample was divided into twelve age groups, and the performance of each age group was shown. Three qualitative item clusters were identified through a factorial criterion. Data showed that performance on RCPM may arise from different cognitive abilities, starting from basic attentional skills up to the more complex ones that require perceptual or analogical reasoning. The qualitative parameters could provide more effective diagnostic and treatment suggestions than a single total score in the clinical setting, and may be crucial for focusing on strength and weakness in the intellectual functionality evaluation of children.}, } @article {pmid33229557, year = {2020}, author = {Kunda, M}, title = {AI, visual imagery, and a case study on the challenges posed by human intelligence tests.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {117}, number = {47}, pages = {29390-29397}, pmid = {33229557}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {P50 HD103537/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Humans ; Imagination/*physiology ; *Intelligence Tests ; *Machine Learning ; Models, Psychological ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Spatial Processing/physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Observations abound about the power of visual imagery in human intelligence, from how Nobel prize-winning physicists make their discoveries to how children understand bedtime stories. These observations raise an important question for cognitive science, which is, what are the computations taking place in someone's mind when they use visual imagery? Answering this question is not easy and will require much continued research across the multiple disciplines of cognitive science. Here, we focus on a related and more circumscribed question from the perspective of artificial intelligence (AI): If you have an intelligent agent that uses visual imagery-based knowledge representations and reasoning operations, then what kinds of problem solving might be possible, and how would such problem solving work? We highlight recent progress in AI toward answering these questions in the domain of visuospatial reasoning, looking at a case study of how imagery-based artificial agents can solve visuospatial intelligence tests. In particular, we first examine several variations of imagery-based knowledge representations and problem-solving strategies that are sufficient for solving problems from the Raven's Progressive Matrices intelligence test. We then look at how artificial agents, instead of being designed manually by AI researchers, might learn portions of their own knowledge and reasoning procedures from experience, including learning visuospatial domain knowledge, learning and generalizing problem-solving strategies, and learning the actual definition of the task in the first place.}, } @article {pmid33225245, year = {2020}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Categorical Auditory Working Memory in Crows.}, journal = {iScience}, volume = {23}, number = {11}, pages = {101737}, pmid = {33225245}, issn = {2589-0042}, abstract = {The ability to group sensory data into behaviorally meaningful classes and to maintain these perceptual categories active in working memory is key to intelligent behavior. Here, we show that carrion crows, highly vocal and cognitively advanced corvid songbirds, possess categorical auditory working memory. The crows were trained in a delayed match-to-category task that required them to flexibly match remembered sounds based on the upward or downward shift of the sounds' frequency modulation. After training, the crows instantaneously classified novel sounds into the correct auditory categories. The crows showed sharp category boundaries as a function of the relative frequency interval of the modulation. In addition, the crows generalized frequency-modulated sounds within a category and correctly classified novel sounds kept in working memory irrespective of other acoustic features of the sound. This suggests that crows can form and actively memorize auditory perceptual categories in the service of cognitive control of their goal-directed behaviors.}, } @article {pmid33207724, year = {2020}, author = {Mughal, R and Hill, CM and Joyce, A and Dimitriou, D}, title = {Sleep and Cognition in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {33207724}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience significantly higher rates of sleep disturbances than their typically developing peers. However, little is known about the association between sleep and the cognitive phenotype in these clinical populations. Structural damage affecting cortical and subcortical connectivity occurs as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure in children with FASD, whilst it is believed an abundance of short-range connectivity explains the phenotypic manifestations of childhood ASD. These underlying neural structural and connectivity differences manifest as cognitive patterns, with some shared and some unique characteristics between FASD and ASD. This is the first study to examine sleep and its association with cognition in individuals with FASD, and to compare sleep in individuals with FASD and ASD. We assessed children aged 6-12 years with a diagnosis of FASD (n = 29), ASD (n = 21), and Typically Developing (TD) children (n = 46) using actigraphy (CamNTech Actiwatch 8), digit span tests of working memory (Weschler Intelligence Scale), tests of nonverbal mental age (MA; Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices), receptive vocabulary (British Picture Vocabulary Scale), and a choice reaction time (CRT) task. Children with FASD and ASD presented with significantly shorter total sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency, and more nocturnal wakings than their TD peers. Sleep was significantly associated with scores on the cognitive tests in all three groups. Our findings support the growing body of work asserting that sleep is significant to cognitive functioning in these neurodevelopmental conditions; however, more research is needed to determine cause and effect.}, } @article {pmid33200879, year = {2021}, author = {Snow, NP and Wishart, JD and Foster, JA and Staples, LD and VerCauteren, KC}, title = {Efficacy and risks from a modified sodium nitrite toxic bait for wild pigs.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {77}, number = {4}, pages = {1616-1625}, doi = {10.1002/ps.6180}, pmid = {33200879}, issn = {1526-4998}, mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; Australia ; Queensland ; Sodium Nitrite ; *Sus scrofa ; Swine ; Texas ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species throughout many regions of the world. In 2018, a field evaluation of an early prototype of a sodium nitrite (SN) toxic bait in the United States revealed wild pigs dropped large amounts of the toxic bait outside the pig-specific bait stations while feeding, and thus subsequent hazards for non-target animals. We modified the SN-toxic bait formulation, the design of the bait station, and the baiting strategy to reduce dropped bait. We tested the modifications in Queensland, Australia (December 2018), Alabama, USA (August 2019), and Texas, USA (March 2020) under differing climatic and seasonal conditions for one night.

RESULTS: Cumulatively we found 161 carcasses of all age classes of wild pigs using systematic transects. Remote camera indices indicated high lethality for wild pigs, achieving population reductions of 76.3 to 90.4%. Wild pigs dropped only small particles of SN-toxic bait (average = 55.5 g per bait site), which represented a 19-fold decrease from the previous trial. Despite this reduction, we found three Australian ravens (Corvus coronoides) in Queensland, two Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in Alabama, and 35 granivorous-passerine birds (mostly dark-eyed juncos [Junco hyemalis]) in Texas dead from consuming the dropped bait. We did not detect any population-level effects for those species.

CONCLUSION: Our modifications were effective at reducing populations of wild pigs, but the deaths of non-target species require further steps to minimize these hazards. Next steps will include evaluating various deterrent devices for birds the morning after SN-toxic bait has been offered. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.}, } @article {pmid33194383, year = {2020}, author = {Nesbitt, SJ and Zawiskie, JM and Dawley, RM}, title = {The osteology and phylogenetic position of the loricatan (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) Heptasuchus clarki, from the ?Mid-Upper Triassic, southeastern Big Horn Mountains, Central Wyoming (USA).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e10101}, pmid = {33194383}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Loricatan pseudosuchians (known as "rauisuchians") typically consist of poorly understood fragmentary remains known worldwide from the Middle Triassic to the end of the Triassic Period. Renewed interest and the discovery of more complete specimens recently revolutionized our understanding of the relationships of archosaurs, the origin of Crocodylomorpha, and the paleobiology of these animals. However, there are still few loricatans known from the Middle to early portion of the Late Triassic and the forms that occur during this time are largely known from southern Pangea or Europe. Heptasuchus clarki was the first formally recognized North American "rauisuchian" and was collected from a poorly sampled and disparately fossiliferous sequence of Triassic strata in North America. Exposed along the trend of the Casper Arch flanking the southeastern Big Horn Mountains, the type locality of Heptasuchus clarki occurs within a sequence of red beds above the Alcova Limestone and Crow Mountain formations within the Chugwater Group. The age of the type locality is poorly constrained to the Middle-early Late Triassic and is likely similar to or just older than that of the Popo Agie Formation assemblage from the western portion of Wyoming. The holotype consists of associated cranial elements found in situ, and the referred specimens consist of crania and postcrania. Thus, about 30% of the osteology of the taxon is preserved. All of the pseudosuchian elements collected at the locality appear to belong to Heptasuchus clarki and the taxon is not a chimera as previously hypothesized. Heptasuchus clarki is distinct from all other archosaurs by the presence of large, posteriorly directed flanges on the parabasisphenoid and a distinct, orbit-overhanging postfrontal. Our phylogenetic hypothesis posits a sister-taxon relationship between Heptasuchus clarki and the Ladinian-aged Batrachotomus kupferzellensis from current-day Germany within Loricata. These two taxa share a number of apomorphies from across the skull and their phylogenetic position further supports 'rauisuchian' paraphyly. A minimum of three individuals of Heptasuchus are present at the type locality suggesting that a group of individuals died together, similar to other aggregations of loricatans (e.g., Heptasuchus, Batrachotomus, Decuriasuchus, Postosuchus).}, } @article {pmid33192900, year = {2020}, author = {Blum, CR and Fitch, WT and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Rapid Learning and Long-Term Memory for Dangerous Humans in Ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {581794}, pmid = {33192900}, issn = {1664-1078}, support = {W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Like many predatory species, humans have pronounced individual differences in their interactions with potential prey: some humans pose a lethal threat while others may provide valuable resources. Recognizing individual humans would thus allow prey species to maximize potential rewards while ensuring survival. Previous studies on corvids showed they can recognize and remember individual humans. For instance, wild American crows produced alarm calls toward specifically masked humans up to 2.7 years after those humans had caught and ringed them while wearing that mask. However, individual behavior of the crows or the impact of social features on their responses, was hardly examined. Here, we studied predator learning and social effects on responses, using a similar method, in captive common ravens (Corvus corax). We investigated learning and the impact of key social components on individual reactions to artificial predators. Human experimenters wore two types of masks while walking past two raven aviaries. In four training trials, the "dangerous" mask was presented while carrying a dead raven, whereas the "neutral" mask was presented empty-handed. Between every training trial and in all following trials, we presented both masks without dead ravens. We assessed the subjects' (i) learning speed, (ii) selective long-term response, and (iii) potential effects of social dynamics on individual alarm calling frequency. Ravens learned quickly (often based on the first trial), and some individuals distinguished the dangerous from the neutral mask for the next 4 years. Despite having received the same amount and quality of exposure to the dangerous mask, we found pronounced individual differences in alarm calling that were fairly consistent across test trials in socially stable situations: dominance, but not sex explained individual differences in alarm responses, indicating the potential use of alarm calls as "status symbols." These findings fit to those in wild bird populations and dominant individuals signaling their quality. Changes in the individuals' participation and intensity of alarm calling coincided with changes in group composition and pair formation, further supporting the role of social context on ravens' alarm calling.}, } @article {pmid33185595, year = {2020}, author = {Satoh, M and Ogawa, JI and Tokita, T and Matsumoto, Y and Nakao, K and Tabei, KI and Kato, N and Tomimoto, H}, title = {The Effects of a 5-Year Physical Exercise Intervention with Music in Community- Dwelling Normal Elderly People: The Mihama-Kiho Follow-Up Project.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {78}, number = {4}, pages = {1493-1507}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-200480}, pmid = {33185595}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {*Activities of Daily Living ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Atrophy ; *Cognition ; *Exercise ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Functional Status ; Humans ; Independent Living ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; *Music ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Temporal Lobe/*diagnostic imaging/pathology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: We previously reported the enhanced effects of physical exercise when combined with music (ExM) on cognitive function in community-dwelling normal elderly people compared to exercise alone. Following that study, participants voluntarily continued the ExM classes for 5 years.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of a 5-year ExM intervention on cognitive function in normal elderly people.

METHODS: Fifty-four subjects continued the ExM classes once a week for 5 years (ExM group). Thirty-three subjects retired from the ExM class during the 5 years (Retired group). Twenty-one subjects never participated in any intervention over the 5 years (No-exercise group). Cognitive function and ADLs were assessed using neuropsychological batteries and the functional independence measure (FIM), respectively. The voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease (VSRAD) was used to investigate medial temporal lobe atrophy.

RESULTS: Analyses of the raw scores after the 5-year intervention showed significant differences between the ExM and No-exercise groups in their MMSE scores, Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM) time, logical memory (LM)-I, as well as the total and physical exercise sub-scores of the FIM. Analysis of subjects aged 70- 79 years at the beginning of this project showed significantly quicker performance on the RCPM in the ExM compared to No-exercise groups. The correlation coefficients between the total number of ExM sessions attended and the degree of changes in physical, neuropsychological, and VSRAD scores were significant for RCPM performance time and LM-I scores.

CONCLUSION: Long-term ExM intervention reinforces multifaceted cognitive function in normal elderly people, and is especially beneficial for psychomotor speed.}, } @article {pmid33183800, year = {2021}, author = {Drysdale, M and Ratelle, M and Skinner, K and Garcia-Barrios, J and Gamberg, M and Williams, M and Majowicz, S and Bouchard, M and Stark, K and Chalil, D and Laird, BD}, title = {Human biomonitoring results of contaminant and nutrient biomarkers in Old Crow, Yukon, Canada.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {760}, number = {}, pages = {143339}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143339}, pmid = {33183800}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Arctic Regions ; Biological Monitoring ; Biomarkers ; Canada ; *Crows ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Humans ; Yukon Territory ; }, abstract = {Several large-scale human biomonitoring projects have been conducted in Canada, including the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI). However, neither of these studies included participants living in the Yukon. To address this data gap, a human biomonitoring project was implemented in Old Crow, a fly-in Gwich'in community in the northern Yukon. The results of this project provide baseline levels of contaminant and nutrient biomarkers from Old Crow in 2019. Samples of hair, blood, and/or urine were collected from approximately 44% of community residents (77 of 175 adults). These samples were analyzed for contaminants (including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs)), and nutrients (including trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids). Levels of these analytes were compared to health-based guidance values, when available, and results from other human biomonitoring projects in Canada. Levels of lead (GM 0.64 μg/g creatinine in urine/24 μg/L blood), cadmium (GM 0.32 μg/g creatinine in urine/0.85 μg/L blood), and mercury (GM < LOD in urine/0.76 μg/L blood/0.31 μg/g hair) were below select health-based guidance values for more than 95% of participants. However, compared to the general Canadian population, elevated levels of some contaminants, including lead (approximately 2× higher), cobalt (approximately 1.5× higher), manganese (approximately 1.3× higher), and hexachlorobenzene (approximately 1.5× higher) were observed. In contrast, levels of other POPs, including insecticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), its metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were similar to, or lower than, those reported in the general Canadian population. This study can be used along with future biomonitoring programs to evaluate the effectiveness of international initiatives designed to reduce the contaminant burden in the Arctic, including the Stockholm Convention and the Minamata Convention. Regionally, this project complements environmental monitoring being conducted in the region, informing local and regional traditional food consumption advisories.}, } @article {pmid33183538, year = {2020}, author = {Akubuilo, UC and Iloh, KK and Onu, JU and Iloh, ON and Ubesie, AC and Ikefuna, AN}, title = {Nutritional status of primary school children: Association with intelligence quotient and academic performance.}, journal = {Clinical nutrition ESPEN}, volume = {40}, number = {}, pages = {208-213}, doi = {10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.09.019}, pmid = {33183538}, issn = {2405-4577}, mesh = {*Academic Performance ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Intelligence ; *Nutritional Status ; Schools ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in brain development throughout life. Sub-optimal intellectual ability and poor school performance are said to be among the long term effects of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the association between nutritional status of the participants, their intelligence quotient (IQ) and academic performance.

METHODS: Children aged 6-12 years who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from the public and private primary schools in the local government area using a proportionate multistage sampling technique. Weight and height were measured using standard protocols and interpreted as normal or abnormal using the World Health Organization AnthroPlus®. IQ was assessed using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and was grouped into optimal and suboptimal. Academic performance was assessed using the past records of class assessment, and was classified into high, average and low academic performance. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data such as-age, gender, socioeconomic indices and family size of the study participants.

RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight, thinness (wasting), stunting, overweight and obesity were 2.0%, 3.6%, 2.1%, 6.7%, and 4.2%, respectively. Indices of over-nutrition were significantly associated with optimal IQ and good academic performance. There was a trend in the association between wasting and suboptimal intelligence [AOR (95%CI) = 1.5 (1.0-3.0), p = 0.06].

CONCLUSION: Acute and chronic under-nutrition did not adversely affect the IQ and academic performance of the study population. The relationship between over-nutrition, IQ and academic performance disappeared when socio-economic status was controlled for.}, } @article {pmid33169920, year = {2021}, author = {Caverzan, J and Mussi, L and Sufi, B and Padovani, G and Nazato, L and Camargo, FB and Magalhães, WV and Di Stasi, LC}, title = {A new phytocosmetic preparation from Thymus vulgaris stimulates adipogenesis and controls skin aging process: In vitro studies and topical effects in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {7}, pages = {2190-2202}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13818}, pmid = {33169920}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//The Research Project was supported by Chemyunion Ltd., SP, Brazil/ ; }, mesh = {Adipogenesis ; Animals ; Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; Mice ; *Skin Aging ; *Thymus Plant ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of the injectable products for soft tissue augmentation and treatment of skin aging is an uncomfortable, invasive and related to several complications, and chronic reactions, mainly after long-term application. Efforts to develop new topically active anti-aging products with fewer adverse effects are a huge challenge that should be faced.

AIMS: We evaluated the anti-aging effects of a phytocosmetic preparation containing Thymus vulgaris associated with lecithin (ThymLec) on the facial wrinkles, expression lines, and face oval remodeling using a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and in vitro cell culture assays.

METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of ThymLec 2% on the area, length, and depth of the perioral and crow's feet wrinkles, nasolabial and smile lines, as well as face oval remodeling in female volunteers using a sophisticated Bio3D Structured-light Scanner. In the in vitro studies using 3T3-L1 mouse embryonic fibroblasts, adiponectin was measured by immunoenzymatic assay, adipogenesis by the AdipoRed reagent method, and the PPAR-γ expression by RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS: Topical treatment with ThymLec 2% reduced facial wrinkles and expression lines promoting a face oval remodeling. In the in vitro studies, ThymLec upregulated the PPAR-γ expression increasing adiponectin production and stimulating the adipogenesis process.

CONCLUSIONS: The phytocosmetic preparation containing Thymus vulgaris and lecithin is an innovative and safe topical anti-aging product promoting fat tissue augmentation by adipogenesis stimulation via the upregulation of PPAR-γ expression and adiponectin production.}, } @article {pmid33159902, year = {2021}, author = {Shahhosseini, N and Frederick, C and Racine, T and Kobinger, GP and Wong, G}, title = {Modeling host-feeding preference and molecular systematics of mosquitoes in different ecological niches in Canada.}, journal = {Acta tropica}, volume = {213}, number = {}, pages = {105734}, doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105734}, pmid = {33159902}, issn = {1873-6254}, mesh = {Aedes/classification/genetics/physiology ; Algorithms ; Animals ; Blood ; Canada ; Culex/classification/genetics/physiology ; Culicidae/classification/genetics/*physiology ; Deer ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Host Specificity ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Swine ; }, abstract = {Several mosquito-borne viruses (mobovirus) cause infections in Canada. Ecological data on mosquito species and host range in Canada remains elusive. The main aim of the current study is to determine the host range and molecular systematics of mosquito species in Canada. Mosquitoes were collected using BG-Sentinel traps and aspirators at 10 trapping sites in Canada during 2018 and 2019. Mosquitoes collected were identified via morphology and molecular techniques. Mosquito sequences were aligned by MUSCLE algorithm and evolutionary systematics were drawn using MEGA and SDT software. Moreover, the source of blood meals was identified using a DNA barcoding technique. A total of 5,708 female mosquitoes over 34 different taxa were collected. DNA barcodes and evolutionary tree analysis confirmed the identification of mosquito species in Canada. Of the total collected samples, 201 specimens were blood-fed female mosquitoes in 20 different taxa. Four mosquito species represented about half (51.47%) of all collected blood-fed specimens: Aede cinereus (39 specimens, 19.11%), Aedes triseriatus (23, 11.27%), Culex pipiens (22, 10.78%), and Anopheles punctipennis (21, 10.29%). The most common blood meal sources were humans (49 mosquito specimens, 24% of all blood-fed mosquito specimen), pigs (44, 21.5%), American red squirrels (28, 13.7%), white-tailed deers (28, 13.7%), and American crows (16, 7.8%). Here, we present the first analysis of the host-feeding preference of different mosquito species in Canada via molecular techniques. Our results on mosquito distribution and behavior will aid in the development of effective mitigation and control strategies to prevent or reduce human/animal health issues in regards to moboviruses.}, } @article {pmid33159552, year = {2021}, author = {Heasley, LR and Sampaio, NMV and Argueso, JL}, title = {Systemic and rapid restructuring of the genome: a new perspective on punctuated equilibrium.}, journal = {Current genetics}, volume = {67}, number = {1}, pages = {57-63}, pmid = {33159552}, issn = {1432-0983}, support = {K99 GM134193/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM119788/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 1K99GM13419301/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM11978801/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Genome, Fungal/*genetics ; Genomic Instability/genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/*genetics ; }, abstract = {The rates and patterns by which cells acquire mutations profoundly shape their evolutionary trajectories and phenotypic potential. Conventional models maintain that mutations are acquired independently of one another over many successive generations. Yet, recent evidence suggests that cells can also experience mutagenic processes that drive rapid genome evolution. One such process manifests as punctuated bursts of genomic instability, in which multiple new mutations are acquired simultaneously during transient episodes of genomic instability. This mutational mode is reminiscent of the theory of punctuated equilibrium, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge in 1972 to explain the burst-like appearance of new species in the fossil record. In this review, we survey the dominant and emerging theories of eukaryotic genome evolution with a particular focus on the growing body of work that substantiates the existence and importance of punctuated bursts of genomic instability. In addition, we summarize and discuss two recent studies from our own group, the results of which indicate that punctuated bursts systemic genomic instability (SGI) can rapidly reconfigure the structure of the diploid genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.}, } @article {pmid33150697, year = {2021}, author = {Armenteros, JA and Caro, J and SÁnchez-GarcÍa, C and Arroyo, B and PÉrez, JA and Gaudioso, VR and Tizado, EJ}, title = {Do non-target species visit feeders and water troughs targeting small game? A study from farmland Spain using camera-trapping.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {16}, number = {2}, pages = {226-239}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12496}, pmid = {33150697}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {Animal Feed ; Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Drinking Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Photography/veterinary ; Spain ; Water ; }, abstract = {Provision of food and water is a widespread tool implemented around the world for the benefit of game and other wildlife, but factors affecting the use of food and water by non-target species are poorly known. We evaluated visits to feeders and water troughs by non-game species using camera-traps in two separate areas of Spain. Feeders and water troughs were either "protected" (when surrounded by more than 50% of shrubs/forest) or "open" (in the opposite case). A total of 18 948 photos from 5344 camera-trapping days depicted animals, and 75 species were identified. Feeders and water troughs were visited by target species (partridges and lagomorphs, 55.3% of visits) and non-target species (44.7% of visits). Among the latter, corvids were the most common (46.1% of visits), followed by rodents (26.8%), other birds (23.6%, mainly passerines), columbids (1.9%), and other species at minor percentages. The highest proportion of visiting days to feeders and water troughs was from corvids (0.173) followed by other-birds (0.109) and rodents (0.083); the lowest proportion was recorded for columbids (0.016). Use intensity and visit frequency of water troughs tripled that recorded in feeders, and visits to open feeders/troughs were approximately twice those to protected ones. In summary: feeders and water troughs targeting small game species are also used regularly by non-target ones; they should be set close to cover to optimize their use by non-target species that are not competitors of target species (though corvids may visit them); water availability should be prioritized where drought periods are expected.}, } @article {pmid33149408, year = {2020}, author = {Tharay, N and Nirmala, S and Bavikati, VN and Nuvvula, S}, title = {Dermatoglyphics as a Novel Method for Assessing Intelligence Quotient in Children Aged 5-11 Years: A Cross-sectional Study.}, journal = {International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {355-360}, pmid = {33149408}, issn = {0974-7052}, abstract = {AIM: To measure the IQ and record dermatoglyphic patterns of children including intellectually disabled aged between 5 years and 11 years and to correlate them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in two private schools in the city corporation limits. A total of 300 children aged between 5 years and 11 years were equally allocated into three groups based on IQ using covariate adaptive randomization. IQ of the children was measured using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Bilateral palmar and finger prints were obtained on A4-size papers by ink method using rolling technique. Prints thus obtained were analyzed for dermatoglyphic variables using magnification lens and are read based on Cummins and Midlo classification for fingertip patterns and Bali and Chaube classification for palmar flexion creases. The data were entered and statistically analyzed. For statistical significance, a two-tailed probability value of less than 0.05 was taken as significant.

RESULTS: The current study suggests a relationship between different fingertip patterns of digits of I, II, III, and IV of left and right hand and also digit V of right hand with various levels of IQ.

CONCLUSION: Hence, dermatoglyphics can be considered as a preliminary noninvasive approach for the determination of IQ. Also, it plays an imperative role, especially in distinguishing genetic intellectual disabilities.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Tharay N, Nirmala SVSG, Bavikati VN, et a l. Dermatoglyphics as a Novel Method for Assessing Intelligence Quotient in Children Aged 5-11 Years: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):355-360.}, } @article {pmid33148225, year = {2020}, author = {Xu, K and An, N and Huang, H and Duan, L and Ma, J and Ding, J and He, T and Zhu, J and Li, Z and Cheng, X and Zhou, G and Ba, Y}, title = {Fluoride exposure and intelligence in school-age children: evidence from different windows of exposure susceptibility.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {1657}, pmid = {33148225}, issn = {1471-2458}, support = {81972981//Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81673116//Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 162300410272//Henan Department of Science and Technology, China/ ; 2020ZZUKCSZ008//Zhengzhou University/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child Development/*drug effects ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Fluorides/*adverse effects/urine ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Schools ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The intellectual loss induced by fluoride exposure has been extensively studied, but the association between fluoride exposure in different susceptibility windows and children's intelligence is rarely reported. Hence, we conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the association between fluoride exposure in prenatal and childhood periods and intelligence quotient (IQ).

METHODS: We recruited 633 local children aged 7-13 years old randomly from four primary schools in Kaifeng, China in 2017. The children were divided into four groups, of which included: control group (CG, n = 228), only prenatal excessive fluoride exposure group (PFG, n = 107), only childhood excessive fluoride exposure group (CFG, n = 157), both prenatal and childhood excessive fluoride exposure group (BFG, n = 141). The concentrations of urinary fluoride (UF) and urinary creatinine (UCr) were determined by fluoride ion-selective electrode assay and a creatinine assay kit (picric acid method), respectively. The concentration of UCr-adjusted urinary fluoride (CUF) was calculated. IQ score was assessed using the second revision of the Combined Raven's Test-The Rural in China (CRT-RC2). Threshold and saturation effects analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted to analyze the association between fluoride exposure and IQ.

RESULTS: The mean IQ score in PFG was respectively lower than those in CG, CFG and BFG (P < 0.05). The odds of developing excellent intelligence among children in PFG decreased by 51.1% compared with children in CG (OR = 0.489, 95% CI: 0.279, 0.858). For all the children, CUF concentration of ≥1.7 mg/L was negatively associated with IQ scores (β = - 4.965, 95% CI: - 9.198, - 0.732, P = 0.022). In children without prenatal fluoride exposure, every 1.0 mg/L increment in the CUF concentration of ≥2.1 mg/L was related to a reduction of 11.4 points in children's IQ scores (95% CI: - 19.2, - 3.5, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal and childhood excessive fluoride exposures may impair the intelligence development of school children. Furthermore, children with prenatal fluoride exposure had lower IQ scores than children who were not prenatally exposed; therefore the reduction of IQ scores at higher levels of fluoride exposure in childhood does not become that evident.}, } @article {pmid33143583, year = {2020}, author = {Boeckle, M and Schiestl, M and Frohnwieser, A and Gruber, R and Miller, R and Suddendorf, T and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {New Caledonian crows plan for specific future tool use.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {287}, number = {1938}, pages = {20201490}, pmid = {33143583}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to plan for future events is one of the defining features of human intelligence. Whether non-human animals can plan for specific future situations remains contentious: despite a sustained research effort over the last two decades, there is still no consensus on this question. Here, we show that New Caledonian crows can use tools to plan for specific future events. Crows learned a temporal sequence where they were (a) shown a baited apparatus, (b) 5 min later given a choice of five objects and (c) 10 min later given access to the apparatus. At test, these crows were presented with one of two tool-apparatus combinations. For each combination, the crows chose the right tool for the right future task, while ignoring previously useful tools and a low-value food item. This study establishes that planning for specific future tool use can evolve via convergent evolution, given that corvids and humans shared a common ancestor over 300 million years ago, and offers a route to mapping the planning capacities of animals.}, } @article {pmid33139274, year = {2020}, author = {Kutilova, I and Valcek, A and Papagiannitsis, CC and Cejkova, D and Masarikova, M and Paskova, V and Davidova-Gerzova, L and Videnska, P and Hrabak, J and Literak, I and Dolejska, M}, title = {Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria from American Crows in the United States.}, journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy}, volume = {65}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {33139274}, issn = {1098-6596}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; *Crows ; Enterobacter ; *Klebsiella Infections ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/genetics ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Plasmids/genetics ; Providencia ; United States ; beta-Lactamases/genetics ; }, abstract = {Wild corvids were examined for the presence of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in the United States. A total of 13 isolates were detected among 590 fecal samples of American crow; 11 Providencia rettgeri isolates harboring blaIMP-27 on the chromosome as a class 2 integron gene cassette within the Tn7 transposon, 1 Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 isolate carrying blaKPC-2 on a pKpQIL-like plasmid as a part of Tn4401a, and 1 Enterobacter bugandensis isolate with blaIMI-1 located within EcloIMEX-2.}, } @article {pmid33126740, year = {2020}, author = {Islam, A and Islam, S and Hossain, ME and Ferdous, J and Abedin, J and Ziaur Rahman, M and Rahman, MK and Hoque, MA and Hassan, MM}, title = {Serological Evidence of West Nile Virus in Wild Birds in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Veterinary sciences}, volume = {7}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {33126740}, issn = {2306-7381}, abstract = {West Nile Virus (WNV) is a vector-borne zoonotic disease maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving mosquito vectors and birds. To detect WNV and other flavivirus infections in wild resident and migratory birds, we tested 184 samples from 19 identified species within nine families collected during 2012-2016 from four districts in Bangladesh. We tested serum samples for the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody against WNV using competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA), whereas tracheal and cloacal swabs were subjected to consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (c-PCR) for the detection of the flavivirus RNA. Overall, we detected 11.9% (n = 22; 95% CI: 0.07-0.16) samples were seropositive, including 15.9% in the migratory wild birds and 10.7% in the resident wild birds. The migratory wild Tufted duck showed 28.5% seropositivity, whereas the resident wild house crows showed 12.5% seropositivity. None of the swab samples was positive for flavivirus RNA infection (0%, n = 184; 95% CI: 0-0.019). These study findings recommend continued surveillance for early detection and to better understand the epidemiology of WNV and other flavivirus circulation in both birds and mosquitoes in Bangladesh.}, } @article {pmid33125552, year = {2020}, author = {Prakas, P and Butkauskas, D and Juozaitytė-Ngugu, E}, title = {Molecular and morphological description of Sarcocystis kutkienae sp. nov. from the common raven (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {119}, number = {12}, pages = {4205-4210}, doi = {10.1007/s00436-020-06941-8}, pmid = {33125552}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Crows/*parasitology ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Lithuania ; Oocysts/classification/cytology/genetics/ultrastructure ; Phylogeny ; Sarcocystis/classification/*cytology/*genetics/ultrastructure ; Sarcocystosis/parasitology/*veterinary ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Until now, two Sarcocystis species, S. cornixi and S. corvusi, were known to employ members of the family Corvidae as intermediate hosts. Between 2013 and 2019, having examined leg muscles of 23 common ravens in Lithuania, sarcocysts were detected in 18 birds (78.3%). Using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular analysis (three genetic loci, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and ITS1), sarcocysts found in the common raven were described as a new species S. kutkienae. Under a light microscope, the observed sarcocysts were ribbon-shaped (1500-8147 × 53-79 μm) and had a wavy striated cyst wall that reached up to 1.5 μm. Lancet-shaped bradyzoites were 7.7 × 2.2 μm (6.1-9.0 × 1.2-3.0 μm) in size. Ultrastructurally, the sarcocyst wall was 1.5-1.8 μm in thickness and had conical-like protrusions with minute invaginations of a parasitophorous vacuolar membrane. The cyst wall was type 1e-like. Limited genetic variability was observed between the 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA sequences of S. kutkienae and other Sarcocystis spp. using birds as intermediate hosts. In contrast, S. kutkienae could be clearly identified by comparing sequences. At this locus, sequences of S. kutkienae shared the highest similarity (89.5-89.7%) with those of S. cornixi. Phylogenetic analysis showed that S. kutkienae was most closely related to Sarcocystis spp. that employs birds as intermediate and definitive hosts. The issue relating to which species might serve as definitive hosts of S. kutkienae in Lithuania is addressed.}, } @article {pmid33117228, year = {2020}, author = {Cabrera-Álvarez, MJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Neural Processes Underlying Tool Use in Humans, Macaques, and Corvids.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {560669}, pmid = {33117228}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {It was thought that tool use in animals is an adaptive specialization. Recent studies, however, have shown that some non-tool-users, such as rooks and jays, can use and manufacture tools in laboratory settings. Despite the abundant evidence of tool use in corvids, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying tool use in this family of birds. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the neural processes underlying tool use in humans, macaques and corvids. We suggest a possible neural network for tool use in macaques and hope this might inspire research to discover a similar brain network in corvids. We hope to establish a framework to elucidate the neural mechanisms that supported the convergent evolution of tool use in birds and mammals.}, } @article {pmid33115663, year = {2021}, author = {Cai, QL and Peng, DJ and Lin-Zhao, and Chen, JW and Yong-Li, and Luo, HL and Ou, SY and Huang, ML and Jiang, YM}, title = {Impact of Lead Exposure on Thyroid Status and IQ Performance among School-age Children Living Nearby a Lead-Zinc Mine in China.}, journal = {Neurotoxicology}, volume = {82}, number = {}, pages = {177-185}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuro.2020.10.010}, pmid = {33115663}, issn = {1872-9711}, mesh = {Child ; China/epidemiology ; Diet, Healthy ; Drinking Water/adverse effects ; Female ; Glutamic Acid/blood ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects ; Intelligence Tests ; *Lead/analysis/blood ; Lead Poisoning/*complications/etiology ; Male ; *Mining ; Oryza/chemistry ; Risk Factors ; Thyroid Gland/*drug effects ; Thyroid Hormones/blood ; Thyrotropin/blood ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects ; *Zinc ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/blood ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lead exposure is one of the most concerning public health problems worldwide, particularly among children. Yet the impact of chronic lead exposure on the thyroid status and related intelligence quotient performance among school-age children remained elusive.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of lead exposure on the thyroid hormones, amino acid neurotransmitters balances, and intelligence quotient (IQ) among school-age children living nearby a lead-zinc mining site. Other factors such as rice lead levels, mothers' smoking behavior, and diet intake were also investigated.

METHODS: A total of 255 children aged 7-12 years old were recruited in this study. Blood lead level (BLL), thyroid hormones including free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and amino acid neurotransmitters such as glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), chemiluminescence immunoassay, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Raven's standard progressive matrices (SPM) and the questionnaire were used to determine IQ and collect related influence factors.

RESULTS: The average BLL of children was 84.8 μg/L. The occurrence of lead intoxication (defined as the BLL ≥ 100 μg/L) was 31.8%. Serum TSH levels and IQ of lead-intoxicated children were significantly lower than those without lead toxicity. The GABA level of girls with the lead intoxication was higher than those with no lead-exposed group. Correlation analyses revealed that BLL were inversely associated with the serum TSH levels (R= -0.186, p < 0.05), but positively related with IQ grades (R = 0.147, p < 0.05). Moreover, BLL and Glu were inversely correlated with IQ. In addition, this study revealed four factors that may contribute to the incidence of lead intoxication among children, including the frequency of mother smoking (OR = 3.587, p < 0.05) and drinking un-boiled stagnant tap water (OR = 3.716, p < 0.05); eating fresh fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.323, p < 0.05) and soy products regularly (OR = 0.181, p < 0.05) may protect against lead intoxication.

CONCLUSION: Lead exposure affects the serum TSH, GABA levels and IQ of school-aged children. Developing good living habits, improving environment, increasing the intake of high-quality protein and fresh vegetable and fruit may improve the condition of lead intoxication.}, } @article {pmid33114480, year = {2020}, author = {De Allegri, M and Srivastava, S and Strupat, C and Brenner, S and Parmar, D and Parisi, D and Walsh, C and Mahajan, S and Neogi, R and Ziegler, S and Basu, S and Jain, N}, title = {Mixed and Multi-Methods Protocol to Evaluate Implementation Processes and Early Effects of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme in Seven Indian States.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {21}, pages = {}, pmid = {33114480}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Health Services ; Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration ; *Hospitals ; India ; *Insurance, Health ; Program Evaluation/methods ; Quality of Health Care ; }, abstract = {In September 2018, India launched Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a nationally implemented government-funded health insurance scheme to improve access to quality inpatient care, increase financial protection, and reduce unmet need for the most vulnerable population groups. This protocol describes the methodology adopted to evaluate implementation processes and early effects of PM-JAY in seven Indian states. The study adopts a mixed and multi-methods concurrent triangulation design including three components: 1. demand-side household study, including a structured survey and qualitative elements, to quantify and understand PM-JAY reach and its effect on insurance awareness, health service utilization, and financial protection; 2. supply-side hospital-based survey encompassing both quantitative and qualitative elements to assess the effect of PM-JAY on quality of service delivery and to explore healthcare providers' experiences with scheme implementation; and 3. process documentation to examine implementation processes in selected states transitioning from either no or prior health insurance to PM-JAY. Descriptive statistics and quasi-experimental methods will be used to analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data. The study design presented represents the first effort to jointly evaluate implementation processes and early effects of the largest government-funded health insurance scheme ever launched in India.}, } @article {pmid33114239, year = {2020}, author = {Shriner, SA and Root, JJ}, title = {A Review of Avian Influenza A Virus Associations in Synanthropic Birds.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {12}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {33114239}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Domestic/virology ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; Birds/classification/*virology ; Influenza A virus/*physiology ; Influenza in Birds/*transmission ; Poultry/*virology ; }, abstract = {Avian influenza A viruses (IAV) have received significant attention due to the threat they pose to human, livestock, and wildlife health. In this review, we focus on what is known about IAV dynamics in less common avian species that may play a role in trafficking IAVs to poultry operations. Specifically, we focus on synanthropic bird species. Synanthropic species, otherwise known as peridomestic, are species that are ecologically associated with humans and anthropogenically modified landscapes, such as agricultural and urban areas. Aquatic birds such as waterfowl and shorebirds are the species most commonly associated with avian IAVs, and are generally considered the reservoir or maintenance hosts in the natural ecology of these viruses. Waterfowl and shorebirds are occasionally associated with poultry facilities, but are uncommon or absent in many areas, especially large commercial operations. In these cases, spillover hosts that share resources with both maintenance hosts and target hosts such as poultry may play an important role in introducing wild bird viruses onto farms. Consequently, our focus here is on what is known about IAV dynamics in synanthropic hosts that are commonly found on both farms and in nearby habitats, such as fields, lakes, wetlands, or riparian areas occupied by waterfowl or shorebirds.}, } @article {pmid33113033, year = {2021}, author = {Laumer, IB and Jelbert, SA and Taylor, AH and Rössler, T and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Object manufacture based on a memorized template: Goffin's cockatoos attend to different model features.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {457-470}, pmid = {33113033}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P29075//FWF/ ; CS 18-023//WWTF/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cockatoos ; Learning ; Memory ; *Parrots ; Reward ; }, abstract = {Although several nonhuman animals have the ability to recognize and match templates in computerized tasks, we know little about their ability to recall and then physically manufacture specific features of mental templates. Across three experiments, Goffin cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana), a species that can use tools in captivity, were exposed to two pre-made template objects, varying in either colour, size (long or short) or shape (I or L-shaped), where only one template was rewarded. Birds were then given the opportunity to manufacture versions of these objects themselves. We found that all birds carved paper strips from the same colour material as the rewarded template, and half were also able to match the size of a template (long and short). This occurred despite the template being absent at test and birds being rewarded at random. However, we found no evidence that cockatoos could carve L-shaped pieces after learning that L-shaped templates were rewarded, though their manufactured strips were wider than in previous tests. Overall, our results show that Goffin cockatoos possess the ability to physically adjust at least the size dimension of manufactured objects relative to a mental template. This ability has previously only been shown in New Caledonian crows, where template matching was suggested as a potential mechanism allowing for the cumulative cultural transmission of tool designs. Our results show that within avian tool users, the ability to recreate a physical template from memory does not seem to be restricted to species that have cumulative tool cultures.}, } @article {pmid33102596, year = {2020}, author = {Prabhakar, SK and Rajaguru, H and Kim, SH}, title = {An Amalgamated Approach to Bilevel Feature Selection Techniques Utilizing Soft Computing Methods for Classifying Colon Cancer.}, journal = {BioMed research international}, volume = {2020}, number = {}, pages = {8427574}, pmid = {33102596}, issn = {2314-6141}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Colonic Neoplasms/*genetics/*pathology ; Discriminant Analysis ; Gene Expression/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling/methods ; Humans ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis/methods ; }, abstract = {One of the deadliest diseases which affects the large intestine is colon cancer. Older adults are typically affected by colon cancer though it can happen at any age. It generally starts as small benign growth of cells that forms on the inside of the colon, and later, it develops into cancer. Due to the propagation of somatic alterations that affects the gene expression, colon cancer is caused. A standardized format for assessing the expression levels of thousands of genes is provided by the DNA microarray technology. The tumors of various anatomical regions can be distinguished by the patterns of gene expression in microarray technology. As the microarray data is too huge to process due to the curse of dimensionality problem, an amalgamated approach of utilizing bilevel feature selection techniques is proposed in this paper. In the first level, the genes or the features are dimensionally reduced with the help of Multivariate Minimum Redundancy-Maximum Relevance (MRMR) technique. Then, in the second level, six optimization techniques are utilized in this work for selecting the best genes or features before proceeding to classification process. The optimization techniques considered in this work are Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO), Teaching Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO), League Championship Optimization (LCO), Beetle Antennae Search Optimization (BASO), Crow Search Optimization (CSO), and Fruit Fly Optimization (FFO). Finally, it is classified with five suitable classifiers, and the best results show when IWO is utilized with MRMR, and then classified with Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA), a classification accuracy of 99.16% is obtained.}, } @article {pmid33096932, year = {2020}, author = {Blazkova, B and Pastorkova, A and Solansky, I and Veleminsky, M and Veleminsky, M and Rossnerova, A and Honkova, K and Rossner, P and Sram, RJ}, title = {The Impact of Cesarean and Vaginal Delivery on Results of Psychological Cognitive Test in 5 Year Old Children.}, journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)}, volume = {56}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {33096932}, issn = {1648-9144}, support = {NV 18-09-00151//Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic/ ; }, mesh = {*Cesarean Section ; Child, Preschool ; *Delivery, Obstetric ; Female ; Humans ; Mothers ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pregnancy ; Psychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Background and objectives: The impact of cesarean and vaginal delivery on cognitive development was analyzed in 5 year old children. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of 5 year old children born in the years 2013 and 2014 in Karvina (Northern Moravia) and Ceske Budejovice (Southern Bohemia) were studied for their cognitive development related to vaginal (n = 117) and cesarean types of delivery (n = 51). The Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (BG test) and the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM test) were used as psychological tests. Results: In the comparison of vaginal delivery vs. cesarean section, the children delivered by cesarean section scored lower and, therefore, achieved poorer performance in cognitive tests compared to those born by vaginal delivery, as shown in the RCPM (p < 0.001) and in the BG test (p < 0.001). When mothers' education level was considered, the children whose mothers achieved a university degree scored higher in both the RCPM test (p < 0.001) and the BG test (p < 0.01) compared to the children of mothers with lower secondary education. When comparing mothers with a university degree to those with higher secondary education, there was a significant correlation between level of education and score achieved in the RCPM test (p < 0.001), but not in the BG test. Conclusions: According to our findings, the mode of delivery seems to have a significant influence on performance in psychological cognitive tests in 5 year old children in favor of those who were born by vaginal delivery. Since cesarean-born children scored notably below vaginally born children, it appears possible that cesarean delivery may have a convincingly adverse effect on children's further cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid33092864, year = {2021}, author = {Devarapalli, R and Bhattacharyya, B and Sinha, NK and Dey, B}, title = {Amended GWO approach based multi-machine power system stability enhancement.}, journal = {ISA transactions}, volume = {109}, number = {}, pages = {152-174}, doi = {10.1016/j.isatra.2020.09.016}, pmid = {33092864}, issn = {1879-2022}, abstract = {The conception of electromechanical oscillations initiates in the power network when there is an installation of the generator in parallel with the existent one. Further, the interconnection of multiple areas, extension in transmission, capricious load characteristics, etc. causes low-frequency oscillations in the consolidated power network. This paper proposes variants of a booming population-based grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm in the tuning of power system stabilizer parameters of a multi-machine system in damping low-frequency oscillations. The parameters have been tuned by framing an objective function considering the improving damping ratios for the system states with lesser damping ratios and shifting the system eigenvalues towards the left-hand side of s-plane for the improved settling characteristics for the oscillations in the system. The requisites of stabilizer strategy are mapped with the hallmarks of prevalent algorithms and designed hybrid versions of GWO for the enhancement of the multi-machine power system stability. Four variants of GWO technique are nominated based on the competent stabilizer performance namely, modified grey wolf optimization (MGWO), hybrid MGWO particle swarm optimization (MGWOPSO), hybrid MGWO sine cosine algorithm (MGWOSCA) and hybrid MGWO crow search algorithm (MGWOCSA) for the designed multi-machine power network. The proposed methods have been realized with the statistical analysis on the 23 benchmark functions. Nonparametric statistical tests, namely, Feidman test, Anova test and Quade tests, have been performed on the test system, further analysed in detail. A detailed comparative analysis under the self-clearing fault is presented to illustrate the suitability of the proposed techniques. For the analysis purpose, the location of system eigenvalues has been observed along with their oscillating frequencies and corresponding damping ratios. Further, the damping nature offered with considered system uncertainty for the system states also presented with the PSS parameters obtained by the proposed algorithms.}, } @article {pmid33092614, year = {2020}, author = {Schvartz, G and Farnoushi, Y and Berkowitz, A and Edery, N and Hahn, S and Steinman, A and Lublin, A and Erster, O}, title = {Molecular characterization of the re-emerging West Nile virus in avian species and equids in Israel, 2018, and pathological description of the disease.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {528}, pmid = {33092614}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {33-04-0002//Israli Ministry of Agriculture/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Autopsy ; Birds/*virology ; Charadriiformes/virology ; Crows/virology ; Equidae/*virology ; Geese/virology ; Genes, Viral ; Horses/virology ; Israel/epidemiology ; Livestock/virology ; Phylogeny ; Viral Load ; *West Nile Fever/pathology/transmission/veterinary ; *West Nile virus/genetics/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In this report we describe the molecular and pathological characteristics of West Nile virus (WNV) infection that occurred during the summer and fall of 2018 in avian species and equines. WNV is reported in Israel since the 1950s, with occasional outbreaks leading to significant morbidity and mortality in birds, high infection in horses and humans, and sporadic fatalities in humans.

METHODS: Animal and avian carcasses in a suitable condition were examined by post-mortem analysis. Tissue samples were examined for WNV by RT-qPCR and the viral load was quantified. Samples with sufficient material quality were further analyzed by Endpoint PCR and sequencing, which was used for phylogenetic analysis. Tissue samples from positive animals were used for culturing the virus in Vero and C6/36 cells.

RESULTS: WNV RNA was detected in one yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), two long-eared owls (Asio otus), two domesticated geese (Anser anser), one pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), four hooded crows (Corvus cornix), three horses and one donkey. Pathological and histopathological findings were characteristic of viral infection. Molecular analysis and viral load quantification showed varying degrees of infection, ranging between 70-1.4 × 10[6] target copies per sample. Phylogenetic analysis of a 906-bp genomic segment showed that all samples belonged to Lineage 1 clade 1a, with the following partition: five samples from 2018 and one sample detected in 2016 were of Cluster 2 Eastern European, two of Cluster 2 Mediterranean and four of Cluster 4. Four of the positive samples was successfully propagated in C6/36 and Vero cell lines for further work.

CONCLUSIONS: WNV is constantly circulating in wild and domesticated birds and animals in Israel, necessitating constant surveillance in birds and equines. At least three WNV strains were circulating in the suspected birds and animals examined. Quantitative analysis showed that the viral load varies significantly between different organs and tissues of the infected animals.}, } @article {pmid33083225, year = {2020}, author = {Basso, W and Alvarez Rojas, CA and Buob, D and Ruetten, M and Deplazes, P}, title = {Sarcocystis infection in red deer (Cervus elaphus) with eosinophilic myositis/fasciitis in Switzerland and involvement of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and hunting dogs in the transmission.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {130-141}, pmid = {33083225}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {Red deer (Cervus elaphus) carcasses showing grey-greenish discolouration have been increasingly observed in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland. We investigated whether Sarcocystis infections were associated with this pathology, and whether wild and domestic canids were involved in their transmission. Meat from affected red deer (n = 26), faeces and intestines from red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (n = 126), and faeces from hunting dogs (n = 12) from the region, were analysed. Eosinophilic myositis and/or fasciitis were diagnosed in 69% of the deer, and sarcocysts were observed in 89% of the animals. Molecular typing targeting a ~700bp variable region of the 18S rRNA gene revealed Sarcocystis hjorti in 73%, S. venatoria/S. iberica in 54%, S. linearis/S. taeniata in 12%, S. pilosa in 8% and S. ovalis in 4% of the deer samples. No inflammatory changes were observed in red deer carcasses with normal appearance (n = 8); however, sarcocysts were observed in one sample, and S. hjorti, S. venatoria/S. iberica or S. silva DNA was detected in five samples. Sarcocystis oocysts/sporocysts were observed in 11/106 faecal and 6/20 intestinal fox samples, and in 2/12 canine samples. Sarcocystis tenella (n = 8), S. hjorti (n = 2), S. gracilis (n = 2), and S. miescheriana (n = 1) were identified in foxes, and S. gracilis (n = 2), S. capreolicanis (n = 1) and S. linearis/S. taeniata (n = 1) in dogs. This study provides first molecular evidence of S. pilosa and S. silva infection in red deer and S. linearis/S. taeniata in dogs and represents the first record of S. ovalis transmitted by corvids in Central Europe. Although Sarcocystis species infecting red deer are not regarded as zoonotic, the affected carcasses can be declared as unfit for human consumption due to the extensive pathological changes.}, } @article {pmid33081240, year = {2020}, author = {Sen, K and Shepherd, V and Berglund, T and Quintana, A and Puim, S and Tadmori, R and J Turner, R and Khalil, L and Soares, MA}, title = {American Crows as Carriers of Extra Intestinal Pathogenic E. coli and Avian Pathogenic-Like E. coli and Their Potential Impact on a Constructed Wetland.}, journal = {Microorganisms}, volume = {8}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {33081240}, issn = {2076-2607}, support = {University of Washington, Bothell//UW Bothell Facilities Services, Bothell, WA./ ; King County , WA//King County Water Works Grant Program/ ; }, abstract = {The study examines whether crows are carriers of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC)-like strains, and if wetland roost areas contribute to their spread. A total of 10 crow feces (n = 71) and 15 water E. coli isolates (n = 134) from a wetland area could be characterized as potentially ExPEC based on the presence of ≥2 of the five cardinal genes iutA, kpsMT2, papEF, pap A/C, papG, sfa/foc, and afa/dra, while six fecal and 14 water isolates could be characterized as potentially APEC-like based on the presence of plasmid associated genes: iutA, episomal iss, ompT, hlyF and iroN. A total of 32 fecal and 27 water isolates tested carried plasmids based on incompatibility typing. Plasmids from 34 of 38 isolates tested could be transferred to another E. coli strain by conjugation with the antibiotic resistance (AR) profile being transferred, indicating their potential to be transferred to indigenous and non-pathogenic strains in the wetland. APEC-like plasmids could be transferred in six of eight isolates tested. Pathogenic E. coli of importance to the medical community and poultry industry may be detected in high levels in surface water due to corvid activity. Regardless of their role in health or disease, water in wetlands and streams can serve as a media for the dissemination of AR and virulence traits of bacteria, with corvids acting as potential vectors for farther dissemination.}, } @article {pmid33079060, year = {2020}, author = {Horn, L and Bugnyar, T and Griesser, M and Hengl, M and Izawa, EI and Oortwijn, T and Rössler, C and Scheer, C and Schiestl, M and Suyama, M and Taylor, AH and Vanhooland, LC and von Bayern, AM and Zürcher, Y and Massen, JJ}, title = {Sex-specific effects of cooperative breeding and colonial nesting on prosociality in corvids.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {33079060}, issn = {2050-084X}, support = {P26806//Austrian Science Fund/International ; JPMJCR17A4//JST CREST/International ; MKJ1905//Keio University ICR Projects/International ; Rutherford Discovery Fellowship//Royal Society of New Zealand/International ; Marie Jahoda grant//University of Vienna/International ; Y366-B17//Austrian Science Fund/International ; CS11-008//Vienna Science and Technology Fund/International ; 31BD30_172465//ERA-Net BiodivERsA/International ; Förderungsstipendium//University of Vienna/International ; Uni:Docs doctoral fellowship//University of Vienna/International ; 17H02653//JSPS KAKENHI/International ; 16H06324//JSPS KAKENHI/International ; 15J02148//JSPS KAKENHI/International ; Förderungsstipendium//University of Vienna/International ; KAKENHI 17H02653//JSPS/International ; KAKENHI 16H06324//JSPS/International ; KAKENHI 15J02148//JSPS/International ; CREST JPMJCR17A4//JST/International ; ICR Projects MKJ1905//Keio University/International ; }, mesh = {Altruism ; Animals ; *Cooperative Behavior ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; Phylogeny ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {The investigation of prosocial behavior is of particular interest from an evolutionary perspective. Comparisons of prosociality across non-human animal species have, however, so far largely focused on primates, and their interpretation is hampered by the diversity of paradigms and procedures used. Here, we present the first systematic comparison of prosocial behavior across multiple species in a taxonomic group outside the primate order, namely the bird family Corvidae. We measured prosociality in eight corvid species, which vary in the expression of cooperative breeding and colonial nesting. We show that cooperative breeding is positively associated with prosocial behavior across species. Also, colonial nesting is associated with a stronger propensity for prosocial behavior, but only in males. The combined results of our study strongly suggest that both cooperative breeding and colonial nesting, which may both rely on heightened social tolerance at the nest, are likely evolutionary pathways to prosocial behavior in corvids.}, } @article {pmid33076765, year = {2021}, author = {Rindermann, H and Laura Ackermann, A}, title = {Piagetian Tasks and Psychometric Intelligence: Different or Similar Constructs?.}, journal = {Psychological reports}, volume = {124}, number = {6}, pages = {2795-2821}, doi = {10.1177/0033294120965876}, pmid = {33076765}, issn = {1558-691X}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Problem Solving ; Psychometrics ; Schools ; }, abstract = {Research on cognitive ability is done in different paradigms. In the Piagetian paradigm, cognitive ability focuses on cognitive development along qualitative stages. Interactive real scenarios, "Piagetian tasks", are constructed for measurement. According to age, tasks differing in complexity are applied in individual measurements. In the psychometric paradigm, the investigation of cognitive ability focuses on individual differences. Intelligence is seen as a quantitative construct with gradual differences between persons and ages. Paper-and-pencil tests with items differing in difficulty are used for IQ measurement of single persons or school classes. However, do those tasks measure two distinct cognitive abilities? Solving tasks in both approaches requires basic (speed, working memory) and complex cognitive abilities (reasoning, understanding). Regarding empirical relationships, we used three Austrian samples (in kindergarten four to six years old N = 40, in primary school six to eight years old N = 40, and nine to ten years old N = 41). They were tested with psychometric tests (Raven CPM or SPM) and Piagetian tasks. In addition, mental speed (ZVT) was measured in the two school samples. The average observed correlation between IQ and Piagetian tasks was r = .51. In factor analyses, the tests loaded on a common factor of general intelligence. Further analyses revealed that mental speed is correlated more strongly with psychometric (r = .50) than with Piagetian tasks (r = .39), while Piagetian tasks are more related to parental education indicators (speed: r = .11, Raven: r = .20, Piaget: r = .25).}, } @article {pmid33068445, year = {2021}, author = {Vachiramon, V and Subpayasarn, U and Triyangkulsri, K and Jurairattanaporn, N and Rattananukrom, T}, title = {Different injection patterns of incobotulinumtoxinA for crow's feet: a split-face comparative study.}, journal = {Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {256-262}, doi = {10.1111/jdv.16997}, pmid = {33068445}, issn = {1468-3083}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Esthetics ; Humans ; Injections, Intradermal ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: IncobotulinumtoxinA has been previously used for the treatment of lateral periorbital lines (crow's feet). However, a standardized injection technique has not been established.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and effect duration of two injection techniques of incobotulinumtoxinA for crow's feet treatment.

METHODS: Forty-eight patients with crow's feet were recruited and randomly assigned to receive bilateral treatments using either a 3-point intramuscular or a 6-point intradermal injection technique (8-12 units of incobotulinumtoxinA on each side). Improvement was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks postinjection. An objective evaluation was assessed by the indentation index using a 3D camera and a subjective evaluation was assessed by a blinded dermatologist using the Flynn validated assessment scale (FVAS) for the upper face. The patients assessed the results using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Side-effects were evaluated at each visit.

RESULTS: After treatment, a significantly greater reduction in the indentation index of periorbital wrinkles on the 3-point intramuscular injection side compared with the 6-point intradermal injection side was observed at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The results from the FVAS and GAIS scores showed significantly longer median times to relapse of the periorbital wrinkle for the 3-point intramuscular injection compared with the 6-point intradermal injection. Pain and bruising were slightly greater with the 6-point intradermal technique.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reaffirmed the efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of crow's feet. The 3-point intramuscular injection technique yielded greater efficacy and longer duration of action than the 6-point intradermal injection technique.}, } @article {pmid33058453, year = {2021}, author = {Lifshit, HB and Bustan, N and Shnitzer-Meirovich, S}, title = {Intelligence trajectories in adolescents and adults with down syndrome: Cognitively stimulating leisure activities mitigate health and ADL problems.}, journal = {Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARID}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {491-506}, doi = {10.1111/jar.12813}, pmid = {33058453}, issn = {1468-3148}, support = {//The Shalem Fund for the Development of Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Local Councils in Israel/ ; }, mesh = {Activities of Daily Living ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Down Syndrome ; Humans ; *Intellectual Disability ; Intelligence ; Leisure Activities ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {GOALS: This study examined: (a) crystallized/fluid intelligence trajectories of adolescents and adults with Down syndrome; and (b) the contribution of endogenous (health, activities of daily living-ADL) and exogenous (cognitively stimulating leisure activities) factors on adults' intelligence with age.

METHOD: Four cohorts (N = 80) with Down syndrome participated: adolescents (ages 16-21) and adults (ages 30-45, 46-60 and 61+). All completed Vocabulary and Similarities (crystallized) and Block Design and Raven (fluid) intelligence tests (WAIS-III[HEB] , Wechsler, 2001).

RESULTS: The 30-45 cohort significantly outperformed the 16-21 cohort. Except for Vocabulary, which remained stable, onset of decline was at 40-50. Age-related declining health and ADL correlated with participants' lower fluid intelligence, but cognitive leisure activities mitigated this influence.

CONCLUSIONS: Intelligence development into adulthood supported the continuous trajectory and compensation age theory, rather than accelerated or stable trajectories. Not only endogenous factors but also exogenous factors determined intelligence levels in adults with Down syndrome, supporting cognitive activity theory.}, } @article {pmid33055870, year = {2020}, author = {Rix, MG and Wilson, JD and Harvey, MS}, title = {The open-holed trapdoor spiders (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae: Namea) of Australia's D'Aguilar Range: revealing an unexpected subtropical hotspot of rainforest diversity.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4861}, number = {1}, pages = {zootaxa.4861.1.5}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4861.1.5}, pmid = {33055870}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Phylogeny ; *Rainforest ; *Spiders ; }, abstract = {The D'Aguilar Range of subtropical south-eastern Queensland (Australia), harbours an upland rainforest biota characterised by high levels of endemic diversity. Following recent phylogenetic and biogeographic research into the open-holed trapdoor spiders of the genus Namea Raven, 1984 (family Anamidae), remarkable levels of sympatry for a single genus of mygalomorph spiders were recorded from the D'Aguilar Range. It is now known that eight different species in the genus can be found in the D'Aguilar uplands, with five apparently endemic to rainforest habitats. In this paper we present a phylogenetic and taxonomic synopsis of the remarkable anamid fauna of the D'Aguilar Range: a key to the eight species is provided, and four new species of Namea are described (N. gloriosa sp. nov., N. gowardae sp. nov., N. nebo sp. nov. and N. nigritarsus sp. nov.). In shining a spotlight on the mygalomorph spiders of this region, we highlight the D'Aguilar Range as a hotspot of subtropical rainforest diversity, and an area of considerable conservation value.}, } @article {pmid33055625, year = {2020}, author = {James, HF}, title = {The Irvingtonian Avifauna of Cumberland Bone Cave, Maryland.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4772}, number = {1}, pages = {zootaxa.4772.1.4}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4772.1.4}, pmid = {33055625}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Caves ; *Columbidae ; Maryland ; }, abstract = {The early and mid-Pleistocene avian communities of North America are best known from the Rocky Mountain region and peninsular Florida. In the Appalachian Mountain region, only a small number of avian bones from mid-latitude cave deposits have been attributed to this time period. Here, I enlarge this record by reporting on bird bones from Cumberland Bone Cave in western Maryland, a well-known locality for large and small Irvingtonian mammals and other vertebrates. The taxa identified encompass ground birds, waterfowl, a hawk, two eagles, a vulture, an owl, a jay, a flycatcher, a junco or sparrow, and a finch. No purely boreal elements are confirmed as part of the avian assemblage, and all of the extant species that are positively or tentatively identified in the assemblage still occur in the region today. An immature bone referred to the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus (Bechstein)) represents an Irvingtonian breeding record for the species in Maryland. This record occurs at the northern limit of the current breeding range for the genus. Extinct species in the assemblage include the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus)), a large screech owl (Megascops guildayi (Brodkorb Mourer-Chauviré 1984)), and the large goose, Branta dickeyi Miller 1924. It can be argued that none of these represent the extinction of a phyletic lineage during the Irvingtonian. Based on the broad habitat preferences of modern counterparts of the birds in the assemblage, we can expect that Irvingtonian habitats near the site included mixed forest with mast-producing hardwoods and both early and later successional stages represented. There must have been fluvial, wetland, or lacustrine habitat suitable for waterbirds nearby, and probably also open woodland or grassy savannah areas, suitable for vulture foraging, turkey nesting, and booming by Ruffed Grouse.}, } @article {pmid33047024, year = {2020}, author = {Muñoz-Ramírez, CP and Barnes, DKA and Cárdenas, L and Meredith, MP and Morley, SA and Roman-Gonzalez, A and Sands, CJ and Scourse, J and Brante, A}, title = {Gene flow in the Antarctic bivalve Aequiyoldia eightsii (Jay, 1839) suggests a role for the Antarctic Peninsula Coastal Current in larval dispersal.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {200603}, pmid = {33047024}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) dominates the open-ocean circulation of the Southern Ocean, and both isolates and connects the Southern Ocean biodiversity. However, the impact on biological processes of other Southern Ocean currents is less clear. Adjacent to the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), the ACC flows offshore in a northeastward direction, whereas the Antarctic Peninsula Coastal Current (APCC) follows a complex circulation pattern along the coast, with topographically influenced deflections depending on the area. Using genomic data, we estimated genetic structure and migration rates between populations of the benthic bivalve Aequiyoldia eightsii from the shallows of southern South America and the WAP to test the role of the ACC and the APCC in its dispersal. We found strong genetic structure across the ACC (between southern South America and Antarctica) and moderate structure between populations of the WAP. Migration rates along the WAP were consistent with the APCC being important for species dispersal. Along with supporting current knowledge about ocean circulation models at the WAP, migration from the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula to the Bellingshausen Sea highlights the complexities of Southern Ocean circulation. This study provides novel biological evidence of a role of the APCC as a driver of species dispersal and highlights the power of genomic data for aiding in the understanding of the influence of complex oceanographic processes in shaping the population structure of marine species.}, } @article {pmid33043244, year = {2020}, author = {Eisma, YB and de Winter, J}, title = {How Do People Perform an Inspection Time Task? An Examination of Visual Illusions, Task Experience, and Blinking.}, journal = {Journal of cognition}, volume = {3}, number = {1}, pages = {34}, pmid = {33043244}, issn = {2514-4820}, abstract = {In the inspection time (IT) paradigm, participants view two lines of unequal length (called the Pi-figure) for a short exposure time, and then judge which of the two lines was longer. Early research has interpreted IT as a simple index of mental speed, which does not involve motor activity. However, more recent studies have associated IT with higher-level cognitive mechanisms, including focused attention, task experience, and the strategic use of visual illusions. The extent to which these factors affect IT is still a source of debate. We used an eye-tracker to capture participants' (N = 147) visual attention while performing IT trials. Results showed that blinking was time-dependent, with participants blinking less when the Pi-figure was visible as compared to before and after. Blinking during the presentation of the Pi-figure correlated negatively with response accuracy. Also, participants who reported seeing a brightness illusion had a higher response accuracy than those who did not. The first experiment was repeated with new participants (N = 159), enhanced task instructions, and the inclusion of practice trials. Results showed substantially improved response accuracy compared to the first experiment, and no significant difference in response accuracy between those who did and did not report illusions. IT response accuracy correlated modestly (r = 0.18) with performance on a short Raven's advanced progressive matrices task. In conclusion, performance at the IT task is affected by task familiarity and involves motor activity in the form of blinking. Visual illusions may be an epiphenomenon of understanding the IT task.}, } @article {pmid33038187, year = {2021}, author = {Ye, P and Feng, XL and Yang, ZH and Li, GP and Sun, J and Wu, HX and Chen, SC}, title = {The Anatomy of the Temporal and Zygomatic Branches of the Facial Nerve: Application to Crow's Feet Wrinkles.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {32}, number = {3}, pages = {878-882}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000007123}, pmid = {33038187}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Adult ; Cadaver ; Eyelids ; Face ; Facial Muscles ; *Facial Nerve/anatomy & histology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Advances in the understanding of wrinkling crow's feet while improving the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection has pointed to drug dispersion in the lateral orbital wrinkles as a cause of adverse events of botulinum toxin type A injection. The purpose of this study is to identify the distribution of temporal and zygomatic branches of facial nerve in the orbicularis oculi muscles.

METHODS: Anatomical dissection of cadavers was performed in 31 cadavers, 13 females and 18 males, with ages ranging from 20 to 60 years, which of all had been embalmed by 10% formalin solution. The facial nerve was identified within subcutaneous tissue close periorbital region and both traced proximal and distal. Its temporal branch, zygomatic branch, facial and muscular entrance were located and accurately measured relative to established surface landmarks.

RESULTS: Dissection of the facial nerve revealed 2 to 6 entrances of the temporal branch into the orbicularis oculi and 1 to 5 entrances of the zygomatic branch into the orbicularis oculi. Concerning the measurements of neural entering points, distance and angle from orbicularis oculi muscle to lateral ocular angle, a distribution map of its muscular entrance and their patterns of distribution were constructed. According to the dense area of the coordinate map, there were 3 points determined as the muscular entrance points to established surface landmarks.

CONCLUSIONS: An anatomical dissection of cadavers was performed to identify the distribution of temporal and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve in the orbicularis oculi. According to the dense area of the coordinate map, the surface landmarks of 3 points were established as the muscular entrance of the facial nerve (MEF).}, } @article {pmid33038010, year = {2021}, author = {Escobar, S and Valois, A and Nielsen, M and Closs, B and Kerob, D}, title = {Effectiveness of a formulation containing peptides and vitamin C in treating signs of facial ageing: three clinical studies.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {43}, number = {2}, pages = {131-135}, pmid = {33038010}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adult ; Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; *Drug Compounding ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Peptides/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Vitamin C and peptides are widely used in cosmetic products but there is a paucity of clinical studies showing that the formulations are effective in treating signs of facial ageing. These 3 clinical studies evaluated the effectiveness of an anti-ageing formula containing natural vitamin C (10%), biopeptides (rice and lupin), hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralising water, in amber glass ampoules with no preservatives (Peptide-C ampoules).

METHODS: Dansyl chloride fluorescence labelling compared cell turnover for Peptide-C ampoules vs untreated skin in 32 female subjects. Study 2, an open clinical study, evaluated the efficacy on wrinkles of Peptide-C ampoules by investigator clinical scoring based on Dynamical Atlas visual assessment (N = 40) and subject self-assessment questionnaires (N = 47). Study 3, an open clinical study, evaluated wrinkles by instrumental quantification with 3D fringe projection analysis (N = 40) and subject questionnaires (N = 51).

RESULTS: The mean cell turnover was faster for skin treated with Peptide-C ampoules compared to untreated skin (17.1 days vs. 19.2 days; P < 0.0001). In study 2, after 28 days application of Peptide-C ampoules, clinical grading of crow's-feet wrinkles, forehead wrinkles and nasolabial folds decreased by 9%, 11% and 5%, respectively (all P < 0.05 vs baseline). Of 47 subjects, 77%, 64% and 79% indicated their skin seemed smoothed out, fine lines were less visible, and skin complexion was more radiant, respectively. In study 3, the number of wrinkles decreased by 11.5% after 29 days application of Peptide-C ampoules vs baseline (P < 0.05) and 65% of subjects responded the fine lines were less visible.

CONCLUSION: This formulation of a combination of anti-ageing ingredients in ampoules, allowing a minimalist formula, showed significant results on improving facial wrinkles and radiance.}, } @article {pmid33030595, year = {2020}, author = {Fernando, WBPS and Perera, SPPM and Vithanarachchi, RM and Wijesekera, RD and Wijesinghe, MR}, title = {Heavy metal accumulation in two synanthropic avian species in Sri Lanka.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {192}, number = {11}, pages = {688}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-020-08654-y}, pmid = {33030595}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Animals ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Environmental Pollutants/analysis ; Feathers/chemistry ; Humans ; *Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Sri Lanka ; }, abstract = {We assessed the levels of Pb, Cd, and Mn in contour feathers of the feral pigeon (Columba livia) and house crow (Corvus splendens) obtained from five urban/suburban locations across Sri Lanka, using the AAS following wet digestion. Our key objectives were to compare accumulation levels in the two avian species with different foraging habits and living in common locations, and to establish baseline information on the presence of these metals in multiple locations in Sri Lanka with varying levels of urbanization. Owing to reservations that have been expressed by previous workers regarding the use of feathers for assessing heavy metal pollution, we first tested the efficacy of contour feathers by using our data for comparing the coefficients of variation in metal levels within and between locations. This showed that in over 95% of the cases, variations within locations were lower than between locations, indicating that freshly shed contour feathers that were used in the present study were reliable indicators of the status of bioaccumulation of the heavy metals in the environment. In interspecific comparisons, other than in the two suburban locations, Pb was present at much higher levels in the house crow than in the feral pigeon, whereas accumulation patterns with respect to Cd and Mn were inconsistent, suggesting that granivores may not, in all situations, accumulate lower levels than scavengers in the same environment. Owing to such interspecific variations in the patterns of accumulation of different heavy metals, the selection of a single species for assessing levels of pollution from heavy metals may not be prudent. Pb and Cd levels in both species were strongly and positively associated with human population density. The levels of Pb and Cd were highest in Colombo (commercial capital). In Colombo and Kalutara, the recorded levels in the house crow exceeded the thresholds that have the potential to inflict adverse impacts on avian species.}, } @article {pmid33025666, year = {2021}, author = {Flanagan, AM and Masuda, B and Grueber, CE and Sutton, JT}, title = {Moving from trends to benchmarks by using regression tree analysis to find inbreeding thresholds in a critically endangered bird.}, journal = {Conservation biology : the journal of the Society for Conservation Biology}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, pages = {1278-1287}, doi = {10.1111/cobi.13650}, pmid = {33025666}, issn = {1523-1739}, support = {1345247//National Science Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; *Benchmarking ; Birds/genetics ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Endangered Species ; Humans ; *Inbreeding ; }, abstract = {Understanding how inbreeding affects endangered species in conservation breeding programs is essential for their recovery. The Hawaiian Crow ('Alalā) (Corvus hawaiiensis) is one of the world's most endangered birds. It went extinct in the wild in 2002, and, until recent release efforts starting in 2016, nearly all of the population remained under human care for conservation breeding. Using pedigree inbreeding coefficients (F), we evaluated the effects of inbreeding on Hawaiian Crow offspring survival and reproductive success. We used regression tree analysis to identify the level of inbreeding (i.e., inbreeding threshold) that explains a substantial decrease in 'Alalā offspring survival to recruitment. Similar to a previous study of inbreeding in 'Alalā, we found that inbreeding had a negative impact on offspring survival but that parental (vs. artificial) egg incubation improved offspring survival to recruitment. Furthermore, we found that inbreeding did not substantially affect offspring reproductive success, based on the assumption that offspring that survive to adulthood breed with distantly related mates. Our novel application of regression tree analysis showed that offspring with inbreeding levels exceeding F = 0.098 were 69% less likely to survive to recruitment than more outbred offspring, providing a specific threshold value for ongoing population management. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing inbreeding depression across all life history stages, confirm the importance of prioritizing parental over artificial egg incubation in avian conservation breeding programs, and demonstrate the utility of regression tree analysis as a tool for identifying inbreeding thresholds, if present, in any pedigree-managed population.}, } @article {pmid33021773, year = {2020}, author = {Nguyen, TT}, title = {Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures: Facial Injection Procedures.}, journal = {FP essentials}, volume = {497}, number = {}, pages = {11-17}, pmid = {33021773}, issn = {2159-3000}, mesh = {*Cosmetic Techniques ; Face ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; *Skin Aging ; *Surgery, Plastic ; United States ; }, abstract = {Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, including injection procedures, are among the fastest growing medical procedures. In 2018, botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid injections were the two most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator with seven serotypes, but only serotypes A and B are in clinical use. The facial areas in which botulinum toxin is used most commonly include the forehead, glabella, and lateral canthal lines (ie, crow's feet). Adverse effects are transient. Several types of injectable dermal fillers are available. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler and is hypoallergenic. Others include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly L-lactic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate. The characteristics of fillers, including their elasticity and viscosity, are used to determine which should be used for specific applications. Potential serious complications include vascular occlusion leading to tissue necrosis or blindness. Immediate recognition and management of complications are needed to prevent long-term sequelae. With appropriate training, physicians and other clinicians can perform these injections safely in the office setting.}, } @article {pmid33017667, year = {2020}, author = {Themelin, M and Ribic, CA and Melillo-Sweeting, K and Dudzinski, KM}, title = {A new approach to the study of relationship quality in dolphins: Framework and preliminary results.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {181}, number = {}, pages = {104260}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104260}, pmid = {33017667}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bottle-Nosed Dolphin ; Ecosystem ; Social Behavior ; Swimming ; }, abstract = {Proximity and synchronous behaviours from surface observations have been used to measure association patterns within and between dolphin dyads. To facilitate an investigation of relationship quality in dolphins, we applied a method used for primates and ravens that examined three main components to describe relationships: value, security, and compatibility. Using pilot data from long-term research of two study populations for this preliminary assessment, these three components were extracted from PCA of eight behavioural variables with more than 80 % variance accounted for in both study groups. Only pair swim position differed between groups. Although value, security, and compatibility are abstract terms, each is based on behaviours identified as important in dolphin social life, at least for these two populations. Examining relationship quality in dolphins with a method used to illustrate dyadic differences for primates and ravens allows for a quantitative, comparative assessment of sociality across disparate taxa. Although these species are diverse in their anatomies and in their social habitats (e.g., aquatic, terrestrial, aerial), they may well share the basic societal building blocks in the factors affecting how relationships are formed. We discuss how an examination of these behavioural variables facilitates understanding relationship quality in dolphins, as well as how dolphin relationships fit into the context of social animals' society.}, } @article {pmid33005675, year = {2020}, author = {Carrera-Játiva, PD and Morgan, ER and Barrows, M and Jiménez-Uzcátegui, G and Tituaña, JRA}, title = {Free-ranging avifauna as a source of generalist parasites for captive birds in zoological settings: An overview of parasite records and potential for cross-transmission.}, journal = {Journal of advanced veterinary and animal research}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {482-500}, pmid = {33005675}, issn = {2311-7710}, abstract = {Captive birds in zoological settings often harbor parasites, but little information is available about the potential for free-ranging avifauna to act as a source of infection. This review summarizes the gastrointestinal parasites found in zoo birds globally and in seven common free-ranging avian species [mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula), common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Eurasian jackdaw (Corvus monedula), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), and rock dove (Columba livia)] to identify the overlap and discuss the potential for cross-species transmission. Over 70 references were assessed, and papers spanned over 90 years from 1925 to 2019. A total of 60 studies from 1987 to 2019 met the eligibility criteria. All examined free-ranging avifauna harbored parasite species that were also reported in zoo birds, except for the European jackdaw. Parasites reported in captive and free-ranging birds include nematodes (Capillaria caudinflata, Dispharynx nasuta, Ornithostrongylus quadriradiatus, Strongyloides avium, Syngamus trachea, and Tetrameres fissispina), cestodes (Dicranotaenia coronula, Diorchis stefanskii, Fimbriaria fasciolaris, and Raillietina cesticillus, Sobolevicanthus gracilis), trematode (Echinostoma revolutum), and protozoa (Cryptosporidium baileyi). Although no study effectively proved cross-transmission either experimentally or by genetic analysis, these parasites demonstrate low host specificity and a high potential for parasite sharing. There is potential for parasite sharing whenever determinants such as host specificity, life cycle, and husbandry are favorable. More research should be carried out to describe parasites in both captive and free-ranging birds in zoological settings and the likelihood of cross-infection. Such information would contribute to evidence-based control measures, enhancing effective husbandry and preventive medicine protocols.}, } @article {pmid33005135, year = {2020}, author = {Shpurov, IY and Vlasova, RM and Rumshiskaya, AD and Rozovskaya, RI and Mershina, EA and Sinitsyn, VE and Pechenkova, EV}, title = {Neural Correlates of Group Versus Individual Problem Solving Revealed by fMRI.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {290}, pmid = {33005135}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Group problem solving is a prototypical complex collective intellectual activity. Psychological research provides compelling evidence that problem solving in groups is both qualitatively and quantitatively different from doing so alone. However, the question of whether individual and collective problem solving involve the same neural substrate has not yet been addressed, mainly due to methodological limitations. In the current study, functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to compare brain activation when participants solved Raven-like matrix problems in a small group and individually. In the group condition, the participant in the scanner was able to discuss the problem with other team members using a special communication device. In the individual condition, the participant was required to think aloud while solving the problem in the silent presence of the other team members. Greater activation was found in several brain regions during group problem solving, including the medial prefrontal cortex; lateral parietal, cingulate, precuneus and retrosplenial cortices; frontal and temporal poles. These areas have been identified as potential components of the so-called "social brain" on the basis of research using offline judgments of material related to socializing. Therefore, this study demonstrated the actual involvement of these regions in real-time social interactions, such as group problem solving. However, further connectivity analysis revealed that the social brain components are co-activated, but do not increase their coupling during cooperation as would be suggested for a holistic network. We suggest that the social mode of the brain may be described instead as a re-configuration of connectivity between basic networks, and we found decreased connectivity between the language and salience networks in the group compared to the individual condition. A control experiment showed that the findings from the main experiment cannot be entirely accounted for by discourse comprehension. Thus, the study demonstrates affordances provided by the presented new technique for neuroimaging the "group mind," implementing the single-brain version of the second-person neuroscience approach.}, } @article {pmid33003545, year = {2020}, author = {Lin, Y and Zhang, X and Huang, Q and Lv, L and Huang, A and Li, A and Wu, K and Huang, Y}, title = {The Prevalence of Dyslexia in Primary School Children and Their Chinese Literacy Assessment in Shantou, China.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {19}, pages = {}, pmid = {33003545}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Asian People/*statistics & numerical data ; Child ; China ; Dyslexia/*epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Language Tests ; *Literacy ; Male ; Prevalence ; *Reading ; Schools ; }, abstract = {The epidemiological studies of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) in China are still limited. In addition, literacy assessment has seldom been performed for children with dyslexia, due to lack of uniform assessment tools. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence rate of children with dyslexia, and to evaluate their Chinese reading ability. A total of 2955 students aged 7-12 years were enrolled by randomized cluster sampling. The study was divided into three stages. In stage I, all participating students were asked to finish the Combined Raven Test (CRT) and Chinese Vocabulary Test and Assessment Scale. In stage II, the Chinese teachers and parents of the children with suspected dyslexia were interviewed by psychiatrists, and finished the Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children (DCCC). In stage III, these children were evaluated by child psychiatrists for the diagnosis with or without dyslexia, according to the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and their Chinese literacy was further evaluated by using the Chinese Reading Ability Test (CRAT). The prevalence rate of children with dyslexia was 5.4% in Shantou city, 8.4% in boys and 2.3% in girls, with a gender ratio of 3.7:1.0. Children with dyslexia scored lower in all the five subscales of the CRAT tests. including phonological awareness, morphological awareness, rapid automatized naming, orthographic awareness, and reading ability than the control group (all p < 0.001). This study suggested that the prevalence rate of Chinese dyslexia in Shantou city is roughly equivalent to that previously reported in China. Children with dyslexia have a relatively lower Chinese reading ability in all assessments.}, } @article {pmid32999416, year = {2020}, author = {Massen, JJM and Haley, SM and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Azure-winged magpies' decisions to share food are contingent on the presence or absence of food for the recipient.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {16147}, pmid = {32999416}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Altruism ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior/*psychology ; Female ; Food ; *Gift Giving ; Male ; Motivation ; Passeriformes ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Helping others is a key feature of human behavior. However, recent studies render this feature not uniquely human, and describe discoveries of prosocial behavior in non-human primates, other social mammals, and most recently in some bird species. Nevertheless, the cognitive underpinnings of this prosociality; i.e., whether animals take others' need for help into account, often remain obscured. In this study, we take a first step in investigating prosociality in azure-winged magpies by presenting them with the opportunity to share highly desired food with their conspecifics i) in a situation in which these conspecifics had no such food, ii) in a situation in which they too had access to that highly desired food, and iii) in an open, base-line, situation where all had equal access to the same food and could move around freely. We find that azure-winged magpies regularly share high-value food items, preferably with, but not restricted to, members of the opposite sex. Most notably, we find that these birds, and specifically the females, seem to differentiate between whether others have food or do not have food, and subsequently cater to that lack. Begging calls by those without food seem to function as cues that elicit the food-sharing, but the response to that begging is condition-dependent. Moreover, analyses on a restricted dataset that excluded those events in which there was begging showed exactly the same patterns, raising the possibility that the azure-winged magpies might truly notice when others have access to fewer resources (even in the absence of vocal cues). This sharing behavior could indicate a high level of social awareness and prosociality that should be further investigated. Further studies are needed to establish the order of intentionality at play in this system, and whether azure-winged magpies might be able to attribute desire states to their conspecifics.}, } @article {pmid32985335, year = {2021}, author = {Valdois, S and Reilhac, C and Ginestet, E and Line Bosse, M}, title = {Varieties of Cognitive Profiles in Poor Readers: Evidence for a VAS-Impaired Subtype.}, journal = {Journal of learning disabilities}, volume = {54}, number = {3}, pages = {221-233}, doi = {10.1177/0022219420961332}, pmid = {32985335}, issn = {1538-4780}, mesh = {Aptitude ; Child ; Cognition ; *Cognitive Dysfunction ; *Dyslexia ; Humans ; Reading ; }, abstract = {A wide share of secondary school children does not reach the expected competence level in reading. These children could benefit from more efficient intervention responses, providing a better understanding of their cognitive weaknesses/deficits. Our aim was to explore the cognitive heterogeneity of a population of poor readers identified from a large sample of 948 sixth-grade children. We first assessed the contribution of phoneme awareness (PA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and visual attention span (VAS) to reading performance in a subset of 281 children including poor and average readers/spellers. We show that all three skills are unique and significant predictors of reading fluency. We then restricted the analysis to participants with normal Raven's score (IQ) and oral language skills to focus on 110 children with more specific reading difficulties. A unique VAS deficit was found in 18% of these poor readers while 20% and 15.5% showed a unique PA or RAN deficit. Children with multiple or no deficit were further identified. The overall findings provide evidence for a variety of cognitive profiles in poor readers. They suggest that, in addition to PA interventions, training programs targeting VAS might be useful for the nontrivial share of poor readers who exhibit a VAS deficit.}, } @article {pmid32985206, year = {2020}, author = {Kumar, M and Murugkar, HV and Nagarajan, S and Tosh, C and Patil, S and Nagaraja, KH and Rajukumar, K and Senthilkumar, D and Dubey, SC}, title = {Experimental infection and pathology of two highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated from crow and chicken in house crows (Corvus splendens).}, journal = {Acta virologica}, volume = {64}, number = {3}, pages = {325-330}, doi = {10.4149/av_2020_306}, pmid = {32985206}, issn = {0001-723X}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens ; Crows ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/*pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds/pathology/*virology ; }, abstract = {We investigated the experimental infection of two highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated from crow (A/crow/Assam/142119/2008) and chicken (A/chicken/Sikkim/151466/2009) in house crows (Corvus splendens). Both viruses caused infection in crows, where four out of six and three out of six crows succumbed to H5N1 infection within 11 days post challenge by crow and chicken viruses, respectively. The major clinical signs in crows were wing paralysis, circling and torticollis. The virus shedding detected from swabs was not persistent in both crow nor chicken viruses. Both viruses were isolated more frequently from oral swabs than from cloacal swabs. Both virus strains were isolated from brain, lungs, heart, liver, pancreas, spleen, large intestines of crows that succumbed to H5N1 infection. The surviving birds seroconverted in response to H5N1 virus infection. Microscopically, both viruses caused coagulative necrosis in pancreas and kidneys. Brain showed gliosis and neuronal degeneration. This experimental study highlights that crows could be infected with H5N1 viruses from different hosts with minor differences in pathogenicity. Therefore, it is imperative to carry out surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in synanthropic birds along with biosecurity measures to mitigate the H5N1 spread in poultry population. Keywords: chicken virus; crow virus; highly pathogenic avian influenza; house crows.}, } @article {pmid32981911, year = {2021}, author = {Goguta, L and Lungeanu, D and Negru, R and Birdeanu, M and Jivanescu, A and Sinescu, C}, title = {Selective Laser Sintering versus Selective Laser Melting and Computer Aided Design - Computer Aided Manufacturing in Double Crowns Retention.}, journal = {Journal of prosthodontic research}, volume = {65}, number = {3}, pages = {371-378}, doi = {10.2186/jpr.JPOR_2019_556}, pmid = {32981911}, issn = {2212-4632}, mesh = {*Computer-Aided Design ; Crowns ; *Dental Prosthesis Design ; Lasers ; Materials Testing ; Zirconium ; }, abstract = {Purpose This in vitro study aimed at ascertaining the retention forces for telescopic crowns fabricated with Selective Laser Manufacturing (SLM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) additive technologies, and Computer Aided Design - Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) subtractive technology, by using suitable materials for each.Materials and Methods Full-factorial design was employed for experimental testing, considering the following three factors: (a) inner crown material ‒ technology (zirconia ‒ CAD-CAM; metal-alloy ‒ SLS; metal-alloy ‒ SLM); (b) tooth type (canine or molar); (c) wet vs. dry conditions (i.e. either with or without artificial saliva). The roughness of the inner crowns was analyzed through atomic force microscopy. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for statistical analysis, followed by Tukey's post-hoc comparisons between the crown types.Results The retention force mean values were between 3.8 N (dry, SLM) and 14.8 N (artificial saliva, SLS), with statistically significant (p<0.001) differences between the three types of inner crowns and interaction with the tooth type. No significant interaction was found between crown or tooth types and the wet vs. dry testing conditions. The zirconia crowns' retention force was significantly (p<0.001) higher compared to similar SLM crowns, with 95% CI (3.62; 5.55) N for the differences. Zirconia was significantly (p<0.001) less retentive compared to similar SLS crowns, with 95% CI (-5.99; -4.06) N for the differences. The roughness decrease and subsequent loss of retention force was the largest in zirconia.Conclusions The SLS inner crowns showed the best retention, followed by zirconia and SLM inner crows.}, } @article {pmid32978628, year = {2021}, author = {Gonzalez, R and Rojas, M and Rosselli, M and Ardila, A}, title = {Acalculia in Aphasia.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {36}, number = {4}, pages = {455-464}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acaa072}, pmid = {32978628}, issn = {1873-5843}, mesh = {*Aphasia/diagnosis ; *Dyscalculia ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients with aphasia can present a type of acalculia referred to as aphasic acalculia.

AIMS: To investigate the correlation and to test regression models for one- and two-digit calculation skills using verbal and nonverbal predictors.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We selected an aphasia sample of 119 men and 81 women with a mean age of 57.37 years (SD = 15.56) and an average level of education of 13.52 years (SD = 4.08). Spanish versions of the Western Aphasia Battery and Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, plus a Written Calculation test, were individually administered. The calculation section of the Western Aphasia Battery and the Written Calculation tests were used to pinpoint calculation difficulties.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Calculation difficulties were more severe in Global and Mixed non-fluent aphasia; they were very similar in Broca, Conduction, and Amnesic Aphasia. All correlations between the two calculation subtests and the other subtests of the Western Aphasia Battery were statistically significant. Calculation subtests correlated negatively with age and positively with schooling. Sex and time post-onset did not show any correlation with the calculation scores. Education, Reading, Block Design, and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices were significant predictors of Western Aphasia Battery Calculation. Writing was the only significant predictor of the Written Calculation scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Nonverbal abilities were predictors of calculation tests, whereas agraphia defects were predictors of the Written Calculation test. Therefore, calculation abilities can be regarded both as written language-dependent and verbal language-independent.}, } @article {pmid32974871, year = {2021}, author = {Rivollier, G and Quinton, JC and Gonthier, C and Smeding, A}, title = {Looking with the (computer) mouse: How to unveil problem-solving strategies in matrix reasoning without eye-tracking.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {1081-1096}, pmid = {32974871}, issn = {1554-3528}, support = {ANR-15-IDEX-02 and ANR-11-LABX-0025-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; }, mesh = {Computers ; Eye Movements ; *Eye-Tracking Technology ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Problem-solving strategies in visual reasoning tasks are often studied based on the analysis of eye movements, which yields high-quality data but is costly and difficult to implement on a large scale. We devised a new graphical user interface for matrix reasoning tasks where the analysis of computer mouse movements makes it possible to investigate item exploration and, in turn, problem-solving strategies. While relying on the same active perception principles underlying eye-tracking (ET) research, this approach has the additional advantages of being user-friendly and easy to implement in real-world testing conditions, and records only voluntary decisions. A pilot study confirmed that embedding items of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) in the interface did not significantly alter its psychometric properties. Experiment 1 indicated that mouse-based exploration indices, when used to assess two major problem-solving strategies in the APM, are related to final performance-as has been found in past ET research. Experiment 2 suggested that constraining some features of the interface favored the adoption of the more efficient solving strategy for some participants. Overall, the findings support the relevance of the present methodology for accessing and manipulating problem-solving strategies.}, } @article {pmid32974390, year = {2020}, author = {Martínez-de la Puente, J and Soriguer, R and Senar, JC and Figuerola, J and Bueno-Mari, R and Montalvo, T}, title = {Mosquitoes in an Urban Zoo: Identification of Blood Meals, Flight Distances of Engorged Females, and Avian Malaria Infections.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {460}, pmid = {32974390}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Zoological gardens are home to a large number of vertebrate species and as such are suitable sites for both mosquito breeding and maintenance. They are excellent places for entomological studies of mosquito phenology, diversity, and blood-feeding patterns, as well as for xenomonitoring. During 2016, we sampled mosquitoes in Barcelona Zoo and used molecular methods to determine their blood-feeding patterns and the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites. We also estimated the flight distance of engorged mosquitoes in the area. Overall, 1,384 adult Culex pipiens s.l., Culiseta longiareolata, and Aedes albopictus were captured. Birds dominated the diet of Cx. pipiens s.l. (n = 87) and Cs. longiareolata (n = 6), while humans were the only blood-meal source of Ae. albopictus (n = 3). Mosquitoes had a mean flight distance of 95.67 m after feeding on blood (range 38.71-168.51 m). Blood parasites were detected in the abdomen of 13 engorged Cx. pipiens s.l., eight of which had fed on magpies. Four Plasmodium lineages and a single lineage of the malaria-like parasite Haemoproteus were identified. These results suggest that Cx. pipiens s.l. is involved in the local transmission of avian Plasmodium, which potentially affects the circulation of parasites between and within wildlife and enclosed animals. Vigilance regarding possible mosquito breeding sites in this zoo is thus recommended.}, } @article {pmid32973028, year = {2020}, author = {Nieder, A and Wagener, L and Rinnert, P}, title = {A neural correlate of sensory consciousness in a corvid bird.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {369}, number = {6511}, pages = {1626-1629}, doi = {10.1126/science.abb1447}, pmid = {32973028}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Consciousness ; Crows/*physiology ; Neurons/physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Subjective experiences that can be consciously accessed and reported are associated with the cerebral cortex. Whether sensory consciousness can also arise from differently organized brains that lack a layered cerebral cortex, such as the bird brain, remains unknown. We show that single-neuron responses in the pallial endbrain of crows performing a visual detection task correlate with the birds' perception about stimulus presence or absence and argue that this is an empirical marker of avian consciousness. Neuronal activity follows a temporal two-stage process in which the first activity component mainly reflects physical stimulus intensity, whereas the later component predicts the crows' perceptual reports. These results suggest that the neural foundations that allow sensory consciousness arose either before the emergence of mammals or independently in at least the avian lineage and do not necessarily require a cerebral cortex.}, } @article {pmid32970843, year = {2021}, author = {Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Freeman, NE and Norris, DR}, title = {Environmental conditions modulate compensatory effects of site dependence in a food-caching passerine.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {102}, number = {1}, pages = {e03203}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.3203}, pmid = {32970843}, issn = {1939-9170}, mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Ontario ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Although density regulates the abundance of most wild animal populations by influencing vital rates, such as fecundity and survival, the mechanisms responsible for generating negative density dependence are unclear for many species. Site dependence occurs when there is preferential filling of high-quality territories, which results in higher per capita vital rates at low densities because a larger proportion of occupied territories are of high quality. Using 41 yr of territory occupancy and demographic data, we investigated whether site dependence was a mechanism acting to influence fecundity and, by extension, regulate a population of Canada Jays in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. As predicted by site dependence, the proportion of occupied territories that were of high quality was negatively correlated with population density and periods of vacancy were shorter for high-quality territories than for low-quality territories. We also found evidence that per capita fecundity was positively related to the proportion of occupied territories that were of high quality, but only when environmental conditions, which influence the entire population, were otherwise poor for breeding. Our results suggest that site dependence likely plays a role in regulating this population but that environmental conditions can modulate the strength of density dependence.}, } @article {pmid32970296, year = {2020}, author = {Naggar, RFE and Rohaim, MA and Munir, M}, title = {Potential reverse spillover of infectious bursal disease virus at the interface of commercial poultry and wild birds.}, journal = {Virus genes}, volume = {56}, number = {6}, pages = {705-711}, pmid = {32970296}, issn = {1572-994X}, support = {332228521//British Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; *Bird Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Birds/*virology ; *Birnaviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology ; Egypt ; Infectious bursal disease virus/*isolation & purification ; Poultry/virology ; Poultry Diseases/virology ; }, abstract = {Recently, multiple spillover events between domesticated poultry and wild birds have been reported for several avian viruses. This phenomenon highlights the importance of the livestock-wildlife interface in the possible emergence of novel viruses. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential spillover and epidemiological links of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) between wild birds and domestic poultry. To this end, twenty-eight cloacal swabs were collected from four species of free-living Egyptian wild birds (i.e. mallard duck, bean goose, white-fronted goose and black-billed magpie). Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of three positive isolates revealed that the IBDV/USC-1/2019 strain clustered with previously reported very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) Egyptian isolates. Interestingly, two other wild bird-origin isolates (i.e. IBDV/USC-2/2019 and IBDV/USC-3/2019) grouped with a vaccine strain that is being used in commercial poultry. In conclusion, our results revealed the molecular detection of vaccine and vvIBDV-like strains in Egyptian wild birds and highlighted the potential role of wild birds in IBDV epidemiology in disease-endemic regions.}, } @article {pmid32968948, year = {2021}, author = {Hunt, GR}, title = {New Caledonian crows' basic tool procurement is guided by heuristics, not matching or tracking probe site characteristics.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {177-191}, pmid = {32968948}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {UOA1208//Marsden Fund/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Comprehension ; *Crows ; Heuristics ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Contrasting findings made it unclear what cognitive processes New Caledonian crows use to procure suitable tools to solve tool tasks. Most previous studies suggested that their tool procurement is achieved by either trial and error or a simple heuristic. The latter provides a fast and cognitively efficient method for stable, routinized behaviour based on past experience with little or no deliberate decision-making. However, early papers by Chappell and Kacelnik reported that two New Caledonian crows procured tools after closely assessing the tool characteristics required for the task, thus using deliberate decision-making, or a 'customized strategy'. Here, I tested eight New Caledonian crows to determine their default behaviour in basic tool procurement tasks as a check on whether or not they use customized strategies. I used two rigorous experiments closely based on Chappell and Kacelnik's experiments. The crows did not use a customized strategy in either experiment, but their behaviour was clearly consistent with tool procurement predominantly guided by a familiarity heuristic. I discuss potential methodological issues that may have led to different conclusions in Chappell and Kacelnik's studies. Heuristic-guided, routinized behaviour in tool procurement has potential implications for understanding how standardization occurs in the early evolution of complex tool manufacture, both in New Caledonian crows and early humans.}, } @article {pmid32967900, year = {2020}, author = {Bakkour, S and Deng, X and Bacchetti, P and Grebe, E and Montalvo, L and Worlock, A and Stone, M and Deeks, SG and Richman, DD and Busch, MP}, title = {Replicate Aptima Assay for Quantifying Residual Plasma Viremia in Individuals on Antiretroviral Therapy.}, journal = {Journal of clinical microbiology}, volume = {58}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {32967900}, issn = {1098-660X}, support = {P30 AI027763/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI126619/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI126620/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; *HIV Infections/diagnosis/drug therapy ; *HIV-1/genetics ; Humans ; RNA, Viral ; Viral Load ; Viremia/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Virus Latency ; }, abstract = {Detection of residual plasma viremia in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-suppressed HIV-infected individuals is critical for characterizing the latent reservoir and evaluating the impact of cure interventions. Ultracentrifugation-based single-copy assays are sensitive but labor intensive. Fully automated replicate testing using a standard clinical viral load assay was evaluated as a high-throughput alternative for the quantification of low-level viremia. Four plasma samples from blood donors with acute HIV-1 infection and one viral culture supernatant were serially diluted into 25-ml samples to nominal viral loads ranging from 39 to <0.5 copies (cp)/ml. Each dilution was tested with 45 replicates (reps) using 0.5 ml/rep with the Aptima HIV-1 Quant assay. The nominal and estimated viral loads based on the single-hit Poisson model were compared, and a hybrid Poisson digital model for calibrated viral load estimation was derived. Testing performed using 45 reps on longitudinal plasma samples from 50 ART-suppressed individuals in the Reservoir Assay Validation and Evaluation Network (RAVEN) study cohort (range of 1 to 19 years of continuous ART suppression) showed a median viral load of 0.54 cp/ml (interquartile range [IQR], 0.22 to 1.46 cp/ml) and a 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9% to 19%) decline in viral load for each additional year in duration suppressed. Within the RAVEN cohort, the expected false-negative rate for detection at lower rep numbers using 9 and 18 reps was 26% and 14%, respectively. Residual plasma viremia levels positively correlated with cell-associated HIV RNA and DNA. The performance characteristics of the replicate Aptima assay support its use for quantifying residual plasma viremia to study the latent HIV reservoir and cure interventions.}, } @article {pmid32961718, year = {2020}, author = {Manera, U and Peotta, L and Iazzolino, B and Canosa, A and Vasta, R and Palumbo, F and Torrieri, MC and Solero, L and Daviddi, M and Grassano, M and Moglia, C and Pagani, M and Chiò, A and Cavallo, M}, title = {The Characteristics of Cognitive Impairment in ALS Patients Depend on the Lateralization of Motor Damage.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {32961718}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {(1) Background: Cognitive features of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have never been specifically analyzed according to the lateralization of motor impairment. In the present study we investigated the cognitive performances of ALS patients to describe the relationship between motor and cognitive dysfunction, according to site and side of disease onset. (2) Methods: Six-hundred and nine ALS patients underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation at diagnosis in Turin ALS Centre Tests included-mini-mental state examination (MMSE), frontal assessment battery (FAB), trail-making test A/B (TMT A-B), digit span forward and backward (digit span FW/digit span BW), letter fluency test (FAS), category fluency test (CAT), Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT), Babcock story recall test (BSRT), Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCFT), Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), Raven's coloured progressive matrices (CPM47). Cognitive performances of patients, grouped by side and site of onset, were statistically compared using z-scores, as appropriate. (3) Results: Bulbar patients and bilateral spinal onset patients (Sbil) were generally characterized by lower cognitive performances in most neuropsychological tests, when compared to patients with lateralized onset (right-side spinal onset, Sri and left-side spinal onset, Sle). Digit span backward and visual memory task (ROCFT) median z-scores were significantly higher, reflecting a better cognitive performance, in Sri patients when compared to bulbar/Sbil patients, while verbal memory tasks (RAVLT and BRST) resulted in significantly higher scores in Sle patients. Our results are in keeping with hemispheric functional lateralization of language and visuospatial abilities. (4) Conclusions: In ALS patients, as in other neurodegenerative diseases, we found a direct relationship between lateralized motor and cognitive features.}, } @article {pmid32946624, year = {2020}, author = {Casabona, G and Frank, K and Moellhoff, N and Gavril, DL and Swift, A and Freytag, DL and Kaiser, A and Green, JB and Nikolis, A and Cotofana, S}, title = {Full-face effects of temporal volumizing and temporal lifting techniques.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {11}, pages = {2830-2837}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13728}, pmid = {32946624}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Lifting ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Most injection techniques utilizing hyaluronic acid-based soft tissue fillers have predictable outcomes at the location injected. However, the temporal region has been identified to have aesthetic effects beyond the temple.

AIMS: To identify and quantify the panfacial aesthetic effects of three different temporal injection techniques.

PATIENTS/METHODS: The medical records of nine female and five male Caucasian patients with a mean age of 50.9 ± 11.9 years were retrospectively reviewed for the effects of these techniques: supraperiosteal, interfascial, and subdermal. Panfacial effects were evaluated by the semiquantitative assessment of aesthetic scores for the temple volume, the temporal crest visibility, the lateral orbital rim visibility, the position of the eyebrows, the severity of lateral canthal lines, the midfacial volume, and the contour of the jawline.

RESULTS: The supraperiosteal injection technique had the greatest influence on improving the temporal volume (25.0%), the temporal crest (33.3%), and the lateral orbital rim visibility (31.0%) scales but had no effects in other facial regions. The interfascial injection technique revealed good effects on improving temporal hollowing (23.3%) but had an even greater effect on the crow's feet (26.8%) and on the position of the eyebrow (33.3%). The subdermal injection technique had its greatest effects in the lower face by improving the contour of the jawline (26.8%) followed by the improvement of the lower cheek fullness scale (14.3%).

CONCLUSION: Future injection algorithms could utilize all three injection techniques together as one multi-layer injection approach with a tailored proportion of each technique based on the aesthetic needs of the patient.}, } @article {pmid32945185, year = {2020}, author = {DeLecce, T and Fink, B and Shackelford, T and Abed, MG}, title = {No Evidence for a Relationship between Intelligence and Ejaculate Quality.}, journal = {Evolutionary psychology : an international journal of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behavior}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {1474704920960450}, pmid = {32945185}, issn = {1474-7049}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Phenotype ; *Semen Analysis ; }, abstract = {Genetic quality may be expressed through many traits simultaneously, and this would suggest a phenotype-wide fitness factor. In humans, intelligence has been positively associated with several potential indicators of genetic quality, including ejaculate quality. We conducted a conceptual replication of one such study by investigating the relationship between intelligence (assessed by the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test-Short Form) and ejaculate quality (indexed by sperm count, sperm concentration, and sperm motility) in a sample of 41 men (ages ranging 18 to 33 years; M = 23.33; SD = 3.60). By self-report, participants had not had a vasectomy, and had never sought infertility treatment. We controlled for several covariates known to affect ejaculate quality (e.g., abstinence duration before providing an ejaculate) and found no statistically significant relationship between intelligence and ejaculate quality; our findings, therefore, do not match those of Arden, Gottfredson, Miller et al. or those of previous studies. We discuss limitations of this study and the general research area and highlight the need for future research in this area, especially the need for larger data sets to address questions around phenotypic quality and ejaculate quality.}, } @article {pmid32940363, year = {2021}, author = {Flament, F and Coubard, O and Cruz, R and Flores, F}, title = {Changes in the eye contour signs due to age among Mexican women: Comparison with women of other ethnic origins.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {43}, number = {1}, pages = {20-25}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12662}, pmid = {32940363}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Age Factors ; Aged ; *Ethnicity ; Female ; *Hispanic or Latino ; Humans ; Mexico ; Middle Aged ; *Ocular Physiological Phenomena ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in certain ocular signs because of age, among Mexican women and to compare these with those previously obtained on women of other ethnicities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Photographs were taken of the faces of 203 Mexican women of different ages, under standardized conditions. These photographs allowed us to focus and define nine ocular signs, which were then graded by 15 experts and dermatologists, using standardized scales provided by a reference Skin Aging Atlas. Hence, the same protocol, previously used on 3240 women of four other ethnic origins (Caucasian: 600; Chinese: 990; Japanese: 1010; Indian: 300; African: 340), allowed us to compare the results obtained on Mexican women.

RESULTS: The severity of crow's feet wrinkles for Mexican women shows a more intense progression with age than those of women from other ancestries. The lower eyelid wrinkles of Mexican women, that show weak or erratic changes with time, were however found to have higher and significant severity at a young age. Pigmentation disorders of their ocular area were found less pronounced as compared to those of Asian or Indian women. Eye bags were observed with similar slight changes in all five ancestries.

CONCLUSION: The present work confirms that the clinical signs of age for the female eye area develop differently depending on the ethnic origins of the volunteer.}, } @article {pmid32934284, year = {2020}, author = {Sultana, N and Hossain, SMZ and Mohammed, ME and Irfan, MF and Haq, B and Faruque, MO and Razzak, SA and Hossain, MM}, title = {Experimental study and parameters optimization of microalgae based heavy metals removal process using a hybrid response surface methodology-crow search algorithm.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {15068}, pmid = {32934284}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; *Biomass ; Chlorella/*chemistry ; Metals, Heavy/*chemistry ; Microalgae/*chemistry ; *Models, Chemical ; Wastewater/*chemistry ; *Water Purification ; }, abstract = {This study investigates the use of microalgae as a biosorbent to eliminate heavy metals ions from wastewater. The Chlorella kessleri microalgae species was employed to biosorb heavy metals from synthetic wastewater specimens. FTIR, and SEM/XRD analyses were utilized to characterize the microalgal biomass (the adsorbent). The experiments were conducted with several process parameters, including initial solution pH, temperature, and microalgae biomass dose. In order to secure the best experimental conditions, the optimum parameters were estimated using an integrated response surface methodology (RSM), desirability function (DF), and crow search algorithm (CSA) modeling approach. A maximum lead(II) removal efficiency of 99.54% was identified by the RSM-DF platform with the following optimal set of parameters: pH of 6.34, temperature of 27.71 °C, and biomass dosage of 1.5 g L[-1]. The hybrid RSM-CSA approach provided a globally optimal solution that was similar to the results obtained by the RSM-DF approach. The consistency of the model-predicted optimum conditions was confirmed by conducting experiments under those conditions. It was found that the experimental removal efficiency (97.1%) under optimum conditions was very close (less than a 5% error) to the model-predicted value. The lead(II) biosorption process was better demonstrated by the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Finally, simultaneous removal of metals from wastewater samples containing a mixture of multiple heavy metals was investigated. The removal efficiency of each heavy metal was found to be in the following order: Pb(II) > Co(II) > Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Cr(II).}, } @article {pmid32932771, year = {2020}, author = {Jaksic, D and Mandic, S and Maksimovic, N and Milosevic, Z and Roklicer, R and Vukovic, J and Pocek, S and Lakicevic, N and Bianco, A and Cassar, S and Drid, P}, title = {Effects of a Nine-Month Physical Activity Intervention on Morphological Characteristics and Motor and Cognitive Skills of Preschool Children.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {18}, pages = {}, pmid = {32932771}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Body Weight ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; *Dancing ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Motor Skills ; }, abstract = {(1) Background: Regular physical activity (PA) plays an important role during early childhood physical and psychological development. This study investigates the effects of a 9-month PA intervention on physiological characteristics and motor and cognitive skills in preschool children. (2) Methods: Preschool children (n = 132; age 4 to 7 years) attending regular preschool programs were nonrandomly assigned to PA intervention (n = 66; 60 min sessions twice per week) or a control group (n = 66; no additional organized PA program) for 9 months. Exercise training for the intervention group included various sports games, outdoor activities, martial arts, yoga, and dance. Anthropometry, motor skills (7 tests), and cognitive skills (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and Cognitive Assessment System) were assessed before and after an intervention period in both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. (3) Results: Body weight significantly increased in both groups over time. Compared to the changes observed in the control group, the intervention group significantly increased in chest circumference (p = 0.022). In contrast, the control group demonstrated an increase in waist circumference (p = 0.001), while these measures in the intervention group remained stable. Participants in the intervention group improved running speed (p = 0.016) and standing broad jump (p = 0.000). The flexibility level was maintained in the intervention group, while a significant decrease was observed in the control group (p = 0.010). Children from the intervention group demonstrated progress in the bent-arm hang test (p = 0.001), unlike the control group subjects. Varied improvements in cognitive skills were observed for different variables in both intervention and control groups, with no robust evidence for PA-intervention-related improvements. (4) Conclusions: Preschool children's participation in a preschool PA intervention improves their motor skills.}, } @article {pmid32929312, year = {2020}, author = {Gharekhani, J and Yakhchali, M and Berahmat, R}, title = {Neospora caninum infection in Iran (2004-2020): A review.}, journal = {Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology}, volume = {44}, number = {4}, pages = {671-686}, pmid = {32929312}, issn = {0971-7196}, abstract = {Knowledge on neosporosis and associated risk factors in different species of animals are so important for designing the control programs and reduce the economic losses globally. This literature review targeted for evaluating the infection rate of Neospora caninum in animals in Iran. Until April 2020, all of published documents in the main English and Persian-language databases were searched. A total number of 110 documents (English = 85 and Persian = 25) were extracted. Most of reports were sero-epidemiological studies using ELISA in Iranian cattle population. The range of Neospora infection was 3.8-76.2% in cattle, 0-54.6% in dogs, 0.9-9.9% in sheep, 6.2% in goats, 19.2-55.9% in buffaloes, 20-42.2% in horses, 52% in donkeys, 3.2-27% in camels, 14% and 19% in cats, and 0-20.4% in rodents. This rate in birds was 17.3% in chicken, 9.8% and 30.4% in pigeons, 2.8% and 3.7% in sparrows, and 9.9% in hooded crows. This is a comprehensive literature review on Neospora infection in Iran at the first time. The infection of N. caninum is widespread in Iran especially in dogs and cattle population. This review can provide baseline information for future research. Study on other hosts especially on wild and exotic animals is recommended for exact estimate of neosporosis in Iran. Investigations into molecular diagnosis and genotyping of N. caninum strains are also needed; this will be helpful for developing vaccines and finding the connection among wild and domestic cycles of disease. Education on the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection for is suggested farmers and rural public.}, } @article {pmid32928096, year = {2020}, author = {Dai, X and Li, X and Huang, Y and Liu, X}, title = {The speciation and adaptation of the polyploids: a case study of the Chinese Isoetes L. diploid-polyploid complex.}, journal = {BMC evolutionary biology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {118}, pmid = {32928096}, issn = {1471-2148}, support = {30870168 & 31170203//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Biological ; China ; *Diploidy ; Ecosystem ; *Genetic Speciation ; Phylogeny ; *Polyploidy ; Tracheophyta/*classification ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Chinese Isoetes L. are distributed in a stairway pattern: diploids in the high altitude and polyploids in the low altitude. The allopolyploid I. sinensis and its diploid parents I. yunguiensis and I. taiwanensis is an ideal system with which to investigate the relationships between polyploid speciation and the ecological niches preferences.

RESULTS: There were two major clades in the nuclear phylogenetic tree, all of the populations of polyploid were simultaneously located in both clades. The chloroplast phylogenetic tree included two clades with different populations of the polyploid clustered with the diploids separately: I. yunguiensis with partial populations of the I. sinensis and I. taiwanensis with the rest populations of the I. sinensis. The crow node of the I. sinensis allopolyploid system was 4.43 Ma (95% HPD: 2.77-6.97 Ma). The divergence time between I. sinensis and I. taiwanensis was estimated to 0.65 Ma (95% HPD: 0.26-1.91 Ma). The narrower niche breadth in I.sinensis than those of its diploid progenitors and less niche overlap in the pairwise comparisons between the polyploid and its progenitors.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results elucidate that I. yunguinensis and I. taiwanensis contribute to the speciation of I. sinensis, the diploid parents are the female parents of different populations. The change of altitude might have played an important role in allopolyploid speciation and the pattern of distribution of I. sinensis. Additionally, niche novelty of the allopolyploid population of I. sinensis has been detected, in accordance with the hypothesis that niche shift between the polyploids and its diploid progenitors is important for the establishment and persistence of the polyploids.}, } @article {pmid32918649, year = {2021}, author = {Troncone, A and Chianese, A and Di Leva, A and Grasso, M and Cascella, C}, title = {Validity of the Draw a Person: A Quantitative Scoring System (DAP:QSS) for Clinically Evaluating Intelligence.}, journal = {Child psychiatry and human development}, volume = {52}, number = {4}, pages = {728-738}, pmid = {32918649}, issn = {1573-3327}, support = {157264//Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {To assess the psychometric properties of the Draw a Person: A Quantitative Scoring System (DAP:QSS), in 2543 children (M = 11.43 ± 3.06 years), correlations between drawings scores and Raven's Matrices scores, age, and academic achievement were examined. Although older children (> 11 years) obtained higher drawing scores than younger ones (p < 0.001), age significantly correlated with DAP:QSS scores only in children younger than 11 years (r = 0.493, p < 0.001), indicating conflictive evidence for construct validity and a possible ceiling effect. No correlations emerged between DAP:QSS scores and grades (r = 0.056, p = 0.097). DAP:QSS scores were significantly associated with Raven's Matrices score, but low correlation coefficients (0.156-0.498), low sensitivity (0.12), and high false negative (87.9%) and positive (82%) rates suggest poor DAP:QSS validity as an intelligence measure. The researchers concluded that DAP:QSS failed to produce a psychometrically sound assessment of children's intellectual functioning.}, } @article {pmid32907915, year = {2021}, author = {Kampouri, M and Margetaki, K and Koutra, K and Kyriklaki, A and Karakosta, P and Anousaki, D and Chalkiadaki, G and Vafeiadi, M and Kogevinas, M and Chatzi, L}, title = {Maternal mild thyroid dysfunction and offspring cognitive and motor development from infancy to childhood: the Rhea mother-child cohort study in Crete, Greece.}, journal = {Journal of epidemiology and community health}, volume = {75}, number = {1}, pages = {29-35}, pmid = {32907915}, issn = {1470-2738}, support = {P30 ES007048/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Greece/epidemiology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Mother-Child Relations ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/epidemiology ; Prospective Studies ; *Rheiformes ; Thyroid Gland ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Maternal thyroid hormones' supply is crucial for fetal neurodevelopment; however, the role of maternal mild thyroid dysfunction is not clear. We aimed to assess the association of maternal mild thyroid dysfunction with child neuropsychological development from infancy to early childhood.

METHODS: We included 757 mother-child pairs from the prospective 'Rhea' cohort on Crete, Greece. Maternal thyroid functioning was assessed by quantitative analysis of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies at early gestation (mean=14 weeks). Neuropsychological assessment was based on Bayley Scales of Infant Development (18 months of age), McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (4 years of age), Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Trail Making Test and Finger Tapping Test (6 years of age).

RESULTS: In multivariate adjusted linear regression analyses, maternal hypothyroxinemia was associated with decreased verbal scores at 4 years and reduced motor speed at 6 years of age. Maternal thyroid autoimmunity was associated with decreased child perceptual and motor ability at 4 years of age. Four trajectories of longitudinal non-verbal cognitive development were identified and children exposed to maternal thyroid autoimmunity had increased risk for belonging to an adverse trajectory ('low': adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) = 2.7 95% CI: (1.4, 5.2), 'high-decreasing': adjusted RRR = 2.2 95% CI: (1.2, 4.0), 'low-increasing': adjusted RRR = 1.8 95% CI: (1.0, 3.2)).

CONCLUSION: Maternal hypothyroxinemia is associated with reduced offspring verbal and motor ability. Maternal thyroid autoimmunity is associated with decreased offspring perceptual performance and motor ability and increased risk for adverse non-verbal cognitive development from infancy to childhood.}, } @article {pmid32906797, year = {2020}, author = {Blazkova, B and Pastorkova, A and Solansky, I and Veleminsky, M and Veleminsky, M and Urbancova, K and Vondraskova, V and Hajslova, J and Pulkrabova, J and Sram, RJ}, title = {Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure on Cognitive Development in 5 Years Old Children.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {32906797}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Objectives: To analyze the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient air at the time of delivery and five years of age on cognitive development in five year old children. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of children born in the years 2013 and 2014 from Karvina (Northern Moravia, n = 70) and Ceske Budejovice (Southern Bohemia, n = 99) were studied at the age of five years for their cognitive development related to the exposure to PAHs, determined in the ambient air as the concentration of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and OH-PAH (hydroxy-PAH) metabolites in urine of the newborns at the time of delivery. As psychological tests, the Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (BG test) and the Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM test) were used. Results: Concentrations of B[a]P in the third trimester of mother's pregnancies were 6.1 ± 4.53 ng/m[3] in Karvina, and 1.19 ± 1.28 ng/m[3] (p < 0.001) in Ceske Budejovice. Neither the outcome of the RCPM test nor the BG test differed between children in Karvina vs. Ceske Budejovice, or boys vs. girls. Cognitive development in five year old children was affected by the higher exposure to PM2.5 during the third trimester in girls in Karvina. Conclusions: We did not observe any significant effect of prenatal PAH exposure on psychological cognitive tests in five year old children.}, } @article {pmid32903767, year = {2020}, author = {Dolean, D and Cãlugãr, A}, title = {How Reliably Can We Measure a Child's True IQ? Socio-Economic Status Can Explain Most of the Inter-Ethnic Differences in General Non-verbal Abilities.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {2000}, pmid = {32903767}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Roma children have been discriminated against for many years as they are denied access to high-quality education based on their scores on general non-verbal IQ tests. Rushton et al. (2007) showed that Roma perform more poorly than non-Roma on one such test (i.e., Raven Progressive Matrices), but suggest that this underperformance could be explained by Roma's low socio-economic status. In this paper, we tested the non-verbal abilities of Roma children and expanded on the research of Rushton et al. (2007) by investigating empirically the potential mediating effects of socio-economic status on children's performance on Raven Progressive Matrices. Results showed that the performance of Roma children was, on average, significantly lower than the performance of their non-Roma peers; however, the effect of ethnicity was partially mediated by the parents' education and living conditions (while the parents' income had no significant effect). As hypothesized by Rushton et al. (2007) some socio-economic factors can explain important variability in the performance of Roma children on general non-verbal tests, and their poor performance on such tests may lead to an underestimation of the true population mean.}, } @article {pmid32893046, year = {2020}, author = {Hswen, Y and Qin, Q and Williams, DR and Viswanath, K and Brownstein, JS and Subramanian, SV}, title = {The relationship between Jim Crow laws and social capital from 1997-2014: A 3-level multilevel hierarchical analysis across time, county and state.}, journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)}, volume = {262}, number = {}, pages = {113142}, doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113142}, pmid = {32893046}, issn = {1873-5347}, support = {T32 MD015070/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Black or African American ; Humans ; Income ; *Racism ; *Social Capital ; United States ; White People ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Jim Crow laws in the United States promoted racial prejudice, which may have reduced social capital. Our study tests the relationship between Jim Crow laws and social capital.

METHODS: We conducted 3-level multilevel hierarchical modeling to study differences in the stock of social capital for 1997, 2005, 2009 in Jim Crow states compared to states without Jim Crow laws. We examined the moderation effects of county level median income, percent Black and percent with high school education and Jim Crow laws on social capital.

RESULTS: Jim Crow laws significantly reduced stock of social capital across 1997, 2005, 2009. The model was robust to the inclusion of random county, states, time and fixed county and state level covariates for median income, percent Black and percent with high school education. The largest percent of between state variations explained for fixed variables was from the addition of Jim Crow laws with 2.86%. These results demonstrate that although Jim Crow laws were abolished in 1965, the effects of racial segregation appear to persist through lower social connectiveness, community and trust. A positive moderation effect was seen for median income and percent Black with Jim Crow laws on social capital.

DISCUSSION: Our study supports a negative association between Jim Crow laws and reduction in the stock of social capital. This may be attributed to the fracturing of trust, reciprocity and collective action produced by legal racial segregation. Findings from this study offer insight on the potential impacts of historical policies on the social structure of a community. Future research is necessary to further identify the mechanistic pathways and develop interventions to improve social capital.}, } @article {pmid32887370, year = {2020}, author = {Stalder, S and Marti, H and Borel, N and Sachse, K and Albini, S and Vogler, BR}, title = {Occurrence of Chlamydiaceae in Raptors and Crows in Switzerland.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {32887370}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {Bacteria of the family Chlamydiaceae are globally disseminated and able to infect many bird species. So far, 11 species of Chlamydia have been detected in wild birds, and several studies found chlamydial strains classified as genetically intermediate between Chlamydia (C.) psittaci and C.abortus. Recently, a group of these intermediate strains was shown to form a separate species, i.e., C.buteonis. In the present study, 1128 samples from 341 raptors of 16 bird species and 253 corvids representing six species were examined using a stepwise diagnostic approach. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 23.7% of the corvids and 5.9% of the raptors. In corvids, the most frequently detected Chlamydia species was C.psittaci of outer membrane protein A (ompA) genotype 1V, which is known to have a host preference for corvids. The most frequently detected ompA genotype in raptors was M56. Furthermore, one of the raptors harbored C.psittaci 1V, and two others carried genotype A. C.buteonis was not detected in the bird population investigated, so it remains unknown whether this species occurs in Switzerland. The infection rate of Chlamydiaceae in corvids was high compared to rates reported in other wild bird species, but neither Chlamydiaceae-positive corvids nor raptors showed overt signs of disease. Since the Chlamydiaceae of both, raptors and crows were identified as C.psittaci and all C.psittaci genotypes are considered to be zoonotic, it can be suggested that raptors and crows pose a potential hazard to the health of their handlers.}, } @article {pmid32884644, year = {2020}, author = {Linnell, MA and Lesmeister, DB}, title = {Predator-prey interactions in the canopy.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {16}, pages = {8610-8622}, pmid = {32884644}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Small mammal abundances are frequently limited by resource availability, but predators can exert strong lethal (mortality) and nonlethal (e.g., nest abandonment) limitations. Artificially increasing resource availability for uncommon small mammals provides a unique opportunity to examine predator-prey interactions. We used remote cameras to monitor 168 nest platforms placed in the live tree canopy (n = 23 young forest stands), primarily for arboreal red tree voles (tree voles; Arborimus longicaudus), over 3 years (n = 15,510 monitoring-weeks). Tree voles frequently built nests and were detected 37% of monitoring-weeks, whereas flying squirrels (Glaucomys oregonensis) built nests infrequently but were detected 45% of monitoring-weeks. Most nest predators were detected infrequently (<1% of monitoring-weeks) and were positively correlated with tree vole presence. Weasels (Mustela spp.) were highly effective predators of tree voles (n = 8 mortalities; 10% of detections) compared to owls (n = 1), flying squirrels (n = 2), and Steller's jays (n = 1). Tree vole activity decreased from 84.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 56.2, 111.9) detections/week 1-week prior to a weasel detection to 4.7 detections/week (95% CI: 1.7, 7.8) 1-week postdetection and remained low for at least 12 weeks. Interpretations of predator-prey interactions were highly sensitive to how we binned continuously collected data and model results from our finest bin width were biologically counter-intuitive. Average annual survival of female tree voles was consistent with a previous study (0.14; 95% CI: -0.04 [0.01], 0.32) and high compared to many terrestrial voles. The relative infrequency of weasel detections and inefficiency of other predators did not provide strong support for the hypothesis that predation per se limited populations. Rather, predation pressure, by reducing occupancy of already scarce nest sites through mortality and nest abandonment, may contribute to long-term local instability of tree vole populations in young forests. Additional monitoring would be needed to assess this hypothesis.}, } @article {pmid32882458, year = {2020}, author = {Connelly, F and Johnsson, RD and Aulsebrook, AE and Mulder, RA and Hall, ML and Vyssotski, AL and Lesku, JA}, title = {Urban noise restricts, fragments, and lightens sleep in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {267}, number = {}, pages = {115484}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115484}, pmid = {32882458}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Australia ; Noise/adverse effects ; *Sleep ; *Sleep, REM ; Wakefulness ; }, abstract = {Urban areas are inherently noisy, and this noise can disrupt biological processes as diverse as communication, migration, and reproduction. We investigated how exposure to urban noise affects sleep, a process critical to optimal biological functioning, in Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen). Eight magpies experimentally exposed to noise in captivity for 24-h spent more time awake, and less time in non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) and REM sleep at night than under quiet conditions. Sleep was also fragmented, with more frequent interruptions by wakefulness, shorter sleep episode durations, and less intense non-REM sleep. REM sleep was particularly sensitive to urban noise. Following exposure to noise, magpies recovered lost sleep by engaging in more, and more intense, non-REM sleep. In contrast, REM sleep showed no rebound. This might indicate a long-term cost to REM sleep loss mediated by noise, or contest hypotheses regarding the functional value of this state. Overall, urban noise has extensive, disruptive impacts on sleep composition, architecture, and intensity in magpies. Future work should consider whether noise-induced sleep restriction and fragmentation have long-term consequences.}, } @article {pmid32867701, year = {2020}, author = {He, S and Duan, R and Liu, Z and Ye, X and Yuan, L and Li, T and Tan, C and Shao, J and Qin, S and Wang, R}, title = {Characteristics of cognitive impairment in adult asymptomatic moyamoya disease.}, journal = {BMC neurology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {322}, pmid = {32867701}, issn = {1471-2377}, support = {Z151100004015077-DR//Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission/ ; 2015-3-041-DR//Beijing municipal health system high-level health technical personnel training program/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moyamoya Disease/*complications ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prospective Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment in adult moyamoya disease (MMD) is thought to be the result of ischemic stroke; however, the presence and extent of cognitive decline in asymptomatic patients is unclear.

METHODS: After classification using T2-weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a total of 19 MMD patients with a history of cerebral infarction, 21 asymptomatic MMD patients, and 20 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and years of education were prospectively included in this study. A detailed neuropsychological evaluation of two moyamoya subgroups and normal controls was conducted.

RESULTS: Asymptomatic patients showed varying degrees of decline in intelligence (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, P = 0.001), spatial imagination (mental rotation, P = 0.014), working memory (verbal working memory-backward digit span, P = 0.011), and computational ability (simple subtraction, P = 0.014; complex subtraction, P < 0.001) compared with normal controls. MMD patients with cerebral infarction had more severe impairment in complex arithmetic (P = 0.027) and word short-term memory (P = 0.01) than those without symptoms.

CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic MMD patients, a variety of cognitive impairment precedes the onset of clinical symptoms such as cerebral infarction, which may be a long-term complication of conservative treatment.}, } @article {pmid32863476, year = {2020}, author = {du Pont, A and Karbin, Z and Rhee, SH and Corley, RP and Hewitt, JK and Friedman, NP}, title = {Differential associations between rumination and intelligence subtypes.}, journal = {Intelligence}, volume = {78}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {32863476}, issn = {0160-2896}, support = {R01 AG046938/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH063207/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R56 MH063207/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; T32 MH016880/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; P60 DA011015/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Although prior theory suggests that rumination contributes to cognitive impairments associated with depression, recent work suggests that rumination is associated with higher levels of intelligence. The present study examined the relations between two ruminative subtypes (brooding and reflective pondering) and multiple measures and types of intelligence (verbal and performance) after controlling for rumination's overlapping variance with depression. Participants were 751 individuals from the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study who completed the Ruminative Response Scale; the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and a fully structured clinical interview as measures of depression; and verbal and performance intelligence tasks at age 16 and the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices at age 23. Reflective pondering was positively associated with all measures of intelligence, whereas brooding was not associated with intelligence. Our findings indicate that any negative associations between rumination and intelligence are attributable to shared variance with depression, and that examination of rumination as a multifaceted construct may provide new insights into the relations between rumination and cognition.}, } @article {pmid32860889, year = {2020}, author = {Wei, H and Chang, L and Huang, Q and Zhou, R}, title = {Relation between spontaneous electroencephalographic theta/beta power ratio and test anxiety.}, journal = {Neuroscience letters}, volume = {737}, number = {}, pages = {135323}, doi = {10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135323}, pmid = {32860889}, issn = {1872-7972}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Beta Rhythm/*physiology ; Brain/*physiopathology ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Test Anxiety/*physiopathology ; Theta Rhythm/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Test anxiety is associated with impaired attentional control, and spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) theta/beta power ratio (TBR) may reflect the cortical-subcortical interactions involved in attentional control. The present study investigated how test anxiety influences spontaneous EEG TBR. Individuals undertook a 10-minute Raven's intelligence test. Spontaneous EEG data were recorded before and after the test and subsequently analyzed. TAS score showed a significant positive correlation with parietal EEG TBR before the test. Individuals with high test anxiety exhibited a significantly larger parietal EEG TBR than did individuals with low test anxiety, both before and after the test. The findings suggest that parietal spontaneous EEG TBR is related to test anxiety and can distinguish between individuals with high and low test anxiety.}, } @article {pmid32849984, year = {2020}, author = {Akubuilo, UC and Iloh, KK and Onu, JU and Ayuk, AC and Ubesie, AC and Ikefuna, AN}, title = {Academic performance and intelligence quotient of primary school children in Enugu.}, journal = {The Pan African medical journal}, volume = {36}, number = {}, pages = {129}, pmid = {32849984}, issn = {1937-8688}, mesh = {Academic Performance/*statistics & numerical data ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Nigeria ; Schools ; Social Class ; Students/psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: intellectual capacity measured as intelligence quotient (IQ) is one of the determinants of school performance of children. It influences academic achievement, future personal health, social well-being and therefore, is of public health significance. The objective of the study was to determine the intelligence quotient (IQ) and academic performance of primary school children in Enugu-East LGA.

METHODS: children who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from both public and private primary schools in the Local Government Area (LGA) using a proportionate multistage sampling technique. Academic performance was classified into high, average and low academic using past records of class assessment. Intelligence quotient was assessed using the Raven´s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) and was grouped into optimal and suboptimal. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data such as-age, gender, socio-economic indices and family size of the study participants. Analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS).

RESULTS: a total of 1,122 pupils aged 6 to 12 years were recruited. Optimal IQ and high academic performance were found in 54.0% and 58.8% of the study participants. Being from upper social class, in private school, and family size less than 4 were the significant determinants of high IQ and good academic performance (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: low socio-economic status, large family size and public school attendance impact negatively on IQ and academic performance. Hence, measures to curb large family sizes (i.e.>4 children) and improve the socio-economic status of families are needed environmental measures to improve intelligence and academic performance.}, } @article {pmid32849085, year = {2020}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Absolute Numerosity Discrimination as a Case Study in Comparative Vertebrate Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {1843}, pmid = {32849085}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The question of whether some non-human animal species are more intelligent than others is a reoccurring theme in comparative psychology. To convincingly address this question, exact comparability of behavioral methodology and data across species is required. The current article explores one of the rare cases in which three vertebrate species (humans, macaques, and crows) experienced identical experimental conditions during the investigation of a core cognitive capability - the abstract categorization of absolute numerical quantity. We found that not every vertebrate species studied in numerical cognition were able to flexibly discriminate absolute numerosity, which suggests qualitative differences in numerical intelligence are present between vertebrates. Additionally, systematic differences in numerosity judgment accuracy exist among those species that could master abstract and flexible judgments of absolute numerosity, thus arguing for quantitative differences between vertebrates. These results demonstrate that Macphail's Null Hypotheses - which suggests that all non-human vertebrates are qualitatively and quantitatively of equal intelligence - is untenable.}, } @article {pmid32841183, year = {2020}, author = {Piasetska, L and Luchynskiy, M and Oshchypko, R and Rozhko, V and Luchynska, Y}, title = {THE STATE OF LOCAL IMMUNITY IN PERSONS WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASES ON A BACKGROUND OF DIFFERENT PHYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL REACTIONS OF MALADAPTATION.}, journal = {Georgian medical news}, volume = {}, number = {303}, pages = {63-66}, pmid = {32841183}, issn = {1512-0112}, mesh = {Adult ; *Chronic Periodontitis ; *Gingivitis ; Humans ; *Periodontal Diseases ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The objective of the study was to determine the changes of local immunity indicators in persons with periodontal diseases and the influence of psychophysiological state on their activity. The study involved 130 patients 19-44-years old with periodontal diseases on a background of different psychophysiological reactions of maladaptation. Two study groups were formed: І group - 73 persons with gingivitis; ІІ group - 57 persons with chronic generalized periodontitis. For psychophysiological examination we used Raven's Progressive Matrices test. The average content of sIgA in persons of group I by 14.22% exceeded the corresponding data in persons of group II. The IgA concentration in group I was 0.191±0.004 g/l, which was 6.42% higher than in group II - 0.172±0.006 g/l, p>0.05. IgG content in group I exceeded by 15.54% the corresponding data in group II. Average data of lysozyme content in group I was 6.87% higher than in group II (427.0±5.20 μg/ml vs. 397.00±4.24 μg/ml, p<0, 01). The dynamics of immunoglobulins and lysozyme in the oral fluid of the study groups, depending on the psychophysiological state of the organism were determined and analyzed. Certain imbalance of local protection factors (lysozyme and sIgA) and the concentration of immunoglobulins A and G was characterized by a decrease in the values of the indices with deepening of psychophysiological reactions of maladaptation, and this tendency was more pronounced in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis.}, } @article {pmid32834058, year = {2020}, author = {Jiguet, F}, title = {The Fox and the Crow. A need to update pest control strategies.}, journal = {Biological conservation}, volume = {248}, number = {}, pages = {108693}, pmid = {32834058}, issn = {0006-3207}, abstract = {The recent discovery that cats and mustelids can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 may raise the question of monitoring domestic, feral and wild populations of such animals, as an adjunct to the elimination of COVID-19 in humans. Emergency solutions might consider large scale control of these animals in the wild. However, looking at science recently published on native vertebrate pest control reveals first that usual controls do not succeed in reducing animal numbers and associated damages, second that controlling can be counter-productive in increasing the infectious risks for humans and livestock. The examples of red fox and corvids are detailed in a European context, illustrating the urgent need for an ethical evaluation of ecological and economic costs and benefits of pest control strategies. A complete scientific evaluation process must be implemented and up-dated regularly, to be organized in four major steps, once the aim of the control strategy has been defined: (1) evaluating damages/risks caused by the animals, to be balanced with the ecosystem services they may provide, also in terms of economic costs; (2) unravelling spatial and temporal population dynamics of target animals to identify, if any, optimal control scenarios - which could be done within an adaptive management framework; (3) estimating the economic costs of implementing those optimal control scenarios, to be compared to the economic costs of damages/diseases; (4) finally evaluating how the control strategy reached its aims. A modern fable of the Fox and the Crow should deliver a timely moral for an ethical, ecological and economical appraisal of pest control strategies in Europe.}, } @article {pmid32830532, year = {2021}, author = {Berrington, JE and McGuire, W and Embleton, ND}, title = {ELFIN, the United Kingdom preterm lactoferrin trial: interpretation and future questions [1].}, journal = {Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire}, volume = {99}, number = {1}, pages = {1-6}, doi = {10.1139/bcb-2020-0073}, pmid = {32830532}, issn = {1208-6002}, mesh = {Administration, Oral ; Double-Blind Method ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/*prevention & control ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Lactoferrin/administration & dosage/*metabolism ; Sepsis/*prevention & control ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Results from previous studies have suggested that supplemental bovine lactoferrin (BLF) given to preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) reduces late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). The Enteral Lactoferrin in Neonates (ELFIN) study, performed in the UK, aimed to further address this issue with a well powered double-blind placebo controlled trial of >2200 preterm infants. The results from ELFIN did not demonstrate a reduction in LOS or NEC, or several other clinically important measures. Of the 1093 infants, 316 (29%) in the intervention group developed late-onset sepsis versus 334 (31%) of 1089 in the control group, with an adjusted risk ratio of 0.95 (95% CI = 0.86-1.04; p = 0.233). Reasons for the differences in ELFIN trial results and other studies may include population differences, the routine use of antifungal prophylaxis in the UK, timing of administration of the lactoferrin in relation to disease onset, or specific properties of the lactoferrin used in the different trials. The UK National Institutes for Health Research funded "Mechanisms Affecting the Guts of Preterm Infants in Enteral feeding trials" (MAGPIE) study is further exploring the use of lactoferrin, and the results should be available soon.}, } @article {pmid32830051, year = {2020}, author = {Birch, J and Schnell, AK and Clayton, NS}, title = {Dimensions of Animal Consciousness.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {24}, number = {10}, pages = {789-801}, pmid = {32830051}, issn = {1879-307X}, support = {851145/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Consciousness ; }, abstract = {How does consciousness vary across the animal kingdom? Are some animals 'more conscious' than others? This article presents a multidimensional framework for understanding interspecies variation in states of consciousness. The framework distinguishes five key dimensions of variation: perceptual richness, evaluative richness, integration at a time, integration across time, and self-consciousness. For each dimension, existing experiments that bear on it are reviewed and future experiments are suggested. By assessing a given species against each dimension, we can construct a consciousness profile for that species. On this framework, there is no single scale along which species can be ranked as more or less conscious. Rather, each species has its own distinctive consciousness profile.}, } @article {pmid32829327, year = {2021}, author = {Jokel, A and Armstrong, E and Gabis, L and Segal, O}, title = {Associations and Dissociations among Phonological Processing Skills, Language Skills and Nonverbal Cognition in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.}, journal = {Folia phoniatrica et logopaedica : official organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)}, volume = {73}, number = {3}, pages = {222-232}, doi = {10.1159/000505744}, pmid = {32829327}, issn = {1421-9972}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications ; Child ; Cognition ; Humans ; Language Development ; *Language Disorders ; Linguistics ; Phonetics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of phonological processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it pertains to their nonverbal cognitive and linguistic abilities.

METHODS: Twenty-one participants between the ages of 9 and 21 years were administered a nonverbal cognitive assessment (Raven test), a language measure that requires receptive and expressive knowledge of semantics, syntax and morphology, as well as the integration across these language domains (CELF-4), and a measure of phonological processing (CTOPP).

RESULTS: Results show that performance on nonword repetition (NWR) that reflects an aspect of phonological memory was significantly low, whereas performance on phoneme reversal, phoneme elision, blending words and memory for digits was within the normal range. Hierarchical regressions with age, nonverbal intelligence (Raven test) and receptive language (CELF) as predictors showed that for NWR and phoneme elision the receptive part of the CELF was the main significant -predictor, after controlling for age. For phoneme reversal and memory for digits, however, the Raven score was the significant predictor, suggesting that cognitive nonverbal ability is the main factor explaining variability in these tasks.

CONCLUSIONS: A deficit in phonological memory characterizes individuals in the autistic population. This deficit may influence language acquisition in this population consistent with other populations of children with language impairments. Other tasks of phonological awareness, however, might be preserved especially when they do not involve memory for long phonological sequences and when the cognitive abilities are within the norm.}, } @article {pmid32823949, year = {2020}, author = {Robitzsch, A}, title = {Regularized Latent Class Analysis for Polytomous Item Responses: An Application to SPM-LS Data.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {32823949}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {The last series of Raven's standard progressive matrices (SPM-LS) test was studied with respect to its psychometric properties in a series of recent papers. In this paper, the SPM-LS dataset is analyzed with regularized latent class models (RLCMs). For dichotomous item response data, an alternative estimation approach based on fused regularization for RLCMs is proposed. For polytomous item responses, different alternative fused regularization penalties are presented. The usefulness of the proposed methods is demonstrated in a simulated data illustration and for the SPM-LS dataset. For the SPM-LS dataset, it turned out the regularized latent class model resulted in five partially ordered latent classes. In total, three out of five latent classes are ordered for all items. For the remaining two classes, violations for two and three items were found, respectively, which can be interpreted as a kind of latent differential item functioning.}, } @article {pmid32812143, year = {2020}, author = {Feng, D and Laurel, F and Castille, D and McCormick, AKHG and Held, S}, title = {Reliability, construct validity, and measurement invariance of the PROMIS Physical Function 8b-Adult Short Form v2.0.}, journal = {Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation}, volume = {29}, number = {12}, pages = {3397-3406}, pmid = {32812143}, issn = {1573-2649}, support = {U01MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; P20GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U54GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Physical Functional Performance ; Psychometrics/*methods ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The National Institutes of Health established the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to assess health across various chronic illnesses. The standardized PROMIS measures have been used to assess symptoms in studies that included Native American participants, although the psychometric properties of these measures have not been assessed among a solely Native American population. This study aimed to assess the reliability, construct validity, and measurement invariance of a widely used PROMIS Physical Function survey among Native Americans residing on or near the Apsáalooke (Crow) Reservation who were living with chronic illnesses.

METHODS: Participants aged 24 to 82 years and living with at least one chronic illness were recruited for a community-based participatory research project. Baseline data were used for the current study (N = 210). The 8-item PROMIS Physical Function 8b-Adult Short Form v2.0 was used to assess the function of upper and lower extremities, central core regions, and the ability to complete daily activities on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS: Results indicated that the above PROMIS survey had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and split-half (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) reliabilities. Confirmatory factor analyses supported construct validity among females of the above population and when the two sex groups were combined. Results also indicated that corresponding thresholds and factor loadings were invariant across male and female groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The above PROMIS measure had good psychometric properties in females and when the two sex groups were combined among Native American adults living on or near the Apsáalooke reservation with chronic illnesses. Thresholds and factor loadings appeared to be invariant by sex. Future studies with a larger sample size among males and more studies on the psychometric properties of other PROMIS measures among Native American populations are needed.}, } @article {pmid32807468, year = {2020}, author = {Watanabe, M and Takeda, K and Maeshima, S and Suzuki, T and Sonoda, S}, title = {Influence of hematoma volume and age on cognitive functions and ADL after putaminal hemorrhage.}, journal = {Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association}, volume = {29}, number = {9}, pages = {105063}, doi = {10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105063}, pmid = {32807468}, issn = {1532-8511}, mesh = {*Activities of Daily Living ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; *Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; *Cognitive Aging ; Female ; Hemorrhage/complications/*diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prognosis ; Putaminal Hemorrhage/complications/*diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/psychology ; Risk Factors ; *Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: After cerebral hemorrhage, cognitive functions and activities of daily living (ADL) are affected by various factors, including hematoma volume and patient age. In the present study, we investigated the effect of age and hematoma volume on cognitive functions and on ADL.

METHODS: The sample comprised 274 patients (183 men and 91 women; mean age 58.2 ± 12.5 years) with putaminal hemorrhage who were hospitalized in a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Hematoma volume was estimated from computed tomography imaging at stroke onset. Cognitive functions were evaluated using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test (RCPM) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at hospital admission, while ADL score was assessed at discharge using the Functional Independence Measure motor subscale (FIM-M). In the present study, we classified the patients into six groups according to whether they were non-elderly or elderly (cutoff age, 60 years) and whether their hematoma was small, medium, or large (cutoff volumes, 20 and 40 mL, respectively). Subsequently, the scores on the RCPM, MMSE, and FIM-M were compared among the groups.

RESULTS: In both age groups, patients with a larger hematoma volume had lower RCPM and MMSE scores. Patients <60 years old exhibited different trends in their RCPM and MMSE scores, such that the RCPM score showed a step-wise decrease according to hematoma volume, while a difference in the MMSE score was only observed at the 20 mL boundary. Most of the younger patients (<60 years of age) attained high FIM-M scores at discharge, as long as their hematoma volume was either medium or small (<40 mL). This age group had higher RCPM scores on admission, which may have contributed to their higher FIM-M scores on discharge.

CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we demonstrated that advancing age increases the effect of hematoma volume on RCPM and MMSE scores and identified differences in the effects observed on these two scores. Thus, it may be important to use the RCPM alongside the MMSE for patient assessment.}, } @article {pmid32803695, year = {2021}, author = {Fumagalli, A and Misuraca, C and Riva, S and Soraci, L and Fabbietti, P and Di Rosa, M and Corsonello, A and Lattanzio, F and Colombo, D}, title = {Does trail making test predict long-term prognosis in older patients with COPD?.}, journal = {Aging clinical and experimental research}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, pages = {1699-1703}, pmid = {32803695}, issn = {1720-8319}, mesh = {Aged ; *Attention ; Cognition ; Humans ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prognosis ; *Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Trail Making Test ; }, abstract = {Executive abilities are frequently impaired in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed at investigating the association between trail making test (TMT) and survival. Our series consisted of 68 stable COPD outpatients followed-up every 6 months for 52.6 ± 27.6 months. Enrolled patients underwent a baseline comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, including mini-mental state exam, attentional matrices, digit span, Rey auditory verbal learning, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure, copy drawing, tokens test, verbal fluency, category fluency, frontal assessment battery, Raven's progressive matrices, TMT-A, -B and -B-A. The association between neuropsychological deficits and overall mortality was investigated by Cox regression. During follow-up period, 41 patients (60.3%) died. After adjusting for potential confounders, TMT-B was significantly associated with mortality (HR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.10-5.31), along with age (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.0-1.13), overall comorbidity (HR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.02-1.62) and use of noninvasive ventilation (HR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.05-4.45). Defective TMT-B may be associated with long-term mortality in patients with stable COPD.}, } @article {pmid32794280, year = {2021}, author = {Gewaily, MS and Abumandour, MMA}, title = {Gross morphological, histological and scanning electron specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix pallescens).}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {50}, number = {1}, pages = {72-83}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12602}, pmid = {32794280}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/*veterinary ; Oropharynx/*anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {The present study was carried out on the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow to investigate the gross and microscopic structures via gross anatomy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gross anatomy clarified the elongated triangular shape of the oropharyngeal cavity with a non-protruding tongue with a bifid apex. The lingual body contained median groove rostrally and separated caudally from the root by a transverse papillary crest. The laryngeal mound located posterior to the lingual root, contained midline laryngeal cleft and bounded caudally by a transverse row of pharyngeal papillae. The palate contained choanal cleft rostrally and infundibular slit caudally in addition to five palatine ridges. By light microscopy, the dorsal lingual epithelium was highly keratinised stratified squamous with a lingual nail in the most rostral part of the apex. Then, the thickness of the keratin layer decreased caudally, while in the ventral surface, the lining epithelium became non-keratinised. The entoglossum supported the lingual body and root, but not extended to the apex. The lining epithelium of the palate was also keratinised stratified squamous and became none-keratinised at the oral side of the choanal cleft. There were numerous lobules of polystomatic salivary glands in the lingual root and the palate. SEM revealed the arrangement of different types of papillae covering both the floor and the roof of the oropharynx besides numerous openings of salivary glands in the lingual root, laryngeal mound and the palate. These findings reflect the functional relationship of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow during feeding.}, } @article {pmid32791819, year = {2020}, author = {Seo, E and Koo, SJ and Kim, YJ and Min, JE and Park, HY and Bang, M and Lee, E and An, SK}, title = {Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test: Relationship with Neurocognition and Facial Emotion Recognition in Non-Clinical Youths.}, journal = {Psychiatry investigation}, volume = {17}, number = {8}, pages = {835-839}, pmid = {32791819}, issn = {1738-3684}, support = {2017R1A2B3008214//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; //Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning/ ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) is a common measure of the Theory of Mind. Previous studies found a correlation between RMET performance and neurocognition, especially reasoning by analogy; however, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. Additionally, neurocognition was shown to play a significant role in facial emotion recognition. This study is planned to examine the nature of relationship between neurocognition and RMET performance, as well as the mediating role of facial emotion recognition.

METHODS: One hundred fifty non-clinical youths performed the RMET. Reasoning by analogy was tested by Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) and facial emotion recognition was assessed by the Korean Facial Expressions of Emotion (KOFEE) test. The percentile bootstrap method was used to calculate the parameters of the mediating effects of facial emotion recognition on the relationship between SPM and RMET scores.

RESULTS: SPM scores and KOFEE scores were both statistically significant predictors of RMET scores. KOFEE scores were found to partially mediate the impact of SPM scores on RMET scores.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that facial emotion recognition partially mediated the relationship between reasoning by analogy and social cognition. This study highlights the need for further research for individuals with serious mental illnesses.}, } @article {pmid32788623, year = {2020}, author = {Latorre-Pérez, A and Villalba-Bermell, P and Pascual, J and Vilanova, C}, title = {Assembly methods for nanopore-based metagenomic sequencing: a comparative study.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {13588}, pmid = {32788623}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Metagenome/*genetics ; Metagenomics/*methods ; Microbiota/genetics ; Nanopore Sequencing/*methods ; *Nanopores ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; }, abstract = {Metagenomic sequencing has allowed for the recovery of previously unexplored microbial genomes. Whereas short-read sequencing platforms often result in highly fragmented metagenomes, nanopore-based sequencers could lead to more contiguous assemblies due to their potential to generate long reads. Nevertheless, there is a lack of updated and systematic studies evaluating the performance of different assembly tools on nanopore data. In this study, we have benchmarked the ability of different assemblers to reconstruct two different commercially-available mock communities that have been sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms. Among the tested tools, only metaFlye, Raven, and Canu performed well in all the datasets. These tools retrieved highly contiguous genomes (or even complete genomes) directly from the metagenomic data. Despite the intrinsic high error of nanopore sequencing, final assemblies reached high accuracy (~ 99.5 to 99.8% of consensus accuracy). Polishing strategies demonstrated to be necessary for reducing the number of indels, and this had an impact on the prediction of biosynthetic gene clusters. Correction with high quality short reads did not always result in higher quality draft assemblies. Overall, nanopore metagenomic sequencing data-adapted to MinION's current output-proved sufficient for assembling and characterizing low-complexity microbial communities.}, } @article {pmid32787489, year = {2022}, author = {Thomson, ND and Kevorkian, S and Bozgunov, K and Psederska, E and Aboutanos, M and Vasilev, G and Vassileva, J}, title = {Fluid Intelligence Moderates the Link Between Psychopathy and Aggression Differently for Men and Women.}, journal = {Journal of interpersonal violence}, volume = {37}, number = {5-6}, pages = {NP3400-NP3426}, pmid = {32787489}, issn = {1552-6518}, support = {K01 CE003160/CE/NCIPC CDC HHS/United States ; K01CE003160/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; R01 DA021421/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {*Aggression/psychology ; *Antisocial Personality Disorder/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Violence/psychology ; }, abstract = {Research on sex differences in the association of psychopathy with fluid intelligence is limited, and it remains unknown if fluid intelligence plays a meaningful role in explaining the psychopathy-aggression link for men and women. The present study aimed to test for sex differences in the relation between the four-facet model of psychopathy and intelligence, and to assess whether fluid intelligence moderates the link between psychopathy and aggression. In a community sample of men (n = 356) and women (n = 196), we assessed psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV), fluid intelligence using the Raven's Progressive Matrices, and types of aggression using the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Hierarchical regressions showed that the psychopathy lifestyle facet was negatively associated with intelligence and there were no sex differences. Our analyses for types of aggression revealed sex differences and similarities. For both men and women, total AQ scores were predicted by higher antisocial facet scores. Lower intelligence moderated the link between higher antisocial facet scores and aggression in men, but not for women. Physical aggression in women was associated with higher interpersonal, affective, and antisocial facet scores, whereas for men, it was only associated with higher antisocial facet scores. Verbal and indirect aggression were associated with higher intelligence in both men and women. For men only, higher antisocial facet scores were associated with verbal and indirect aggression. Higher intelligence moderated the link between the lifestyle facet and indirect aggression for women, whereas for men, it moderated the link between the affective facet and indirect aggression. This study further highlights sex differences in mechanisms of psychopathy-related aggression, which need to be considered in the development of violence interventions and risk assessment.}, } @article {pmid32783216, year = {2021}, author = {Eftekhari, MH and Aghaei, H and Kangari, H and Bahrami, M and Eftekhari, S and Tabatabaee, SM and Shahraki, K and Bahrami, M and Broumand, MG}, title = {Abobotulinum toxin A for periorbital facial rejuvenation: impact on ocular refractive parameters.}, journal = {Clinical & experimental optometry}, volume = {104}, number = {1}, pages = {115-118}, doi = {10.1111/cxo.13117}, pmid = {32783216}, issn = {1444-0938}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Base Composition ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Facial Muscles ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Rejuvenation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Botulinum toxin is commonly used for cosmetic facial rejuvenation and can result in pain at the injected site, bruising and ecchymosis, erythema and oedema, headache, diplopia, blurred vision, focal facial weakness. This study evaluates the impact of botulinum toxin on refractive error and binocular vision.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (trade name: Dysport) is a neurotoxic protein which is made from a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of Dysport injection on refractive error, near point of accommodation and convergence, and palpebral fissure height.

METHODS: Twenty-eight subjects were treated for facial wrinkles, using Dysport. A 500-unit vial of Dysport was diluted with 2.5-ml preserved normal saline, and injected doses were 30-units for crow's feet, six units for lower eyelid wrinkles, 25 to 50-units for glabellar lines (five points), and 20 to 40 for forehead creases on four points. The refractive error, near point of accommodation and convergence and palpebral fissure heights were assessed before and two weeks after injection.

RESULTS: The participants comprised 23 women and five men at a mean age of 53.51 ± 14.1-years. The means of the equivalent sphere before and after injection were -0.07 ± 1.34 and -0.08 ± 1.35 (p = 0.36). The means of near point of accommodation monocularly before and after injection were 29.75 ± 6.16-cm and 26.75 ± 6.00, respectively. The means of near point of convergence before and after injection were 16.03 ± 5.27-cm and 15.55 ± 6.14, respectively (p = 0.30). The means of palpebral fissure height before and after injection were 10.33 ± 1.69-mm and 10.20 ± 1.46-mm, respectively. The changes in equivalent spherical refractive error, binocular near point of accommodation and convergence were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Dysport injection for the correction of upper face animation lines, if performed at the appropriate sites and the appropriate concentration, has no significant impact on refractive error, near point of accommodation and convergence, and palpebral fissure height.}, } @article {pmid32779694, year = {2021}, author = {Kim, JS}, title = {Fine Wrinkle Treatment and Hydration on the Facial Dermis Using HydroToxin Mixture of MicroBotox and MicroHyaluronic Acid.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {41}, number = {6}, pages = {NP538-NP549}, pmid = {32779694}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {*Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Dermis ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key contributor to skin moisture (hydration), and MicroBotox demonstrates improvements for fine wrinkles of the face.

OBJECTIVES: The author sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intradermal injection of hydrotoxin (combined mixture of MicroHA and MicroBotox) for the treatment of skin roughness and dryness on facial dermis.

METHODS: Fifty women who had thin, dry skin with fine wrinkles throughout the whole face, especially in the crow's feet and forehead areas, were enrolled in the study. Two cc stabilized-HA filler and 1 cc (40 U) of botulinumtoxinA were mixed in the novel combined hydrotoxin mixture. Intended to hydrate the dermis and treat fine wrinkles of the face, the mixture was injected into the real dermal layer of the face. The volume of HA per site was 0.002 cc and toxin was 0.04 U. Skin roughness and stratum corneum hydration were measured at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS: One month post-treatment, skin roughness was reduced to 50.19% in topographic computer analysis utilizing 10× dermascope photos. Stratum corneum hydration on crow's feet improved to 81.34% at 1 month and 56.12% at 2 months from pre-treatment baseline (P < 0.0001). Global Aesthetic improvement scale of Skin hydration and fine wrinkle improved.

CONCLUSIONS: The combination injection method of MicroHA and MicroBotox is not associated with side effects and showed significant synergic effect in improvement of skin roughness and moisturizing. Neuramix-hydrotoxin injection method is an easy and reproducible procedure to make constant injection depth and amount.}, } @article {pmid32774110, year = {2020}, author = {Cocca, W and Andreone, F and Belluardo, F and Rosa, GM and Randrianirina, JE and Glaw, F and Crottini, A}, title = {Resolving a taxonomic and nomenclatural puzzle in mantellid frogs: synonymization of Gephyromantis azzurrae with G. corvus, and description of Gephyromantis kintana sp. nov. from the Isalo Massif, western Madagascar.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {951}, number = {}, pages = {133-157}, pmid = {32774110}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {The genus Gephyromantis belongs to the species-rich family Mantellidae and is currently divided in six subgenera. Among these is the subgenus Phylacomantis, which currently includes four described species: Gephyromantis pseudoasper, G. corvus, G. azzurrae, and G. atsingy. The latter three species are distributed in western Madagascar, and two of them (G. azzurrae and G. corvus) occur in the Isalo Massif. Based on the analysis of molecular data (a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene), morphological inspection of museum specimens, and photographic comparisons, G. azzurrae is synonymised with G. corvus and the second Phylacomantis lineage of Isalo is described as G. kintana sp. nov. This medium-sized frog species (adult snout-vent length 35-44 mm) is assigned to this subgenus according to genetic and morphological similarities to the other known species of Phylacomantis. Gephyromantis kintana sp. nov. is known only from the Isalo Massif, while new records for G. corvus extend its range to ca. 200 km off its currently known distribution. These two taxa seem to occur in syntopy in at least one locality in Isalo, and the easiest way to distinguish them is the inspection of the ventral colouration, dark in G. corvus and dirty white in G. kintana.}, } @article {pmid32772986, year = {2020}, author = {Taylor, AH and Jelbert, S}, title = {The crow in the room: New Caledonian crows offer insight into the necessary and sufficient conditions for cumulative cultural evolution.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {43}, number = {}, pages = {e178}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X20000102}, pmid = {32772986}, issn = {1469-1825}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Cultural Evolution ; Humans ; Technology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian (NC) crow populations have developed complex tools that show suggestive evidence of cumulative change. These tool designs, therefore, appear to be the product of cumulative technological culture (CTC). We suggest that tool-using NC crows offer highly useful data for current debates over the necessary and sufficient conditions for the emergence of CTC.}, } @article {pmid32772983, year = {2020}, author = {Rutz, C and Hunt, GR}, title = {New Caledonian crows afford invaluable comparative insights into human cumulative technological culture.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {43}, number = {}, pages = {e177}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X20000187}, pmid = {32772983}, issn = {1469-1825}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Humans ; Technology ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow may be the only non-primate species exhibiting cumulative technological culture. Its foraging tools show clear signs of diversification and progressive refinement, and it seems likely that at least some tool-related information is passed across generations via social learning. Here, we explain how these remarkable birds can help us uncover the basic biological processes driving technological progress.}, } @article {pmid32764453, year = {2020}, author = {Zhao, W and Li, H and Zhu, X and Ge, T}, title = {Effect of Birdsong Soundscape on Perceived Restorativeness in an Urban Park.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {16}, pages = {}, pmid = {32764453}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; China ; Cities ; Female ; Humans ; Islands ; Male ; Mental Healing ; *Parks, Recreational ; Perception ; Sound ; *Stress, Psychological ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Natural soundscapes have beneficial effects on the perceived restorativeness of an environment. This study examines the effect of birdsong, a common natural soundscape, on perceived restorativeness in Harbin Sun Island Park in China. Eight sites were selected and a series of questionnaire surveys on perceived restorativeness soundscape scale (PRSS) of four birdsong types were conducted during summer and winter. Two-hundred and forty respondents participated in this survey. Analysis of the survey results shows that different types of birdsong have different perceived restorativeness effects in different seasons. Crow birdsong has the worst effect on the perceived restorativeness in both summer and winter. Moreover, sound comfort and preference are significantly associated with the perceived restorativeness. The perceived restorativeness soundscape is best when birdsong is at a height of 4 m rather than 0.5 m or 2 m. The demographic/social factors of age, education, and stress level are all correlated with perceived restorativeness. There are suggestions for urban park design, especially with constructed natural elements. Creating a suitable habitat for multiple species of birds will improve perceived restorativeness. Moreover, appropriate activities should be provided in city parks to ensure restorativeness environments, especially for subjects with high levels of education and stress.}, } @article {pmid32757725, year = {2022}, author = {Rostami, M and Razeghi, M and Daneshmandi, H and Hassanzadeh, J and Choobineh, A}, title = {Cognitive and skill performance of individuals at sitting versus standing workstations: a quasi-experimental study.}, journal = {International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {544-554}, doi = {10.1080/10803548.2020.1806565}, pmid = {32757725}, issn = {2376-9130}, mesh = {Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Sitting Position ; *Standing Position ; Students ; Workplace ; }, abstract = {Objectives. This study aimed to assess cognitive and skill performance at sitting and standing workstations among students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods. Forty students (20 females and 20 males) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Tests were performed among randomly selected participants over two consecutive days: day 1, the Beck depression inventory and Beck anxiety inventory were used to assess the severity of depression and anxiety in the study participants, respectively, and Raven's general intelligence test was used to measure intelligence quotient; day 2, five performance assessment tests (cognitive performance assessment tests 'n-back', 'Stroop' and 'advanced reaction time'; skill performance assessment tests 'two-arm coordination' and 'Purdue pegboard') were randomly selected and presented to individuals at each workstation (sitting and standing workstations). At the end of each sitting and standing position, the comfort of the workstation was measured using a visual analog scale. Results. No statistically significant difference was shown between sitting and standing positions in terms of 'n-back', 'Stroop', 'advanced reaction time', 'two-arm coordination' and 'Purdue pegboard'. Participants were more comfortable in sitting positions and more easily distracted in standing positions. Conclusions. Sitting and standing positions had no significant effects on participants' cognitive and skill performance.}, } @article {pmid32748851, year = {2020}, author = {Guzzardi, MA and Granziera, F and Sanguinetti, E and Ditaranto, F and Muratori, F and Iozzo, P}, title = {Exclusive Breastfeeding Predicts Higher Hearing-Language Development in Girls of Preschool Age.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {32748851}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {Decree no. 946/2019//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Università e della Ricerca/ ; grant agreement no.278603//Seventh Framework Programme/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Anthropometry ; Body Mass Index ; *Breast Feeding ; *Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; *Hearing ; Humans ; Infant ; Intelligence Tests ; *Language Development ; Male ; Pregnancy in Obesity ; Pregnancy ; Schools ; Sex Characteristics ; }, abstract = {Cognitive disorders are increasing in prevalence. Nutritional or metabolic stressors during early life, and female sex, are predisposing conditions towards the development of cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Though there is evidence that breastfeeding may play a beneficial role in children's neurocognitive development, the literature remains controversial. In this study we aimed at assessing the association between exclusive breastfeeding and children's cognitive development from six months to five years of age, addressing sex differences. In 80 mother-child pairs from the Pisa birth cohort (PISAC), we measured cognitive development in groups of children of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 60 months by Griffiths Mental Development Scales, parents' intelligence quotient (IQ) by Raven's progressive matrices, and maternal and infants' anthropometric parameters. We found that exclusive breastfeeding was associated with higher hearing-language development in five years old girls, independent of maternal IQ, age and BMI (body mass index). Exclusive breastfeeding in the first three months of life seemed sufficient to establish this positive relationship. In conclusion, our data indicate that exclusive breastfeeding is a positive predictor of cognitive development in preschool-age girls, paving the way for the implementation of sex-specific cognitive disease risk detection and prevention strategies from early life. Further studies are warranted to explore causality and longer term effects.}, } @article {pmid32744584, year = {2020}, author = {El Jaziz, A and Lotfi, S and Ahami, AOT}, title = {Interrelationship of physical exercise, perceptual discrimination and academic achievement variables in high school students.}, journal = {Annali di igiene : medicina preventiva e di comunita}, volume = {32}, number = {5}, pages = {528-540}, doi = {10.7416/ai.2020.2373}, pmid = {32744584}, issn = {1120-9135}, mesh = {*Academic Success ; Adolescent ; *Cardiorespiratory Fitness ; Correlation of Data ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Students/*psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many studies results suggest how can we improve the academic performance for our kids. The purposes of this study were to examine how physical activity could affect both academic achievement and fluid intelligence in adolescence.

STUDY DESIGN: We measured the three variables (physical, cognitive, academic) and try to find the correlations between them.

METHODS: A total of 167 adolescents (mean age = 16.34 years SD = 1.2) from Morocco are participating in this study. The cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with the20 m endurance shuttle-run test. We also assessed the Resistance capacity with 500m sprint test. The academic achievement was assessed by school grades. The fluid intelligence was assessed by using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. We examined the correlation between all variables.

RESULTS: This study indicates that the academic achievement was positively associated with the Fluid Intelligence and also with the Resistance Capacity and not with Cardiorespiratory Fitness (VO2peak).

CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that the professionals and researchers in sports and education have to promote physical activity at the school age for a public health purpose.}, } @article {pmid32743124, year = {2020}, author = {Wang, Y}, title = {Predict new cases of the coronavirus 19; in Michigan, U.S.A. or other countries using Crow-AMSAA method.}, journal = {Infectious Disease Modelling}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {459-477}, pmid = {32743124}, issn = {2468-0427}, abstract = {Statistical predictions are useful to predict events based on statistical models. The data is useful to determine outcomes based on inputs and calculations. The Crow-AMSAA method will be explored to predict new cases of Coronavirus 19 (COVID19). This method is currently used within engineering reliability design to predict failures and evaluate the reliability growth. The author intents to use this model to predict the COVID19 cases by using daily reported data from Michigan, New York City, U.S.A and other countries. The piece wise Crow-AMSAA (CA) model fits the data very well for the infected cases and deaths at different phases during the start of the COVID19 outbreak. The slope β of the Crow-AMSAA line indicates the speed of the transmission or death rate. The traditional epidemiological model is based on the exponential distribution, but the Crow-AMSAA is the Non Homogeneous Poisson Process (NHPP) which can be used to modeling the complex problem like COVID19, especially when the various mitigation strategies such as social distance, isolation and locking down were implemented by the government at different places.}, } @article {pmid32742677, year = {2020}, author = {Frank, SC and Blaalid, R and Mayer, M and Zedrosser, A and Steyaert, SMJG}, title = {Fear the reaper: ungulate carcasses may generate an ephemeral landscape of fear for rodents.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {7}, number = {6}, pages = {191644}, pmid = {32742677}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Animal carcasses provide an ephemeral pulse of nutrients for scavengers that use them. Carcass sites can increase species interactions and/or ephemeral, localized landscapes of fear for prey within the vicinity. Few studies have applied the landscape of fear to carcasses. Here, we use a mass die-off of reindeer caused by lightning in Norway to test whether rodents avoided larger scavengers (e.g. corvids and fox). We used the presence and abundance of faeces as a proxy for carcass use over the course of 2 years and found that rodents showed the strongest avoidance towards changes in raven abundance (β = -0.469, s.e. = 0.231, p-value = 0.0429), but not fox, presumably due to greater predation risk imposed by large droves of raven. Moreover, the emergence of rodent occurrence within the carcass area corresponded well with the disappearance of raven during the second year of the study. We suggest that carcasses have the potential to shape the landscape of fear for prey, but that the overall effects of carcasses on individual fitness and populations of species ultimately depend on the carcass regime, e.g. carcass size, count, and areal extent, frequency and the scavenger guild. We discuss conservation implications and how carcass provisioning and landscapes of fear could be potentially used to manage populations and ecosystems, but that there is a gap in understanding that must first be bridged.}, } @article {pmid32728993, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, JV and Saedi, N and Zachary, CB}, title = {Hyperhidrosis and Aesthetics.}, journal = {Handbook of experimental pharmacology}, volume = {263}, number = {}, pages = {161-170}, pmid = {32728993}, issn = {0171-2004}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; *Depressive Disorder, Major ; Esthetics ; Humans ; *Hyperhidrosis/drug therapy ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {When one considers the avalanche of new indications and uses for botulinum toxins, it is truly surprising that this has all happened in such a short time. And the safety and dependability of these products are profound, when used appropriately. There is still much to be discovered about the potential of this agent when you contemplate the profound non-cosmetic benefits reported by clinicians and scientists from around the world. The mechanism of action has been studied in depth, and yet the benefits appreciated by people with chronic migraine or major depressive disorder, for instance, are unlikely to be explained by our current mechanistic understanding. Given that these toxins control acetylcholine at the motor end plates, and given that acetylcholine is central to practically every cell in the body, it will not be surprising to find that botulinum toxin researchers will be enjoying many decades of fruitful studies. The advent of the non-surgical aesthetic physician has helped push the clinical utilization of botulinum toxins well beyond its original adoption by oculoplastic surgeons in their patients with blepharospasm. We can expect that the next edition of this book to have a dozen or more new indications which will surprise us all.}, } @article {pmid32728265, year = {2020}, author = {Salvi, C and Costantini, G and Pace, A and Palmiero, M}, title = {Validation of the Italian Remote Associate Test.}, journal = {The Journal of creative behavior}, volume = {54}, number = {1}, pages = {62-74}, pmid = {32728265}, issn = {0022-0175}, support = {T32 NS047987/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The scientific approach to the study of creative problem solving has shifted from using classic insight problems (e.g., the Nine-dots problem), towards sets of problems that have more robust psychometric properties, such as the Remote Associate Test (RAT). Because it is homogeneous, compact, quickly solvable, and easy to score, the RAT has been used more frequently in recent creativity studies. We applied the Item Response Theory (IRT) to develop an Italian version of this task. The final 51-item test was reliable (α = .89) and provided information over a wide range of ability levels, as revealed by the IRT analysis. The RAT correlated with five measures of creative performance: The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), three classic insight problems, a set of anagrams purposefully developed, the fluency and flexibility scores of the Alternative Uses Task (AUT), and the Creative Achievements Questionnaire (CAQ). The new measure provided is meant to encourage the study of creativity and problem solving in the Italian language.}, } @article {pmid32726365, year = {2020}, author = {Engel, N and Végvári, Z and Rice, R and Kubelka, V and Székely, T}, title = {Incubating parents serve as visual cues to predators in Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus).}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {7}, pages = {e0236489}, pmid = {32726365}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Ovum/physiology ; Population Density ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Resin Cements/chemistry ; }, abstract = {Ground-nesting birds face many challenges to reproduce successfully, with nest predation being the main cause of reproductive failure. Visual predators such as corvids and egg-eating raptors, are among the most common causes of nest failure; thus, parental strategies that reduce the risk of visual nest predation should be favored by selection. To date, most research has focused on egg crypsis without considering adult crypsis, although in natural circumstances the eggs are covered by an incubating parent most of the time. Here we use a ground-nesting shorebird, the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) as model species to experimentally test whether decoy parents influence nest predation. Using artificial nests with a male decoy, a female decoy or no decoy, we found that the presence of a decoy increased nest predation (N = 107 nests, p < 0.001). However, no difference was found in predation rates between nests with a male versus female decoy (p > 0.05). Additionally, we found that nests in densely vegetated habitats experienced higher survival compared to nests placed in sparsely vegetated habitats. Nest camera images, predator tracks and marks left on eggs identified the brown-necked raven (Corvus ruficollis) as the main visual nest predator. Our study suggests that the presence of incubating parents may enhance nest detectability to visual predators. However, parents may reduce the predation risk by placing a nest in sites where they are covered by vegetation. Our findings highlight the importance of nest site selection not only regarding egg crypsis but also considering incubating adult camouflage.}, } @article {pmid32721676, year = {2020}, author = {Bravo, C and Pays, O and Sarasa, M and Bretagnolle, V}, title = {Revisiting an old question: Which predators eat eggs of ground-nesting birds in farmland landscapes?.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {744}, number = {}, pages = {140895}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140895}, pmid = {32721676}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; *Chickens ; Farms ; Female ; France ; *Nesting Behavior ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Nest predation is a major cause of reproductive failure in birds, but predator identity often remains unknown. Additionally, although corvids are considered major nest predators in farmland landscapes, whether breeders or floaters are involved remains contentious. In this study, we aimed to identify nest predators using artificial nests, and test whether territorial or non-breeders carrion crow (Corvus corone) and Eurasian magpie (Pica pica) were most likely involved. We set up an experiment with artificial ground nests (n = 1429) in farmland landscapes of western France, and assessed how different combinations of egg size and egg material (small plasticine egg, large plasticine egg, quail and natural hen eggs) might influence predation rates and predator species involved. Nest predators were identified using remotely triggered cameras and marks left in plasticine eggs. Corvids were by far the predators most involved (almost 80% of all predation events), independent of egg type. Carrion crows alone were involved in 60% of cases. Probability of predation increased with egg size, and predation rate was higher for natural than for artificial eggs, suggesting that, in addition to egg size, predators might perceive plasticine and natural eggs differently. Predation rates of artificial nests by corvids were related significantly to corvid abundance, and far more to breeder than floater abundances, for both carrion crows and magpies. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying predators at species level, and considering their social status when assessing corvid abundance impact on prey population dynamics. Combining camera traps and plasticine eggs can achieve this objective. Given the high predation rate by carrion crows, a better understanding of landscape-mediated changes in predator diet seems mandatory to design mitigation schemes able to confront ecological challenges raised by generalist predators.}, } @article {pmid32718867, year = {2020}, author = {Operto, FF and Pastorino, GMG and Mazza, R and Di Bonaventura, C and Marotta, R and Pastorino, N and Matricardi, S and Verrotti, A and Carotenuto, M and Roccella, M}, title = {Social cognition and executive functions in children and adolescents with focal epilepsy.}, journal = {European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society}, volume = {28}, number = {}, pages = {167-175}, doi = {10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.06.019}, pmid = {32718867}, issn = {1532-2130}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Emotions ; Epilepsies, Partial/complications/*psychology ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Social Cognition ; *Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Deficits in facial emotion recognition and Theory of Mind are frequent in patients with epilepsy. Although this evidence, studies on pediatric age are few and the relation between these abilities and other cognitive domain remains to be better elucidated. The purpose of our study is to evaluate facial emotion recognition and Theory of Mind in children and adolescents with focal epilepsy, and correlate them with intelligence and executive functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our work is a cross-sectional observational study. Sixty-two children and adolescents aged between 7-16 years diagnosed by focal epilepsy and 32 sex/age-matched controls were recruited. All participants were administered a standardized battery tests to assess social cognition (NEPSY-II), executive functions (EpiTrack Junior) and cognitive non-verbal level (Raven Progressive Matrices).

RESULTS: Emotion recognition mean score was significantly lower in the epilepsy group than in the controls to Student's t-test (p<0.05). Epilepsy group showed an impairment in happiness, sadness, anger and fear recognition, compared to controls (p<0.05). Theory of Mind mean score was also significantly lower in epilepsy group than controls (p<0.05). Deficits in emotion recognition seemed to be related to low age at onset of epilepsy, long duration of disease, low executive functions and low non-verbal intelligence. Deficits in Theory of Mind seemed to be related to a high seizure frequency.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that children and adolescents with focal epilepsy had deficit in facial emotion recognition and Theory of Mind, compared to their peer. Both these difficulties seem to be related to some features of epilepsy itself. Our results also suggest that deficits in facial emotion recognition are potentially related to difficulties in executive functions and non-verbal intelligence. More studies are needed to confirm these hypotheses.}, } @article {pmid32718771, year = {2021}, author = {Labbe, D and Abdulshakoor, A and Fernandez, J}, title = {Retrograde vs spot botulinium toxin facial injection.}, journal = {Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique}, volume = {66}, number = {3}, pages = {223-233}, doi = {10.1016/j.anplas.2020.06.006}, pmid = {32718771}, issn = {1768-319X}, mesh = {*Botulinum Toxins, Type A ; Face ; Facial Muscles ; Humans ; *Neuromuscular Agents ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In this study we have based our research on botulinium toxin injection via targeted neuromuscular end plate zones, specifically in muscles with diffuse distribution of the latter. The muscular surface anatomical variety was also taken into consideration with thorough pre-injection examination of every subject.

METHOD: With consideration of the facial muscles anatomical variation and neuromuscular bundle distribution, we have applied the method of retrograde botulinium toxin injection on a series of 10 patients on the right side of the face with the left side as a control side, it was injected in a regular perpendicular manner in order to conclude the efficacy of targeted motor end zone injection. Using an auto-injecting syringe, we have delivered 6 Allergan units per zone (frontalis, glabellar lines of corrugator supercilii and orbicularis oculi crow's feet).

RESULTS: On control day 8 we have noticed a more prominent effect mainly on the level of the orbicularis oculi muscle and the corrugator supercilii muscle on 9 out of 10 patients. Nine patients out of 10 needed the delivery of an additional 6 Allergan units per zone on the control side's glabellar lines and crow's feet rhytids. Where 1 out of 10 patients needed the reinjection of the control side on the glabellar lines zone.

CONCLUSION: The musculature of the face varies when it comes to neuromuscular plate distribution. Muscles with scattered distribution patterns show an optimal response to botulinum toxin injections when delivered in a retrograde manner. This has allowed us to achieve of optimal results while minimizing injection sites and hence pain, the use of lower dosage and hence treatment cost, as well as lowering the unwanted product dissemination to the neighboring mimic muscles.}, } @article {pmid32718174, year = {2022}, author = {Miller, EJ and Krumhuber, EG and Dawel, A}, title = {Observers perceive the Duchenne marker as signaling only intensity for sad expressions, not genuine emotion.}, journal = {Emotion (Washington, D.C.)}, volume = {22}, number = {5}, pages = {907-919}, doi = {10.1037/emo0000772}, pmid = {32718174}, issn = {1931-1516}, mesh = {*Emotions ; *Facial Expression ; Happiness ; Humans ; Sadness ; Smiling/psychology ; }, abstract = {The Duchenne marker-crow's feet wrinkles at the corner of the eyes-has a reputation for signaling genuine positive emotion in smiles. Here, we test whether this facial action might be better conceptualized as a marker of emotional intensity, rather than genuineness per se, and examine its perceptual outcomes beyond smiling, in sad expressions. For smiles, we found ratings of emotional intensity (how happy a face is) were unable to fully account for the effect of Duchenne status (present vs. absent) on ratings of emotion genuineness. The Duchenne marker made a unique direct contribution to the perceived genuineness of smiles, supporting its reputation for signaling genuine emotion in smiling. In contrast, across 4 experiments, we found Duchenne sad expressions were not rated as any more genuine or sincere than non-Duchenne ones. The Duchenne marker did however make sad expressions look sadder and more negative, just like it made smiles look happier and more positive. Together, these findings argue the Duchenne marker has an important role in sad as well as smiling expressions, but is interpreted differently in sad expressions (contributions to intensity only) compared with smiles (emotion genuineness independently of intensity). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid32710206, year = {2021}, author = {Russo, M and Bonanno, C and Profazio, C and La Foresta, S and Faraone, C and Lizio, A and Vita, GL and Sframeli, M and Aricò, I and Ruggeri, P and Toscano, A and Vita, G and Lunetta, C and Messina, S}, title = {Which are the factors influencing NIV adaptation and tolerance in ALS patients?.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {1023-1029}, pmid = {32710206}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {*Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/complications ; Humans ; *Noninvasive Ventilation ; Quality of Life ; *Respiratory Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multisystemic disease compromising both the neuromuscular system and the cognitive status. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life in ALS patients with respiratory failure, but scanty literature investigated which are the predictors of NIV tolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of functional, cognitive, neurobehavioral, and respiratory status on NIV compliance and tolerance in patients with ALS. We retrospectively evaluated clinical data of ALS patients who consecutively underwent a NIV trial during hospitalization. Cognitive and neurobehavioral assessments have been performed using the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Raven's 47 Colored Progressive Matrices (PM47), and the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale Revised (NRSR). Seventy-two patients (mean age ± SD; 63.9 ± 10.6 years) were included. Patients adapted were 63/72 (87.5%). The average time of adaptation was 7.82 ± 5.27 days. The time required to reach a satisfying NIV adaptation was significantly related to the presence of sialorrhea (p = 0.02), respiratory status (Borg Dyspnoea Scale, p = 0.006, and ALS-FRS-R respiratory subscore, p = 0.03) and behavioral and cognitive impairment (NRSR-F1, p = 0.04, NRSR- F5, p = 0.04). Presence of sialorrhea and neurobehavioral impairment, and absence of respiratory symptoms are negative predictors of NIV adaptation. This study highlights the need of a multidisciplinary patient-tailored approach including cognitive-behavioral assessment and a psychological support program to optimize patient's training and compliance to NIV.}, } @article {pmid32707063, year = {2020}, author = {Aulsebrook, AE and Connelly, F and Johnsson, RD and Jones, TM and Mulder, RA and Hall, ML and Vyssotski, AL and Lesku, JA}, title = {White and Amber Light at Night Disrupt Sleep Physiology in Birds.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {30}, number = {18}, pages = {3657-3663.e5}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2020.06.085}, pmid = {32707063}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Color ; Female ; *Light ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Sleep/*physiology/radiation effects ; }, abstract = {Artificial light at night can disrupt sleep in humans [1-4] and other animals [5-10]. A key mechanism for light to affect sleep is via non-visual photoreceptors that are most sensitive to short-wavelength (blue) light [11]. To minimize effects of artificial light on sleep, many electronic devices shift from white (blue-rich) to amber (blue-reduced) light in the evening. Switching outdoor lighting from white to amber might also benefit wildlife [12]. However, whether these two colors of light affect sleep similarly in different animals remains poorly understood. Here we show, by measuring brain activity, that both white and amber lighting disrupt sleep in birds but that the magnitude of these effects differs between species. When experimentally exposed to light at night at intensities typical of urban areas, domestic pigeons (Columba livia) and wild-caught Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen tyrannica) slept less, favored non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep over REM sleep, slept less intensely, and had more fragmented sleep compared to when lights were switched off. In pigeons, these disruptive effects on sleep were similar for white and amber lighting. For magpies, however, amber light had less impact on sleep. Our results demonstrate that amber lighting can minimize sleep disruption in some birds but that this benefit may not be universal. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, } @article {pmid32705674, year = {2020}, author = {Waples, RS}, title = {An estimator of the Opportunity for Selection that is independent of mean fitness.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {74}, number = {9}, pages = {1942-1953}, doi = {10.1111/evo.14061}, pmid = {32705674}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {*Genetic Fitness ; Models, Biological ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Variation among individuals in number of offspring (fitness, k) sets an upper limit to the evolutionary response to selection. This constraint is quantified by Crow's Opportunity for Selection (I), which is the variance in relative fitness (I = σ[2]k /(uk)[2]). Crow's I has been widely used but remains controversial because it depends on mean offspring number in a sample (k¯). Here, I used a generalized Wright-Fisher model that allows for unequal probabilities of producing offspring to evaluate behavior of Crow's I and related indices under a wide range of sampling scenarios. Analytical and numerical results are congruent and show that rescaling the sample variance (s[2]k) to its expected value at a fixed k¯2 removes dependence of I on mean offspring number, but the result still depends on choice of k¯2 . A new index is introduced, ΔI = Î - E(Îdrift) = Î - 1/ k¯ , which makes Î independent of sample k¯ without the need for variance rescaling. ΔI has a straightforward interpretation as the component of variance in relative fitness that exceeds that expected under a null model of random reproductive success. ΔI can be used to directly compare estimates of the Opportunity for Selection for samples from different studies, different sexes, and different life stages.}, } @article {pmid32681160, year = {2020}, author = {Lee, CY and Peralta-Sánchez, JM and Martínez-Bueno, M and Møller, AP and Rabelo-Ruiz, M and Zamora-Muñoz, C and Soler, JJ}, title = {The gut microbiota of brood parasite and host nestlings reared within the same environment: disentangling genetic and environmental effects.}, journal = {The ISME journal}, volume = {14}, number = {11}, pages = {2691-2702}, pmid = {32681160}, issn = {1751-7370}, mesh = {Animals ; Climate ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; *Parasites ; *Passeriformes ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Gut microbiota are essential for host health and survival, but we are still far from understanding the processes involved in shaping their composition and evolution. Controlled experimental work under lab conditions as well as human studies pointed at environmental factors (i.e., diet) as the main determinant of the microbiota with little evidence of genetic effects, while comparative interspecific studies detected significant phylogenetic effects. Different species, however, also differ in diet, feeding behavior, and environmental characteristics of habitats, all of which also vary interspecifically, and, therefore, can potentially explain most of the detected phylogenetic patterns. Here, we take advantage of the reproductive strategy of avian brood parasites and investigate gut microbiotas (esophageal (food and saliva) and intestinal) of great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and magpie (Pica pica) nestlings that grow in the same nests. We also estimated diet received by each nestling and explored its association with gut microbiota characteristics. Although esophageal microbiota of magpies and great spotted cuckoos raised within the same environment (nest) did not vary, the microbiota of cloacal samples showed clear interspecific differences. Moreover, diet of great spotted cuckoo and magpie nestlings explained the microbiota composition of esophageal samples, but not of cloaca samples. These results strongly suggest a genetic component determining the intestinal microbiota of host and parasitic bird species, indicating that interspecific differences in gut morphology and physiology are responsible for such interspecific differences.}, } @article {pmid32680498, year = {2020}, author = {Wei, W and Zhen, Q and Tang, Z and Oosthuizen, MK}, title = {Risk assessment in the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae): intensity of behavioral response differs with predator species.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {41}, pmid = {32680498}, issn = {1472-6785}, mesh = {Animals ; *Lagomorpha ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ability of a prey species to assess the risk that a predator poses can have important fitness advantages for the prey species. To better understand predator-prey interactions, more species need to be observed to determine how prey behavioral responses differ in intensity when approached by different types of predators. The plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) is preyed upon by all predators occurring in its distribution area. Therefore, it is an ideal species to study anti-predator behavior. In this study, we investigated the intensity of anti-predator behavior of pikas in response to visual cues by using four predator species models in Maqu County on the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

RESULTS: The behavioral response metrics, such as Flight Initiation Distance (FID), the hiding time and the percentage of vigilance were significantly different when exposed to a Tibetan fox, a wolf, a Saker falcon and a large-billed crow, respectively. Pikas showed a stronger response to Saker falcons compared to any of the other predators.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that pikas alter their behavioral (such as FID, the hiding time and the vigilance) response intensity to optimally balance the benefits when exposed to different taxidermy predator species models. We conclude that pikas are able to assess their actual risk of predation and show a threat-sensitive behavioral response.}, } @article {pmid32679226, year = {2020}, author = {Mohamed Benkada, A and Pontier, F and Dufour, V}, title = {Conflict management in rooks (Corvus frugilegus): Victims do not display post-conflict affiliation but avoid their former aggressor.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {179}, number = {}, pages = {104198}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104198}, pmid = {32679226}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Humans ; Reproduction ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Sexual Partners ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many social species use post-conflict behaviors to mitigate the consequences of conflicts. One of these behaviors is the victim's affiliation with its former opponent following conflict in an attempt to restore the damaged relationship. The victim can also affiliate with a third party. Affiliation with former opponents and third parties also alleviates stress. Studies of conflict management strategies in birds mostly concern corvids, and more specifically rooks (Corvus frugilegus). In this colonial pair-bonded species, the most valuable relationship is with the mate. It is rarely conflictual, meaning that there is generally no need for any post-conflict affiliation. However, conflicts occur with other social partners, and victims may primarily use third-party affiliation to avoid renewed aggression after conflicts. Previous studies of rooks failed to show a protective role of third-party affiliations for rook victims. The present study seeks to further investigate the use and efficiency of these conflict management strategies from the victim's perspective. We recorded conflicts and post-conflict behaviors in captive rooks using the standard post-conflict matched control comparison method. Victims did not affiliate with their former opponent or with third parties after conflict, but rather avoided their former aggressor, thus successfully limiting the risk of renewed aggression. Post-conflict affiliations are not observed in all rook colonies, suggesting that avoidance of the former aggressor may be a more commonly used strategy than previously thought.}, } @article {pmid32661811, year = {2021}, author = {Baciadonna, L and Cornero, FM and Emery, NJ and Clayton, NS}, title = {Convergent evolution of complex cognition: Insights from the field of avian cognition into the study of self-awareness.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {9-22}, pmid = {32661811}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; *Cognition ; *Hominidae ; Imagination ; }, abstract = {Pioneering research on avian behaviour and cognitive neuroscience have highlighted that avian species, mainly corvids and parrots, have a cognitive tool kit comparable with apes and other large-brained mammals, despite conspicuous differences in their neuroarchitecture. This cognitive tool kit is driven by convergent evolution, and consists of complex processes such as casual reasoning, behavioural flexibility, imagination, and prospection. Here, we review experimental studies in corvids and parrots that tested complex cognitive processes within this tool kit. We then provide experimental examples for the potential involvement of metacognitive skills in the expression of the cognitive tool kit. We further expand the discussion of cognitive and metacognitive abilities in avian species, suggesting that an integrated assessment of these processes, together with revised and multiple tasks of mirror self-recognition, might shed light on one of the most highly debated topics in the literature-self-awareness in animals. Comparing the use of multiple assessments of self-awareness within species and across taxa will provide a more informative, richer picture of the level of consciousness in different organisms.}, } @article {pmid32659206, year = {2020}, author = {Slatin, C}, title = {Under the Knee of Jim Crow and Neoliberalism.}, journal = {New solutions : a journal of environmental and occupational health policy : NS}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {80-82}, doi = {10.1177/1048291120938232}, pmid = {32659206}, issn = {1541-3772}, mesh = {Humans ; *Politics ; Racism ; }, } @article {pmid32654890, year = {2020}, author = {Gillespie, A}, title = {The Story of Dr Jay.}, journal = {American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation}, volume = {76}, number = {4}, pages = {A18-A19}, doi = {10.1053/j.ajkd.2020.04.005}, pmid = {32654890}, issn = {1523-6838}, } @article {pmid32638171, year = {2021}, author = {Wang, L and Zhang, D and Sui, J}, title = {Investigation of cognitive mechanisms and strategy on solving multiple string-pulling problems in Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {24}, number = {1}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {32638171}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {2015HXFWBHQ-SJL-01//Research Fund for General Survey of Wildlife Resources/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; Learning ; Motivation ; *Passeriformes ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {String-pulling tasks are a widely used paradigm in animal cognition research. The present study tested whether ten azure-winged magpies (Cyanopica cyanus) could solve a series of multiple-strings problems with the aim of systematically investigating which rules this species uses to solve different-patterned string tasks, i.e., tasks in which subjects have to choose between two strings only one of which is connected to bait. When the subjects faced the parallel strings task (T1), five birds (C3, C5, C8, C9, and C10) were able to solve the task and acted in a goal-directed manner. Three birds (C5, C8, and C9) successfully solved the oblique parallel strings task (T3). The azure-winged magpies exhibited proximity selection in the oblique parallel strings task (C1 and C4 in T2), and the task with one string folded at a right angle (C3, C6 and C8 in T5). Several subjects also performed simple strategies in other unresolved tasks, e.g., random selection, trial-and-error learning, and side bias strategies (i.e., a certain degree of "left-handed" tendency). These results demonstrated that the azure-winged magpie possesses the potential to solve simple multiple-string tasks, although when faced with more difficult problems they could not solve them.}, } @article {pmid32636427, year = {2020}, author = {Teixeira-Santos, AC and Pinal, D and Pereira, DR and Leite, J and Carvalho, S and Sampaio, A}, title = {Probing the relationship between late endogenous ERP components with fluid intelligence in healthy older adults.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {11167}, pmid = {32636427}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/*physiology ; *Cognition ; *Event-Related Potentials, P300 ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; }, abstract = {The world population is rapidly aging, bringing together the necessity to better understand the advancing age. This characterization may be used to aid early diagnosis and to guide individually-tailored interventions. While some event-related potential (ERP) components, such as the P300 and late positive complex (LPC), have been associated with fluid intelligence (Gf) in young population; little is known whether these associations hold for older people. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to assess whether these ERP components are associated with Gf in the elderly. Fifty-seven older adults performed a continuous performance task (CPT) and a visual oddball paradigm while EEG was recorded. Participants were divided into two groups, according to their performance in the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices test: high-performance (HP) and low-performance (LP). Results showed that the HP group, compared to the LP group, had higher LPC amplitudes in the CPT and shorter P300 latencies in the oddball task, highlighting the role of ERP components as a potential electrophysiological proxy of Gf abilities in the elderly.}, } @article {pmid32636372, year = {2020}, author = {Weissensteiner, MH and Bunikis, I and Catalán, A and Francoijs, KJ and Knief, U and Heim, W and Peona, V and Pophaly, SD and Sedlazeck, FJ and Suh, A and Warmuth, VM and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Discovery and population genomics of structural variation in a songbird genus.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {3403}, pmid = {32636372}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {UM1 HG008898/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Chromosome Inversion ; Gene Deletion ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genome ; Genomic Structural Variation ; Genotype ; Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Retroelements ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Songbirds/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Structural variation (SV) constitutes an important type of genetic mutations providing the raw material for evolution. Here, we uncover the genome-wide spectrum of intra- and interspecific SV segregating in natural populations of seven songbird species in the genus Corvus. Combining short-read (N = 127) and long-read re-sequencing (N = 31), as well as optical mapping (N = 16), we apply both assembly- and read mapping approaches to detect SV and characterize a total of 220,452 insertions, deletions and inversions. We exploit sampling across wide phylogenetic timescales to validate SV genotypes and assess the contribution of SV to evolutionary processes in an avian model of incipient speciation. We reveal an evolutionary young (~530,000 years) cis-acting 2.25-kb LTR retrotransposon insertion reducing expression of the NDP gene with consequences for premating isolation. Our results attest to the wealth and evolutionary significance of SV segregating in natural populations and highlight the need for reliable SV genotyping.}, } @article {pmid32631282, year = {2020}, author = {Walker, EV and Yuan, Y and Girgis, S and Goodman, KJ}, title = {Patterns of fish and whale consumption in relation to methylmercury in hair among residents of Western Canadian Arctic communities.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {1073}, pmid = {32631282}, issn = {1471-2458}, support = {MOP115031, IPH108285, 90386/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; 201201159//Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Arctic Regions ; Diet/methods/*statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Fishes ; Food Contamination/*analysis ; Hair/*chemistry ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Methylmercury Compounds/*analysis ; Northwest Territories ; Seafood/*analysis ; Seasons ; Whales ; Yukon Territory ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Methylmercury contamination of the environment represents a substantial environmental health concern. Human exposure to methylmercury occurs primarily through consumption of fish and marine mammals. Heavily exposed subgroups include sport or subsistence fishers residing in Arctic communities. We aimed to estimate the association of fish/whale consumption patterns of Canadian Arctic subsistence fishers with the internal dose of methylmercury as measured in hair.

METHODS: This research was conducted within ongoing community projects led by the CANHelp Working Group in Aklavik and Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories and Old Crow, Yukon. We interviewed each participant using a fish-focused food-frequency questionnaire during September-November 2016 and collected hair samples concurrently. Methylmercury was measured in the full-length of each hair sample using gas chromatography inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear regression estimated beta-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effect of fish/whale consumption on hair-methylmercury concentrations.

RESULTS: Among 101 participants who provided hair samples and diet data, the mean number of fish/whale species eaten was 3.5 (SD:1.9). The mean hair-methylmercury concentration was 0.60 μg/g (SD:0.47). Fish/whale consumption was positively associated with hair-methylmercury concentration, after adjusting for sex, hair length and use of permanent hair treatments. Hair-methylmercury concentrations among participants who consumed the most fish/whale in each season ranged from 0.30-0.50 μg/g higher than those who consumed < 1 meal/week.

CONCLUSIONS: In this population of Canadian Arctic subsistence fishers, hair-methylmercury concentration increased with fish/whale consumption, but the maximum concentrations were below Health Canada's 6.0 μg/g threshold for safe exposure.}, } @article {pmid32622309, year = {2020}, author = {Witt, A and Comblain, A and Thibaut, JP}, title = {Do typically and atypically developing children learn and generalize novel names similarly: The role of conceptual distance during learning and at test.}, journal = {Research in developmental disabilities}, volume = {104}, number = {}, pages = {103720}, doi = {10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103720}, pmid = {32622309}, issn = {1873-3379}, mesh = {Child ; Cognition ; Humans ; *Intellectual Disability ; Intelligence Tests ; Learning ; *Names ; }, abstract = {There is a large body of evidence showing that comparison of multiple stimuli leads to better conceptualization and generalization of novel names than no-comparison settings in typically developing (TD) children. By contrast, the evidence regarding this issue remains scarce in children with intellectual disabilities (ID). Children with intellectual disabilities (ID) and TD children matched on mental age with the Raven's coloured progressive matrices were tested in several novel name learning comparison conditions, with familiar objects. We manipulated the conceptual distance between the learning stimuli in the learning phase and between the learning and generalization phase stimuli for object and relational nouns. Results showed that both populations had rather similar performance profile when matched on their cognitive skills (low- vs. high-functioning). Unexpectedly, ID children's performance was equivalent for relations and better for objects compared to their TD peers' performance. However, when controlling for chronological age, the difference between ID and TD children disappeared in the case of object categories and was better understood by TD children in the case of relations. We discuss the role of conceptual distance on participants' conceptual generalization as a function of their intellectual abilities and cognitive functioning.}, } @article {pmid32614135, year = {2020}, author = {Berens, AM and Ghazizadeh, S}, title = {Effect of defensins-containing eye cream on periocular rhytids and skin quality.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {8}, pages = {2000-2005}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13424}, pmid = {32614135}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adult ; Defensins ; Epidermis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Cream ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Defensins are peptides shown to activate LGR6 stem cells to stimulate the production of new basal stem cells in the epidermis. Use of topical definsin-containing products has been shown to address signs of global skin aging including decrease of wrinkles and increase of epidermal thickness.

AIMS: To investigate the ability of a topical defensin-containing skincare product in improving the structure and function of aging periocular skin using objective and subjective outcome measures.

PATIENTS/METHODS: A prospective pilot trial of a defensin-containing eye cream was performed in patients with periocular rhytids over 6 weeks. Subjective changes in skin quality and aging characteristics were compared using a patient survey tool. Objective changes in periocular skin quality were analyzed using the QuantifiCare imaging system and the DermLab ultrasound scanner by blinded reviewers.

RESULTS: A total of eight patients completed treatment; two were male, and six were female. The average age was 51 years (range 37-63). Compliance with product application as reported on the participant application log was over 90%. Overall, there was an average 2.1 point improvement in subjective measures of skin quality on the consumer questionnaire (P = .002). QuantifiCare imaging of pores, wrinkles, and oiliness showed 370% improvement, 55% improvement, and 12% improvement, respectively. DermaLab noninvasive measurements of elasticity, skin thickness, and hydration showed improvement of 120%, 28%, and 6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION: The use of topical formulations of definsin-containing eye cream statically improves patient-reported outcomes of skin quality, especially redness, sensitivity to weather, age spots, and crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid32612316, year = {2020}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Blum, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Effect of rearing style on the development of social behaviour in young ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {126}, number = {6}, pages = {595-609}, pmid = {32612316}, issn = {0179-1613}, abstract = {Early social experiences can affect the development and expression of individual social behaviour throughout life. In particular, early-life social deprivations, notably of parental care, can later have deleterious consequences. We can, therefore, expect rearing procedures such as hand-raising-widely used in ethology and socio-cognitive science-to alter the development of individual social behaviour. We investigated how the rearing style later affected (a) variation in relationship strength among peers and (b) individuals' patterns of social interactions, in three captive groups of juvenile non-breeders consisting of either parent-raised or hand-raised birds, or a mix of both rearing styles. In the three groups, irrespectively of rearing style: strongest relationships (i.e., higher rates of association and affiliations) primarily emerged among siblings and familiar partners (i.e., non-relatives encountered in early life), and mixed-sex and male-male partners established relationships of similar strength, indicating that the rearing style does not severely affect the quality and structure of relationships in young ravens. However, compared to parent-raised ravens, hand-raised ravens showed higher connectedness, i.e., number of partners with whom they mainly associated and affiliated, but formed on average relationships of lower strength, indicating that social experience in early life is not without consequences on the development of ravens' patterns of social interaction. The deprivation of parental care associated with the presence of same-age peers during hand-raising seemed to maximize ravens' propensity to interact with others, indicating that besides parents, interactions with same-age peers matter. Opportunities to interact with, and socially learn from peers, might thus be the key to the acquisition of early social competences in ravens.}, } @article {pmid32597551, year = {2021}, author = {Ye, R and Chang, W and Hu, J and Qiao, L and Wang, Q}, title = {A new method for skin aging evaluation of Chinese women.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {256-262}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13461}, pmid = {32597551}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Aging ; Asian People ; China ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: With the development of cosmetic industry in China, an aging evaluation method of Chinese women is in great need.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to establish a skin aging assessment method using convenient portable machine Antera 3D.

METHODS: The quantitative approach was developed by capturing 11 areas of the face, and overall, 48 parameters were extracted for aging evaluation. Later, 297 subjects were recruited to take facial image and life style questionnaire. Evaluation of age was accomplished by establishing prediction method with detected skin traits.

RESULTS: The age prediction model was built by using the evaluated facial traits, and a R square of 0.6 is achieved by comparing to the chronological age. The crow's feet, cheek skin pigmentation, forehead skin tone, and wrinkles around the month are critical factors in evaluating Chinese women skin aging. In addition, we also explored life styles associated with important skin aging traits.

CONCLUSION: The method developed in this research provides reliable alternative in aging study of Chinese women.}, } @article {pmid32596847, year = {2020}, author = {Flament, F and Abric, A and Amar, D}, title = {Gender-related differences in the facial aging of Chinese subjects and their relations with perceived ages.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {905-913}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12893}, pmid = {32596847}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian People ; China ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Sex Characteristics ; *Skin Aging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe the progressing severity of facial signs and their links with perceived age, of Chinese men and women.

METHODS: Full-face photographs of 438 Chinese subjects (220 men, 218 women) differently aged (18-80 years) were taken. These photographs afforded a zoom on 5 facial signs of aging: forehead and crow's feet wrinkles, nasolabial fold, marionette lines and ptosis of the lower face. A panel of 15 experts graded each sign, using the Asian skin aging atlas reference. A naïve panel of 80 Chinese women (20-60 years) was asked to attribute an apparent age.

RESULTS: Despite slight differences in severity between genders, men and women share in common a rather regular progression rate, correlated with perceived ages. 15% of men were judged older by more than 10 years, and all 5 signs were found more severe than the means of the other 85%. Forehead and Crow's feet wrinkles appear more pronounced in men. Ptosis is slightly more pronounced in women. Nasolabial fold does not differ. Marionette lines show distinct changes: those of men show a lessened severity and a slower rate of progression. In contrast with changes in facial signs with real ages, the upper face seems privileged in the perception of ages in women whereas the latter seems more focusing on its lower part in men.

CONCLUSION: The facial skin aging process in Chinese subjects presents an almost linear progression with perceived ages, common to both genders, at the exception of marionette lines that are more marked and more rapidly progressing in women.}, } @article {pmid32583684, year = {2020}, author = {Strozier, CB}, title = {A Tribute to Robert Jay Lifton.}, journal = {Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association}, volume = {68}, number = {3}, pages = {407-411}, doi = {10.1177/0003065120937642}, pmid = {32583684}, issn = {1941-2460}, mesh = {History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Psychoanalysis/*history ; }, } @article {pmid32581107, year = {2020}, author = {Chang, WS and Eden, JS and Hall, J and Shi, M and Rose, K and Holmes, EC}, title = {Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Virus Diversity in Urban Wild Birds with Paretic Disease.}, journal = {Journal of virology}, volume = {94}, number = {18}, pages = {}, pmid = {32581107}, issn = {1098-5514}, mesh = {Adenoviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; Astroviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Australia/epidemiology ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/virology ; Birds/*virology ; Circoviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Cities ; DNA Virus Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; *Metagenome ; Paramyxoviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Parvoviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Picornaviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Polyomaviridae/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA Virus Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; *Transcriptome ; }, abstract = {Wild birds are major natural reservoirs and potential dispersers of a variety of infectious diseases. As such, it is important to determine the diversity of viruses they carry and use this information to help understand the potential risks of spillover to humans, domestic animals, and other wildlife. We investigated the potential viral causes of paresis in long-standing, but undiagnosed, disease syndromes in wild Australian birds. RNA from diseased birds was extracted and pooled based on tissue type, host species, and clinical manifestation for metagenomic sequencing. Using a bulk and unbiased metatranscriptomic approach, combined with clinical investigation and histopathology, we identified a number of novel viruses from the families Astroviridae, Adenoviridae, Picornaviridae, Polyomaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae, and Circoviridae in common urban wild birds, including Australian magpies, magpie larks, pied currawongs, Australian ravens, and rainbow lorikeets. In each case, the presence of the virus was confirmed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. These data revealed a number of candidate viral pathogens that may contribute to coronary, skeletal muscle, vascular, and neuropathology in birds of the Corvidae and Artamidae families and neuropathology in members of the Psittaculidae The existence of such a diverse virome in urban avian species highlights the importance and challenges in elucidating the etiology and ecology of wildlife pathogens in urban environments. This information will be increasingly important for managing disease risks and conducting surveillance for potential viral threats to wildlife, livestock, and human health.IMPORTANCE Wildlife naturally harbor a diverse array of infectious microorganisms and can be a source of novel diseases in domestic animals and human populations. Using unbiased RNA sequencing, we identified highly diverse viruses in native birds from Australian urban environments presenting with paresis. This research included the clinical investigation and description of poorly understood recurring syndromes of unknown etiology: clenched claw syndrome and black and white bird disease. As well as identifying a range of potentially disease-causing viral pathogens, this study describes methods that can effectively and efficiently characterize emergent disease syndromes in free-ranging wildlife and promotes further surveillance for specific pathogens of potential conservation and zoonotic concern.}, } @article {pmid32570741, year = {2020}, author = {Gil-Espinosa, FJ and Chillón, P and Fernández-García, JC and Cadenas-Sanchez, C}, title = {Association of Physical Fitness with Intelligence and Academic Achievement in Adolescents.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {32570741}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {*Academic Success ; Adolescent ; Cardiorespiratory Fitness ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Male ; *Physical Fitness ; Spain ; }, abstract = {Physical fitness, intelligence and academic achievement are being studied from a multidisciplinary perspective. In this line, studies to advance our understanding of intelligence and academic achievement could be relevant for designing school-based programs. Our study analyzed the relationship between components of physical fitness including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and flexibility and general intelligence and academic achievement in adolescents. We recruited 403 adolescents (53.6% boys) with a mean age of 13.7 ± 1.2 years from a secondary school in Spain with a medium socioeconomic status, during the 2015/2016 school year. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the 20-m shuttle run, muscular strength with the standing long jump test and flexibility with the sit-and-reach test. General intelligence was measured by both the D48 and the Raven tests. School grades were used to determine academic achievement. Linear regression analyses showed that cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with intelligence in both the D48 (all β ≥ 0.184, p ≤ 0.016) and the Raven tests (all β ≥ 0.183, p ≤ 0.024). Muscular strength, flexibility and overall fitness were not associated with intelligence (all β ≤ 0.122, p ≥ 0.139). Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and flexibility were positively associated with academic achievement (all β ≥ 0.089, p ≤ 0.038), except muscular strength, which was not significantly associated with Spanish language or mathematics, (all β ≤ 0.050, p ≥ 0.200). Overall, cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with intelligence and academic achievement.}, } @article {pmid32555549, year = {2020}, author = {Małkiewicz, MM}, title = {The role of intelligence and temperamental traits in predicting reaction times in movement anticipation tasks: a preliminary study using the PAMT Test2Drive computer test.}, journal = {Medycyna pracy}, volume = {71}, number = {4}, pages = {421-427}, doi = {10.13075/mp.5893.00939}, pmid = {32555549}, issn = {2353-1339}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; *Movement ; *Reaction Time ; *Temperament ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The objective of the present work was to determine whether fluid intelligence scores and individual temperamental traits may be used to predict drivers' reaction times in movement anticipation tasks.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study encompassed 68 young female drivers (aged 20-26 years), who had received their driver's licenses at least 2 years prior. Anticipatory performance was evaluated using the Perception Anticipation Movement Test (PAMT) consisting of 3 sets of computer tasks differing in the speed of the moving objects. The level of fluid intelligence was determined using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, and the temperamental traits with the Pavlovian Temperament Survey.

RESULTS: Intelligence was found to be significantly correlated with reaction time only in the second PAMT task set, for which it was also a good predictor. Findings suggested that a higher level of fluid intelligence in young female drivers was associated with longer reaction times in the movement anticipation task with objects moving at the medium speed level. Temperamental traits did not correlate with reaction times in all movement anticipation tasks, and they did not explain the participants' performance in the PAMT task sets.

CONCLUSIONS: This study expands the current literature by assessing the relationship between fluid intelligence, temperamental traits and reaction times in movement anticipation tasks with objects moving at different speeds. The outcomes of this study are discussed together with those of previous research. Med Pr. 2020;71(4):421-7.}, } @article {pmid32539849, year = {2020}, author = {Chakarov, N and Kampen, H and Wiegmann, A and Werner, D and Bensch, S}, title = {Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {309}, pmid = {32539849}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {PIEF-GA-2013-625883//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/parasitology ; *Blood ; DNA/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Female ; *Forests ; Haemosporida/*classification/isolation & purification ; Host Specificity ; Insect Vectors/parasitology/physiology ; Meals ; Phylogeny ; Raptors/genetics/parasitology ; Simuliidae/*parasitology/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence of host-parasite coevolution, but it is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors.

METHODS: In this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in central Europe and examined the presence of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites in them. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried.

RESULTS: We identified nine species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon lineages were identified, which is evidence of a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages, we can infer that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to be associated with particular host groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons present in most represented blackfly species suggests a lack of association between hosts and blackflies, which can increase the probability of host switches of blood parasites. However, the composition of the simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.}, } @article {pmid32537333, year = {2020}, author = {De Boulle, K and Carruthers, A and Solish, N and Carruthers, J and Phillipp-Dormston, WG and Fagien, S and Sangha, S and Silberberg, M and Mao, C}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment for Moderate to Severe Forehead Lines: A Review.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {e2669}, pmid = {32537333}, issn = {2169-7574}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: With onabotulinumtoxinA approved for the treatment of glabellar and crow's feet lines and, most recently, for forehead lines (FHL), it is possible to simultaneously treat multiple areas of the upper face that are of high concern and treatment priority for aesthetically oriented individuals. This review aims to present key insights on the use of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of moderate to severe FHL.

METHODS: Double-blind, placebo-controlled registration trials of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of FHL were included. Using findings from 3 such published studies, we discuss key concepts and clinical experience for the treatment of moderate to severe FHL with onabotulinumtoxinA (20 U in the frontalis and 20 U in the glabellar complex, with/without 24 U in crow's feet lines), including injection pattern, dose selection, efficacy and safety data, and considerations for patient selection.

RESULTS: Across the 2 pivotal phase 3 studies, responder rates on investigator- and subject-assessed measures of appearance of FHL severity were significantly higher with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo for the treatment of FHL at day 30 (P < 0.0001), and results were maintained through 3 cycles of onabotulinumtoxinA.

CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment also resulted in high patient satisfaction rates. The incidence of eyebrow and of eyelid ptosis was low, and no new safety signals were detected. OnabotulinumtoxinA is safe and effective and an appropriate option for patients with moderate to severe FHL encountered in clinical practice.}, } @article {pmid32530124, year = {2021}, author = {Lin, P and Alexander, RA and Liang, CH and Liu, C and Lin, YH and Lin, YH and Chan, LP and Kuan, CM}, title = {Collagen formula with Djulis for improvement of skin hydration, brightness, texture, crow's feet, and collagen content: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {188-194}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13500}, pmid = {32530124}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Kalbe Farma/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Collagen ; Double-Blind Method ; Humans ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The efficacy of Djulis for skin care is currently based on cellular or animal models, and the clinical aspect is not in place.

AIM: This clinical study is to investigate the synergistic effect of fish collagen and Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.) for improvement of skin parameters. We used the combination of hydrolyzed collagen and Djulis to develop a new functional formula for skin improvement.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Fifty volunteers were randomly allocated (in a 1:1 ratio) to the placebo or collagen drink group. Volunteers were required to consume a 50 mL of a collagen drink or placebo drink daily for 8 weeks. For measurements, the indexes of skin conditions were measured at the baseline and 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS: The improvements of skin hydration, brightness, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, spots, and collagen content after 8 weeks in collagen group were 17.8%, 5.4%, 14.9%, 9.9%, 29.3%, 10.4%, 9.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. Noticeably, over 68% of subjects got improved for their skin parameters after 8-week intake of collagen drink. The improvement levels indicated competitive skin improvement effects in comparison with previous studies.

CONCLUSION: This clinical study demonstrates the synergistic effect of fish collagen and Djulis (the main components) for the substantial improvements in hydration, brightness, crow's feet, texture, wrinkles, pores, surface spots, and collagen content in skin. The collagen drink comprehensively improved skin parameters for most subjects after 4-week intake and manifested competitive efficiency in comparison with other similar studies. We convince that the collagen drink may delay skin aging process and improve skin aging parameters.}, } @article {pmid32524146, year = {2020}, author = {Bratsberg, B and Rogeberg, O and Skirbekk, V}, title = {Fathers of children conceived using ART have higher cognitive ability scores than fathers of naturally conceived children.}, journal = {Human reproduction (Oxford, England)}, volume = {35}, number = {6}, pages = {1461-1468}, doi = {10.1093/humrep/deaa119}, pmid = {32524146}, issn = {1460-2350}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Development ; Cognition ; Humans ; Male ; Norway ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; *Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; }, abstract = {STUDY QUESTION: Does paternal cognitive ability differ for children conceived with and without assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

SUMMARY ANSWER: Young fathers of ART conceived children tend to score cognitively below their same-age natural conception (NC) counterparts and older (above 35) fathers of ART conceived children tend to score above.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Cognitive ability is a genetically and socially transmitted trait, and If ART and NC children have parents with different levels of this trait, then this would in itself predict systematic differences in child cognitive outcomes. Research comparing cognitive outcomes of children with different modes of conception finds conflicting results, and studies may be influenced by selection and confounding.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a population-based study based on Norwegian data, combining information from the Medical Birth Registry (births through 2012), military conscription tests (birth cohorts 1955-1977) and the population registry. These data allow us to compare the cognitive ability scores of men registered as the father of an ART-conceived child to the cognitive abilities of other fathers and to average scores in the paternal birth cohorts.

The population level study included 18 566 births after ART (5810 after ICSI, 12 756 after IVF), and 1 048 138 NC births. It included all Norwegian men who received a cognitive ability score after attending military conscription between 1973 and 1995. This constituted 614 827 men (89.4% of the male birth cohorts involved). An additional 77 650 unscored males were included in sensitivity analyses.

Paternal cognitive level was assessed using intelligence quotients (IQ) converted from stanine scores on a three-part cognitive ability test with items measuring numeracy, vocabulary and abstract thought (Raven-like matrices). ART fathers averaged 1.95 IQ points above the average of their own birth cohort (P-value < 0.0005) and 1.83 IQ points above NC fathers in their own birth cohort (P < 0.0005). Comparisons of the IQ of ART fathers to those of NC fathers of similar age and whose children were born in the same year, however, found average scores to be more similar (point estimate 0.24, P = 0.023). These low average differences were found to differ substantially by age of fatherhood, with young ART fathers scoring below their NC counterparts and older ART fathers scoring above their NC counterparts.

We do not have information on maternal cognition. We also lack information on unsuccessful infertility treatments that did not result in a live birth.

Paternal cognitive ability of ART children differs from that of NC children, and this difference varies systematically with paternal age at child birth. Selection effects into ART may help explain differences between ART and NC children and need to be adequately controlled for when assessing causal effects of ART treatment on child outcomes.

This research has also been supported by the Research Council of Norway through its Centres of Excellence funding scheme, project number 262700 (Centre for Fertility and Health). It has also been supported by the Research Council of Norway's Project 236992 (Egalitarianism under pressure? New perspectives on inequality and social cohesion). There are no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.}, } @article {pmid32520748, year = {2020}, author = {Bonsib, SM}, title = {Renal Hypoplasia, From Grossly Insufficient to Not Quite Enough: Consideration for Expanded Concepts Based Upon the Author's Perspective With Historical Review.}, journal = {Advances in anatomic pathology}, volume = {27}, number = {5}, pages = {311-330}, pmid = {32520748}, issn = {1533-4031}, mesh = {Humans ; Kidney/*pathology ; Kidney Diseases/*pathology ; }, abstract = {Hypoplasia is defined in the Merriman-Webster dictionary as "a condition of arrested development in which an organ, or part, remains below the normal size, or in an immature state." The degree of reduced size is not definitional. Renal hypoplasia, however, has historically been defined as a more marked reduction in renal mass such that presentation in childhood is the norm. There are 3 commonly recognized types of renal hypoplasia, simple hypoplasia, oligomeganephronic hypoplasia (oligomeganephronia) and segmental hypoplasia (Ask-Upmark kidney). They have in common a reduction in the number of renal lobes. A fourth type, not widely recognized, is cortical hypoplasia where nephrogenesis is normal but there is a reduction in the number of nephron generations. Recently there has been great interest in milder degrees of reduced nephron mass, known as oligonephronia because of its association with risk of adult-onset hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Since the last pathology review of this topic was published by Jay Bernstein in 1968, an update of the renal pathology findings in renal hypoplasia is provided with a review of 18 new cases. The renal hypoplasias are then framed within the modern concept of oligonephronia, its diverse causes and prognostic implications.}, } @article {pmid32508178, year = {2021}, author = {Layes, S and Lalonde, R and Rebai, M}, title = {Reading-related abilities underlying phonological awareness: a cross-sectional study in children with and without dyslexia.}, journal = {Logopedics, phoniatrics, vocology}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {110-117}, doi = {10.1080/14015439.2020.1768283}, pmid = {32508178}, issn = {1651-2022}, mesh = {Awareness ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Dyslexia/diagnosis ; Humans ; Phonetics ; *Reading ; Voice Quality ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The present cross-sectional study examined the individual role of rapid automatized naming (RAN), verbal short-term memory (VSTM), and phonological verbal fluency (PVF) along with word reading performance in predicting phonological awareness (PA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 225 Arabic speaking children from grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 took part in this study, divided into two groups of readers: typical developing readers and dyslexic readers. The participants were tested on word and pseudoword reading, phonological awareness, rapid naming, verbal short-term memory and phonological verbal fluency.

RESULTS: There are different predictive patterns between the two groups. Whereas Raven and Grade contributed directly in predicting PA in typical readers, VSTM and PVF directly predicted PA in children with dyslexia. However, word reading played a dual role in the both groups as direct predictors of PA, mediating the predictive relationships between PA and the other variables.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest the potential existence of an underlying phonological representation processing ability shared between PA, phonological access (RAN and PVF), VSTM, and word reading ability.}, } @article {pmid32501351, year = {2020}, author = {Prescod-Weinstein, C}, title = {The not-so-blue jays.}, journal = {New scientist (1971)}, volume = {246}, number = {3283}, pages = {21}, doi = {10.1016/S0262-4079(20)30964-7}, pmid = {32501351}, issn = {0262-4079}, abstract = {Watching birds is great entertainment, and there's fascinating physics behind how some get their colours, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein.}, } @article {pmid32487038, year = {2020}, author = {Hasan, H and Deek, MP and Phillips, R and Hobbs, RF and Malek, R and Radwan, N and Kiess, AP and Dipasquale, S and Huang, J and Caldwell, T and Leitzel, J and Wendler, D and Wang, H and Thompson, E and Powell, J and Dudley, S and Deville, C and Greco, SC and Song, DY and DeWeese, TL and Gorin, MA and Rowe, SP and Denmeade, S and Markowski, M and Antonarakis, ES and Carducci, MA and Eisenberger, MA and Pomper, MG and Pienta, KJ and Paller, CJ and Tran, PT}, title = {A phase II randomized trial of RAdium-223 dichloride and SABR Versus SABR for oligomEtastatic prostate caNcerS (RAVENS).}, journal = {BMC cancer}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {492}, pmid = {32487038}, issn = {1471-2407}, support = {IIRUS2014437//Bayer HealthCare/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Bone Neoplasms/mortality/secondary/*therapy ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects/*methods ; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Progression-Free Survival ; Prostatic Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*therapy ; Radioisotopes/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Radiosurgery/adverse effects/*methods ; Radium/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Metastasis directed therapy (MDT) for patients with oligometastatic disease is associated with improvements in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to systemic therapy alone. Additionally, within a prostate-cancer-specific cohort, MDT is able to forestall initiation of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with hormone-sensitive, oligometastatic prostate cancer (HSOPCa) compared to observation. While MDT appears to be safe and effective in HSOPCa, a large percentage of men will eventually have disease recurrence. Patterns of failure in HSOPCa demonstrate patients tend to have recurrence in the bone following MDT, raising the question of sub-clinically-apparent osseous disease. Radium-223 dichloride is a radiopharmaceutical with structural similarity to calcium, allowing it to be taken up by bone where it emits alpha particles, and therefore might have utility in the treatment of micrometastatic osseous disease. Therefore, the primary goal of the phase II RAVENS trial is to evaluate the efficacy of MDT + radium-223 dichloride in prolonging progression free survival in men with HSOPCa.

METHODS: Patients with HSOPCa and 3 or less metastases with at least 1 bone metastasis will be randomized 1:1 to stereotactic ablative radiation (SABR, also known as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)) alone vs SABR + radium-223 dichloride with a minimization algorithm to balance assignment by institution, primary intervention, prior hormonal therapy, and PSA doubling time. SABR is delivered in one to five fractions and patients in the SABR + radium-223 dichloride arm will receive six infusions of radium-223 dichloride at four-week intervals. The primary end point is progression free survival. The secondary clinical endpoints include toxicity and quality of life assessments, local control at 12 months, locoregional progression, time to distant progression, time to new metastasis, and duration of response.

DISCUSSION: The RAVENS trial will be the first described phase II, non-blinded, randomized study to compare SABR +/- radium-223 dichloride in patients with HSOPCa and 3 or less metastases with at least one bone metastasis. The primary hypothesis is that SABR + radium-223 dichloride will increase median progression-free survival from 10 months in the SABR arm to 20 months in the SABR + radium-223 dichloride arm.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: Clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04037358. Date of Registration: July 30, 2019. Date of First Participant Enrolled: August 9, 2019. Date of Last Approved Amendment: October 16, 2019. Protocol Version: Version 5.}, } @article {pmid32485232, year = {2020}, author = {Wang, L and Luo, Y and Wang, H and Zou, Y and Yao, H and Ullah, S and Li, Z}, title = {Azure-winged magpies fail to understand the principle of mirror imaging.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {177}, number = {}, pages = {104155}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104155}, pmid = {32485232}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; *Passeriformes ; *Recognition, Psychology ; }, abstract = {Mirror self-recognition (MSR) is considered a crucial step in the emergence of self-cognition. The MSR paradigm has become a standard method for evaluating self-cognition in several species. For example, Eurasian magpies and Indian house crows have passed the mark test for self-cognition, whereas efforts to find MSR in other corvid species have failed. However, no literature has conducted MSR tests on azure-winged magpies, a species of corvids. Therefore, the current research aimed to investigate the MSR behaviours of azure-winged magpies upon looking into a mirror for the first time. The study included four tests: (1) mirror preference and standardised mirror exploration, (2) single vertical mirror test, (3) mark test and (4) mirror-triggered search test. The azure-winged magpies displayed immense curiosity towards the mirror and their images in the mirror in Test 1&2. In the subsequent mark tests, they failed to recognise themselves in the mirror and regarded their images as conspecifics. Behaviour analysis showed no significant difference between marked and unmarked behaviours. Finally they seemed to infer the presence of bait from the image in the mirror, but were found to fail to understand that the location of the bait in the mirror was the same as that in the real world. For a better insight into the MSR behaviour of azure-winged magpies, research studies involving prolonged mirror exposure and training are recommended.}, } @article {pmid32477837, year = {2020}, author = {Wang, L and Guo, J and Tian, HJ and Sui, J}, title = {The ability of oriental magpies (Pica serica) to solve baited multiple-string problems.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e9200}, pmid = {32477837}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Baited multiple-string problems are commonly used in avian laboratory studies to evaluate complex cognition. Several bird species possess the ability to use a string pull for obtaining food.

METHODS: We initially tested and trained 11 magpies to determine whether the oriental magpie (Pica sericia) possesses the ability to solve baited multiple-string problems. Eight of the birds obtained the bait by pulling, and were selected for formal multiple-string tasks in the second stage. Second stage tests were divided into seven tasks based on string configurations.

RESULTS: Only two magpies were able to solve two tasks: one solved the task of parallel strings, and the other solved the task of slanted strings with the bait farther from the middle point between the two strings and selected the short string in the task of long-short strings. When faced with more difficult tasks (i.e., the task of slanted strings with the bait closer to the middle point between the two strings, the task with two crossing strings, and the task of continuity and discontinuity), the birds initially observed the tasks and chose instead to adopt simpler strategies based on the proximity principle, side bias strategies and trial-and-error learning. Our results indicate that the oriental magpie had a partial understanding of the principle of multiple-string problems but adopted simpler strategies.}, } @article {pmid32475721, year = {2020}, author = {Deguines, N and Lorrilliere, R and Dozières, A and Bessa-Gomes, C and Chiron, F}, title = {Any despot at my table? Competition among native and introduced bird species at garden birdfeeders in winter.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {734}, number = {}, pages = {139263}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139263}, pmid = {32475721}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animal Feed ; Animals ; Columbidae ; Europe ; Gardening ; *Gardens ; *Introduced Species ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Garden bird feeding constitutes a massive provision of food that can support bird communities, but there is a growing concern it might favour the establishment of exotic species that could be detrimental to others. How bird species compete with novel species for this anthropogenic food resources needs to be assessed. Here, we investigated competition in wintering bird communities at garden birdfeeders. We evaluated whether - and how much - bird access to resources is hampered by the presence of putative superior competing species, among which the Rose-ringed parakeet, the most abundant introduced species across Europe. Using the nation-wide citizen science scheme BirdLab, in which volunteers record in real-time bird attendance on a pair of birdfeeders during 5-minute sessions, we tested whether i) cumulative bird presence time and richness at birdfeeders, and ii) species probability of presence at birdfeeders, were influenced by three large species (the Eurasian magpie, the Eurasian collared-dove, and the Rose-ringed parakeet). Additionally, we assessed whether the Rose-ringed parakeet occupied resources significantly more than others. Presence of the Rose-ringed parakeet or the Eurasian collared-dove similarly reduced community cumulative presence time at birdfeeders, but only the dove reduced community richness. Each of the three large species influenced the presence of at least one of the six smaller species that could be separately modelled, but effects varied in strength and direction. The Rose-ringed parakeet and the Eurasian collared-dove were among the three species monopolising birdfeeders the longest, substantially more than the Eurasian magpie. Our findings confirm the competitive abilities of the large species studied, but do not suggest that garden bird feeding may alarmingly favour introduced species with detrimental effects on native species. Given the variability of large species' effects on small passerines, direct and indirect interactions among all species must be examined to fully understand the ecological net effects at stake.}, } @article {pmid32475334, year = {2020}, author = {Uomini, N and Fairlie, J and Gray, RD and Griesser, M}, title = {Extended parenting and the evolution of cognition.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {375}, number = {1803}, pages = {20190495}, pmid = {32475334}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Cognition ; *Crows/growth & development ; Life History Traits ; *Maternal Behavior ; *Paternal Behavior ; Phylogeny ; Songbirds/growth & development ; }, abstract = {Traditional attempts to understand the evolution of human cognition compare humans with other primates. This research showed that relative brain size covaries with cognitive skills, while adaptations that buffer the developmental and energetic costs of large brains (e.g. allomaternal care), and ecological or social benefits of cognitive abilities, are critical for their evolution. To understand the drivers of cognitive adaptations, it is profitable to consider distant lineages with convergently evolved cognitions. Here, we examine the facilitators of cognitive evolution in corvid birds, where some species display cultural learning, with an emphasis on family life. We propose that extended parenting (protracted parent-offspring association) is pivotal in the evolution of cognition: it combines critical life-history, social and ecological conditions allowing for the development and maintenance of cognitive skillsets that confer fitness benefits to individuals. This novel hypothesis complements the extended childhood idea by considering the parents' role in juvenile development. Using phylogenetic comparative analyses, we show that corvids have larger body sizes, longer development times, extended parenting and larger relative brain sizes than other passerines. Case studies from two corvid species with different ecologies and social systems highlight the critical role of life-history features on juveniles' cognitive development: extended parenting provides a safe haven, access to tolerant role models, reliable learning opportunities and food, resulting in higher survival. The benefits of extended juvenile learning periods, over evolutionary time, lead to selection for expanded cognitive skillsets. Similarly, in our ancestors, cooperative breeding and increased group sizes facilitated learning and teaching. Our analyses highlight the critical role of life-history, ecological and social factors that underlie both extended parenting and expanded cognitive skillsets. This article is part of the theme issue 'Life history and learning: how childhood, caregiving and old age shape cognition and culture in humans and other animals'.}, } @article {pmid32468297, year = {2020}, author = {Liu, J and Xu, J and Zou, G and He, Y and Zou, Q and Gao, JH}, title = {Reliability and Individual Specificity of EEG Microstate Characteristics.}, journal = {Brain topography}, volume = {33}, number = {4}, pages = {438-449}, doi = {10.1007/s10548-020-00777-2}, pmid = {32468297}, issn = {1573-6792}, support = {2016ZT06S220//Guangdong Pearl River Talents Plan/International ; 2015CB856400//China's National Strategic Basic Research Program ("973") grant/International ; 81871427//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 81671765//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 81430037//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 81727808//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 81790650//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 81790651//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 31421003//National Natural Science Foundation of China/International ; 7172121//Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation/International ; 2018YFC2000603//National Key Research and Development Program of China/International ; 2017YFC0108900//National Key Research and Development Program of China/International ; Z181100001518005//Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission/International ; Z161100002616006//Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission/International ; Z171100000117012//Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission/International ; 2018B030332001//The Guangdong Key Basic Research Grant/International ; }, mesh = {*Brain/physiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {Electroencephalography (EEG) microstates (MSs) are defined as quasi-stable topographies that represent global coherent activation. Alternations in EEG MSs have been reported in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. Transferring the results of these studies into clinical practice requires not only high reliability but also sufficient individual specificity. Nevertheless, whether the amount of data used in microstate analysis influences reliability and how much individual information is provided by EEG MSs are unclear. In the current study, we aimed to assess the within-subject consistency and between-subject differences in the characteristics of EEG MSs. Two sets of eyes-closed resting-state EEG recordings were collected from 54 young, healthy participants on two consecutive days. The Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices test was conducted to assess general fluid intelligence (gF). We obtained four MSs (labeled A, B, C and D) through EEG microstate analysis. EEG MS characteristics including traditional features (the global explained variances, mean durations, coverages, occurrences and transition probabilities), the Hurst exponents and temporal dynamic features (the autocorrelation functions and the partial autocorrelation functions) were calculated and evaluated. The data with a duration greater than 2 min showed moderate to high reliability and individual specificity. The mean duration and coverage of MS C were significantly correlated with the gF score. The dynamic features showed a higher identification accuracy and were more significantly correlated with gF than the traditional MS features. These findings reveal that EEG microstate characteristics are reliably unique in single subjects and possess abundant inter-individual variability.}, } @article {pmid32463251, year = {2020}, author = {Brecht, KF and Müller, J and Nieder, A}, title = {Carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) fail the mirror mark test yet again.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/com0000231}, pmid = {32463251}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, abstract = {The mirror mark test is generally considered to be an indicator of an animal's ability to recognize itself in the mirror. For this test, an animal is confronted with a mirror and has a mark placed where it can see the mark only with the help of the mirror. When the animal extensively touches or interacts with the mark, compared with control conditions, the mirror mark test is passed. Many nonhuman animal species have been tested, but few have succeeded. After magpies and Indian house crows passed, there has been a sustained interest to find out whether other corvids would pass the mirror mark test. Here, we presented 12 carrion crows (Corvus corone corone) with the mirror mark test. There was no significant increase of mark-directed behavior in the mirror mark test, compared with control conditions. We find very few occasions of mark-directed behaviors and have to interpret them in the context of self-directed behavior more generally. In addition, we show that our crows were motivated to interact with a mark when it was visible to them without the aid of a mirror. We conclude that our crows fail the test, and thereby replicate previous studies showing a similar failure in corvids, and crows in particular. Because our study adds to the growing literature of corvids failing the mirror mark test, the issue of mirror self-recognition in these birds remains controversial. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid32460855, year = {2020}, author = {Langbaum, JB and Ellison, NN and Caputo, A and Thomas, RG and Langlois, C and Riviere, ME and Graf, A and Lopez Lopez, C and Reiman, EM and Tariot, PN and Hendrix, SB}, title = {The Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Composite Cognitive Test: a practical measure for tracking cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.}, journal = {Alzheimer's research & therapy}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {66}, pmid = {32460855}, issn = {1758-9193}, support = {P30 AG019610/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AG063954/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; UF1 AG046150/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; UF1AG046150/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; *Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Mental Recall ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in identifying sensitive composite cognitive tests to serve as primary endpoints in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment trials. We reported previously a composite cognitive test score sensitive to tracking preclinical AD decline up to 5 years prior to clinical diagnosis. Here we expand upon and refine this work, empirically deriving a composite cognitive test score sensitive to tracking preclinical AD decline up to 11 years prior to diagnosis and suitable for use as a primary endpoint in a preclinical AD trial.

METHODS: This study used a longitudinal approach to maximize sensitivity to tracking progressive cognitive decline in people who progressed to the clinical stages of AD (n = 868) compared to those who remained cognitively unimpaired during the same time period (n = 989), thereby correcting for normal aging and practice effects. Specifically, we developed the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Preclinical Composite Cognitive test (APCC) to measure very early longitudinal cognitive decline in older adults with preclinical AD. Data from three cohorts from Rush University were analyzed using a partial least squares (PLS) regression model to identify optimal composites within different time periods prior to diagnosis, up to 11 years prior to diagnosis. The mean-to-standard deviation ratio (MSDRs) is an indicator of sensitivity to change and was used to inform the final calculation of the composite score.

RESULTS: The optimal composite, the APCC, is calculated: 0.26*Symbol Digit Modalities + 2.24*MMSE Orientation to Time + 2.14*MMSE Orientation to Place + 0.53*Logical Memory Delayed Recall + 1.36* Word List-Delayed Recall + 0.68*Judgment of Line Orientation + 1.39*Raven's Progressive Matrices Matrices (subset of 9 items from A and B). The MSDR of the APCC in a population of preclinical AD individuals who eventually progress to cognitive impairment, compared to those who remained cognitively unimpaired during the same time period, was - 1.10 over 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS: The APCC is an empirically derived composite cognitive test score with high face validity that is sensitive to preclinical AD decline up to 11 years prior to diagnosis of the clinical stages of AD. The components of the APCC are supported by theoretical understanding of cognitive decline that occurs during preclinical AD. The APCC was used as a primary outcome in the API Generation Program trials.}, } @article {pmid32452069, year = {2020}, author = {Malden, DE and Mangoni, AA and Woodman, RJ and Thies, F and McNeil, C and Murray, AD and Soiza, RL}, title = {Circulating asymmetric dimethylarginine and cognitive decline: A 4-year follow-up study of the 1936 Aberdeen Birth Cohort.}, journal = {International journal of geriatric psychiatry}, volume = {35}, number = {10}, pages = {1181-1188}, doi = {10.1002/gps.5355}, pmid = {32452069}, issn = {1099-1166}, mesh = {*Arginine/analogs & derivatives ; *Cognitive Dysfunction ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanisms leading to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are unclear. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, may be associated with cognitive decline, but population-based evidence is lacking.

METHODS: Change in cognitive performance was assessed in participants of the Aberdeen Birth Cohort of 1936 using longitudinal Raven's progressive matrices (RPM) between 2000 and 2004. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate the association between ADMA concentrations in 2000 and change in cognitive performance after adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS: A total of 93 participants had complete information on cognitive performance between 2000 and 2004. Mean plasma ADMA concentrations were approximately 0.4 μmol/L lower in those participants with stable or improved RPM scores over follow-up compared with participants whose cognitive performance worsened. In confounder-adjusted analysis, one SD (0.06 μmol/L) increase in ADMA at 63 years of age was associated with an average reduction in RPM of 1.26 points (95% CI 0.14-2.26) after 4 years.

CONCLUSION: Raised plasma ADMA concentrations predicted worsening cognitive performance after approximately 4 years in this cohort of adults in late-middle age. These findings have implications for future research, including presymptomatic diagnosis or novel therapeutic targets for dementia and AD.}, } @article {pmid32437410, year = {2020}, author = {Clarke, MJ and Fraser, EE and Warkentin, IG}, title = {Fine spatial-scale variation in scavenger activity influences avian mortality assessments on a boreal island.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e0233427}, pmid = {32437410}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Coleoptera ; *Ecosystem ; *Feeding Behavior ; Forests ; *Islands ; Newfoundland and Labrador ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Bird-window collisions are the second leading cause of human-related avian mortality for songbirds in Canada. Our ability to accurately estimate the number of fatalities caused by window collisions is affected by several biases, including the removal of carcasses by scavengers prior to those carcasses being detected during surveys. We investigated the role of scavenger behavior in modifying perceived carcass removal rate while describing habitat-specific differences for the scavengers present in a relatively scavenger-depauperate island ecosystem. We used motion activated cameras to monitor the fate of hatchling chicken carcasses placed at building (under both windows and windowless walls) and forest (open and closed canopy) sites in western Newfoundland, Canada. We recorded the identity of scavengers, timing of events, and frequency of repeat scavenging at sites. Using 2 treatments, we also assessed how scavenging varied with 2 levels of carcass availability (daily versus every third day). Scavenger activities differed substantially between forest and building sites. Only common ravens (Corvus corax) removed carcasses at building sites, with 25 of 26 removals occurring under windows. Burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) dominated scavenging at forest sites (14 of 18 removals), completely removing carcasses from sight in under 24 hours. Availability had no effect on removal rate. These findings suggest that ravens look for carcasses near building windows, where bird-window collision fatalities create predictable food sources, but that this learning preceded the study. Such behavior resulted in highly heterogeneous scavenging rates at fine spatial scales indicating the need for careful consideration of carcass and camera placement when monitoring scavenger activity. Our observations of burying beetle activity indicate that future studies investigating bird collision mortality near forested habitats and with infrequent surveys, should consider local invertebrate community composition during survey design. The high incidence of invertebrate scavenging may compensate for the reduced vertebrate scavenger community of insular Newfoundland.}, } @article {pmid32428037, year = {2020}, author = {Dierick, F and Buisseret, F and Renson, M and Luta, AM}, title = {Digital natives and dual task: Handling it but not immune against cognitive-locomotor interferences.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {5}, pages = {e0232328}, pmid = {32428037}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Brain/physiology ; *Cell Phone Use ; *Cognition ; Female ; Gait/physiology ; Humans ; Locomotion/*physiology ; Male ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Digital natives developed in an electronic dual tasking world. This paper addresses two questions. Do digital natives respond differently under a cognitive load realized during a locomotor task in a dual-tasking paradigm and how does this address the concept of safety? We investigate the interplay between cognitive (talking and solving Raven's matrices) and locomotor (walking on a treadmill) tasks in a sample of 17 graduate level participants. The costs of dual-tasking on gait were assessed by studying changes in stride interval time and its variability at long-range. A safety index was designed and computed from total relative change between the variability indices in the single walking and dual-task conditions. As expected, results indicate high Raven's scores with gait changes found between the dual task conditions compared to the single walking task. Greater changes are observed in the talking condition compared to solving Raven's matrices, resulting in high safety index values observed in 5 participants. We conclude that, although digital natives are efficient in performing the dual tasks when they are not emotional-based, modification of gait are observable. Due to the variation within participants and the observation of high safety index values in several of them, individuals that responded poorly to low cognitive loads should be encouraged to not perform dual task when executing a primate task of safety to themselves or others.}, } @article {pmid32421218, year = {2020}, author = {Jang, M and Baek, S and Kang, G and Yang, H and Kim, S and Jung, H}, title = {Dissolving microneedle with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density and elasticity.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {302-309}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12617}, pmid = {32421218}, issn = {1468-2494}, support = {20000462//Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning/ ; 20000462//Industrial Core Technology Development Program/ ; //Ministry of Trade/ ; }, mesh = {Double-Blind Method ; Elasticity ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Weight ; *Needles ; Skin/*drug effects ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Dissolving microneedle patches have been extensively studied in the field of cosmetics comparison with topical cosmetics focusing on the delivery of active ingredients. Nevertheless, the skin improvement effect of hyaluronic acid, which is mainly used as a backbone material for dissolving microneedle, was not analyzed. In this study, adenosine encapsulated high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid dissolving microneedle patch (Ad-HMN and Ad-LMN) were evaluated with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and safety in a clinical test on the crow's feet area.

METHODS: Clinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 12 weeks on twenty three female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The Ad-HMN and Ad-LMN patch were applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow's feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, and elasticity were measured by using PRIMOS[®] premium, Dermascan[®] C, Cutometer[®] MPA580, and Corneometer[®] CM 825, respectively.

RESULTS: Both Ad-HMN and Ad-LMN groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters. The Ad-HMN patch had better effect on the mean depth of biggest wrinkles, maximum depth of biggest wrinkles, dermal density, and skin elasticity than the Ad-LMN patch. No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.

CONCLUSION: In the clinical efficacy test of four skin-improvement parameters, the Ad-HMN patch showed the better effect than the Ad-LMN patch with the similar adenosine dose.}, } @article {pmid32406720, year = {2020}, author = {Soler, M and Colmenero, JM and Pérez-Contreras, T and Peralta-Sánchez, JM}, title = {Replication of the mirror mark test experiment in the magpie (Pica pica) does not provide evidence of self-recognition.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {}, number = {}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1037/com0000223}, pmid = {32406720}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Junta de Andalucía/ ; }, abstract = {Self-recognition in animals is demonstrated when individuals pass the mark test. Formerly, it was thought that self-recognition was restricted to humans, great apes, and certain mammals with large brains and highly evolved social cognition. However, 1 study showed that 2 out of 5 magpies (Pica pica) passed the mark test, suggesting that magpies have a similar level of cognitive abilities to great apes. The scientific advancement depends on confidence in published science, and this confidence can be reached only after rigorous replication of published studies. Here, we present a close replication of the magpie study but using a larger sample size while following a very similar experimental protocol. Like the previous study, in our experiment, magpies showed both social and self-directed behavior more frequently in front of the mirror versus a control cardboard stimulus. However, during the mark test, self-directed behavior proved more frequent in front of the cardboard than in the mirror. Thus, our replication failed to confirm the previous results. Close replications, while not disproving an earlier study, identify results that should be considered with caution. Therefore, more replication studies and additional experimental work is needed to unambiguously demonstrate that magpies are consistently able to pass the mark test. The existence of compelling evidence of self-recognition in other corvid species is discussed in depth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid32390905, year = {2020}, author = {Gao, H and Che, Q and Zhang, D and Chai, Y and Luo, X and Cai, T}, title = {Insensitivity to Success and Failure: An Experimental Study of Performance-Based Feedback in Depression.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {670}, pmid = {32390905}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This experimental study set out to examine the effects of performance feedback (success or failure) on depressed emotions and self-serving attribution bias in inpatients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS: The study was based on a 2 × 2 experimental design in which 71 MDD patients and 59 healthy controls participated. Both groups (MDD and controls) were randomly assigned to two conditions: success or failure in the performance feedback. A section of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) was used as a bogus test of the participants' reasoning abilities, and the Core Depressive Factor of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to measure changes in depressed emotion in the subjects following the performance feedback. Participants then rated the accuracy of the SPM as a measure of their reasoning capacity.

RESULTS: The levels of depressed emotions in patients with MDD did not differ significantly under the two feedback conditions. In contrast, depressed emotion levels increased significantly in healthy individuals in response to failure feedback but did not change in response to success feedback. With regard to the ratings of SPM accuracy, there was no significant difference across the two feedback conditions for depressed patients; however, the accuracy ratings were higher in the success condition than in the failure condition for the controls.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with MDD exhibit blunted emotional reactivity when experiencing new positive or negative social stimuli, supporting the theory of Emotion Context Insensitivity. In addition, self-serving attribution bias does not occur in MDD, which is consistent with the theory of learned helplessness in depression.}, } @article {pmid32384666, year = {2020}, author = {Myszkowski, N}, title = {A Mokken Scale Analysis of the Last Series of the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM-LS).}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {32384666}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Raven (1941) is a widely used 60-item long measure of general mental ability. It was recently suggested that, for situations where taking this test is too time consuming, a shorter version, comprised of only the last series of the Standard Progressive Matrices (the SPM-LS; Myszkowski and Storme (2018)) could be used, while preserving satisfactory psychometric properties Garcia-Garzon et al. (2019); Myszkowski and Storme (2018). In this study, I argue, however, that some psychometric properties have been left aside by previous investigations. As part of this special issue on the reinvestigation of Myszkowski and Storme's dataset, I propose to use the non-parametric Item Response Theory framework of Mokken Scale Analysis Mokken (1971, 1997) and its current developments Sijtsma and van der Ark (2017) to shed new light on the SPM-LS. Extending previous findings, this investigation indicated that the SPM-LS had satisfactory scalability (H = 0 . 469), local independence and reliability (M S = 0 . 841 , L C R C = 0 . 874). Further, all item response functions were monotonically increasing, and there was overall evidence for invariant item ordering (H T = 0 . 475), supporting the Double Monotonicity Model Mokken (1997). Item 1, however, appeared problematic in most analyses. I discuss the implications of these results, notably regarding whether to discard item 1, whether the SPM-LS sum scores can confidently be used to order persons, and whether the invariant item ordering of the SPM-LS allows to use a stopping rule to further shorten test administration.}, } @article {pmid32384646, year = {2020}, author = {Partchev, I}, title = {Diagnosing a 12-Item Dataset of Raven Matrices: With Dexter.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {8}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {32384646}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {We analyze a 12-item version of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test, traditionally scored with the sum score. We discuss some important differences between assessment in practice and psychometric modelling. We demonstrate some advanced diagnostic tools in the freely available R package, dexter. We find that the first item in the test functions badly-at a guess, because the subjects were not given exercise items before the live test.}, } @article {pmid32383548, year = {2021}, author = {Mohammadi, S and Shokri, J and Ranjkesh, M and Akbari Hamed, S and Monajjemzadeh, F}, title = {Comparative physicochemical stability and clinical anti-wrinkle efficacy of transdermal emulgel preparations of 5% sodium ascorbyl phosphate and or ascorbic acid on human volunteers.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {174-180}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13471}, pmid = {32383548}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Ascorbic Acid/analogs & derivatives ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Antioxidant containing cosmeceuticals are commonly prescribed products in treating wrinkles and revitalizing the skin. The aim of this study was the comparative evaluation of physicochemical stability and clinical anti-wrinkle efficacy of transdermal emulgel preparations of sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) and ascorbic acid (AA) on human volunteers.

METHODS: Emulgel preparations containing 5% of (SAP) and or (AA) were prepared. HPLC analysis was performed for stability evaluations. Clinical anti-wrinkle efficacy of the formulations was examined on human healthy volunteers in crow's feet area. Elasticity and digital images were recorded before and after treatment.

RESULTS: Formulations with added antioxidants and kept in the refrigerator exhibited better stability characteristics. Two-sided blind study and placebo-controlled study showed that both actives were effective in wrinkles depth reduction and also elasticity enhancement but statistically significant difference in the efficacy of the products was not observed.

CONCLUSION: Formulations containing (AA) and or (SAP) both improved elasticity and wrinkles of the skin almost by the same extent, and it is necessary to add antioxidant stabilizing agents to both preparations to reach a desired stability.}, } @article {pmid32372855, year = {2020}, author = {Gill, LF and van Schaik, J and von Bayern, AMP and Gahr, ML}, title = {Genetic monogamy despite frequent extrapair copulations in "strictly monogamous" wild jackdaws.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology : official journal of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {247-260}, pmid = {32372855}, issn = {1045-2249}, abstract = {"Monogamy" refers to different components of pair exclusiveness: the social pair, sexual partners, and the genetic outcome of sexual encounters. Avian monogamy is usually defined socially or genetically, whereas quantifications of sexual behavior remain scarce. Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are considered a rare example of strict monogamy in songbirds, with lifelong pair bonds and little genetic evidence for extrapair (EP) offspring. Yet jackdaw copulations, although accompanied by loud copulation calls, are rarely observed because they occur visually concealed inside nest cavities. Using full-day nest-box video surveillance and on-bird acoustic bio-logging, we directly observed jackdaw sexual behavior and compared it to the corresponding genetic outcome obtained via molecular parentage analysis. In the video-observed nests, we found genetic monogamy but frequently detected forced EP sexual behavior, accompanied by characteristic male copulation calls. We, thus, challenge the long-held notion of strict jackdaw monogamy at the sexual level. Our data suggest that male mate guarding and frequent intrapair copulations during the female fertile phase, as well as the forced nature of the copulations, could explain the absence of EP offspring. Because EP copulation behavior appeared to be costly for both sexes, we suggest that immediate fitness benefits are an unlikely explanation for its prevalence. Instead, sexual conflict and dominance effects could interact to shape the spatiotemporal pattern of EP sexual behavior in this species. Our results call for larger-scale investigations of jackdaw sexual behavior and parentage and highlight the importance of combining social, sexual, and genetic data sets for a more complete understanding of mating systems.}, } @article {pmid32369021, year = {2020}, author = {Huber, S and Welham Ruiters, M and Syring, C and Steiner, A}, title = {[Improvement of claw health of cattle in Switzerland].}, journal = {Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde}, volume = {162}, number = {5}, pages = {285-292}, doi = {10.17236/sat00257}, pmid = {32369021}, issn = {1664-2848}, mesh = {Animal Husbandry/*methods/trends ; Animals ; Cattle ; Cattle Diseases/epidemiology/*prevention & control ; Foot Diseases/prevention & control/veterinary ; *Hoof and Claw ; Switzerland/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The modern technique of cattle hoof care was founded by E. Toussaint Raven in 1977. Environmental risk factors on cattle claws altered in the past 43 years. The change from free ranging to indoor housing, the intensified feeding and the breeding towards traits of high performance have significantly increased the mechanical and chemical stress on the claws. In modern free-stalls, dairy cows are required to walk on hard flooring to feed, drink and get milked. Good hoof health is a basic requirement for cattle welfare. Professional and regular hoof trimming is still considered the most effective measure to promote hoof health in dairy cattle. In order to meet today's requirements and to promote claw health, the Swiss Hoof Trimmers Association (SKV), in collaboration with the Vetsuisse faculties, Universities of Berne and Zurich, and the Bovine Health Service (RGD, Bern) developed and described the Swiss technique of functional claw trimming. The aim was to establish a consistent method, which takes into account the size and bodyweight of the modern cow, the anatomical and physiological characteristics of their claws and includes adaptations counteracting very relevant diseases such as digital dermatitis. The result is a workflow described and illustrated with coloured pictures and consisting of five individual steps based on the technique of E. Toussaint Raven, Additionally, the upcoming Swiss national resource project on long-term improvement of claw health is presented in some detail. The key point of this project is the electronic documentation of clinical findings by the trained professional claw trimmers. This data will later (i) be used to assess the foot health of Swiss cows, (ii) allow to determine the prevalence of foot diseases of cattle in Switzerland and (iii) to monitor the effect of the implementation of foot health concepts. The aim of this work is to combine the findings from science and the practical experience of hoof trimmers in one method, to standardize the applied hoof care in Switzerland and to adapt it to today's hoof health requirements.}, } @article {pmid32365814, year = {2020}, author = {Mancianti, F and Terracciano, G and Sorichetti, C and Vecchio, G and Scarselli, D and Perrucci, S}, title = {Epidemiologic Survey on Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella pseudospiralis Infection in Corvids from Central Italy.}, journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {32365814}, issn = {2076-0817}, abstract = {Free-ranging corvids-678 magpies (Pica pica) and 120 hooded crows (Corvus cornix) from nine protected areas of the Pisa province (central Italy)-were examined for Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella pseudospiralis. The intracardiac blood clots from 651 magpies and 120 hooded crows were serologically examined for T. gondii. The DNA extracted from the hearts of seropositive birds was then used to perform a nested PCR for the amplification of the T. gondii B1 gene and for genotyping for SAG genetic markers. Breast muscle samples from 678 magpies and 91 hooded crows were tested by an artificial digestion method for Trichinella. Data were statistically analyzed. Forty-five (5.8%-41 magpies and four hooded crows) out of the 771 examined animals scored seropositive for T. gondii, with titers ranging from 1:25 to 1:100. T. gondii DNA was detected in 15 of the 45 positive birds and T. gondii genotypes II and III were identified. No positivity for T. pseudospiralis was found. No significant differences between the two species of corvids and among the different areas of origin were observed for seropositivity to T. gondii. This is the first extensive study on both T. gondii and T. pseudospiralis in magpies and hooded crows, as well as the first detection of T. gondii SAG genotypes in magpies.}, } @article {pmid32364805, year = {2020}, author = {Carr, J and Stone, R and Tymko, C and Tymko, K and Coombs, GB and Hoiland, RL and Howe, CA and Tymko, MM and Ainslie, PN and Patrician, A}, title = {Global REACH 2018: The Effect of an Expiratory Resistance Mask with Dead Space on Sleep and Acute Mountain Sickness During Acute Exposure to Hypobaric Hypoxia.}, journal = {High altitude medicine & biology}, volume = {21}, number = {3}, pages = {297-302}, doi = {10.1089/ham.2019.0124}, pmid = {32364805}, issn = {1557-8682}, mesh = {Altitude ; *Altitude Sickness ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; Peru ; Sleep ; }, abstract = {Carr, Jay, Rachel Stone, Courtney Tymko, Kaitlyn Tymko, Geoff B. Coombs, Ryan L. Hoiland, Connor A. Howe, Michael M. Tymko, Philip N. Ainslie, and Alexander Patrician. Global REACH 2018: the effect of an expiratory resistance mask with dead space on sleep and acute mountain sickness during acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 21:297-302, 2020. We hypothesized that an expiratory resistance and dead space (ER/DS) mask, a version of which was previously shown to partially alleviate sleep-disordered breathing and headache severity during acute normobaric hypoxia (Patrician et al.), would exhibit similar results in conditions of hypobaric hypoxia. In a randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled, and sex-matched design, 31 healthy lowlanders rapidly (6-8 hours) ascended from sea level to 4300 m (Cerro de Pasco, Peru) and slept with either an ER/DS mask (n = 15) or sham mask (n = 16). Sleep was assessed (via WatchPAT) and questionnaires collected before sleep and upon waking the morning after. There was no difference in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) between the ER/DS (77 ± 20 events/h) or sham mask (84 ± 27 events/h; p = 0.57). In addition, there was no alleviation of headache scores, improvement in sleep quality, or acute mountain sickness symptom severity. Both the sham and ER/DS masks were poorly tolerated (∼50% subject noncompliance in both groups). These findings highlight the importance and necessity of field-testing and demonstrate that more testing is needed before ER/DS devices, such as these, can be recommended for prophylactic benefits at high altitude.}, } @article {pmid32364781, year = {2020}, author = {Martínez, JG and Molina-Morales, M and Precioso, M and Avilés, JM}, title = {Age-Related Brood Parasitism and Egg Rejection in Magpie Hosts.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {195}, number = {5}, pages = {876-885}, doi = {10.1086/708155}, pmid = {32364781}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Nesting Behavior ; Ovum ; Rejection, Psychology ; *Reproduction ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {When the strength or nature of a host-parasite interaction changes over the host life cycle, the consequences of parasitism can depend on host population age structure. Avian brood parasites reduce hosts' breeding success, and host age may play a role in this interaction if younger hosts are more likely parasitized and/or less able to defend themselves. We analyzed whether the age of female magpie (Pica pica) hosts is associated with parasite attack or their ability to reject foreign eggs. We recorded parasitism and model egg rejection of known-age individuals over their lifetime and established whether the likelihood of parasitism or egg rejection changed with age or longevity. Parasitism probability did not change with female age, and there was a trend toward longer-lived females being less likely to be parasitized. However, model egg rejection probability increased with age for each individual female, and longer-lived females were more prone to reject model eggs. Most females in the population were young, and the majority of them accepted model eggs, suggesting that brood parasites exploiting younger host individuals are benefitting from a lower defense level of their hosts. Our results stress that the intensity of selection by brood parasites may be mediated by the age structure of host populations, a to-date neglected aspect in brood parasite-host research.}, } @article {pmid32363388, year = {2020}, author = {Chan, CGH and Yow, WQ and Oei, A}, title = {Active Bilingualism in Aging: Balanced Bilingualism Usage and Less Frequent Language Switching Relate to Better Conflict Monitoring and Goal Maintenance Ability.}, journal = {The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences}, volume = {75}, number = {9}, pages = {e231-e241}, doi = {10.1093/geronb/gbaa058}, pmid = {32363388}, issn = {1758-5368}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/*psychology ; *Cognition ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Language ; Male ; Motivation ; *Multilingualism ; Reaction Time ; Speech Production Measurement/methods/psychology ; Task Performance and Analysis ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Experience-related neuroplasticity suggests that bilinguals who actively manage their two languages would develop more efficient neural organization at brain regions related to language control, which also overlap with areas involved in executive control. Our aim was to examine how active bilingualism-manifested as the regular balanced use of two languages and language switching-may be related to the different domains of executive control in highly proficient healthy older adult bilinguals, controlling for age, processing speed, and fluid intelligence.

METHODS: Participants were 76 community-dwelling older adults who reported being physically and mentally healthy and showed no signs of cognitive impairment. They completed a self-report questionnaire on their language background, two computer measures for previously identified covariates (processing speed as measured by two-choice reaction time (RT) task and fluid intelligence as measured by the Raven's Progressive Matrices), as well as a battery of computerized executive control tasks (Color-shape Task Switching, Stroop, Flanker, and Spatial 2-back task).

RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that, even after controlling for age, processing speed, and fluid intelligence, more balanced bilingualism usage and less frequent language switching predicted higher goal maintenance (nonswitch trials RT in Color-shape Task Switching) and conflict monitoring abilities (global RT in Color-shape Task Switching and Flanker task).

DISCUSSION: Results suggest that active bilingualism may provide benefits to maintaining specific executive control abilities in older adult bilinguals against the natural age-related declines.}, } @article {pmid32362859, year = {2020}, author = {Roch, M and Pesciarelli, F and Leo, I}, title = {How Individuals With Down Syndrome Process Faces and Words Conveying Emotions? Evidence From a Priming Paradigm.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {692}, pmid = {32362859}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Emotion recognition from facial expressions and words conveying emotions is considered crucial for the development of interpersonal relations (Pochon and Declercq, 2013). Although Down syndrome (DS) has received growing attention in the last two decades, emotional development has remained underexplored, perhaps because of the stereotype of high sociability in persons with DS. Yet recently, there is some literature that is suggesting the existence of specific deficits in emotion recognition in DS. The current study aimed to expand our knowledge on how individuals with DS process emotion expressions from faces and words by adopting a powerful methodological paradigm, namely priming. The purpose is to analyse to what extent emotion recognition in DS can occur through different processes than in typical development. Individuals with DS (N = 20) were matched to a control group (N = 20) on vocabulary knowledge (PPTV) and non-verbal ability (Raven's matrices). Subsequently a priming paradigm was adopted: stimuli were photos of faces with different facial expressions (happy, sad, neutral) and three words (happy, sad, neutral). On a computer screen the first item (face or word) was presented for a very short time (prime) and afterward a stimulus (face or word) appeared (target). Participants had to recognize whether the target was an emotion (sad/happy) or not (neutral). Four prime-target pairs were presented (face-word; word-face; word-word; face-word) in two conditions: congruent (same emotion prime/target) and incongruent (different emotion prime/target). The results failed to show evidence for differential processing during emotion recognition between the two groups matched for verbal and non-verbal abilities. Both groups showed a typical priming effect: In the incongruent condition, slower reaction times were recorded, in particular when the target to be recognized is the face, providing evidence that the stimuli were indeed processed. Overall, the data of the current work seem to support the idea of similar developmental trajectories in individuals with DS and TD of the same verbal and non-verbal level, at least as far as the processing of simple visual and linguistic stimuli conveying basic emotions is concerned. Results are interpreted in relation to recent finding on emotion recognition from faces and words in DS.}, } @article {pmid32330422, year = {2020}, author = {Ksepka, DT and Balanoff, AM and Smith, NA and Bever, GS and Bhullar, BS and Bourdon, E and Braun, EL and Burleigh, JG and Clarke, JA and Colbert, MW and Corfield, JR and Degrange, FJ and De Pietri, VL and Early, CM and Field, DJ and Gignac, PM and Gold, MEL and Kimball, RT and Kawabe, S and Lefebvre, L and Marugán-Lobón, J and Mongle, CS and Morhardt, A and Norell, MA and Ridgely, RC and Rothman, RS and Scofield, RP and Tambussi, CP and Torres, CR and van Tuinen, M and Walsh, SA and Watanabe, A and Witmer, LM and Wright, AK and Zanno, LE and Jarvis, ED and Smaers, JB}, title = {Tempo and Pattern of Avian Brain Size Evolution.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {30}, number = {11}, pages = {2026-2036.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.060}, pmid = {32330422}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {MR/S032177/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; /HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy & histology/*genetics ; Brain/*anatomy & histology ; Organ Size ; }, abstract = {Relative brain sizes in birds can rival those of primates, but large-scale patterns and drivers of avian brain evolution remain elusive. Here, we explore the evolution of the fundamental brain-body scaling relationship across the origin and evolution of birds. Using a comprehensive dataset sampling> 2,000 modern birds, fossil birds, and theropod dinosaurs, we infer patterns of brain-body co-variation in deep time. Our study confirms that no significant increase in relative brain size accompanied the trend toward miniaturization or evolution of flight during the theropod-bird transition. Critically, however, theropods and basal birds show weaker integration between brain size and body size, allowing for rapid changes in the brain-body relationship that set the stage for dramatic shifts in early crown birds. We infer that major shifts occurred rapidly in the aftermath of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction within Neoaves, in which multiple clades achieved higher relative brain sizes because of a reduction in body size. Parrots and corvids achieved the largest brains observed in birds via markedly different patterns. Parrots primarily reduced their body size, whereas corvids increased body and brain size simultaneously (with rates of brain size evolution outpacing rates of body size evolution). Collectively, these patterns suggest that an early adaptive radiation in brain size laid the foundation for subsequent selection and stabilization.}, } @article {pmid32327926, year = {2020}, author = {Hoch, PC and Gandhi, K}, title = {Nomenclatural changes in Onagraceae.}, journal = {PhytoKeys}, volume = {145}, number = {}, pages = {57-62}, pmid = {32327926}, issn = {1314-2011}, abstract = {A new subspecies and two new combinations are proposed in Onagraceae. Ludwigia glandulosa Walter subsp. brachycarpa C.-I Peng, subsp. nov. is morphologically distinct from the typical subspecies, with smaller capsules and leaves, different seed coat, and a restricted distribution. Epilobium sect. Pachydium (Fischer & C. A. Meyer) Hoch & K. Gandhi, comb. nov. refers to a distinctive group of species formerly known as Boisduvalia Spach and as Epilobium sect. Boisduvalia (Spach) Hoch & P. H. Raven. And Chamaenerion speciosum (Decaisne) Hoch & K. Gandhi, comb. nov. is proposed for a distinctive Himalayan species originally described in Epilobium.}, } @article {pmid32325686, year = {2020}, author = {Chiaravalloti, A and Ricci, M and Di Biagio, D and Filippi, L and Martorana, A and Schillaci, O}, title = {The Brain Metabolic Correlates of the Main Indices of Neuropsychological Assessment in Alzheimer's Disease.}, journal = {Journal of personalized medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {32325686}, issn = {2075-4426}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the relationships between F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F)FDG uptake and neuropsychological assessment in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS: We evaluated 116 subjects with AD according to the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. All the subjects underwent a brain PET/CT with (18F)FDG, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assay, mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and further neuropsychological tests: Rey auditory verbal learning test, immediate recall (RAVLT immediate); Rey auditory verbal learning test, delayed recall (RAVLT, delayed); Rey complex figure test, copy (RCFT, copy); Rey complex figure test, delayed recall (RCFT, delayed); Raven's colored progressive matrices (RCPM); phonological word fluency test (PWF) and Stroop test. We performed the statistical analysis by using statistical parametric mapping (SPM12; Wellcome Department of Cognitive Neurology, London, UK).

RESULTS: A significant relationship has been reported between (18F)FDG uptake and RAVLT immediate test in Brodmann area (BA)37 and BA22 and with RCFT, copy in BA40, and BA7. We did not find any significant relationships with other tests.

CONCLUSION: In the AD population, brain (18F)FDG uptake is moderately related to the neuropsychological assessment, suggesting a limited impact on statistical data analysis of glucose brain metabolism.}, } @article {pmid32315489, year = {2021}, author = {Flament, F and Belkebla, S and Adam, AS and Abric, A and Amar, D}, title = {Gender-related differences in the facial aging of Caucasian French subjects and their relations with perceived ages and tiredness.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {227-236}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13446}, pmid = {32315489}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//L/ ; //'/ ; //Oréal Research & Innovation Department/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; Asian People ; Fatigue/epidemiology/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; White People ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: (a) To assess and compare the changes in five facial signs with age between genders of Caucasian subjects and (b) to evaluate their links with perceived ages and tiredness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Once zoomed from standardized digital photographs, five facial signs of 518 Caucasian French subjects of both genders and different ages (18-69 years) were graded by 15 experts, using a referential Skin Aging Atlas. A large naïve panel of 1000 French subjects (500 men and 500 women) was asked to attribute a perceived age and a degree of tiredness to 200 subjects (among the 518).

RESULTS: The severity of the facial signs increases with time at a linear-like rate. The changes in marionette lines significantly differ between genders, much more pronounced in women, and nasolabial fold was found more pronounced in men at older ages (>50 years). Before 50's, Forehead wrinkles present a slightly higher severity in men whereas at 50's women present more severe ptosis. Crow's feet wrinkles did not show significant changes. Perceived ages were found significantly correlated with the severities of the facial signs and the perception of tiredness was associated with perceived ages in men, but not in women older than 40 years. The gender-related perceptions from the naïve panel in both perceived ages and tiredness showed a low discrepancy. Interestingly, as for changes in facial signs, the upper-half face seems more affected for men and lower-half face for women; after 40 years, the naïve panel seems more focusing on the same areas to predict a perceived age.

CONCLUSION: As compared to the previous Chinese study, the present work reveals some slight ethnical-related differences, indicating that the facial signs of the lower face play a major role in the assessment of perceived age of both genders from different ethnicity.}, } @article {pmid32306525, year = {2020}, author = {Duscher, D and Maan, ZN and Hu, MS and Thor, D}, title = {A single-center blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the anti-aging effects of a novel HSF™-based skin care formulation.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {11}, pages = {2936-2945}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13356}, pmid = {32306525}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Tomorrowlabs GmbH/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Aging ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Rejuvenation ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Care ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Similar to chronic wounds, skin aging is characterized by dysfunction of key cellular regulatory pathways. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) pathway was linked to both conditions. Recent evidence suggests that modulating this pathway can rejuvenate aged fibroblasts and improve skin regeneration. Here, we describe the application of a novel HIF stimulating factor (HSF™)-based formulation for skin rejuvenation.

METHODS: Over a period of 6 weeks using a split-face study design, the effects on skin surface profile, skin moisture, and transepidermal water loss were determined in 32 female subjects (mean age 54, range 32-67 years) by Fast Optical in vivo Topometry of Human Skin (FOITSHD), Corneometer, and Tewameter measurements. In addition, a photo documentation was performed for assessment by an expert panel and a survey regarding subject satisfaction was conducted.

RESULTS: No negative skin reactions of dermatological relevance were documented for the test product. A significant reduction in skin roughness could be demonstrated. The clinical evaluation of the images using a validated method confirmed significant improvement of wrinkles, in particular of fine wrinkles, lip wrinkles, and crow's feet. A significant skin moisturizing effect was detected while skin barrier function was preserved. The HSF™-based skin care formulation resulted in a self-reported 94% satisfaction rate.

CONCLUSION: With no negative skin reactions and highly significant effects on skin roughness, wrinkles, and moisturization, the HSF™-based skin care formulation achieved very satisfying outcomes in this clinical trial. Given the favorable results, this approach represents a promising innovation in aesthetic and regenerative medicine.}, } @article {pmid32273542, year = {2020}, author = {Al-Sabah, R and Al-Taiar, A and Rahman, A and Shaban, L and Al-Harbi, A and Mojiminiyi, O}, title = {Season of birth and sugary beverages are predictors of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Scores in adolescents.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {6145}, pmid = {32273542}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Kuwait ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychology, Adolescent ; Risk Factors ; *Seasons ; Sex Factors ; Sugar-Sweetened Beverages/*adverse effects ; }, abstract = {To investigate factors associated with cognitive functioning in healthy adolescents, a school-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1370 adolescents aged 11-16 years that were randomly selected from all governorates of Kuwait. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a non-verbal test of intelligence, was used to measure cognitive functioning of the study participants. Data on predictors of cognitive functioning were collected from parents and adolescents. Weight and height of the participants were measured in a standardized manner and blood samples were tested in an accredited laboratory under strict measures of quality control. In multivariable linear regression analysis, factors that showed significant association with the SPM score were gender (p = 0.002), season of birth (p = 0.009), place of residence (p < 0.001), father's (p < 0.001) and mother's (p = 0.025) educational level, type of housing (p < 0.001), passive smoking at home (p = 0.031), sleeping hours during weekends (p = 0.017), students' educational level (p < 0.001) and the frequency of consumption of sugary drinks (p < 0.001). The link between cognitive functioning and season of birth seems to be robust in various geographical locations including the Middle East. The association between sugary drinks and cognitive functioning highlights the importance of diet independently of obesity and support efforts to reduce consumption of sugary drinks among children.}, } @article {pmid32230117, year = {2020}, author = {Hernandes, FA}, title = {A review of the feather mite family Gabuciniidae Gaud amp; Atyeo (Acariformes: Astigmata: Pterolichoidea) of Brazil, with descriptions of eleven new species.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4747}, number = {1}, pages = {zootaxa.4747.1.1}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4747.1.1}, pmid = {32230117}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bird Diseases ; Brazil ; *Mite Infestations ; *Mites ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {The feather mite family Gabuciniidae currently includes 16 genera and approximately 65 described species associated with birds of nine orders, with the greatest diversity on Accipitriformes. In this study, 11 new species are described from the following hosts: Aetacarus accipiter sp. nov. from the Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor (Vieillot, 1817) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), Capitolichus campoflicker sp. nov. from the Campo Flicker Colaptes campestris (Vieillot, 1818) (Piciformes: Picidae), Coraciacarus cabure sp. nov. from the Barred Forest-falcon Micrastur ruficollis (Vieillot, 1817) (Falconiformes: Falconidae), Coraciacarus peixefrito sp. nov. from the Pheasant Cuckoo Dromococcyx phasianellus (Spix, 1824) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae), Gabucinia neotropica sp. nov. from the Curl-crested Jay Cyanocorax cristatellus (Temminck, 1823) (type host) and C. chrysops (Vieillot, 1818) (Passeriformes: Corvidae), Hieracolichus caboclo sp. nov. from the Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis (Latham, 1790) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), Hieracolichus falcon sp. nov. from the Southern Caracara Caracara plancus (Miller, 1777) (Falconiformes: Falconidae), Piciformobia adjuncta sp. nov. from the Guira Cuckoo Guira guira (Gmelin, 1788) (Cuculiformes: Cuculidae), Proaposolenidia bicolor sp. nov. from the Bicolored Hawk Accipiter bicolor (Vieillot, 1817) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), Proaposolenidia plumbea sp. nov. from the Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea (Gmelin, 1788) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), and Tocolichus toco sp. nov. from the Toco Toucan Ramphastos toco Statius Müller, 1776 (Piciformes: Ramphastidae). In addition, two new combinations are proposed, Proaposolenidia ostoda (Gaud, 1983) comb. nov. and Aetacarus hirundo (Mégnin Trouessart, 1884) comb. nov., both transferred from the genus Hieracolichus. With the addition of these new species, the number of gabuciniids described from the Neotropical region has increased from 14 to 25 species. These findings indicate that Brazil is home to a large diversity of undescribed gabuciniids, which is not surprising considering the vast bird fauna of this country, and especially since most avian species from Brazil have yet to be investigated for their feather mites.}, } @article {pmid32227316, year = {2020}, author = {Sevil-Kilimci, F and Kara, ME}, title = {Canal Flare Index in the Canine Femur Is Influenced by the Measurement Method.}, journal = {Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, pages = {198-204}, doi = {10.1055/s-0040-1701501}, pmid = {32227316}, issn = {2567-6911}, mesh = {Animals ; Body Weights and Measures/methods/veterinary ; Cadaver ; Dogs/*anatomy & histology ; Female ; Femur/*anatomy & histology/diagnostic imaging ; Male ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: We evaluated whether differences exist among the canal flare index (CFI) values obtained by different calculation methods in the veterinary literature.

STUDY DESIGN:  The endosteal widths were measured from radiographic images of canine cadaveric femora. Three different formulae were used to calculate the CFI. The CFILT-M was the ratio of endosteal width at the medial aspect of the lesser trochanter (LT) to the midshaft (M), while the CFILT-I was the ratio of LT to the isthmus (I). The CFIPLT-I was the ratio of endosteal width at the proximal aspect of the lesser trochanter (PLT) and the I. The widths at each level and the CFI calculation methods were compared. Using Rashmir-Raven's method, the femora were typed as stovepipe, normal and champagne fluted. The limits of agreement were also evaluated.

RESULTS:  The endosteal width at the proximal aspect of the lesser trochanter was 12% wider than at the medial aspect and 8% wider at the midshaft than at the isthmus. The CFILT-M was less than CFILT-I and CFIPLT-I by 9 and 20%, respectively. By Rashmir-Raven's classification, the CFILT-M method provided 18% stovepipe, 79% normal and 3% champagne fluted femora. The CFILT-I method showed the stovepipe, the normal and the champagne fluted as 6, 82 and 12%, respectively. The CFIPLT-I method classified the femora either normal (55%) or champagne fluted (45%). The comparison of CFILT-M with the other methods using Bland-Altman analysis showed lower mean difference for the CFILT-I than the CFIPLT-I.

CONCLUSION:  The level of width measurements at proximal femora might have an impact on the CFI values, likewise, preoperative planning procedures and the selection of a stem type in total hip arthroplasty.}, } @article {pmid32220399, year = {2020}, author = {Souza, IR and Pansani, TN and Basso, FG and Hebling, J and de Souza Costa, CA}, title = {Cytotoxicity of acrylic resin-based materials used to fabricate interim crowns.}, journal = {The Journal of prosthetic dentistry}, volume = {124}, number = {1}, pages = {122.e1-122.e9}, doi = {10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.01.030}, pmid = {32220399}, issn = {1097-6841}, mesh = {*Acrylic Resins ; Composite Resins ; Computer-Aided Design ; *Crowns ; Dental Materials ; Materials Testing ; Surface Properties ; }, abstract = {STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: If the components in the acrylic resins used to fabricate interim crows are cytotoxic, they can interfere with the integrity of the adjacent periodontal tissue and the dentin-pulp complex.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the cytotoxicity of resin-based materials used to prepare interim crowns.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following materials were used in this study: CAR, conventional acrylic resin powder and liquid; BR, bis-acrylic resin; and PAR, pressed acrylic resin of the CAD-CAM type. Glass disks were used as the control (Co). Oral epithelial cells (NOK) were seeded on glass disks and standardized disks prepared with the resins under study. After incubation for 24 hours, the cells were analyzed for viability (Alamar Blue and Live or Dead), adhesion, and morphology (SEM and fluorescence), as well as epidermal growth factor synthesis (EGF-ELISA). The surface roughness (Ra) of test specimens was evaluated under a confocal microscope. The data were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey HSD statistical tests (α=.05).

RESULTS: The highest Ra value was observed in BR in comparison with CAR, PAR, and Co (P<.05). The highest viability, adhesion, and EGF synthesis values were determined for the cells in contact with PAR (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)-type resin favored adhesion, metabolism, and epithelial cell proliferation, and it was therefore considered cytocompatible.}, } @article {pmid32219010, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, Y and Shen, Y and Liu, Z and Liang, PP and Zadeh, A and Morency, LP}, title = {Words Can Shift: Dynamically Adjusting Word Representations Using Nonverbal Behaviors.}, journal = {Proceedings of the ... AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {7216-7223}, pmid = {32219010}, issn = {2159-5399}, support = {R01 MH096951/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Humans convey their intentions through the usage of both verbal and nonverbal behaviors during face-to-face communication. Speaker intentions often vary dynamically depending on different nonverbal contexts, such as vocal patterns and facial expressions. As a result, when modeling human language, it is essential to not only consider the literal meaning of the words but also the nonverbal contexts in which these words appear. To better model human language, we first model expressive nonverbal representations by analyzing the fine-grained visual and acoustic patterns that occur during word segments. In addition, we seek to capture the dynamic nature of nonverbal intents by shifting word representations based on the accompanying nonverbal behaviors. To this end, we propose the Recurrent Attended Variation Embedding Network (RAVEN) that models the fine-grained structure of nonverbal subword sequences and dynamically shifts word representations based on nonverbal cues. Our proposed model achieves competitive performance on two publicly available datasets for multimodal sentiment analysis and emotion recognition. We also visualize the shifted word representations in different nonverbal contexts and summarize common patterns regarding multimodal variations of word representations.}, } @article {pmid32208065, year = {2020}, author = {Pearman, A}, title = {Neuroticism Predicts Reasoning Performance in Young but Not Older Adults.}, journal = {Experimental aging research}, volume = {46}, number = {3}, pages = {236-243}, doi = {10.1080/0361073X.2020.1743615}, pmid = {32208065}, issn = {1096-4657}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aging/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/*physiology ; Memory, Short-Term ; Middle Aged ; *Neuroticism ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Objective: This study was designed to explore age differences in the relationship of neuroticism with reasoning performance in a representative adult sample.Method: A probability sample of 242 adults (range 25-75 years; M age = 47.57 years) from the Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) Boston Study of Management Processes were measured on personality and cognition. Using Raven's Progressive Matrices Test as the dependent measure of reasoning, age and neuroticism were entered as independent variables into a hierarchical regression analysis with education and basic cognitive processes (processing speed and working memory) as control variables.Results: Age (younger) and neuroticism (lower) positively predicted reasoning performance. These main effects were further qualified by an age X neuroticism interaction. Younger adults low in neuroticism performed significantly better on reasoning than those high in neuroticism, whereas the relationship of neuroticism with reasoning was not significant for the middle-aged and older adults.Conclusions: Neuroticism affects reasoning performance in young adults but not older adults. Age-related improvements in emotional regulation are suggested as a mechanism for this relationship.}, } @article {pmid32206923, year = {2020}, author = {Lambert, ML and Osvath, M}, title = {Investigating information seeking in ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {671-680}, pmid = {32206923}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Cebus ; *Crows ; Information Seeking Behavior ; Macaca ; *Metacognition ; }, abstract = {Measuring the responses of non-human animals to situations of uncertainty is thought to shed light on an animal's metacognitive processes; namely, whether they monitor their own knowledge states. For example, when presented with a foraging task, great apes and macaques selectively seek information about the location of a food item when they have not seen where it was hidden, compared to when they have. We presented this same information seeking task to ravens, in which a food item was hidden in one of three containers, and subjects could either watch where the food was hidden, infer its location through visual or auditory clues, or were given no information. We found that unlike several ape species and macaques, but similar to capuchin monkeys, the ravens looked inside at least one tube on every trial, but typically only once, inside the baited tube, when they had either witnessed it being baited or could visually infer the reward's location. In contrast, subjects looked more often within trials in which they had not witnessed the baiting or were provided with auditory cues about the reward's location. Several potential explanations for these ceiling levels of looking are discussed, including how it may relate to the uncertainty faced by ravens when retrieving food caches.}, } @article {pmid32201438, year = {2020}, author = {Gallego-Abenza, M and Loretto, MC and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Decision time modulates social foraging success in wild common ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {126}, number = {4}, pages = {413-422}, pmid = {32201438}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; W 1262/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social foraging provides several benefits for individuals but also bears the potential costs of higher competition. In some species, such competition arises through kleptoparasitism, that is when an animal takes food which was caught or collected by a member of its social group. Except in the context of caching, few studies have investigated how individuals avoid kleptoparasitism, which could be based on physical strength/dominance but also cognitive skills. Here, we investigated the foraging success of wild common ravens, Corvus corax, experiencing high levels of kleptoparasitism from conspecifics when snatching food from the daily feedings of captive wild boars in a game park in the Austrian Alps. Success in keeping the food depended mainly on the individuals' age class and was positively correlated with the time to make a decision in whether to fly off with food or consume it on site. While the effect of age class suggests that dominant and/or experienced individuals are better in avoiding kleptoparasitism, the effect of decision time indicates that individuals benefit from applying cognition to such decision-making, independently of age class. We discuss our findings in the context of the ecological and social intelligence hypotheses referring to the development of cognitive abilities. We conclude that investigating which factors underline kleptoparasitism avoidance is a promising scenario to test specific predictions derived from these hypotheses.}, } @article {pmid32182841, year = {2020}, author = {Forthmann, B and Förster, N and Schütze, B and Hebbecker, K and Flessner, J and Peters, MT and Souvignier, E}, title = {How Much g Is in the Distractor? Re-Thinking Item-Analysis of Multiple-Choice Items.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {32182841}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Distractors might display discriminatory power with respect to the construct of interest (e.g., intelligence), which was shown in recent applications of nested logit models to the short-form of Raven's progressive matrices and other reasoning tests. In this vein, a simulation study was carried out to examine two effect size measures (i.e., a variant of Cohen's ω and the canonical correlation RCC) for their potential to detect distractors with ability-related discriminatory power. The simulation design was adopted to item selection scenarios relying on rather small sample sizes (e.g., N = 100 or N = 200). Both suggested effect size measures (Cohen's ω only when based on two ability groups) yielded acceptable to conservative type-I-error rates, whereas, the canonical correlation outperformed Cohen's ω in terms of empirical power. The simulation results further suggest that an effect size threshold of 0.30 is more appropriate as compared to more lenient (0.10) or stricter thresholds (0.50). The suggested item-analysis procedure is illustrated with an analysis of twelve Raven's progressive matrices items in a sample of N = 499 participants. Finally, strategies for item selection for cognitive ability tests with the goal of scaling by means of nested logit models are discussed.}, } @article {pmid32178710, year = {2020}, author = {England, ME and Pearce-Kelly, P and Brugman, VA and King, S and Gubbins, S and Sach, F and Sanders, CJ and Masters, NJ and Denison, E and Carpenter, S}, title = {Culicoides species composition and molecular identification of host blood meals at two zoos in the UK.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {139}, pmid = {32178710}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {BBS/E/I/00007037/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007039/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007038/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007033/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo/*blood ; Ceratopogonidae/*classification ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Insect Vectors/classification ; Male ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Culicoides biting midges are biological vectors of arboviruses including bluetongue virus (BTV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV). Zoos are home to a wide range of 'at risk' exotic and native species of animals. These animals have a high value both in monetary terms, conservation significance and breeding potential. To understand the risk these viruses pose to zoo animals, it is necessary to characterise the Culicoides fauna at zoos and determine which potential vector species are feeding on which hosts.

METHODS: Light-suction traps were used at two UK zoos: the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) London Zoo (LZ) and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (WZ). Traps were run one night each week from June 2014 to June 2015. Culicoides were morphologically identified to the species level and any blood-fed Culicoides were processed for blood-meal analysis. DNA from blood meals was extracted and amplified using previously published primers. Sequencing was then carried out to determine the host species.

RESULTS: A total of 11,648 Culicoides were trapped and identified (n = 5880 from ZSL WZ; n = 5768 from ZSL LZ), constituting 25 different species. The six putative vectors of BTV, SBV and AHSV in northern Europe were found at both zoos and made up the majority of the total catch (n = 10,701). A total of 31 host sequences were obtained from blood-fed Culicoides. Culicoides obsoletus/C. scoticus, Culicoides dewulfi, Culicoides parroti and Culicoides punctatus were found to be biting a wide range of mammals including Bactrian camels, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephants and humans, with Culicoides obsoletus/C. scoticus also biting Darwin's rhea. The bird-biting species, Culicoides achrayi, was found to be feeding on blackbirds, blue tits, magpies and carrion crows.

CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly confirm blood-feeding of Culicoides on exotic zoo animals in the UK and shows that they are able to utilise a wide range of exotic as well as native host species. Due to the susceptibility of some zoo animals to Culicoides-borne arboviruses, this study demonstrates that in the event of an outbreak of one of these viruses in the UK, preventative and mitigating measures would need to be taken.}, } @article {pmid32173692, year = {2020}, author = {Hagiwara, K and Nakaya, T and Onuma, M}, title = {Characterization of Myxovirus resistance protein in birds showing different susceptibilities to highly pathogenic influenza virus.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {82}, number = {5}, pages = {619-625}, pmid = {32173692}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {3T3 Cells ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Birds ; Cells, Cultured ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/growth & development/*immunology ; Influenza in Birds/*immunology/virology ; Mice ; Myxovirus Resistance Proteins/*chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Protein Conformation ; RNA, Viral ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {We compared the Mx expression and anti-viral function and the 3D structure of Mx protein in four species: chicken (Gallus gallus), whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), and rock dove (Columba livia). We observed different mortalities associated with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infection to understand the relationship between Mx function as an immune response factor and HPAIV proliferation in bird cells. Different levels of Mx were observed among the different bird species after virus infection. Strong Mx expression was confirmed in the rock dove and whooper swan 6 hr after viral infection. The lowest virus copy numbers were observed in rock dove. The virus infectivity was significantly reduced in the BALB/3T3 cells expressing rock dove and jungle crow Mx. These results suggested that high Mx expression and significant Mx-induced anti-viral effects might result in the rock dove primary cells having the lowest virus copy number. Comparison of the expected 3D structure of Mx protein in all four bird species demonstrated that the structure of loop L4 varied among the investigated species. It was reported that differences in amino acid sequence in loop L4 affect antiviral activity in human and mouse cells, and a significant anti-viral effect was observed in the rock dove Mx. Thus, the amino acid sequence of loop L4 in rock dove might represent relatively high anti-viral activity.}, } @article {pmid32163947, year = {2020}, author = {Kumar, RR and Wu, X and Tsang, HK}, title = {Compact high-extinction tunable CROW filters for integrated quantum photonic circuits.}, journal = {Optics letters}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, pages = {1289-1292}, doi = {10.1364/OL.384187}, pmid = {32163947}, issn = {1539-4794}, abstract = {We describe the use of cascaded second-order coupled-resonator optical waveguide (CROW) tunable filters to achieve one of the highest reported measured extinction ratios of $ {\gt} {110} \;{\rm dB} $>110dB. The CROW filters were used to remove the pump photons in spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM) in a silicon waveguide. The SFWM generated quantum-correlated photons that could be measured after the cascaded CROW filters. The CROW filters offer a compact footprint for use in monolithic quantum photonic circuits.}, } @article {pmid32162489, year = {2020}, author = {Wöhnke, E and Vasic, A and Raileanu, C and Holicki, CM and Tews, BA and Silaghi, C}, title = {Comparison of vector competence of Aedes vexans Green River and Culex pipiens biotype pipiens for West Nile virus lineages 1 and 2.}, journal = {Zoonoses and public health}, volume = {67}, number = {4}, pages = {416-424}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12700}, pmid = {32162489}, issn = {1863-2378}, mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; Chlorocebus aethiops ; *Culex ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Mosquito Vectors/*virology ; Vero Cells ; West Nile virus/*classification/*physiology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic arbovirus, has recently established an autochthonous transmission cycle in Germany. In dead-end hosts like humans and horses the WNV infection may cause severe symptoms in the central nervous system. In nature, WNV is maintained in an enzootic transmission cycle between birds and ornithophilic mosquitoes. Bridge vector species, such as members of the Culex pipiens complex and Aedes spp., also widely distributed in Germany, might transmit WNV to other vertebrate host species. This study determined and compared the vector competence of field-collected northern-German Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and laboratory-reared Ae. vexans Green River (GR) for WNV lineage 1 (strain: Magpie/Italy/203204) and WNV lineage 2 (strain: "Austria") under temperatures typical for northern Germany in spring/summer and autumn. For assessment of vector competence, 7- to 14-day-old female mosquitoes were offered a WNV containing blood meal via Hemotek membrane feeding system or cotton-stick feeding. After incubation at 18°C respectively 24°C for 14 days engorged female mosquitoes were salivated and dissected for determination of infection, dissemination and transmission rates by reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Both Ae. vexans GR and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens were infected with both tested WNV strains and tested 14 days post-inoculation. Disseminated infections were detected only in Ae. vexans GR incubated at 18°C and in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C after infection with WNV lineage 1. Transmission of WNV lineage 1 was detected in Cx. pipiens pipiens incubated at 24°C. These results indicate that Cx. pipiens pipiens from Northern Germany may be involved in the transmission of WNV, also to dead-end hosts like humans and horses.}, } @article {pmid32162454, year = {2020}, author = {Grunberger, G}, title = {Continuous glucose monitoring: Musing on our progress in memory of Dr Andrew Jay Drexler.}, journal = {Journal of diabetes}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {772-774}, doi = {10.1111/1753-0407.13032}, pmid = {32162454}, issn = {1753-0407}, mesh = {Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring/*trends ; Humans ; Wearable Electronic Devices/*trends ; }, } @article {pmid32160191, year = {2020}, author = {Miller, R and Gruber, R and Frohnwieser, A and Schiestl, M and Jelbert, SA and Gray, RD and Boeckle, M and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {Decision-making flexibility in New Caledonian crows, young children and adult humans in a multi-dimensional tool-use task.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {e0219874}, pmid = {32160191}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Child, Preschool ; Cockatoos/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Decision Making ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pongo/physiology ; *Task Performance and Analysis ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to make profitable decisions in natural foraging contexts may be influenced by an additional requirement of tool-use, due to increased levels of relational complexity and additional work-effort imposed by tool-use, compared with simply choosing between an immediate and delayed food item. We examined the flexibility for making the most profitable decisions in a multi-dimensional tool-use task, involving different apparatuses, tools and rewards of varying quality, in 3-5-year-old children, adult humans and tool-making New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides). We also compared our results to previous studies on habitually tool-making orangutans (Pongo abelii) and non-tool-making Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana). Adult humans, cockatoos and crows, but not children and orangutans, did not select a tool when it was not necessary, which was the more profitable choice in this situation. Adult humans, orangutans and cockatoos, but not crows and children, were able to refrain from selecting non-functional tools. By contrast, the birds, but not the primates tested, struggled to attend to multiple variables-where two apparatuses, two tools and two reward qualities were presented simultaneously-without extended experience. These findings indicate: (1) in a similar manner to humans and orangutans, New Caledonian crows and Goffin's cockatoos can flexibly make profitable decisions in some decision-making tool-use tasks, though the birds may struggle when tasks become more complex; (2) children and orangutans may have a bias to use tools in situations where adults and other tool-making species do not.}, } @article {pmid32157639, year = {2020}, author = {Wirth, M and Bäuml, KT}, title = {Category labels can influence the effects of selective retrieval on nonretrieved items.}, journal = {Memory & cognition}, volume = {48}, number = {3}, pages = {481-493}, pmid = {32157639}, issn = {1532-5946}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Using lists of unrelated items as study material, recent studies have shown that selective retrieval of some studied items can impair or improve recall of the nonretrieved items, depending on whether the lag between study and selective retrieval is short or long. This study examined whether the results generalize when the items are studied together with their category labels (e.g., BIRD-magpie) and the category labels are reexposed as retrieval cues at test (e.g., BIRD-m___), a procedure often used in research on the effects of selective retrieval. Two lag conditions were employed in this study: a short 1-min lag between study and selective retrieval, and a longer 15-min lag that included mental context change tasks to enhance the lag-induced contextual drift. Experiment 1 employed lists of unrelated items in the absence of any category labels and replicated both the detrimental effect (after short lag) and the beneficial effect (after long lag) of selective retrieval. Experiment 1 was identical to Experiment 1 but provided the items' category labels during both study and retrieval, and Experiment 1 was identical to Experiment 1 but employed a categorized list. In both experiments, selective retrieval impaired recall in both lag conditions, indicating a critical role of category labels for the effects of selective retrieval. The results of the three experiments are consistent with a two-factor explanation of selective retrieval and the proposal that reexposure of category labels during retrieval can reinstate study context after longer lag.}, } @article {pmid32155318, year = {2020}, author = {Moradifard, S and Saghiri, R and Ehsani, P and Mirkhani, F and Ebrahimi-Rad, M}, title = {A preliminary computational outputs versus experimental results: Application of sTRAP, a biophysical tool for the analysis of SNPs of transcription factor-binding sites.}, journal = {Molecular genetics & genomic medicine}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {e1219}, pmid = {32155318}, issn = {2324-9269}, mesh = {Collagen Type I/genetics/metabolism ; Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain ; Humans ; Mannose-Binding Lectin/genetics/metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics/metabolism ; Nucleotide Motifs ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein Binding ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/*methods ; Software/*standards ; Transcription Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the human genome, the transcription factors (TFs) and transcription factor-binding sites (TFBSs) network has a great regulatory function in the biological pathways. Such crosstalk might be affected by the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which could create or disrupt a TFBS, leading to either a disease or a phenotypic defect. Many computational resources have been introduced to predict the TFs binding variations due to SNPs inside TFBSs, sTRAP being one of them.

METHODS: A literature review was performed and the experimental data for 18 TFBSs located in 12 genes was provided. The sequences of TFBS motifs were extracted using two different strategies; in the size similar with synthetic target sites used in the experimental techniques, and with 60 bp upstream and downstream of the SNPs. The sTRAP (http://trap.molgen.mpg.de/cgi-bin/trap_two_seq_form.cgi) was applied to compute the binding affinity scores of their cognate TFs in the context of reference and mutant sequences of TFBSs. The alternative bioinformatics model used in this study was regulatory analysis of variation in enhancers (RAVEN; http://www.cisreg.ca/cgi-bin/RAVEN/a). The bioinformatics outputs of our study were compared with experimental data, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

RESULTS: In 6 out of 18 TFBSs in the following genes COL1A1, Hb ḉᴪ, TF, FIX, MBL2, NOS2A, the outputs of sTRAP were inconsistent with the results of EMSA. Furthermore, no p value of the difference between the two scores of binding affinity under the wild and mutant conditions of TFBSs was presented. Nor, were any criteria for preference or selection of any of the measurements of different matrices used for the same analysis.

CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study indicated some paradoxical results between sTRAP and experimental data. However, to link the data of sTRAP to the biological functions, its optimization via experimental procedures with the integration of expanded data and applying several other bioinformatics tools might be required.}, } @article {pmid32128152, year = {2020}, author = {Klein, J and Haverkamp, PJ and Lindberg, E and Griesser, M and Eggers, S}, title = {Remotely sensed forest understory density and nest predator occurrence interact to predict suitable breeding habitat and the occurrence of a resident boreal bird species.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {2238-2252}, pmid = {32128152}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Habitat suitability models (HSM) based on remotely sensed data are useful tools in conservation work. However, they typically use species occurrence data rather than robust demographic variables, and their predictive power is rarely evaluated. These shortcomings can result in misleading guidance for conservation. Here, we develop and evaluate a HSM based on correlates of long-term breeding success of an open nest building boreal forest bird, the Siberian jay. In our study site in northern Sweden, nest failure of this permanent resident species is driven mainly by visually hunting corvids that are associated with human settlements. Parents rely on understory nesting cover as protection against these predators. Accordingly, our HSM includes a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) based metric of understory density around the nest and the distance of the nest to the closest human settlement to predict breeding success. It reveals that a high understory density 15-80 m around nests is associated with increased breeding success in territories close to settlements (<1.5 km). Farther away from human settlements breeding success is highest at nest sites with a more open understory providing a favorable warmer microclimate. We validated this HSM by comparing the predicted breeding success with landscape-wide census data on Siberian jay occurrence. The correlation between breeding success and occurrence was strong up to 40 km around the study site. However, the HSM appears to overestimate breeding success in regions with a milder climate and therefore higher corvid numbers. Our findings suggest that maintaining patches of small diameter trees may provide a cost-effective way to restore the breeding habitat for Siberian jays up to 1.5 km from human settlements. This distance is expected to increase in the warmer, southern, and coastal range of the Siberian jay where the presence of other corvids is to a lesser extent restricted to settlements.}, } @article {pmid32118175, year = {2020}, author = {Zhao, Y and Cui, Y and Xiong, Z and Jin, J and Liu, Z and Dong, R and Hu, J}, title = {Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Crystal Systems and Space Groups from Inorganic Materials Compositions.}, journal = {ACS omega}, volume = {5}, number = {7}, pages = {3596-3606}, pmid = {32118175}, issn = {2470-1343}, abstract = {Structural information of materials such as the crystal systems and space groups are highly useful for analyzing their physical properties. However, the enormous composition space of materials makes experimental X-ray diffraction (XRD) or first-principle-based structure determination methods infeasible for large-scale material screening in the composition space. Herein, we propose and evaluate machine-learning algorithms for determining the structure type of materials, given only their compositions. We couple random forest (RF) and multiple layer perceptron (MLP) neural network models with three types of features: Magpie, atom vector, and one-hot encoding (atom frequency) for the crystal system and space group prediction of materials. Four types of models for predicting crystal systems and space groups are proposed, trained, and evaluated including one-versus-all binary classifiers, multiclass classifiers, polymorphism predictors, and multilabel classifiers. The synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) is conducted to mitigate the effects of imbalanced data sets. Our results demonstrate that RF with Magpie features generally outperforms other algorithms for binary and multiclass prediction of crystal systems and space groups, while MLP with atom frequency features is the best one for structural polymorphism prediction. For multilabel prediction, MLP with atom frequency and binary relevance with Magpie models are the best for predicting crystal systems and space groups, respectively. Our analysis of the related descriptors identifies a few key contributing features for structural-type prediction such as electronegativity, covalent radius, and Mendeleev number. Our work thus paves a way for fast composition-based structural screening of inorganic materials via predicted material structural properties.}, } @article {pmid32116601, year = {2020}, author = {Zakharov, I and Tabueva, A and Adamovich, T and Kovas, Y and Malykh, S}, title = {Alpha Band Resting-State EEG Connectivity Is Associated With Non-verbal Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {10}, pmid = {32116601}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {The aim of the present study was to investigate whether EEG resting state connectivity correlates with intelligence. One-hundred and sixty five participants took part in the study. Six minutes of eyes closed EEG resting state was recorded for each participant. Graph theoretical connectivity metrics were calculated separately for two well-established synchronization measures [weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI) and Imaginary Coherence (iMCOH)] and for sensor- and source EEG space. Non-verbal intelligence was measured with Raven's Progressive Matrices. In line with the Neural Efficiency Hypothesis, path lengths characteristics of the brain networks (Average and Characteristic Path lengths, Diameter and Closeness Centrality) within alpha band range were significantly correlated with non-verbal intelligence for sensor space but no for source space. According to our results, variance in non-verbal intelligence measure can be mainly explained by the graph metrics built from the networks that include both weak and strong connections between the nodes.}, } @article {pmid32095315, year = {2020}, author = {Tringali, A and Sherer, DL and Cosgrove, J and Bowman, R}, title = {Life history stage explains behavior in a social network before and during the early breeding season in a cooperatively breeding bird.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e8302}, pmid = {32095315}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {In species with stage-structured populations selection pressures may vary between different life history stages and result in stage-specific behaviors. We use life history stage to explain variation in the pre and early breeding season social behavior of a cooperatively breeding bird, the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) using social network analysis. Life history stage explains much of the variation we observed in social network position. These differences are consistent with nearly 50 years of natural history observations and generally conform to a priori predictions about how individuals in different stages should behave to maximize their individual fitness. Where the results from the social network analysis differ from the a priori predictions suggest that social interactions between members of different groups are more important for breeders than previously thought. Our results emphasize the importance of accounting for life history stage in studies of individual social behavior.}, } @article {pmid32094457, year = {2020}, author = {Fongaro, E and Rose, J}, title = {Crows control working memory before and after stimulus encoding.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {3253}, pmid = {32094457}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Attention ; *Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; Cues ; Fixation, Ocular ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; *Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {The capacity of working memory is limited and this limit is comparable in crows and primates. To maximize this resource, humans use attention to select only relevant information for maintenance. Interestingly, attention-cues are effective not only before but also after the presentation of to-be-remembered stimuli, highlighting control mechanisms beyond sensory selection. Here we explore if crows are also capable of these forms of control over working memory. Two crows (Corvus corone) were trained to memorize two, four or six visual stimuli. Comparable to our previous results, the crows showed a decrease in performance with increasing working memory load. Using attention cues, we indicated the critical stimulus on a given trial. These cues were either presented before (pre-cue) or after sample-presentation (retro-cue). On other trials no cue was given as to which stimulus was critical. We found that both pre- and retro-cues enhance the performance of the birds. These results show that crows, like humans, can utilize attention to select relevant stimuli for maintenance in working memory. Importantly, crows can also utilize cues to make the most of their working memory capacity even after the stimuli are already held in working memory. This strongly implies that crows can engage in efficient control over working memory.}, } @article {pmid32092484, year = {2020}, author = {Sekiguchi, T and Ishibashi, S and Sasame, J and Mukae, JI and Noda, K and Tanaka, H and Yamamoto, K and Takemoto, Y and Kumagai, J and Yokota, T}, title = {Recurrent stroke due to quasi-moyamoya disease associated with POEMS syndrome: An autopsy case.}, journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences}, volume = {412}, number = {}, pages = {116738}, doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2020.116738}, pmid = {32092484}, issn = {1878-5883}, mesh = {Autopsy ; Cerebral Infarction ; Humans ; *Moyamoya Disease ; *POEMS Syndrome/complications/diagnosis ; }, } @article {pmid32090898, year = {2020}, author = {Zhao, Y and Feng, B and Lee, J and Lu, N and Pierce, DM}, title = {A multi-layered model of human skin elucidates mechanisms of wrinkling in the forehead.}, journal = {Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials}, volume = {105}, number = {}, pages = {103694}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103694}, pmid = {32090898}, issn = {1878-0180}, mesh = {Dermis ; Epidermis ; Forehead ; Humans ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Skin wrinkling, especially in the facial area, is a prominent sign of aging and is a growing area of research aimed at developing cosmetics and dermatological treatments. To better understand and treat undesirable skin wrinkles, it is vitally important to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of skin wrinkling, a largely mechanical process. Human skin, a multi-layer composite, has six mechanically distinct layers: from the outermost inward they are the stratum corneum, viable epidermis, dermal-epidermal-junction, papillary dermis, reticular dermis, and hypodermis. To better address the through-thickness hierarchy, and the development of wrinkling within this complicated hierarchy, we established a six-layered model of human skin realized with finite element modeling, by leveraging available morphological and biomechanical data on human skin of the forehead. Exercising our new model we aimed to quantify the effects of three potential mechanisms of wrinkle formation: (1) skin compression due to muscle contraction (dynamic wrinkles); (2) age-related volumetric tissue loss (static wrinkles); and (3) the combined effects of both mechanisms. Since hydration of the stratum corneum significantly affects its stiffness we also aimed to quantify the influence its hydration with these three potential mechanisms of wrinkle formation. Our six-layered skin model, combined with the proposed wrinkling mechanisms, successfully predicts the formation of dynamic and static wrinkles in the forehead consistent with the experimental literature. We observed three wrinkling modes in the forehead where the deepest wrinkles could reach to the reticular dermis. With further refinement our new six-layered model of human skin can be applied to study other region-specific wrinkle types such as the "crow's feet" and the nasolabial folds.}, } @article {pmid32083585, year = {2020}, author = {Silva, D and Cardoso, S and Guerreiro, M and Maroco, J and Mendes, T and Alves, L and Nogueira, J and Baldeiras, I and Santana, I and de Mendonça, A}, title = {Neuropsychological Contribution to Predict Conversion to Dementia in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {74}, number = {3}, pages = {785-796}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-191133}, pmid = {32083585}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/diagnosis/*psychology ; Biomarkers ; Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis/*psychology ; Cohort Studies ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Memory, Episodic ; Mental Processes ; Mental Status and Dementia Tests ; Middle Aged ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Psychomotor Performance ; Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) confirmed by biomarkers allows the patient to make important life decisions. However, doubt about the fleetness of symptoms progression and future cognitive decline remains. Neuropsychological measures were extensively studied in prediction of time to conversion to dementia for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients in the absence of biomarker information. Similar neuropsychological measures might also be useful to predict the progression to dementia in patients with MCI due to AD.

OBJECTIVE: To study the contribution of neuropsychological measures to predict time to conversion to dementia in patients with MCI due to AD.

METHODS: Patients with MCI due to AD were enrolled from a clinical cohort and the effect of neuropsychological performance on time to conversion to dementia was analyzed.

RESULTS: At baseline, converters scored lower than non-converters at measures of verbal initiative, non-verbal reasoning, and episodic memory. The test of non-verbal reasoning was the only statistically significant predictor in a multivariate Cox regression model. A decrease of one standard deviation was associated with 29% of increase in the risk of conversion to dementia. Approximately 50% of patients with more than one standard deviation below the mean in the z score of that test had converted to dementia after 3 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION: In MCI due to AD, lower performance in a test of non-verbal reasoning was associated with time to conversion to dementia. This test, that reveals little decline in the earlier phases of AD, appears to convey important information concerning conversion to dementia.}, } @article {pmid32079555, year = {2020}, author = {Naveed, S and Venäläinen, T and Eloranta, AM and Erkkilä, AT and Jalkanen, H and Lindi, V and Lakka, TA and Haapala, EA}, title = {Associations of dietary carbohydrate and fatty acid intakes with cognition among children.}, journal = {Public health nutrition}, volume = {23}, number = {9}, pages = {1657-1663}, pmid = {32079555}, issn = {1475-2727}, mesh = {Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child ; *Fatty Acids ; *Dietary Carbohydrates ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Linoleic Acid ; Cognition ; Dietary Fats ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cross-sectional associations of dietary carbohydrate and fatty acid intakes with cognition in mid-childhood.

DESIGN: Dietary carbohydrate and fatty acid intakes were assessed using 4-d food records, and cognition was evaluated using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) score. The cross-sectional associations of dietary carbohydrate and fatty acid intakes with cognition were investigated using linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body fat percentage, household income, parental education and daily energy intake.

SETTING: The baseline examinations of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study.

PARTICIPANTS: A population-based sample of 487 children (250 boys, 237 girls) aged 6-8 years living in the city of Kuopio, Finland.

RESULTS: A higher dietary intake of fructose (standardised regression coefficient, β = 0·24, P < 0·001), total fibre (β = 0·16, P = 0·02) and soluble fibre (β = 0·15, P = 0·02) was associated with a higher RCPM score in boys. Other dietary carbohydrates and fatty acids, including total carbohydrates, glucose, sucrose, starch, insoluble fibre, total fat, SFAs, MUFAs, PUFAs, palmitic acid (C16), stearic acid (C18), linoleic acid (C18:2), α-linoleic acid (C18:3), arachidonic acid (C20:4), EPA (C20:5n-3) and DHA (C22:6n-6), were not associated with the RCPM score in boys. Dietary carbohydrates or fatty acids were not associated with the RCPM score in girls.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher dietary fructose and fibre intakes were associated with better cognition in boys, but not in girls. Dietary fatty acids were not related to cognition in boys or in girls.}, } @article {pmid32073673, year = {2020}, author = {Dutta Chowdhury, S and Ghosh, T}, title = {Serum iron deficiency was associated with lower cognitive development in the children of the Santal tribe of West Bengal.}, journal = {Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)}, volume = {109}, number = {10}, pages = {2131-2136}, doi = {10.1111/apa.15239}, pmid = {32073673}, issn = {1651-2227}, mesh = {*Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Female ; Ferritins ; Humans ; Iron ; Male ; Transferrin ; }, abstract = {AIM: Poor cognitive scores and low serum iron have been reported among chronically undernourished children from the Santal tribe, West Bengal. Our aim was to investigate the association between iron status and non-verbal cognitive development.

METHODS: We randomly selected 170 children (52.9% boys) aged 5-12 years from the Purulia district of West Bengal during 2007-2008 and assessed their iron status: haemoglobin concentration, serum concentration of iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation. Their non-verbal cognitive development was assessed using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: The haemoglobin concentration, serum iron, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels of the 27 children with an intellectual deficit and the 32 who had a below average intelligence quotient (IQ) were significantly lower (P < .05) than the 65 children with an average IQ. A large number of boys (55.6%) and girls (41.7%) who have an intellectual deficit had stage III iron depletion. The cognitive scores of children with stage II and III iron depletion were significantly lower (P < .05) than those with a normal IQ.

CONCLUSION: The iron depletion stage was associated with the severity of non-verbal cognitive impairment and serum ferritin appeared to be a sensitive biomarker for predicting non-verbal cognitive development.}, } @article {pmid32072216, year = {2020}, author = {Wang, J and Su, Y and Zhang, J and Guo, P and Huang, C and Song, B}, title = {A Randomized, Controlled Study Comparing Subbrow Blepharoplasty and Subbrow Blepharoplasty Combined with Periorbital Muscle Manipulation for Periorbital Aging Rejuvenation in Asians.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {44}, number = {3}, pages = {788-796}, pmid = {32072216}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {Aging ; Asian People ; *Blepharoplasty ; Eyelids/surgery ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Rejuvenation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Improving periorbital aging is, currently, of great concern. The previous literature has reported some surgical methods for periorbital aging. The purpose of this study was to compare subbrow blepharoplasty (SBB) with subbrow blepharoplasty combined with periorbital muscle manipulation (SBB-pm) with regard to improving periorbital aging.

METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects of two different surgical techniques on upper lid relaxation, brow shape and periorbital wrinkles. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 underwent resection of excess skin; group 2 underwent a modified technique that involved resection of an elliptical island of skin, separation of the corrugator supercilii muscle and dissection of the orbicularis oculi muscle, followed by suturing it to the orbital periosteum and cross-fixation with itself. The upper eyelid and eyebrow height, periorbital wrinkle score and patient satisfaction were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS: This study included 70 patients (140 eyes). At 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, group 2 was superior to group 1 with regard to the improvement in upper eyelid relaxation at the medial limbus, middle pupil and lateral canthus. The eyebrow assumed a low and flat appearance in group 1. The eyebrow showed a low and flat appearance and then returned to the preoperative level in group 2. When comparing the two surgical techniques, the authors found statistically significant differences in regard to changes in crow's feet and glabellar frown lines. Two patients in group 2 experienced forehead numbness after surgery, which resolved by the 6-month follow-up. Patients in group 2 were significantly more satisfied with their surgery than patients in group 1.

CONCLUSION: SBB-pm is more effective than SBB for improving upper eyelid relaxation and preventing secondary brow ptosis after surgery as well as for alleviating periorbital wrinkles, although it is accompanied by transient forehead numbness.

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 {pmid32069366, year = {2020}, author = {Knief, U and Bossu, CM and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Extra-pair paternity as a strategy to reduce the costs of heterospecific reproduction? Insights from the crow hybrid zone.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {33}, number = {5}, pages = {727-733}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.13607}, pmid = {32069366}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; Europe ; Female ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Male ; Paternity ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Within hybrid zones of socially monogamous species, the number of mating opportunities with a conspecific can be limited. As a consequence, individuals may mate with a heterospecific (social) partner despite possible fitness costs to their hybrid offspring. Extra-pair copulations with a conspecific may thus arise as a possible post hoc strategy to reduce the costs of hybridization. We here assessed the rate of extra-pair paternity in the hybrid zone between all-black carrion crows (Corvus (corone) corone) and grey hooded crows (C. (c.) cornix) and tested whether extra-pair paternity (EPP) was more likely in broods where parents differed in plumage colour. The proportion of broods with at least one extra-pair offspring and the proportion of extra-pair offspring were low overall (6.98% and 2.90%, respectively) with no evidence of hybrid broods having higher EPP rates than purebred nests.}, } @article {pmid32057691, year = {2020}, author = {Gregory, PA and Seuthprachack, W and Austin, Z}, title = {Community pharmacists' perceptions of leadership.}, journal = {Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP}, volume = {16}, number = {12}, pages = {1737-1745}, doi = {10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.02.001}, pmid = {32057691}, issn = {1934-8150}, mesh = {Attitude of Health Personnel ; *Community Pharmacy Services ; Humans ; Leadership ; Ontario ; Perception ; *Pharmacists ; Professional Role ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Concerns have been expressed regarding a "leadership crisis" in pharmacy. Previous research has identified potential barriers to pharmacists assuming leadership roles and signposted opportunities for further exploration of leadership issues in the profession related to psychological comfort with use of power.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored community pharmacists' perceptions of the effectiveness and impact of power leveraged by formal and informal pharmacy leaders.

METHODS: A theoretical framework based on Raven's 7 Sources of Power model was used to guide this research. Semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists in Ontario, Canada were undertaken, and data were coded and categorized using this framework.

FINDINGS: 29 pharmacists participated in this study. Participants in this study highlighted over-reliance on charismatic power, underuse of rewards and punishments, and general lack of effectiveness or impact in use of informational, expertise, positional, and relational powers amongst pharmacy leaders. Opportunities to broaden the power repertoire of pharmacy leaders, including leadership education, were identified as potentially valuable for individual leaders and the profession as a whole.

CONCLUSIONS: Effectively leveraging power is important for leaders. This study has highlighted patterns of power use amongst community pharmacy leaders and identified opportunities for further research in this area and for continuing professional development for leaders.}, } @article {pmid32050797, year = {2020}, author = {Stockbridge, MD and Newman, RS and Zukowski, A and Slawson, KK and Doran, A and Ratner, NB}, title = {Language profiles in children with concussion.}, journal = {Brain injury}, volume = {34}, number = {4}, pages = {567-574}, doi = {10.1080/02699052.2020.1725836}, pmid = {32050797}, issn = {1362-301X}, mesh = {Attention ; *Brain Concussion/complications/diagnosis ; Child ; Humans ; *Language ; Memory, Short-Term ; }, abstract = {Primary Objective: Inform the production of a screening tool for language in children with concussion. The authors predicted that children with a recent concussion would perform the cognitive-linguistic tasks more poorly, but some tasks may be more sensitive to concussion than others.Methods & Procedures: 22 elementary school aged children within 30 days of a concussion and age-matched peers with no history of concussion were assessed on a battery of novel language and cognitive-linguistic tasks. They also completed an auditory attention task and the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices.Main Outcomes & Results: Children with a recent concussion scored significantly more poorly in novel tasks targeting category identification, grammaticality judgments, and recognizing target words presented in a short story than their age-matched peers with no such injury history. All observed effects had moderate sizes. Inclusion of these three tasks significantly improved prediction of concussion status over symptom score when controlling for the age of participants.Conclusions: The finding supports continued investigation of targeted linguistic tasks in children following concussion, particularly in the domains of semantic and syntactic access and verbal working memory. Future work developing brief language assessments specifically targeting children in this age range may provide a valuable addition to the existing tools for identifying the effects of concussion.}, } @article {pmid32050472, year = {2020}, author = {Tryjanowski, P and Hetman, M and Czechowski, P and Grzywaczewski, G and Sklenicka, P and Ziemblińska, K and Sparks, TH}, title = {Birds Drinking Alcohol: Species and Relationship with People. A Review of Information from Scientific Literature and Social Media.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {32050472}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {Ethanol is a natural by-product of the fermentation process of fruit sugars and is occasionally consumed by fruit-eating and tree sap drinking birds. Information on this form of alcohol consumption features in the scientific literature. However, as pets or as wild animals living close to humans in urban habitats, birds have increasing possibilities to consume alcohol from beverages, such as beer, wine or spirits. Some observations have been discussed in a light-hearted manner in mass media and social media, but without any generalization of why some bird species drink the beverages intentionally or unintentionally provided by humans. To check which species and in what circumstances birds drink alcohol and how this is evaluated by humans, we reviewed the scientific literature and analysed videos from YouTube. In total we found and analysed 8 scientific papers and 179 YouTube videos, from which we identified at least 55 species (in some cases not all birds were identified to species level), 11 in the scientific literature and 47 in videos. The distribution of these species over the avian phylogenetic tree suggests that the origin of this convergent behaviour is mainly by human influence. The two data sources differed in the species covered. Videos typically presented interactions of birds with human-provided alcoholic beverages, and were dominated by two groups of intelligent birds: parrots and corvids. The popularity of YouTube videos for a particular species was positively correlated with the general popularity of the species as measured by the number of hits (results listed) on Google. Human responses to the videos were generally very positive and we analysed how the responses were influenced by factors derived from viewing the videos. Moreover, YouTube videos also provide information on at least 47 new bird species not previously mentioned as using alcohol, and our results suggest that parrots in particular can be potentially good candidates for future restricted laboratory studies on the effect of ethanol on birds and their relationship with humans.}, } @article {pmid32039246, year = {2019}, author = {Thomas-Bachli, AL and Pearl, DL and Parmley, EJ and Berke, O}, title = {The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on the Engagement of Citizens in the Detection of Dead Corvids During the Emergence of West Nile Virus in Ontario, Canada.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {483}, pmid = {32039246}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNv) was introduced into North America in 1999, and by 2002 was identified in most regions of Ontario, Canada. Surveillance of WNv included testing of corvids found dead and reported by citizens across Ontario, which at the time was a novel citizen science application for disease surveillance. While this surveillance program was successful for timely identification of WNv as it emerged and spread across the province, it is important to consider the influence of non-disease factors on surveillance data collected by the public. The objective of this study was to examine associations between rates of citizen phone reports of dead corvids and sociodemographic factors within the geographic areas where the reports were obtained. The data were grouped by forward sortation area (FSA), a geographical area based upon postal codes, which was linked with census data. Associations between the weekly rate of citizen reports and FSA-level sociodemographic factors were measured using multilevel negative binomial models. There were 12,295 phone call reports of dead corvids made by citizens in 83.3% of Ontario FSAs. Factors associated with the weekly rate of phone reports included the proportion of high-rise housing, the proportion of households with children, the proportion of seniors in the population, the proportion of citizens with no knowledge of either official language and the latitude of the FSA. There were higher rates of citizen phone reports in FSAs with <80% high-rise housing and greater proportions of households with children. A positive and negative association in the rate of calls with the proportion of seniors and latitude of the FSA, respectively, were moderated by the proportion of the population with knowledge of official language(s). Understanding the sociodemographic characteristics associated with citizen reporting rates of sentinels for disease surveillance can be used to inform advanced cluster detection methods such as applying the spatial scan test with normal distribution on residuals from a regression model to reduce confounding. In citizen-derived data collected for disease surveillance, this type of approach can be helpful to improve the interpretation of cluster detection results beyond what is expected.}, } @article {pmid32038192, year = {2020}, author = {Luo, W and Zhou, R}, title = {Can Working Memory Task-Related EEG Biomarkers Measure Fluid Intelligence and Predict Academic Achievement in Healthy Children?.}, journal = {Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {2}, pmid = {32038192}, issn = {1662-5153}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Educational psychology research has linked fluid intelligence (Gf) with working memory (WM), but it is still dubious whether electroencephalography (EEG) markers robustly indicate Gf. This study addresses this issue and notes the relationship between WM task-related EEG markers with Gf and academic performance.

METHOD: A sample of 62 healthy children between the ages of 9 and 12 years was selected to perform three tasks: (1) Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) test to assess Gf; (2) 2-back task to assess central executive system (CES); and (3) delayed match-to-sample task to assess short-term storage. These subjects were divided into high ability (HA) and low ability (LA) groups based on their RSPM scores. Support vector machine and logistic regression were used to train the EEG candidate indicators. A multiple regression was used to predict children's academic performance using P3 amplitude, P2 latency, and θ-ERS.

RESULTS: Behavioral results demonstrated that the correct rate of the HA group is higher than that of the LA group. The event-related potential results of the 2-back task showed that the P3 amplitude of the HA group was relatively larger and that the P2 latency was shorter than that observed in the LA group. For the delayed matching to sample task, the θ-ERS of the LA group was higher than that of the HA group. However, the area under the curve of these three indicators for Gf was < 0.75 for each and < 0.85 for the combined indicators. In predicting academic performance, only P3 amplitude showed a significant effect.

CONCLUSION: These results challenge previous findings, which reported that P3, P2, or theta power might be used in standard psychometric tests to assess an individual's intelligence.}, } @article {pmid32037534, year = {2020}, author = {Boonekamp, JJ and Bauch, C and Verhulst, S}, title = {Experimentally increased brood size accelerates actuarial senescence and increases subsequent reproductive effort in a wild bird population.}, journal = {The Journal of animal ecology}, volume = {89}, number = {6}, pages = {1395-1407}, pmid = {32037534}, issn = {1365-2656}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; *Birds ; Longevity ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {The assumption that reproductive effort decreases somatic state, accelerating ageing, is central to our understanding of life-history variation. Maximal reproductive effort early in life is predicted to be maladaptive by accelerating ageing disproportionally, decreasing fitness. Optimality theory predicts that reproductive effort is restrained early in life to balance the fitness contribution of reproduction against the survival cost induced by the reproductive effort. When adaptive, the level of reproductive restraint is predicted to be inversely linked to the remaining life expectancy, potentially resulting in a terminal effort in the last period of reproduction. Experimental tests of the reproductive restraint hypothesis require manipulation of somatic state and subsequent investigation of reproductive effort and residual life span. To our knowledge the available evidence remains inconclusive, and hence reproductive restraint remains to be demonstrated. We modulated somatic state through a lifelong brood size manipulation in wild jackdaws and measured its consequences for age-dependent mortality and reproductive success. The assumption that lifelong increased brood size reduced somatic state was supported: Birds rearing enlarged broods showed subsequent increased rate of actuarial senescence, resulting in reduced residual life span. The treatment induced a reproductive response in later seasons: Egg volume and nestling survival were higher in subsequent seasons in the increased versus reduced broods' treatment group. We detected these increases in egg volume and nestling survival despite the expectation that in the absence of a change in reproductive effort, the reduced somatic state indicated by the increased mortality rate would result in lower reproductive output. This leads us to conclude that the higher reproductive success we observed was the result of higher reproductive effort. Our findings show that reproductive effort negatively covaries with remaining life expectancy, supporting optimality theory and confirming reproductive restraint as a key factor underpinning life-history variation.}, } @article {pmid32035868, year = {2020}, author = {Swift, KN and Marzluff, JM and Templeton, CN and Shimizu, T and Cross, DJ}, title = {Brain activity underlying American crow processing of encounters with dead conspecifics.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {385}, number = {}, pages = {112546}, pmid = {32035868}, issn = {1872-7549}, support = {S10 OD017980/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 RR024689/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Amygdala/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Animals ; Brain/*diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Corpus Striatum/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Crows ; *Death ; Decision Making ; Fear/*physiology ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Functional Neuroimaging ; Hippocampus/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Learning/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Septum of Brain/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; Thanatology ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Animals utilize a variety of auditory and visual cues to navigate the landscape of fear. For some species, including corvids, dead conspecifics appear to act as one such visual cue of danger, and prompt alarm calling by attending conspecifics. Which brain regions mediate responses to dead conspecifics, and how this compares to other threats, has so far only been speculative. Using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) we contrast the metabolic response to visual and auditory cues associated with a dead conspecific among five a priori selected regions in the American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) brain: the hippocampus, nidopallium caudolaterale, striatum, amygdala, and the septum. Using a repeated-measures, fully balanced approach, we exposed crows to four stimuli: a dead conspecific, a dead song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), conspecific alarm calls given in response to a dead crow, and conspecific food begging calls. We find that in response to observations of a dead crow, crows show significant activity in areas associated with higher-order decision-making (NCL), but not in areas associated with social behaviors or fear learning. We do not find strong differences in activation between hearing alarm calls and food begging calls; both activate the NCL. Lastly, repeated exposures to negative stimuli had a marginal effect on later increasing the subjects' brain activity in response to control stimuli, suggesting that crows might quickly learn from negative experiences.}, } @article {pmid32034818, year = {2020}, author = {Slager, DL and Epperly, KL and Ha, RR and Rohwer, S and Wood, C and Van Hemert, C and Klicka, J}, title = {Cryptic and extensive hybridization between ancient lineages of American crows.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {29}, number = {5}, pages = {956-969}, doi = {10.1111/mec.15377}, pmid = {32034818}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; British Columbia ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Flow ; *Genetics, Population ; Haplotypes ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Washington ; }, abstract = {Most species and therefore most hybrid zones have historically been defined using phenotypic characters. However, both speciation and hybridization can occur with negligible morphological differentiation. Recently developed genomic tools provide the means to better understand cryptic speciation and hybridization. The Northwestern Crow (Corvus caurinus) and American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are continuously distributed sister taxa that lack reliable traditional characters for identification. In this first population genomic study of Northwestern and American crows, we use genomic SNPs (nuDNA) and mtDNA to investigate the degree of genetic differentiation between these crows and the extent to which they may hybridize. Our results indicate that American and Northwestern crows have distinct evolutionary histories, supported by two nuDNA ancestry clusters and two 1.1%-divergent mtDNA clades dating to the late Pleistocene, when glacial advances may have isolated crow populations in separate refugia. We document extensive hybridization, with geographic overlap of mtDNA clades and admixture of nuDNA across >900 km of western Washington and western British Columbia. This broad hybrid zone consists of late-generation hybrids and backcrosses, but not recent (e.g., F1) hybrids. Nuclear DNA and mtDNA clines had concordant widths and were both centred in southwestern British Columbia, farther north than previously postulated. Overall, our results suggest a history of reticulate evolution in American and Northwestern crows, perhaps due to recurring neutral expansion(s) from Pleistocene glacial refugia followed by lineage fusion(s). However, we do not rule out a contributing role for more recent potential drivers of hybridization, such as expansion into human-modified habitats.}, } @article {pmid32033073, year = {2020}, author = {Bürkner, PC}, title = {Analysing Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM-LS) with Bayesian Item Response Models.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {32033073}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) test and related matrix-based tests are widely applied measures of cognitive ability. Using Bayesian Item Response Theory (IRT) models, I reanalyzed data of an SPM short form proposed by Myszkowski and Storme (2018) and, at the same time, illustrate the application of these models. Results indicate that a three-parameter logistic (3PL) model is sufficient to describe participants dichotomous responses (correct vs. incorrect) while persons' ability parameters are quite robust across IRT models of varying complexity. These conclusions are in line with the original results of Myszkowski and Storme (2018). Using Bayesian as opposed to frequentist IRT models offered advantages in the estimation of more complex (i.e., 3-4PL) IRT models and provided more sensible and robust uncertainty estimates.}, } @article {pmid32024887, year = {2020}, author = {Segura, A and Jimenez, J and Acevedo, P}, title = {Predation of young tortoises by ravens: the effect of habitat structure on tortoise detectability and abundance.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {1874}, pmid = {32024887}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Crows/*physiology ; Forests ; Morocco ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; Turtles/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The predation of young tortoise is considered a major cause of mortality for many tortoise species. The predation by common ravens has been identified as being responsible for significant decreases in tortoise populations. Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise hatchlings and juveniles in Maamora forest (Morocco) were studied in order to describe the size/age class predation of common ravens on young tortoises and infer the drivers of predation risk and population abundance. The results showed a high level of predation on young tortoises (<75 mm carapace length) attributed to ravens in areas with low vegetation cover, representing 100% of the cases of mortality (n = 147), but it was moderate in covered areas (n = 19), representing 12-27%. The population structure of living juveniles differed significantly between covered and uncovered areas, thus suggesting that raven predation might modify juvenile population structure. Finally, N-mixture models showed a positive relationship between (i) bare cover and tortoise detectability that is only evidenced when the plot is far from a perch and (ii) population abundance and shrub species-richness, being higher in uncovered areas. Our results improve the knowledge on predation and survival on this critical stage in life, which is crucial for the conservation of the Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise.}, } @article {pmid32022629, year = {2021}, author = {O'Connor, AM and Campbell, KL and Mahy, CEV}, title = {Younger and older adults' prospective memory: the role of delay task difficulty.}, journal = {Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {184-200}, doi = {10.1080/13825585.2020.1724866}, pmid = {32022629}, issn = {1744-4128}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Intention ; Male ; *Memory, Episodic ; Middle Aged ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Thinking/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {There is mixed evidence on the impact of delay task difficulty on prospective memory (PM) performance and little research has examined this among older adults. The present study examined younger (N = 60) and older (N = 57) adults' prospective memory (PM) performance after completing an easy or difficult Raven's matrices task. To assess whether delay difficulty impacted how often participants thought about their PM intention, participants were asked to report on what they thought about during the delay task itself and retrospectively after all tasks were completed. Younger adults outperformed older adults on the PM task; however, delay task difficulty had no impact PM for either age group. Reports of thinking about the intention during the delay task differed by age group depending whether they were online or retrospective, however, overall greater reports of thinking about the intention was positively associated with PM performance.}, } @article {pmid32022303, year = {2020}, author = {Slabe, VA and Anderson, JT and Cooper, J and Miller, TA and Brown, B and Wrona, A and Ortiz, P and Buchweitz, J and McRuer, D and Dominguez-Villegas, E and Behmke, S and Katzner, T}, title = {Feeding Ecology Drives Lead Exposure of Facultative and Obligate Avian Scavengers in the Eastern United States.}, journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry}, volume = {39}, number = {4}, pages = {882-892}, doi = {10.1002/etc.4680}, pmid = {32022303}, issn = {1552-8618}, support = {//Virginia Department of Inland Game and Fisheries/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*chemically induced ; *Diet ; Ecology ; Environmental Exposure/*analysis ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/*toxicity ; Female ; Lead/analysis/*toxicity ; Lead Poisoning/*veterinary ; Liver/chemistry ; Seasons ; Species Specificity ; United States ; }, abstract = {Lead poisoning of scavenging birds is a global issue. However, the drivers of lead exposure of avian scavengers have been understood from the perspective of individual species, not cross-taxa assemblages. We analyzed blood (n = 285) and liver (n = 226) lead concentrations of 5 facultative (American crows [Corvus brachyrhynchos], bald eagles [Haliaeetus leucocephalus], golden eagles [Aquila chrysaetos], red-shouldered hawks [Buteo lineatus], and red-tailed hawks [Buteo jamaicensis]) and 2 obligate (black vultures [Coragyps atratus] and turkey vultures [Cathartes aura] avian scavenger species to identify lead exposure patterns. Species and age were significant (α < 0.05) predictors of blood lead exposure of facultative scavengers; species, but not age, was a significant predictor of their liver lead exposure. We detected temporal variations in lead concentrations of facultative scavengers (blood: median = 4.41 µg/dL in spring and summer vs 13.08 µg/dL in autumn and winter; p = <0.001; liver: 0.32 ppm in spring and summer vs median = 4.25 ppm in autumn and winter; p = <0.001). At the species level, we detected between-period differences in blood lead concentrations of bald eagles (p = 0.01) and red-shouldered hawks during the winter (p = 0.001). During summer, obligate scavengers had higher liver lead concentrations than did facultative scavengers (median = 1.76 ppm vs 0.22 ppm; p = <0.001). These data suggest that the feeding ecology of avian scavengers is a determinant of the degree to which they are lead exposed, and they highlight the importance of dietary and behavioral variation in determining lead exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:882-892. © 2020 SETAC.}, } @article {pmid32020608, year = {2020}, author = {von Eugen, K and Tabrik, S and Güntürkün, O and Ströckens, F}, title = {A comparative analysis of the dopaminergic innervation of the executive caudal nidopallium in pigeon, chicken, zebra finch, and carrion crow.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {528}, number = {17}, pages = {2929-2955}, doi = {10.1002/cne.24878}, pmid = {32020608}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens ; Columbidae ; Crows ; Dopaminergic Neurons/*physiology ; Finches ; Prefrontal Cortex/*cytology/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Despite the long, separate evolutionary history of birds and mammals, both lineages developed a rich behavioral repertoire of remarkably similar executive control generated by distinctly different brains. The seat for executive functioning in birds is the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) and the mammalian equivalent is known as the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Both are densely innervated by dopaminergic fibers, and are an integration center of sensory input and motor output. Whereas the variation of the PFC has been well documented in different mammalian orders, we know very little about the NCL across the avian clade. In order to investigate whether this structure adheres to species-specific variations, this study aimed to describe the trajectory of the NCL in pigeon, chicken, carrion crow and zebra finch. We employed immunohistochemistry to map dopaminergic innervation, and executed a Gallyas stain to visualize the dorsal arcopallial tract that runs between the NCL and the arcopallium. Our analysis showed that whereas the trajectory of the NCL in the chicken is highly comparable to the pigeon, the two Passeriformes show a strikingly different pattern. In both carrion crow and zebra finch, we identified four different subareas of high dopaminergic innervation that span the entire caudal forebrain. Based on their sensory input, motor output, and involvement in dopamine-related cognitive control of the delineated areas here, we propose that at least three morphologically different subareas constitute the NCL in these songbirds. Thus, our study shows that comparable to the PFC in mammals, the NCL in birds varies considerably across species.}, } @article {pmid32019934, year = {2020}, author = {Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Format-dependent and format-independent representation of sequential and simultaneous numerosity in the crow endbrain.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {686}, pmid = {32019934}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Male ; Mathematical Concepts ; Neurons/physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Humans' symbolic counting skills are built on a primordial ability to approximately estimate the number of items, or numerosity. To date it is debated whether numerosities presented in categorically different formats, that is as temporal sequences versus spatial arrays, are represented abstractly in the brain. To address this issue, we identified the behavioral characteristics and neuronal codes for sequential and simultaneous number formats in crows. We find a format-dependent representation by distinct groups of selective neurons during the sensory encoding stage. However, an abstract and format-independent numerosity code emerges once the encoding phase is completed and numerosities needed to be memorized. These results suggest a successive two-stage code for categorically different number formats and help to reconcile conflicting findings observed in psychophysics and brain imaging.}, } @article {pmid32013539, year = {2020}, author = {Soda, K and Tomioka, Y and Usui, T and Ozaki, H and Yamaguchi, T and Ito, T}, title = {Pathogenicity of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in rooks (Corvus frugilegus).}, journal = {Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A}, volume = {49}, number = {3}, pages = {261-267}, doi = {10.1080/03079457.2020.1724876}, pmid = {32013539}, issn = {1465-3338}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/*pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds/*virology ; Virus Shedding ; }, abstract = {Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) are considered migratory crows in Japan. Some rooks share a wintering site in the Izumi plain in Kagoshima Prefecture with hooded cranes (Grus monacha) and white-necked cranes (Grus vipio), which are designated as "endangered" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), caused by H5 subtype viruses, has recently been reported in these crane species in Japan, in conjunction with a massive decrease in their population. In the present study, the pathogenicity of HPAI virus was assessed in rooks to evaluate the likelihood that they are a source of infections in other bird species. One of four rooks intranasally inoculated with A/mandarin duck/Miyazaki/22M807-1/2011 (H5N1) died at 10 days post-inoculation (d.p.i.). The other three rooks exhibited seroconversion but no clinical signs. All the rooks had shed virus by the oral route at <10[3] 50% egg infectious dose/ml until 7 d.p.i. Virus was also recovered from multiple tissues of the rook that succumbed to the infection. These results suggest that rooks are susceptible to infection with H5 HPAI viruses, leading to prolonged viral shedding. The rooks shed the virus at low titres however, indicating that they are likely to function as transmission vectors in wintering bird flocks. The rooks exhibited clear antibody responses against the H5 HPAI virus, and thus serological surveillance of them in the field should be helpful for assessing viral pervasion into the habitats of crane species.}, } @article {pmid32003106, year = {2020}, author = {Smith, OM and Snyder, WE and Owen, JP}, title = {Are we overestimating risk of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans?.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {95}, number = {3}, pages = {652-679}, pmid = {32003106}, issn = {1469-185X}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Bacterial Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/transmission/*veterinary ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/*transmission ; Birds ; Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/veterinary ; Humans ; Livestock ; Prevalence ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Virulence ; }, abstract = {Enteric illnesses remain the second largest source of communicable diseases worldwide, and wild birds are suspected sources for human infection. This has led to efforts to reduce pathogen spillover through deterrence of wildlife and removal of wildlife habitat, particularly within farming systems, which can compromise conservation efforts and the ecosystem services wild birds provide. Further, Salmonella spp. are a significant cause of avian mortality, leading to additional conservation concerns. Despite numerous studies of enteric bacteria in wild birds and policies to discourage birds from food systems, we lack a comprehensive understanding of wild bird involvement in transmission of enteric bacteria to humans. Here, we propose a framework for understanding spillover of enteric pathogens from wild birds to humans, which includes pathogen acquisition, reservoir competence and bacterial shedding, contact with people and food, and pathogen survival in the environment. We place the literature into this framework to identify important knowledge gaps. Second, we conduct a meta-analysis of prevalence data for three human enteric pathogens, Campylobacter spp., E. coli, and Salmonella spp., in 431 North American breeding bird species. Our literature review revealed that only 3% of studies addressed the complete system of pathogen transmission. In our meta-analysis, we found a Campylobacter spp. prevalence of 27% across wild birds, while prevalence estimates of pathogenic E. coli (20%) and Salmonella spp. (6.4%) were lower. There was significant bias in which bird species have been tested, with most studies focusing on a small number of taxa that are common near people (e.g. European starlings Sturnus vulgaris and rock pigeons Columba livia) or commonly in contact with human waste (e.g. gulls). No pathogen prevalence data were available for 65% of North American breeding bird species, including many commonly in contact with humans (e.g. black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia and great blue heron Ardea herodias), and our metadata suggest that some under-studied species, taxonomic groups, and guilds may represent equivalent or greater risk to human infection than heavily studied species. We conclude that current data do not provide sufficient information to determine the likelihood of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans and thus preclude management solutions. The primary focus in the literature on pathogen prevalence likely overestimates the probability of enteric pathogen spillover from wild birds to humans because a pathogen must survive long enough at an infectious dose and be a strain that is able to colonize humans to cause infection. We propose that future research should focus on the large number of under-studied species commonly in contact with people and food production and demonstrate shedding of bacterial strains pathogenic to humans into the environment where people may contact them. Finally, studies assessing the duration and intensity of bacterial shedding and survival of bacteria in the environment in bird faeces will help provide crucial missing information necessary to calculate spillover probability. Addressing these essential knowledge gaps will support policy to reduce enteric pathogen spillover to humans and enhance bird conservation efforts that are currently undermined by unsupported fears of pathogen spillover from wild birds.}, } @article {pmid32002147, year = {2019}, author = {Söderlund, R and Skarin, H and Börjesson, S and Sannö, A and Jernberg, T and Aspán, A and Ågren, EO and Hansson, I}, title = {Prevalence and genomic characteristics of zoonotic gastro-intestinal pathogens and ESBL/pAmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae among Swedish corvid birds.}, journal = {Infection ecology & epidemiology}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {1701399}, pmid = {32002147}, issn = {2000-8686}, abstract = {Introduction: Wild birds pose a potential threat to animal and human health by spreading infectious diseases. In the present study, we studied the occurrence of bacterial zoonotic pathogens as well as enterobacteria with transferrable antimicrobial resistance genes among Swedish corvids. Materials and methods: Intestines from 66 jackdaws, crows, rooks and magpies from the vicinity of livestock farms at 14 locations in 7 counties were analysed by direct culture or PCR screening followed by culture. Isolates were investigated by whole-genome sequencing. Results and discussion: Campylobacter jejuni were detected in 82% and Yersinia in 3% of the birds. ESBL-producing E. coli were found in one sample (2%) and carried bla CTX-M-55. No Enterobacteriaceae with transferable carbapenem resistance were identified. No Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 were found, but PCR analysis for enterohaemorrhagic E. coli virulence genes revealed 35% positive samples for intimin, 9% for verotoxin 1 and 17% for verotoxin 2. C. jejuni isolates from corvids were compared to previously published isolates from Swedish sources by multi-locus sequence typing based on genome sequences. All corvid C. jejuni isolates formed a cluster, intermingled with human and chicken isolates. Our results indicate that C. jejuni is ubiquitous among Swedish corvid birds, with sporadic transmission to poultry and humans.}, } @article {pmid31999962, year = {2020}, author = {Paszulewicz, J and Wolski, P and Gajdek, M}, title = {Is laterality adaptive? Pitfalls in disentangling the laterality-performance relationship.}, journal = {Cortex; a journal devoted to the study of the nervous system and behavior}, volume = {125}, number = {}, pages = {175-189}, doi = {10.1016/j.cortex.2019.11.019}, pmid = {31999962}, issn = {1973-8102}, mesh = {*Brain ; *Functional Laterality ; Hand ; Humans ; Mathematics ; }, abstract = {Unlike non-human animal studies that have progressively demonstrated the advantages of being asymmetrical at an individual, group and population level, human studies show a quite inconsistent picture. Specifically, it is hardly clear if and how the strength of lateralization that an individual is equipped with relates to their cognitive performance. While some of these inconsistencies can be attributed to procedural and conceptual differences, the issue is aggravated by the fact that the intrinsic mathematical interdependence of the measures of laterality and performance produces spurious correlations that can be mistaken for evidence of an adaptive advantage of asymmetry. Leask and Crow [Leask, S. J., & Crow, T. J. (1997), How far does the brain lateralize?: an unbiased method for determining the optimum degree of hemispheric specialization. Neuropsychologia, 35(10), 1381-1387] devised a method of overcoming this problem that has been subsequently used in several large-sample studies investigating the asymmetry-performance relationship. In our paper we show that the original Leask and Crow method and its later variants fall victim to inherent nonlinear dependencies and produce artifacts. By applying the Leask and Crow method to random data and with mathematical analysis, we demonstrate that what has been believed to describe the true asymmetry-performance relation in fact only reflects the idiosyncrasies of the method itself. We think that the approach taken by Leask in his later paper [Leask, S. (2003), Principal curve analysis avoids assumptions of dependence between measures of hand skill. Laterality, 8(4), 307-316. doi:10.1080/13576500342000004] might be preferable.}, } @article {pmid31993982, year = {2020}, author = {Goto, K and Watanabe, S}, title = {The whole is equal to the sum of its parts: Pigeons (Columba livia) and crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) do not perceive emergent configurations.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {48}, number = {1}, pages = {53-65}, pmid = {31993982}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Columbidae ; *Crows ; Discrimination Learning ; Humans ; Pan troglodytes ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {We previously demonstrated that chimpanzees, like humans, showed better accuracy and faster response time in discriminating visual patterns when the patterns were presented in redundant and uninformative contexts than when they were presented alone. In the present study, we examined the effect of redundant context on pattern discrimination in pigeons (Columba livia) and large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) using the same task and stimuli as those used in our previous study on chimpanzees. Birds were trained to search for an odd target among homogenous distractors. Each stimulus was presented in one of three ways: (1) alone, (2) with identical context that resulted in emergent configuration to chimpanzees (congruent context), or (3) with identical context that did not result in emergent configuration to chimpanzees (incongruent context). In contrast to the facilitative effect of congruent contexts we previously reported in chimpanzees, the same contexts disrupted target localization performance in both pigeons and crows. These results imply that birds, unlike chimpanzees, do not perceive emergent configurations.}, } @article {pmid31990840, year = {2020}, author = {Stilp, E}, title = {Crow.}, journal = {JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {1}, doi = {10.1097/01.JAA.0000651780.30353.9a}, pmid = {31990840}, issn = {1547-1896}, mesh = {*Death ; Family/*psychology ; Female ; Friends/*psychology ; *Grief ; Humans ; Male ; }, } @article {pmid31986065, year = {2020}, author = {González, JE and Barquinero, JF and Holladay, BA and Di Giorgio, M and Higueras, M}, title = {Uncertainty calculation methods in dose assessment for dicentric chromosome assay.}, journal = {International journal of radiation biology}, volume = {96}, number = {5}, pages = {606-613}, doi = {10.1080/09553002.2020.1721599}, pmid = {31986065}, issn = {1362-3095}, mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; Calibration ; Chromosome Aberrations/*radiation effects ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Poisson Distribution ; *Radiation Dosage ; *Uncertainty ; }, abstract = {Purpose: To present the impact in coverage of different methods for Poisson confidence intervals and the impact in dose coverage of different uncertainty factors. A detailed explanation of the uncertainty sources in the Bayesian method is also presented.Materials and methods: The exact coverage of uncertainty Poisson confidence intervals and the dose uncertainty interval coverage were performed by simulations using R-based scripts.Results: The Poisson exact calibration interval via the Modified Crow and Gardner method resulted in coverage quite close to the nominal level of confidence; additionally, the method retains the shortest property of Crow and Gardner, and gains the property of a lower limit strictly increasing in the mean of dicentrics. The unlimited simultaneous calibration interval seems to be the method of choice to preserve the coverage at 95% under parametric and nonparametric conditions but is a conservative method. When samples came from a Poisson distribution, the ISO propagation of errors and Bayesian approaches seem to be the closest to the 95% coverage.Conclusions: The Modified Crow and Gardner method should be preferred over the Garwood method for Poisson exact confidence intervals. The unlimited simultaneous calibration interval did not lose its property to preserve the coverage at 95% applying a regression coverage factor of value 2.02 at the point of doses studied in the simulation.}, } @article {pmid31985169, year = {2020}, author = {Silleresi, S and Prévost, P and Zebib, R and Bonnet-Brilhault, F and Conte, D and Tuller, L}, title = {Identifying Language and Cognitive Profiles in Children With ASD via a Cluster Analysis Exploration: Implications for the New ICD-11.}, journal = {Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {1155-1167}, doi = {10.1002/aur.2268}, pmid = {31985169}, issn = {1939-3806}, mesh = {*Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications ; Child ; Cluster Analysis ; Cognition ; Humans ; *International Classification of Diseases ; Language ; }, abstract = {The new version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) mentions the existence of four different profiles in the verbal part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), describing them as combinations of either spared or impaired functional language and intellectual abilities. The aim of the present study was to put ASD heterogeneity to the forefront by exploring whether clear profiles related to language and intellectual abilities emerge when investigation is extended to the entire spectrum, focusing on verbal children. Our study proposed a systematic investigation of both language (specifically, structural language abilities) and intellectual abilities (specifically, nonverbal cognitive abilities) in 51 6- to 12-year-old verbal children with ASD based on explicitly motivated measures. For structural language abilities, sentence repetition and nonword repetition tasks were selected; for nonverbal cognitive abilities, we chose Raven's Progressive Matrices, as well as Matrix Reasoning and Block Design from the Wechsler Scales. An integrative approach based on cluster analyses revealed five distinct profiles. Among these five profiles, all four logically possible combinations of structural language and nonverbal abilities mentioned in the ICD-11 were detected. Three profiles emerged among children with normal language abilities and two emerged among language-impaired children. Crucially, the existence of discrepant profiles of abilities suggests that children with ASD can display impaired language in presence of spared nonverbal intelligence or spared language in the presence of impaired nonverbal intelligence, reinforcing the hypothesis of the existence of a separate language module in the brain. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1155-1167. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The present work put Autism Spectrum Disorder heterogeneity to the forefront by exploring whether clear profiles related to language and cognitive abilities emerge when investigation is extended to the entire spectrum (focusing on verbal children). The use of explicitly motivated measures of both language and cognitive abilities and of an unsupervised machine learning approach, the cluster analysis, (a) confirmed the existence of all four logically possible profiles evoked in the new ICD-11, (b) evoked the existence of (at least) a fifth profile of language/cognitive abilities, and (c) reinforced the hypothesis of a language module in the brain.}, } @article {pmid31985100, year = {2020}, author = {Flament, F and Francois, G and Seyrek, I and Saint-Leger, D}, title = {Age-related changes to characteristics of the human eyes in women from six different ethnicities.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {520-528}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12824}, pmid = {31985100}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Asian People ; Ethnicity ; *Eye/anatomy & histology ; Eyelids/anatomy & histology ; Female ; Humans ; Photography ; *Skin Aging/ethnology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: To describe some morphological characteristics of the eyes of women of 6 different ethnicities and ages.

MATERIAL & METHODS: Standard digital photographs of 3600 women of different ethnicities and ages were taken for evaluating the effects of some makeup products (eyeliners, mascaras, eyelids makeup, etc) through a before/after comparison. Photographs corresponding to pre-applications offered opportunity to quantify, through image analysis, some features of the human eyes (height, length, ellipticity, horizontality, etc) for recording their possible variations linked to ethnicities and/or age.

RESULTS: Although some minor differences between ethnicities were found (inter-pupillary distance and inner canthal distance), most eyes criteria among the 11 recorded were comparable (height and length of the eyes, ellipticity, etc). The somewhat low variability of the latter more reflects individual morphologies, at comparable ages. Asian subjects significantly differ by a much more oblique orientation of their main axis versus the horizontal inter-pupillary line. In all ethnicities, the skin aging process was found significantly altering i) the height of the eyes and ii) their orientation. Whereas the decrease of height likely results from a sagging of the upper eyelid, the decrease of orientation in all ethnicities (more marked among Asian women) possibly results from a sagging of the outer corner of the eyes. Whether this sagging may be related to the progressive outcome of crow's feet wrinkles is a plausible hypothesis.

CONCLUSION: The present work is an original and complementary approach to the skin aging process prone at modifying some characteristics of women eyes of different ethnicities.}, } @article {pmid31984462, year = {2020}, author = {Eid, EM and Galal, TM and Sewelam, NA and Talha, NI and Abdallah, SM}, title = {Phytoremediation of heavy metals by four aquatic macrophytes and their potential use as contamination indicators: a comparative assessment.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {27}, number = {11}, pages = {12138-12151}, pmid = {31984462}, issn = {1614-7499}, support = {R.G.P. 1/94/40//the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University/ ; }, mesh = {Biodegradation, Environmental ; Egypt ; *Eichhornia ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/*analysis ; }, abstract = {The present study estimated the ability of four aquatic macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H. Raven, Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) P. Beauv. and Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) to accumulate Cd, Ni and Pb and their use for indicating and phytoremediating these metals in contaminated wetlands. Three sites at five locations in the Kitchener Drain in Gharbia and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates (Egypt) were selected for plant, water and sediment sampling. The water in the Kitchener Drain was polluted with Cd, while Pb and Ni were far below the maximum level of Pb and Ni in the irrigation water. In comparison to the other species, P. australis accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd and Ni, while E. crassipes accumulated the highest concentration of Pb in its tissues. The four species had bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) greater than one, while their translocation factors (TFs) were less than 1 for most heavy metals, except Cd in the leaf and stem of E. stagnina and L. stolonifera, respectively, and Ni in the stem and leaf of E. stagnina. The BAF and TF results indicated that the studied species are suitable for phytostabilizing the studied heavy metals, except Ni in E. stagnina and Cd in L. stolonifera, which are suitable for phytoextracting these metals. Significant positive correlations were found between the investigated heavy metals in the water or sediment and the plant tissues. Their high BAFs, with significant proportional correlations, supported the potential of these species to serve as bioindicators and biomonitors of heavy metals in general and in the investigated metals specifically.}, } @article {pmid31972269, year = {2020}, author = {Kombiah, S and Kumar, M and Murugkar, HV and Nagarajan, S and Tosh, C and Senthil Kumar, D and Rajukumar, K and Gautam, S and Singh, R and Karikalan, M and Sharma, AK and Singh, VP}, title = {Experimental pathology of two highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses isolated from crows in BALB/c mice.}, journal = {Microbial pathogenesis}, volume = {141}, number = {}, pages = {103984}, doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2020.103984}, pmid = {31972269}, issn = {1096-1208}, mesh = {Animals ; Biopsy ; Crows ; Disease Susceptibility ; Histocytochemistry ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/classification/isolation & purification/*pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections/pathology/*virology ; RNA, Viral ; Reassortant Viruses/genetics ; Viral Load ; Virus Replication ; }, abstract = {In this study, we assessed the pathogenicity of two H5N1 viruses isolated from crows in mice. Eighteen 6-8 weeks BALB/c mice each were intranasally inoculated with 10[6] EID50/ml of H5N1 viruses A/crow/India/03CA04/2015 (H9N2-PB2 reassortant H5N1) and A/crow/India/02CA01/2012 (Non-reassortant H5N1). The infected mice showed dullness, weight loss and ruffled fur coat. Histopathological examination of lungs showed severe congestion, haemorrhage, thrombus, fibrinous exudate in perivascular area, interstitial septal thickening, bronchiolitis and alveolitis leading to severe pneumonic changes and these lesions were less pronounced in reassortant virus infected mice. Viral replication was demonstrated in nasal mucosa, lungs, trachea and brain in both the groups. Brain, lung, nasal mucosa and trachea showed significantly higher viral RNA copies and presence of antigen in immunohistochemistry in both the groups. This study concludes that both the crow viruses caused morbidity and mortality in mice and the viruses were phenotypically highly virulent in mice. The H5N1 viruses isolated from synanthropes pose a serious public health concern and should be monitored continuously for their human spill-over.}, } @article {pmid31967425, year = {2019}, author = {MacDonald, AM and Gibson, DJ and Barta, JR and Poulson, R and Brown, JD and Allison, AB and Nemeth, NM}, title = {Bayesian Phylogenetic Analysis of Avipoxviruses from North American Wild Birds Demonstrates New Insights into Host Specificity and Interspecies Transmission.}, journal = {Avian diseases}, volume = {63}, number = {3}, pages = {427-432}, doi = {10.1637/12023-010619-Reg.1}, pmid = {31967425}, issn = {1938-4351}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Avipoxvirus ; Bayes Theorem ; Bird Diseases/*transmission/virology ; *Birds ; Canada ; *Host Specificity ; Phylogeny ; Poxviridae Infections/transmission/*veterinary/virology ; United States ; United States Virgin Islands ; }, abstract = {Avian pox is commonly diagnosed in a variety of North American wild and domestic birds, yet little is known about the evolutionary relationships among the causative poxviruses. This study aimed to determine the phylogenetic relationships among isolates identified in different avian host species to better characterize the host range of specific viral strains and compare the genetic variability within and between viral clades. Skin lesions grossly and microscopically consistent with poxvirus infection from 82 birds collected in Canada, the United States, and the U.S. Virgin Islands were included in this study. A total of 12 avian species were represented; the most common species sampled were wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), and American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Poxvirus samples from these birds were genotyped using PCR that targeted the 4b core protein gene followed by amplicon sequencing. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of these viruses, in conjunction with publicly available sequences, representing avipoxvirus strains from six continents revealed statistically significant monophyletic clades based on genetic distances of sequences within and between observed clades. Genetic variation within the fowlpox clade was low compared to the canarypox clade. Host and geographic origins of viral isolates revealed overall clustering of viral strains within avian species, with a few exceptions. No genetic differences were observed between viruses from Canada and the United States within individual species. These results are novel in their characterization and comparison of the phylogenetic relationships of poxvirus isolates in wild bird species from North America. Further, we provide new data on the level of host specificity and specific strains circulating in North America.}, } @article {pmid31960162, year = {2020}, author = {Dike, IC and Onwurah, CN and Uzodinma, U and Onwurah, IN}, title = {Evaluation of Pb concentrations in selected vegetables and portable drinking water, and intelligent quotients of school children in Ishiagu-a Pb mining community: health risk assessment using predictive modelling.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {192}, number = {2}, pages = {126}, pmid = {31960162}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Agriculture ; Child ; Cities ; Crops, Agricultural ; Drinking Water/analysis/chemistry ; Environmental Exposure/*statistics & numerical data ; Environmental Monitoring ; Female ; Food Contamination/analysis ; Humans ; Lead/*analysis ; Male ; Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Mining ; Risk Assessment ; Soil Pollutants/*analysis ; Vegetables/*chemistry ; }, abstract = {This study evaluates the concentrations of lead (Pb) in 6 selected vegetables and drinking water samples taken from an agricultural/mining town Ishiagu. This evaluation is important because these vegetables and water are major gateway of lead exposure through ingestion, especially children in the Pb mining environment. Pb at even very low concentrations has been shown to have adverse effect on developing brain and hence children's intellectual ability. The impact of lead-contaminated food/water intake on the cognitive function was focused on school children whose parents have lived in the Pb mining town for over 25 years before they were born. Non-invasive, "target risk quotient" (TRQ) methodology, based on the principle of predictive toxicology was adopted for our analysis. Samples of these vegetables harvested in July and August 2015, and water taken from homes at 4 different villages in Ishiagu town and neighbouring community Akaeze (control), were subjected to appropriate chemical treatment/digestion procedures and the concentrations of Pb determined using AA-700 Shimadzu model atomic absorption spectrophotometer. From 642 structured questionnaire administered to the teachers/children, the daily vegetable ingestion rates for each vegetable (mg/child/day) and estimated daily intakes (EDI) of lead were obtained. The results show that the concentrations of Pb in water samples and the 6 vegetables harvested from the lead mining town vary as distances increase from the mining sites while the total target hazard quotients (TTHQs) for the vegetable crops were greater than one (˃ 1). The cognitive functions of 160 school children (aged 6-8 years), sampled from 265 families based on their meeting the criteria for distances away from the mining site, were evaluated using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices and psychometrics. The data generated were analysed using (SPSS) version 21.0 and results expressed as mean ± standard deviation of intelligent quotient (IQ). Students' t tests for independent samples were used to compare the IQ results for children in the lead mining area and non-mining area. A model based on predictive toxicology paradigm which can show a relationship between concentrations of lead in vegetables/water and cognitive function was developed. This model shows that there is a positive correlation between total lead concentrations in vegetables/water and children's cognitive function.}, } @article {pmid31953130, year = {2020}, author = {Dutour, M and Ridley, AR}, title = {Females sing more often and at higher frequencies than males in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {172}, number = {}, pages = {104045}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104045}, pmid = {31953130}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Sex Characteristics ; Territoriality ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Birdsong is a particularly useful model for animal communication studies. However, current knowledge is derived mainly from the study of male song, and is therefore incomplete. Here, we investigated whether singing behaviour differs between sexes in the cooperatively breeding Western Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis). This subspecies lives in territorial groups, and in our population there is a female-biased sex ratio, which may lead to a high level of female-female competition for males. Observations of 94 magpies (54 females, 40 males) revealed that females sang more often than males. As bird song is a sexually multidimensional signal, we also studied amplitude and structure of the main territorial high-amplitude song in magpie; the carol. We found that females sing at the same amplitude as males, but that male and female carols exhibit differences in frequency. These results highlight the importance of studying female song and may change our perception regarding the evolution of sex-specific traits, given the primary focus on male singing as a sexually selected trait in the literature to date. The next step is to discover additional species in which females sing more than males in order to improve our currently incomplete understanding of the evolution of bird song.}, } @article {pmid31941921, year = {2020}, author = {Vernouillet, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Individual exploratory responses are not repeatable across time or context for four species of food-storing corvid.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {394}, pmid = {31941921}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {4944-2017//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Discrimination, Psychological ; *Environment ; *Exploratory Behavior ; *Feeding Behavior ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Exploration is among one of the most studied of animal personality traits (i.e., individual-level behavioural responses repeatable across time and contexts). However, not all species show clear evidence of this personality trait, and this is particularly so for members of the Corvidae family. We assessed the exploratory behaviour of four food-caching corvid species: pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), California scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica), and black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia). Contextual repeatability was assessed through examining behavioural measures during the Novel Environment task and the Novel Object task, whereas temporal repeatability was assessed by examining changes in these measures over repeated trials. Our results suggest that, for corvids, an individual's exploratory behaviour was not repeatable across contexts or over time. Hence, we found no evidence that exploration constitutes a personality trait for these species of corvid. We did find differences in exploratory behaviour, at a species level, that may be explained by relative reliance on cached food.}, } @article {pmid31938533, year = {2019}, author = {Kövér, L and Lengyel, S and Takenaka, M and Kirchmeir, A and Uhl, F and Miller, R and Schwab, C}, title = {Why do zoos attract crows? A comparative study from Europe and Asia.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {24}, pages = {14465-14475}, pmid = {31938533}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Crows have successfully colonized many cities, and urban zoos have been important in this process. To evaluate why zoos attract crows, we quantified crow numbers and behavior in three zoos in Europe (Debrecen, Edinburgh, Vienna) and one in Asia (Sapporo). Data were collected in 445 surveys over 297 days in summer 2014 and winter 2014-2015. We found that crow numbers were highest in Vienna, intermediate in Debrecen and Edinburgh and lowest in Sapporo, increased significantly from summer to winter (Debrecen, Edinburgh, Vienna), and from mornings to afternoons (Debrecen, Sapporo, Vienna), and were higher in sunny weather than in cloudy weather with precipitation and when visitor numbers were low (Debrecen, Vienna). The crows' use of natural food was highest in Vienna, intermediate in Edinburgh and Sapporo, and low in Debrecen. The use of anthropogenic food was high in Debrecen and Sapporo, where the availability of open grassy areas typically used by crows for natural foraging was low. In Sapporo, food availability was more limited than in other zoos, resulting in strong territoriality and few crows in summer, which decreased further in winter. Our study indicates that crows are primarily attracted to zoos by food availability and secondarily by breeding opportunities and that the relative importance of natural versus anthropogenic food sources may vary with zoo habitat structure. Our study draws attention to a previously overlooked role of zoos in urban biodiversity conservation. It may also provide useful information for the management of crow populations, if necessary, and for the planning of urban areas.}, } @article {pmid31938530, year = {2019}, author = {Frommhold, M and Heim, A and Barabanov, M and Maier, F and Mühle, RU and Smirenski, SM and Heim, W}, title = {Breeding habitat and nest-site selection by an obligatory "nest-cleptoparasite", the Amur Falcon Falco amurensis.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {24}, pages = {14430-14441}, pmid = {31938530}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {The selection of a nest site is crucial for successful reproduction of birds. Animals which re-use or occupy nest sites constructed by other species often have limited choice. Little is known about the criteria of nest-stealing species to choose suitable nesting sites and habitats. Here, we analyze breeding-site selection of an obligatory "nest-cleptoparasite", the Amur Falcon Falco amurensis. We collected data on nest sites at Muraviovka Park in the Russian Far East, where the species breeds exclusively in nests of the Eurasian Magpie Pica pica. We sampled 117 Eurasian Magpie nests, 38 of which were occupied by Amur Falcons. Nest-specific variables were assessed, and a recently developed habitat classification map was used to derive landscape metrics. We found that Amur Falcons chose a wide range of nesting sites, but significantly preferred nests with a domed roof. Breeding pairs of Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo and Eurasian Magpie were often found to breed near the nest in about the same distance as neighboring Amur Falcon pairs. Additionally, the occurrence of the species was positively associated with bare soil cover, forest cover, and shrub patches within their home range and negatively with the distance to wetlands. Areas of wetlands and fallow land might be used for foraging since Amur Falcons mostly depend on an insect diet. Additionally, we found that rarely burned habitats were preferred. Overall, the effect of landscape variables on the choice of actual nest sites appeared to be rather small. We used different classification methods to predict the probability of occurrence, of which the Random forest method showed the highest accuracy. The areas determined as suitable habitat showed a high concordance with the actual nest locations. We conclude that Amur Falcons prefer to occupy newly built (domed) nests to ensure high nest quality, as well as nests surrounded by available feeding habitats.}, } @article {pmid31936349, year = {2020}, author = {Shrader-Frechette, KS and Biondo, AM}, title = {Protecting Children from Toxic Waste: Data-Usability Evaluation Can Deter Flawed Cleanup.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {31936349}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {California ; Child ; *Child Health ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation ; Hazardous Waste ; *Hazardous Waste Sites ; Humans ; Public Health ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {Nearly 25 percent of US children live within 2 km of toxic-waste sites, most of which are in urban areas. They face higher rates of cancer than adults, partly because the dominant contaminants at most US hazardous-waste sites include genotoxic carcinogens, like trichloroethylene, that are much more harmful to children. The purpose of this article is to help protect the public, especially children, from these threats and to improve toxics-remediation by beginning to test our hypothesis: If site-remediation assessments fail data-usability evaluation (DUE), they likely compromise later cleanups and public health, especially children's health. To begin hypothesis-testing, we perform a focused DUE for an unremediated, Pasadena, California toxic site. Our DUE methods are (a) comparing project-specific, remediation-assessment data with the remediation-assessment conceptual site model (CSM), in order to identify data gaps, and (b) using data-gap directionality to assess possible determinate bias (whether reported toxics risks are lower/higher than true values). Our results reveal (1) major CSM data gaps, particularly regarding Pasadena-toxic-site risks to children; (2) determinate bias, namely, risk underestimation; thus (3) likely inadequate remediation. Our discussion shows that if these results are generalizable, requiring routine, independent, DUEs might deter flawed toxic-site assessment/cleanup and resulting health threats, especially to children.}, } @article {pmid31934505, year = {2020}, author = {Jiang, S and Li, Z and Cheng, X and Wang, X}, title = {The first pterosaur basihyal, shedding light on the evolution and function of pterosaur hyoid apparatuses.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {e8292}, pmid = {31934505}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The pterosaur is the first known vertebrate clade to achieve powered flight. Its hyoid apparatus shows a simplification similar to that of birds, although samples of the apparatus are rare, limiting the ability to make an accurate determination. In this study we reveal a new pterosaur specimen, including the first definite basihyal. Through the comparison of pterosaur hyoids, a trend has been discovered for the shortened hyoid relative to the length of the skull, indicating a diminished role of lingual retraction during the evolution of the pterosaur. The new material, possibly from a gallodactylid Gladocephaloideus, represents one of the least effective lingual retractions in all pterosaurs. Based on the structure of an elongated ceratobranchial and retroarticular process on mandibles, the function of the Y-shaped istiodactylid tongue bone is similar to those of scavenger crows rather than chameleons, which is consistent with the interpretation of the scavenging behavior of this taxon. More fossil samples are needed for further study on the function of other pterosaur hyoids.}, } @article {pmid31917312, year = {2020}, author = {Li, S and Yin, C and Zhao, W and Lian, X and Hong, Q}, title = {Application of Hydrogen Proton Magnetic Resonance Technology Combined with Brain Neurometabolite Analysis in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment Caused by Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.}, journal = {World neurosurgery}, volume = {138}, number = {}, pages = {654-662}, doi = {10.1016/j.wneu.2019.12.162}, pmid = {31917312}, issn = {1878-8769}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aspartic Acid/*analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*diagnostic imaging/metabolism/therapy ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/*diagnostic imaging/metabolism/therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prefrontal Cortex/*diagnostic imaging/metabolism ; Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy/*methods ; Protons ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {This study used hydrogen proton magnetic resonance imaging to detect the changes of white matter and the medial cortex in the prefrontal cortex of patients with type 2 diabetes, analyzed its relationship with cognitive function and blood glucose level, and discussed the recognition of patients with type 2 diabetes from the perspective of brain metabolism. We discuss the neural mechanisms affected by the disorder. The experiment recruited 65 volunteers, including 32 control subjects and 33 patients with type 2 diabetes. All volunteers underwent clinical cognitive function and psychological evaluation, including a simple intelligent mental state examination scale, digital breadth test, Raven intelligence test, Flanker paradigm experiment, connection test, auditory word learning test, depression self-evaluation scale, and anxiety self-rating scale. All subjects underwent multivoxel proton magnetic resonance scanning, and the spectral data were processed and metabolite concentration analysis was completed by Functool software. The detected regions of interest included the bilateral prefrontal white matter and bilateral prefrontal cortex. This study found that the N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and NAA/myo-inositol (MI) of the right prefrontal cortex were reduced, the right prefrontal white matter choline-containing compounds increased, and the MI of the bilateral prefrontal cortex increased in the type 2 diabetes group compared with the control group. The NAA value of the right prefrontal cortex in the type 2 diabetes group was negatively correlated with the glycated hemoglobin concentration. The study found that the right prefrontal cortex NAA value of patients with type 2 diabetes was negatively correlated with the glycated hemoglobin concentration, reflecting that recent blood glucose levels can affect the changes of brain metabolites, and reasonable control of blood glucose can effectively delay brain neurons caused by diabetes.}, } @article {pmid31915061, year = {2020}, author = {Takaya, M and Ishii, K and Kubota, I and Shirakawa, O}, title = {The Landscape Montage Technique for diagnosing frontotemporal dementia starting as primary progressive aphasia: a case report.}, journal = {Journal of medical case reports}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {5}, pmid = {31915061}, issn = {1752-1947}, mesh = {Aphasia, Primary Progressive/*classification/*diagnosis ; Cerebral Cortex/diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Frontotemporal Dementia/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Japan ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Landscape Montage Technique was originally developed by Hisao Nakai, a Japanese psychiatrist, to pursue the possibility and application of a psychotherapeutic approach using drawing for patients with schizophrenia. Drawing was initially adopted to evaluate patients with an impaired ability for verbal expression, particularly for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Since its development, the Landscape Montage Technique has been utilized in various clinical settings throughout Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the psychiatric conditions of a patient diagnosed as having primary progressive aphasia using the Landscape Montage Technique at a 3-year follow-up.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 64-year-old, right-handed Japanese woman initially diagnosed as having logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia or logopenic aphasia. At a 3-year follow-up, logopenic aphasia progressed to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia or frontotemporal dementia. According to her husband, she began to have speech difficulties approximately 5 years before her first visit. The results of neurocognitive tests suggested mild cognitive impairment or early stages of dementia. Her clinical dementia rating score was 0.5, suggesting a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. She had a Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices score of 31 out of 36, which indicated a nonverbal cognitive ability that was greater than the 90th percentile for her age. The Japanese Standard Language Test of Aphasia, which was performed at two points during the follow-up, indicated the possibility for a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia given the progression of her aphasia. Based on her clinical symptoms and Japanese Standard Language Test of Aphasia results, a diagnosis of logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia was established. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe predominant left frontal and anterior temporal atrophy, as well as bilateral parietal atrophy. Amyloid beta deposition was negative. At the 3-year follow-up, logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia had progressed to behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia. However, the Landscape Montage Technique allowed for the diagnosis of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia only 2 years after baseline.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that the Landscape Montage Technique can be useful for diagnosing behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia that starts as logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia at earlier stages.}, } @article {pmid31912657, year = {2020}, author = {Long, KL and Prothero, DR and Syverson, VJP}, title = {How do small birds evolve in response to climate change? Data from the long-term record at La Brea tar pits.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {249-261}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12426}, pmid = {31912657}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy & histology ; California ; *Climate Change ; Fossils/*anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {Biology textbooks describe the small changes in the beaks of the Galápagos finches as exemplars of how birds evolve in response to environmental changes. However, recent studies of the abundant fossil birds at Rancho La Brea find no evidence of evolutionary responses to the dramatic climate changes of the glacial-interglacial cycle over the past 35 000 years: none of the large birds exhibit any change in body size or limb proportions, even during the last glacial maximum approximately 18 000-20 000 years ago, when the southern California chaparral was replaced by snowy coniferous forests. However, these are all large birds with large ranges and broad habitat preferences, capable of living in many different environments. Perhaps the smaller birds at La Brea, which have smaller home ranges and narrower habitats, might respond to climate more like Galápagos finches. The only 3 common small birds at La Brea are the western meadowlark, the yellow-billed magpie and the raven. In this study, we demonstrate that these birds also show complete stasis over the last glacial-interglacial cycle, with no statistically significant changes between dated pits. Recent research suggests that the small-scale changes over short timescales seen in the Galápagos finches are merely fluctuations around a stable morphology, and rarely lead to long-term accumulation of changes or speciation. Instead, the prevalence of stasis supports the view that long-term directional changes in morphology are quite rare. While directional changes in morphology occur frequently over short (<1 ka) timescales, in the long term such changes only rarely remain stable for long enough to appear in the fossil record.}, } @article {pmid31912608, year = {2020}, author = {Rahman, M and Mangtani, P and Uyeki, TM and Cardwell, JM and Torremorell, M and Islam, A and Samad, MA and Muraduzzaman, AKM and Giasuddin, M and Sarkar, S and Alamgir, ASM and Salimuzzaman, M and Flora, MS}, title = {Evaluation of potential risk of transmission of avian influenza A viruses at live bird markets in response to unusual crow die-offs in Bangladesh.}, journal = {Influenza and other respiratory viruses}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {349-352}, pmid = {31912608}, issn = {1750-2659}, support = {BB/L018993/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 1681346/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Birds/*virology ; Chickens/virology ; Crows/*virology ; Female ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/classification/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/*transmission/virology ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology/*transmission/virology ; Male ; Poultry Diseases/epidemiology/*transmission/virology ; Viral Zoonoses/epidemiology/transmission/virology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {In response to unusual crow die-offs from avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection during January-February 2017 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a One Health team assessed potential infection risks in live bird markets (LBMs). Evidence of aerosolized avian influenza A viruses was detected in LBMs and in the respiratory tracts of market workers, indicating exposure and potential for infection. This study highlighted the importance of surveillance platforms with a coordinated One Health strategy to investigate and mitigate zoonotic risk.}, } @article {pmid31912522, year = {2020}, author = {Spanoudis, CG and Andreadis, SS and Bray, DP and Savopoulou-Soultani, M and Ignell, R}, title = {Behavioural response of the house mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens molestus to avian odours and its reliance on carbon dioxide.}, journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology}, volume = {34}, number = {2}, pages = {129-137}, doi = {10.1111/mve.12429}, pmid = {31912522}, issn = {1365-2915}, mesh = {Animals ; Carbon Dioxide/*metabolism ; *Chemotaxis ; Chickens/metabolism ; Columbidae/metabolism ; Culex/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Odorants/*analysis ; Songbirds/metabolism ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {How Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes select and discriminate between potential avian hosts is critical for understanding the epidemiology of West Nile virus. Therefore, the present authors studied the behavioural responses of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) and Culex pipiens molestus (Forsskål) to headspace volatiles of three avian species [chicken and pigeon (sexes analysed separately), and magpie], presented either alone or in combination with 600 p.p.m. carbon dioxide (CO2). The attraction of Cx. quinquefasciatus to the headspace volatiles of both sexes of chicken, and of female pigeon, in combination with CO2 was significantly higher than that achieved by the CO2 and solvent control. Although Cx. p. molestus was attracted to headspace volatiles of chickens and magpies, it was repelled by those of female pigeons when combined with CO2 . An increased effect between the avian volatiles and CO2 was observed for Cx. quinquefasciatus, whereas the addition of CO2 had no effect on the attraction of Cx. p. molestus females. The results of this study demonstrate that Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. p. molestus are attracted to the odour of potential avian hosts. Future studies aimed at identifying the bioactive volatile compounds in the headspace of chickens may contribute to the potential development of effective surveillance and control tools against Culex species.}, } @article {pmid31904175, year = {2020}, author = {Kalman, DS and Hewlings, S}, title = {The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, pages = {1463-1472}, pmid = {31904175}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Administration, Oral ; Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Biological Products/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Cohort Studies ; Dietary Supplements/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Egg Shell/*chemistry ; Face ; Female ; Hair/*drug effects/growth & development ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nails/drug effects/growth & development ; Placebos/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Skin/*drug effects ; Skin Aging/drug effects ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many over the counter and consumer packaged goods are promoted to enhance the appearance of hair, skin, and nails for the consumer. Nutrition is a major factor in affecting the health and appearance of hair, skin, and nails. In addition to how one eats, dietary supplementation may play a role in overall health and in the physical appearance.

AIMS: It was the aim of this study to objectively and subjectively evaluate the impacts of a nutritional intervention as compared to placebo on the appearances of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults.

METHODS: Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study with 88 subjects randomized evenly to Study Product (BiovaBio™ 450 mg/d, n = 44) or Placebo (n = 44) for 12-weeks. Outcome tests included TrichoScan HD (hair), Canfield Visia[®] -CR (skin), modified FACE-Q (skin), and anchored Likert Scales (nails).

RESULTS: Oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane ingestion was associated with a significant improvement in facial skin appearance in crow's feet in 4 weeks and skin tone in 8 weeks, with significant impact on hair thickness, reduction in hair breakage and improvement in hair growth at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. There were no observed subjective improvements for nails (appearance, strength or growth).

CONCLUSIONS: Oral supplementation of 450 mg/d hydrolyzed eggshell membrane for 12 weeks is associated with improvement in the appearance of facial skin and hair.}, } @article {pmid31893686, year = {2019}, author = {Abadi, SH and Wacker, DW and Newton, JG and Flett, D}, title = {Acoustic localization of crows in pre-roost aggregations.}, journal = {The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America}, volume = {146}, number = {6}, pages = {4664}, doi = {10.1121/1.5138133}, pmid = {31893686}, issn = {1520-8524}, abstract = {Crows are highly intelligent and social creatures. Each night during the non-breeding period, they gather on large pre-roost aggregations as they move towards their communal roost where they sleep. Crows make numerous and varied vocalizations on these pre-roost aggregations, but the purpose of these calls, and vocal communication in general, in these pre-roost aggregations is not fully understood. In this paper, an array of four microphones is used as a non-intrusive means to observe crow vocal behavior in pre-roost aggregations in the absence of human observers. By passively localizing animal vocalizations, the location of individuals can be monitored while simultaneously recording the acoustic structure and organization of their calls. Simulations and experiment are undertaken to study the performance of two time difference of arrival-based methods (hyperbolic location estimator and maximum likelihood estimator) for call localization. The effect of signal-to-noise ratio and uncertainty in measurement on the localization error is presented. By describing, modeling, and testing these techniques in this innovative context, the authors hope that researchers will employ the authors' approaches in future empirical studies to more fully understand crow vocal behavior.}, } @article {pmid33818453, year = {2020}, author = {Sharti, M and Amouakbari, MJ and Pourjabari, K and Hashemzadeh, MS and Tat, M and Omidifar, A and Dorostkar, R}, title = {Detection of West Nile virus by real-time PCR in crows in northern provinces of Iran.}, journal = {Journal of vector borne diseases}, volume = {57}, number = {1}, pages = {37-39}, doi = {10.4103/0972-9062.308797}, pmid = {33818453}, issn = {0972-9062}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*virology ; Genome, Viral ; Geography ; Iran/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; *Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Seasons ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/transmission/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: West Nile virus (WNV) is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virion, that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. This virus is preserved in a bird-mosquito cycle that is capable of inducing diseases as a dead-end or endpoint host in humans as well as horses. In 2016, a suspicious case of crow population death was reported by the Department of Environment, Ministry of Health, Iran. Considering the mass migration of birds together with the WNV-related symptoms, including uncoordinated walking, ataxia, inability to fly, lack of awareness, and abnormal body posture, it was necessary to further investigate the possible causes of this incident. The objective of this study was molecular detection of WNV in crows utilizing the real-time PCR method in the northern provinces of Iran.

METHODS: A total of 12 crows (8 dead, 4 alive) with a possible WNV infection, were collected from the northern provinces of Iran (Golestan, Mazandaran, and Guilan). A tissue sample of the liver, kidney, or lung was collected from all the crows, and RNA was isolated using an RNA extraction kit. A one-step real-time PCR method using a TaqMan probe was used for virus detection.

RESULTS: All the infected crows were positive for WNV. The 132-bp real-time PCR amplicon of the genome was detected in all the samples. Comparative phylogenetic analysis revealed that WNV isolated from Iran clustered with strains from the USA, Hungary, and Culex pipiens.

The WNV genome sequence was detected in all the infected crows. The results confirmed the connection of this isolation with clade1a strains. Hence, determining the epidemiologic and prevalence characteristics of the WNV for transmission control is of critical importance in Iran.}, } @article {pmid33776292, year = {2020}, author = {Kumar, A and Singh, AR and Jahan, M}, title = {Application of mindfulness on stress, anxiety, and well-being in an adolescent student: A case study.}, journal = {Industrial psychiatry journal}, volume = {29}, number = {1}, pages = {165-170}, pmid = {33776292}, issn = {0972-6748}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Stress and anxiety are the major problems students face in their lives and specifically in their academic life, which, in turn, has a significant negative impact on their academic performance. There are different approaches to deal with stress and anxiety, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of mindfulness on stress, anxiety, and psychological well-being in an adolescent student.

METHODS: In this study, single-case study design was used. The Pediatric Symptoms Checklist, Youth Self-Report, Institute of Personality and Ability Testing Anxiety Scale, and Checklist of Psychological Well-Being were administered on ten adolescent students. After the initial assessment, one participant was selected who was having significant level of stress, anxiety, and poor psychological well-being. Further detailed assessment was done using the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices, Parents' Observation Checklist, Teachers' Observation Checklist, and Students' Self-Observation Checklist. The student underwent 24 sessions of mindfulness training with a frequency of three sessions in a week. After completion of sessions, post assessment was done. He was re-assessed after 3 months.

RESULTS: After completion of mindfulness training, improvement was observed in stress, anxiety, well-being, and other variables, and the improvement was maintained till follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Mindfulness training has the potential in effectively reducing stress and anxiety and increasing a sense of well-being, but the major barrier is getting fixated with an idea of what's the right way to do mindfulness and feel it.}, } @article {pmid31879592, year = {2020}, author = {Irie, T and Uraguchi, K and Ito, T and Yamazaki, A and Takai, S and Yagi, K}, title = {First report of Sarcocystis pilosa sporocysts in feces from red fox, Vulpes vulpes schrencki, in Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {29-31}, pmid = {31879592}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {Sarcocysts of various Sarcocystis spp. are highly prevalent in wild sika deer, Cervus nippon yesoensis, in Hokkaido, Japan, and four species have been identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics: S. ovalis, S. pilosa, S. tarandi-like, and S. truncata-like. The definitive hosts of S. ovalis are corvids, but the hosts of the other species have not yet been identified. Aiming to determine the definitive hosts of these species, we collected 65 red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) fecal samples in eastern Hokkaido and examined them for fecal sporocysts using a modified sucrose flotation method. One fecal sample contained typical Sarcocystis sporocysts, which were identified as S. pilosa based on 18S ribosomal RNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences. This is the first identification of S. pilosa sporocysts in the wild. These findings indicate that red foxes serve as a definitive host of S. pilosa, and that red foxes constitute a source of S. pilosa infection for deer in Hokkaido.}, } @article {pmid31875855, year = {2019}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Ridley, AR}, title = {Larger group sizes facilitate the emergence and spread of innovations in a group-living bird.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {158}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, pmid = {31875855}, issn = {0003-3472}, abstract = {The benefits of group living have traditionally been attributed to risk dilution or the efficient exploitation of resources; individuals in social groups may therefore benefit from access to valuable information. If sociality facilitates access to information, then individuals in larger groups may be predicted to solve novel problems faster than individuals in smaller groups. Additionally, larger group sizes may facilitate the subsequent spread of innovations within animal groups, as has been proposed for human societies. We presented a novel foraging task (where a food reward could be accessed by pushing a self-shutting sliding door) to 16 groups of wild, cooperatively breeding Australian magpies, Cracticus tibicen dorsalis, ranging in size from two to 11 individuals. We found a nonlinear decline in the time taken for the innovative behaviour to emerge with increasing group size, and social information use facilitated the transmission of novel behaviour, with it spreading more quickly in larger than smaller groups. This study provides important evidence for a nonlinear relationship between group size and the emergence of innovation (and its subsequent transmission) in a wild population of animals. Further work investigating the scope and strength of group size-innovation relationships, and the mechanisms underpinning them, will help us understand the potential advantages of living in larger social groups.}, } @article {pmid31867421, year = {2020}, author = {Wongupparaj, P and Kumari, V and Morris, RG}, title = {IQ score gains over 65 years worldwide: Cross-temporal meta-analysis datasets.}, journal = {Data in brief}, volume = {28}, number = {}, pages = {104884}, pmid = {31867421}, issn = {2352-3409}, abstract = {The observed gain in IQ scores over time has been examined and supported. Nonetheless, this phenomenon (also called Flynn effect) may depend on age groups and country types. This article provides raw data from three standardized intelligence tests, namely, Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), and Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM). The datasets contain mean IQ scores from APM, CPM, and SPM, and standard deviations, sample sizes, years of publication, participants' groups, types of countries, country-based samples, and gender of participants. This data was obtained from 199, 369, and 176 individual study samples for CPM, SPM, and APM, respectively, and covered a period of 65 years (1950-2014). There were 202,468 participants in total. An analysis and interpretation of results based on a cross-temporal meta-analysis for mean IQ scores from CPM, SPM, and APM over time can be found in the article "A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Raven's Progressive Matrices: Age groups and developing versus developed countries" (Wongupparaj, Kumari, Morris, 2015) [1]. These datasets can provide an extensive overview of the literature on Flynn effect across age groups, countries, and gender. In addition, they can serve as a useful starting point for further meta-analyses of IQ scores derived from CPM, SPM, and APM.}, } @article {pmid31866910, year = {2019}, author = {Tikhomirova, T and Kuzmina, Y and Lysenkova, I and Malykh, S}, title = {The Relationship Between Non-symbolic and Symbolic Numerosity Representations in Elementary School: The Role of Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {2724}, pmid = {31866910}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {This study aimed to estimate the extent to which the development of symbolic numerosity representations relies on pre-existing non-symbolic numerosity representations that refer to the Approximate Number System. To achieve this aim, we estimated the longitudinal relationships between accuracy in the Number Line (NL) test and "blue-yellow dots" test across elementary school children. Data from a four-wave longitudinal study involving schoolchildren in grades 1-4 in Russia and Kyrgyzstan (N = 490, mean age 7.65 years in grade 1) were analyzed. We applied structural equation modeling and tested several competing models. The results revealed that at the start of schooling, the accuracy in the NL test predicted subsequent accuracy in the "blue-yellow dots" test, whereas subsequently, non-symbolic representation in grades 2 and 3 predicted subsequent symbolic representation. These results indicate that the effect of non-symbolic representation on symbolic representation emerges after a child masters the basics of symbolic number knowledge, such as counting in the range of twenty and simple arithmetic. We also examined the extent to which the relationships between non-symbolic and symbolic representations might be explained by fluid intelligence, which was measured by Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test. The results revealed that the effect of symbolic representation on non-symbolic representation was explained by fluid intelligence, whereas at the end of elementary school, non-symbolic representation predicted subsequent symbolic representation independently of fluid intelligence.}, } @article {pmid31984131, year = {2019}, author = {Wick, RR and Holt, KE}, title = {Benchmarking of long-read assemblers for prokaryote whole genome sequencing.}, journal = {F1000Research}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {2138}, pmid = {31984131}, issn = {2046-1402}, mesh = {Benchmarking ; *Genomics ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; }, abstract = {Background: Data sets from long-read sequencing platforms (Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences) allow for most prokaryote genomes to be completely assembled - one contig per chromosome or plasmid. However, the high per-read error rate of long-read sequencing necessitates different approaches to assembly than those used for short-read sequencing. Multiple assembly tools (assemblers) exist, which use a variety of algorithms for long-read assembly. Methods: We used 500 simulated read sets and 120 real read sets to assess the performance of eight long-read assemblers (Canu, Flye, Miniasm/Minipolish, NECAT, NextDenovo/NextPolish, Raven, Redbean and Shasta) across a wide variety of genomes and read parameters. Assemblies were assessed on their structural accuracy/completeness, sequence identity, contig circularisation and computational resources used. Results: Canu v2.1 produced reliable assemblies and was good with plasmids, but it performed poorly with circularisation and had the longest runtimes of all assemblers tested. Flye v2.8 was also reliable and made the smallest sequence errors, though it used the most RAM. Miniasm/Minipolish v0.3/v0.1.3 was the most likely to produce clean contig circularisation. NECAT v20200803 was reliable and good at circularisation but tended to make larger sequence errors. NextDenovo/NextPolish v2.3.1/v1.3.1 was reliable with chromosome assembly but bad with plasmid assembly. Raven v1.3.0 was reliable for chromosome assembly, though it did not perform well on small plasmids and had circularisation issues. Redbean v2.5 and Shasta v0.7.0 were computationally efficient but more likely to produce incomplete assemblies. Conclusions: Of the assemblers tested, Flye, Miniasm/Minipolish, NextDenovo/NextPolish and Raven performed best overall. However, no single tool performed well on all metrics, highlighting the need for continued development on long-read assembly algorithms.}, } @article {pmid31847851, year = {2019}, author = {Ben-David, A and Shamon, H and Izhaki, I and Efronny, R and Maor, R and Dayan, T}, title = {Increased songbird nest depredation due to Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) encroachment in Mediterranean shrubland.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {52}, pmid = {31847851}, issn = {1472-6785}, mesh = {Animals ; Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; *Pinus ; Predatory Behavior ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In recent decades, a decrease of passerine densities was documented in Mediterranean shrublands. At the same time, a widespread encroachment of Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) to Mediterranean shrubland occurred. Such changes in vegetation structure may affect passerine predator assemblage and densities, and in turn impact passerine densities. Depredation during the nesting season is an important factor to influence passerine population size. Understanding the effects of changes in vegetation structure (pine encroachment) on passerine nesting success is the main objective of this study. We do so by assessing the effects of Aleppo pine encroachment on Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) nest depredation in Mediterranean shrublands. We examined direct and indirect predation pressures through a gradients of pine density, using four methods: (1) placing dummy nests; (2) acoustic monitoring of mobbing events; (3) direct observations on nest predation using cameras; and (4) observation of Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) behaviour as indirect evidence of predation risk.

RESULTS: We found that Aleppo pine encroachment to Mediterranean shrublands increased nest predation by Eurasian jays. Nest predation was highest in mixed shrubland and pines. These areas are suitable for warblers but had high occurrence rate of Eurasian jays.

CONCLUSIONS: Encroaching pines directly increase activity of Eurasian jays in shrubland habitats, which reduced the nesting success of Sardinian warblers. These findings are supported by multiple methodologies, illustrating different predation pressures along a gradient of pine densities in natural shrublands. Management of Aleppo pine seedlings and removal of unwanted trees in natural shrubland might mitigate arrival and expansion of predators and decrease the predation pressure on passerine nests.}, } @article {pmid31847421, year = {2019}, author = {Michałowska, J and Tofil, A and Józwik, J and Pytka, J and Legutko, S and Siemiątkowski, Z and Łukaszewicz, A}, title = {Monitoring the Risk of the Electric Component Imposed on a Pilot During Light Aircraft Operations in a High-Frequency Electromagnetic Field.}, journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {19}, number = {24}, pages = {}, pmid = {31847421}, issn = {1424-8220}, support = {contract no.030/RID/2018/19//Lublin University of Technology - Regional Excellence Initiative, funded by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education/ ; }, mesh = {*Aircraft ; *Electromagnetic Fields ; Humans ; Radiation Dosimeters ; Radio Waves ; }, abstract = {High-frequency electromagnetic fields can have a negative effect on both the human body and electronic devices. The devices and systems utilized in radio communications constitute the most numerous sources of electromagnetic fields. The following research investigates values of the electric component of electromagnetic field intensification determined with the ESM 140 dosimeter during the flights of four aircrafts-Cessna C152, Cessna C172, Aero AT3 R100, and Robinson R44 Raven helicopter-from the airport in Depultycze Krolewskie near Chelm, Poland. The point of reference for the obtained results were the normative limits of the electromagnetic field that can affect a pilot in the course of a flight. The maximum value registered by the dosimeter was E = 3.307 V/m for GSM 1800 frequencies.}, } @article {pmid31842726, year = {2019}, author = {Lessov-Schlaggar, CN and Del Rosario, OL and Morris, JC and Ances, BM and Schlaggar, BL and Constantino, JN}, title = {Adaptation of the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale for adults with Down syndrome.}, journal = {Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders}, volume = {11}, number = {1}, pages = {39}, pmid = {31842726}, issn = {1866-1955}, support = {U01 AG032438/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P01AG003991/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P01 AG026276/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR000448/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; P01AG026276/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR002345/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA091842/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; P50 AG05681/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P01 AG003991/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P50 AG005681/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U54 HD087022//Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/International ; UF1AG032438/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Down Syndrome/*diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Status and Dementia Tests/*standards ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk for Alzheimer disease dementia, and there is a pressing need for the development of assessment instruments that differentiate chronic cognitive impairment, acute neuropsychiatric symptomatology, and dementia in this population of patients.

METHODS: We adapted a widely used instrument, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale, which is a component of the Uniform Data Set used by all federally funded Alzheimer Disease Centers for use in adults with DS, and tested the instrument among 34 DS patients recruited from the community. The participants were assessed using two versions of the modified CDR-a caregiver questionnaire and an in-person interview involving both the caregiver and the DS adult. Assessment also included the Dementia Scale for Down Syndrome (DSDS) and the Raven's Progressive Matrices to estimate IQ.

RESULTS: Both modified questionnaire and interview instruments captured a range of cognitive impairments, a majority of which were found to be chronic when accounting for premorbid function. Two individuals in the sample were strongly suspected to have early dementia, both of whom had elevated scores on the modified CDR instruments. Among individuals rated as having no dementia based on the DSDS, about half showed subthreshold impairments on the modified CDR instruments; there was substantial agreement between caregiver questionnaire screening and in-person interview of caregivers and DS adults.

CONCLUSIONS: The modified questionnaire and interview instruments capture a range of impairment in DS adults, including subthreshold symptomatology, and the instruments provide complementary information relevant to the ascertainment of dementia in DS. Decline was seen across all cognitive domains and was generally positively related to age and negatively related to IQ. Most importantly, adjusting instrument scores for chronic, premorbid impairment drastically shifted the distribution toward lower (no impairment) scores.}, } @article {pmid31841482, year = {2019}, author = {Lisukha, LM and Kolpakov, IY}, title = {STATE OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN WITH PATHOLOGY OF DIGESTIVE ORGANS, WHO LIVE AT RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED TERRITORIES OF UKRAINE.}, journal = {Problemy radiatsiinoi medytsyny ta radiobiolohii}, volume = {24}, number = {}, pages = {395-410}, doi = {10.33145/2304-8336-2019-24-395-410}, pmid = {31841482}, issn = {2313-4607}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anxiety/*etiology/physiopathology ; *Chernobyl Nuclear Accident ; Child ; Cognition/radiation effects ; Digestive System/pathology/physiopathology/radiation effects ; Dyspepsia/*etiology/physiopathology ; Fatigue/*etiology/physiopathology ; Female ; Gastritis/*etiology/physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Memory, Long-Term/radiation effects ; Nervous System/pathology/physiopathology/radiation effects ; Neurasthenia/*etiology/physiopathology ; Pain/*etiology/physiopathology ; Radiation Exposure/adverse effects ; Radioactive Fallout/adverse effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Ukraine ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: to study the state of cognitive functions in children who were born and permanently live at radioactive contaminated territories (RCT) with pathology of the upper digestive tract, using pathopsychological testing; to increase the effectiveness of treatment and prophylactic measures aimed at preserving and restoring the health of RCT residents.

DESIGN, PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized blind controlled clinical trial was conducted. There were examined, a total of 90 persons aged 6 to 17 years (35 boys and 55 girls) who were divided into two groups: the control group (I) included 30 persons of the conventional «clean» territories, and the main group (II) - 60 patients with patho- logy of the digestive organs who were born and live at the RCT. The study program included: the collection of anam- nesis, complaints; clinical and instrumental examinations. The following tests were applied by us: «What things are hidden in the drawings», Toulouse-Pieron, Raven, and Luria testing. For detecting the anxiety level, and the subjec- tive signs of autonomic dysfunctions were used the Spilberg-Hanin self-diagnosis and the Wein questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS: It was shown that in children aged 6-11 years, according to the results of the Toulouse-Pieron test, speed of cognitive information-processing was significantly decreased by 7.17 conventional units, while on the back- ground of the etiopathogenetic treatment of the digestive tract - by 10.24 conventional units relative to the va- lues of the control group. The long-term memory was statistically significantly decreased in the examined children of senior school age (from 12 to 17 years). A significant increase in reactive anxiety and a reverse correlation between the personal anxiety (PA) and speed of cognitive information-processing (r = -0.331) were recorded in patients aged 6-11 years. In older patients, PA was increased.Сonclusions. The obtained results indicate that the state of cognitive functions was characterized by a decrease in speed of cognitive information-processing, long-term memory and a high level of anxiety in children aged from 6 to 17 years residents of RСT with pathology of digestive organs, according to the used testing.}, } @article {pmid31840424, year = {2020}, author = {Messaraa, C and Robertson, N and Walsh, M and Hurley, S and Doyle, L and Mansfield, A and Daly, L and Tansey, C and Mavon, A}, title = {Clinical evidences of benefits from an advanced skin care routine in comparison with a simple routine.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {8}, pages = {1993-1999}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13252}, pmid = {31840424}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {*Cosmetics ; Female ; Humans ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Care ; Skin Pigmentation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of a skin care routine is commonly promoted by the cosmetic industry, yet there is a lack of clinical evidence to support this practice over the use of a single skin care product.

AIMS: In the present study, we aimed at showing the clinical benefits of using a comprehensive skin care routine vs a simple one.

METHODS: Skin micro-/macro-topographic, skin color, and superficial/deep hydration were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of use, on forty-nine women randomly allocated to two groups. The first one followed the use of an advanced routine (AR: Cleanser/Toner/Eye cream/Serum/Day & Night cream), while the other group was instructed to use a simple routine (SR: Cleanser & Day cream).

RESULTS: Hemoglobin heterogeneity was found to be significantly reduced only in the SR group. However, the AR outperformed the SR when it comes to improving superficial hydration, deep hydration, skin roughness, mean pore area, melanin heterogeneity, and crow's feet wrinkle depth. A significant increase in skin brightness from baseline was only recorded when using the AR while both routines significantly improved the nasolabial wrinkles.

CONCLUSION: These findings advocate for using a relevant daily routine as it demonstrates the visible skin benefits over a short period, while driving the creation of habits for the prevention of aging signs.}, } @article {pmid31838886, year = {2020}, author = {Shrader-Frechette, K and Meade, T}, title = {Using routine, independent, scientific-data audits as an early-warning for potentially fraudulent toxic-site cleanup: PCE, TCE, and other VOCs at the former Naval-Ordnance Test Station, Pasadena, California.}, journal = {Accountability in research}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {1-31}, doi = {10.1080/08989621.2019.1695200}, pmid = {31838886}, issn = {1545-5815}, mesh = {California ; Environmental Restoration and Remediation/*standards ; *Fraud ; Hazardous Waste Sites/*standards ; Humans ; Management Audit/*organization & administration/standards ; Tetrachloroethylene/*analysis ; Trichloroethylene/*analysis ; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis ; }, abstract = {Two of the most prevalent Superfund-site contaminants are carcinogenic solvents PCE (perchloroethylene) and TCE (trichloroethylene). Because their cleanup is difficult and costly, remediators have repeatedly falsified site-cleanup data, as Tetra Tech apparently did recently in San Francisco. Especially for difficult-to-remediate toxins, this paper hypothesizes that scientific misrepresentations occur in toxic-site assessments, before remediation even begins. To begin to test this hypothesis, the paper (1) defines scientific-data audits (assessing whether published conclusions contradict source data), (2) performs a preliminary scientific-data audit of toxic-site assessments by consultants Ninyo and Moore for developer Trammell Crow. Trammel Crow wants to build 550 apartments on an unremediated Pasadena, California site - once a premier US Navy weapons-testing/development facility. The paper (3) examines four key Ninyo-and-Moore conclusions, that removing only localized metals-hotspots will (3.1) remediate TCE/PCE; (3.2) leave low levels of them; (3.3) clean the northern half of soil, making it usable for grading, and (3.4) ensure site residents have lifetime cancer risks no greater than 1 in 3,000. The paper (4) shows that source data contradict all four conclusions. After summarizing the benefits of routine, independent, scientific-data audits (RISDA), the paper (5) argues that, if these results are generalizable, RISDA might help prevent questionable toxic-site assessments, especially those of expensive-to-remediate toxins like PCE/TCE.}, } @article {pmid31830510, year = {2020}, author = {Tätte, K and Møller, AP and Mänd, R}, title = {Corvids exhibit dynamic risk assessment during escape.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {170}, number = {}, pages = {104017}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2019.104017}, pmid = {31830510}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Population ; Predatory Behavior ; *Risk-Taking ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {It is widely accepted that stationary prey are able to carefully assess the risk levels associated with an approaching predator to make informative decisions on when to escape. However, little is known about subsequent decision-making process. We set out to compare whether escape durations of three species of corvids differ depending on how a human observer (in the role of a predator) behaves after the escape has begun. When birds were being followed during escape, escape durations were the longest, escape trajectory was modified the most during escape, and a larger proportion of individuals changed from terrestrial to aerial escape strategy compared to observations where birds were not followed. Mean horizontal escape angle of ca 120° was also a potential indication that monitoring the threat is taken into account when deciding on the escape trajectory. While there were some differences between the behaviour of these three closely related species, the general patterns supported the notion that birds dynamically assess risk during escape to find an optimal balance between getting caught and spending too much time and energy on escaping. Further research using different predator-prey combinations or making comparisons between habitats could help understand the generality of our results.}, } @article {pmid31827631, year = {2019}, author = {Davis, BJK and Curriero, FC}, title = {Development and Evaluation of Geostatistical Methods for Non-Euclidean-Based Spatial Covariance Matrices.}, journal = {Mathematical geosciences}, volume = {51}, number = {6}, pages = {767-791}, pmid = {31827631}, issn = {1874-8961}, support = {R01 AI123931/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Customary and routine practice of geostatistical modeling assumes that inter-point distances are a Euclidean metric (i.e., as the crow flies) when characterizing spatial variation. There are many real-world settings, however, in which the use of a non-Euclidean distance is more appropriate, for example in complex bodies of water. However, if such a distance is used with current semivariogram functions, the resulting spatial covariance matrices are no longer guaranteed to be positive-definite. Previous attempts to address this issue for geostatistical prediction (i.e., kriging) models transform the non-Euclidean space into a Euclidean metric, such as through multi-dimensional scaling (MDS). However, these attempts estimate spatial covariances only after distances are scaled. An alternative method is proposed to re-estimate a spatial covariance structure originally based on a non-Euclidean distance metric to ensure validity. This method is compared to the standard use of Euclidean distance, as well as a previously utilized MDS method. All methods are evaluated using cross-validation assessments on both simulated and real-world experiments. Results show a high level of bias in prediction variance for the previously developed MDS method that has not been highlighted previously. Conversely, the proposed method offers a preferred tradeoff between prediction accuracy and prediction variance and at times outperforms the existing methods for both sets of metrics. Overall results indicate that this proposed method can provide improved geostatistical predictions while ensuring valid results when the use of non-Euclidean distances is warranted.}, } @article {pmid31826758, year = {2019}, author = {Osvath, M and Kabadayi, C}, title = {A theory stuck in evolutionary and historical time.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {42}, number = {}, pages = {e268}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X19000359}, pmid = {31826758}, issn = {1469-1825}, mesh = {*Cognition ; *Emotions ; }, abstract = {We argue that the two temporal cognition systems are conceptually too confined to be helpful in understanding the evolution of temporal cognition. In fact, we doubt there are two systems. In relation to this, we question that the authors did not describe the results of our planning study on ravens correctly, as this is of consequence to their theory.}, } @article {pmid31819582, year = {2019}, author = {Yi, DJ and Hwang, S and Son, J and Yushmanova, I and Anson Spenta, K and St Rose, S}, title = {Real-World Safety And Effectiveness Of OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment Of Crow's Feet Lines And Glabellar Lines: Results Of A Korean Postmarketing Surveillance Study.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {851-856}, pmid = {31819582}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {PURPOSE: OnabotulinumtoxinA is approved in the Republic of Korea for the treatment of moderate-to-severe crow's feet lines (CFL) and glabellar lines (GL), separately or in combination. We assessed safety and effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA in real-world clinical practice.

PATIENT AND METHODS: This 4-year postmarketing surveillance study was conducted in the Republic of Korea in subjects with moderate-to-severe CFL. Subjects aged 18 to 75 years received onabotulinumtoxinA injections for CFL alone or in combination with GL. Safety assessments included adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and unexpected AEs (not noted in Korean prescribing information). Investigators assessed effectiveness via change from baseline in CFL.

RESULTS: The full analysis set comprised 695 subjects; 667 were in the safety set and 376 in the effectiveness set. In the safety set, mean ± SD age was 40.9±13.0 years; most subjects (87.3%) were female. More subjects were treated for CFL (69.9%) than CFL and GL simultaneously (30.1%). Eleven subjects experienced 14 AEs; 12 were mild in severity and 11 resolved without sequelae. Two cases of injection site pain in 2 subjects each were deemed possibly related to onabotulinumtoxinA. One unexpected SAE (acute renal failure) occurred in 1 subject (0.15%). All unexpected AEs (n=4) were mild and considered unrelated to treatment. Overall change from baseline showed CFL was improved in 375 subjects (99.7%) and unchanged in 1 subject (0.3%).

CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated and effective for treatment of CFL with or without GL in a real-world Korean population. No new safety concerns were identified.}, } @article {pmid31805246, year = {2019}, author = {Gustafsson, DR and Bush, SE}, title = {The Genus Brueelia (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera: Philopteridae) of North American Jays and Allies (Aves: Passeriformes: Corvidae), with Descriptions of Five New Species.}, journal = {The Journal of parasitology}, volume = {105}, number = {6}, pages = {893-903}, pmid = {31805246}, issn = {1937-2345}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Crows/parasitology ; Female ; Ischnocera/anatomy & histology/*classification ; Lice Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; Male ; North America ; Passeriformes/*parasitology ; }, abstract = {Five new species of chewing lice in the genus Brueelia Kéler, 1936 , are described from North American jays and allies. They are Brueelia mexicana n. sp. from Aphelocoma woodhouseii cyanotis Ridgway, 1887 ; Brueelia bonnevillensis n. sp. from Aphelocoma woodhouseii nevadae Pitelka, 1945 ; Brueelia diblasiae n. sp. from Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis (Ridgway, 1873); Brueelia tempestwilliamsae n. sp. from Gymnorhinus cyanocephala Wied-Neuwied, 1841 ; Brueelia mcnewae n. sp. from Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson, 1811). An identification key to the Brueelia on corvid hosts is provided.}, } @article {pmid31800488, year = {2019}, author = {Smyth, SF and Beversdorf, DQ}, title = {Muscarinic and Nicotinic Modulation of Memory but not Verbal Problem-solving.}, journal = {Cognitive and behavioral neurology : official journal of the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology}, volume = {32}, number = {4}, pages = {278-283}, pmid = {31800488}, issn = {1543-3641}, support = {K23 NS043222/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Cognition/drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory Disorders/*metabolism ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Muscarinic Antagonists/*adverse effects ; Nicotinic Antagonists/*adverse effects ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Aspects of cognitive flexibility are modulated by the noradrenergic system, which is important in arousal and attention. Acetylcholine also modulates arousal and attention, as well as working memory. Effects of muscarinic and nicotinic antagonism on memory are well established. Our purpose was to test whether muscarinic and nicotinic antagonism affect aspects of cognitive flexibility, specifically verbal problem-solving, as well as memory, given acetylcholine's role in attention and arousal. Eighteen participants attended three testing sessions. Two hours before testing, participants received either 0.6 mg scopolamine, 10 mg mecamylamine, or placebo. Then, participants were tested on three memory tasks (Buschke Selective Reminding Test [BSRT], California Verbal Learning Test [CVLT], Rey Complex Figure Test), two verbal problem-solving/cognitive flexibility tasks (Compound Remote Associates Test, a timed anagram test), and a spatial inductive reasoning task (Raven's Progressive Matrices). Task order and drug order were counterbalanced. Memory impairment was seen on one BSRT measure and multiple CVLT measures with scopolamine, and with one BSRT measure with mecamylamine. There were no effects of either drug on any of the tasks involving cognitive flexibility, including verbal problem-solving. Specific memory impairments were detected using muscarinic, and to a marginal extent, nicotinic antagonists, as expected, but no effect was seen on cognitive flexibility. Therefore, although both the noradrenergic and cholinergic systems play important roles in arousal and cortical signal-to-noise processing, the cholinergic system does not appear to have the same effect as the noradrenergic system on cognitive flexibility, including verbal problem-solving.}, } @article {pmid31788195, year = {2019}, author = {Chiffard, J and Delestrade, A and Yoccoz, NG and Loison, A and Besnard, A}, title = {Warm temperatures during cold season can negatively affect adult survival in an alpine bird.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {9}, number = {22}, pages = {12531-12543}, pmid = {31788195}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Climate seasonality is a predominant constraint on the lifecycles of species in alpine and polar biomes. Assessing the response of these species to climate change thus requires taking into account seasonal constraints on populations. However, interactions between seasonality, weather fluctuations, and population parameters remain poorly explored as they require long-term studies with high sampling frequency. This study investigated the influence of environmental covariates on the demography of a corvid species, the alpine chough Pyrrhocorax graculus, in the highly seasonal environment of the Mont Blanc region. In two steps, we estimated: (1) the seasonal survival of categories of individuals based on their age, sex, etc., (2) the effect of environmental covariates on seasonal survival. We hypothesized that the cold season-and more specifically, the end of the cold season (spring)-would be a critical period for individuals, and we expected that weather and individual covariates would influence survival variation during critical periods. We found that while spring was a critical season for adult female survival, it was not for males. This is likely because females are dominated by males at feeding sites during snowy seasons (winter and spring), and additionally must invest energy in egg production. When conditions were not favorable, which seemed to happen when the cold season was warmer than usual, females probably reached their physiological limits. Surprisingly, adult survival was higher at the beginning of the cold season than in summer, which may result from adaptation to harsh weather in alpine and polar vertebrates. This hypothesis could be confirmed by testing it with larger sets of populations. This first seasonal analysis of individual survival over the full life cycle in a sedentary alpine bird shows that including seasonality in demographic investigations is crucial to better understand the potential impacts of climate change on cold ecosystems.}, } @article {pmid31784911, year = {2020}, author = {Wang, R and Chen, B and Li, Y and Wang, T and Ding, W}, title = {Complete genomic sequence of crow-dipper mosaic-associated virus, a novel macluravirus infecting Pinellia ternata.}, journal = {Archives of virology}, volume = {165}, number = {2}, pages = {491-494}, doi = {10.1007/s00705-019-04471-y}, pmid = {31784911}, issn = {1432-8798}, support = {2016-I2M-3-017//Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; }, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; China ; Crows/virology ; Genome Size/genetics ; Genome, Viral/*genetics ; Genomics/methods ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Mosaic Viruses/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Pinellia/*virology ; Plant Diseases/virology ; Polyproteins/genetics ; Potyviridae/*genetics ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; Satellite Viruses/*genetics ; Viral Proteins/genetics ; }, abstract = {A new macluravirus infecting Pinellia ternata in China was identified by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and tentatively named "crow-dipper mosaic-associated virus" (CrdMV). The complete genome sequence of CrdMV was determined by reverse transcription (RT) PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR. The genomic RNA of CrdMV consists of 8,454 nucleotides (nt), excluding the poly(A) tail at the 3' end. CrdMV has a genomic structure typical of macluraviruses, with large open reading frame encoding a polyprotein of 2,696 amino acids (aa). CrdMV shares 54.40%-59.37% nt sequence identity at the genome sequence level, 48.00%-58.58% aa sequence identity, at the polyprotein sequence level and 37.27%-49.22% aa sequence identity at the CP sequence level with other members of the genus Macluravirus. These values are well below the species demarcation threshold for the family Potyviridae. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequences of polyproteins confirmed that CrdMV clusters closely with broad-leafed dock virus A (BDVA, GenBank accession no. KU053507). These results suggest that CrdMV should be considered a distinct member of the genus Macluravirus.}, } @article {pmid31767092, year = {2019}, author = {Ziegler, U and Fischer, D and Eiden, M and Reuschel, M and Rinder, M and Müller, K and Schwehn, R and Schmidt, V and Groschup, MH and Keller, M}, title = {Sindbis virus- a wild bird associated zoonotic arbovirus circulates in Germany.}, journal = {Veterinary microbiology}, volume = {239}, number = {}, pages = {108453}, doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108453}, pmid = {31767092}, issn = {1873-2542}, mesh = {Alphavirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/*virology ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/transmission/*virology ; Birds/virology ; Genotype ; Germany/epidemiology ; Humans ; Mosquito Vectors/*virology ; Phylogeny ; Sindbis Virus/*classification/genetics/physiology ; Zoonoses/epidemiology/transmission/*virology ; }, abstract = {Sindbis virus (SINV) is an arbovirus causing clinical symptoms such as arthritis, rash and fever following human infections in Fennoscandia. Its transmission cycle involves mosquito species as vectors as well as wild birds that act as natural reservoir hosts. In Germany, SINV was first time observed in 2009 in different mosquito species in the Upper Rhine valley and one year later in a hooded crow in Berlin. Recently, SINV was also detected repeatedly at various locations in Germany in the context of a mosquitoes monitoring program for arboviruses. In this study, we detected for just the second time a SINV infection in a diseased wild bird (common wood pigeon) from Central Europe. SINV was isolated by cell culture and the complete SINV genome sequence was determined. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a close affiliation to SINV genotype I with a high similarity to human isolate sequences from Finland, Sweden and Russia. The isolate was genetically distinct from the first avian isolate suggesting the circulation of at least two different SINV strains in Germany. In order to reveal the infection frequency in SINV positive mosquito regions 749 bird blood samples were assayed serologically and SINV antibodies found primarily in resident birds. SINV is therefore endemically circulating in mosquitoes in Germany, which results in occasional bird infections. No data are yet available on zoonotic transmission to humans.}, } @article {pmid31764410, year = {2020}, author = {Cai, L and Chen, Y and Hu, X and Guo, Y and Zhao, X and Sun, T and Wu, Y and Li, X}, title = {An Epidemiological Study of Chinese Children with Developmental Dyslexia.}, journal = {Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP}, volume = {41}, number = {3}, pages = {203-211}, doi = {10.1097/DBP.0000000000000751}, pmid = {31764410}, issn = {1536-7312}, mesh = {Child ; China/epidemiology ; Dyslexia/diagnosis/*epidemiology ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Sex Factors ; *Socioeconomic Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological studies of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) in China are still limited. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence rate, risk factors, and psychiatric comorbidities of Chinese DD in Guangzhou, a city in South China.

METHOD: A total of 1661 students from second to fifth grades were recruited. The dyslexic students were identified by evaluating learning disability through the Pupil Rating Scale-Revised Screening for Learning Disability (PRS) scale by the head teachers and word recognition through the standard test. Students with a PRS score of <65 received the Raven's test, and those with intelligence quotient scores below 80 in the Raven's test were excluded. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire completed by parents.

RESULTS: The prevalence rate of Chinese DD was 4.9% in Guangzhou city. There were significant differences in gender, the paternal educational level, and reading experience before the age of 6 years between the DD group and the non-DD group. Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.17), low paternal educational level (p = 0.045), and lack of reading experience before the age of 6 years (OR = 1.99) were the risk factors for DD. The DD cases had a higher risk of hyperactivity and inattention (OR = 3.21).

CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence rate of DD was 4.9% in Guangzhou city. Male gender, low paternal educational level, and lack of reading experience before the age of 6 years were the risk factors for Chinese DD. The high comorbidity rate of hyperactivity and inattention in the Chinese DD population needs further evaluation.}, } @article {pmid31762100, year = {2020}, author = {Jokimäki, J and Suhonen, J and Benedetti, Y and Diaz, M and Kaisanlahti-Jokimäki, ML and Morelli, F and Pérez-Contreras, T and Rubio, E and Sprau, P and Tryjanowski, P and Ibánez-Álamo, JD}, title = {Land-sharing vs. land-sparing urban development modulate predator-prey interactions in Europe.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {e02049}, doi = {10.1002/eap.2049}, pmid = {31762100}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; *Birds ; Cats ; Cities ; Ecosystem ; Europe ; Humans ; Nesting Behavior ; Predatory Behavior ; *Urban Renewal ; }, abstract = {Urban areas are expanding globally as a consequence of human population increases, with overall negative effects on biodiversity. To prevent the further loss of biodiversity, it is urgent to understand the mechanisms behind this loss to develop evidence-based sustainable solutions to preserve biodiversity in urban landscapes. The two extreme urban development types along a continuum, land-sparing (large, continuous green areas and high-density housing) and land-sharing (small, fragmented green areas and low-density housing) have been the recent focus of debates regarding the pattern of urban development. However, in this context, there is no information on the mechanisms behind the observed biodiversity changes. One of the main mechanisms proposed to explain urban biodiversity loss is the alteration of predator-prey interactions. Using ground-nesting birds as a model system and data from nine European cities, we experimentally tested the effects of these two extreme urban development types on artificial ground nest survival and whether nest survival correlates with the local abundance of ground-nesting birds and their nest predators. Nest survival (n = 554) was lower in land-sharing than in land-sparing urban areas. Nest survival decreased with increasing numbers of local predators (cats and corvids) and with nest visibility. Correspondingly, relative abundance of ground-nesting birds was greater in land-sparing than in land-sharing urban areas, though overall bird species richness was unaffected by the pattern of urban development. We provide the first evidence that predator-prey interactions differ between the two extreme urban development types. Changing interactions may explain the higher proportion of ground-nesting birds in land-sparing areas, and suggest a limitation of the land-sharing model. Nest predator control and the provision of more green-covered urban habitats may also improve conservation of sensitive birds in cities. Our findings provide information on how to further expand our cities without severe loss of urban-sensitive species and give support for land-sparing over land-sharing urban development.}, } @article {pmid31761457, year = {2020}, author = {Hirschl, RB and Newman, E and Cooke-Barber, J and Garcia, V}, title = {APSA 5.0: Saving even more lifetimes the Jay and Margie Grosfeld presidential symposium.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric surgery}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {2-17}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.10.004}, pmid = {31761457}, issn = {1531-5037}, mesh = {Humans ; Pediatrics/*organization & administration ; Poverty ; Racism ; United States ; }, abstract = {In light of APSA's 50th Anniversary, the typical Presidential Address was transformed into a "symposium" consisting of talks on the maturation of our organization to APSA 5.0 and the issues and opportunities related to its internal and external environment, especially as they apply to our pediatric surgical patients. Speakers included the President and experts in the fields of diversity, as well as inequity and poverty in the United States.}, } @article {pmid31754855, year = {2020}, author = {Liu, D and Brice, B and Elliot, A and Ryan, U and Yang, R}, title = {Molecular and morphological analysis of a Caryospora-like isolate (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) (Latham, 1801) in Western Australia.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {119}, number = {2}, pages = {611-621}, pmid = {31754855}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan ; Eimeriidae/*classification/cytology/isolation & purification ; Female ; Male ; Oocysts/classification ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; Songbirds/*parasitology ; Sporozoites ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {A new Caryospora-like isolate is described from a magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of the Caryospora-like isolate (n = 35) are subspherical with a shape index of 1.13 ((21.5 (19.7-23.6) × 19.0 (18.1-19.8) μm). The bilayered oocyst wall is smooth. Micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocyst is ellipsoidal, 18.9 (17.2-20.8) × 12.3 (11.9-12.8) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.54. The sporocyst wall is bilayered. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body is small and flattened and the substieda is trapezoidal. Sporocyst with eight sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are vermiform, 18.9 (17.2-20.8) × 12.3 (11.9-12.8) μm and have striations at the anterior end. Each sporozoite has both anterior and posterior refractile bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present. Molecular characterization of the isolated Caryospora-like oocysts was conducted at the 18S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. At the 18S rRNA locus, the Caryospora-like isolate exhibited 88.8% to 96.5% similarity with other Caryospora spp. from different hosts. At the COI locus, it showed 91.5% similarity to Caryospora cf. bigenetica JB-2013 (KF859856) from the rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus.}, } @article {pmid31753993, year = {2019}, author = {Klump, BC}, title = {Of crows and tools.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {366}, number = {6468}, pages = {965}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaz7775}, pmid = {31753993}, issn = {1095-9203}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Hawaii ; New Caledonia ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, } @article {pmid31749726, year = {2019}, author = {Ye, T and Li, P and Zhang, Q and Gu, Q and Lu, X and Gao, Z and Shen, M}, title = {Relation Between Working Memory Capacity of Biological Movements and Fluid Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {2313}, pmid = {31749726}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Studies have revealed that there is an independent buffer for holding biological movements (BM) in working memory (WM), and this BM-WM has a unique link to our social ability. However, it remains unknown as to whether the BM-WM also correlates to our cognitive abilities, such as fluid intelligence (Gf). Since BM processing has been considered as a hallmark of social cognition, which distinguishes from canonical cognitive abilities in many ways, it has been hypothesized that only canonical object-WM (e.g., memorizing color patches), but not BM-WM, emerges to have an intimate relation with Gf. We tested this prediction by measuring the relationship between WM capacity of BM and Gf. With two Gf measurements, we consistently found moderate correlations between BM-WM capacity, the score of both Raven's advanced progressive matrix (RAPM), and the Cattell culture fair intelligence test (CCFIT). This result revealed, for the first time, a close relation between WM and Gf with a social stimulus, and challenged the double-dissociation hypothesis for distinct functions of different WM buffers.}, } @article {pmid31749114, year = {2019}, author = {Lambert, CT and Sewall, KB and Guillette, LM}, title = {Questioning the developmental effects of group size on cognitive abilities.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {280-283}, pmid = {31749114}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Birds ; Cognition ; *Learning ; }, abstract = {Australian magpies living in larger social groups learned quicker and made fewer errors across four cognitive tasks compared with birds living in smaller social groups, and this pattern may be driven by a developmental effect associated with the cognitive demands of living in larger groups. While Smulders (2018, Learning and Behavior, 1-2, doi:10.3758/s13420-018-0335-0) questioned whether this group size-cognitive performance pattern was driven by motivation rather than cognitive abilities, we question whether there is truly evidence of a developmental effect and whether the relationship between group size and cognitive performance can be explained in other ways. We highlight potential alternative explanations for the relationship between group size and cognitive performance and highlight some of the theoretical issues underlying the developmental effects of group size on cognitive abilities.}, } @article {pmid31742538, year = {2019}, author = {Valiakos, G and Plavos, K and Vontas, A and Sofia, M and Giannakopoulos, A and Giannoulis, T and Spyrou, V and Tsokana, CN and Chatzopoulos, D and Kantere, M and Diamantopoulos, V and Theodorou, A and Mpellou, S and Tsakris, A and Mamuris, Z and Billinis, C}, title = {Phylogenetic Analysis of Bird-Virulent West Nile Virus Strain, Greece.}, journal = {Emerging infectious diseases}, volume = {25}, number = {12}, pages = {2323-2325}, pmid = {31742538}, issn = {1080-6059}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*virology ; Birds/virology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Genome, Viral ; Genomics/methods ; Greece/epidemiology ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*drug effects/*genetics/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {We report the full polyprotein genomic sequence of a West Nile virus strain isolated from Eurasian magpies dying with neurologic signs in Greece. Our findings demonstrate the local genetic evolution of the West Nile virus strain responsible for a human disease outbreak in the country that began in 2010.}, } @article {pmid31740861, year = {2019}, author = {Khan, A and Chawla, RK and Guo, M and Wang, C}, title = {Risk factors associated with anaemia among adolescent girls: a cross sectional study in District Peshawar, Pakistan.}, journal = {JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association}, volume = {69}, number = {11}, pages = {1591-1595}, doi = {10.5455/JPMA.295006.}, pmid = {31740861}, issn = {0030-9982}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anemia/*epidemiology/physiopathology ; Child ; Cognition/physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Heart Rate/physiology ; Hemoglobins/analysis ; Humans ; Literacy/statistics & numerical data ; Pakistan/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk factors associated with anaemia among adolescent girls.

METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 schools in district Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and comprised adolescent girls aged 10-14 years who were divided into two equal groups on the basis of haemoglobin levels; group 1 had those with haemoglobin <12, and group 2 12gm/dl. Anthropometric measurements were taken and haemoglobin concentration was determined by the Hemo'cue method. Physical activity was determined by Modified Harvard step test, cognitive functions were assessed by Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. SPSS 16 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Of the 100 subjects, 50(50%) each were in the two groups. Illiteracy rate was significantly higher among the fathers and mothers of group 1 girls (p0.05). Mean haemoglobin in group 1 was 10.28±1.33 g/dl and group 2 12.73±0.58 g/dl. Mean number of steps climbed by group 1 girls were 154.6±54.6 and a longer period of time was taken to recover the basal pulse rate by them compared to group 2 counterparts (p0.05). The mean resting pulse rate in group 1 was significantly higher compared to group 2 (p0.05). Also, group 1 scored significantly lower in the cognitive function test(p0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic status, parent education, body mass index, physical work capacity, cogn itive func tion of anaemic girls was significa ntly lower than non anaemic girls.}, } @article {pmid31736887, year = {2019}, author = {Du, J and Luo, J and Huang, J and Wang, C and Li, M and Wang, B and Wang, B and Chang, H and Ji, J and Sen, K and He, H}, title = {Emergence of Genetic Diversity and Multi-Drug Resistant Campylobacter jejuni From Wild Birds in Beijing, China.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {2433}, pmid = {31736887}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is considered as an opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that may cause gastroenteritis in humans and other animals. Wild birds may be as potential vectors of C. jejuni around urban and suburban areas. Here, 520 samples were collected from 33 wild bird species in urban and suburban areas, Beijing. In total 57 C. jejuni were isolated from seven species. It was found that Nineteen (33.33%, 19/57) isolates were resistant to at least one of 11 antibiotics, especially streptomycin (36.84%) and four isolates resistant to all. Nineteen (33.33%, 19/57) isolates were multi-drug resistance. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of the isolates showed that 36 different sequence types (STs) belonged to four Clonal complexes and unassigned. Twenty STs (55.56%) and six alleles among them were first detected. Virulence genes including flaA, cadF, and the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) gene cluster, were detected in all isolates, but truncated cdt gene clusters only detected in the isolates from the crow, daurian jackdaw and silver pheasant. In conclusion, it was the first detection of C. jejuni involved truncated cdt gene clusters from the silver pheasant. These wild birds around urban and suburban areas may pose potential public health problems as reservoir vectors of C. jejuni.}, } @article {pmid31735150, year = {2020}, author = {Nieder, A and Mooney, R}, title = {The neurobiology of innate, volitional and learned vocalizations in mammals and birds.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {375}, number = {1789}, pages = {20190054}, pmid = {31735150}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {R01 DC013826/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH117778/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS099288/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; Language ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Mammals ; Motor Cortex ; *Neurobiology ; Neurons ; Phylogeny ; Primates ; Prosencephalon/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Songbirds/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; Volition/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Vocalization is an ancient vertebrate trait essential to many forms of communication, ranging from courtship calls to free verse. Vocalizations may be entirely innate and evoked by sexual cues or emotional state, as with many types of calls made in primates, rodents and birds; volitional, as with innate calls that, following extensive training, can be evoked by arbitrary sensory cues in non-human primates and corvid songbirds; or learned, acoustically flexible and complex, as with human speech and the courtship songs of oscine songbirds. This review compares and contrasts the neural mechanisms underlying innate, volitional and learned vocalizations, with an emphasis on functional studies in primates, rodents and songbirds. This comparison reveals both highly conserved and convergent mechanisms of vocal production in these different groups, despite their often vast phylogenetic separation. This similarity of central mechanisms for different forms of vocal production presents experimentalists with useful avenues for gaining detailed mechanistic insight into how vocalizations are employed for social and sexual signalling, and how they can be modified through experience to yield new vocal repertoires customized to the individual's social group. This article is part of the theme issue 'What can animal communication teach us about human language?'}, } @article {pmid31734863, year = {2020}, author = {Gjerde, B and de la Fuente, C and Alunda, JM and Luzón, M}, title = {Molecular characterisation of five Sarcocystis species in domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from Spain.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, pages = {215-231}, pmid = {31734863}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Female ; Phylogeny ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Sarcocystis/*classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Sarcocystosis/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/veterinary ; Sheep ; Sheep Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Sheep, Domestic ; Spain/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {The major aim of the present study was to determine by molecular methods whether the wide and narrow types of macroscopic sarcocysts in Spanish sheep belonged to different species, that is, Sarcocystis gigantea and Sarcocystis medusiformis, respectively. Additionally, we wanted to identify and characterize molecularly the species forming microscopic sarcocysts and determine the phylogenetic placement of all species found. Portions of the oesophagus, diaphragm and hind legs containing macroscopic sarcocysts were collected from slaughtered culled ewes at an abattoir in the Province of Madrid, Central Spain, but both macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts were isolated for molecular examination. Genomic DNA from 63 sarcocysts (21 macroscopic, 42 microscopic) were examined at the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1), while selected isolates of each species found were further examined at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The 63 sarcocysts comprised five cox1 sequence types, each corresponding to a particular sarcocyst type, and thus represented five Sarcocystis spp. The slender fusiform and thick macrocysts belonged to S. medusiformis and S. gigantea, respectively. The microscopic sarcocysts belonged to Sarcocystis arieticanis, Sarcocystis tenella and a Sarcocystis mihoensis-like species with slanting thorn-like cyst wall protrusions, which was characterised molecularly for the first time. Based on its phylogenetic position, the S. mihoensis-like species probably uses corvids as definitive hosts.}, } @article {pmid31729384, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and Westley, J and van der Vaart, K and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Behavioural plasticity and the transition to order in jackdaw flocks.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {5174}, pmid = {31729384}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Computer Simulation ; Crows/*physiology ; Models, Biological ; Social Behavior ; Spatial Behavior ; }, abstract = {Collective behaviour is typically thought to arise from individuals following fixed interaction rules. The possibility that interaction rules may change under different circumstances has thus only rarely been investigated. Here we show that local interactions in flocks of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) vary drastically in different contexts, leading to distinct group-level properties. Jackdaws interact with a fixed number of neighbours (topological interactions) when traveling to roosts, but coordinate with neighbours based on spatial distance (metric interactions) during collective anti-predator mobbing events. Consequently, mobbing flocks exhibit a dramatic transition from disordered aggregations to ordered motion as group density increases, unlike transit flocks where order is independent of density. The relationship between group density and group order during this transition agrees well with a generic self-propelled particle model. Our results demonstrate plasticity in local interaction rules and have implications for both natural and artificial collective systems.}, } @article {pmid31726310, year = {2020}, author = {Sarker, S and Batinovic, S and Talukder, S and Das, S and Park, F and Petrovski, S and Forwood, JK and Helbig, KJ and Raidal, SR}, title = {Molecular characterisation of a novel pathogenic avipoxvirus from the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen).}, journal = {Virology}, volume = {540}, number = {}, pages = {1-16}, doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2019.11.005}, pmid = {31726310}, issn = {1096-0341}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Avipoxvirus/*classification/*genetics/isolation & purification/ultrastructure ; Base Sequence ; Bird Diseases/*virology ; Birds/*virology ; Computational Biology/methods ; Data Curation ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Viral ; Genomics/methods ; Phylogeny ; Poxviridae Infections/*veterinary ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; }, abstract = {Avipoxviruses are significant pathogens infecting a wide range of wild and domestic bird species globally. Here, we describe a novel genome sequence of magpiepox virus (MPPV) isolated from an Australian magpie. In the present study, histopathologically confirmed cutaneous pox lesions were used for transmission electron microscopic analysis, which demonstrated brick-shaped virions with regular spaced thread-like ridges, indicative of likely infectious particles. Subsequent analysis of the recovered MPPV genome positioned phylogenetically to a distinct sub-clade with the recently isolated avipoxvirus genome sequences from shearwater and canary bird species, and demonstrates a high degree of sequence similarity with CNPV (96.14%) and SWPV-2 (95.87%). The novel MPPV complete genome is missing 19 genes with a further 41 genes being truncated/fragmented compared to SWPV-2 and contains nine predicted unique genes. This is the first avipoxvirus complete genome sequence that infects Australian magpie.}, } @article {pmid31725325, year = {2020}, author = {Kenny, SC}, title = {Capturing Racial Pathology: American Medical Photography in the Era of Jim Crow.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {110}, number = {1}, pages = {75-83}, pmid = {31725325}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history ; *History of Medicine ; History, 19th Century ; Humans ; New Orleans ; Photography/*history ; United States ; }, abstract = {This article focuses on the untapped, complicated, fragile, and fluid visual archives of the elite White surgeon Rudolph Matas, a large proportion of which was produced during the late 19th and early 20th century, a time when he was a resident at New Orleans' Charity Hospital in Louisiana and a professor of general and clinical surgery at Tulane University's Medical Department. The article's main aim is to understand the role of visual materials in the production, uses, circulation, and impact of a form of knowledge that Matas termed "racial pathology." A small but representative sample of visual materials from the Matas collection are placed in context and examined in order to make known this untold chapter from the life story of "one of the great pioneers" in American surgery. The article reveals that many of the photographs were most significant in having been produced and assembled in parallel with the making, publication, dissemination, reception, and use of Matas' racialized medical research, in particular his influential 1896 pamphlet, The Surgical Peculiarities of the American Negro.}, } @article {pmid31722895, year = {2019}, author = {}, title = {"Cellular mechanisms underlying steroid-resistant asthma." Ridhima Wadhwa, Kamal Dua, Ian M. Adcock, Jay C. Horvat, Richard Y. Kim and Philip M. Hansbro. Eur Respir Rev 2019; 28: 190021.}, journal = {European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society}, volume = {28}, number = {154}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1183/16000617.5096-2019}, pmid = {31722895}, issn = {1600-0617}, } @article {pmid31717721, year = {2019}, author = {Anand, PK and Shin, DR and Saxena, N and Memon, ML}, title = {Accelerated Reliability Growth Test for Magnetic Resonance Imaging System Using Time-of-Flight Three-Dimensional Pulse Sequence.}, journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {31717721}, issn = {2075-4418}, abstract = {A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a complex, high cost, and long-life product. It is a widely known fact that performing a system reliability test of a MRI system during the development phase is a challenging task. The major challenges include sample size, high test cost, and long test duration. This paper introduces a novel approach to perform a MRI system reliability test in a reasonably acceptable time with one sample size. Our approach is based on an accelerated reliability growth test, which consists of test cycle made of a very high-energy time-of-flight three-dimensional (TOF3D) pulse sequence representing an actual hospital usage scenario. First, we construct a nominal day usage scenario based on actual data collected from an MRI system used inside the hospital. Then, we calculate the life-time stress based on a usage scenario. Finally, we develop an accelerated reliability growth test cycle based on a TOF3D pulse sequence that exerts highest vibration energy on the gradient coil and MRI system. We use a vibration energy model to map the life-time stress and reduce the test duration from 537 to 55 days. We use a Crow AMSAA plot to demonstrate that system design reaches its useful life after crossing the infant mortality phase.}, } @article {pmid31712656, year = {2019}, author = {Krasheninnikova, A and Brucks, D and Buffenoir, N and Rivas Blanco, D and Soulet, D and von Bayern, A}, title = {Parrots do not show inequity aversion.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {16416}, pmid = {31712656}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Parrots ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Inequity aversion, the negative reaction to unequal treatment, is considered a mechanism for stabilizing cooperative interactions between non-kin group members. However, this might only be adaptive for species that switch cooperative partners. Utilizing a comparative approach, inequity aversion has been assessed in many mammalian species and recently also in corvids and one parrot species, kea, revealing mixed results. To broaden our knowledge about the phylogenetic distribution of inequity aversion, we tested four parrot species in the token exchange paradigm. We varied the quality of rewards delivered to dyads of birds, as well as the effort required to obtain a reward. Blue-headed macaws and African grey parrots showed no reaction to being rewarded unequally. The bigger macaws were less willing to exchange tokens in the "unequal" condition compared to the "equal high" condition in which both birds obtained high quality rewards, but a closer examination of the results and the findings from the control conditions reveal that inequity aversion does not account for it. None of the species responded to inequity in terms of effort. Parrots may not exhibit inequity aversion due to interdependence on their life-long partner and the high costs associated with finding a new partner.}, } @article {pmid31706170, year = {2019}, author = {Tallarita, GM and Parente, A and Giovagnoli, AR}, title = {The visuospatial pattern of temporal lobe epilepsy.}, journal = {Epilepsy & behavior : E&B}, volume = {101}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {106582}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106582}, pmid = {31706170}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {Adult ; Analysis of Variance ; Case-Control Studies ; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/*pathology ; Female ; Functional Laterality ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Male ; Memory Disorders/pathology ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Temporal Lobe/*pathology ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Unlike temporal lobe lesions, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has no definite effects on visuospatial functions. This retrospective study evaluated these functions in patients with TLE, aiming to clarify their relationships to TLE laterality and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected brain lesions.

METHODS: The Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Attentive Matrices (AM), Trail Making Test A (TMTA), Street Completion Test (SCT), Rey Complex Figure Copying (RCFC) and Delayed Reproduction (RCFDR), and Corsi Blocks Span (CBS) and Supraspan Learning (CBSSL) were used to assess different visuospatial functions in 198 patients with TLE and 90 healthy subjects.

RESULTS: In 169 patients (83 left), MRI revealed focal temporal lobe lesions [unilateral mesial temporal lobe sclerosis (MTLS) in 88 cases]. The patients with left or right TLE obtained normal scores on the RCPM, AM, TMTA, SCT, and RCFC, but their scores were significantly low on the CBS, CBSSL, and RCFDR. The patients with MTLS obtained lower scores in comparison with the controls and the patients without lesions, whereas those with other lesions obtained low scores only on the CBSSL and those without lesions performed normally.

CONCLUSIONS: Temporal lobe epilepsy does not affect nonmemory visuospatial functions but significantly impairs visuosopatial memory and learning. This pattern is independent of TLE laterality, in keeping with a modality-specific memory model. On the contrary, the type of temporal lobe lesion is relevant to the severity of impairment.}, } @article {pmid31701217, year = {2020}, author = {Zack, F and Schau, H and Dalchow, A and Rock, M and Blaas, V and Büttner, A}, title = {Lesions and characteristic injury patterns caused by high-voltage fault arcs.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {134}, number = {4}, pages = {1353-1359}, doi = {10.1007/s00414-019-02173-3}, pmid = {31701217}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Burns, Electric/*classification/*mortality/*pathology ; Cause of Death ; Female ; Germany/epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin/*injuries ; }, abstract = {Exposure to high-voltage electric arcs as a result of an accident or by means to commit suicide can affect people's health and cause death. There are characteristic external findings that can be found on external examination. These include extensive skin burns, periorbital recesses or "crow's feet," vapor deposition of conductor material, known as metallization, and tightly spaced, roundish, crocodile skin like burns. The Institute of Legal Medicine of the Rostock University Medical Center recorded 16 deaths caused by exposure to electricity between 1990 and 2018. Six of these deaths were caused by exposure to high-voltage electric arcs and five of these deaths (83 %) showed crocodile skin like burns and one had periorbital recesses burns on the face as a result of a fault arc. To our knowledge, the present paper is the first report describing the frequent occurrence of crocodile skin like burns due to high-voltage fault arcs.}, } @article {pmid31699762, year = {2019}, author = {Carter, MQ and Pham, A and Carychao, DK and Cooley, MB}, title = {Complete Genome Sequences of Two Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Crows.}, journal = {Microbiology resource announcements}, volume = {8}, number = {45}, pages = {}, pmid = {31699762}, issn = {2576-098X}, abstract = {Escherichia coli strains RM9088 and RM10410 were isolated from crows near a leafy greens-growing region in California in April and July 2009, respectively. Both strains carry genes encoding Shiga toxins and other virulence factors in enteric pathogens. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of RM9088 and RM10410.}, } @article {pmid31697448, year = {2020}, author = {Park, JY and Byun, EJ and Kim, HS}, title = {Rejuvenation of periocular region in Koreans: A multimodal approach combining botulinum toxin, fillers, and micro-focused ultrasound with visualization for optimal results.}, journal = {Dermatologic therapy}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {e13159}, doi = {10.1111/dth.13159}, pmid = {31697448}, issn = {1529-8019}, mesh = {Adult ; Asian People ; Botulinum Toxins/*administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Dermal Fillers/*administration & dosage ; Face ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Rejuvenation/physiology ; Republic of Korea ; *Skin Aging ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonic Therapy/*methods ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Periorbital aging involves all layers of the skin, fat, and the bony orbit. Therefore, a multimodal approach is necessary. Twenty Korean subjects who required periorbital rejuvenation were enrolled in this study. First, micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) was performed across the supra-brow area, lateral canthus, and the infraorbital area. Next, the filler was injected into the sunken upper eyelid, lateral eyebrow, and the infraorbital area. Lastly, botulinum toxin was administered into the forehead, glabella, crow's feet, and the lateral orbital rim below the brow on the same day. Photographs were taken at baseline; immediately after treatment; and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks of follow-up. The average eyebrow height was increased by 3.5 mm, and the maximum height was elevated by 3.9 mm at week 12. Physician visual analogue scale (VAS) scores regarding the whole periorbital area and eyebrow ptosis were continuously improved throughout the observation period. Physician VAS scores for infraorbital hollow and superior sulcus deformity improved immediately after the procedure and were maintained at week 12. Adverse events were mild and transient. We believe that a multimodal approach combining MFU-V, fillers, and botulinum toxin results in significant periocular rejuvenation.}, } @article {pmid31696744, year = {2019}, author = {Suh, DH and Park, HJ and Lee, SJ and Song, KY and Shin, MK}, title = {Superficial intense focused ultrasound on periorbital wrinkle.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {21}, number = {7-8}, pages = {412-416}, doi = {10.1080/14764172.2019.1689272}, pmid = {31696744}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Aged ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Face/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Republic of Korea ; Skin Aging/*pathology ; Ultrasonic Therapy/adverse effects/*methods ; }, abstract = {The periorbital wrinkles are easily perceived evidence of aging, so become a major concern for many patients. Various treatments have been attempted to improve periorbital wrinkles, but the need for new treatments that are less invasive and more effective is still high. In this study, we evaluated the safety, clinical and histological effects of intense focused ultrasound using only a 1.5 mm transducer in the management of periorbital wrinkles. Ten adult Korean females were enrolled. The treatment effect and safety profile were evaluated up to 3 months after 1 session of IFUS treatment on the periorbital wrinkles. The mean subjective satisfaction score was 3.2 ± 0.79 (mean ± standard deviation) by 5- point scale. The mean objective clinical improvement score was highest in the fine wrinkle on the crow's feet area and lowest in the deep wrinkles of the infraorbital and crow's feet area. Histometrically, increase of collagen and elastic fiber density was observed in the all layers of dermis. No serious side effects occurred after the treatment. In conclusion, intense focused ultrasound treatment using a 1.5-mm transducer alone can significantly improve periocular wrinkles after a single treatment with a good safety profile.}, } @article {pmid31692145, year = {2020}, author = {Jang, SI and Lee, M and Han, J and Kim, J and Kim, AR and An, JS and Park, JO and Kim, BJ and Kim, E}, title = {A study of skin characteristics with long-term sleep restriction in Korean women in their 40s.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {26}, number = {2}, pages = {193-199}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12797}, pmid = {31692145}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Adult ; Elasticity/physiology ; Face/diagnostic imaging/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; Middle Aged ; Photography ; Republic of Korea ; Skin/diagnostic imaging/*pathology ; Skin Aging/physiology ; Sleep Deprivation/diagnostic imaging/*pathology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated increased pore size and darkening skin color with total sleep deprivation. There are many studies of skin characteristics with short-term sleep restriction, but there are few studies on skin characteristics when sleep is restricted more than three consecutive days. This study evaluated skin changes with sleep limited to 4 hours per night for six nights.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 32 Korean women in their 40s. Skin hydration, desquamation, barrier recovery, texture, gloss, transparency, elasticity, crow's feet, frown lines, and color were measured. Individual sleep time was monitored by smartwatches. Subjects slept 8 hours per night for six nights in week one and 4 hours per night for six nights in week two.

RESULTS: Skin hydration was significantly reduced after 1 day of sleep deprivation, and it continued to decrease. Skin gloss, desquamation, transparency, elasticity, and wrinkles were significantly aggravated after 1 day of sleep deprivation. Skin texture was significantly aggravated on the fourth day of sleep restriction. Elasticity was most affected by reduced sleep, with a standardized coefficient of -.320, indicating a significant decrease over time as compared to other characteristics.

CONCLUSION: Skin hydration was gradually decreased with sleep restriction. Skin texture did not change after only 1 day of sleep restriction. It is a new finding that elasticity decreases more than other skin characteristics with prolonged sleep restriction.}, } @article {pmid31690210, year = {2019}, author = {Coomes, JR and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Correction to 'Evidence for individual discrimination and numerical assessment in collective antipredator behaviour in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula)'.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {11}, pages = {20190740}, doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2019.0740}, pmid = {31690210}, issn = {1744-957X}, } @article {pmid31685854, year = {2019}, author = {Holtmann, B and Buskas, J and Steele, M and Sokolovskis, K and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Dominance relationships and coalitionary aggression against conspecifics in female carrion crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {15922}, pmid = {31685854}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Aggression ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Social Dominance ; Videotape Recording ; Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Cooperation is a prevailing feature of many animal systems. Coalitionary aggression, where a group of individuals engages in coordinated behaviour to the detriment of conspecific targets, is a form of cooperation involving complex social interactions. To date, evidence has been dominated by studies in humans and other primates with a clear bias towards studies of male-male coalitions. We here characterize coalitionary aggression behaviour in a group of female carrion crows consisting of recruitment, coordinated chase, and attack. The individual of highest social rank liaised with the second most dominant individual to engage in coordinated chase and attack of a lower ranked crow on several occasions. Despite active intervention by the third most highly ranked individual opposing the offenders, the attack finally resulted in the death of the victim. All individuals were unrelated, of the same sex, and naïve to the behaviour excluding kinship, reproduction, and social learning as possible drivers. Instead, the coalition may reflect a strategy of the dominant individual to secure long-term social benefits. Overall, the study provides evidence that members of the crow family engage in coordinated alliances directed against conspecifics as a possible means to manipulate their social environment.}, } @article {pmid31680395, year = {2020}, author = {Jeong, GJ and Ahn, GR and Park, SJ and Hong, JY and Kim, BJ}, title = {A randomized, patient/evaluator-blinded, split-face study to compare the efficacy and safety of polycaprolactone and polynucleotide fillers in the correction of crow's feet: The latest biostimulatory dermal filler for crow's feet.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {7}, pages = {1593-1599}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13199}, pmid = {31680395}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {*Dermal Fillers/adverse effects ; Humans ; Polyesters ; Polynucleotides ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: No data on the clinical results and safety profiles of the polycaprolactone (PCL) -based dermal filler for crow's feet correction have been published.

AIMS: This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of a novel PCL-based dermal filler, DLMR01, with that of RJR, a purified polynucleotide dermal filler.

PATIENTS/METHODS: A total of 30 subjects with symmetric crow's feet of 2-4 points on the Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS) were enrolled in this randomized, patient/evaluator-blinded, split-face study. Each subject was randomized to receive injections of DLMR01 or RJR in their right or left crow's feet. At 4 and 12 weeks, all participants were evaluated via CFGS, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and PRIMOS software system.

RESULTS: No significant difference in CFGS, GAIS, and Ra value was detected between DLMR01 side and RJR at 12 weeks (improvement rate in CFGS from baseline at week 12-DLMR01: 48.28% [14/29], RJR: 41.38% [12/29]).

CONCLUSION: The novel PCL-based dermal filler DLMR01 shows suitable efficacy and safety, widening the selection possibilities for clinicians and patients in the treatment crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid31668669, year = {2020}, author = {Tanner, EM and Hallerbäck, MU and Wikström, S and Lindh, C and Kiviranta, H and Gennings, C and Bornehag, CG}, title = {Early prenatal exposure to suspected endocrine disruptor mixtures is associated with lower IQ at age seven.}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {105185}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2019.105185}, pmid = {31668669}, issn = {1873-6750}, support = {R01 ES028811/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Benzhydryl Compounds ; Child ; Endocrine Disruptors ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Mothers ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Triclosan ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are xenobiotics with the ability to interfere with hormone action, even at low levels. Prior environmental epidemiology studies link numerous suspected EDCs, including phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, results for some chemicals were inconsistent and most assessed one chemical at a time.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the overall impact of prenatal exposure to an EDC mixture on neurodevelopment in school-aged children, and identify chemicals of concern while accounting for co-exposures.

METHODS: Among 718 mother-child pairs from the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal, Mother and child, Asthma and allergy study (SELMA) study, we used Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression to assess the association between 26 EDCs measured in 1st trimester urine or blood, with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (IV) Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores at age 7 years. Models were adjusted for child sex, gestational age, mother's education, mother's IQ (RAVEN), weight, and smoking status. To evaluate generalizability, we conducted repeated holdout validation, a machine learning technique.

RESULTS: Using repeated holdout validation, IQ scores were 1.9-points (CI = -3.6, -0.2) lower among boys for an inter-quartile-range (IQR) change in the WQS index. BPF made the largest contribution to the index with a weight of 14%. Other chemicals of concern and their weights included PBA (9%), TCP (9%), MEP (6%), MBzP (4%), PFOA (6%), PFOS (5%), PFHxS (4%), Triclosan (5%), and BPA (4%). While we did observe an inverse association between EDCs and IQ among all children when training and testing the WQS index estimate on the full dataset, these results were not robust to repeated holdout validation.

CONCLUSION: Among boys, early prenatal exposure to EDCs was associated with lower intellectual functioning at age 7. We identified bisphenol F as the primary chemical of concern, suggesting that the BPA replacement compound may not be any safer for children. Future studies are needed to confirm the potential neurotoxicity of replacement analogues.}, } @article {pmid31645214, year = {2020}, author = {Schoener, ER and Tompkins, DM and Parker, KA and Howe, L and Castro, I}, title = {Presence and diversity of mixed avian Plasmodium spp. infections in introduced birds whose distribution overlapped with threatened New Zealand endemic birds.}, journal = {New Zealand veterinary journal}, volume = {68}, number = {2}, pages = {101-106}, doi = {10.1080/00480169.2019.1680326}, pmid = {31645214}, issn = {1176-0710}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; *Endangered Species ; *Genetic Variation ; *Introduced Species ; Malaria, Avian/epidemiology/*parasitology ; New Zealand/epidemiology ; Plasmodium/*classification ; }, abstract = {Aims: To determine the presence of infection and co-infection of Plasmodium lineages in introduced birds at translocation sites for the North Island saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater), to investigate their role as Plasmodium spp. reservoirs.Methods: Blood samples were collected from introduced bird species, with a special focus on blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos), at six locations in the North Island of New Zealand that were the origin, or translocation sites, for North Island saddleback. Where available, blood smears were examined, and blood samples were tested using nested PCR with subsequent sequence analysis, for the presence of Plasmodium spp.Results: Of the 55 samples tested using PCR analysis, 39 (71%) were positive for Plasmodium spp., and 28/40 (62%) blood smears were positive for Plasmodium spp. Overall, 31 blood samples were from blackbirds with 28/31 (90%) samples positive for Plasmodium spp. Six distinct avian Plasmodium lineages were identified, including three cosmopolitan lineages; Plasmodium vaughani SYAT05 was detected in 16 samples, Plasmodium matutinum Linn1 in 10 samples and Plasmodium elongatum GRW6 in eight samples. Mixed infections with more than one lineage were detected in 12 samples. Samples from two Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) were positive for Plasmodium. sp. lineage MYNA02, previously not identified in New Zealand.Conclusions and clinical relevance: This is the first report from New Zealand in which specific Plasmodium spp. mixed infections have been found in introduced birds. Co-infections with several cosmopolitan Plasmodium lineages were identified, as well as the first report in New Zealand of an exotic avian Plasmodium sp. lineage, in Australian magpies. Whilst the role of introduced birds in maintaining and spreading pathogenic avian malaria in New Zealand is unclear, there is a potential infection risk to native birds, especially where distributions overlap.}, } @article {pmid31640502, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and Westley, J and van der Vaart, K and Yin, J and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Collective turns in jackdaw flocks: kinematics and information transfer.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {16}, number = {159}, pages = {20190450}, pmid = {31640502}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The rapid, cohesive turns of bird flocks are one of the most vivid examples of collective behaviour in nature, and have attracted much research. Three-dimensional imaging techniques now allow us to characterize the kinematics of turning and their group-level consequences in precise detail. We measured the kinematics of flocks of wild jackdaws executing collective turns in two contexts: during transit to roosts and anti-predator mobbing. All flocks reduced their speed during turns, probably because of constraints on individual flight capability. Turn rates increased with the angle of the turn so that the time to complete turns remained constant. We also find that context may alter where turns are initiated in the flocks: for transit flocks in the absence of predators, initiators were located throughout the flocks, but for mobbing flocks with a fixed ground-based predator, they were always located at the front. Moreover, in some transit flocks, initiators were far apart from each other, potentially because of the existence of subgroups and variation in individual interaction ranges. Finally, we find that as the group size increased the information transfer speed initially increased, but rapidly saturated to a constant value. Our results highlight previously unrecognized complexity in turning kinematics and information transfer in social animals.}, } @article {pmid31637735, year = {2020}, author = {Nielsen, T and Kreiner, S and Teasdale, TW}, title = {Assessment of cognitive ability at conscription for the Danish army: Is a single total score sufficient?.}, journal = {Scandinavian journal of psychology}, volume = {61}, number = {2}, pages = {161-167}, doi = {10.1111/sjop.12586}, pmid = {31637735}, issn = {1467-9450}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition/*physiology ; Denmark ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Military Personnel/*psychology ; Psychometrics ; }, abstract = {Børge Priens Prøve (BPP) was developed for the Danish Army by psychologist Børge Prien in the 1950s, as a test of general cognitive ability for use at conscription for the Danish armed forces. The final BPP (1957) had four subtests; a Raven-like matrix subtest, and three subtests measuring verbal, numerical, and visuospatial ability. The BPP is a speeded test counting the number of correct responses within 45 minutes. Thus, we consider the BPP as a measure of "cognitive efficiency" rather than a pure measure of cognitive ability. The BPP is still in use.Using techniques available in 1960, Rasch concluded that the matrices and numerical tests appeared to satisfy the requirements of the Rasch (Probabilistic models for some intelligence and attainment tests, Danish Institute for Educational Research, Copenhagen; 1960) model, while the verbal and visuospatial tests did not. Since then, there have been, to our knowledge, no published studies of the psychometric scaling properties of the BPP, partly because the practice of the Danish draft board has been to record only the total score. We examine these properties by analysis of data from two cohorts (n = 9,491), using the Leunbach (A probabilistic measurement model for assessing whether two tests measure the same personal factor. The Danish Institute of Educational, Copenhagen, Denmark; 1976) model to assess whether the sum of the four subtests provides a statistically sufficient measure of a common latent trait. Since we found only weak evidence against fit to the Leunbach model, we claim that this warrants the use of a summarized total BPP score. We examined whether BPP subscales suffered from differential test functioning (DTF) relative to samples. Weak, and for practical purposes too weak, DTF was suggested for one subscale.}, } @article {pmid31633794, year = {2020}, author = {Kutschera, VE and Poelstra, JW and Botero-Castro, F and Dussex, N and Gemmell, NJ and Hunt, GR and Ritchie, MG and Rutz, C and Wiberg, RAW and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Purifying Selection in Corvids Is Less Efficient on Islands.}, journal = {Molecular biology and evolution}, volume = {37}, number = {2}, pages = {469-474}, pmid = {31633794}, issn = {1537-1719}, mesh = {Animals ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genetic Fitness ; Life History Traits ; Models, Genetic ; *Mutation ; Passeriformes/classification/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Population Density ; Selection, Genetic ; Whole Genome Sequencing/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {Theory predicts that deleterious mutations accumulate more readily in small populations. As a consequence, mutation load is expected to be elevated in species where life-history strategies and geographic or historical contingencies reduce the number of reproducing individuals. Yet, few studies have empirically tested this prediction using genome-wide data in a comparative framework. We collected whole-genome sequencing data for 147 individuals across seven crow species (Corvus spp.). For each species, we estimated the distribution of fitness effects of deleterious mutations and compared it with proxies of the effective population size Ne. Island species with comparatively smaller geographic range sizes had a significantly increased mutation load. These results support the view that small populations have an elevated risk of mutational meltdown, which may contribute to the higher extinction rates observed in island species.}, } @article {pmid31631901, year = {2019}, author = {Hudson, TB and Auwaijan, N and Yuan, FG}, title = {Guided Wave-based System for Real-time Cure Monitoring of Composites using Piezoelectric Discs and Phase-shifted Fiber Bragg Gratings.}, journal = {Journal of composite materials}, volume = {53}, number = {7}, pages = {969-979}, pmid = {31631901}, issn = {0021-9983}, support = {//Langley Research Center NASA/United States ; }, abstract = {A real-time, in-process cure monitoring system employing a guided wave-based concept for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites was developed. The system included a single piezoelectric disc that was bonded to the surface of the composite for excitation, and an embedded phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating (PS-FBG) for sensing. The PS-FBG almost simultaneously measured both quasi-static strain and the ultrasonic guided wave-based signals throughout the cure cycle. A traditional FBG was also used as a base for evaluating the high sensitivity of the PS-FBG sensor. Composite physical properties (degree of cure and glass transition temperature) were correlated to the amplitude and time of arrival of the guided wave-based measurements during the cure cycle. In addition, key state transitions (gelation and vitrification) were identified from the experimental data. The physical properties and state transitions were validated using cure process modeling software (e.g., RAVEN®). This system demonstrated the capability of using an embedded PS-FBG to sense a wide bandwidth of signals during cure. The distinct advantages of a fiber optic-based system include multiplexing of multiple gratings along a single optical fiber, small size compared to piezoelectric sensors, ability to embed or surface mount, utilization in harsh environments, electrically passive operation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity. The embedded PS-FBG fiber optic sensor can monitor the entire life-cycle of the composite structure from curing, post-cure/assembly, and in-service creating "smart structures".}, } @article {pmid31630344, year = {2020}, author = {Miller, R and Frohnwieser, A and Schiestl, M and McCoy, DE and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {Delayed gratification in New Caledonian crows and young children: influence of reward type and visibility.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {23}, number = {1}, pages = {71-85}, pmid = {31630344}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {3399933//FP7 Ideas: European Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cebus ; *Crows ; *Delay Discounting ; Humans ; Reward ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {Self-control underlies cognitive abilities such as decision making and future planning. Delay of gratification is a measure of self-control and involves obtaining a more valuable outcome in the future by tolerating a delay or investing a greater effort in the present. Contextual issues, such as reward visibility and type, may influence delayed gratification performance, although there has been limited comparative investigation between humans and other animals, particularly non-primate species. Here, we adapted an automated 'rotating tray' paradigm used previously with capuchin monkeys to test for delay of gratification ability that requires little pre-test training, where the subject must forgo an immediate, less preferred reward for a delayed, more preferred one. We tested New Caledonian crows and 3-5-year-old human children. We manipulated reward types to differ in quality or quantity (Experiments 1 and 2) as well as visibility (Experiment 2). In Experiments 1 and 2, both species performed better when the rewards varied in quality as opposed to quantity, though performed above chance in both conditions. In Experiment 1, both crows and children were able to delay gratification when both rewards were visible. In Experiment 2, 5-year-old children outperformed 3- and 4-year olds, though overall children still performed well, while the crows struggled when reward visibility was manipulated, a result which may relate to difficulties in tracking the experimenters' hands during baiting. We discuss these findings in relation to the role of contextual issues on self-control when making species comparisons and investigating the mechanisms of self-control.}, } @article {pmid31625954, year = {2020}, author = {Palm, MD and Few, J and Patel, T and Safa, M and Drinkwater, A and Mao, C and Garcia, JK}, title = {Efficacy, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Safety for Millennial Subjects Treated With OnabotulinumtoxinA for Moderate to Severe Horizontal Forehead Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {5}, pages = {653-661}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000002216}, pmid = {31625954}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Female ; *Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; Patient Satisfaction ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Millennials (aged 18-34 years) represent a growing segment of the facial aesthetic market.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate investigator-assessed efficacy, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and safety for millennials versus subjects aged at least 35 years after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of forehead lines (FHL) across 2 phase 3 studies.

METHODS: Eligible subjects with moderate to severe FHL received onabotulinumtoxinA (FHL: 20 U; glabellar lines: 20 U, with/without 24 U in crow's feet line regions) or placebo. All findings were pooled by the age group.

RESULTS: Millennials composed 15% of subjects (176/1,178). Day 30 responder rates of at least 1-grade Facial Wrinkle Scale improvement in FHL severity for millennials versus subjects aged 35 years and older were 100% versus 97.8% at maximum eyebrow elevation and 78.4% versus 83.5% at rest, respectively. Responder rates were significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA than placebo (p ≤ .015) for both groups through Day 180. Similar trends were observed for achieving none/mild severity. Both age groups reported high satisfaction rates and improved psychological impacts with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment. No new safety signals were detected.

CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment was well tolerated, and both age groups experienced significant improvements in FHL severity, high satisfaction, and improved psychological impacts after treatment. Millennials reported numerically greater improvements.}, } @article {pmid31622915, year = {2019}, author = {Held, S and Hallett, J and Schure, M and Knows His Gun McCormick, A and Allen, S and Milne-Price, S and Trottier, C and Bull Shows, B and Other Medicine, L and Inouye, J}, title = {Improving chronic illness self-management with the Apsáalooke Nation: Development of the Báa nnilah program.}, journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)}, volume = {242}, number = {}, pages = {112583}, pmid = {31622915}, issn = {1873-5347}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U01 MD010619/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; U54 GM104944/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Chronic Disease/ethnology/psychology/*therapy ; Community-Based Participatory Research ; Humans ; Indians, North American/ethnology/*psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Interviews as Topic/methods ; Montana/ethnology ; Qualitative Research ; Self-Management/*psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Universities/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Since 1996, members of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and faculty and students at Montana State University have worked in a successful community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership, leading to increased trust and improvements in health awareness, knowledge, and behaviors. As major barriers to health and healthy behaviors have caused inequities in morbidity and mortality rates for multiple chronic diseases among the Apsáalooke people, community members chose to focus the next phase of research on improving chronic illness management.

OBJECTIVE: Existing chronic illness self-management programs include aspects inconsonant with Apsáalooke culture and neglect local factors seen as vital to community members managing their health conditions. The aim of this study was to use CBPR methods grounded in Apsáalooke cultural values to develop an intervention for improving chronic illness self-management.

METHOD: Community members shared stories about what it is like to manage their chronic illness, including facilitators and barriers to chronic illness management. A culturally consonant data analysis method was used to develop a locally-based conceptual framework for understanding chronic illness management and an intervention grounded in the local culture.

RESULTS: Components of the intervention approach and intervention content are detailed and similarities and differences from other chronic illness management programs are described.

CONCLUSIONS: Our collaborative process and product may be helpful for other communities interested in using story data to develop research projects, deepen their understanding of health, and increase health equity.}, } @article {pmid31617250, year = {2020}, author = {El-Sayed, AK and Hassan, S}, title = {Gross morphological features of the air sacs of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix).}, journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia}, volume = {49}, number = {2}, pages = {159-166}, doi = {10.1111/ahe.12504}, pmid = {31617250}, issn = {1439-0264}, mesh = {Air Sacs/*anatomy & histology ; Animals ; Birds ; Bronchi/anatomy & histology ; Crows/*anatomy & histology ; Lung/anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {Air sacs are considered to be one of the controlling factors of bird behaviour and habits in addition to their roles in ventilation, regulating body temperature, swimming and flight. As a scavenger and an omnivorous flight bird, air sacs of the hooded crow were the focus of this study. Eight healthy, adult hooded crows were used to examine the morphological characteristics of the air sacs, which were examined grossly and with latex and cast preparations. In general, the morphological overview of the hooded crow air sacs is similar to other avian species. We observed nine air sacs; four paired sacs (cervical, cranial thoracic, caudal thoracic and abdominal air sacs) and one unpaired sac; the clavicular air sac. The cervical air sac communicated to the lung through the medioventral bronchus and had three diverticula; intermuscular, subscapular and subcutaneous. The clavicular air sac communicated with lung through the medioventral bronchus and had subscapular, axillary, humeral, subpectoral and sternal diverticula. The cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs were communicated with lung through the lateroventral bronchi and the both sacs did not have any diverticula. The abdominal air sacs were posterior to the caudal thoracic air sacs. The left abdominal sac was the largest air sac. The right and left abdominal sacs gave off branches to diverticula that pneumatized synsacrum. The abdominal air sacs gave off femoral diverticula behind the hip joint as well as perirenal diverticula.}, } @article {pmid31612638, year = {2020}, author = {Daneau, S and Bourbonnais, A and Legault, A}, title = {Surrogates' end-of-life decision-making process in nursing homes for residents with a neurocognitive disorder: An integrative review.}, journal = {International journal of older people nursing}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {e12274}, doi = {10.1111/opn.12274}, pmid = {31612638}, issn = {1748-3743}, support = {//Quebec Network on Nursing Intervention Research/ ; //Research Chair in Nursing Care for Older People and their Families/ ; //Faculty of Nursing at Université de Montréal/ ; //Minister of Education and Higher Education - Québec/ ; }, mesh = {Aged ; *Decision Making ; Family/*psychology ; Female ; *Homes for the Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Neurocognitive Disorders/*nursing ; *Nursing Homes ; *Proxy ; Terminal Care/*psychology ; Uncertainty ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review is to analyse articles on the experience of surrogates who find themselves making end-of-life decisions for a relative with a major neurocognitive disorder in a nursing home.

DESIGN: An integrative review of the literature based on Whittemore and Knafl's method.

DATA SOURCES: This review used the CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and Web of Science databases. A complementary search was also conducted via citation pearl searching, and the reference lists from the selected articles were manually verified.

REVIEW METHOD: The quality of the selected articles was assessed using the Crow Critical Appraisal Tool, and the data were extracted systematically and were then organised according to Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory. The data that did not correspond to any concept of the theory were excluded at this stage. Analysis was conducted using the method put forward by Miles, Huberman and Saldaña.

RESULTS: A total of 18 articles were selected: 11 qualitative, 5 quantitative and 1 using a mixed method, as well as 1 ethical argument. The subjects arising from the analysis of the articles were the types of decisions made, the support available for the surrogates, the role and involvement of the surrogates in the process and the factors that influence the decisions.

CONCLUSION: The results of this integrative review stimulate reflection on the needs of family members involved in making decisions, as well as on the nursing practice and research. Published literature is mainly from North America, and thus, more research is needed to better understand the impact of cultural and ethnic differences in the process, which was poorly covered by the existing literature. Also, exploring nurses' involvement in supporting surrogates may eventually better equip nurses for their interventions with surrogates.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Describing the illness progression and the signification of palliative care to the resident with a NCD and their surrogate decision makers, as well as discussing end-of-life care preferences as early as possible are all nursing interventions that could potentially enhance surrogates' end-of-life decision-making process.}, } @article {pmid31605623, year = {2020}, author = {Freeman, NE and Norris, DR and Sutton, AO and Newman, AEM}, title = {Raising young with limited resources: supplementation improves body condition and advances fledging of Canada Jays.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {101}, number = {1}, pages = {e02909}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2909}, pmid = {31605623}, issn = {1939-9170}, mesh = {Animals ; Corticosterone ; Dietary Supplements ; Feathers ; Ontario ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {Food availability early in life can play a vital role in an individual's development and success, but experimental evidence for the direct effects of food on body condition, physiology, and survival of young animals in the wild is still relatively scarce. Food-caching Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) begin breeding in the late winter and, therefore, rely on either cached food or seemingly limited quantities of fresh food to feed nestlings in the early spring. Using a 2-yr food supplementation experiment conducted during the nestling period and 40 yr of observational data on food supplemented by the public, we examined whether food quantity during early life influenced the physiology, body condition, timing of fledging, and survival of young Canada Jays in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Experimental food supplementation of breeding pairs advanced the fledging date of young by 24% (5.5 d) compared to controls. In 1 yr of the experiment, nestlings raised on experimentally supplemented territories had lower feather corticosterone concentrations and were in higher body condition than controls. Across treatment and control nests, young that successfully fledged had lower concentrations of feather corticosterone and were in higher body condition than those that did not fledge. Based on 40 yr of observational data, nestling body condition was positively related to the degree of food supplementation by park visitors and nestlings in higher body condition were more likely to be observed in the population in the following fall. Our results demonstrate how food availability early in life can have important downstream consequences on metrics related to individual fitness, including first year survival.}, } @article {pmid33366064, year = {2019}, author = {Huang, T and Zhou, L and Xu, Z}, title = {The characteristic of corvus pectoralis's complete mitochondrial genome and phylogeny analysis.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {3513-3514}, pmid = {33366064}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The Collared Crow (Corvus pectoralis), in the order Passeriformes, it widely distributed in large areas encompassing China and northern Vietnam. It is a vulnerable bird that is of international concern. In this study, we first sequenced and described the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogeny of C. pectoralis. The results showed that the whole genome of C. pectoralis was 16,857 bp long and contains 13 PCGs, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 23 transfer RNA genes, and 1 loop region. The overall base composition of the mitochondrial DNA was 31.13% for A, 29.52% for C, 24.46% for T, and 14.89% for G, with a GC content of 44.41%. The phylogenetic tree showed that C. pectoralis was clustered with C. brachyrhynchos and then together with other two crows in family Passeriformes. This information will be useful in the current understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of Passeriformes.}, } @article {pmid31600649, year = {2019}, author = {Mo, L and Zheng, X and Zhu, C and Sun, Y and Yu, L and Luo, X and Mai, B}, title = {Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in oriental magpie-robins from e-waste, urban, and rural sites: Site-specific biomagnification of POPs.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety}, volume = {186}, number = {}, pages = {109758}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109758}, pmid = {31600649}, issn = {1090-2414}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bioaccumulation ; China ; Electronic Waste/*analysis ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Environmental Pollutants/*metabolism ; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers/analysis ; Muscles/metabolism ; Passeriformes/*metabolism ; Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis ; Rural Population ; Urban Population ; }, abstract = {Plenty of banned and emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dechlorane plus (DP), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), were measured in oriental magpie-robins from an e-waste recycling site, an urban site (Guangzhou City), and a rural site in South China. Median concentrations of DDTs, PCBs, PBDEs, DP, and DBDPE ranged from 1,000-1,313, 800-59,368, 244-5,740, 24.1-127, and 14.7-36.0 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Birds from the e-waste site had significantly higher concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs than those from urban and rural sites (p < 0.05), implying contamination of PCBs and PBDEs brought by e-waste recycling activities. DDTs were the predominant POPs in birds from urban and rural sites. The values of δ[15]N were significantly and positively correlated with concentrations of p,p'-DDE and low-halogenated chemicals in samples from the e-waste site (p < 0.05), indicating the trophic magnification of these chemicals in birds. However, concentrations of most POPs were not significantly correlated with the δ[15]N values in birds from urban and rural sites. PCBs and PBDEs in birds from urban and rural sites were not likely from local sources, and the biomagnification of POPs in different sites needed to be further investigated with caution.}, } @article {pmid31598321, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, VE and Régli, N and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Social learning about dangerous people by wild jackdaws.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {6}, number = {9}, pages = {191031}, pmid = {31598321}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {For animals that live alongside humans, people can present both an opportunity and a threat. Previous studies have shown that several species can learn to discriminate between individual people and assess risk based on prior experience. To avoid potentially costly encounters, it may also pay individuals to learn about dangerous people based on information from others. Social learning about anthropogenic threats is likely to be beneficial in habitats dominated by human activity, but experimental evidence is limited. Here, we tested whether wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) use social learning to recognize dangerous people. Using a within-subjects design, we presented breeding jackdaws with an unfamiliar person near their nest, combined with conspecific alarm calls. Subjects that heard alarm calls showed a heightened fear response in subsequent encounters with the person compared to a control group, reducing their latency to return to the nest. This study provides important evidence that animals use social learning to assess the level of risk posed by individual humans.}, } @article {pmid31589059, year = {2020}, author = {Vanhooland, LC and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJM}, title = {Crows (Corvus corone ssp.) check contingency in a mirror yet fail the mirror-mark test.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {134}, number = {2}, pages = {158-169}, doi = {10.1037/com0000195}, pmid = {31589059}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Social Behavior ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Mirror reflections can elicit various behavioral responses ranging from social behavior, which suggests that an animal treats its own reflection as a conspecific, to mirror-guided self-directed behaviors, which appears to be an indication for mirror self-recognition (MSR). MSR is scarcely spread in the animal kingdom. Until recently, only great apes, dolphins, and elephants had successfully passed this test. The range of convergence was, however, expanded by an avian species, the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica). Efforts to find MSR in other corvid species have so far failed, and with only a few studies conducted, the cause of these discrepancies is difficult to identify. In the present study, we examined the responses to mirrors and the ability of MSR in hitherto untested species: the carrion and hooded crows (Corvus corone ssp.). These crows showed a pronounced and lasting interest in the mirror; unlike many species, they did not exhibit social behaviors on their first encounters but immediately started investigating the mirror. Some crows showed contingent behaviors in front of the mirror, but none of the crows showed significant mirror-guided self-directed behaviors nor mark-directed behavior during the subsequent mark test. This lack of mark-directed behavior could not be explained by a lack of interest in the mirror nor in the mark. These findings could indicate that crows lack a concept of self, or the need for other means of investigating self-recognition and self-awareness in avian species. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid31586552, year = {2019}, author = {Wilkins, C and Clayton, N}, title = {Reflections on the spoon test.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {134}, number = {}, pages = {107221}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2019.107221}, pmid = {31586552}, issn = {1873-3514}, mesh = {Animals ; Anticipation, Psychological/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Birds ; Humans ; *Memory, Episodic ; Mental Processes/*physiology ; Mental Recall ; }, abstract = {In this paper, we shall use Tulving's seminal empirical and theoretical research including the 'Spoon Test' to explore memory and mental time travel and its origins and role in planning for the future. We will review the comparative research on future planning and episodic foresight in pre-verbal children and non-verbal animals to explore how this may be manifest as wordless thoughts.}, } @article {pmid31580802, year = {2020}, author = {Tamati, TN and Ray, C and Vasil, KJ and Pisoni, DB and Moberly, AC}, title = {High- and Low-Performing Adult Cochlear Implant Users on High-Variability Sentence Recognition: Differences in Auditory Spectral Resolution and Neurocognitive Functioning.}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Audiology}, volume = {31}, number = {5}, pages = {324-335}, pmid = {31580802}, issn = {2157-3107}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Cochlear Implantation ; *Cochlear Implants ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Recognition, Psychology ; Speech ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postlingually deafened adult cochlear implant (CI) users routinely display large individual differences in the ability to recognize and understand speech, especially in adverse listening conditions. Although individual differences have been linked to several sensory (''bottom-up'') and cognitive (''top-down'') factors, little is currently known about the relative contributions of these factors in high- and low-performing CI users.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate differences in sensory functioning and neurocognitive functioning between high- and low-performing CI users on the Perceptually Robust English Sentence Test Open-set (PRESTO), a high-variability sentence recognition test containing sentence materials produced by multiple male and female talkers with diverse regional accents.

RESEARCH DESIGN: CI users with accuracy scores in the upper (HiPRESTO) or lower quartiles (LoPRESTO) on PRESTO in quiet completed a battery of behavioral tasks designed to assess spectral resolution and neurocognitive functioning.

STUDY SAMPLE: Twenty-one postlingually deafened adult CI users, with 11 HiPRESTO and 10 LoPRESTO participants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A discriminant analysis was carried out to determine the extent to which measures of spectral resolution and neurocognitive functioning discriminate HiPRESTO and LoPRESTO CI users. Auditory spectral resolution was measured using the Spectral-Temporally Modulated Ripple Test (SMRT). Neurocognitive functioning was assessed with visual measures of working memory (digit span), inhibitory control (Stroop), speed of lexical/phonological access (Test of Word Reading Efficiency), and nonverbal reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices).

RESULTS: HiPRESTO and LoPRESTO CI users were discriminated primarily by performance on the SMRT and secondarily by the Raven's test. No other neurocognitive measures contributed substantially to the discriminant function.

CONCLUSIONS: High- and low-performing CI users differed by spectral resolution and, to a lesser extent, nonverbal reasoning. These findings suggest that the extreme groups are determined by global factors of richness of sensory information and domain-general, nonverbal intelligence, rather than specific neurocognitive processing operations related to speech perception and spoken word recognition. Thus, although both bottom-up and top-down information contribute to speech recognition performance, low-performing CI users may not be sufficiently able to rely on neurocognitive skills specific to speech recognition to enhance processing of spectrally degraded input in adverse conditions involving high talker variability.}, } @article {pmid31574788, year = {2019}, author = {Miyazaki, H and Okuda, K and Ueno, K and Wada, Y and Kumegawa, S and Uemura, K and Sakata, Y and Asamura, S}, title = {Swinging Eyelid Approach to Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture.}, journal = {The Journal of craniofacial surgery}, volume = {30}, number = {7}, pages = {e655-e658}, doi = {10.1097/SCS.0000000000005731}, pmid = {31574788}, issn = {1536-3732}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Cicatrix/pathology ; Conjunctiva/surgery ; Ectropion/surgery ; Entropion/surgery ; Eyelids/*surgery ; Female ; Fractures, Bone/*surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla/surgery ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; }, abstract = {A surgical approach to zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture has not been standardized. The authors reviewed 15 cases of ZMC fractures treated with the swinging eyelid approach and evaluated the effectiveness of the technique by an observational study of Japanese patients. Results were assessed from authentic and functional perspectives: the presence of entropion/ectropion, external canthal malposition and chemosis of the conjunctiva. After a minimum follow-up of 10 months, no patients had lower eyelid ectropion, entropion or retraction. Wounds appeared inconspicuous, and a lateral canthal shape was preserved. No post-operative chemosis of the conjunctiva was observed. Each case was evaluated based on patient satisfaction about their aesthetic outcomes. Patient self-assessment is classified into 4 groups (excellent, good, fair, and unsatisfactory). Thirteen patients were assessed to have an "excellent" outcome, and 2 patients were assessed to have a "good" outcome. No patients had "fair" or "unsatisfactory" outcomes. Avoidance of scarring is a goal of every craniofacial surgeon. The swinging eyelid approach to ZMC fractures offers a simple alternative to the conventional technique. It is versatile and provides sufficient exposure to surgical fields with less visible scar because skin incision is made along the natural crease line, "the crow's feet."}, } @article {pmid31574715, year = {2019}, author = {Saakian, DB and Cheong, KH}, title = {Solution of the Crow-Kimura model with a periodically changing (two-season) fitness function.}, journal = {Physical review. E}, volume = {100}, number = {2-1}, pages = {022403}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.100.022403}, pmid = {31574715}, issn = {2470-0053}, mesh = {*Evolution, Molecular ; Genomics ; *Models, Genetic ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {Since the origin of life, both evolutionary dynamics and rhythms have played a key role in the functioning of living systems. The Crow-Kimura model of periodically changing fitness function has been solved exactly, using integral equation with time-ordered exponent. We also found a simple approximate solution for the two-season case. The evolutionary dynamics accompanied by the rhythms provide important insights into the properties of certain biological systems and processes.}, } @article {pmid31573430, year = {2019}, author = {Coomes, JR and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Evidence for individual discrimination and numerical assessment in collective antipredator behaviour in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {10}, pages = {20190380}, pmid = {31573430}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/H021817/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; }, abstract = {Collective responses to threats occur throughout the animal kingdom but little is known about the cognitive processes underpinning them. Antipredator mobbing is one such response. Approaching a predator may be highly risky, but the individual risk declines and the likelihood of repelling the predator increases in larger mobbing groups. The ability to appraise the number of conspecifics involved in a mobbing event could therefore facilitate strategic decisions about whether to join. Mobs are commonly initiated by recruitment calls, which may provide valuable information to guide decision-making. We tested whether the number of wild jackdaws responding to recruitment calls was influenced by the number of callers. As predicted, playbacks simulating three or five callers tended to recruit more individuals than playbacks of one caller. Recruitment also substantially increased if recruits themselves produced calls. These results suggest that jackdaws use individual vocal discrimination to assess the number of conspecifics involved in initiating mobbing events, and use this information to guide their responses. Our results show support for the use of numerical assessment in antipredator mobbing responses and highlight the need for a greater understanding of the cognitive processes involved in collective behaviour.}, } @article {pmid31572995, year = {2019}, author = {Sajan, SM and Ajayan, N and Nair, GD and Lionel, KR and Hrishi, AP}, title = {Anaesthetic Challenges in a Rare Syndrome: Perioperative Management of a Patient with POEMS Syndrome Who Underwent Umbilical Hernioplasty.}, journal = {Turkish journal of anaesthesiology and reanimation}, volume = {47}, number = {5}, pages = {420-422}, pmid = {31572995}, issn = {2667-677X}, abstract = {Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome also known as 'Crow Fukase syndrome' is a rare paraneoplastic disorder, first described by Crow and Fukase with distinctive features of polyradiculoneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes. There is a paucity of literature about anaesthetic management of patients with POEMS syndrome with isolated case reports of surgery under general anaesthesia and central neuraxial blockade. We present here the anaesthetic management of a patient with POEMS syndrome posted for umbilical hernia repair, which was successfully managed with a transverse abdominis plane (TAP) block.}, } @article {pmid31572597, year = {2019}, author = {Annan, RA and Apprey, C and Asamoah-Boakye, O and Okonogi, S and Yamauchi, T and Sakurai, T}, title = {The relationship between dietary micronutrients intake and cognition test performance among school-aged children in government-owned primary schools in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.}, journal = {Food science & nutrition}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {3042-3051}, pmid = {31572597}, issn = {2048-7177}, abstract = {Nutrients are critical for optimal brain development, and good nutritional status is associated with cognitive development and improvement. The relationship between micronutrients intake and cognition in Ghanaian school-aged children has not been studied. The study investigated dietary intakes of micronutrients and cognition test performance of school-aged children. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 438 school children, aged 9-13 years from ten randomly selected basic schools in Kumasi, Ghana. Socio-demographic data were obtained from a structured questionnaire. Dietary intakes of iron, zinc, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A were determined from repeated 24-hr dietary recall data from 351 children, while cognition test was performed using a Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM), a 36-question test. Among 351 children, 156 (44.4%) had inadequate zinc intake, whereas 96 (27.4%) had inadequate iron intake. More than 1 in 2 children had inadequate vitamin A intake while 55.8% and 53.0% had inadequate vitamin B12 and folate intakes, respectively. More school-aged boys (66.3%) than girls (46.8%) had inadequate vitamin B12 intake (χ [2] = 13.393, p < .001), while for iron, folate, vitamin B6, zinc, and vitamin A, the differences were not significant. Mean RCPM test score differed significantly between school type (p < .001), but did not differ between the different ages, and between children with adequate and inadequate iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin A intakes, except for folate intake (p = .050). Weak positive significant associations were observed between RCPM test score and zinc and folate intakes (p = .050). Dietary micronutrient intakes were inadequate in majority of these children, which put them at risk of weakened immune system and poor health, but did not show significant associations with RCPM performance. Further studies using other forms of cognition tests may help confirm our findings, and provide the impetus for the necessary interventions.}, } @article {pmid31567156, year = {2020}, author = {Poole, KG and Jordan, BL and Bostwick, JM}, title = {Mission Drift: Are Medical School Admissions Committees Missing the Mark on Diversity?.}, journal = {Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges}, volume = {95}, number = {3}, pages = {357-360}, doi = {10.1097/ACM.0000000000003006}, pmid = {31567156}, issn = {1938-808X}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cultural Diversity ; Education, Medical/*organization & administration ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Minority Groups/*statistics & numerical data ; *Organizational Objectives ; *School Admission Criteria ; Schools, Medical/*organization & administration ; Students, Medical/*statistics & numerical data ; United States ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Diversity initiatives in U.S. medical education, following the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, were geared toward increasing the representation of African Americans-blacks born in the United States whose ancestors suffered under slavery and Jim Crow laws. Over time, blacks and, subsequently, underrepresented minorities in medicine (URMs), became a proxy for African Americans, Puerto Ricans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans, thus obscuring efforts to identify and recruit specifically African Americans. Moreover, demographic shifts resulting from the recent immigration of black people from Africa and the Caribbean have both expanded the definition of "African American medical students" and shifted the emphasis from those with a history of suffering under U.S. oppression and poverty to anyone who meets a black phenotype.Increasingly, research indicates that African American patients fare better when their physicians share similar historical and social experiences. While all people of color risk discrimination based on their skin color, not all have the lived experience of U.S.-based, systematic, multigenerational discrimination shared by African Americans. In the high-stakes effort to increase URM representation in medical school classes, admissions committees may fail to look beyond the surface of phenotype, thus missing the original intent of diversity initiatives while simultaneously conflating all people of color, disregarding their divergent historical and social experiences. In this Perspective, the authors contend that medical school admissions committees must show greater discernment in their holistic reviews of black applicants if historical wrongs and continued underrepresentation of African Americans in medicine are to be redressed.}, } @article {pmid31567038, year = {2020}, author = {Latas, P and Auckland, LD and Teel, PD and Hamer, SA}, title = {ARGAS (PERSICARGAS) GIGANTEUS SOFT TICK INFECTION WITH RICKETTSIA HOOGSTRAALI AND RELAPSING FEVER BORRELIA ON WILD AVIAN SPECIES OF THE DESERT SOUTHWEST, USA.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {56}, number = {1}, pages = {113-125}, pmid = {31567038}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Arachnid Vectors ; Argas/*microbiology ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Birds/parasitology ; Borrelia/*isolation & purification ; Rickettsia/*isolation & purification ; Southwestern United States/epidemiology ; Species Specificity ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {Changing climatic conditions and the northward expansion of ticks and pathogens are of immense importance to human, animal, and environmental health assessment and risk management. From 2014 through 2015, a wildlife rehabilitation center in south-central Arizona, US noted soft ticks (Argasidae) infesting 23 birds, including Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii), Gray Hawks (Buteo plagiatus), Harris's Hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus), Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus), Common Ravens (Corvus corax), and a Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), during the late summer seasonal rainy seasons. The parasites numbered in the hundreds on individual birds. Infested birds were moribund, obtunded, or paralyzed on presentation, with no prior histories of illness or evidence of trauma. Tick and avian blood samples were collected for vector-borne pathogen analysis focusing on the molecular detection of Rickettsia and Borrelia species. Ticks were identified as the neotropical species of soft tick, Argas (Persicargas) giganteus; their occurrence in the southern US on raptors represented an expansion of host range. Pathogen testing of ticks showed that 41% of 54 ticks were infected with Rickettsia hoogstraalii and 23% of 26 ticks were infected with a relapsing fever Borrelia; both agents are associated with uncertain health consequences. Among the blood samples, one was infected with the same Borrelia spp.; this Red-tailed Hawk also had Borrelia-positive ticks. With supportive therapy, the majority of birds, 74% (17/23), recovered and were released or permanent residents. The management of soft tick-infested birds and mitigation of future disease risk will require additional characterizations of these poorly studied soft ticks and their associated pathogens.}, } @article {pmid31565563, year = {2019}, author = {Forti, LR and Haddad, CFB and Leite, F and Drummond, LO and de Assis, C and Crivellari, LB and Mello, CM and Garcia, PCA and Zornosa-Torres, C and Toledo, LF}, title = {Notes on vocalizations of Brazilian amphibians IV: advertisement calls of 20 Atlantic Forest frog species.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e7612}, pmid = {31565563}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Bioacoustics is a powerful tool used for anuran species diagnoses, given that advertisement calls are signals related to specific recognition and mate attraction. Thus, call descriptions can support species taxonomy. In spite of that, call descriptions are lacking for many species, delaying advances in biodiversity research. Here, we describe the advertisement calls of 20 anuran species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We accessed 50 digital recordings deposited in the Fonoteca Neotropical Jacques Vielliard. Acoustic analyses were carried out in the software Raven pro 1.5. We provide a general comparison of call structure among species inside taxonomic groups and genera. The vocalizations described here belong to poorly known species, which are representatives of six families: Brachycephalidae, Bufonidae, Ceratophryidae, Cycloramphidae, Hylidae, and Phyllomedusidae. Despite this, still there are 163 species of anurans from Atlantic Forest with calls not formally described. Our work represents an important step in providing data for a taxonomic perspective and improving the knowledge of the Atlantic Forest anuran diversity.}, } @article {pmid31553230, year = {2020}, author = {Galal, TM and Al-Sodany, YM and Al-Yasi, HM}, title = {Phytostabilization as a phytoremediation strategy for mitigating water pollutants by the floating macrophyte Ludwigia stolonifera (Guill. & Perr.) P.H. Raven.}, journal = {International journal of phytoremediation}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {373-382}, doi = {10.1080/15226514.2019.1663487}, pmid = {31553230}, issn = {1549-7879}, mesh = {Animals ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; *Crows ; Environmental Monitoring ; *Metals, Heavy ; *Onagraceae ; *Water Pollutants ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical ; }, abstract = {The present study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of the floating macrophyte Ludwigia stolonifera for removing trace metals from contaminated water bodies. Forty quadrats, distributed equally in eight sites (six polluted two unpolluted sites) were selected seasonally for water, sediment and plant investigations. The leaf area, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents of L. stolonifera were significantly reduced in polluted sites. L. stolonifera plants accumulated concentrations of the investigated trace metals in their roots higher than the shoots. The roots contributed to the highest concentrations of Al and Cu during spring; Fe, Mn and Ni during summer; Cd and Zn during autumn; and Cr and Pb during winter. Compared to the unpolluted sites, the below- and above-ground parts from the polluted sites accumulated higher concentrations of most investigated trace metals, except Fe. The below-ground parts of L. stolonifera had high seasonal potential for seasonal accumulation of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb with a bioaccumulation factor that exceeded 1, the translocation factor of the investigated metals was <1. Therefore, the study species is suitable for metals phytostabilization and thus can be considered a potential phytoremediator of these metals.}, } @article {pmid31549723, year = {2019}, author = {Kilpatrick, AM and Wheeler, SS}, title = {Impact of West Nile Virus on Bird Populations: Limited Lasting Effects, Evidence for Recovery, and Gaps in Our Understanding of Impacts on Ecosystems.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {56}, number = {6}, pages = {1491-1497}, pmid = {31549723}, issn = {1938-2928}, support = {R01 AI090159/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*virology ; *Birds/physiology ; North America ; Population Dynamics ; Species Specificity ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The introduction of West Nile virus to North America in 1999 had profound impacts on human and wildlife health. Here, we review studies of WNV impacts on bird populations and find that overall impacts have been less than initially anticipated, with few species showing sustained changes in population size or demographic rates across multiple regions. This raises four questions: 1) What is the evidence for WNV impact on bird populations and how can we strengthen future analyses? We argue that future studies of WNV impacts should explicitly incorporate temporal variation in WNV transmission intensity, integrate field data with laboratory experimental infection studies, and correct for multiple comparisons. 2) What mechanisms might explain the relatively modest impact of WNV on most bird populations? We suggest that spatial and temporal variation in WNV transmission moderates WNV impacts on species that occur in multiple habitats, some of which provide refugia from infection. 3) Have species recovered from the initial invasion of WNV? We find evidence that many species and populations have recovered from initial WNV impact, but a few have not. 4) Did WNV cause cascading effects on other species and ecosystems? Unfortunately, few studies have examined the cascading effects of WNV population declines, but evidence suggests that some species may have been released from predation or competition. We close by discussing potentially overlooked groups of birds that may have been affected by WNV, and one highlight species, the yellow-billed magpie (Pica nutalli Audubon, 1837 [Passeriformes: Corvidae]), that appears to have suffered the largest range-wide impact from WNV.}, } @article {pmid31547632, year = {2019}, author = {Jiménez de Oya, N and Escribano-Romero, E and Blázquez, AB and Martín-Acebes, MA and Saiz, JC}, title = {Current Progress of Avian Vaccines Against West Nile Virus.}, journal = {Vaccines}, volume = {7}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {31547632}, issn = {2076-393X}, support = {RTA-2015-00009-00-00 and E-RTA-2017-00003-C02-01//Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria/ ; S2018/BAA-4370 (PLATESA2-CM)//Comunidad de Madrid/ ; }, abstract = {Birds are the main natural host of West Nile virus (WNV), the worldwide most distributed mosquito-borne flavivirus, but humans and equids can also be sporadic hosts. Many avian species have been reported as susceptible to WNV, particularly corvids. In the case that clinical disease develops in birds, this is due to virus invasion of different organs: liver, spleen, kidney, heart, and mainly the central nervous system, which can lead to death 24-48 h later. Nowadays, vaccines have only been licensed for use in equids; thus, the availability of avian vaccines would benefit bird populations, both domestic and wild ones. Such vaccines could be used in endangered species housed in rehabilitation and wildlife reserves, and in animals located at zoos and other recreational installations, but also in farm birds, and in those that are grown for hunting and restocking activities. Even more, controlling WNV infection in birds can also be useful to prevent its spread and limit outbreaks. So far, different commercial and experimental vaccines (inactivated, attenuated, and recombinant viruses, and subunits and DNA-based candidates) have been evaluated, with various regimens, both in domestic and wild avian species. However, there are still disadvantages that must be overcome before avian vaccination can be implemented, such as its cost-effectiveness for domestic birds since in many species the pathogenicity is low or zero, or the viability of being able to achieve collective immunity in wild birds in freedom. Here, a comprehensive review of what has been done until now in the field of avian vaccines against WNV is presented and discussed.}, } @article {pmid31543123, year = {2019}, author = {Madsen, TE and Wira, CR}, title = {The Future of Minor Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: The RAVEN Approach Is Promising but Not Ready for Prime Time.}, journal = {Annals of emergency medicine}, volume = {74}, number = {4}, pages = {572-574}, doi = {10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.08.458}, pmid = {31543123}, issn = {1097-6760}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Feasibility Studies ; Humans ; *Ischemic Attack, Transient ; *Neurology ; Outpatients ; *Stroke ; }, } @article {pmid31542561, year = {2019}, author = {Blasco, R and Rosell, J and Sánchez-Marco, A and Gopher, A and Barkai, R}, title = {Feathers and food: Human-bird interactions at Middle Pleistocene Qesem Cave, Israel.}, journal = {Journal of human evolution}, volume = {136}, number = {}, pages = {102653}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2019.102653}, pmid = {31542561}, issn = {1095-8606}, mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology ; *Birds ; Caves ; *Diet ; Feathers ; *Food Chain ; Fossils ; Hominidae/*psychology ; Israel ; *Symbolism ; }, abstract = {The presence of fast-moving small game in the Paleolithic archaeological faunal record has long been considered a key variable to assess fundamental aspects of human behavior and subsistence. Birds occupy a prominent place in this debate not only due to their small size and to the difficulties in capturing them (essentially due to their ability to fly and their elusiveness), but also due to their possible role in the symbolic array in regard to non-nutritional elements (feathers, talons, etc.) and as reflectors of complex human-world relationships. In this study, we attempt to contribute to this topic by presenting taphonomical data of bird specimens from Qesem Cave (Israel), dated between 420 and 200 ka. Human-induced damage, including cut marks, peeling and human gnawing, has been identified on wing bones of Cygnus sp., Columba sp., Corvus ruficollis and Sturnus sp. Our evidence suggests that avian exploitation was not limited to food only-either to complement the human diet or as occasional food item-but also presumably for the use of feathers. While the consumption of birds as a dietary source seems to be evident as early as the Early Pleistocene, the non-alimentary use of inedible elements, such as feathers and talons, appears to be a practice from the Middle Paleolithic onwards. We argue that the combined nutritional and symbolic use of birds is one characteristic of the new mode of adaptation practiced already by the late Lower Paleolithic Acheulo-Yabrudian hominins in the Levant starting 400 ka. The Qesem findings point to the possible emergence of new cognitive and behavioral skills, which are followed in later periods in the Old World. Finally, we discuss the possible ontological and cosmological significance of human-bird interactions to illuminate our hypothesis regarding the emergence of a new perception of human relationships with the world as an integral part of the new Acheulo-Yabrudian mode of adaptation.}, } @article {pmid31531169, year = {2019}, author = {Goodman, GD and Kaufman, J and Day, D and Weiss, R and Kawata, AK and Garcia, JK and Santangelo, S and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Impact of Smoking and Alcohol Use on Facial Aging in Women: Results of a Large Multinational, Multiracial, Cross-sectional Survey.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {12}, number = {8}, pages = {28-39}, pmid = {31531169}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {Objective: Data on associations between facial aging and smoking or alcohol consumption are generally derived from small studies, and therefore, vary. The aim of this large multinational study was to determine more accurately which clinical signs of skin- and volume-related facial aging are associated with tobacco and alcohol use in women. Design: This was a subanalysis of a global, cross-sectional, Internet-based survey of self-reported facial aging. Participants: Women aged 18 to 75 years old (n=3,267) from the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom who described themselves as white, Asian, black, or Hispanic were included. Measurements: Using a mirror, participants determined their own aging severity on photonumeric rating scales for 11 facial characteristics. Linear regressions were used to assess associations between each feature's severity and smoking status (never vs. current and former smoker); smoking pack years (0 versus 1-10, 11-20, and >20 years); alcohol use (none vs. moderate and heavy); and alcoholic beverage type, after controlling for body mass index, country, age, and race. Results: Smoking was associated with an increased severity of forehead, crow's feet, and glabellar lines; under-eye puffiness; tear-trough hollowing; nasolabial folds; oral commissures; perioral lines; and reduced lip fullness (p≤0.025) but not midface volume loss or visible blood vessels. Heavy alcohol use (≥8 drinks/week) was associated with increased upper facial lines, under-eye puffiness, oral commissures, midface volume loss, and blood vessels (p≤0.042). Conclusion: Smoking and alcohol consumption significantly but differentially impact skin and volume-related facial aging.}, } @article {pmid31526268, year = {2019}, author = {Lynn, SJ and Green, JP and Polizzi, CP and Ellenberg, S and Gautam, A and Aksen, D}, title = {HYPNOSIS, HYPNOTIC PHENOMENA, AND HYPNOTIC RESPONSIVENESS: Clinical and Research Foundations-A 40-Year Perspective.}, journal = {The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis}, volume = {67}, number = {4}, pages = {475-511}, doi = {10.1080/00207144.2019.1649541}, pmid = {31526268}, issn = {1744-5183}, mesh = {Attitude to Health ; Biomedical Research ; Foundations ; Humans ; *Hypnosis ; Psychotherapy/methods ; Suggestion ; }, abstract = {The authors summarize research findings, their clinical implications, and directions for future research derived from 40 years of study of hypnosis, hypnotic phenomena, and hypnotic responsiveness at Steven Jay Lynn's Laboratory of Consciousness, Cognition, and Psychopathology and Joseph P. Green's Laboratory of Hypnosis. We discuss (a) the accumulating body of evidence that hypnosis can be used to advantage in psychotherapy; (b) the fact that hypnosis can facilitate a broad array of subjective experiences and suggestions; (c) the failure to find a reliable marker of a trance or radically altered state of consciousness and reservations about conceptualizing hypnosis in such terms; (d) determinants of hypnotic responsiveness, including attitudes and beliefs, personality traits, expectancies, motivation, and rapport; (e) efforts to modify hypnotic suggestibility; and (f) the need to further examine attentional abilities and the role of adopting a readiness response set that the authors argue is key in maximizing hypnotic responsiveness.}, } @article {pmid31523516, year = {2019}, author = {Silvestri, A and Morgan, K and Ridley, AR}, title = {The association between evidence of a predator threat and responsiveness to alarm calls in Western Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen dorsalis).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e7572}, pmid = {31523516}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Alarm calls are a widespread form of antipredator defence and being alerted to the presence of predators by the alarm calls of conspecifics is considered one of the benefits of group living. However, while social information can allow an individual to gain additional information, it can also at times be inaccurate or irrelevant. Such variation in the accuracy of social information is predicted to select for receivers to discriminate between sources of social information. In this study, we used playback experiments to determine whether Western Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen dorsalis) respond to the predator information associated with alarm calls. Magpies were exposed to the alarm calls of two group members that differed in the threat associated with the alarm call: one call was played in the presence of a predator model while the other was not-in order to establish differences in the predator information provided by each caller. We then played back the alarm calls of the same group members in the absence of the predator model to determine whether magpies responded differently to signallers in response to the previous association between the alarm call and a predator threat. We found that receivers showed significantly greater levels of responsiveness to signallers that previously gave alarm calls in the appropriate context. Thus, the accuracy of threat-based information influenced subsequent receiver response.}, } @article {pmid31522824, year = {2019}, author = {Liu, Y and Gao, W and Koellmann, C and Le Clerc, S and Hüls, A and Li, B and Peng, Q and Wu, S and Ding, A and Yang, Y and Jin, L and Krutmann, J and Schikowski, T and Zagury, JF and Wang, S}, title = {Genome-wide scan identified genetic variants associated with skin aging in a Chinese female population.}, journal = {Journal of dermatological science}, volume = {96}, number = {1}, pages = {42-49}, doi = {10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.08.010}, pmid = {31522824}, issn = {1873-569X}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian People/*genetics ; Cheek ; Cohort Studies ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1/genetics ; Female ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Skin Aging/*genetics ; Skin Pigmentation/genetics ; White People/genetics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The progression of human skin aging has a strong genetic basis. However, recent studies have mainly focused on Caucasian populations and we have thus performed a genetic association study on skin aging signs in Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate genetic risk factors in skin aging in Han Chinese female, we performed a genome-wide association study.

METHODS: We collected genotype data from 1534 Han Chinese female from Taizhou cohort and evaluated 15 skin aging phenotypes by using the validated skin aging SCINEXA™ score. Genetic associations were tested by linear and logistic regression analyses and adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS: Six genomic regions significantly associated with a risk for skin aging were revealed : 6q24.2 (rs3804540, P=4.6×10[-9], additive model) with size of pigmented spots on forehead, 10q26.13 (rs4962295, P=1.9 ×10[-8], additive model) with wrinkles under eyes, 15q21.1 (rs28392847, P=1.6×10[-8], additive model) with crow's feet, 2p25.1 (rs191497052, P=5.5×10[-9], dominant model) with telangiectasia, 13q34 (rs3825460, P=3.7×10[-8], dominant model) with size of pigmented spots on cheeks and 16p13.11(rs76053540, P=5.0×10[-9], dominant model) with nasolabialfold. The signal on 15q21.1 was replicated in the meta-analysis with two independent Caucasian cohorts (P=8.6×10[-10]). We have also successfully replicated in our cohort an association between SNP rs1048943 of gene CYP1A1 (P=7.1 × 10[-4]) and pigmented spots on cheeks previously described in Caucasian cohort.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study has identified new genetic risk factors for signs of skin aging in the Han Chinese. This study suggests there are differences in genetic susceptibility to skin aging between Caucasians and the Han Chinese.}, } @article {pmid31517663, year = {2020}, author = {Kawashima, M and Harii, K and Horiuchi, Y and Seidman, E and Lei, X and Hopfinger, R and Lee, E}, title = {Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Satisfaction With OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Upper Facial Lines in Japanese Subjects.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {483-490}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000002143}, pmid = {31517663}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Japan ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment for glabellar lines (GL) or crow's-feet lines (CFL) was previously studied in Japanese subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety and efficacy of repeated onabotulinumtoxinA for moderate to severe GL and CFL in Japanese subjects.

METHODS: This 13-month, double-blind, Phase 3 study randomized subjects to onabotulinumtoxinA 44 U (n = 48) or 32 U (n = 53) for CFL and GL for up to 5 treatments (CFL: 24 U or 12 U; GL: 20 U). Outcomes included proportion of subjects achieving none/mild severity at maximum smile (CFL) and maximum frown (GL), using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide (FWS-A); proportion of ≥1-grade improvement responders at maximum smile and at rest (CFL), at maximum frown and at rest (GL); subject-reported outcomes; and safety.

RESULTS: Most subjects were responders (none/mild on FWS-A; CFL: 89.6% [44 U], 84.9% [32 U]; GL: 93.8% [44 U], 98.1% [32 U]) on Day 30. Across treatment groups, responder rates were consistent over time and treatments. Most subjects were satisfied with improved CFL appearance and with treatment. Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment-related TEAEs across groups was similar. All TEAEs but one (peritonitis) were mild or moderate.

CONCLUSION: Repeated onabotulinumtoxinA was effective and well tolerated.}, } @article {pmid31517232, year = {2019}, author = {Sense, F and Maaß, S and Gluck, K and van Rijn, H}, title = {Within-Subject Performance on a Real-Life, Complex Task and Traditional Lab Experiments: Measures of Word Learning, Raven Matrices, Tapping, and CPR.}, journal = {Journal of cognition}, volume = {2}, number = {1}, pages = {12}, pmid = {31517232}, issn = {2514-4820}, abstract = {In this data report, we describe a three-session experiment spanning six months. Several well-controlled laboratory tasks (Word Learning, Raven Matrices, and Tapping) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a complex but well-defined real-world task, were administered. Data are reported from 50 participants for the first session, 40 for the second, and 34 for the third. CPR is a useful domain for studying real-world performance inside the laboratory because clear performance standards can be applied to quantifying learners' proficiency covering both the first steps that need to be taken prior to the initiation of CPR (declarative knowledge) as well as the compressions and ventilations themselves (procedural skill). This research resulted in a rich dataset with a range of different measures for all participants. For all tasks, the complete set of raw data are made available along with relevant aggregate performance scores (see https://osf.io/m8bxe/). The raw data in particular will enable other researchers to explore potential analyses and modeling beyond the scope of our own. The details of the data collection protocol and available data are documented here to facilitate this process.}, } @article {pmid31515097, year = {2020}, author = {Shekhawat, S and Saxena, A}, title = {Development and applications of an intelligent crow search algorithm based on opposition based learning.}, journal = {ISA transactions}, volume = {99}, number = {}, pages = {210-230}, doi = {10.1016/j.isatra.2019.09.004}, pmid = {31515097}, issn = {1879-2022}, abstract = {Metaheuristics are proven beneficial tools for solving complex, hard optimization problems. Recently, a plethora of work has been reported on bio inspired optimization algorithms. These algorithms are mimicry of behavior of animals, plants and processes into mathematical paradigms. With these developments, a new entrant in this group is Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). CSA is based on the strategic behavior of crows while searching food, thievery and chasing behavior. This algorithm sometimes suffers with local minima stagnation and unbalance exploration and exploitation phases. To overcome this problem, a cosine function is proposed first, to accelerate the exploration and retard the exploitation process with due course of the iterative process. Secondly the opposition based learning concept is incorporated for enhancing the exploration virtue of CSA. The evolved variant with the inculcation of these two concepts is named as Intelligent Crow Search Algorithm (ICSA). The algorithm is benchmarked on two benchmark function sets, one is the set of 23 standard test functions and another is set of latest benchmark function CEC-2017. Further, the applicability of this variant is tested over structural design problem, frequency wave synthesis problem and Model Order Reduction (MOR). Results reveal that ICSA exhibits competitive performance on benchmarks and real applications when compared with some contemporary optimizers.}, } @article {pmid31512905, year = {2019}, author = {}, title = {"Inquiry into the correlation between burnout and depression": Correction to Schonfeld et al. (2019).}, journal = {Journal of occupational health psychology}, volume = {24}, number = {6}, pages = {616}, doi = {10.1037/ocp0000165}, pmid = {31512905}, issn = {1939-1307}, abstract = {Reports an error in "Inquiry into the correlation between burnout and depression" by Irvin Sam Schonfeld, Jay Verkuilen and Renzo Bianchi (Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, Advanced Online Publication, Apr 04, 2019, np). In the article, there were wording errors in the Results section. Specifically, we referred to imposing "constraints" when we meant the opposite, namely, relaxing constraints, such as allowing residuals to correlate. We corrected the wording errors, added chi-square statistics, and corrected four small typographic errors bearing on fit statistics (three changes of .001 and one change of .003). The results remain fundamentally the same. All versions of this article have been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2019-18074-001.) The extent to which burnout refers to anything other than a depressive condition remains an object of controversy among occupational health specialists. In three studies conducted in two different countries and two different languages, we investigated the discriminant validity of burnout scales by evaluating the magnitude of the correlation between (latent) burnout and (latent) depression. In Study 1 (N = 911), burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey's Exhaustion subscale and depression with the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). In Study 2 (N = 1,386), the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure was used to assess burnout and the PHQ, depression. In Study 3 (N = 734), burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey and depression, with the PHQ and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale; additionally, anxiety was measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. In each study, we examined the burnout-depression association based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), controlling for item-level content overlap. In the three studies, latent exhaustion, the core of burnout, and latent depression were highly correlated (correlations ranging from .83 to .88). In Studies 2 and 3, second-order CFAs indicated that depressive (and anxiety) symptoms and the exhaustion and depersonalization components of burnout are reflective of the same second-order distress/dysphoria factor. Our findings, with their replication across samples, languages, and measures, together with meta-analytic findings, cast serious doubt on the discriminant validity of the burnout construct. The implications of burnout's problematic discriminant validity are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid31504782, year = {2020}, author = {Mugal, CF and Kutschera, VE and Botero-Castro, F and Wolf, JBW and Kaj, I}, title = {Polymorphism Data Assist Estimation of the Nonsynonymous over Synonymous Fixation Rate Ratio ω for Closely Related Species.}, journal = {Molecular biology and evolution}, volume = {37}, number = {1}, pages = {260-279}, pmid = {31504782}, issn = {1537-1719}, support = {336536/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genetic Techniques ; *Models, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; *Silent Mutation ; }, abstract = {The ratio of nonsynonymous over synonymous sequence divergence, dN/dS, is a widely used estimate of the nonsynonymous over synonymous fixation rate ratio ω, which measures the extent to which natural selection modulates protein sequence evolution. Its computation is based on a phylogenetic approach and computes sequence divergence of protein-coding DNA between species, traditionally using a single representative DNA sequence per species. This approach ignores the presence of polymorphisms and relies on the indirect assumption that new mutations fix instantaneously, an assumption which is generally violated and reasonable only for distantly related species. The violation of the underlying assumption leads to a time-dependence of sequence divergence, and biased estimates of ω in particular for closely related species, where the contribution of ancestral and lineage-specific polymorphisms to sequence divergence is substantial. We here use a time-dependent Poisson random field model to derive an analytical expression of dN/dS as a function of divergence time and sample size. We then extend our framework to the estimation of the proportion of adaptive protein evolution α. This mathematical treatment enables us to show that the joint usage of polymorphism and divergence data can assist the inference of selection for closely related species. Moreover, our analytical results provide the basis for a protocol for the estimation of ω and α for closely related species. We illustrate the performance of this protocol by studying a population data set of four corvid species, which involves the estimation of ω and α at different time-scales and for several choices of sample sizes.}, } @article {pmid31502665, year = {2019}, author = {Tiukova, IA and Prigent, S and Nielsen, J and Sandgren, M and Kerkhoven, EJ}, title = {Genome-scale model of Rhodotorula toruloides metabolism.}, journal = {Biotechnology and bioengineering}, volume = {116}, number = {12}, pages = {3396-3408}, doi = {10.1002/bit.27162}, pmid = {31502665}, issn = {1097-0290}, mesh = {*Basidiomycota/genetics/metabolism ; *Genome, Fungal ; *Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; *Models, Biological ; }, abstract = {The basidiomycete red yeast Rhodotorula toruloides is a promising platform organism for production of biooils. We present rhto-GEM, the first genome-scale model (GEM) of R. toruloides metabolism, that was largely reconstructed using RAVEN toolbox. The model includes 852 genes, 2,731 reactions, and 2,277 metabolites, while lipid metabolism is described using the SLIMEr formalism allowing direct integration of lipid class and acyl chain experimental distribution data. The simulation results confirmed that the R. toruloides model provides valid growth predictions on glucose, xylose, and glycerol, while prediction of genetic engineering targets to increase production of linolenic acid, triacylglycerols, and carotenoids identified genes-some of which have previously been engineered to successfully increase production. This renders rtho-GEM valuable for future studies to improve the production of other oleochemicals of industrial relevance including value-added fatty acids and carotenoids, in addition to facilitate system-wide omics-data analysis in R. toruloides. Expanding the portfolio of GEMs for lipid-accumulating fungi contributes to both understanding of metabolic mechanisms of the oleaginous phenotype but also uncover particularities of the lipid production machinery in R. toruloides.}, } @article {pmid31501642, year = {2019}, author = {Mikhailyuk, T and Vinogradova, O and Holzinger, A and Glaser, K and Samolov, E and Karsten, U}, title = {New record of the rare genus Crinalium Crow (Oscillatoriales, Cyanobacteria) from sand dunes of the Baltic Sea, Germany: epitypification and emendation of Crinalium magnum Fritsch et John based on an integrative approach.}, journal = {Phytotaxa}, volume = {400}, number = {3}, pages = {165-179}, pmid = {31501642}, issn = {1179-3155}, support = {I 1951/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Representatives of the Gomontiellaceae (Oscillatoriales) are rare and hence unstudied cyanobacteria with unusual morphology, distributed in terrestrial and aquatic habitats all over the world. Investigation of the group based on an integrative approach is only beginning, and to understand the actual biodiversity and ecology, a greater number of cultivated strains is necessary. However, some ecological traits of these cyanobacteria (e.g. low population densities, the absence of conspicuous growth in nature) led to methodological difficulties during isolation in culture. One species in the family Gomontiellaceae, Crinalium magnum Fritsch et John, is characterized by prominent wide and flattened trichomes, and represented by the non-authentic strain SAG 34.87. Detailed previous investigation of this strain clearly showed its morphological discrepancy with the original description of C. magnum and the genus Crinalium in general. The new isolate from maritime sand dunes of the Baltic Sea coast (Germany), however, revealed morphological characters completely corresponding with the diagnosis of C. magnum. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences indicated a position of the new strain inside Gomontiellaceae. Both morphology and ultrastructure of the strain are congruous with characters of the family. Epitypification and emendation of C. magnum are proposed since the ecology and habitat of the original strain are congruent with the type locality of this rare species (sand, Irish Sea coast, North Wales, UK). We expanded the description of C. magnum by details of the filament development and specified dimensional ranges for trichomes and cells, as well as by new data about the transversely striated structure of mucilaginous sheath.}, } @article {pmid31498539, year = {2020}, author = {Falla, T and Rodan, K and Fields, K and Bianchini, R and Mahon, C and Skobowiat, C}, title = {Novel interpenetrating polymer network provides significant and long-lasting improvements in hydration to the skin from different body areas.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {1246-1253}, pmid = {31498539}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Aged ; Arm ; Cosmeceuticals/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Leg ; Middle Aged ; Polymers/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Skin/chemistry/*drug effects ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Care/adverse effects/*methods ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hydration and moisturization both impact skin quality, directly reflecting its appearance. Signs and onset of dehydration-related skin aging are region-specific and require tailored treatment to be effective.

AIMS: To test the hydrating effects of formulas containing a novel 3-dimensional 3-polymer interpenetrating network (3D3P-IPN) to deliver humectants and actives to specific body sites.

METHODS: Two clinical studies were conducted focused on the skin under eyes and body (arms/legs). Healthy women ages 25-65 (eyes) or 35-65 (body) with mild to moderate dry and aged skin were enrolled. Study product containing the 3D3P-IPN and tailored actives was applied twice daily for 8 weeks on the periorbital area and for 4 weeks on the body. Changes in skin attributes were measured by biophysical instrumentation for hydration, dark circles, skin color, elasticity and transepidermal water loss, and by clinical grading and subject self-assessment.

RESULTS: Significant improvements in hydration and skin smoothing were demonstrated in both studies. In the periorbital region, actives and humectants delivered by the 3D3P-IPN also led to significant improvements in dark circles, fine lines/crow's feet, puffiness, restoring radiance, and overall younger-looking appearance. On the arms and legs, there were significant reductions in crepiness and dullness. The arms and legs also had improvements in tactile and visual skin texture, radiance, and general healthy look. Improvements were immediate and persisted through the end of both studies.

CONCLUSION: The 3D3P-IPN provides immediate and long-lasting improvements in skin hydration and overall healthy appearance regardless of the targeted application site.}, } @article {pmid31491815, year = {2019}, author = {Yokokura, M and Terada, T and Bunai, T and Nakaizumi, K and Kato, Y and Yoshikawa, E and Futatsubashi, M and Suzuki, K and Yamasue, H and Ouchi, Y}, title = {Alterations in serotonin transporter and body image-related cognition in anorexia nervosa.}, journal = {NeuroImage. Clinical}, volume = {23}, number = {}, pages = {101928}, pmid = {31491815}, issn = {2213-1582}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aniline Compounds/pharmacokinetics ; Anorexia Nervosa/complications/diagnostic imaging/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Body Dysmorphic Disorders/diagnostic imaging/etiology/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging/etiology/*metabolism/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins/*metabolism ; Sulfides/pharmacokinetics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The serotonin system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). A recent report proposed that body image distortion (BID), a core symptom of AN, may relate to abnormalities of the serotonin system, especially the serotonin transporter (5HTT). Positron emission tomography (PET) studies of underweight patients with active AN reported alterations in serotonin receptors, but not 5HTT. Here, we aimed to disclose the clinicopathophysiology of AN by focusing on 5HTT and cognitive functions, including BID, in groups with active AN. Twenty-two underweight female patients with AN (12 restricting-type AN (ANR); 10 binge-eating/purging-type AN (ANBP)) and 20 age-matched healthy female subjects underwent PET with a 5HTT radioligand [[11]C]DASB. The binding potential (BPND) of [[11]C]DASB was estimated semiquantitatively, and clinical data from Raven's colored progressive matrices for general intelligence, the Stroop test for focused attention, the Iowa gambling task for decision making and a dot-probe task designed for BID were compared with the levels of BPND in different groups. [[11]C]DASB BPND was significantly decreased in the medial parietal cortex in patients with AN and in the dorsal raphe in patients with ANR compared with healthy subjects (p < .05 corrected). Patients with ANR showed a significantly negative correlation between [[11]C]DASB BPND in the dorsal raphe and performance on the dot-probe task (p < .05 corrected). While reduced 5HTT in the medial parietal cortex (the somatosensory association area) is pathophysiologically important in AN in general, additional 5HTT reduction in the dorsal raphe as seen in ANR is implicated for the clinicopathophysiological relevance.}, } @article {pmid31490161, year = {2019}, author = {Story, SM and Vila, FD and Kas, JJ and Raniga, KB and Pemmaraju, CD and Rehr, JJ}, title = {Corvus: a framework for interfacing scientific software for spectroscopic and materials science applications.}, journal = {Journal of synchrotron radiation}, volume = {26}, number = {Pt 5}, pages = {1694-1704}, doi = {10.1107/S1600577519007495}, pmid = {31490161}, issn = {1600-5775}, support = {DE-AC02-76SF00515//US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering/ ; DE-AC02-05CH11231//US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering/ ; }, abstract = {Corvus, a Python-based package designed for managing workflows of physical simulations that utilize multiple scientific software packages, is presented. Corvus can be run as an executable script with an input file and automatically generated or custom workflows, or interactively, in order to build custom workflows with a set of Corvus-specific tools. Several prototypical examples are presented that link density functional, vibrational and X-ray spectroscopy software packages and are of interest to the synchrotron community. These examples highlight the simplification of complex spectroscopy calculations that were previously limited to expert users, and demonstrate the flexibility of the Corvus infrastructure to tackle more general problems in other research areas.}, } @article {pmid31486682, year = {2020}, author = {Arabkhazaeli, F and Madani, SA and Ghorbani, A}, title = {Parasitological and molecular survey of scattered parasitism by trichomonads in some avian species in Iran.}, journal = {Avian pathology : journal of the W.V.P.A}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {47-55}, doi = {10.1080/03079457.2019.1662369}, pmid = {31486682}, issn = {1465-3338}, mesh = {Animals ; Anseriformes/parasitology ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Canaries/parasitology ; Columbiformes/parasitology ; Crows/parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry/isolation & purification ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry ; Falconiformes/parasitology ; Galliformes/parasitology ; Genotype ; Humans ; Iran/epidemiology ; Melopsittacus/parasitology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing/veterinary ; Passeriformes/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Psittaciformes/parasitology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S/genetics ; Starlings/parasitology ; Trichomonadida/classification/*genetics ; Trichomonas/genetics ; }, abstract = {Outbreaks of avian trichomonosis are being reported worldwide; meanwhile, the genetic and virulence variations are under investigation. In this study, the occurrence and genetic variability of oral or faecal trichomonads among various avian species were investigated. Samples obtained from either the oropharyngeal cavity, crop/oesophagus, droppings/cloaca, or conjunctival swabs of avian species were inspected for flagellates. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS1-5.8s rRNA-ITS2 sequences from selected samples was performed to investigate the genetic diversity of the isolates. Investigation of 737 birds revealed an infection rate of 15.7% in the upper gastrointestinal tract, 7.3% in the faecal samples, and 0.7% involvement of the conjunctiva. Phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS1-5.8s rRNA-ITS2 sequences from selected samples, identified genotypes A and B of Trichomonas gallinae and genogroups A-C and E of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum. A novel ITS genotype of intestinal trichomonads was also detected in hooded crow (Corvus cornix) and common mynah (Acridotheres tristis). In the present study, in addition to Columbiformes and Falconiformes, trichomonads were detected in Passeriformes and Galliformes with the involvement of organs other than the gastrointestinal tract. Genotype A T. gallinae was detected in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica), a laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulates), and a canary (Serinus canaria). Distinct genotype B was detected in a common mynah and a budgerigar. Genogroups A-C of T. gallinarum were also demonstrated in Galliformes and Anseriformes. Furthermore, two novel trichomonad ITS genotypes were detected in hooded crows and a common mynah warranting detailed multi-locus molecular analysis.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSITS diversity of trichomonads was shown in various avian species.Diversity of the parasites' target organ and clinical manifestations was demonstrated.Two novel ITS genotype trichomonads from common mynah and hooded crow were identified.}, } @article {pmid31486568, year = {2020}, author = {D'Emilio, R and Rosati, G}, title = {Full-face treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA: Results from a single-center study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {809-816}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13130}, pmid = {31486568}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Allergan/ ; }, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Esthetics ; Facial Muscles/drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Rejuvenation ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Aging ; Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A injection is a common aesthetic treatment that can be used alone or in combination to rejuvenate the entire face and neck.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of a full-face approach with botulinum toxin type A.

METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective review of data from 189 patients receiving full-face and neck treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA in the following areas: glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, forehead lines, bunny lines, sagging nasal tip, gummy smile, marionette lines, mentalis, masseter, and lateral/anterior platysma.

RESULTS: The mean age was 56.6 ± 9.2 years, and 94.7% were women (n = 179). Patients received a total of 394 full-face treatments (mean: 2.1 per person; range 1-7). The mean quantity of onabotulinumtoxinA injected was 113.8 ± 17.6 units per treatment (range: 50-180 units). The most frequently injected areas were the glabella/crow's feet/forehead (n = 383; 97.2%), platysma (n = 378; 95.9%), bunny lines (n = 283; 71.8%), and chin (n = 120; 30.5%). Six patients (3.2%) experienced complications: five cases of unwanted diffusion from the mentalis into the depressor labii inferioris and one case of right eyelid ptosis after injection in the upper third. All were minor and none appeared to be related to overall dose.

CONCLUSIONS: Full-face and neck treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA can be performed without substantial safety concerns, often leading to excellent results. This approach may become increasingly prevalent in the coming years.}, } @article {pmid31482633, year = {2019}, author = {Zeng, X and Li, X and Wang, X and Wen, X and Jiang, X}, title = {The effect of Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim extract on crow's feet: A double-blind, split-face trial.}, journal = {Dermatologic therapy}, volume = {32}, number = {6}, pages = {e13079}, doi = {10.1111/dth.13079}, pmid = {31482633}, issn = {1529-8019}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Zanthoxylum/*chemistry ; }, abstract = {As one of the most obvious signs of aging, wrinkles have long been the concern of many people and continue to be a major topic in dermal-cosmetic industry. Accordingly, there is a need to develop products with good efficacy and safety profile. The Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim (ZBM) extract is a natural food which may possess the property of a toxin-like botulinum. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a formulation that contains 2% ZBM pericarp extract in the treatment of wrinkles. Twenty females aged 35-60 years old were enrolled in this randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, and split-face trial. The trial lasted for 30 days, when participants randomly used formulations containing 2% ZBM extract on one side of the temporal canthus and vehicle formulation on the other side. Skin roughness, skin hydration, and skin elasticity were evaluated by Primospico, Corneometer® CM825, and Cutometer® MPA580, respectively. The formulation containing 2% ZBM extract has a significant short-term anti-crow's feet effect compared with vehicle. No adverse effect was shown during the study. Topical application of 2% ZBM extract is tolerable and can be used as an effective cosmetic agent for short-term wrinkle treatment.}, } @article {pmid31479200, year = {2019}, author = {Karakosta, P and Margetaki, K and Fthenou, E and Kampouri, M and Kyriklaki, A and Koutra, K and Chalkiadaki, G and Roumeliotaki, T and Vafeiadi, M and Kogevinas, M and Mantzoros, C and Chatzi, L}, title = {Cord Leptin is Associated with Neuropsychomotor Development in Childhood.}, journal = {Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)}, volume = {27}, number = {10}, pages = {1693-1702}, pmid = {31479200}, issn = {1930-739X}, support = {P30 ES007048/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; K24 DK081913/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Central Nervous System/*growth & development ; Child ; Child Development/*physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Fetal Blood/*chemistry ; Greece ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence Tests ; Leptin/analysis/*blood ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Prospective Studies ; Psychomotor Disorders/blood/diagnosis ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Leptin is critical for central nervous system development and maturation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential regulatory role of cord leptin in the neuropsychomotor development of children ages 18 months to 6 years.

METHODS: This study included 424 children from a prospective mother-child cohort (Rhea Study; Crete, Greece) with available cord leptin levels and data on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition), 4 years (McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities), and 6 years (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and Trail Making Test). Multivariable linear regression models were used to explore the associations.

RESULTS: Each 10-ng/mL increase in the cord leptin level was associated with increased scores on the gross motor scale at 18 months (β coefficient: 3.8; 95% CI: 0.0-7.5), with decreased scores in the general cognitive performance (β coefficient: -3.0; 95% CI: -5.5 to -0.4), perceptual performance (β coefficient: -3.4; 95% CI: -6.0 to -9.9), working memory (β coefficient: -3.1; 95% CI: -5.7 to -0.4), executive function (β coefficient -3.1; 95% CI: -5.7 to -0.5), and functions of the posterior cortex (β coefficient: -2.7; 95% CI: -5.2 to -0.1) scales at 4 years, and with a 3.7-unit decrease in the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices score at 6 years (β coefficient: -3.7; 95% CI: -6.9 to -0.5).

CONCLUSIONS: Increased cord leptin levels are associated with enhanced gross motor development at 18 months but decreased cognitive performance in early and middle childhood.}, } @article {pmid31461006, year = {2019}, author = {Wong, CH and Mendelson, B}, title = {The Long-Term Static and Dynamic Effects of Surgical Release of the Tear Trough Ligament and Origins of the Orbicularis Oculi in Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {144}, number = {3}, pages = {583-591}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0000000000005908}, pmid = {31461006}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Adult ; Blepharoplasty/*methods ; Eyelids/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Ligaments/*surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oculomotor Muscles/*surgery ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Release of the tear trough ligament and the origins of the orbicularis oculi is a key maneuver with many lower blepharoplasty techniques. The long-term static and dynamic effects of this release have not been studied previously.

METHODS: From December of 2012 to June of 2017, 105 patients were treated with the extended transconjunctival lower eyelid blepharoplasty with release of the tear trough ligament and fat redistribution as described previously. The long-term effect of the release was assessed by evaluating the effectiveness in correcting the tear trough deformity, the effect on the lower eyelid position, and the dynamic changes of the patient's smile.

RESULTS: The mean patient age was 41 years (range, 23 to 62 years). The mean follow-up was 31 months (range, 12 to 53 months). The tear trough was effectively corrected with this maneuver. This release did not compromise the tarsoligamentous support of the lower eyelid, with no increase in scleral show in 99 percent of patients and with no patients developing ectropion. Functionally, the change in the action of the orbicularis oculi as a result of detachment of its origins resulted in a change in appearance of the smile. Elimination of the tethering at the tear trough ligament and the downward pull toward the medial suborbital maxilla resulted in elevation of the lid-cheek junction with smiling. Reduced efficiency of orbicularis contraction resulted in a diminished pretarsal bulge and in reduction of crow's feet with smiling.

CONCLUSIONS: The maneuver is effective in correcting the tear trough deformity while not weakening the lower eyelid tarsoligamentous support. Functionally, the patient's smile became more youthful and rejuvenated, with less wrinkling and elevation of the lid-cheek junction with smiling.

Therapeutic, IV.}, } @article {pmid31454343, year = {2019}, author = {Brecht, KF and Hage, SR and Gavrilov, N and Nieder, A}, title = {Volitional control of vocalizations in corvid songbirds.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {17}, number = {8}, pages = {e3000375}, pmid = {31454343}, issn = {1545-7885}, mesh = {Acoustics ; Animals ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; Neurons/physiology ; Songbirds/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; Volition/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Songbirds are renowned for their acoustically elaborate songs. However, it is unclear whether songbirds can cognitively control their vocal output. Here, we show that crows, songbirds of the corvid family, can be trained to exert control over their vocalizations. In a detection task, three male carrion crows rapidly learned to emit vocalizations in response to a visual cue with no inherent meaning (go trials) and to withhold vocalizations in response to another cue (catch trials). Two of these crows were then trained on a go/nogo task, with the cue colors reversed, in addition to being rewarded for withholding vocalizations to yet another cue (nogo trials). Vocalizations in response to the detection of the go cue were temporally precise and highly reliable in all three crows. Crows also quickly learned to withhold vocal output in nogo trials, showing that vocalizations were not produced by an anticipation of a food reward in correct trials. The results demonstrate that corvids can volitionally control the release and onset of their vocalizations, suggesting that songbird vocalizations are under cognitive control and can be decoupled from affective states.}, } @article {pmid31437959, year = {2019}, author = {Fung, KW and Xu, J and Ameye, F and Gutiérrez, AR and Busquets, A}, title = {Map-Assisted Generation of Procedure and Intervention Encoding (Magpie): An Innovative Approach for ICD-10-PCS Coding.}, journal = {Studies in health technology and informatics}, volume = {264}, number = {}, pages = {428-432}, doi = {10.3233/SHTI190257}, pmid = {31437959}, issn = {1879-8365}, mesh = {Clinical Coding ; *International Classification of Diseases ; Semantics ; *Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine ; }, abstract = {ICD-10-PCS coding is challenging because of the large number of codes, non-intuitive terms and paucity of the ICD-10-PCS index. We previously repurposed the richer ICD-9-CM procedure index for ICD-10-PCS coding. We have developed the MAGPIE tool based on the repurposed ICD-9-CM index with other lexical and mapping resources. MAGPIE helps the user to identify SNOMED CT and ICD-10-PCS codes for medical procedures. MAGPIE uses three innovative search approaches: cascading search (SNOMED CT to ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-PCS), hybrid lexical and map-assisted matching, and semantic filtering of ICD-10-PCS codes. Our evaluation showed that MAGPIE found the correct SNOMED CT code and ICD-10-PCS table in 70% and 85% of cases respectively, without any user intervention. MAGPIE is available online from the NLM website: magpie.nlm.nih.gov.}, } @article {pmid31431538, year = {2019}, author = {Vonk, J}, title = {Emotional contagion or sensitivity to behavior in ravens?.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {37}, pages = {18168}, pmid = {31431538}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Bias ; Cognition ; *Crows ; Emotions ; }, } @article {pmid31430475, year = {2019}, author = {Colombo, M}, title = {Avian Brains: Primate-like Functions of Neurons in the Crow Brain.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {16}, pages = {R794-R796}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.001}, pmid = {31430475}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain ; *Crows ; Memory, Short-Term ; Neurons ; Primates ; Telencephalon ; }, abstract = {Despite the negative connotations of the term 'birdbrain', birds possess cognitive abilities on par with primates. A new study finds that neurons in the crow's brain display characteristics similar to those displayed by neurons in the primate's brain.}, } @article {pmid31427935, year = {2019}, author = {Almquist, JN and Mathan, S and Brem, AK and Plessow, F and McKanna, J and Santarnecchi, E and Pascual-Leone, A and Cohen Kadosh, R and Pavel, M and Yeung, N}, title = {FAST: A Novel, Executive Function-Based Approach to Cognitive Enhancement.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {235}, pmid = {31427935}, issn = {1662-5161}, support = {UL1 TR001102/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The present study introduces a novel cognitive intervention aimed at improving fluid intelligence (Gf), based on a framework we refer to as FAST: Flexible, Adaptive, Synergistic Training. FAST leverages a combination of novel game-based executive function (EF) training-designed specifically to enhance the likelihood of transfer-and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), with aims to synergistically activate and strengthen mechanisms of cognitive control critical to Gf. To test our intervention, we collected three Gf measures from 113 participants [the advanced short Bochumer Matrizen-Test (BOMAT), Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM), and matrices similar to Raven's generated by Sandia labs], prior to and following one of three interventions: (1) the FAST + tRNS intervention, a combination of 30 min of daily training with our novel training game, Robot Factory, and 20 min of concurrent transcranial random noise stimulation applied to bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC); (2) an adaptively difficult Active Control intervention comprised of visuospatial tasks that specifically do not target Gf; or (3) a no-contact control condition. Analyses of changes in a Gf factor from pre- to post-test found numerical increases for the FAST + tRNS group compared to the two control conditions, with a 0.3 SD increase relative to Active Control (p = 0.07), and a 0.19 SD increase relative to a No-contact control condition (p = 0.26). This increase was found to be largely driven by significant differences in pre- and post-test Gf as measured on the BOMAT test. Progression through the FAST training game (Robot Factory) was significantly correlated with changes in Gf. This is in contrast with progress in the Active Control condition, as well as with changes in individual EFs during FAST training, which did not significantly correlate with changes in Gf. Taken together, this research represents a useful step forward in providing new insights into, and new methods for studying, the nature of Gf and its malleability. Though our results await replication and extension, they provide preliminary evidence that the crucial characteristic of Gf may, in fact, be the ability to combine EFs rapidly and adaptively according to changing demand, and that Gf may be susceptible to targeted training.}, } @article {pmid31421922, year = {2019}, author = {Keyes, CA}, title = {How reliable is the charred body scale? An interobserver reliability study on scoring burned remains.}, journal = {Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries}, volume = {45}, number = {7}, pages = {1673-1679}, doi = {10.1016/j.burns.2019.02.012}, pmid = {31421922}, issn = {1879-1409}, mesh = {Animals ; *Burns ; *Forensic Medicine ; Models, Animal ; *Observer Variation ; Photography ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sus scrofa ; Swine ; }, abstract = {The error rates of forensic techniques need to be evaluated. The charred body scale is a method for quantifying the level of decomposition in burned remains. 51 files containing photographs of burned pigs at different stages of decomposition were scored by nine participants. Each pig in the photographs was uniformly burned to a different level (Crow Glassman Scale levels 1 to 3). The Crow Glassman Scale describes five levels of burns that include singing of hair and epidermal blistering (CGS level 1) up to complete cremation of the body reducing it to ash (CGS level 5). The three CGS levels were selected to isolate potential scoring errors that may be caused by different burn levels (not accounted for in the development of the charred body scale). Each of the 51 photograph files was scored by participants using the charred body scale as if it were a unique forensic case at an unknown initial burn level and decomposition stage. Interobserver error, hence reliability, of the scores was tested using individual and average absolute agreement interclass correlations. The charred body scale is reliable for remains burned to a Crow Glassman Scale level 1 but not in higher burn levels. It is suggested that a universal scoring method be developed that accounts for multiple burn levels in a single case.}, } @article {pmid31417455, year = {2019}, author = {Agnoli, S and Mancini, G and Andrei, F and Trombini, E}, title = {The Relationship Between Trait Emotional Intelligence, Cognition, and Emotional Awareness: An Interpretative Model.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1711}, pmid = {31417455}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Emotional awareness (EA) has been defined as the cognitive skill devoted to the identification and description of one's own and others' emotional experiences, an ability that has usually been conceptualized along with the development of cognitive intelligence. Despite this, EA has also been deemed a central constituent of Emotional Intelligence (EI), a construct that captures individual differences in how we perceive, communicate, regulate, and understand our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. The overlap between the cognitive and the emotional domain in the definition of the EA construct has created several difficulties in both its understanding and its usage, so much so that several questions regarding its nature and structure remain unanswered. The aim of the present work was to test in a unique model the explanatory role of both trait EI and fluid nonverbal intelligence on EA variability in children, controlling for the effect of age, a variable strictly related to cognitive development, as well as gender, which is highly associated with trait EI during childhood. Four hundred and eighty-eight pupils (258 females and 230 males) ranging from 8 to 12 years old completed the Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale for Children, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire - Child Form, and a measure of pure non-verbal reasoning ability, the Raven's Progressive Matrices. The results of a structural equation model showed a positive explanatory power of both Raven and TEIQue scores on EA, revealing that both cognitive intelligence and trait EI significantly explained EA. The same model also showed an indirect effect of age, via intelligence scores, on EA, suggesting that the increase of EA with age could be partially imputed to the development of intelligence. Finally, a relation between gender and TEIQue scores confirmed higher trait EI scores in girls than in boys. The implications emerging from this model are discussed.}, } @article {pmid31413711, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, L and Luo, Y and Wang, X and Maierdiyali, A and Chang, H and Li, Z}, title = {Azure-winged magpies solve string-pulling tasks by partial understanding of the physical cognition.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {65}, number = {4}, pages = {385-392}, pmid = {31413711}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {String-pulling is one of the most widely used paradigms in animal cognition research. We investigated how azure-winged magpies Cyanopica cyanus solve multiple-string problems that they have never encountered before. In Experiment 1, the strings were arranged in parallel, slanted, or crossed to investigate what rules azure-winged magpies use to solve multiple spatial relations of strings. Experiment 2 assessed whether the subjects understood the connection between the string and the bait while taking advantage of broken strings. In Experiment 3, the subjects were confronted with strings of different lengths attached to rewards in order to explore whether the string length, as a proxy for the pulling efficiency or reward distance, was crucial for the birds' choice of which string to pull. Generally, the birds were successful in tasks where the reward was close to the correct string's end, and they relied on a "proximity rule" in most cases. The results showed that azure-winged magpies had a partial understanding of the physical principles underlying the string-pulling but were stumped by complex spatial relations. They likely relied on simple strategies such as the proximity rule to solve the tasks. The effects of individual difference and experiential learning on string-pulling performance are also discussed.}, } @article {pmid31401625, year = {2019}, author = {Mäntyselkä, A and Haapala, EA and Lindi, V and Häkkinen, MR and Auriola, S and Jääskeläinen, J and Lakka, TA}, title = {Associations of IGF-1 and Adrenal Androgens with Cognition in Childhood.}, journal = {Hormone research in paediatrics}, volume = {91}, number = {5}, pages = {329-335}, doi = {10.1159/000501719}, pmid = {31401625}, issn = {1663-2826}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Androstenedione/*blood ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Dehydroepiandrosterone/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/*metabolism ; Male ; Testosterone/*blood ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between adrenarche and cognition in general populations of children. We therefore studied the associations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (A4), testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and adrenarche with cognition among prepubertal children.

METHODS: These cross-sectional analyses are based on baseline data of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study. A total of 387 children (183 girls, 204 boys) were included in the analyses. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) score was used to assess nonverbal reasoning. Serum adrenal androgens and IGF-1 concentrations were measured and clinical signs of androgen action were evaluated.

RESULTS: Higher IGF-1 among boys (β = 0.149, p =0.033) was related to a better Raven's CPM score after adjustment for age and parental education. Adrenal androgens in girls or boys or IGF-1 in girls were not associated with the score. There were no differences in Raven's CPM score between children with biochemical adrenarche (DHEAS ≥1.08 µmol/L; ≥40 µg/dL) or with clinical signs of androgen action and children without them.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that higher serum IGF-1 among boys is related to better cognition in prepubertal children. We could not provide evidence for the associations of adrenal maturation with cognition in prepubertal children.}, } @article {pmid31391480, year = {2019}, author = {Probst, C and Gethmann, J and Amler, S and Globig, A and Knoll, B and Conraths, FJ}, title = {The potential role of scavengers in spreading African swine fever among wild boar.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {11450}, pmid = {31391480}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {African Swine Fever/epidemiology/*transmission/virology ; African Swine Fever Virus/*isolation & purification/pathogenicity ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; *Carnivory ; Crows/virology ; Falconiformes/virology ; Female ; Foxes/virology ; Germany/epidemiology ; Male ; Raccoon Dogs/virology ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Sus scrofa/*virology ; Swine ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Understanding the transmission patterns of African swine fever (ASF) among wild boar (Sus scrofa) is an issue of major interest, especially in the wake of the current ASF epidemic. Given the high stability of ASF-virus, there is concern about scavengers spreading infectious carcass material in the environment. Here, we describe scavenging activities on 32 wild boar carcasses in their natural habitat in Germany. Using digital cameras, we detected 22 vertebrates at the study sites, thereof two mammal and three bird species scavenging. The most frequently detected species was the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (44% of all visits). Raccoon dogs, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and buzzards (Buteo buteo) scavenged in the warm and the cold season, while ravens (Corvus corax) and white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) scavenged only in the cold season. In summer, however, insects removed most of the carcass biomass. Although most of the material was consumed on the spot, foxes, raccoon dogs and ravens left the study sites in rare cases with a small piece of meat in their mouths or beaks. We conclude that scavengers represent a minor risk factor for spreading ASF, but may contribute to reducing local virus persistence by metabolizing infected carcasses.}, } @article {pmid31389672, year = {2020}, author = {Shin, S and Cho, SH and Park, D and Jung, E}, title = {Anti-skin aging properties of protocatechuic acid in vitro and in vivo.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {4}, pages = {977-984}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.13086}, pmid = {31389672}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {R0002895//The Ministry of Trade, industry and Energy, Republic Korea./ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Antioxidants/*administration & dosage ; Cell Line ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Collagen Type I/analysis/metabolism ; Cosmeceuticals/*administration & dosage ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Face ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Hydroxybenzoates/*administration & dosage ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/analysis/metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Skin/cytology/drug effects/metabolism/radiation effects ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/radiation effects ; Skin Cream/*administration & dosage ; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Protocatechuic acid has reported containing antioxidant effects. However, information on its other biological activities such as anti-wrinkle properties is limited AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate an antioxidant, collagen synthesis, MMP-1 inhibition (in vitro), and anti-wrinkle (in vivo) effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) as a potent ingredient for wrinkle-care cosmetic.

METHODS: Antioxidant effect was evaluated based on its scavenging activity for free radicals (DPPH, ABTS+). To evaluate the anti-skin aging potency of PCA, levels of MMP-1 and type I procollagen were measured using an ELISA kit in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. To further investigate if PCA could increase collagen synthesis, full-thickness human skin explants were immunostained with an anti-collagen I antibody. In an in vivo study, 22 female subjects were enrolled in a placebo-controlled trial. Facial wrinkle, especially crow's feet around eyes, was treated with lotion-containing 0.02% PCA for 8 weeks and compared with the placebo.

RESULTS: In in vitro study, PCA showed high antioxidant activ ity. PCA also showed potential to induce the synthesis of type I collagen in human dermal fibroblast and skin explants. It inhibited MMP-1 secretion from UVA-irradiated human dermal fibroblast. An in vivo study, treatment with lotion-containing 0.02% PCA for 8 weeks significantly reduced the percentage of all skin wrinkle parameters.

CONCLUSION: Based on the results of in vitro assays and in vivo skin testing in human subjects, PCA shows potential in anti-wrinkle or anti-skin aging treatments.}, } @article {pmid31387316, year = {2019}, author = {Napp, S and Montalvo, T and Piñol-Baena, C and Gómez-Martín, MB and Nicolás-Francisco, O and Soler, M and Busquets, N}, title = {Usefulness of Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica) for West Nile virus Surveillance in Non-Endemic and Endemic Situations.}, journal = {Viruses}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {31387316}, issn = {1999-4915}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/virology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Passeriformes/*virology ; Sentinel Surveillance/veterinary ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Spain/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/immunology/*isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {: In September 2017, passive surveillance allowed the detection of West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 for the first time in northern Spain in a northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). However, a cross sectional study carried out in Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) in a nearby area evidenced that WNV had been circulating two months earlier. Therefore, active surveillance in Eurasian magpies proved its effectiveness for the early detection of WNV in a non-endemic area. Further surveys in 2018 and the beginning of 2019 using young magpies (i.e., born after 2017) showed the repeated circulation of WNV in the same region in the following transmission season. Therefore, active surveillance in Eurasian magpies as well proved to be useful for the detection of WNV circulation in areas that may be considered as endemic. In this manuscript we present the results of those studies and discuss reasons that make the Eurasian magpies an ideal species for the surveillance of WNV, both in endemic and non-endemic areas.}, } @article {pmid31380706, year = {2020}, author = {Johann, V and Könen, T and Karbach, J}, title = {[Formula: see text] The unique contribution of working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and intelligence to reading comprehension and reading speed.}, journal = {Child neuropsychology : a journal on normal and abnormal development in childhood and adolescence}, volume = {26}, number = {3}, pages = {324-344}, doi = {10.1080/09297049.2019.1649381}, pmid = {31380706}, issn = {1744-4136}, mesh = {Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Comprehension/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests/*standards ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; *Reading ; }, abstract = {There are several studies showing that executive functions such as working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility are related to reading abilities. However, most of these studies did not simultaneously take different executive functions and intelligence into account. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate if working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and fluid intelligence uniquely contribute to reading. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis that reading comprehension and reading speed are correlated but separable reading abilities with different relations to other cognitive functions. To test this assumption, we examined if executive functions and fluid intelligence unequally relate to reading comprehension and reading speed. A total of 186 school children (mean age = 9.31 years) participated in our study and performed a complex span task (working memory), task switching (cognitive flexibility), a stroop-like task (inhibition), raven matrices (fluid intelligence), a reading speed task and three reading comprehension tasks. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility and fluid intelligence differently contributed to reading speed and reading comprehension. Working memory, inhibition and fluid intelligence were related to reading speed, indicating that a higher working memory capacity, better inhibitory abilities and higher fluid intelligence were associated with higher reading speed. Moreover, cognitive flexibility and fluid intelligence were related to reading comprehension, suggesting that higher cognitive flexibility and fluid intelligence were associated with better reading comprehension. Thus, our results point to differential contributions of executive functions to reading comprehension and reading speed.}, } @article {pmid31378612, year = {2019}, author = {McCoy, DE and Schiestl, M and Neilands, P and Hassall, R and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH}, title = {New Caledonian Crows Behave Optimistically after Using Tools.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {16}, pages = {2737-2742.e3}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.06.080}, pmid = {31378612}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Motivation ; Optimism ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Are complex, species-specific behaviors in animals reinforced by material reward alone or do they also induce positive emotions? Many adaptive human behaviors are intrinsically motivated: they not only improve our material outcomes, but improve our affect as well [1-8]. Work to date on animal optimism, as an indicator of positive affect, has generally focused on how animals react to change in their circumstances, such as when their environment is enriched [9-14] or they are manipulated by humans [15-23], rather than whether complex actions improve emotional state. Here, we show that wild New Caledonian crows are optimistic after tool use, a complex, species-specific behavior. We further demonstrate that this finding cannot be explained by the crows needing to put more effort into gaining food. Our findings therefore raise the possibility that intrinsic motivation (enjoyment) may be a fundamental proximate cause in the evolution of tool use and other complex behaviors. VIDEO ABSTRACT.}, } @article {pmid31378607, year = {2019}, author = {Rinnert, P and Kirschhock, ME and Nieder, A}, title = {Neuronal Correlates of Spatial Working Memory in the Endbrain of Crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {16}, pages = {2616-2624.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.06.060}, pmid = {31378607}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Reaction Time/physiology ; Spatial Memory/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Birds are renowned for their excellent spatial cognition. Corvid songbirds, in particular, rely on explicit representation of spatial cues in memory when caching food and retrieving caches for later consumption. However, the neuronal correlates of flexible spatial memory abilities are largely unknown in birds. We therefore trained carrion crows (Corvus corone) on a spatial delayed-response task in which they had to maintain the variable location of a visual item for a few seconds in working memory. After the crows performed this task with high precision, we recorded single-cell activity from the associative endbrain area Nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) in the behaving crows. A large fraction of NCL neurons were tuned to individual preferred locations and selectively maintained the spatial location of items in working memory. A comparison of firing rates with reaction times suggested that the majority of delay-selective neurons represented stored location information rather than motor preparation. Almost 30% of all recorded neurons were tuned during both visual presentation and memory delay, and their spatial tuning was significantly correlated. The population of recorded neurons stably maintained spatial information over the course of the working memory period. Importantly, the neural responses of spatially tuned neurons were relevant for the crows' choices and allowed a statistical classifier to predict the subsequently chosen target location in free-choice trials. Our findings demonstrate the pivotal role of the avian NCL in spatial working memory that is reminiscent of the function of the convergently evolved primate prefrontal cortex in spatial working memory.}, } @article {pmid31373991, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, J and Su, Y and Zhang, J and Guo, P and Song, B}, title = {Subbrow Blepharoplasty Combined with Periorbital Muscle Manipulation for Periorbital Rejuvenation in Asian Women.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {144}, number = {5}, pages = {760e-769e}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0000000000006144}, pmid = {31373991}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Asian People/*statistics & numerical data ; Blepharoplasty/*methods ; Cohort Studies ; Esthetics ; Eyebrows ; Eyelids/*surgery ; Facial Muscles/*surgery ; Female ; Forehead/surgery ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction/*statistics & numerical data ; Photography/*methods ; Preoperative Care/methods ; Prognosis ; Rejuvenation ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: With advancing age, Asian women are often plagued by lateral hooding of the upper eyelid skin, eyebrow ptosis, and obvious periorbital wrinkles. The authors propose a novel technique to revive the natural eyelid shape with a stable eyebrow position and alleviate periorbital wrinkles in Asian women.

METHODS: Sixty-six patients underwent subbrow blepharoplasty combined with periorbital muscle manipulation. An ellipse shape of the skin and subcutaneous tissue below the eyebrow was measured, demarcated, and removed. Then, the orbicularis oculi muscle beneath the subcutaneous tissue was exposed and dissected at the upper third. The lower muscle flap was fixed to the supraorbital rim periosteum and the upper musculocutaneous flaps, forming a cross flap for interlocking fixation. The lateral border of the orbicularis oculi muscle was detached from the subcutaneous tissue, splayed out, and sutured upward and inward to the periosteum. The corrugator supercilii muscle temporal to the origin of the supraorbital nerve notch was separated by 1 to 2 mm. The operation results were evaluated by patient satisfaction and comparisons between preoperative and postoperative photographs.

RESULTS: Subbrow blepharoplasty combined with periorbital muscle manipulation significantly corrected lateral hooding with a stable eyebrow position and reduced the crow's feet and glabellar frown lines in all patients. The persistence of the improved outcome was stable during the follow-up period. Postoperative scarring was inconspicuous; however, eight cases had transient postoperative forehead numbness.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel procedure provides a simple, effective, and comprehensive technique for improving periorbital aging in Asian women. The surgical outcomes are predictable, and the postoperative scarring is inconspicuous.

Therapeutic, IV.}, } @article {pmid31372482, year = {2019}, author = {Norqvist, M and Jonsson, B and Lithner, J}, title = {Eye-tracking data and mathematical tasks with focus on mathematical reasoning.}, journal = {Data in brief}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {104216}, pmid = {31372482}, issn = {2352-3409}, abstract = {This data article contains eye-tracking data (i.e., dwell time and fixations), Z-transformed cognitive data (i.e., Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and Operation span), and practice and test scores from a study in mathematics education. This data is provided in a supplementary file. The method section describes the mathematics tasks used in the study. These mathematics tasks are of two kinds, with and without solution templates, to induce different types of mathematical reasoning.}, } @article {pmid31363119, year = {2019}, author = {Domingues, P and Eletto, D and Magnus, C and Turkington, HL and Schmutz, S and Zagordi, O and Lenk, M and Beer, M and Stertz, S and Hale, BG}, title = {Profiling host ANP32A splicing landscapes to predict influenza A virus polymerase adaptation.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {3396}, pmid = {31363119}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Birds ; Chickens ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; Influenza A virus/chemistry/*enzymology/genetics/physiology ; Influenza in Birds/*genetics/metabolism/virology ; Influenza, Human/genetics/metabolism/virology ; Nuclear Proteins ; Protein Binding ; *RNA Splicing ; RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Viral Proteins/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Virus Replication ; }, abstract = {Species' differences in cellular factors limit avian influenza A virus (IAV) zoonoses and human pandemics. The IAV polymerase, vPol, harbors evolutionary sites to overcome restriction and determines virulence. Here, we establish host ANP32A as a critical driver of selection, and identify host-specific ANP32A splicing landscapes that predict viral evolution. We find that avian species differentially express three ANP32A isoforms diverging in a vPol-promoting insert. ANP32As with shorter inserts interact poorly with vPol, are compromised in supporting avian-like IAV replication, and drive selection of mammalian-adaptive vPol sequences with distinct kinetics. By integrating selection data with multi-species ANP32A splice variant profiling, we develop a mathematical model to predict avian species potentially driving (swallow, magpie) or maintaining (goose, swan) mammalian-adaptive vPol signatures. Supporting these predictions, surveillance data confirm enrichment of several mammalian-adaptive vPol substitutions in magpie IAVs. Profiling host ANP32A splicing could enhance surveillance and eradication efforts against IAVs with pandemic potential.}, } @article {pmid31350980, year = {2019}, author = {S R, SC and Rajaguru, H}, title = {Lung Cancer Detection using Probabilistic Neural Network with modified Crow-Search Algorithm.}, journal = {Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP}, volume = {20}, number = {7}, pages = {2159-2166}, pmid = {31350980}, issn = {2476-762X}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Databases, Factual ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/*diagnosis/*diagnostic imaging ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Prognosis ; Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; }, abstract = {Objective: Lung cancer is a type of malignancy that occurs most commonly among men and the third most common type of malignancy among women. The timely recognition of lung cancer is necessary for decreasing the effect of death rate worldwide. Since the symptoms of lung cancer are identified only at an advanced stage, it is essential to predict the disease at its earlier stage using any medical imaging techniques. This work aims to propose a classification methodology for lung cancer automatically at the initial stage. Methods: The work adopts computed tomography (CT) imaging modality of lungs for the examination and probabilistic neural network (PNN) for the classification task. After pre-processing of the input lung images, feature extraction for the work is carried out based on the Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and chaotic crow search algorithm (CCSA) based feature selection is proposed. Results: Specificity, Sensitivity, Positive and Negative Predictive Values, Accuracy are the computation metrics used. The results indicate that the CCSA based feature selection effectively provides an accuracy of 90%. Conclusion: The strategy for the selection of appropriate extracted features is employed to improve the efficiency of classification and the work shows that the PNN with CCSA based feature selection gives an improved classification than without using CCSA for feature selection.}, } @article {pmid31350814, year = {2020}, author = {Carroll, JM and Hanna, S and Guenther, LC and Boucher, N}, title = {Comparison of topical antiaging creams in the management of lateral canthal lines.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {694-704}, pmid = {31350814}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Devonian Health Group Inc/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Eyelids/*drug effects/physiology ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Skin/*drug effects ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Cream/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study compared an antiaging treatment with two currently marketed cosmetic antiaging products for the treatment of lateral canthal lines ("crow's feet").

METHODS: Healthy female volunteers (72) aged of 54.6 years (mean) having fine-to-moderate wrinkles in the lateral canthal areas were randomized to one of three treatments applied daily over 28 days: Group A (Purgenesis™ Day Cream, Purgenesis™ Eye Cream, and Purgenesis™ Night Cream); Group B (Prevage[®] Eye Lotion, Prevage[®] Day Cream, and Prevage[®] Night Cream); or Group C (La Mer[®] Eye Balm, Crème de La Mer[®] , and La Mer[®] Night Cream). The effects on anti-wrinkle properties and for sensory attributes and general performance were evaluated on Days 1, 7, and 28.

RESULTS: Skin hydration improved significantly at all time points in Groups A and B, and at Day 28 in Group C. Group A patients experienced significant improvements in measured skin elasticity parameters at Day 28; extensibility and maximum amplitude were significantly better at Day 28 in Groups B and C. Benefits were also seen in profilometric parameters with statistical significance only in Group A Volunteer tolerance was good with all three treatments, although moderate and high levels of adverse events were numerically higher in Group B than in Groups A or C, and levels of slight discomfort were significantly more prevalent in Group B.

CONCLUSION: The Purgenesis™ antiaging treatment significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and profilometry parameters during a 28-day study. This therapy was found to be well tolerated and effective in countering the cutaneous signs of aging.}, } @article {pmid31343446, year = {2020}, author = {Keaney, TC and Cavallini, M and Leys, C and Rossi, A and Drinkwater, A and Manson Brown, S and Garcia, JK and Mao, C}, title = {Efficacy, Patient-Reported Outcomes, and Safety in Male Subjects Treated With OnabotulinumtoxinA for Improvement of Moderate to Severe Horizontal Forehead Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {229-239}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000002047}, pmid = {31343446}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Esthetics ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Intention to Treat Analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Rejuvenation ; Sex Factors ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Men represent a growing segment of the facial aesthetic market.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate investigator-assessed efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, and safety after onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of forehead lines (FHL) in men.

METHODS: Subjects with moderate to severe FHL received onabotulinumtoxinA (frontalis: 20 U; glabellar complex: 20 U, with/without 24 U in crow's feet regions) or placebo in 6-month, double-blind periods of 2 pivotal trials. Results for men were pooled.

RESULTS: Men comprised 12% (140/1,178) of subjects. Day 30 male responder rates for achieving at least 1-grade Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) improvement at maximum eyebrow elevation and at rest were 98.2% and 93.3%, respectively; a significant difference in responder rates was maintained versus placebo (p < .05) through Day 150. Despite men having proportionately more severe FHL at baseline, 81.8% and 79.8% achieved Day 30 FWS ratings of none or mild at maximum eyebrow elevation and at rest, respectively (p < .05); significance versus placebo was maintained through Day 120. Men reported high satisfaction rates and improved psychological impacts. No new safety signals were detected.

CONCLUSION: Standard dosing and administration of onabotulinumtoxinA significantly improved static and dynamic FHL appearance, despite men having proportionately more severe FHL at baseline. Men reported high satisfaction and appearance-related psychological impact improvements.}, } @article {pmid31340859, year = {2019}, author = {Vinciguerra, NT and Tsai, WLE and Faircloth, BC and McCormack, JE}, title = {Comparison of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) to microsatellite markers for the study of avian hybrid zones: a test in Aphelocoma jays.}, journal = {BMC research notes}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {456}, pmid = {31340859}, issn = {1756-0500}, support = {DEB-1244739//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-1652979//National Science Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Beak/anatomy & histology/metabolism ; Crosses, Genetic ; *DNA Probes ; Female ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Speciation ; Genetics, Population ; *Genome ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/classification/*genetics ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Quantitative Trait, Heritable ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology/metabolism ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Hybrid zones are geographic regions where genetically distinct taxa interbreed, resulting in offspring of mixed ancestry. California Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) and Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays (A. woodhouseii) come into secondary contact and hybridize in western Nevada. Although previous work investigated divergence and gene flow between these species using a handful of microsatellite markers, the hybrid zone has not been studied using genome-scale markers, providing an opportunity to assess genome-wide introgression, test for a genetic basis for ecomorphological traits, and compare these estimates to those derived from microsatellites.

RESULTS: Using variant sites flanking ultraconserved elements (UCEs), we performed population assignment and quantified hybrid ancestry for 16 individuals across the zone of secondary contact. Our study included 2468 SNPs distributed throughout the genome, allowing discrimination of genetic affinities of hybrid individuals that were similar to estimates from microsatellites. We show a relationship between bill and wing length and the genetic composition of individuals that was not found in prior work using microsatellites, suggesting a genetic basis for these traits. Our analyses demonstrate the utility of UCEs for the analysis of hybrid zones and provide a basis for future studies to identify the genomic architecture of speciation and phenotypic differences between these incipient species.}, } @article {pmid31330118, year = {2019}, author = {Moberly, AC and Reed, J}, title = {Making Sense of Sentences: Top-Down Processing of Speech by Adult Cochlear Implant Users.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {62}, number = {8}, pages = {2895-2905}, pmid = {31330118}, issn = {1558-9102}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001070/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Auditory Threshold ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants/*psychology ; Female ; Hearing Loss/*psychology/surgery ; Humans ; Inhibition, Psychological ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Nonverbal Communication ; Phonetics ; Postoperative Period ; Problem Solving ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Speech Acoustics ; *Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {Purpose Speech recognition relies upon a listener's successful pairing of the acoustic-phonetic details from the bottom-up input with top-down linguistic processing of the incoming speech stream. When the speech is spectrally degraded, such as through a cochlear implant (CI), this role of top-down processing is poorly understood. This study explored the interactions of top-down processing, specifically the use of semantic context during sentence recognition, and the relative contributions of different neurocognitive functions during speech recognition in adult CI users. Method Data from 41 experienced adult CI users were collected and used in analyses. Participants were tested for recognition and immediate repetition of speech materials in the clear. They were asked to repeat 2 sets of sentence materials, 1 that was semantically meaningful and 1 that was syntactically appropriate but semantically anomalous. Participants also were tested on 4 visual measures of neurocognitive functioning to assess working memory capacity (Digit Span; Wechsler, 2004), speed of lexical access (Test of Word Reading Efficiency; Torgeson, Wagner, & Rashotte, 1999), inhibitory control (Stroop; Stroop, 1935), and nonverbal fluid reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices; Raven, 2000). Results Individual listeners' inhibitory control predicted recognition of meaningful sentences when controlling for performance on anomalous sentences, our proxy for the quality of the bottom-up input. Additionally, speed of lexical access and nonverbal reasoning predicted recognition of anomalous sentences. Conclusions Findings from this study identified inhibitory control as a potential mechanism at work when listeners make use of semantic context during sentence recognition. Moreover, speed of lexical access and nonverbal reasoning were associated with recognition of sentences that lacked semantic context. These results motivate the development of improved comprehensive rehabilitative approaches for adult patients with CIs to optimize use of top-down processing and underlying core neurocognitive functions.}, } @article {pmid31328952, year = {2020}, author = {Lazareva, OF and Gould, K and Linert, J and Caillaud, D and Gazes, RP}, title = {Smaller on the left? Flexible association between space and magnitude in pigeons (Columba livia) and blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata).}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {134}, number = {1}, pages = {71-83}, doi = {10.1037/com0000193}, pmid = {31328952}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Humans ; Orientation/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Humans and other apes represent magnitudes spatially, demonstrated by their responding faster and more accurately to one side of space when presented with small quantities and to the other side of space when presented with large quantities. This representation is flexible and shows substantial variability between cultural groups in humans and between and within individuals in great apes. In contrast, recent findings suggest that chicks show a spatial representation of magnitude that is highly lateralized and inflexible, implying a qualitatively different underlying representation than in primates. Using methods similar to those used with great apes and humans, we trained adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia) and blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) to select the smaller (or larger) of two nonadjacent quantity arrays; later, this task was reversed. At test, birds were presented with novel probe pairs consisting of adjacent quantity pairs (e.g., 2 vs. 3). Both species showed robust evidence for a flexible spatial representation of magnitude with considerable individual variability in the orientation of this representation. These results are not consistent with an inflexible, lateralized, left-to-right representation of magnitude in birds, but are consistent with the flexible spatial representation of magnitude observed in apes and humans. We conclude that the tendency to organize quantities spatially may be a fundamental and evolutionarily ancient feature of cognition that is widespread among vertebrates. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid31326206, year = {2019}, author = {Chang, BP and Rostanski, S and Willey, J and Miller, EC and Shapiro, S and Mehendale, R and Kummer, B and Navi, BB and Elkind, MSV}, title = {Safety and Feasibility of a Rapid Outpatient Management Strategy for Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke: The Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation-Neurology (RAVEN) Approach.}, journal = {Annals of emergency medicine}, volume = {74}, number = {4}, pages = {562-571}, pmid = {31326206}, issn = {1097-6760}, support = {R01 HL141811/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL146911/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Ambulatory Care/*methods ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Ischemic Attack, Transient/*therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neurologic Examination/methods ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke/*therapy ; United States ; }, abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVE: Although most transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients in US emergency departments (EDs) are admitted, experience in other countries suggests that timely outpatient evaluation of transient ischemic attack and minor stroke can be safe. We assess the feasibility and safety of a rapid outpatient stroke clinic for transient ischemic attack and minor stroke: Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation-Neurology (RAVEN).

METHODS: Transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients presenting to the ED with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 5 or less and nondisabling deficit were assessed for potential discharge to RAVEN with a protocol incorporating social and medical criteria. Outpatient evaluation by a vascular neurologist, including vessel imaging, was performed within 24 hours at the RAVEN clinic. Participants were evaluated for compliance with clinic attendance and 90-day recurrent transient ischemic attack and minor stroke and hospitalization rates.

RESULTS: Between December 2016 and June 2018, 162 transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients were discharged to RAVEN. One hundred fifty-four patients (95.1%) appeared as scheduled and 101 (66%) had a final diagnosis of transient ischemic attack and minor stroke. Two patients (1.3%) required hospitalization (one for worsening symptoms and another for intracranial arterial stenosis caused by zoster) at RAVEN evaluation. Among the 101 patients with confirmed transient ischemic attack and minor stroke, 18 (19.1%) had returned to an ED or been admitted at 90 days. Five were noted to have had recurrent neurologic symptoms diagnosed as transient ischemic attack (4.9%), whereas one had a recurrent stroke (0.9%). No individuals with transient ischemic attack and minor stroke died, and none received thrombolytics or thrombectomy, during the interval period. These 90-day outcomes were similar to historical published data on transient ischemic attack and minor stroke.

CONCLUSION: Rapid outpatient management appears a feasible and safe strategy for transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients evaluated in the ED, with recurrent stroke and transient ischemic attack rates comparable to historical published data.}, } @article {pmid31320656, year = {2019}, author = {Madsen, SMK and Marschall, M and Dau, T and Oxenham, AJ}, title = {Speech perception is similar for musicians and non-musicians across a wide range of conditions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {10404}, pmid = {31320656}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {R01 DC005216/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation/methods ; Attention/physiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Music ; Noise ; Pitch Discrimination/physiology ; Speech/*physiology ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {It remains unclear whether musical training is associated with improved speech understanding in a noisy environment, with different studies reaching differing conclusions. Even in those studies that have reported an advantage for highly trained musicians, it is not known whether the benefits measured in laboratory tests extend to more ecologically valid situations. This study aimed to establish whether musicians are better than non-musicians at understanding speech in a background of competing speakers or speech-shaped noise under more realistic conditions, involving sounds presented in space via a spherical array of 64 loudspeakers, rather than over headphones, with and without simulated room reverberation. The study also included experiments testing fundamental frequency discrimination limens (F0DLs), interaural time differences limens (ITDLs), and attentive tracking. Sixty-four participants (32 non-musicians and 32 musicians) were tested, with the two groups matched in age, sex, and IQ as assessed with Raven's Advanced Progressive matrices. There was a significant benefit of musicianship for F0DLs, ITDLs, and attentive tracking. However, speech scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The results suggest no musician advantage for understanding speech in background noise or talkers under a variety of conditions.}, } @article {pmid31318256, year = {2020}, author = {Gonthier, C and Roulin, JL}, title = {Intraindividual strategy shifts in Raven's matrices, and their dependence on working memory capacity and need for cognition.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. General}, volume = {149}, number = {3}, pages = {564-579}, doi = {10.1037/xge0000660}, pmid = {31318256}, issn = {1939-2222}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Motivation/physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Strategic behavior plays a key role in fluid intelligence tasks like Raven's matrices. Some participants solve items using the strategy of mentally constructing the answer (constructive matching), which is effective but costly for complex problems; other participants rely on the less accurate strategy of discarding potential answers (response elimination). While this process is relatively well-known, past research hints that intraindividual changes in strategy use may also take place as the task becomes increasingly difficult; however, intraindividual variability in Raven's matrices is poorly understood. The present study aimed to (a) test the hypothesis that participants dynamically shift between strategies during the course of Raven's matrices, as predicted by the literature, and (b) investigate the possibility that these shifts are moderated by individual differences in both ability and motivation. Two samples of 100 participants each completed Raven's advanced progressive matrices, and measures of working memory and need for cognition. The results confirmed that participants tended to turn to the less costly response elimination strategy as the difficulty of the task increased; this variability in strategy use predicted 78% of item-to-item variance in accuracy. Working memory capacity and need for cognition predicted strategy use, and working memory capacity additionally moderated the shift toward response elimination, so that only participants with both high working memory capacity and high need for cognition continued using constructive matching in the later part of the task. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid31314913, year = {2019}, author = {Flament, F and Velleman, D and Yamamoto, S and Nicolas, A and Udodaira, K and Yamamoto, S and Morimoto, C and Belkebla, S and Negre, C and Delaunay, C}, title = {Clinical impacts of sun exposures on the faces and hands of Japanese women of different ages.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, pages = {425-436}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12555}, pmid = {31314913}, issn = {1468-2494}, support = {//L'Oréal Research & Innovation Department/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Environmental Exposure ; Face/*radiation effects ; Female ; Hand/*radiation effects ; Humans ; Japan ; Life Style ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; *Sunlight ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To assess the impacts of sun exposures on some skin signs on the faces and hands of differently aged Japanese women, according to their distinct behaviours towards vis à vis sun exposure.

METHODS: Two comparable cohorts of Japanese women (aged 18-83 years) were created according to their usual behaviour towards sun exposure i.e. non-sun-phobic (N = 495) and sun-phobic (N = 516) and through their regular use(s) of a photo-protective product. Standard photographs (full-face and 45° lateral) allowed to focus on 18 facial signs that were graded by 15 experts, using a referential skin ageing Atlas. From these two cohorts, two sub-cohorts (114 and 122 women) were created with regard to the similar clinical aspects of the dorsal side of their hands (Left vs. Right) that were further graded. Absolute differences in the scores of each sign were used (non-sun-phobic minus sun-phobic), by age-ranges, to better ascertain the impact of sun exposures and photo-protection.

RESULTS: Facial signs related to skin wrinkles/texture and pigmentary spots were found significantly more accentuated among non-sun-phobic women and show an early onset (20-30 years). Facial sagging and crow's feet wrinkles appear delayed (30-40 years). The severity of vascular disorders was found to be similar in the two cohorts. The absolute differences in the grading's of almost all signs were unsurprisingly found increased with advancing ages, illustrating the combination of chronological and photo-ageing processes. With regard to hands, differences in skin texture and pigmentary disorders are of a late onset (40-50 years) and were found much increased at older ages. The cutaneous signs of the hands of Japanese women can hardly be taken as reliable markers of their photo-ageing status.

CONCLUSION: The present work illustrates, for the first time, some specificities of the impact of sun exposures on the facial skin of Japanese women, pinpointing the fact that some facial signs are of an early onset. Results significantly confirm the importance of both sun avoidance coupled with photo-protective measures.}, } @article {pmid31307422, year = {2019}, author = {Williams, K and Colquhoun, A and Munday, R and Goodman, KJ and , }, title = {Antibiotic dispensation rates among participants in community-driven health research projects in Arctic Canada.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {949}, pmid = {31307422}, issn = {1471-2458}, support = {RES0010178//ArcticNet/ ; 201201159//Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*therapeutic use ; Arctic Regions ; Canada ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori/drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Residence Characteristics/*statistics & numerical data ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; Treatment Failure ; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Community-driven projects that aim to address public concerns about health risks from H. pylori infection in Indigenous Arctic communities (estimated H. pylori prevalence = 64%) show frequent failure of treatment to eliminate the bacterium. Among project participants, treatment effectiveness is reduced by antibiotic resistance of infecting H. pylori strains, which in turn, is associated with frequent exposure to antibiotics used to treat other infections. This analysis compares antibiotic dispensation rates in Canadian Arctic communities to rates in urban and rural populations in Alberta, a southern Canadian province.

METHODS: Project staff collected antibiotic exposure histories for 297 participants enrolled during 2007-2012 in Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, and Fort McPherson in the Northwest Territories, and Old Crow, Yukon. Medical chart reviews collected data on systemic antibiotic dispensations for the 5-year period before enrolment for each participant. Antibiotic dispensation data for urban Edmonton, Alberta (average population ~ 860,000) and rural northern Alberta (average population ~ 450,000) during 2010-2013 were obtained from the Alberta Government Interactive Health Data Application.

RESULTS: Antibiotic dispensation rates, estimated as dispensations/person-years (95% confidence interval) were: in Arctic communities, 0.89 (0.84, 0.94); in Edmonton, 0.55 (0.55, 0.56); in rural northern Alberta, 0.63 (0.62, 0.63). Antibiotic dispensation rates were higher in women and older age groups in all regions. In all regions, the highest dispensation rates occurred for β-lactam and macrolide antibiotic classes.

CONCLUSIONS: These results show more frequent antibiotic dispensation in Arctic communities relative to an urban and rural southern Canadian population.}, } @article {pmid33365527, year = {2019}, author = {Liu, DW and Cheng-He, S and Yi-Ling, F and Hou, SL and Song-Ze, T}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of Grey Treepie, Dendrocitta formosae (Aves: Corvidae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {2326-2327}, pmid = {33365527}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {We report the complete mitochondrial genome of Dendrocitta formosae. The genome is a closed circular molecule of 16,875 bp, with all genes exhibiting typical avian gene arrangement. The overall base composition of this species' mitogenome is 24.33% T, 30.49% C, 30.17% A, and 15.01% G. The A + T content is 54.50%. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete mitogenome of 12 species conducted using the neighbour-joining method and kimura 2-parameter model suggested that the mitogenome of D. formosae was the closest to that of Pyrrhocorax graculus and P. pyrrhocorax. The results could aid future studies on Dendrocitta and Pyrrhocorax molecular evolution and phylogeny.}, } @article {pmid31306420, year = {2019}, author = {Maharaj, PD and Langevin, SA and Bolling, BG and Andrade, CC and Engle, XA and Ramey, WN and Bosco-Lauth, A and Bowen, RA and Sanders, TA and Huang, CY and Reisen, WK and Brault, AC}, title = {N-linked glycosylation of the West Nile virus envelope protein is not a requisite for avian virulence or vector competence.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {e0007473}, pmid = {31306420}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI061822/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CI000235/CI/NCPDCID CDC HHS/United States ; U54 AI065359/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aedes ; Amino Acid Motifs ; Animals ; Chlorocebus aethiops ; Culex/virology ; Culicidae/virology ; Disease Models, Animal ; *Disease Vectors ; Female ; Glycosylation ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mice ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Sparrows/virology ; Vero Cells ; Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Viremia ; Virulence ; Virus Replication ; West Nile Fever/*virology ; West Nile virus/genetics/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {The N-linked glycosylation motif at amino acid position 154-156 of the envelope (E) protein of West Nile virus (WNV) is linked to enhanced murine neuroinvasiveness, avian pathogenicity and vector competence. Naturally occurring isolates with altered E protein glycosylation patterns have been observed in WNV isolates; however, the specific effects of these polymorphisms on avian host pathogenesis and vector competence have not been investigated before. In the present study, amino acid polymorphisms, NYT, NYP, NYF, SYP, SYS, KYS and deletion (A'DEL), were reverse engineered into a parental WNV (NYS) cDNA infectious clone to generate WNV glycosylation mutant viruses. These WNV glycosylation mutant viruses were characterized for in vitro growth, pH-sensitivity, temperature-sensitivity and host competence in American crows (AMCR), house sparrows (HOSP) and Culex quinquefasciatus. The NYS and NYT glycosylated viruses showed higher viral replication, and lower pH and temperature sensitivity than NYP, NYF, SYP, SYS, KYS and A'DEL viruses in vitro. Interestingly, in vivo results demonstrated asymmetric effects in avian and mosquito competence that were independent of the E-protein glycosylation status. In AMCRs and HOSPs, all viruses showed comparable viremias with the exception of NYP and KYS viruses that showed attenuated phenotypes. Only NYP showed reduced vector competence in both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis. Glycosylated NYT exhibited similar avian virulence properties as NYS, but resulted in higher mosquito oral infectivity than glycosylated NYS and nonglycosylated, NYP, NYF, SYP and KYS mutants. These data demonstrated that amino acid polymorphisms at E154/156 dictate differential avian host and vector competence phenotypes independent of E-protein glycosylation status.}, } @article {pmid31292844, year = {2020}, author = {Parvathy, VS and Pothiraj, S}, title = {Multi-modality medical image fusion using hybridization of binary crow search optimization.}, journal = {Health care management science}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {661-669}, doi = {10.1007/s10729-019-09492-2}, pmid = {31292844}, issn = {1572-9389}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Humans ; Image Enhancement/methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Multimodal Imaging/*methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; Wavelet Analysis ; }, abstract = {In clinical applications, single modality images do not provide sufficient diagnostic information. Therefore, it is necessary to combine the advantages or complementarities of different modalities of images. In this paper, we propose an efficient medical image fusion system based on discrete wavelet transform and binary crow search optimization (BCSO) algorithm. Here, we consider two different patterns of images as the input of the system and the output is the fused image. In this approach, at first, to enhance the image, we apply a median filter which is used to remove the noise present in the input image. Then, we apply a discrete wavelet transform on both the input modalities. Then, the approximation coefficients of modality 1 and detailed coefficients of modality 2 are combined. Similarly, approximation coefficients of modality 2 and detailed coefficients of modality 1 are combined. Finally, we fuse the two modality information using novel fusion rule. The fusion rule parameters are optimally selected using binary crow search optimization (BCSO) algorithm. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, we used different quality metrics such as structural similarity index measure (SSIM), Fusion Factor (FF), and entropy. The presented model shows superior results with 6.63 of entropy, 0.849 of SSIM and 5.9 of FF.}, } @article {pmid33365427, year = {2019}, author = {Jiang, JQ}, title = {Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Corvus corone orientalis.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {2102-2103}, pmid = {33365427}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Corvus corone orientalis was assembled through next-generation sequencing data. This circular mitochondrial genome of C. corone orientalis is 16,947 bp in length and has a base composition of A (30.8%), T (24.7%), C (29.9%), and G (14.5%), demonstrating a bias of higher AT content (55.5%) than GC content (44.5%). The mitochondrial genome contains a typically conserved structure among bird mitogenomes, encoding 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), two ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and a control region (D-loop region). Except ND6, all other PCGs were located on the H-strand. ATP8 gene and ATP6 gene were overlapped by 8 bp. The whole mt genome of C. corone orientalis and other Corvoidea mitogenomes (24 species, in total) were used for phylogenetic analysis. The result indicated C. corone orientalis has the closest relationship with Corvus cornix cornix (NC_024698) and clustered within clade of genus Corvus.}, } @article {pmid31287221, year = {2020}, author = {Schlötelburg, A and Plekat, A and Bellingrath-Kimura, S and Jacob, J}, title = {Self-service traps inspected by avian and terrestrial predators as a management option for rodents.}, journal = {Pest management science}, volume = {76}, number = {1}, pages = {103-110}, doi = {10.1002/ps.5550}, pmid = {31287221}, issn = {1526-4998}, support = {312-06.01-2812NA120//German Federal Office for Food and Agriculture/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Arvicolinae ; Birds ; Predatory Behavior ; *Rodentia ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Worldwide, serval rodent species are major pests in agricultural landscapes. A vole-specific tub-trap combining trapping and natural predators was developed to minimize the migration of rodents into agricultural crops. The trap was tested in enclosures in terms of its trapability of common voles (Microtus arvalis Pallas) and in the field regarding predator access and removal of voles, both in comparison to a commercially available self-service trap (standby-box).

RESULTS: The trapability of voles was equal for tub-traps and standby-boxes. The removal of voles occurred four times more often from tub-traps by a wider variety of predators (e.g. smaller terrestrial predators, birds of prey). Visits by predators were most likely if study sites were not surrounded by artificial surfaces (70% visit probability by terrestrial predators) or if they were in areas that were more than 25% (semi)natural (95% visit probability by avian predators). Furthermore, visits by avian predators increased with time and a learning effect could be demonstrated for magpies (Pica pica L.). From the first to the fifth day, the visit probability of magpies quadrupled.

CONCLUSIONS: Visits by predators decreased with increasing cover of artificial surfaces or decreasing cover of (semi)natural areas, proving the importance of (semi)natural areas in the agricultural landscape. Long-term trials with different baiting techniques and in landscapes characterized by organic farming should be conducted to ensure the regular removal of voles. The use of tub-traps that are frequently visited by predators could support crop protection, which might limit the use of rodenticide and the associated exposure risk of non-target wildlife. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.}, } @article {pmid31278972, year = {2019}, author = {Parameshwaran, D and Subramaniyam, NP and Thiagarajan, TC}, title = {Waveform complexity: A new metric for EEG analysis.}, journal = {Journal of neuroscience methods}, volume = {325}, number = {}, pages = {108313}, doi = {10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108313}, pmid = {31278972}, issn = {1872-678X}, mesh = {Adult ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiology ; Electroencephalography/*methods ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: EEG represents a cost-effective mechanism to evaluate brain function. To realize its potential, it is essential to identify aspects of the signal that provide insight into differences in cognitive, emotional and behavioral outcomes and can therefore aid in diagnostic measurement. Here we define a new metric of the EEG signal that assesses the diversity of waveform shapes in the signal.

NEW METHOD: The metric, which we term waveform complexity, abbreviated as Cw, compares the similarity of the shape of waveforms of long durations by computing the correlation (r) of segments. A distribution of waveform diversity is computed as 1-|r|x100, from which Cw is obtained as the median.

RESULTS: We identify the length parameter that provides the maximal variance in Cw across the sample population and therefore greatest potential discriminatory power. We also provide insight into the impact of various manipulations of the signal such as sampling rate, filtering, phase shuffling and signal duration. Finally, as a test of potential application, we demonstrate that when applied to eyes closed EEG recordings in subjects taken immediately prior to taking a Raven's progressive matrix test, this measure had a high correlation to participant's scores.

Cw, while correlated with other similar measures such as spectral entropy, sample entropy and Lempel-Ziv complexity, significantly outperformed these measures in its correlation to participants' task scores.

CONCLUSIONS: This waveform complexity measure warrants further investigation as a potential measure of cognitive and other brain states.}, } @article {pmid31276317, year = {2019}, author = {Valdés Hernández, MDC and Abu-Hussain, J and Qiu, X and Priller, J and Parra Rodríguez, M and Pino, M and Báez, S and Ibáñez, A}, title = {Structural neuroimaging differentiates vulnerability from disease manifestation in colombian families with Huntington's disease.}, journal = {Brain and behavior}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {e01343}, pmid = {31276317}, issn = {2162-3279}, support = {MC_PC_16031/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/P025315/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Basal Ganglia/*diagnostic imaging ; Colombia ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Huntington Disease/*diagnostic imaging ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroimaging/*methods ; Thalamus/*diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The volume of the striatal structures has been associated with disease progression in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) from North America, Europe, and Australia. However, it is not known whether the gray matter (GM) volume in the striatum is also sensitive in differentiating vulnerability from disease manifestation in HD families from a South-American region known to have high incidence of the disease. In addition, the association of enlarged brain perivascular spaces (PVS) with cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms of HD is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have analyzed neuroimaging indicators of global atrophy, PVS burden, and GM tissue volume in the basal ganglia and thalami, in relation to behavioral, motor, and cognitive scores, in 15 HD patients with overt disease manifestation and 14 first-degree relatives not genetically tested, which represent a vulnerable group, from the region of Magdalena, Colombia.

RESULTS: Poor fluid intelligence as per the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices was associated with global brain atrophy (p = 0.002) and PVS burden (p ≤ 0.02) in HD patients, where the GM volume in all subcortical structures, with the exception of the right globus pallidus, was associated with motor or cognitive scores. Only the GM volume in the right putamen was associated with envy and MOCA scores (p = 0.008 and 0.015 respectively) in first-degree relatives.

CONCLUSION: Striatal GM volume, global brain atrophy and PVS burden may serve as differential indicators of disease manifestation in HD. The Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices could be a cognitive test worth to consider in the differentiation of vulnerability versus overt disease in HD.}, } @article {pmid31272493, year = {2019}, author = {Hartshorn, S and Barrett, MJ and Lyttle, MD and Yee, SA and Irvine, AT and , }, title = {Inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox®) versus placebo for injury-associated analgesia in children-the MAGPIE trial (MEOF-002): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.}, journal = {Trials}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {393}, pmid = {31272493}, issn = {1745-6215}, mesh = {Administration, Inhalation ; Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Analgesics/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Child ; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic ; Double-Blind Method ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Humans ; Ireland ; Male ; Methoxyflurane/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Multicenter Studies as Topic ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Pain/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Pain Measurement ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; United Kingdom ; Wounds and Injuries/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pain from injuries is one of the commonest symptoms in children attending emergency departments (EDs), and this is often inadequately treated in both the pre-hospital and ED settings, in part due to challenges of continual assessment and availability of easily administered analgesic options. Pain practices are therefore a key research priority, including within the field of paediatric emergency medicine. Methoxyflurane, delivered via a self-administered Penthrox® inhaler, belongs to the fluorinated hydrocarbon group of volatile anaesthetics and is unique among the group in having analgesic properties at low doses. Despite over 30 years of clinical acute analgesia use, and a large volume of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy, there is a paucity of randomised controlled trial data for Penthrox®.

METHODS: This is an international multi-centre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial assessing the efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane delivered via the Penthrox® inhaler for the management of moderate to severe acute traumatic pain in children and young people aged 6-17 years. Following written informed consent, eligible participants are randomised to self-administer either inhaled methoxyflurane (maximum dose of 2 × 3 ml) or normal saline placebo (maximum dose 2 × 5 ml). Patients, treating clinicians and research nurses are blinded to the treatment. The primary outcome is the change in pain intensity at 15 min after the commencement of treatment, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or the Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating scale, with the latter converted to VAS values. Secondary outcome measures include the number and proportion of responders who achieve a 30% reduction in VAS score compared to baseline, rescue medication requested, time and number of inhalations to first pain relief, global medication performance assessment by the patient, clinician and research nurse, and evaluation of adverse events experienced during treatment and during the subsequent 14 ± 2 days. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat. The total sample size is 110 randomised and treated patients per treatment arm.

DISCUSSION: The Methoxyflurane AnalGesia for Paediatric InjuriEs (MAGPIE) trial will provide efficacy and safety data for methoxyflurane administered via the Penthrox® inhaler, in children and adolescents who present to EDs with moderate to severe injury-related pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT, 2016-004290-41 . Registered on 11 April 2017. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03215056 . Registered on 12 July 2017.}, } @article {pmid31270682, year = {2020}, author = {Vonk, J}, title = {Sticks and stones: Associative learning alone?.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {48}, number = {3}, pages = {277-278}, doi = {10.3758/s13420-019-00387-4}, pmid = {31270682}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Learning ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Gruber et al. (Current Biology, 29, 686-692, 2019) report that New Caledonian crows engage in mental representation to solve a problem involving a tool. Although the crows' success is impressive, an associative account of their behavior calls into question the extent to which the data reflect representation of future states.}, } @article {pmid31266425, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and van der Vaart, K and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Local interactions and their group-level consequences in flocking jackdaws.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1906}, pages = {20190865}, pmid = {31266425}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Crows/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {As one of nature's most striking examples of collective behaviour, bird flocks have attracted extensive research. However, we still lack an understanding of the attractive and repulsive forces that govern interactions between individuals within flocks and how these forces influence neighbours' relative positions and ultimately determine the shape of flocks. We address these issues by analysing the three-dimensional movements of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) in flocks containing 2-338 individuals. We quantify the social interaction forces in large, airborne flocks and find that these forces are highly anisotropic. The long-range attraction in the direction perpendicular to the movement direction is stronger than that along it, and the short-range repulsion is generated mainly by turning rather than changing speed. We explain this phenomenon by considering wingbeat frequency and the change in kinetic and gravitational potential energy during flight, and find that changing the direction of movement is less energetically costly than adjusting speed for birds. Furthermore, our data show that collision avoidance by turning can alter local neighbour distributions and ultimately change the group shape. Our results illustrate the macroscopic consequences of anisotropic interaction forces in bird flocks, and help to draw links between group structure, local interactions and the biophysics of animal locomotion.}, } @article {pmid31266013, year = {2019}, author = {Moberly, AC and Mattingly, JK and Castellanos, I}, title = {How Does Nonverbal Reasoning Affect Sentence Recognition in Adults with Cochlear Implants and Normal-Hearing Peers?.}, journal = {Audiology & neuro-otology}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {127-138}, pmid = {31266013}, issn = {1421-9700}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001070/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Cochlear Implantation ; *Cochlear Implants ; Cognition ; Female ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated an association of scores on a visual test of nonverbal reasoning, Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), with scores on open-set sentence recognition in quiet for adult cochlear implant (CI) users as well as for adults with normal hearing (NH) listening to noise-vocoded sentence materials. Moreover, in that study, CI users demonstrated poorer nonverbal reasoning when compared with NH peers. However, it remains unclear what underlying neurocognitive processes contributed to the association of nonverbal reasoning scores with sentence recognition, and to the poorer scores demonstrated by CI users.

OBJECTIVES: Three hypotheses were tested: (1) nonverbal reasoning abilities of adult CI users and normal-hearing (NH) age-matched peers would be predicted by performance on more basic neurocognitive measures of working memory capacity, information-processing speed, inhibitory control, and concentration; (2) nonverbal reasoning would mediate the effects of more basic neurocognitive functions on sentence recognition in both groups; and (3) group differences in more basic neurocognitive functions would explain the group differences previously demonstrated in nonverbal reasoning.

METHOD: Eighty-three participants (40 CI and 43 NH) underwent testing of sentence recognition using two sets of sentence materials: sentences produced by a single male talker (Harvard sentences) and high-variability sentences produced by multiple talkers (Perceptually Robust English Sentence Test Open-set, PRESTO). Participants also completed testing of nonverbal reasoning using a visual computerized RPM test, and additional neurocognitive assessments were collected using a visual Digit Span test and a Stroop Color-Word task. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to test our hypotheses while treating age as a covariate.

RESULTS: In the CI group, information processing speed on the Stroop task predicted RPM performance, and RPM scores mediated the effects of information processing speed on sentence recognition abilities for both Harvard and PRESTO sentences. In contrast, for the NH group, Stroop inhibitory control predicted RPM performance, and a trend was seen towards RPM scores mediating the effects of inhibitory control on sentence recognition, but only for PRESTO sentences. Poorer RPM performance in CI users than NH controls could be partially attributed to slower information processing speed.

CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive functions contributed differentially to nonverbal reasoning performance in CI users as compared with NH peers, and nonverbal reasoning appeared to partially mediate the effects of these different neurocognitive functions on sentence recognition in both groups, at least for PRESTO sentences. Slower information processing speed accounted for poorer nonverbal reasoning scores in CI users. Thus, it may be that prolonged auditory deprivation contributes to cognitive decline through slower information processing.}, } @article {pmid31263578, year = {2019}, author = {Majid, F and Behrman, J and Mani, S}, title = {Short-term and long-term distributional consequences of prenatal malnutrition and stress: using Ramadan as a natural experiment.}, journal = {BMJ global health}, volume = {4}, number = {3}, pages = {e001185}, pmid = {31263578}, issn = {2059-7908}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Fetal environments play significant roles in determining adult well-being, particularly as they relate to non-communicable diseases and skill formation. We studied gender-specific distributional consequences of fetal environment (in the form of in-utero exposure to Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting), in Indonesia, on birth weights, performance on Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM), math scores, hours worked and earnings.

METHODS: We used quantile regressions to conduct a quantitative comparison of distributional consequences, by gender, of full month exposures to Ramadan in-utero on outcomes of interest. Our data included Muslim children and adults measured during rounds 1 and 4 of the Indonesian Family Life Survey. Our main outcome measures were: birth weights-559 observations (females) and 624 (males); Raven's CPM scores-1693 (females) and 1821 (males) for 8-15 year olds; math test scores-1696 (females) and 1825 (males) for 8-15 year olds; hours worked-3181 (females) and 4599 (males) for 18-65 year olds; earnings-2419 (females) and 4019 (males) for 18-65 year olds.

RESULTS: Full month of exposure to Ramadan in-utero led to significant reductions at the 5% significance level that were concentrated in the bottom halves of the outcome distributions: among 8-15 years, lower scores on Raven's CPM tests for females (mean: -9.2%, 10thQ: -19%, 25th Q: -19.4%) and males (mean: -5.6%, 10thQ: -12.5%); lower math scores for females (mean: -8.6%, 25thQ: -15.9%) and males (mean: -8.5%, 10thQ: -13.6%); among females 18-65 years, significant reduction in hours worked (mean: -7.5%, 10thQ: - 26.3%).

CONCLUSION: Events during the fetal period have far-reaching consequences for females and males in the lowest (10th and 25th) quantiles of outcome distributions, affecting the 'relatively poor' the most. These results call for caution in interpreting studies on child development that rely on mean comparisons alone.}, } @article {pmid31261787, year = {2019}, author = {Garcia-Garzon, E and Abad, FJ and Garrido, LE}, title = {Searching for G: A New Evaluation of SPM-LS Dimensionality.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {31261787}, issn = {2079-3200}, support = {FPU15/03246//Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte/ ; Grant PSI2013-44300-P//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España/ ; PSI2017-85022-P//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España/ ; }, abstract = {There has been increased interest in assessing the quality and usefulness of short versions of the Raven's Progressive Matrices. A recent proposal, composed of the last twelve matrices of the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM-LS), has been depicted as a valid measure of g. Nonetheless, the results provided in the initial validation questioned the assumption of essential unidimensionality for SPM-LS scores. We tested this hypothesis through two different statistical techniques. Firstly, we applied exploratory graph analysis to assess SPM-LS dimensionality. Secondly, exploratory bi-factor modelling was employed to understand the extent that potential specific factors represent significant sources of variance after a general factor has been considered. Results evidenced that if modelled appropriately, SPM-LS scores are essentially unidimensional, and that constitute a reliable measure of g. However, an additional specific factor was systematically identified for the last six items of the test. The implications of such findings for future work on the SPM-LS are discussed.}, } @article {pmid31259563, year = {2019}, author = {Congdon, JV and Hahn, AH and Filippi, P and Campbell, KA and Hoang, J and Scully, EN and Bowling, DL and Reber, SA and Sturdy, CB}, title = {Hear them roar: A comparison of black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) and human (Homo sapiens) perception of arousal in vocalizations across all classes of terrestrial vertebrates.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {133}, number = {4}, pages = {520-541}, doi = {10.1037/com0000187}, pmid = {31259563}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Arousal/*physiology ; Auditory Perception/*physiology ; Concept Formation/physiology ; Conditioning, Operant/physiology ; Discrimination Learning/physiology ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Learning/*physiology ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Transfer, Psychology/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Recently, evidence for acoustic universals in vocal communication was found by demonstrating that humans can identify levels of arousal in vocalizations produced by species across three biological classes (Filippi et al., 2017). Here, we extend this work by testing whether two vocal learning species, humans and chickadees, can discriminate vocalizations of high and low arousal using operant discrimination go/no-go tasks. Stimuli included vocalizations from nine species: giant panda, American alligator, common raven, hourglass treefrog, African elephant, Barbary macaque, domestic pig, black-capped chickadee, and human. Subjects were trained to respond to high or low arousal vocalizations, then tested with additional high and low arousal vocalizations produced by each species. Chickadees (Experiment 1) and humans (Experiment 2) learned to discriminate between high and low arousal stimuli and significantly transferred the discrimination to additional panda, human, and chickadee vocalizations. Finally, we conducted discriminant function analyses using four acoustic measures, finding evidence suggesting that fundamental frequency played a role in responding during the task. However, these analyses also suggest roles for other acoustic factors as well as familiarity. In sum, the results from these studies provide evidence that chickadees and humans are capable of perceiving arousal in vocalizations produced by multiple species. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid31244985, year = {2019}, author = {Graham, LJ and Spake, R and Gillings, S and Watts, K and Eigenbrod, F}, title = {Incorporating fine-scale environmental heterogeneity into broad-extent models.}, journal = {Methods in ecology and evolution}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {767-778}, pmid = {31244985}, issn = {2041-210X}, abstract = {A key aim of ecology is to understand the drivers of ecological patterns, so that we can accurately predict the effects of global environmental change. However, in many cases, predictors are measured at a finer resolution than the ecological response. We therefore require data aggregation methods that avoid loss of information on fine-grain heterogeneity.We present a data aggregation method that, unlike current approaches, reduces the loss of information on fine-grain spatial structure in environmental heterogeneity for use with coarse-grain ecological datasets. Our method contains three steps: (a) define analysis scales (predictor grain, response grain, scale-of-effect); (b) use a moving window to calculate a measure of variability in environment (predictor grain) at the process-relevant scale (scale-of-effect); and (c) aggregate the moving window calculations to the coarsest resolution (response grain). We show the theoretical basis for our method using simulated landscapes and the practical utility with a case study. Our method is available as the grainchanger r package.The simulations show that information about spatial structure is captured that would have been lost using a direct aggregation approach, and that our method is particularly useful in landscapes with spatial autocorrelation in the environmental predictor variable (e.g. fragmented landscapes) and when the scale-of-effect is small relative to the response grain. We use our data aggregation method to find the appropriate scale-of-effect of land cover diversity on Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius abundance in the UK. We then model the interactive effect of land cover heterogeneity and temperature on G. glandarius abundance. Our method enables us quantify this interaction despite the different scales at which these factors influence G. glandarius abundance.Our data aggregation method allows us to integrate variables that act at varying scales into one model with limited loss of information, which has wide applicability for spatial analyses beyond the specific ecological context considered here. Key ecological applications include being able to estimate the interactive effect of drivers that vary at different scales (such as climate and land cover), and to systematically examine the scale dependence of the effects of environmental heterogeneity in combination with the effects of climate change on biodiversity.}, } @article {pmid31244629, year = {2019}, author = {Friedman, N and Fekete, T and Gal, K and Shriki, O}, title = {EEG-Based Prediction of Cognitive Load in Intelligence Tests.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {13}, number = {}, pages = {191}, pmid = {31244629}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Measuring and assessing the cognitive load associated with different tasks is crucial for many applications, from the design of instructional materials to monitoring the mental well-being of aircraft pilots. The goal of this paper is to utilize EEG to infer the cognitive workload of subjects during intelligence tests. We chose the well established advanced progressive matrices test, an ideal framework because it presents problems at increasing levels of difficulty and has been rigorously validated in past experiments. We train classic machine learning models using basic EEG measures as well as measures of network connectivity and signal complexity. Our findings demonstrate that cognitive load can be well predicted using these features, even for a low number of channels. We show that by creating an individually tuned neural network for each subject, we can improve prediction compared to a generic model and that such models are robust to decreasing the number of available channels as well.}, } @article {pmid31237011, year = {2019}, author = {Walsh, JP and Akopian, G}, title = {Physiological aging at striatal synapses.}, journal = {Journal of neuroscience research}, volume = {97}, number = {12}, pages = {1720-1727}, doi = {10.1002/jnr.24484}, pmid = {31237011}, issn = {1097-4547}, mesh = {Aging/*physiology ; Animals ; Basal Ganglia/physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/*physiology ; Corpus Striatum/*physiology ; Humans ; Mitochondria ; Neural Pathways/physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Neurons/*physiology ; Synapses/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Mike Levine's body of work guides thinking on how the basal ganglia process information to create coordinated movements and skill learning throughout the life span and in disease. This special issue is a nod to Mike's career and a well-deserved gesture by the neuroscience community thanking him for the impact he has made on many people's careers and the field of basal ganglia physiology. This paper reviews how aging impacts basal ganglia processing with a focus on single cell and synaptic physiology. This review begins with the work Mike did with his collaborators Nat Buchwald, Chester Hull and Jay Schneider. These early studies paved the way for subsequent studies on changes in synaptic processing that occur with aging in the basal ganglia. The primary focus of this review is aging at corticostriatal synapses. Corticostriatal synapses show reduced expression of both short-term and long-term synaptic potentiation. The roles of age-related changes in calcium homeostasis, vesicle cycling, dopamine modulation, and NMDA receptor function in aging's effect on synaptic plasticity are discussed. The article ends with a review of mitochondrial aging theory as it applies to age-induced changes in corticostriatal synaptic function.}, } @article {pmid31231320, year = {2019}, author = {Jiménez de Oya, N and Escribano-Romero, E and Camacho, MC and Blazquez, AB and Martín-Acebes, MA and Höfle, U and Saiz, JC}, title = {A Recombinant Subviral Particle-Based Vaccine Protects Magpie (Pica pica) Against West Nile Virus Infection.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1133}, pmid = {31231320}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {The mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) is a highly neurovirulent Flavivirus currently representing an emergent zoonotic concern. WNV cycles in nature between mosquito vectors and birds that act as amplifier hosts and play an essential role in virus ecology, being, thus, WNV a threat to many species. Availability of an efficient avian vaccine would benefit certain avian populations, both birds grown for hunting and restocking activities, as well as endangered species in captive breeding projects, wildlife reservations, and recreation installations, and would be useful to prevent and contain outbreaks. Avian vaccination would be also of interest to limit WNV spillover to humans or horses from susceptible bird species that live in urbanized landscapes, like magpies. Herein, we have addressed the efficacy of a single dose of a WNV recombinant subviral particle (RSP) vaccine in susceptible magpie (Pica pica). The protective capacity of the RSP-based vaccine was demonstrated upon challenge of magpies with 5 × 10[3] plaque forming units of a neurovirulent WNV strain. A significant improvement in survival rates of immunized birds was recorded when compared to vehicle-inoculated animals (71.4 vs. 22.2%, respectively). Viremia, which is directly related to the capacity of a host to be competent for virus transmission, was reduced in vaccinated animals, as was the presence of infectious virus in feather follicles. Bird-to-bird transmission was recorded in three of six unchallenged (contact) magpies housed with non-vaccinated WNV-infected birds, but not in contact animals housed with vaccinated WNV-infected magpies. These results demonstrate the protective efficacy of the RSP-based vaccine in susceptible birds against WNV infection and its value in controlling the spread of the virus.}, } @article {pmid31227256, year = {2019}, author = {Lyman, RL}, title = {Misunderstanding graphs: The confusion of biological clade diversity diagrams and archaeological frequency seriation diagrams.}, journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences}, volume = {77}, number = {}, pages = {101178}, doi = {10.1016/j.shpsc.2019.101178}, pmid = {31227256}, issn = {1879-2499}, mesh = {Archaeology/*methods ; Cluster Analysis ; Paleontology/*methods ; Statistics as Topic ; }, abstract = {Graph perception involves the accurate decipherment of (often quantitative) data displayed in visual form. Because graph style may reflect discipline-specific tradition, similar graph styles in distinct disciplines can be subject to misinterpretation. Both archaeologist James A. Ford and paleobiologist Stephen Jay Gould confused spindle diagrams representing archaeological frequency seriation and paleontological clade diversity analysis as displaying the same kinds of data and representing the same processes. Similarities between the two kinds of analysis are, however, limited to the use of the same graph style-spindle diagrams-to illustrate the history of frequencies of things. The kinds of frequencies differ in two ways between the two disciplines; frequencies are of low-level Linnaean taxa within a clade representing a higher taxon in paleobiology, and are frequencies of artifact specimens within each of several types in archaeology. Further, frequencies are absolute in clade diversity and relative in frequency seriation. Clade diversity analysis, as practiced by Gould and colleagues, is a time-series analysis that requires knowing the age of taxa prior to analysis of the shape of the spindle diagram. Frequency seriation in archaeology involves ordering multiple collections of artifacts that share at least some types; ordering is based on similar frequencies and a presumed unimodal frequency distribution, and the order is inferred to be a chronology. Different analytical assumptions and goals result in discipline specific rules of graph decipherment, though each of the two kinds of analyses can be performed in each of the two disciplines.}, } @article {pmid31222390, year = {2019}, author = {Liu, D and Brice, B and Elliot, A and Ryan, U and Yang, R}, title = {Isospora coronoideae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) in Western Australia.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {118}, number = {8}, pages = {2399-2408}, pmid = {31222390}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Columbidae/parasitology ; Crows/*parasitology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Isospora/classification/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Isosporiasis/parasitology/*veterinary ; Oocysts/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {A new Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 21) are ovoid, 21.2 (18.4-23.9) μm in length and 18.8 (16.9-20.6) μm in width, with a shape index of 1.13. The bi-layered oocyst wall is smooth and colourless, 1.2 μm thick. A polar granule and oocyst residuum is present, but the micropyle is absent. The sporocysts are ovoid-shaped, 16.3 (13.7-18.9) × 10.7 (8.4-12.9) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.52. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being small and hemidome-shaped and the substieda being indistinct. Each sporocyst with four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are crescent-shaped, 9.0 (8.9-9.2) × 2.7 (2.3-3.0) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 3.33. The sporocyst residuum is present. The isolated oocysts had different morphological characteristics when compared with all known Isospora spp. The coccidian parasite was analysed at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. At the 18S locus, I. coronoideae n. sp. exhibited 98.9% similarity to I. neochmiae from a captive-bred red-browed finch (KT224380) and Isospora sp. from domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) (AB757860), 98.5% similarity to I. gryphoni (AF080613) from an American goldfinch and 98.3% similarity to I. manorinae (KT224379) from a yellow-throated miner. At the 28S locus, it exhibited 95.4% and 94.8% similarity to I. manorinae (KT224381) and I. anthochaerae (KF766053), respectively. At the COI locus, it exhibited 99.8% and 99.7% similarity to I. butcherae (KY801687) and I. neochmiae (KT224378), respectively. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora coronoideae n. sp. after its host, the Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) (Linnaeus, 1758).}, } @article {pmid31221944, year = {2019}, author = {Schwartz, SR and Hammon, KA and Gafner, A and Dahl, A and Guttman, N and Fong, M and Schauss, AG}, title = {Novel Hydrolyzed Chicken Sternal Cartilage Extract Improves Facial Epidermis and Connective Tissue in Healthy Adult Females: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.}, journal = {Alternative therapies in health and medicine}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {12-29}, pmid = {31221944}, issn = {1078-6791}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; *Chickens ; Collagen Type II/*administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Costal Cartilage/*chemistry ; Double-Blind Method ; Epidermis/*drug effects ; Face/blood supply ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Sternum/*chemistry ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {CONTEXT: Dietary supplement manufacturers claim cutaneous anti-aging properties for their products; however, research supporting these claims remains sparse.

OBJECTIVES: The study intended to determine if a correlation existed between the effects of a collagen dietary supplement and changes associated with skin aging.

DESIGN: The study was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING: The study took place at a clinical facility specializing in dermatological testing that could perform biophysical, instrumental analysis on the effects of proprietary supplement on human skin.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 128 females, aged 39-59 (50.57 ± 5.55).

INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or a placebo. The intervention consisted of twice daily oral administration of a supplement containing 500 mg BioCell Collagen, a chicken sternal cartilage derived dietary ingredient composed of a naturally-occurring matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type-II (≥300 mg), chondroitin sulfate (≥100 mg), hyaluronic acid (≥50 mg).

OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary parameters included transepidermal water loss, viscoelasticity, hydration, (indirect) collagen content, chromophore (melanin) content and hemoglobin level, and photographic analysis. An expert visually graded participants' skin to determine the intervention's efficacy, measuring facial lines and wrinkles, crow's feet lines and wrinkles, skin texture and smoothness, and skin tone. The presence of erythema and/or dryness determined tolerance. Secondary outcome measures were tolerance and incidence of adverse events, and the participant's perception of the supplement's value.

RESULTS: For the 113 participants completing the study, the dietary supplementation compared to a placebo: (1) significantly reduced facial lines and wrinkles (P = .019) and crow's feet lines and wrinkles (P = .05), (2) increased skin elasticity (P = .008) and cutaneous collagen content (P < .001) by 12%, (3) improved indicators associated with a more youthful skin appearance based on visual grading and wrinkle width (P = .046), and (4) decreased skin dryness and erythema. No difference existed between the supplement and the placebo for skin-surface water content or retention. The supplement was well tolerated, with no reported adverse reactions.

CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplementation with chicken, sternal cartilage extract supports the accumulation of types-I/III collagen in skin to promote increased elasticity and reduced skin wrinkling.}, } @article {pmid31217759, year = {2019}, author = {Kunishige, M and Fukuda, H and Iida, T and Kawabata, N and Ishizuki, C and MIyaguchi, H}, title = {Spatial navigation ability and gaze switching in older drivers: A driving simulator study.}, journal = {Hong Kong journal of occupational therapy : HKJOT}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {22-31}, pmid = {31217759}, issn = {1876-4398}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Driving ability in older people is affected by declining motor, cognitive and visual functions. We compared perceptual and cognitive skills and driving behaviour in a Japanese population.

METHODS: We used a driving simulator to measure the effects of spatial navigation skills and eye movements on driving ability. Participants were 34 older and 20 young adults who completed a simulated driving task involving a lane change and a right turn at an intersection. We used an eye tracker to measure gaze. We measured visual recognition (Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test (BJLO)), spatial navigation (Card-Placing Test (CPT A & B)), visual perception (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM)) and driving ability (Stroke Drivers' Screening Assessment).

RESULTS: Older participants scored significantly lower on the BJLO, CPT-A & B and RCPM, showed a significant correlation between gaze time and CPT-A & B scores (both p < .01) and had a longer gaze time. There were significant between-group differences in saccade switching (p < .01 right turn), distance per saccade (p < .05 for right turn and lane change) and saccade total distance (p < .05 right turn; p < .01 lane change). There was an association between age and rate of gaze at the right door mirror (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that older drivers have poorer eye movement control and spatial navigation. This is likely to result in delayed responses and difficulties in predicting the on-coming driving environment. Driving simulation could help older drivers in their driving abilities.}, } @article {pmid31209171, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, C and Xu, T and Geng, F and Hu, Y and Wang, Y and Liu, H and Chen, F}, title = {Training on Abacus-Based Mental Calculation Enhances Visuospatial Working Memory in Children.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {39}, number = {33}, pages = {6439-6448}, pmid = {31209171}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Brain/*physiology ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Learning/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mathematics ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; *Teaching ; Teaching Materials ; }, abstract = {Abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) involves temporary storage and manipulation of an imaginary abacus closely related to the function of visuospatial working memory (VSWM). The present study thus investigated the effects of AMC training on VSWM and its neural correlates. A total of 144 human subjects (67 boys) were assigned to AMC or control groups at their entry to primary school. The AMC group received 2 h AMC training per week for 5 school years, whereas the control group spent the time in activities, such as conventional calculation and reading. Raven's Intelligence Test was administered both before and after training. Two arithmetic tests and a VSWM task were conducted after training. Among these participants, fMRI data were collected from 64 children for the VSWM task. Behavioral results indicated that the AMC group outperformed controls on both arithmetic and VSWM tasks, but not on Raven's Intelligence Test. While the two groups activated similar regions during the VSWM task, the AMC group showed greater activation than the controls in frontal, parietal, and occipital areas. Interestingly, the activation of right middle frontal gyrus mediated the relation between the arithmetic ability and the VSWM performance in the AMC group, suggesting that the frontal region may be the neural substrate underlying the transfer effect from AMC training to VSWM. Although the transfer effects seem quite limited considering the length and intensity of the training, these findings suggest that long-term AMC training not only improves arithmetic ability but also has a potential positive effect on VSWM.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Plasticity of working memory is one of the most rapidly expanding research fields in the developmental and cognitive sciences. Previous studies suggest that abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) relies on a visuospatial imaginary strategy, which is closely related to visuospatial working memory (VSWM). However, the impacts of AMC training on VSWM and the underlying neural basis remain unclear. Here, we found that AMC training enhanced VSWM in children, which was accompanied by altered activation in frontal, parietal, and occipital areas. Moreover, we observed that activation in right middle frontal gyrus played a significant mediation role in the transfer of AMC training to VSWM. These findings provide a new perspective to VSWM training and also advance our understanding of related brain plasticity.}, } @article {pmid31205989, year = {2019}, author = {Malone, SA and Pritchard, VE and Heron-Delaney, M and Burgoyne, K and Lervåg, A and Hulme, C}, title = {Data on numerosity discrimination, inhibition and arithmetic during the early school years.}, journal = {Data in brief}, volume = {25}, number = {}, pages = {104062}, pmid = {31205989}, issn = {2352-3409}, abstract = {Participants consisted of 496 children (mean age = 6 years; 9 months) recruited from 11 schools in Brisbane, Australia. Children were assessed on the addition and subtraction subtests of the Test of Basic Arithmetic and Number Skills (TOBANS), an adapted version of the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task to measure inhibition, numerosity discrimination using eight subtests varying ratio (2:3 or 5:6) and congruency, and non-verbal cognitive ability using an adapted version of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Information on children's demographics (gender, English as an additional language, and learning difficulty status) is also provided. All assessments were administered during the second year of formal schooling (i.e. Grade 1). Findings regarding the impact of inhibition on the relation between numerosity discrimination and arithmetic are reported elsewhere [1].}, } @article {pmid31202152, year = {2019}, author = {Firooz, S and Setarehdan, SK}, title = {IQ estimation by means of EEG-fNIRS recordings during a logical-mathematical intelligence test.}, journal = {Computers in biology and medicine}, volume = {110}, number = {}, pages = {218-226}, doi = {10.1016/j.compbiomed.2019.05.017}, pmid = {31202152}, issn = {1879-0534}, mesh = {Adult ; *Algorithms ; Brain/*physiology ; *Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Models, Neurological ; *Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; }, abstract = {Intelligence differences of individuals are attributed to the structural and functional differences of the brain. Neural processing operations of the human brain vary according to the difficulty level of the problem and the intelligence level of individuals. In this study, we used a bimodal system consisting of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) to investigate these inter-individual differences. A continuous wave 32-channel fNIRS from OxyMonfNIRS device (Artinis) and 19-channel EEG from (g.tec's company) were utilized to study the oxygenation procedure as well as the electrical activity of the brain when doing the problems of Raven's Progressive Matrix (RPM) intelligence test. We used this information to estimate the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of the individual without performing a complete logical-mathematical intelligence test in a long-time period and examining the answers of people to the questions. After EEG preprocessing, different features including Higuchi's fractal dimension, Shannon entropy values from wavelet transform coefficients, and average power of frequency sub-bands were extracted. Clean fNIRS signals were also used to compute features such as slope, mean, variance, kurtosis, skewness, and peak. Then dimension reduction algorithms such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied to select an effective feature set from fNIRS and EEG in order to improve the IQ estimation process. We utilized two regression methods, i.e., Linear Regression (LR) and Support Vector Regression (SVR), to extract optimum models for the IQ determination. The best regression models based on fNIRS-EEG and fNIRS presented 3.093% and 3.690% relative error for 11 subjects, respectively.}, } @article {pmid31196019, year = {2019}, author = {Poh, BK and Lee, ST and Yeo, GS and Tang, KC and Noor Afifah, AR and Siti Hanisa, A and Parikh, P and Wong, JE and Ng, ALO and , }, title = {Low socioeconomic status and severe obesity are linked to poor cognitive performance in Malaysian children.}, journal = {BMC public health}, volume = {19}, number = {Suppl 4}, pages = {541}, pmid = {31196019}, issn = {1471-2458}, mesh = {Body Mass Index ; Child ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/*epidemiology/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Income ; Intelligence Tests/statistics & numerical data ; Malaysia/epidemiology ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys ; Nutritional Status ; Obesity, Morbid/epidemiology/*psychology ; Parents ; Poverty/*psychology ; Prevalence ; *Social Class ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic factors and nutritional status have been associated with childhood cognitive development. However, previous Malaysian studies had been conducted with small populations and had inconsistent results. Thus, this present study aims to determine the association between socioeconomic and nutritional status with cognitive performance in a nationally representative sample of Malaysian children.

METHODS: A total of 2406 Malaysian children aged 5 to 12 years, who had participated in the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS), were included in this study. Cognitive performance [non-verbal intelligence quotient (IQ)] was measured using Raven's Progressive Matrices, while socioeconomic characteristics were determined using parent-report questionnaires. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using measured weight and height, while BMI-for-age Z-score (BAZ) and height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) were determined using WHO 2007 growth reference.

RESULTS: Overall, about a third (35.0%) of the children had above average non-verbal IQ (high average: 110-119; superior: ≥120 and above), while only 12.2% were categorized as having low/borderline IQ (< 80). Children with severe obesity (BAZ > 3SD), children from very low household income families and children whose parents had only up to primary level education had the highest prevalence of low/borderline non-verbal IQ, compared to their non-obese and higher socioeconomic counterparts. Parental lack of education was associated with low/borderline/below average IQ [paternal, OR = 2.38 (95%CI 1.22, 4.62); maternal, OR = 2.64 (95%CI 1.32, 5.30)]. Children from the lowest income group were twice as likely to have low/borderline/below average IQ [OR = 2.01 (95%CI 1.16, 3.49)]. Children with severe obesity were twice as likely to have poor non-verbal IQ than children with normal BMI [OR = 2.28 (95%CI 1.23, 4.24)].

CONCLUSIONS: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds (that is those from very low income families and those whose parents had primary education or lower) and children with severe obesity are more likely to have poor non-verbal IQ. Further studies to investigate the social and environmental factors linked to cognitive performance will provide deeper insights into the measures that can be taken to improve the cognitive performance of Malaysian children.}, } @article {pmid31183599, year = {2019}, author = {Muhammad, N and Suleman, and Ma, J and Khan, MS and Li, L and Zhao, Q and Ahmad, MS and Zhu, XQ}, title = {Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Sphaerirostris picae (Rudolphi, 1819) (Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchidae), representative of the genus Sphaerirostris.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {118}, number = {7}, pages = {2213-2221}, pmid = {31183599}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Acanthocephala/*classification/*genetics ; Amino Acid Sequence/genetics ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Calcium-Transporting ATPases/genetics ; Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics ; DNA, Intergenic/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/*genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Genome, Mitochondrial/*genetics ; Intestine, Small/*parasitology ; Pakistan ; Passeriformes/*parasitology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; }, abstract = {The Centrorhynchidae (Acanthocephala: Palaeacanthocephala) is a cosmopolitan family commonly found in various avian and mammalian hosts. Within Centrorhynchidae, species of the genus Sphaerirostris Golvan, 1956 are usually parasitic in the digestive tract of various passerine birds. In the present study, adult specimens of Sphaerirostris picae (Rudolphi, 1819), the type species of this genus, were recovered from the small intestine of Acridotheres tristis (Sturnidae) and Dendrocitta vagabunda (Corvidae) in Pakistan. Molecular data from the nuclear or mitochondrial genome is either very limited or completely absent from this phylogenetically understudied group of acanthocephalans. To fill this knowledge gap, we sequenced and determined the internal transcribed spacers of ribosomal DNA (ITS rDNA) and the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of S. picae. The ITS rDNA of S. picae was 95.2% similar to that of Sphaerirostris lanceoides which is the only member of the Centrorhynchidae whose ITS rDNA is available in GenBank. The phylogenetic tree based on the amino acid sequences of 12 mt protein-coding genes (PCGs) placed S. picae close to Centrorhynchus aluconis in a monophyletic clade of Polymorphida which also contain members of the families Polymorphidae and Plagiorhynchidae on separate branches. The mt gene arrangement, nucleotide composition and codon usage of 12 PCGs were discussed and compared with those of other acanthocephalan mt genomes. Within the Centrorhynchidae, S. picae and C. aluconis showed 67.7-86.8% similarity in the nucleotide sequences of 12 PCGs and 2 rRNAs, where nad4L is the most conserved gene while atp6 is the least conserved. The similarity in amino acid sequences ranged from 68.1 to 91.8%, where cox1 was recorded as the most conserved gene, while atp6 is highly variable among 12 PCGs. This novel mt genome of S. picae provides genetic resources for further studies of phylogenetics and molecular epidemiology of acanthocephalans.}, } @article {pmid31183119, year = {2019}, author = {Sutton, AO and Strickland, D and Freeman, NE and Newman, AEM and Norris, DR}, title = {Autumn freeze-thaw events carry over to depress late-winter reproductive performance in Canada jays.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {6}, number = {4}, pages = {181754}, pmid = {31183119}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Evidence suggests that range-edge populations are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but few studies have examined the specific mechanisms that are driving observed declines. Species that store perishable food for extended periods of time may be particularly susceptible to environmental change because shifts in climatic conditions could accelerate the natural degradation of their cached food. Here, we use 40 years of breeding data from a marked population of Canada jays (Perisoreus canadensis) located at the southern edge of their range in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, to examine whether climatic conditions prior to breeding carry over to influence reproductive performance. We found that multiple measures of Canada jay reproductive performance (brood size, nest success and nestling condition) in the late winter were negatively correlated with the number of freeze-thaw events the previous autumn. Our results suggest that freeze-thaw events have a significant detrimental impact on the quality and/or quantity of cached food available to Canada jays. Future increases in such events, caused by climate change, could pose a serious threat to Canada jays and other food caching species that store perishable foods for long periods of time.}, } @article {pmid31182151, year = {2019}, author = {Van Hemert, C and Meixell, BW and Smith, MM and Handel, CM}, title = {Prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in a resident northern passerine.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {292}, pmid = {31182151}, issn = {1756-3305}, mesh = {Alaska/epidemiology ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Climate Change ; Crows/*parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Ecosystem ; *Genetic Variation ; Haemosporida/genetics/isolation & purification ; Host Specificity ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Parasites/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Parasitic Diseases, Animal/*blood/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Plasmodium/genetics/isolation & purification ; Prevalence ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Climate-related changes are expected to influence the prevalence and distribution of vector-borne haemosporidian parasites at northern latitudes, although baseline information about resident birds is still lacking. In this study, we investigated prevalence and genetic diversity of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon parasites infecting the northwestern crow (Corvus caurinus), a non-migratory passerine with unique life-history characteristics. This species occupies both intertidal and forested habitats and is subject to high prevalence of avian keratin disorder (AKD), a disease that causes gross beak deformities. Investigation of avian blood parasites in northwestern crows at sites broadly distributed across coastal Alaska provided an opportunity to evaluate specific host factors related to parasite infection status and assess geographical patterns of prevalence.

RESULTS: We used molecular methods to screen for haemosporidian parasites in northwestern crows and estimated genus-specific parasite prevalence with occupancy modeling that accounts for imperfect detection of parasite infection. We observed considerable geographical and annual variation in prevalence of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon, but these patterns were not correlated with indices of local climatic conditions. Our models also did not provide support for relationships between the probability of parasite infection and body condition or the occurrence of co-infections with other parasite genera or clinical signs of AKD. In our phylogenetic analyses, we identified multiple lineages of each parasite genus, with Leucocytozoon showing greater diversity than Plasmodium or Haemoproteus.

CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study expand our knowledge about the prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites in northern resident birds as well as corvids worldwide. We detected all three genera of avian haemosporidians in northwestern crows in Alaska, although only Leucocytozoon occurred at all sites in both years. Given the strong geographical and annual variation in parasite prevalence and apparent lack of correlation with climatic variables, it appears that there are other key factors responsible for driving transmission dynamics in this region. Thus, caution is warranted when using standard climatic or geographical attributes in a predictive framework. Our phylogenetic results demonstrate lower host specificity for some lineages of Leucocytozoon than is typically reported and provide insights about genetic diversity of local haemosporidian parasites in Alaska.}, } @article {pmid31179289, year = {2019}, author = {Gutierrez, JC and Holladay, SD and Arzi, B and Clarkson, C and Larsen, R and Srivastava, S}, title = {Improvement of Spatial and Non-verbal General Reasoning Abilities in Female Veterinary Medical Students Over the First 64 Weeks of an Integrated Curriculum.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {141}, pmid = {31179289}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Spatial visualization ability is defined as the ability to mentally rotate two- and three-dimensional figures. Visual reasoning is the ability to manipulate mental images of an object to reach a certain conclusion and has been linked to spatial ability. There is currently limited information about how entry-level spatial and visual reasoning abilities may be enhanced with progression through the rigorous veterinary medical curriculum. The present study made use of two tests that measure spatial ability and one test that measures non-verbal general reasoning ability in female veterinary students: Guay's Visualization of Views Test, Adapted Version (VVT), Mental Rotations Test (MRT), and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (APMT). Tests were given immediately before commencing the integrated veterinary medical curriculum (T0), at week 32 (T1), and at week 64 (T2) into the program. Results showed improved spatial visualization ability as measured by VVT and MRT and improved non-verbal general reasoning ability as measured by APMT at both 32 and 64 weeks. The spatial ability scores measured by VVT and MRT showed a positive correlation with non-verbal general reasoning ability scores (APMT), supporting the idea that these abilities are linked.}, } @article {pmid31176471, year = {2019}, author = {Ramchandran, K and Zeien, E and Andreasen, NC}, title = {Distributed neural efficiency: Intelligence and age modulate adaptive allocation of resources in the brain.}, journal = {Trends in neuroscience and education}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {48-61}, doi = {10.1016/j.tine.2019.02.006}, pmid = {31176471}, issn = {2211-9493}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Attention/physiology ; Brain/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Models, Neurological ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Whether superior intelligence is associated with global lower resource consumption in the brain remains unresolved. In order to tap fluid intelligence "Gf" cortical networks, 50 neurologically healthy adults were functionally neuro-imaged while solving a modified version of the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices. "Gf" predicted increased activation of key components of the dorsal attention network (DAN); and age predicted extent of simultaneous deactivation in key components of the default mode network (DMN) during problem-solving. However, there was no significant difference in mean levels of whole brain activation even when cognitively taxed. This suggests that the brain may dynamically switch resource consumption between these anti-correlated DAN and DMN networks, concentrating processing power in regions critical to enhanced cognitive performance. We term this mechanism of activation increase and decrease of these anti-correlated DAN/DMN systems, modulated by "Gf" and age, as "distributed neural efficiency". This may achieve local cost-efficiency trade-offs, while maintaining global energy homeostasis.}, } @article {pmid31174704, year = {2019}, author = {Ghafouri, SA and Fallah Mehrabadi, MH and Talakesh, SF and Hosseini, H and Ziafati, Z and Malekan, M and Aghaeean, L and Ghalyanchilangeroudi, A}, title = {Full genome characterization of Iranian H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus from Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix), 2017: The first report.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {64}, number = {}, pages = {73-80}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2019.03.005}, pmid = {31174704}, issn = {1878-1667}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*virology ; Disease Outbreaks ; *Genome, Viral ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics ; Influenza A Virus, H5N8 Subtype/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds/*epidemiology/*virology ; Iran/epidemiology ; Mutation ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; Reassortant Viruses/genetics/isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {During 2014-2017 Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have spread worldwide. In 2016, an epidemic of HPAIV H5N8 in Iran caused mass deaths among wild birds, and several commercial poultry farms and captive bird holdings were affected and continue to experience problems. Several outbreaks were reported in 2017. One of them is related to Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) in a national park in Esfahan province in 2017. Whole genome sequencing and characterization have been done on the detected H5N8 sample. Based on HA sequencing results, it belongs to 2.3.4.4 clade, and the cleavage site is (PLREKRRKR/G). Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene showed that the Iran 2017 H5N8 virus clustered within subgroup Russia 2016 2.3.4.4 b of group B in H5 clade 2.3.4.4 HPAIV. On the other hand, the NA gene of the virus is placed in group C of Eurasian lineage. Complete genome characterization of this virus revealed probable reassortment of the virus with East-Asian low-pathogenic influenza viruses. Furthermore, the virus possessed some phenotypic markers related to the increased potential for transmission and pathogenicity to mammals at internal segments. This study is the first full genome characterization H5N8 HPAIV in Iran. The data complete the puzzle of molecular epidemiology of H5N8 HPAIV in Iran and the region. Our study provides evidence for fast and continuing reassortment of H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses, that might lead to changes in virus structural and functional characteristics such as the route and method of transmission of the virus and virus infective, pathogenic and zoonotic potential.}, } @article {pmid31162385, year = {2019}, author = {Warne, RT and Burton, JZ and Gibbons, A and Melendez, DA}, title = {Stephen Jay Gould's Analysis of the Army Beta Test in The Mismeasure of Man: Distortions and Misconceptions Regarding a Pioneering Mental Test.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {31162385}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {In The Mismeasure of Man, Stephen Jay Gould argued that the preconceived beliefs and biases of scientists influence their methods and conclusions. To show the potential consequences of this, Gould used examples from the early days of psychometrics and allied fields, arguing that inappropriate assumptions and an elitist desire to rank individuals and/or groups produced incorrect results. In this article, we investigate a section of The Mismeasure of Man in which Gould evaluated the Army Beta intelligence test for illiterate American draftees in World War I. We evaluated Gould's arguments that the Army Beta (a) had inappropriate content, (b) had unsuitable administration conditions, (c) suffered from short time limits, and (d) could not have measured intelligence. By consulting the historical record and conducting a pre-registered replication of Gould's administration of the test to a sample of college students, we show that Gould mischaracterized the Army Beta in a number of ways. Instead, the Army Beta was a well-designed test by the standards of the time, and all evidence indicates that it measured intelligence a century ago and can, to some extent, do so today.}, } @article {pmid31159743, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, Y and Guo, J and Wang, L and Tian, H and Sui, J}, title = {Transcriptome analysis revealed potential mechanisms of differences in physiological stress responses between caged male and female magpies.}, journal = {BMC genomics}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {447}, pmid = {31159743}, issn = {1471-2164}, support = {2015HXFWBHQ-SJL-01//Beijing Wildlife Conservation Station/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Avian Proteins/*genetics ; Birds/genetics/*physiology ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling/*methods ; Gene Expression Regulation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/*methods ; Housing, Animal/*statistics & numerical data ; Male ; *Stress, Physiological ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Under caged conditions, birds are affected more severely by environmental stressors such as dietary structure, activity space, human disturbances, and pathogens, which may be reflected in the gene expression in peripheral blood or other tissues. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of these stress responses will help improve animal welfare.

RESULTS: In the present study, the blood transcriptomes of six male and five female caged magpies (Pica pica) were sequenced, and a total of ~ 100 Gb in clean reads were generated using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencer. A total of 420,291 unigenes were identified after assembly, of which 179,316 were annotated in five databases, 7471 were assigned to 269 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and 566 were assigned to the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) functional classification "defense mechanisms". Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that 2657 unigenes were differentially expressed between males and females (q < 0.1), and these DEGs were assigned to 45 KEGG pathways involving stress resistance, immunity, energy metabolism, reproduction, lifespan regulation, and diseases. Further analysis revealed that females might be more sensitive to stress through upregulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and were also possibly more sensitive to dynamic changes in energy. Females expressed higher major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II levels than males, enhancing resistance to pathogens, and the DEGs related to reproduction included MAPK, CaMK, CPEB, and Cdc25. The genes related to stress, energy, and immunity were also likely related to the regulation of longevity. The upregulated JNKs in females might prolong lifespan and relieve antioxidant stress. Females may also activate the AMPK pathway and implement dietary restrictions to prolong lifespan, whereas males may upregulate SIRT1 and CRAB to increase lifespan.

CONCLUSIONS: Female magpies might be more sensitive to stress and dynamic changes in energy thus enhanced resistance to pathogens, and the genes related to stress, energy, and immunity were also possibly related to the regulation of longevity. Further confirmations with techniques such as RT-qPCR and western blot are necessary to validate the above arguments.}, } @article {pmid31158507, year = {2019}, author = {Ospanov, OB}, title = {Surgical technique of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass with obstructive stapleless pouch creation: A case series.}, journal = {International journal of surgery (London, England)}, volume = {67}, number = {}, pages = {70-75}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.05.011}, pmid = {31158507}, issn = {1743-9159}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Gastric Bypass/*methods ; Humans ; Jejunostomy/*methods ; Laparoscopy/*methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obesity, Morbid/*surgery ; Stomach/*surgery ; Surgical Stomas ; Sutures ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (MGB) is a bariatric procedure which is gaining popularity worldwide. The original Rutledge technique is known to have good outcomes, but this and other surgical procedures that involve the use of staplers are very expensive for use in low-income countries. For this reason, the laparoscopic band-separated gastric bypass was developed. This paper aimed to describe a modified MGB technique without the use of staplers.

METHODS: We present a modification of the MGB with the use of an obstructive stapleless pouch and anastomosis (MGB-Ospanov procedure). The technique is based on our experience in 32 patients who underwent the procedure involving this technique between January 2016 and December 2018.

RESULTS: As in the original Rutledge version that uses staples, a long conduit is created below the crow's foot, extending up to the angle of His. The main differences between the MGB-Ospanov procedure and the stapler technique are as follows: creation of a gastric pouch from the anterior wall of the stomach; non-use of staplers; non-intersection of the stomach; use of semi-absorbable (or absorbable) strips of mesh; use of gastroplication to obstruct the communication between the gastric pouch and the bypassed greater part of the stomach. Gastrojejunostomy is performed using a hand-sewn suture at 150-200 cm distal from the ligament of Treitz. The body mass index (kg/m[2]) was 26.36 ± 4.0 after surgery vs 41.6 ± 6.1 before surgery (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION: The MGB-Ospanov procedure with an obstructive stapleless pouch and hand-sewn anastomosis is more feasible and cheaper than the stapler technique. Not using staplers could potentially help in avoiding bleeding and leakage along the stapler line when creating a gastric pouch. However, further research is warranted to confirm these results.}, } @article {pmid31156579, year = {2019}, author = {Sen, K and Berglund, T and Soares, MA and Taheri, B and Ma, Y and Khalil, L and Fridge, M and Lu, J and Turner, RJ}, title = {Antibiotic Resistance of E. coli Isolated From a Constructed Wetland Dominated by a Crow Roost, With Emphasis on ESBL and AmpC Containing E. coli.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {1034}, pmid = {31156579}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Information on the dissemination of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in the environment as well as wild life is needed in North America. A constructed wetland (where ∼15,000 American crows roost) was sampled on the University of Washington Bothell Campus for the presence of antibiotic resistant E. coli (ARE). Crow droppings from individual birds and grab samples of water were collected in 2014-2015. E. coli were isolated by selective agar plating. The most frequent antibiotic resistance (AR) of the fecal isolates was to ampicillin (AMP) (53%), followed by amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) (45%), streptomycin (S) (40%), and nalidixic acid (NA) (33%). Water isolates had similar AR pattern and ∼40% were multidrug resistant. Isolates from water samples collected during storm events showed higher resistance than isolates from no rain days to tetracycline, AMP, AMC, NA, and gentamycin. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) containing E. coli with the bla ctx-M was found in three water and nine fecal isolates while bla cmy-2 in 19 water and 16 fecal isolates. Multilocus Sequence Typing analysis (MLST) yielded 13 and 12 different sequence types (STs) amongst fecal and water isolates, many of which could be correlated to livestock, bird, and humans. MLST identified ESBL E. coli belonging to the clinically relevant ST131 clone in six fecal and one water isolate. Three STs found in feces could be found in water on the same dates of collection but not subsequently. Thus, the strains do not appear to survive for long in the wetland. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similar distribution of the water and fecal isolates among the different phylo-groups, with the majority belonging to the commensal B1 phylo-group, followed by the pathogenic B2 phylo-group. This study demonstrates that corvids can be reservoirs and vectors of ARE and pathogenic E. coli, posing a significant environmental threat.}, } @article {pmid31152024, year = {2019}, author = {Strøm, M and Mortensen, EL and Kesmodel, US and Halldorsson, T and Olsen, J and Olsen, SF}, title = {Is breast feeding associated with offspring IQ at age 5? Findings from prospective cohort: Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {e023134}, pmid = {31152024}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {*Breast Feeding ; Child Development/*physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Denmark/epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology ; Infant, Newborn ; Intelligence/*physiology ; *Intelligence Tests ; Life Style ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Breast feeding is associated with health benefits for both mother and child, but many studies focusing on neurodevelopment have lacked information on important confounders and few randomised trials exist. Our objective was to examine the influence of breast feeding on child IQ at 5 years of age while taking maternal IQ and other relevant factors into account.

DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

SETTING: Population-based birth cohort in Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS: We used data from The Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study 1782 mother-child pairs sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort (n=101 042).

OUTCOME MEASURES: Child IQ was assessed at age 5 years by the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scales of Intelligence-Revised. On the same occasion maternal intelligence was assessed by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Exposure data on duration of breast feeding (n=1385) were extracted from telephone interviews conducted when the child was 6 and 18 months, and analyses were weighted by relevant sampling fractions.

RESULTS: In multivariable linear regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders breast feeding was associated with child IQ at 5 years (categorical χ[2] test for overall association p=0.03). Compared with children who were breast fed ≤1 month, children breast fed for 2-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10 or more months had 3.06 (95% CI 0.39 to 5.72), 2.03 (95% CI -0.38 to 4.44), 3.53 (95% CI 1.18 to 5.87) and 3.28 (95% CI 0.88 to 5.67) points higher IQ after adjustment for core confounders, respectively. There was no dose-response relation and further analyses indicated that the main difference in IQ was between breast feeding ≤1 month versus >1 month.

CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding duration of 1 month or shorter compared with longer periods was associated with approximately three points lower IQ, but there was no evidence of a dose-response relation in this prospective birth cohort, where we were able to adjust for some of the most critical confounders, including maternal intelligence.}, } @article {pmid31148101, year = {2019}, author = {Federspiel, IG and Boeckle, M and von Bayern, AMP and Emery, NJ}, title = {Exploring individual and social learning in jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {3}, pages = {258-270}, pmid = {31148101}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Learning ; Male ; *Social Learning ; }, abstract = {Information about novel environments or foods can be gathered via individual or social learning. Whereas individual learning is assumed to be more costly and less effective than social learning, it also yields more detailed information. Juveniles are often found to be more explorative than adults. Still under the protection of their parents, this allows them to sample their environment in preparation for later in life. We tested individual and social learning in jackdaws (Corvus monedula) of different age groups in a semi-natural group setting. Juvenile and adult jackdaws differed in their learning propensity. Juveniles spent more time at the test apparatus, were more explorative, and caused the apparatus to open. Almost all the openings at the apparatus matched the demonstrated method. As more observers became available, the juveniles could observe each other. Individuals preferentially watched successful conspecifics and those they could scrounge food from. Lower-ranking individuals tended to watch higher ranking ones; higher ranking individuals preferentially watched conspecifics of similar rank. The control group did not manipulate the apparatus. Due to the lack of this baseline, it was difficult to determine for certain whether the opening technique was acquired via individual or social learning. We conclude that if social learning played a role, the underlying mechanism was most likely local or stimulus enhancement. It is, however, more parsimonious to assume that juveniles were more explorative than adults, and that their opening technique was potentially easier to acquire than the one demonstrated to adults.}, } @article {pmid31144163, year = {2019}, author = {Gellrich, J and Dabow, ML and Vogelberg, C and Reschke, F and Näke, A and von der Hagen, M and Schriever, VA}, title = {Influence of chronic diseases on the olfactory function in children.}, journal = {European journal of pediatrics}, volume = {178}, number = {8}, pages = {1185-1193}, pmid = {31144163}, issn = {1432-1076}, support = {-//MedDrive/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Asthma/*complications ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/*complications ; Female ; Humans ; Hypothyroidism/*complications ; Male ; Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/*etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhinitis, Allergic/*complications ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {The association between smell impairment and chronic diseases has been reported in some studies in adults. Such information is not available for chronic diseases in children. The aim of this study was to examine olfactory function of children with chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 1, hypothyroidism, and bronchial asthma in combination with allergic rhinitis in comparison to healthy controls. The data were obtained from n = 205 participants (104 boys, 101 girls) between the age of 6 and 17 years. Seventy-eight of the participants were healthy controls, n = 43 had diabetes mellitus type 1, n = 50 suffer from allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma, and 34 presented a reduced function of their thyroid in medical history. All participants underwent olfactory testing including olfactory threshold using "Sniffin' Sticks" and odor identification using the "U-Sniff" test. In addition, a depression inventory and cognitive testing using the Ravens Progressive Matrices was performed. No significant difference in olfactory function was observed for any of the chronic diseases in children in comparison to healthy controls. Further analysis showed a trend in significance for a subpopulation of children with bronchial asthma and comorbidities performed worse on the olfactory threshold test compared to patients with bronchial asthma without comorbidities. Pediatric patients suffering from chronic diseases scored higher on the depression inventory compared to healthy controls.Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the influence of chronic diseases (bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus type 1 and hypothyroidism) on olfactory function in childhood, if any, seems to be insignificant. This is partly in contrast to adult patients. Further research should be conducted in a subgroup of patients with bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis or other comorbidities to better understand the association of allergic diathesis and olfactory function and the putative pathogenesis of olfactory dysfunction. What is known: • The association between smell impairment and chronic diseases has been reported in some studies in adults. • Such information is not available for chronic diseases in children. What is new: • The influence of chronic diseases (bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus type 1, and hypothyroidism) on olfactory function in childhood, if any, seems to be insignificant. • In patients with bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, only a subgroup of patients with additional comorbidity (atopic dermatitis) showed a tendency to a reduced sense of smell.}, } @article {pmid31132942, year = {2019}, author = {Mudry, A and Ruben, RJ}, title = {The Fox and the Crow: Predatory Open Access Journals in Otolaryngology.}, journal = {Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery}, volume = {161}, number = {2}, pages = {193-194}, doi = {10.1177/0194599819838756}, pmid = {31132942}, issn = {1097-6817}, mesh = {*Access to Information ; *Otolaryngology ; Peer Review, Research ; *Periodicals as Topic ; }, abstract = {Otolaryngologists regularly receive invitations from open access otolaryngology–head and neck surgery journals to submit papers or to join the editorial board. Some of these journals are considered “predatory.” There has been no published attempt to see if bogus otolaryngological articles would be accepted by such journals. We sent a fake article describing a supposed otosclerotic lesion localized in the fallopian tube and surgically treated by phacoemulsification of the stapes to 41 such journals. Eight journals accepted the paper, 7 requested structural revision, 2 requested revision even though the reviewer recommended rejection, 4 rejected the paper only because they found it had already been published by another open access journal (without the authors’ knowledge), and 2 rejected the paper. Eighteen journals had not responded after 6 weeks. A contemporary retelling of the poem “The Fox and the Crow” concludes our article, which illustrates predatory practices among specific open access otolaryngology journals.}, } @article {pmid31110007, year = {2019}, author = {Adriaense, JEC and Martin, JS and Schiestl, M and Lamm, C and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Negative emotional contagion and cognitive bias in common ravens (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {23}, pages = {11547-11552}, pmid = {31110007}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Arousal/physiology ; Attention/physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Bias ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Emotions/*physiology ; Empathy/physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Emotional contagion is described as an emotional state matching between subjects, and has been suggested to facilitate communication and coordination in complex social groups. Empirical studies typically focus on the measurement of behavioral contagion and emotional arousal, yet, while highly important, such an approach often disregards an additional evaluation of the underlying emotional valence. Here, we studied emotional contagion in ravens by applying a judgment bias paradigm to assess emotional valence. We experimentally manipulated positive and negative affective states in demonstrator ravens, to which they responded with increased attention and interest in the positive condition, as well as increased redirected behavior and a left-eye lateralization in the negative condition. During this emotion manipulation, another raven observed the demonstrator's behavior, and we used a bias paradigm to assess the emotional valence of the observer to determine whether emotional contagion had occurred. Observers showed a pessimism bias toward the presented ambiguous stimuli after perceiving demonstrators in a negative state, indicating emotional state matching based on the demonstrators' behavioral cues and confirming our prediction of negative emotional contagion. We did not find any judgment bias in the positive condition. This result critically expands upon observational studies of contagious play in ravens, providing experimental evidence that emotional contagion is present not only in mammalian but also in avian species. Importantly, this finding also acts as a stepping stone toward understanding the evolution of empathy, as this essential social skill may have emerged across these taxa in response to similar socioecological challenges.}, } @article {pmid31108570, year = {2019}, author = {Miller, R and Boeckle, M and Jelbert, SA and Frohnwieser, A and Wascher, CAF and Clayton, NS}, title = {Self-control in crows, parrots and nonhuman primates.}, journal = {Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {e1504}, pmid = {31108570}, issn = {1939-5086}, support = {3399933//FP7 Ideas: European Research Council/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; *Crows ; Humans ; *Parrots ; *Primates ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {Self-control is critical for both humans and nonhuman animals because it underlies complex cognitive abilities, such as decision-making and future planning, enabling goal-directed behavior. For instance, it is positively associated with social competence and life success measures in humans. We present the first review of delay of gratification as a measure of self-control in nonhuman primates, corvids (crow family) and psittacines (parrot order): disparate groups that show comparable advanced cognitive abilities and similar socio-ecological factors. We compare delay of gratification performance and identify key issues and outstanding areas for future research, including finding the best measures and drivers of delayed gratification. Our review therefore contributes to our understanding of both delayed gratification as a measure of self-control and of complex cognition in animals. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition Psychology > Comparative Psychology.}, } @article {pmid31107635, year = {2019}, author = {Forzán, MJ and Renshaw, RW and Bunting, EM and Buckles, E and Okoniewski, J and Hynes, K and Laverack, M and Fadden, M and Dastjerdi, A and Schuler, K and Dubovi, EJ}, title = {A NOVEL ORTHOREOVIRUS ASSOCIATED WITH EPIZOOTIC NECROTIZING ENTERITIS AND SPLENIC NECROSIS IN AMERICAN CROWS (CORVUS BRACHYRHYNCHOS).}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {55}, number = {4}, pages = {812-822}, pmid = {31107635}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*virology ; *Crows ; Enteritis ; New York/epidemiology ; Orthoreovirus/*classification/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Reoviridae Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; Retrospective Studies ; Splenic Diseases/*veterinary/virology ; }, abstract = {Epizootic mortalities in American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) during the winter months, referred to as winter mortality of crows, have been recorded in North America for almost two decades. The most common postmortem findings include necrotizing enteritis, colitis, and fibrinous splenic necrosis. These findings are proposed to be due to infection with a Reovirus sp. Our objectives were to characterize the pathology and seasonality of the epizootics in New York State (NYS), confirm the causative role of an Orthoreovirus sp., and determine its phylogeny. On the basis of our proposed case definition for reovirosis, we examined case data collected by the NYS Wildlife Health Program for 16 yr. A total of 558 cases of reovirosis were recorded between 2001 and 2017. Reovirosis had a clear seasonal presentation: cases occurred almost exclusively in winter months (71% in December-January). Detailed data from a 2-yr period (2016-17) demonstrated that reovirosis caused up to 70% of all recorded crow deaths during epizootic months. Crows with positive orthoreovirus isolation from the spleen or intestine were 32 times more likely to die with characteristic histologic lesions of enteritis or enterocolitis and splenic necrosis than crows with negative isolation results. An in situ hybridization probe specific to virus isolated from NYS crow reovirosis cases demonstrated a direct association between viral presence and characteristic histologic lesions. Sigma C (capsid protein) sequences of isolates from NYS crows showed high homology with Tvärminne avian virus, recently proposed as a novel Corvus orthoreovirus clade, and only distantly related to the avian orthoreovirus clade. Our study indicated that a novel orthoreovirus was the cause of winter mortality (or reovirosis) of American Crows and placed the NYS isolates in the newly proposed genus of Corvid orthoreovirus.}, } @article {pmid31105617, year = {2019}, author = {Chuang, KY and Chen, YH and Balachandran, P and Liang, WK and Juan, CH}, title = {Revealing the Electrophysiological Correlates of Working Memory-Load Effects in Symmetry Span Task With HHT Method.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {855}, pmid = {31105617}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Complex span task is one of the commonly used cognitive tasks to evaluate an individual's working memory capacity (WMC). It is a dual task consisting of a distractor subtask and a memory subtask. Though multiple studies have utilized complex span tasks, the electrophysiological correlates underlying the encoding and retrieval processes in working memory span task remain uninvestigated. One previous study that assessed electroencephalographic (EEG) measures utilizing complex span task found no significant difference between its working memory loads, a typical index observed in other working memory tasks (e.g., n-back task and digital span task). The following design constructs of the paradigm might have been the reason. (1) The fixed-time limit of the distractor subtask may have hindered the assessment of individual WMC precisely. (2) Employing a linear-system-favoring EEG data analysis method for a non-linear system such as the human brain. In the current study, the participants perform the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAMP) task on 1 day and the symmetry span (Sspan) task on the other. Prior to the formal Sspan task, the participants were instructed to judge 15 simple symmetry questions as quickly as possible. A participant-specific time-limit is chartered from these symmetry questions. The current study utilizes the Sspan task sequential to a distractor subtask. Instead of the fixed time-limit exercised in the previous study, the distractor subtask of the current study was equipped with the participant-specific time-limit obtained from the symmetry questions. This could provide a precise measure of individual WMC. This study investigates if the complex span task resonates EEG patterns similar to the other working memory tasks in terms of working memory-load by utilizing ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) of Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). Prior expectations were to observe a decrement in the P300 component of event-related mode (ERM) and a decrement in the power of alpha and beta band frequency with increasing working memory-load. We observed a significantly higher P300 amplitude for the low-load condition compared to the high-load condition over the circumscribed brain network across F4 and C4 electrodes. Time-frequency analysis revealed a significant difference between the high- and low-load conditions at alpha and beta band over the frontal, central, and parietal channels. The results from our study demonstrate precise differences in EEG data pertaining to varied memory-load differences in the complex span task. Thus, assessing complex span tasks with the HHT-based analysis may aid in achieving a better signal to noise ratio and effect size for the results in working memory EEG studies.}, } @article {pmid31104191, year = {2021}, author = {D'Agati, D and Beaudry, MB and Swartz, K}, title = {Thirteen Reasons Why Revisited: A Monograph for Teens, Parents, and Mental Health Professionals.}, journal = {The Journal of medical humanities}, volume = {42}, number = {3}, pages = {345-353}, pmid = {31104191}, issn = {1573-3645}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Health Personnel ; Homicide ; Humans ; *Mental Health ; Parents ; *Suicide ; United States ; }, abstract = {Jay Asher's novel Thirteen Reasons Why and its Netflix adaptation have enjoyed widespread popularity. While they draw needed attention to issues like bullying and teen estrangement, they may have an unintended effect: they mislead about the etiology of suicide and even glamorize it to a degree. The medical literature has shown that suicide is almost always the result of psychiatric disorder, not provocative stress, in much the same way an asthmatic crisis is primarily the result of an underlying medical condition, not an allergic stimulus. Both the novel and Netflix series ignore this premise and even belittle the idea. Thus, while the story has artistic merits, it also has the potential to be destructive if accessed by young readers and viewers seeking guidance. Approximately ten percent of teens suffer from depression, and suicide recently surpassed homicide as the second-leading cause of death among persons ages ten to twenty-four in the United States. A more balanced view addressing these misconceptions is provided for teens, parents, and mental health professionals.}, } @article {pmid31099977, year = {2019}, author = {Krupenye, C and Call, J}, title = {Theory of mind in animals: Current and future directions.}, journal = {Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Cognitive science}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {e1503}, doi = {10.1002/wcs.1503}, pmid = {31099977}, issn = {1939-5086}, support = {Synergy Grant 609819 SOMICS//H2020 European Research Council/ ; MENTALIZINGORIGINS//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Humans ; Psychological Theory ; *Theory of Mind ; }, abstract = {Theory of mind (ToM; a.k.a., mind-reading, mentalizing, mental-state attribution, and perspective-taking) is the ability to ascribe mental states, such as desires and beliefs, to others, and it is central to the unique forms of communication, cooperation, and culture that define our species. As a result, for 40 years, researchers have endeavored to determine whether ToM is itself unique to humans. Investigations in other species (e.g., apes, monkeys, corvids) are essential to understand the mechanistic underpinnings and evolutionary origins of this capacity across taxa, including humans. We review the literature on ToM in nonhuman animals, suggesting that some species share foundational social cognitive mechanisms with humans. We focus principally on innovations of the last decade and pressing directions for future work. Underexplored types of social cognition have been targeted, including ascription of mental states, such as desires and beliefs, that require simultaneously representing one's own and another's conflicting motives or views of the world. Ongoing efforts probe the motivational facets of ToM, how flexibly animals can recruit social cognitive skills across cooperative and competitive settings, and appropriate motivational contexts for comparative inquiry. Finally, novel methodological and empirical approaches have brought new species (e.g., lemurs, dogs) into the lab, implemented critical controls to elucidate underlying mechanisms, and contributed powerful new techniques (e.g., looking-time, eye-tracking) that open the door to unexplored approaches for studying animal minds. These innovations in cognition, motivation, and method promise fruitful progress in the years to come, in understanding the nature and origin of ToM in humans and other species. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition Psychology > Comparative Psychology Neuroscience > Cognition.}, } @article {pmid31077659, year = {2019}, author = {Ong, CS and Marcum, JA and Zehr, KJ and Cameron, DE}, title = {A Century of Heparin.}, journal = {The Annals of thoracic surgery}, volume = {108}, number = {3}, pages = {955-958}, doi = {10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.03.104}, pmid = {31077659}, issn = {1552-6259}, mesh = {Anniversaries and Special Events ; Anticoagulants/*history/pharmacology ; Baltimore ; Drug Discovery/*history ; Heparin/*history/pharmacology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Male ; }, abstract = {The year 2018 was the centennial of the naming of heparin by Emmett Holt and William Howell and the 102nd anniversary of Jay McLean's discovery of an anticoagulant heparphosphatide at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. This article discusses recently discovered historical artifacts that shed new light on heparin's christening, including McLean's unpublished letter written in 1950 that represents one of the most complete accounts of heparin's discovery before his untimely death. In addition, the article describes the finding of a plaque dedicated to McLean and explores the circumstances of its removal from public display, as learned from interviews with present and former staff members.}, } @article {pmid31063433, year = {2019}, author = {Pastore, RL and Murray, JA and Coffman, FD and Mitrofanova, A and Srinivasan, S}, title = {Physician Review of a Celiac Disease Risk Estimation and Decision-Making Expert System.}, journal = {Journal of the American College of Nutrition}, volume = {38}, number = {8}, pages = {722-728}, doi = {10.1080/07315724.2019.1608477}, pmid = {31063433}, issn = {1541-1087}, mesh = {Autoantibodies/blood ; Biopsy ; Celiac Disease/blood/*diagnosis/pathology ; *Decision Making ; *Expert Systems ; Humans ; *Physicians ; Reproducibility of Results ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {Objective: Celiac disease is a genetic disease affecting people of all ages, resulting in small intestine enteropathy. It is considered to be a clinical chameleon. Average prevalence of celiac disease is 1 out of 100 people with data indicating the risk may be as high as 22% for those with first-degree relatives with the disease. Eighty-three percent of people with celiac disease may be undiagnosed. Average duration to diagnosis is 10 years. Data indicate that there is a lack of consensus regarding diagnostics and symptomatology.Method: A clinical decision support system (CDSS) was developed using Exsys Corvid for expert analysis (CD-CDSS). The CD-CDSS was divided into symptoms and manifestations with 80 points of navigation, and a serology section, and was validated by 13 experts in the field of celiac disease using a 10-statement 5-point Likert scale.Results: This scale was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient, which was calculated using SPSS and revealed good internal consistency and reliability with a result of 0.813. One hundred percent of experts agreed that the CD-CDSS is capable of guiding a health care professional through the diagnostic process, contains an accurate list of symptoms based on the clinical literature, and can foster improved awareness and education about celiac disease and that there is a need for this system.Conclusions: A celiac disease risk estimation and decision-making expert system was successfully developed and evaluated by medical professionals, with 100% agreeing that this CD-CDSS is medically accurate and can guide health care professionals through the diagnostic process.}, } @article {pmid31062834, year = {2019}, author = {Cumbo, E and Cumbo, S and Torregrossa, S and Migliore, D}, title = {Treatment Effects of Vortioxetine on Cognitive Functions in Mild Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Depressive Symptoms: A 12 Month, Open-Label, Observational Study.}, journal = {The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, pages = {192-197}, doi = {10.14283/jpad.2019.24}, pmid = {31062834}, issn = {2426-0266}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alzheimer Disease/complications/*drug therapy/*psychology ; Antidepressive Agents/*therapeutic use ; Depression/complications/*drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Vortioxetine/*therapeutic use ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: depressive symptoms are common in Alzheimer's disease(AD). Aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of vortioxetine compared with other conventional antidepressants on cognitive functions in AD patients with depressive symptoms.

DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, 12 month, parallel-group study.

SETTING: All participants were evaluated on-site at Neurodegenerative Disorders Unit, ASP2 Caltanissetta(Italy).

PARTICIPANTS: 108(71 female, 37 male) AD patients with depression(mean age 76.7 ± 4.3).

INTERVENTION: Randomized subjects received vortioxetine, 15 mg/day(n=36) or other common antidepressants(n=72).

MEASURES: Primary outcome was change from baseline in the MMSE; secondary outcomes were change in Attentive Matrices, Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices, Digit Span, HAM-D and Cornell scale.

RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement vs. controls was observed for vortioxetine on most of the cognitive tests and showed significantly baseline-to-endpoint reduction in both HAM-D and Cornell total scores.The most commonly reported adverse events were nausea and headache for votioxetine; nausea in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: Vortioxetine had a beneficial effect on cognition and mood in elderly AD patients and was safe and well tolerated.}, } @article {pmid31061474, year = {2019}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and van der Vaart, K and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Costs and benefits of social relationships in the collective motion of bird flocks.}, journal = {Nature ecology & evolution}, volume = {3}, number = {6}, pages = {943-948}, doi = {10.1038/s41559-019-0891-5}, pmid = {31061474}, issn = {2397-334X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; }, abstract = {Current understanding of collective behaviour in nature is based largely on models that assume that identical agents obey the same interaction rules, but in reality interactions may be influenced by social relationships among group members. Here, we show that social relationships transform local interactions and collective dynamics. We tracked individuals' three-dimensional trajectories within flocks of jackdaws, a species that forms lifelong pair-bonds. Reflecting this social system, we find that flocks contain internal sub-structure, with discrete pairs of individuals tied together by spring-like effective forces. Within flocks, paired birds interacted with fewer neighbours than unpaired birds and flapped their wings more slowly, which may result in energy savings. However, flocks with more paired birds had shorter correlation lengths, which is likely to inhibit efficient information transfer through the flock. Similar changes to group properties emerge naturally from a generic self-propelled particle model. These results reveal a critical tension between individual- and group-level benefits during collective behaviour in species with differentiated social relationships, and have major evolutionary and cognitive implications.}, } @article {pmid31060242, year = {2019}, author = {Preininger, D and Schoas, B and Kramer, D and Boeckle, M}, title = {Waste Disposal Sites as All-You-Can Eat Buffets for Carrion Crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {9}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {31060242}, issn = {2076-2615}, abstract = {In cities and densely populated areas, several corvid species are considered nuisance animals. In Austria, particularly carrion (Corvus corone) and hooded crows (C. cornix) are regarded as pests by the general public that frequently cause damage to crops, feed on human waste, and thus spread trash. We conducted a detailed one-year field survey to estimate the abundance of carrion crows in relation to potential anthropogenic food sources and reference sites in the Austrian Rhine valley. Our results demonstrated that the number and proximity of waste management facilities, animal feeding areas, and agricultural areas, and the productive capacity of agricultural areas, predominantly influenced habitat choice and abundance of carrion crows. In the current study, the probability of observing more than two carrion crows at a survey site decreased with increasing human population density. Moreover, the abundance of crows increased despite a continuous increase in crow hunting kills registered during the past 25 years. Our study suggests a regionally comprehensive waste management plan could serve as a promising strategy to manage nuisance birds. A reduction in anthropogenic food supply through improved waste management practices is required for long-term, sustainable management to limit the abundance of crow populations in and close to urban environments.}, } @article {pmid33791609, year = {2019}, author = {Dayan, S and Yoelin, SG and De Boulle, K and Garcia, JK}, title = {The Psychological Impacts of Upper Facial Lines: A Qualitative, Patient-Centered Study.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {ojz015}, pmid = {33791609}, issn = {2631-4797}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The 11-item Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) questionnaire is content validated for measuring the negative psychological impacts of crow's feet lines (CFL).

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine psychological impacts of forehead lines (FHL) alone and upper facial lines (UFL: FHL + CFL + glabellar lines [GL]) and to assess adequacy of FLO-11 to measure these impacts.

METHODS: Participants aged at least 18 years participated in concept elicitation and cognitive interviews to identify and define psychological impacts of UFL. They completed the FLO-11 questionnaire to assess its ability to measure psychological impacts of facial lines and its comprehensiveness in doing so.

RESULTS: Forty interviews were completed by 29 participants. Twenty participants each provided interviews for FHL and for UFL. The most commonly reported psychological impacts for FHL and UFL, respectively, were feeling unattractive (85%, 80%), looking less attractive than desired (85%, 70%), feeling bothered (80%, 70%), feeling good/bad about appearance (80%, 70%), looking older than actual age (75%, 65%), and feeling stressed (70%, 70%). For FHL, 70% of participants also reported looking older than desired as a psychological impact. More than 50% of participants agreed that all 11 FLO-11 items measured a psychological impact for FHL. More than 50% reported that 9 of 11 items measured a psychological impact for UFL. The majority of participants (FHL, 65%; UFL, 60%) reported that the FLO-11 questionnaire is comprehensive in measuring psychological impacts of facial lines.

CONCLUSIONS: FHL and UFL have psychological impacts on patients, and FLO-11 is a content valid, comprehensive instrument for measuring them.}, } @article {pmid31054314, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, DH and Killian, ML and Torchetti, MK and Brown, I and Lewis, N and Berhane, Y and Swayne, DE}, title = {Intercontinental spread of Asian-origin H7 avian influenza viruses by captive bird trade in 1990's.}, journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases}, volume = {73}, number = {}, pages = {146-150}, doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2019.04.028}, pmid = {31054314}, issn = {1567-7257}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Birds/*virology ; Commerce ; Genome, Viral ; Global Health ; History, 20th Century ; *Influenza A Virus, H7N1 Subtype/genetics/pathogenicity ; *Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype/genetics/pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/history/*transmission/*virology ; Internationality ; Virulence ; }, abstract = {Wild bird migration and illegal trade of infected poultry, eggs, and poultry products have been associated with the spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV). During 1992-1996, H7N1 and H7N8 low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV) were identified from captive wild birds; such as Pekin robin (Leiothrix lutea), magpie robin (Copsychus saularis), flycatcher sp. (genus Empidonax), a species of softbill and parakeet, sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis), painted conure (Pyrrhura picta), fairy bluebird (Irena puella), and common iora (Aegithina tiphia), kept in aviaries or quarantine stations in England, The Netherlands, Singapore and the United States (U.S.). In this study, we sequenced these H7 viruses isolated from quarantine facilities and aviaries using next-generation sequencing and conducted a comparative phylogenetic analysis of complete genome sequences to elucidate spread patterns. The complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis suggested that H7 viruses originated from a common source, even though they were obtained from birds in distant geographical regions. All H7N1 and H7N8 viruses were LPAIV, except a H7N1 highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV), A/Pekin robin/California/30412/1994(H7N1) virus. Our results support the continued need for regulation of the captive wild bird trade to reduce the risk of introduction and dissemination of both LPAIV and HPAIV throughout the world.}, } @article {pmid31046468, year = {2020}, author = {Snow, PC and Timms, L and Lum, JAG and Powell, MB}, title = {Narrative language skills of maltreated children living in out-of-home care.}, journal = {International journal of speech-language pathology}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {117-128}, doi = {10.1080/17549507.2019.1598493}, pmid = {31046468}, issn = {1754-9515}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Abuse ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Language Development Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology ; Male ; *Narration ; }, abstract = {Purpose: Children's narrative accounts of their experiences are central to the prosecution of perpetrators of alleged maltreatment. We describe the narrative language skills of children who were placed in out-of-home care (OOHC) following substantiated maltreatment. It was hypothesised that (i) children with such histories would display narrative language skills that fall significantly below published age-expected norms, (ii) narrative language skills and core language skills would be positively correlated and (iii) narrative language skills would be associated with measures of socio-economic disadvantage.Method: Eighty-three children (40 males and 43 females) aged 5;3 to 12;10 (M = 7.9, SD = 2.3) from English-speaking home backgrounds were assessed using the Test of Narrative Language and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-4) Core Language Score. The Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, a measure of nonverbal intelligence, was employed as a covariate.Result: Forty-two percent of children scored in the below-average range on the Narrative Language Index Ability Index. The same proportion scored at/above age-expected levels on the Narrative Comprehension subtest, and 19% scored at/above age-expected levels on Oral Narration. There was a significant correlation between CELF-4 Core Language Scores and the Narrative Language Index Ability Index. Female carers' education was significantly positively associated with overall narrative language scores; however, household income and index of socio-economic disadvantage were not significantly associated with narrative language scores.Conclusion: Children who are victims of substantiated maltreatment should be considered at-risk for compromised ability to provide a narrative account of their experiences. The heterogeneity and often scant oral narrative language skills of these children highlights the importance of police/human services training on best-practice forensic interviewing. Policy and practice implications for speech-language pathology early intervention to support the needs of at-risk children are also discussed.}, } @article {pmid31040366, year = {2019}, author = {Lee, VE and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Testing relationship recognition in wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {6710}, pmid = {31040366}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {NE/L002434/1//RCUK | Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)/International ; BB/H021817/1//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/International ; BB/H021817/2//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {According to the social intelligence hypothesis, understanding the challenges faced by social animals is key to understanding the evolution of cognition. In structured social groups, recognising the relationships of others is often important for predicting the outcomes of interactions. Third-party relationship recognition has been widely investigated in primates, but studies of other species are limited. Furthermore, few studies test for third-party relationship recognition in the wild, where cognitive abilities are deployed in response to natural socio-ecological pressures. Here, we used playback experiments to investigate whether wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) track changes in their own relationships and the relationships of others. Females were presented with 'infidelity simulations': playbacks of their male partner copulating with a neighbouring female, and their male neighbour copulating with another female, against a congruent control. Our results showed substantial inter-individual variation in responses, but females did not respond more strongly to infidelity playbacks, indicating that jackdaws may not attend and/or respond to relationship information in this experimental context. Our results highlight the need for further study of relationship recognition and other cognitive traits that facilitate group-living in the wild, particularly in non-primates and in a wider range of social systems.}, } @article {pmid31039066, year = {2019}, author = {Hung, A and Gedey, R and Groeneweg, M and Jay, M}, title = {A Primer for Managed Care Residents: How to Conduct Research Using Live Medical and Pharmacy Claims Data.}, journal = {Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {538-543}, pmid = {31039066}, issn = {2376-1032}, mesh = {Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Humans ; Insurance Claim Review/*standards ; Internship and Residency ; Managed Care Programs/economics/*organization & administration ; Pharmaceutical Services/economics/*organization & administration ; Pharmacy Research/*methods/standards ; *Research Design ; United States ; }, abstract = {Managed care organizations are growing more sophisticated in their ability to analyze data. There are increasing numbers of data analysts at managed care organizations, as well as more types of real-time, or "live," data available. These data range from pharmacy claims and enrollment files to medical claims, medical records, and linkages to external data. Moreover, the data are often curated in a way that allows for easier data analysis. Using these data, managed care residents are often required to perform a project to evaluate a utilization management policy or clinical program. Yet, there is a lack of guidance specific to managed care organizations on how to conduct such a research study using "live" claims data. This Viewpoint article provides a primer for managed care residents and other managed care professionals who are seeking to use data to help inform decisions on how to manage their beneficiaries' health and costs. DISCLOSURES: There was no funding source for this manuscript. Hung reports a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and personal fees from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, outside the submitted work. Gedey, Groeneweg, and Jay have nothing to disclose.}, } @article {pmid31033133, year = {2019}, author = {Boisnic, S and Keophiphath, M and Serandour, AL and Branchet, MC and Le Breton, S and Lamour, I and Gaillard, E}, title = {Polar lipids from wheat extract oil improve skin damages induced by aging: Evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in women and an ex vivo study on human skin explant.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {18}, number = {6}, pages = {2027-2036}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12967}, pmid = {31033133}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Robertet Group/ ; }, mesh = {Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Lipids/pharmacology ; Middle Aged ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology ; Plant Oils/*pharmacology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; *Triticum ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Polar lipids from wheat (Triticum vulgare/aestivum) extract oil (WEO) are known to improve skin hydration.

AIMS: These studies aimed to assess WEO benefits on the skin appearance of middle-aged women.

METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out on 64 healthy women, aged from 45 to 60 years, to investigate antiaging effects and benefits for the skin. The study lasted 20 weeks including 12 weeks of oral supplementation with WEO or placebo and 8 weeks of follow-up. Wrinkles in the "crow's-feet" area were evaluated by the Lemperle score. Skin hydration was measured using a corneometer, while roughness and radiance were determined by clinical scoring. Collagen content was quantified in human skin explants exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiations and treated with WEO or vehicle control.

RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the Lemperle score was significantly reduced in the WEO group between W0 and W8 to reach a clinically significant 1 grade at W12. Facial hydration was significantly improved in the WEO group from W0 to W12, whereas leg hydration was significantly increased after 4 weeks and lasted throughout the supplementation period. Skin roughness and radiance were also significantly improved from W0 to W8 in the WEO group compared to placebo group. A higher collagen content was measured in the UV-irradiated skin explants treated with WEO compared to the untreated ones.

CONCLUSION: These results confirmed the moisturizing effect of WEO and, for the first time, revealed its potential antiaging properties.}, } @article {pmid31020476, year = {2019}, author = {Wang, W and Wang, A and Yang, Y and Wang, F and Liu, Y and Zhang, Y and Sharshov, K and Gui, L}, title = {Composition, diversity and function of gastrointestinal microbiota in wild red-billed choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax).}, journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology}, volume = {22}, number = {4}, pages = {491-500}, doi = {10.1007/s10123-019-00076-2}, pmid = {31020476}, issn = {1618-1905}, support = {2018-ZJ-932Q//the Natural Science Foundation of Qinghai Province of China/ ; 31701573//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31460569//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2016-ZJ-Y01//the Project of Qinghai Science & Technology Department/ ; 2017-ZZ-21//the Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University/ ; 2018-THY-02//the project of Tao He Yuan National Wetland Park in Qinghai Province/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Biodiversity ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Songbirds/*microbiology ; }, abstract = {Hitherto, virtually nothing is known about the microbial communities related to the bird species in the family Corvidae. To fill this gap, the present study was conducted to provide a baseline description of the gut microbiota of wild red-billed choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). In this study, microbiota from four gastrointestinal locations (oropharynx, gizzard, small intestine, and large intestine) of three wild red-billed choughs were analyzed using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform by targeting the V4-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA genes. The gut microbiota of the red-billed choughs were dominated by the phylum Firmicutes (59.56%), followed by Proteobacteria (16.56%), Bacteroidetes (13.86%), and Actinobacteria (7.03%), which were commonly detected in avian gut ecosystems. Genus-level compositions were found to be largely dominated by Lactobacillus (18.21%), Weissella (12.37%), Erysipelatoclostridium (6.94%), Bacteroides (6.63%), Escherichia-Shigella (5.15%), Leuconostoc (4.60%), Proteus (3.33%), Carnobacterium (2.71%), Lactococcus (1.69%), and Enterococcus (1.63%). The overall intestinal microbiota was enriched with functions related to ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, DNA repair and recombination proteins, purine metabolism, ribosome, transcription factors, pyrimidine metabolism, peptidases, and two-component system. In terms of four different gastrointestinal locations, hierarchical clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis showed that microbial communities of the oropharynx, gizzard, small intestine, and large intestine formed four separated clusters. A total of 825 OTUs and 382 genera were detected in all four gastrointestinal locations, which were considered as the major microbes in the intestines of red-billed choughs. Coexistence of lactic acid bacteria and potential pathogens in the gut environments of red-billed choughs required further investigations.}, } @article {pmid31012079, year = {2019}, author = {Burgoyne, AP and Hambrick, DZ and Altmann, EM}, title = {Is working memory capacity a causal factor in fluid intelligence?.}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin & review}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {1333-1339}, pmid = {31012079}, issn = {1531-5320}, support = {N00014-16-1-2457//Office of Naval Research/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Problem Solving ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {It is well established that measures of reasoning ability and of working memory capacity (WMC) correlate positively. However, the question of what explains this relationship remains open. The purpose of this study was to investigate the capacity hypothesis, which ascribes causality to WMC. This hypothesis holds that people high in WMC are more successful in capacity-demanding cognitive tasks than people lower in WMC because they can temporarily maintain more information in the form of sub-goals, hypotheses, and partial solutions. Accordingly, this hypothesis predicts that the correlation between WMC and reasoning performance should increase as the capacity demands of the reasoning items increase. We tested this prediction using items from Raven's Progressive Matrices and two measures of WMC, complex span and the k estimate from the Visual Arrays task. Neither WMC measure showed the effect predicted by the capacity hypothesis. Furthermore, the results cannot be attributed to restriction of range in performance on the individual reasoning items. This finding adds to existing evidence calling into question the capacity hypothesis, and, more generally, the view that WMC has a causal influence on fluid intelligence.}, } @article {pmid31011531, year = {2019}, author = {Hildebrand, J and Pyrka, E and Sitko, J and Jeżewski, W and Zaleśny, G and Tkach, VV and Laskowski, Z}, title = {Molecular phylogeny provides new insights on the taxonomy and composition of Lyperosomum Looss, 1899 (Digenea, Dicrocoeliidae) and related genera.}, journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {90-99}, pmid = {31011531}, issn = {2213-2244}, abstract = {Lyperosomum Looss, 1899 is one of the largest genera of the Dicrocoeliidae and is one of the best examples of the systematic complexity and taxonomic instability within this family. We present the molecular analyses based on novel sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial genes obtained from 56 isolates of adult flukes and larval stages of dicrocoeliids belonging to Lyperosomum, Skrjabinus, Zonorchis as well as previously available sequence data. According to obtained results we propose to return Zonorchis clathratus and Z. petiolatus into Lyperosomum, and to recognize L. alagesi as a synonym of L. petiolatum. Our study shows that L. petiolatum commonly occurs in Europe in corvids as well as in several species of migratory songbirds, e.g. Sylvia atricapilla. At the same time, the Turdidae appear to host a distinct species of Lyperosomum. The phylogenetic analysis has clearly demonstrated the paraphylepic nature of Lyperosomum and indicated the need of its thorough revision preferably using specimens from type hosts and type territories of nominal species. In addition, inclusion of numerous not yet sequenced dicrocoeliid genera into future phylogenetic studies is necessary to clarify the interrelationships of taxa within the family and stabilize its system.}, } @article {pmid31006991, year = {2019}, author = {Zurfluh, K and Albini, S and Mattmann, P and Kindle, P and Nüesch-Inderbinen, M and Stephan, R and Vogler, BR}, title = {Antimicrobial resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli in common wild bird species in Switzerland.}, journal = {MicrobiologyOpen}, volume = {8}, number = {11}, pages = {e845}, pmid = {31006991}, issn = {2045-8827}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli/classification/*drug effects/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology/*veterinary ; Feces/*microbiology ; Genotype ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Phylogeny ; Plasmids/analysis ; Switzerland ; beta-Lactamases/genetics ; }, abstract = {A total of 294 fecal swabs from 294 wild birds in Switzerland were cultivated for antimicrobial resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli. Samples were also subcultivated to detect E. coli with extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), carbapenemases, and plasmid-mediated aminoglycoside or colistin resistance, respectively. Samples from 17 (5.8%) of the birds contained 19 AMR E. coli, whereof 26.3% were multidrug resistant. Five (1.7%) ESBL-producing E. coli were detected. The isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1 (two isolated from carrion crows and from one great spotted woodpecker, respectively), blaCTX-M-15 (originating from a grey heron), blaCTX-M-55 (from a carrion crow), and blaCTX-M-65 (from a common blackbird). Phylogenetic analysis assigned three isolates to commensal phylogroups A and B1, one to extraintestinal pathogenic group B2, and one to phylogroup F. Multilocus sequence typing identified sequence types (STs) that have been found previously in ESBL E. coli in wild birds (ST58, ST205, ST540). One isolate harboring blaCTX-M-55 was assigned to the recently emerged fluoroquinolone-resistant, extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli clone ST1193. Wild birds have the potential to disperse AMR, including clinically important resistance genes, from anthropogenic-influenced habitats to diverse areas, including vulnerable natural environments such as surface waters or mountain regions.}, } @article {pmid31006388, year = {2019}, author = {Te Nijenhuis, J and Choi, YY and van den Hoek, M and Valueva, E and Lee, KH}, title = {Spearman's hypothesis tested comparing Korean young adults with various other groups of young adults on the items of the Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of biosocial science}, volume = {51}, number = {6}, pages = {875-912}, doi = {10.1017/S0021932019000026}, pmid = {31006388}, issn = {1469-7599}, mesh = {*Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics & numerical data ; Korea ; Male ; Psychometrics/statistics & numerical data ; Social Environment ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Spearman's hypothesis tested at the subtest level of an IQ battery states that differences between races on the subtests of an IQ battery are a function of the g loadings of these subtests, such that there are small differences between races on subtests with low g loadings and large differences between races on subtests with high g loadings. Jensen (1998) stated that Spearman's hypothesis is a law-like phenomenon. It has also been confirmed many times at the level of items of the Raven's Progressive Matrices. This study hypothesizes that with concern to Spearman's hypothesis, subtests and items function in fundamentally the same way, and tested whether Spearman's hypothesis is confirmed at the item level for White-East Asian comparisons. A group of Korean young adults (N=205) was compared with other groups of young adults from Canada, the US, Russia, Peru and South Africa (total N=4770) who took the Advanced Progressive Matrices. Spearman's hypothesis was strongly confirmed with a sample-size-weighted r with a value of 0.63. Computing the g loadings of the items of the Raven with either the Raven-g or the Wechsler-g led to the same conclusions. Tests of Spearman's hypothesis yielded less-strong outcomes when the 36-item Advanced Progressive Matrices were used than when the 60-item Standard Progressive Matrices were used. There is a substantial correlation between sample size and the outcome of Spearman's hypothesis. So, all four hypotheses were confirmed, showing that a part of the subtest-level nomological net replicates at the item level, strengthening the position that, with concern to Spearman's hypothesis, subtests and items function fundamentally the same. It is concluded that Spearman's hypothesis is still a law-like phenomenon. Detailed suggestions for follow-up research are made.}, } @article {pmid30987031, year = {2019}, author = {Gryz, J and Krauze-Gryz, D}, title = {Pigeon and Poultry Breeders, Friends or Enemies of the Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis? A Long-Term Study of a Population in Central Poland.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {30987031}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {240115, 240104//Ministry of Environment, Poland/ ; }, abstract = {In this study, we focused on a goshawk population in central Poland (study area 105 km[2],forests 24 km[2], seven small forest complexes) which was monitored long-term (with high densitiesrecorded in the 1980s of 16.3 pairs/100 km[2] despite persecution by farmers) to analyse howenvironmental factors (prey availability and changes in the forest structure) influenced populationabundance, breeding parameters, and diet composition. The study was undertaken from 2011-2018,and the results were compared with published data from two previous study periods (1982-1992and 2001-2003). The number of breeding pairs dropped from 17.1 to 8.0; the breeding success wasaround 75% in all study periods. The selection of nesting trees followed the changes in stand speciesand age structure. More nesting attempts per one nest were recorded in the current time period (1.7 vs.1.1), which probably reflected lower anthropopressure (i.e., no cases of persecution were recordedin this study). Diet composition seemed to follow changes in the prey availability: The share ofdomestic pigeons and poultry (the main prey in the 1980s) as well as small game dropped, whilethe share of Eurasian jay and wood pigeon increased. Our studies suggested that anthropogenicfood (poultry and domestic pigeons) played a key role for the goshawk population in thetransformed habitats of the field and forest mosaic.}, } @article {pmid30971984, year = {2019}, author = {Vibert, N and Braasch, JLG and Darles, D and Potocki, A and Ros, C and Jaafari, N and Rouet, JF}, title = {Adolescents' Developing Sensitivity to Orthographic and Semantic Cues During Visual Search for Words.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {642}, pmid = {30971984}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Two eye-tracking experiments were conducted to assess the influence of words either looking like the target word (orthographic distractors) or semantically related to the target word (semantic distractors) on visual search for words within lists by adolescents of 11, 13, and 15 years of age. In Experiment 1 (literal search task), participants saw the target word before the search (e.g., "raven"), whereas in Experiment 2 (categorical task) the target word was only defined by its semantic category (e.g., "bird"). In both experiments, participants' search times decreased from fifth to ninth grade, both because older adolescents gazed less often at non-target words during the search and because they could reject non-target words more quickly once they were fixated. Progress in visual search efficiency was associated with a large increase in word identification skills, which were a strong determinant of average gaze durations and search times for the categorical task, but much less for the literal task. In the literal task, the presence of orthographic or semantic distractors in the list increased search times for all age groups. In the categorical task, the impact of semantic distractor words was stronger than in the literal task because participants needed to gaze at the semantic distractors longer than at the other words before rejecting them. Altogether, the data support the assumption that the progressive automation of word decoding up until the age of 12 and the better quality of older adolescents' lexical representations facilitate a flexible use of both the perceptual and semantic features of words for top-down guidance within the displays. In particular, older adolescents were better prepared to aim at or reject words without gazing at them directly. Finally, the overall similar progression of the maturation of single word visual search processes and that of more real-life information search within complex verbal documents suggests that the young adolescents' difficulties in searching the Web effectively could be due to their insufficiently developed lexical representations and word decoding abilities.}, } @article {pmid30967467, year = {2019}, author = {Hanage, WP}, title = {Two Health or Not Two Health? That Is the Question.}, journal = {mBio}, volume = {10}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {30967467}, issn = {2150-7511}, support = {U54 GM088558/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Escherichia coli Infections ; Genomics ; Humans ; Interspersed Repetitive Sequences ; Livestock ; *One Health ; }, abstract = {How much drug-resistant infections in livestock contribute to disease in humans is controversial. While zoonoses are a prominent cause of emerging infections, and the profligate use of antibiotics as growth promoters is expected to lead to the spread of resistance, this resistance could remain concentrated in animal pathogens and only rarely spill over into humans. A recent paper compares genomes of Escherichia coli isolates from human bloodstream infections in England, focused on the Cambridge area, with isolates collected from farms and the food chain in the east of the country, seeking evidence of transmission (C. Ludden, K. E. Raven, D. Jamrozy, T. Gouliouris, et al., mBio 10:e02693-18, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02693-18). While the human and livestock populations were clearly distinct, with very limited evidence for transmission of E. coli or resistance elements to humans, the results also illustrate our limited ability to infer historical transmission events from even the best samples. The implications for the One Health framework, aiming to unify human and veterinary medicine, are discussed.}, } @article {pmid30964426, year = {2019}, author = {McMillan, JR and Marcet, PL and Hoover, CM and Mead, D and Kitron, U and Vazquez-Prokopec, GM}, title = {Feeding Success and Host Selection by Culex quinquefasciatus Say Mosquitoes in Experimental Trials.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {19}, number = {7}, pages = {540-548}, pmid = {30964426}, issn = {1557-7759}, support = {CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Culex/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Georgia ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; Passeriformes/*blood/classification ; Species Specificity ; West Nile Fever/transmission ; West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {Arthropod vector feeding preferences are defined as an overutilization of a particular host species given its abundance in relationship to other species in the community. Numerous methods exist to quantify vector feeding preferences; however, controlled host choice experiments are generally an underutilized approach. In this report, we present results from controlled vector host choice experiments using Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes and wild avian hosts identified as important contributors to West Nile virus (WNv) transmission in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. In each experiment, we allowed lab-reared F1Cx. quinquefasciatus to feed freely overnight on two avian individuals of a different species (i.e., northern cardinals, American robins, blue jays, brown thrashers, and gray catbirds). We then estimated WNv transmission potential using vectorial capacity and R0. We found that mosquito blood feeding success was extremely variable among experimental replicates and that patterns of host choice only occasionally aggregated to a particular bird species. Vectorial capacity was highest for American robins and blue jays due to these species' higher reservoir competence for WNv and greater probabilities of mosquito selection of these species. Despite species-specific differences in vectorial capacity, total community capacity was similar among species pairs. R0 estimates were qualitatively similar to capacity, and R0 was below and above unity across species pairs. Our results provide empirical evidence that C. quinquefasciatus is an opportunistic blood feeder and highlight how variability in vector-host contact rates as well as host community composition can influence the likelihood of WNv transmission in avian communities.}, } @article {pmid30963864, year = {2019}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Miller, R and Schiestl, M and Boeckle, M and Cheke, LG and Gray, RD and Taylor, AH and Clayton, NS}, title = {New Caledonian crows infer the weight of objects from observing their movements in a breeze.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {286}, number = {1894}, pages = {20182332}, pmid = {30963864}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; }, abstract = {Humans use a variety of cues to infer an object's weight, including how easily objects can be moved. For example, if we observe an object being blown down the street by the wind, we can infer that it is light. Here, we tested whether New Caledonian crows make this type of inference. After training that only one type of object (either light or heavy) was rewarded when dropped into a food dispenser, birds observed pairs of novel objects (one light and one heavy) suspended from strings in front of an electric fan. The fan was either on-creating a breeze which buffeted the light, but not the heavy, object-or off, leaving both objects stationary. In subsequent test trials, birds could drop one, or both, of the novel objects into the food dispenser. Despite having no opportunity to handle these objects prior to testing, birds touched the correct object (light or heavy) first in 73% of experimental trials, and were at chance in control trials. Our results suggest that birds used pre-existing knowledge about the behaviour exhibited by differently weighted objects in the wind to infer their weight, using this information to guide their choices.}, } @article {pmid30958132, year = {2019}, author = {Klump, BC and Cantat, M and Rutz, C}, title = {Raw-material selectivity in hook-tool-crafting New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {20180836}, pmid = {30958132}, issn = {1744-957X}, support = {BB/G023913/2//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Feeding Behavior ; Plant Leaves ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Animals that manufacture foraging tools face the challenge of identifying suitable raw materials among a multitude of options. New Caledonian crows exhibit strong population-specific material preferences for the manufacture of hooked stick tools, but it is unknown how they identify their favourite plants. We investigated experimentally whether crows pay attention to the stems of plants (from which the tools are made) and/or their leaves (which are usually discarded during manufacture but may enable rapid and reliable species identification at a distance). Subjects were highly selective in choice trials with multiple plant species. Two additional treatments with experimental leaf-stem combinations revealed that birds can identify their preferred plant species by its stems alone, and possibly also its leaves. These findings encourage future experiments that investigate whether New Caledonian crows attend to features of the stem that are required for the production of efficient hooked stick tools. Our study provides one of the most detailed assessments to date of how non-human animals identify raw materials for tool manufacture.}, } @article {pmid30956237, year = {2019}, author = {Muigai, W}, title = {"Something Wasn't Clean": Black Midwifery, Birth, and Postwar Medical Education in All My Babies.}, journal = {Bulletin of the history of medicine}, volume = {93}, number = {1}, pages = {82-113}, doi = {10.1353/bhm.2019.0003}, pmid = {30956237}, issn = {1086-3176}, mesh = {Black or African American ; Education, Medical/*history ; Georgia ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Medicine in the Arts/*history ; Midwifery/*history ; Motion Pictures/*history ; Parturition ; United States ; }, abstract = {Set in rural Georgia, the 1953 health film All My Babies: A Midwife's Own Story was a government-sponsored project intended as a training tool for midwives. The film was unique to feature a black midwife and a live birth at a time when southern health officials blamed midwives for the region's infant mortality rates. Produced by the young filmmaker George Stoney, All My Babies was praised for its educational value and, as this article demonstrates, was a popular feature in postwar medical education. Yet as it drew acclaim, the film also sparked debates within and beyond medical settings concerning its portrayal of midwifery, birth, and health care for African Americans. In tracing the controversies over the film's messages and representations, this article argues that All My Babies exemplified the power and limits of health films to address the complexities of race and health during an era of Jim Crow segregation.}, } @article {pmid30954992, year = {2019}, author = {Mandlik, R and Ekbote, V and Chiplonkar, S and Khadilkar, V and Khadilkar, A}, title = {Parental Education, Children's Nutritional Status and Non-verbal Intelligence in Rural School-children.}, journal = {Indian pediatrics}, volume = {56}, number = {3}, pages = {205-208}, pmid = {30954992}, issn = {0974-7559}, mesh = {Child ; Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet/statistics & numerical data ; *Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Nutritional Status/*physiology ; Rural Population/*statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To assess non-verbal intelligence and its relationship with nutritional status, nutrient intakes and parents' education in school-children.

METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in children between 6-11 years, without any known chronic disorder or intellectual disability. Data were collected regarding parents' education, anthropometry and dietary intakes. Non-verbal intelligence was assessed by Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM).

RESULTS: In 323 enrolled children (52.9% boys), a significant positive association was observed between RCPM scores and parents' education (father's rs=0.14, mother's rs=0.22), height Z-scores (rs=0.14) and dietary intakes of zinc (rs=0.14), iron (rs=0.12) and folate (rs=0.14).

CONCLUSIONS: Height in normal range, higher zinc, iron and folate intakes, and parental higher educational levels were associated with higher non-verbal intelligence scores.}, } @article {pmid30944451, year = {2019}, author = {Bocanegra, BR and Poletiek, FH and Ftitache, B and Clark, A}, title = {Intelligent problem-solvers externalize cognitive operations.}, journal = {Nature human behaviour}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {136-142}, doi = {10.1038/s41562-018-0509-y}, pmid = {30944451}, issn = {2397-3374}, mesh = {Academic Success ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Students ; Universities ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Humans are nature's most intelligent and prolific users of external props and aids (such as written texts, slide-rules and software packages). Here we introduce a method for investigating how people make active use of their task environment during problem-solving and apply this approach to the non-verbal Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices test for fluid intelligence. We designed a click-and-drag version of the Raven test in which participants could create different external spatial configurations while solving the puzzles. In our first study, we observed that the click-and-drag test was better than the conventional static test at predicting academic achievement of university students. This pattern of results was partially replicated in a novel sample. Importantly, environment-altering actions were clustered in between periods of apparent inactivity, suggesting that problem-solvers were delicately balancing the execution of internal and external cognitive operations. We observed a systematic relationship between this critical phasic temporal signature and improved test performance. Our approach is widely applicable and offers an opportunity to quantitatively assess a powerful, although understudied, feature of human intelligence: our ability to use external objects, props and aids to solve complex problems.}, } @article {pmid30935605, year = {2019}, author = {Mostafiz, WR and Carley, DW and Viana, MGC and Ma, S and Dalci, O and Darendeliler, MA and Evans, CA and Kusnoto, B and Masoud, A and Galang-Boquiren, MTS}, title = {Changes in sleep and airway variables in patients with obstructive sleep apnea after mandibular advancement splint treatment.}, journal = {American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics}, volume = {155}, number = {4}, pages = {498-508}, doi = {10.1016/j.ajodo.2018.05.022}, pmid = {30935605}, issn = {1097-6752}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Airway Obstruction/diagnostic imaging/surgery ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Mandibular Advancement ; Middle Aged ; *Occlusal Splints ; Polysomnography ; Respiratory System/physiopathology ; Retrospective Studies ; *Sleep/physiology ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/*surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an extensive public health problem that imposes considerable morbidity. Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy is a well tolerated treatment, but success rates are difficult to predict. Our objective was to investigate the relationship of oropharyngeal airway dimensions, sleep characteristics, patient biometrics, and treatment response within an OSA patient sample.

METHODS: Records of 33 adults were assessed retrospectively with the use of Dolphin 3D and Image J to measure the airway on pretreatment supine cone-beam computed tomography images and derived lateral cephalograms. The patients used Somnodent (Somnomed; Crows Nest, Australia) MAS appliances, which were titrated over 6-8 weeks. Appliance titration measurements and pre- and posttreatment polysomnograms were assessed. Respiratory disturbance index (RDI), absolute and percentage changes in RDI, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) RDI, rapid eye movement (REM) RDI, supine and nonsupine NREM and REM RDI, and minimal blood-oxygen saturation variables were evaluated. The associations of measurements from 2D and 3D minimal anterior-posterior linear distance and 3D airway variables with MAS treatment response were estimated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Combined effects of baseline total airway volume, body mass index, neck circumference, location of minimal cross sectional area, and OSA severity were associated with treatment response. Patients with higher initial OSA and more superiorly located airway constriction showed enhanced treatment response to MAS therapy. Airway constriction due to maxillofacial disproportions rather than soft tissue obstruction also showed better treatment response. No significant relationships were found in lateral cephalogram measurements.}, } @article {pmid30934749, year = {2019}, author = {Hamner, S and Brown, BL and Hasan, NA and Franklin, MJ and Doyle, J and Eggers, MJ and Colwell, RR and Ford, TE}, title = {Metagenomic Profiling of Microbial Pathogens in the Little Bighorn River, Montana.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {16}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {30934749}, issn = {1660-4601}, mesh = {Enterobacteriaceae/*genetics ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; Humans ; Metagenomics/*methods ; Montana/epidemiology ; Rivers/*microbiology ; Serogroup ; Virulence ; Water Quality ; }, abstract = {The Little Bighorn River is the primary source of water for water treatment plants serving the local Crow Agency population, and has special significance in the spiritual and ceremonial life of the Crow tribe. Unfortunately, the watershed suffers from impaired water quality, with high counts of fecal coliform bacteria routinely measured during run-off events. A metagenomic analysis was carried out to identify potential pathogens in the river water. The Oxford Nanopore MinION platform was used to sequence DNA in near real time to identify both uncultured and a coliform-enriched culture of microbes collected from a popular summer swimming area of the Little Bighorn River. Sequences were analyzed using CosmosID bioinformatics and, in agreement with previous studies, enterohemorrhagic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and other E. coli pathotypes were identified. Noteworthy was detection and identification of enteroaggregative E. coli O104:H4 and Vibrio cholerae serotype O1 El Tor, however, cholera toxin genes were not identified. Other pathogenic microbes, as well as virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance markers, were also identified and characterized by metagenomic analyses. It is concluded that metagenomics provides a useful and potentially routine tool for identifying in an in-depth manner microbial contamination of waterways and, thereby, protecting public health.}, } @article {pmid30930524, year = {2019}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Loretto, MC and Massen, JJM and Bugnyar, T}, title = {What constitutes "social complexity" and "social intelligence" in birds? Lessons from ravens.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology and sociobiology}, volume = {73}, number = {1}, pages = {12}, pmid = {30930524}, issn = {0340-5443}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {In the last decades, the assumption that complex social life is cognitively challenging, and thus can drive mental evolution, has received much support from empirical studies in nonhuman primates. While extending the scope to other mammals and birds, different views have been adopted on what constitutes social complexity and which specific cognitive skills are selected for. Notably, many avian species form "open" groups as non-breeders (i.e., seasonally and before sexual maturity) that have been largely ignored as potential sources of social complexity. Reviewing 30 years of research on ravens, we illustrate the socio-ecological conditions faced by these birds as non-breeders and discuss how these relate to their socio-cognitive skills. We argue that the non-breeding period is key to understand raven social life and, to a larger extent, avian social life in general. We furthermore emphasize how the combination of the large-scale perspective (defining social system components: e.g., social organization, mating system) and the individual-scale perspective on social systems allows to better capture the complete set of social challenges experienced by individuals throughout their life, ultimately resulting on a more comprehensive understanding of species' social complexity.}, } @article {pmid33942596, year = {2019}, author = {De Los Santos, R and Monroe, C and Worl, R and Worl, R and Schroeder, KB and Kemp, BM}, title = {Genetic Diversity and Relationships of Tlingit Moieties.}, journal = {Human biology}, volume = {91}, number = {2}, pages = {95-116}, doi = {10.13110/humanbiology.91.2.03}, pmid = {33942596}, issn = {1534-6617}, abstract = {The Tlingit from Southeast Alaska belong to the Northwest Coast cultural tradition, which is defined by regionally shared sociocultural practices. A distinctive feature of Tlingit social organization is the matrilineal exogamous marriage system among clans from two opposite moieties: the Raven/Crow and Eagle/Wolf. Clan and moiety membership are determined by matrilineal descent, and previous genetic studies of Northwest Coast populations have shown a relationship between clan membership and genetic variation of matrilines and patrilines. To further understand this association, in this study mitochondrial DNA sequences from the Tlingit (n = 154) were examined. By comparing mitochondrial DNA with moiety membership information, the authors explore the impact of marriage traditions among the Tlingit with their observable genetic variation. At the genetic level, the results support cultural persistence of Tlingit maternal moiety identity despite the negative impacts of European colonization. This study additionally illustrates the relevance of data derived from Tlingit oral traditions to test hypotheses about population history on the Northwest Coast.}, } @article {pmid30918750, year = {2019}, author = {Xu, C and Lu, Y and Wang, B and Zhou, C}, title = {Long-term high physical activity modulates event-related potential indices of inhibitory control in postmenopausal women.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6523}, pmid = {30918750}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Inhibition processing is sensitive to aging, and an age-related decline in inhibition processing has been associated with an accelerated rate of progression to Alzheimer disease. Elderly women are two to three times more likely than age-matched men to have Alzheimer disease. Therefore, this study examined whether long-term high physical activity affects inhibitory processing, specifically among postmenopausal women.

METHODS: In total, 251 candidates were screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices to assess their cognitive abilities and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Chinese version) to assess their physical activity levels. The participants were then grouped into either a long-term high physical activity group (defined as more than 3 days of high intensity activity per week and gross metabolic equivalent minutes (MET-minutes) higher than 1,500 MET-minutes/week or a gross MET higher than 3,000 MET-minutes/week obtained through walking or other moderate or high intensity activity) or a control group and matched for demographic and health characteristics as well as cognitive scores. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded as participants performed a Go/No-go task to assess inhibition processing.

RESULTS: The long-term high physical activity group (n = 30) had faster Go reaction times than the control group (n = 30), whereas no significant difference between the two groups was found in their performance accuracy on the No-go task. For the ERP results, the latency of N2 component was significantly shorter in the long-term high physical activity group than that in the control group.

DISCUSSION: The results of this study suggested that long-term high physical activity may increase the efficiency of the inhibitory control system by increasing the activity of response monitoring processes.}, } @article {pmid30916391, year = {2019}, author = {Maron, JL and Agrawal, AA and Schemske, DW}, title = {Plant-herbivore coevolution and plant speciation.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {100}, number = {7}, pages = {e02704}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.2704}, pmid = {30916391}, issn = {1939-9170}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Herbivory ; Insecta ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; *Plants ; }, abstract = {More than five decades ago, Ehrlich and Raven proposed a revolutionary idea-that the evolution of novel plant defense could spur adaptive radiation in plants. Despite motivating much work on plant-herbivore coevolution and defense theory, Ehrlich and Raven never proposed a mechanism for their "escape and radiate" model. Recent intriguing mechanisms proposed by Marquis et al. include sympatric divergence, pleiotropic effects of plant defense traits on reproductive isolation, and strong postzygotic isolation, but these may not be general features of herbivore-mediated speciation. An alternate view is that herbivores may impose strong divergent selection on defenses in allopatric plant populations, with plant-herbivore coevolution driving local adaptation resulting in plant speciation. Building on these ideas, we propose three scenarios that consider the role of herbivores in plant speciation. These include (1) vicariance, subsequent coevolution within populations and adaptive divergence between geographically isolated populations, (2) colonization of a new habitat lacking effective herbivores followed by loss of defense and then re-evolution and coevolution of defense in response to novel herbivores, and (3) evolution of a new defense followed by range expansion, vicariance, and coevolution. We discuss the general role of coevolution in plant speciation and consider outstanding issues related to understanding: (1) the mechanisms behind cospeciation of plants and insects, (2) geographic variation in defense phenotypes, (3) how defensive traits and geography map on plant phylogenies, and (4) the role of herbivores in driving character displacement in defense phenotypes of related species in sympatry.}, } @article {pmid30913135, year = {2019}, author = {Matsui, H and Izawa, EI}, title = {Control of bill-grasping aperture with varying food size in crows.}, journal = {Neuroreport}, volume = {30}, number = {7}, pages = {522-525}, doi = {10.1097/WNR.0000000000001240}, pmid = {30913135}, issn = {1473-558X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Beak ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Reaction Time ; }, abstract = {Grasping movement in primates is known to be a visually guided behavior and the aperture of hand opening is adjusted to the target size on the basis of visual information. The analogous behavior can be found in birds, called 'pecking', consisting of head-reaching and bill-grasping. Bill-grasping has been investigated mainly in pigeons and an aperture adjustment as seen in primates has been reported. This study focused on kinematics of pecking in crows, known to possess dexterous visuomotor skills, to examine whether crows adjust the grasping aperture to food diameter with a kinematic mechanism similar to that in pigeons. The pecking at a small piece of food was video recorded to analyze the grasping aperture. The results showed that the grasping aperture was proportional to food diameter. Kinematic analysis showed that the aperture adjustment was mediated by grasping velocity and grasping duration, which is consistent with the findings of previous research on pecking in pigeons. However, the relative contribution of grasping velocity was much higher than that of grasping duration. Our findings suggest the different sensorimotor mechanisms to control bill-grasping between the avian species with different foraging ecology.}, } @article {pmid30911146, year = {2019}, author = {Knief, U and Bossu, CM and Saino, N and Hansson, B and Poelstra, J and Vijay, N and Weissensteiner, M and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Epistatic mutations under divergent selection govern phenotypic variation in the crow hybrid zone.}, journal = {Nature ecology & evolution}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, pages = {570-576}, pmid = {30911146}, issn = {2397-334X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Variation, Population ; Crows/*genetics ; Epistasis, Genetic ; Gene Flow ; *Genetic Variation ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; }, abstract = {The evolution of genetic barriers opposing interspecific gene flow is key to the origin of new species. Drawing from information on over 400 admixed genomes sourced from replicate transects across the European hybrid zone between all-black carrion crows and grey-coated hooded crows, we decipher the interplay between phenotypic divergence and selection at the molecular level. Over 68% of plumage variation was explained by epistasis between the gene NDP and a ~2.8-megabase region on chromosome 18 with suppressed recombination. Both pigmentation loci showed evidence for divergent selection resisting introgression. This study reveals how few, large-effect loci can govern prezygotic isolation and shield phenotypic divergence from gene flow.}, } @article {pmid30911140, year = {2019}, author = {Dobson, AE and Schmidt, DJ and Hughes, JM}, title = {Heritability of plumage colour morph variation in a wild population of promiscuous, long-lived Australian magpies.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {123}, number = {3}, pages = {349-358}, pmid = {30911140}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Color ; DNA/genetics ; Feathers/anatomy & histology/*metabolism ; Female ; Hybridization, Genetic ; *Inheritance Patterns ; Male ; Passeriformes/anatomy & histology/*genetics ; Phenotype ; Pigmentation/*genetics ; *Quantitative Trait, Heritable ; Reproduction/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Colour polymorphisms have evolutionary significance for the generation and maintenance of species diversity. Demonstrating heritability of polymorphic traits can be challenging for wild populations of long-lived species because accurate information is required on trait expression and familial relationships. The Australian magpie Cracticus tibicen has a continent-wide distribution featuring several distinct plumage morphs, differing primarily in colour of back feathers. Black or white-backed morphs occur in eastern Australia, with intermediate morphs common in a narrow hybrid zone where the two morphs meet. This study investigated heritability of back colour phenotypes in a hybrid zone population (Seymour, Victoria) based on long-term observational data and DNA samples collected over an 18 year period (1993-2010). High extra-pair paternity (~ 36% offspring), necessitated verification of parent-offspring relationships by parentage analysis. A total of 538 birds (221 parents and 317 offspring) from 36 territories were analysed. Back colour was a continuous trait scored on a five-morph scale in the field (0-4). High and consistent estimates of back colour heritability (h[2]) were obtained via weighted mid-parent regression (h[2] = 0.94) and by animal models (h[2] = 0.92, C.I. 0.80-0.99). Single-parent heritability estimates indicated neither maternal nor paternal non-genetic effects (e.g., parent body condition) played a large role in determining offspring back colour, and environmental effects of territory group and cohort contributed little to trait heritability. Distinctive back colouration of the Australian magpie behaves as a quantitative trait that is likely polygenic, although mechanisms responsible for maintaining these geographically structured morphs and the hybrid zone where they meet are unknown.}, } @article {pmid30909351, year = {2019}, author = {Barone, F and Bashey, S and Woodin Jr., FW}, title = {Clinical Evidence of Dermal and Epidermal Restructuring from a Biologically Active Growth Factor Serum for Skin Rejuvenation.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {18}, number = {3}, pages = {290-295}, pmid = {30909351}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Aged ; Cosmeceuticals/*administration & dosage ; Dermis/diagnostic imaging/drug effects ; Epidermis/diagnostic imaging/drug effects ; Extracellular Matrix/drug effects ; Face ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/*administration & dosage ; Middle Aged ; *Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Background: Topical skin care products use various technologies to promote skin repair. Growth factors of human, animal, and plant-derived origins have clinically demonstrated the ability to repair skin by promoting collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production to reconstruct and reinforce skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). Human skin cells respond to instructions from highly specialized proteins or hormones referred to as growth factors. These growth factors initiate cellular communication that instigates cellular replication, production, or proliferation. The production of elastin and collagen dermal connective fibers slows, and, with age, the regenerative rates of GAGs become delayed. These biological issues can be exacerbated by extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, pollutants, and various other factors. Growth factor-based products have become important topical treatment modalities for addressing signs of skin aging such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, dryness, laxity, and textural irregularities. Objective: The aim of a 12-week clinical trial of a growth factor composition was to assess its effectiveness at restoring skin health through dermal and epidermal restructuring of aged skin. Results: Data from expert grading, and from corneometer and cutometer evaluations, as well as 2D and 3D image analysis, reflected significant improvements in facial skin appearance, firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Elements that improved most dramatically in investigators’ assessments included radiance, firmness, tactile elasticity, textural smoothness, overall appearance, and crow’s feet. Ultrasound imaging showed continual increases in dermal and epidermal restructuring throughout the study duration. Subject assessments reflected positive product tolerability and positive perception across a broad range of efficacy attributes through 12 weeks of usage. Conclusion: The results verified the ability of a multi-modal plant and enzymatically derived growth factor-based product to achieve skin rejuvenation improvements by stimulating dermal ECM and fibrous tissue regeneration to reduce fine lines and coarse wrinkles, and improve skin firmness and elasticity, while restoring skin to a properly hydrated state. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(3):290-295.}, } @article {pmid30906673, year = {2018}, author = {Milakovich, J and Simonds, VW and Held, S and Picket, V and LaVeaux, D and Cummins, J and Martin, C and Kelting-Gibson, L}, title = {Children as Agents of Change: Parent Perceptions of Child-driven Environmental Health Communication in the Crow Community.}, journal = {Journal of health disparities research and practice}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {115-127}, pmid = {30906673}, issn = {2166-5222}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, } @article {pmid30905182, year = {2020}, author = {Wu, T and Shen, H and Sheng, Y and Zhao, F and Guo, N and Liao, L and Li, L and Li, Y and Dong, X}, title = {Use of cognitive correction training improves learning for children with mathematics learning disability.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Child}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {172-178}, doi = {10.1080/21622965.2018.1552866}, pmid = {30905182}, issn = {2162-2973}, mesh = {Child ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Cognitive Remediation/*methods ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Learning Disabilities/physiopathology/*rehabilitation ; Male ; Mathematics/*education ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Prospective Studies ; Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methods ; }, abstract = {Children with normal intelligence may experience varying degrees of mathematics learning disabilities (MD). This study aims to conduct training to improve the brain's cognitive ability for mathematics learning by focusing on two important mathematical cognitive abilities. This was a prospective study of 70 children in grades 2-5 from two primary schools in Changzhou and with MD enrolled from June 2015 to February 2017. The children were randomized 1:1 to the training and control groups. A training cycle included 40 sessions (5/weeks) (30 min each session). The efficacy of learning was assessed by assessing number learning and graph reasoning, and by using the Raven standard reasoning test score. In the training group, backward number memory (from 6.1 ± 1.8 to 6.7 ± 1.3, P = 0.02), number sequential connection (from 54.4 ± 14.5 to 47.1 ± 12.1, P < 0.01), and rapid graph judgment (from 531.9 ± 76.3 to 557.8 ± 85.7, P = 0.04) were improved by training, while there was no effect on forward number memory (P = 0.13). There were significant differences in total score and scores of b, c, and e series before and after training (all P < 0.05). The children in the control group had no improvement after 8 weeks. There was a correlation between the ability of rapid graphic judgment before and after training and the score of the Raven E series (r = 0.384, P = 0.024), and between the score of the Raven C series and the score of the Raven D series (r = 0.468, P = 0.013). Cognitive correction training improved the sensitivity to numbers and mathematics learning in children with MD.}, } @article {pmid30893169, year = {2019}, author = {Cheon, HI and Jung, N and Won, CH and Kim, BJ and Lee, YW}, title = {Efficacy and Safety of Prabotulinumtoxin A and Onabotulinumtoxin A for Crow's Feet: A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Face Study.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {45}, number = {12}, pages = {1610-1619}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001920}, pmid = {30893169}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Injection Site Reaction/diagnosis/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Off-Label Use ; Patient Satisfaction ; Remission, Spontaneous ; Severity of Illness Index ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prabotulinumtoxin A has been shown to have efficacy for the treatment of upper-limb spasticity and improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines. However, the efficacy and safety of prabotulinumtoxin A for crow's feet have not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy and safety of prabotulinumtoxin A and onabotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of crow's feet.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, split-face study was conducted in subjects with bilateral symmetric, moderate to severe crow's feet at maximum smile. The investigators assessed the severity of crow's feet by using the facial wrinkle scale, and the subjects reported the improvement in severity, their subjective satisfaction, and perceived age. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of subjects with Grade 0 or 1 severity of crow's feet at maximum smile at Week 4 as assessed by the investigators.

RESULTS: In the primary efficacy outcome assessment, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (prabotulinumtoxin A, 65.02%; onabotulinumtoxin A, 62.56%; p = .0956). All secondary efficacy outcomes were also achieved. Adverse events related to injection were mild and recovered spontaneously.

CONCLUSION: Prabotulinumtoxin A and onabotulinumtoxin A have comparable efficacy and safety in the treatment of crow's feet.}, } @article {pmid30891367, year = {2019}, author = {Policht, R and Hart, V and Goncharov, D and Surový, P and Hanzal, V and Červený, J and Burda, H}, title = {Vocal recognition of a nest-predator in black grouse.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {e6533}, pmid = {30891367}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Corvids count among the important predators of bird nests. They are vocal animals and one can expect that birds threatened by their predation, such as black grouse, are sensitive to and recognize their calls. Within the framework of field studies, we noticed that adult black grouse were alerted by raven calls during periods outside the breeding season. Since black grouse are large, extremely precocial birds, this reaction can hardly be explained by sensitization specifically to the threat of nest predation by ravens. This surprising observation prompted us to study the phenomenon more systematically. According to our knowledge, the response of birds to corvid vocalization has been studied in altricial birds only. We tested whether the black grouse distinguishes and responds specifically to playback calls of the common raven. Black grouse recognized raven calls and were alerted, displaying typical neck stretching, followed by head scanning, and eventual escape. Surprisingly, males tended to react faster and exhibited a longer duration of vigilance behavior compared to females. Although raven calls are recognized by adult black grouse out of the nesting period, they are not directly endangered by the raven. We speculate that the responsiveness of adult grouse to raven calls might be explained as a learned response in juveniles from nesting hens that is then preserved in adults, or by a known association between the raven and the red fox. In that case, calls of the raven would be rather interpreted as a warning signal of probable proximity of the red fox.}, } @article {pmid30889388, year = {2019}, author = {Bugnyar, T}, title = {Tool Use: New Caledonian Crows Engage in Mental Planning.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {6}, pages = {R200-R202}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2019.01.059}, pmid = {30889388}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Food ; Humans ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New Caledonian crows are able to flexibly use different tools in a sequence to retrieve food, whereby each step is out-of-sight of the others. Mental planning is thus not a human-specific trait.}, } @article {pmid30877719, year = {2019}, author = {Triantafyllidou, E and Moraitou, D and Kaklamanaki, E and Georgiadou, T and Athanasaki, M and Malliopoulou, E and Schina, C and Hamoli, M and Moschou, S and Petropoulou, Z and Mpoulakis, P and Douli, E and Pagoni, K and Nikolaidou, S and Nouli, CD and Masoura, E and Tsolaki, M and Papantoniou, G}, title = {Retrogenetic models of working memory: Preliminary multi-group analysis.}, journal = {Hellenic journal of nuclear medicine}, volume = {22 Suppl}, number = {}, pages = {4-16}, pmid = {30877719}, issn = {1790-5427}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Middle Aged ; *Models, Neurological ; }, abstract = {AIM: The aim of the present study was the qualitative comparison of working memory capacity of young children and older adults through the investigation of the latent structure stability or change in Working Memory capacity (WM) in childhood and aging, using Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA).

METHOD: The sample consisted of 62 kindergarten and 56 elementary school students (age range: 4-8 years) and 52 young-old adults and 54 old-old adults (age range: 60-94 years). Adults were asked to complete the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) as screening tests. The children were examined via the Raven Colored Progressive Matrix (CMP) test for the same reason. WM was examined via four measures of Working Memory Test Battery for Children (WMTB-C).

RESULTS: MGCFA applied to the data of the kindergarten students' subsample, elementary school students' subsample, young-old and old-old adults' subsamples as well as of older adults with low (0-9 years of education) educational level. Initially, through MGCFA, four "models" were confirmed, one for each age-related subsample, and they were different from each other. However, when the same method was applied exclusively to young-old and old-old adults with low educational level, the models that emerged were similar to the kindergarten students' model.

CONCLUSION: When we "keep" the educational level equal (low) for all, the hypothesis of retrogenesis is confirmed. Cognitive reserve appears to be protective, keeping differentiated WM's components in every age group other than that of kindergarten students. The results support the "retrogenetic" hypothesis, mainly due to the finding of a delay in WM components' development in the group of kindergarten students, and their dedifferentiation in the low-educated young-old and old-old adults.}, } @article {pmid30874339, year = {2019}, author = {Maidhof, R and Knapp, E and Liebel, F and Fair, M and Rubinson, EH}, title = {Technical approaches to select high-performance instant skin smoothing formulations: Correlation of in vitro and in vivo assessment methods.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {25}, number = {5}, pages = {606-611}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12691}, pmid = {30874339}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Cosmetics/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; Dermatologic Agents/*pharmacology ; Face ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Serum Albumin, Bovine/pharmacology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Care ; Stress, Physiological/physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Contractile films that smooth the surface of skin upon drying are popular among consumers due to their "instant" effect and perceivable smoothing benefits. The objective of our study was to correlate an in vitro measurement of contractile force with in vivo smoothing performance, thereby enabling rapid screening of film-forming technologies for impactful cosmetic results.

METHODS: We introduce and characterize an in vitro method to measure drying stress of film-containing formulations. This method is used to measure the drying stresses of seven different cosmetic film formulations. We then evaluate these formulas in a blinded clinical study, measuring their effect on under-eye and Crow's Feet area smoothing through bioinstrumentation (3D PRIMOS imaging) and blinded expert grading of images.

RESULTS: The in vitro drying stress measurement was found to be repeatable and sensitive enough to detect differences between formulations with typical amounts of film-forming agents. Significant correlation was found between the in vitro drying stress measurements and under-eye smoothing measured by 3D imaging (R[2]  = 0.71). Expert grading confirmed that film formulas deliver perceivable smoothing in the under-eye and Crow's Feet regions 15 minutes after application.

CONCLUSION: The in vitro method described here can be used to predict the efficacy of formulations that deliver smoothing benefits to consumers. For consumer use, the esthetic properties of a formula should be balanced with film performance, guided by this model which predicts skin smoothing efficacy.}, } @article {pmid30867014, year = {2019}, author = {Gutiérrez-López, R and Martínez-de la Puente, J and Gangoso, L and Soriguer, R and Figuerola, J}, title = {Effects of host sex, body mass and infection by avian Plasmodium on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences.}, journal = {Parasites & vectors}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {87}, pmid = {30867014}, issn = {1756-3305}, support = {CGL2012-30759//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España (ES)/ ; CGL2015-65055-P//Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España/ ; 2017 Leonardo Grant for Researchers//Fundación BBVA/ ; Cultural Creators//Fundación BBVA/ ; 747729 "EcoEvoClim"//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; P11-RNM-7038//Agencia de Innovación y Desarrollo de Andalucía/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Bird Diseases/parasitology/*transmission ; Crows ; Culex/*parasitology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Host Specificity ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Insect Bites and Stings/veterinary ; Malaria/parasitology/transmission/*veterinary ; Male ; Mosquito Vectors/*parasitology ; Ochlerotatus/*parasitology ; Phenotype ; Plasmodium/*physiology ; Sex Factors ; Sparrows ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens is strongly influenced by the contact rates between mosquitoes and susceptible hosts. The biting rates of mosquitoes depend on different factors including the mosquito species and host-related traits (i.e. odour, heat and behaviour). However, host characteristics potentially affecting intraspecific differences in the biting rate of mosquitoes are poorly known. Here, we assessed the impact of three host-related traits on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences: the ornithophilic Culex pipiens and the mammophilic Ochlerotatus (Aedes) caspius. Seventy-two jackdaws Corvus monedula and 101 house sparrows Passer domesticus were individually exposed to mosquito bites to test the effect of host sex, body mass and infection status by the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium on biting rates.

RESULTS: Ochlerotatus caspius showed significantly higher biting rates than Cx. pipiens on jackdaws, but non-significant differences were found on house sparrows. In addition, more Oc. caspius fed on female than on male jackdaws, while no differences were found for Cx. pipiens. The biting rate of mosquitoes on house sparrows increased through the year. The bird infection status and body mass of both avian hosts were not related to the biting rate of both mosquito species.

CONCLUSIONS: Host sex was the only host-related trait potentially affecting the biting rate of mosquitoes, although its effect may differ between mosquito and host species.}, } @article {pmid30859038, year = {2019}, author = {Wu, Y and Wang, G and Li, C and Mao, C and Lei, X and Lee, E}, title = {Safety and Efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA for Treatment of Crow's Feet Lines in Chinese Subjects.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {e2079}, pmid = {30859038}, issn = {2169-7574}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of crow's feet lines (CFL) in Chinese subjects.

METHODS: This 5-month, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled phase 3 study was conducted in China. Subjects with moderate-to-severe CFL at maximum smile received a single treatment of onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U (total; n = 316) or placebo (n = 101) on day 1. The primary efficacy measure was the proportion of investigator-assessed responders (achieved CFL severity of none or mild at maximum smile using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide at day 30). Additional endpoints included other response definitions (achieving at least 1-grade improvement at maximum smile and at rest using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide at day 30), duration of effect, subject-reported outcomes, and safety.

RESULTS: All efficacy endpoints were met. At day 30, the proportion of subjects achieving none or mild severity at maximum smile was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the onabotulinumtoxinA group (63.9%) versus the placebo group (5.0%). The proportion of subjects assessing the change in CFL appearance as much improved/very much improved was also significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA than placebo (P < 0.001). Subjects' self-assessed outcomes were similar to investigator-assessed results. Median duration of effect with onabotulinumtoxinA was ≥5 months using all responder definitions. A low occurrence of treatment-related adverse events was reported, with no new safety findings.

CONCLUSIONS: OnabotulinumtoxinA 24 U was effective and well tolerated for the treatment of CFL in Chinese subjects, with responses maintained over 5 months.}, } @article {pmid30850691, year = {2019}, author = {Shimmura, T and Tamura, M and Ohashi, S and Sasaki, A and Yamanaka, T and Nakao, N and Ihara, K and Okamura, S and Yoshimura, T}, title = {Cholecystokinin induces crowing in chickens.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {3978}, pmid = {30850691}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Chickens/*metabolism/*physiology ; Cholecystokinin/*metabolism ; Crows/*metabolism/*physiology ; Gene Expression/physiology ; Male ; Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism ; Receptor, Cholecystokinin B/metabolism ; Sound ; Testosterone/metabolism ; Up-Regulation/physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Animals that communicate using sound are found throughout the animal kingdom. Interestingly, in contrast to human vocal learning, most animals can produce species-specific patterns of vocalization without learning them from their parents. This phenomenon is called innate vocalization. The underlying molecular basis of both vocal learning in humans and innate vocalization in animals remains unknown. The crowing of a rooster is also innately controlled, and the upstream center is thought to be localized in the nucleus intercollicularis (ICo) of the midbrain. Here, we show that the cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR) is a regulatory gene involved in inducing crowing in roosters. Crowing is known to be a testosterone (T)-dependent behavior, and it follows that roosters crow but not hens. Similarly, T-administration induces chicks to crow. By using RNA-sequencing to compare gene expression in the ICo between the two comparison groups that either crow or do not crow, we found that CCKBR expression was upregulated in T-containing groups. The expression of CCKBR and its ligand, cholecystokinin (CCK), a neurotransmitter, was observed in the ICo. We also showed that crowing was induced by intracerebroventricular administration of an agonist specific for CCKBR. Our findings therefore suggest that the CCK system induces innate vocalization in roosters.}, } @article {pmid30846892, year = {2019}, author = {Uhl, F and Ringler, M and Miller, R and Deventer, SA and Bugnyar, T and Schwab, C}, title = {Counting crows: population structure and group size variation in an urban population of crows.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology : official journal of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology}, volume = {30}, number = {1}, pages = {57-67}, pmid = {30846892}, issn = {1045-2249}, support = {J 3868/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 24788/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social complexity arises from the formation of social relationships like social bonds and dominance hierarchies. In turn, these aspects may be affected by the degree of fission-fusion dynamics, i.e., changes in group size and composition over time. Whilst fission-fusion dynamics has been studied in mammals, birds have received comparably little attention, despite some species having equally complex social lives. Here, we investigated the influence of environmental factors on aspects of fission-fusion dynamics in a free-ranging population of carrion and hooded crows (Corvus corone ssp.) in the urban zoo of Vienna, Austria over a 1-year period. We investigated 1) the size and 2) spatio-temporal structure of the local flock, and 3) environmental influences on local flock and subgroup size. The local flock size varied considerably over the year, with fewest birds being present during the breeding season. The spatio-temporal structure of the local flock showed 4 distinct presence categories, of which the proportions changed significantly throughout the year. Environmental effects on both local flock and subgroup size were time of day, season, temperature, and weather, with additional pronounced effects of the structure of the surroundings and age class on subgroup size. Our findings show environmental influences on party size at the local flock and subgroup level, as well as indications of structured party composition in respect to the 4 presence categories. These results suggest that environmental factors have significant effects on fission-fusion dynamics in free-ranging crows, thereby influencing social complexity.}, } @article {pmid30846760, year = {2019}, author = {Kojima, M and Nagano, A}, title = {Assessment of physical activity and cognitive function and their potential correlation in convalescent patients of cerebrovascular disease.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {3782}, pmid = {30846760}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Accelerometry/instrumentation/methods ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/*physiopathology/psychology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Energy Metabolism ; Exercise/*physiology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Sedentary Behavior ; }, abstract = {Physical activity (PA) is known to influence cognitive function. However, the impact of PA on patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has not yet been elucidated. PA and cognitive function have not been measured simultaneously over time, which makes it difficult to evaluate their relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in the amount of PA recorded by ActiGraph GT3X-BT and six test scores of cognitive function, and the relationship between them in 15 patients with CVD (six women and nine men; 78.0 ± 11.6 years old). Results showed an increase in the amount of PA and scores of cognitive tests, and a significant decrease in the duration of sedentary behavior during the four months (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between PA Energy Expenditure (PAEE) and Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test (RCPM) (r = 0.536, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between PAEE and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (r = 0.271, p = 0.036). There were significant correlations between sedentary behavior and RCPM (r = -0.606, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between sedentary behavior and SDMT (r = -0.355, p = 0.005). There were significant correlations between Light PA (LPA) and RCPM (r = 0.603, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between LPA and SDMT (r = 0.362, p = 0.005).}, } @article {pmid30842442, year = {2019}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Hosking, RJ and Taylor, AH and Gray, RD}, title = {Publisher Correction: Mental template matching is a potential cultural transmission mechanism for New Caledonian crow tool manufacturing traditions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {4151}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-018-37178-2}, pmid = {30842442}, issn = {2045-2322}, abstract = {A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.}, } @article {pmid30832245, year = {2019}, author = {Cortes-Rodriguez, N and Campana, MG and Berry, L and Faegre, S and Derrickson, SR and Ha, RR and Dikow, RB and Rutz, C and Fleischer, RC}, title = {Population Genomics and Structure of the Critically Endangered Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi).}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {30832245}, issn = {2073-4425}, support = {BB/G023913/2//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) David Phillips Fellowship/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Crows/*classification/genetics ; Endangered Species ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Guam ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Male ; Metagenomics/*methods ; Phylogeography ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Whole Genome Sequencing/*methods ; }, abstract = {The Mariana Crow, or Åga (Corvus kubaryi), is a critically endangered species (IUCN -International Union for Conservation of Nature), endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota in the Mariana Archipelago. It is locally extinct on Guam, and numbers have declined dramatically on Rota to a historical low of less than 55 breeding pairs throughout the island in 2013. Because of its extirpation on Guam and population decline on Rota, it is of critical importance to assess the genetic variation among individuals to assist ongoing recovery efforts. We conducted a population genomics analysis comparing the Guam and Rota populations and studied the genetic structure of the Rota population. We used blood samples from five birds from Guam and 78 birds from Rota. We identified 145,552 candidate single nucleotide variants (SNVs) from a genome sequence of an individual from Rota and selected a subset of these to develop an oligonucleotide in-solution capture assay. The Guam and Rota populations were genetically differentiated from each other. Crow populations sampled broadly across their range on Rota showed significant genetic structuring [-] a surprising result given the small size of this island and the good flight capabilities of the species. Knowledge of its genetic structure will help improve management strategies to help with its recovery.}, } @article {pmid30829771, year = {2020}, author = {Rivkin, AZ and Ogilvie, P and Dayan, S and Yoelin, SG and Weichman, BM and Garcia, JK}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA for Simultaneous Treatment of Upper Facial Lines: Subject-Reported Satisfaction and Impact From a Phase 3 Study.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {46}, number = {1}, pages = {50-60}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001883}, pmid = {30829771}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; *Forehead ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Skin Aging ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly recognized as important measures of treatment benefit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subject-reported satisfaction and impact outcomes with onabotulinumtoxinA treatment in neurotoxin-naive adults with forehead lines (FHL), glabellar lines (GL), and crow's feet lines (CFL).

METHODS: This Phase 3 study randomized 787 subjects to onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U (FHL 20 U, GL 20 U, and CFL 24 U), 40 U (FHL 20 U, GL 20 U, and CFL placebo), or placebo in double-blind Period 1. Subjects could receive up to 2 additional 64 U treatments in open-label Period 2. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the validated Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLSQ) and 11-item Facial Line Outcomes (FLO-11) Questionnaire.

RESULTS: The proportion of subjects mostly or very satisfied was significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U and 40 U versus placebo (87.9% and 81.4% vs 3.2%; p < .0001). Responder rates on FLSQ Impact Domain, FLO-11 Items 1, 4, 5, and total score were significantly greater with onabotulinumtoxinA versus placebo on Day 30 (p < .0001). Responder rates favoring onabotulinumtoxinA in Period 1 were maintained with repeated onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U treatment in Period 2.

CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment was associated with high subject satisfaction and significant improvements in appearance-related psychological and emotional impacts.}, } @article {pmid30816066, year = {2019}, author = {Ploughman, M and Eskes, GA and Kelly, LP and Kirkland, MC and Devasahayam, AJ and Wallack, EM and Abraha, B and Hasan, SMM and Downer, MB and Keeler, L and Wilson, G and Skene, E and Sharma, I and Chaves, AR and Curtis, ME and Bedford, E and Robertson, GS and Moore, CS and McCarthy, J and Mackay-Lyons, M}, title = {Synergistic Benefits of Combined Aerobic and Cognitive Training on Fluid Intelligence and the Role of IGF-1 in Chronic Stroke.}, journal = {Neurorehabilitation and neural repair}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, pages = {199-212}, doi = {10.1177/1545968319832605}, pmid = {30816066}, issn = {1552-6844}, mesh = {Aged ; Chronic Disease/psychology/rehabilitation ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; Exercise Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/*analysis ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke/blood/*psychology ; Stroke Rehabilitation/*methods ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Paired exercise and cognitive training have the potential to enhance cognition by "priming" the brain and upregulating neurotrophins.

METHODS: Two-site randomized controlled trial. Fifty-two patients >6 months poststroke with concerns about cognitive impairment trained 50 to 70 minutes, 3× week for 10 weeks with 12-week follow-up. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 physical interventions: Aerobic (>60% VO2peak using <10% body weight-supported treadmill) or Activity (range of movement and functional tasks). Exercise was paired with 1 of 2 cognitive interventions (computerized dual working memory training [COG] or control computer games [Games]). The primary outcome for the 4 groups (Aerobic + COG, Aerobic + Games, Activity + COG, and Activity + Games) was fluid intelligence measured using Raven's Progressive Matrices Test administered at baseline, posttraining, and 3-month follow-up. Serum neurotrophins collected at one site (N = 30) included brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) at rest (BDNFresting) and after a graded exercise test (BDNFresponse) and insulin-like growth factor-1 at the same timepoints (IGF-1rest, IGF-1response).

RESULTS: At follow-up, fluid intelligence scores significantly improved compared to baseline in the Aerobic + COG and Activity + COG groups; however, only the Aerobic + COG group was significantly different (+47.8%) from control (Activity + Games -8.5%). Greater IGF-1response at baseline predicted 40% of the variance in cognitive improvement. There was no effect of the interventions on BDNFresting or BDNFresponse; nor was BDNF predictive of the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise combined with cognitive training improved fluid intelligence by almost 50% in patients >6 months poststroke. Participants with more robust improvements in cognition were able to upregulate higher levels of serum IGF-1 suggesting that this neurotrophin may be involved in behaviorally induced plasticity.}, } @article {pmid30804304, year = {2019}, author = {Dhanu, G and Havale, R and Shrutha, SP and Quazi, N and Shafna, TP and Ahemd, A}, title = {Assessment of Intelligence Quotient using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices among school children of Hyderabad Karnataka region and its correlation with prevalence of dental caries.}, journal = {Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry}, volume = {37}, number = {1}, pages = {25-30}, doi = {10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_236_18}, pmid = {30804304}, issn = {1998-3905}, mesh = {Child ; DMF Index ; Dental Caries/*epidemiology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Intelligence is the ability of a mind to acquire knowledge and skills; gain for a fact; to take care of issues; to adjust to new circumstances; and one's ability for rationale, understanding, mindfulness, arranging, and imagination. In a general description, it is a capacity to recognize information and to employ it as knowledge toward a modified behavior within an environment. This thought helps children to maintain oral hygiene in a better way.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research was undertaken on 240 schoolgoing children aged 7-11 years of government schools of Hyderabad-Karnataka region, in order to estimate the relation between intelligence quotient (IQ) of a child with dental caries. IQ level has been assessed by using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices as an IQ testing scale. Caries status was assessed by using Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index.

RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between children with different levels of IQ and dental caries. However, the majority of children who belong to Grade V (intellectually impaired) had higher dental caries.

CONCLUSION: An increase in IQ causes a decrease in dental caries and vice versa; however, no significant association was observed between the level of intelligence and caries (P = 0.202). There is a promising correlation between IQ and presence or absence of dental caries among children.}, } @article {pmid30800378, year = {2019}, author = {McCune, KB and Jablonski, P and Lee, SI and Ha, RR}, title = {Captive jays exhibit reduced problem-solving performance compared to wild conspecifics.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {181311}, pmid = {30800378}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {Animal cognitive abilities are frequently quantified in strictly controlled settings, with laboratory-reared subjects. Results from these studies have merit for clarifying proximate mechanisms of performance and the potential upper limits of certain cognitive abilities. Researchers often assume that performance on laboratory-based assessments accurately represents the abilities of wild conspecifics, but this is infrequently tested. In this experiment, we quantified the performance of wild and captive corvid subjects on an extractive foraging task. We found that performance was not equivalent, and wild subjects were faster at problem-solving to extract the food reward. By contrast, there was no difference in the time it took for captive and wild solvers to repeat the behaviour to get additional food rewards (learning speed). Our findings differ from the few other studies that have statistically compared wild and captive performance on assessments of problem-solving and learning. This indicates that without explicitly testing it, we cannot assume that captive animal performance on experimental tasks can be generalized to the species as a whole. To better understand the causes and consequences of a variety of animal cognitive abilities, we should measure performance in the social and physical environment in which the ability in question evolved.}, } @article {pmid30800374, year = {2019}, author = {L'Herpiniere, KL and O'Neill, LG and Russell, AF and Duursma, DE and Griffith, SC}, title = {Unscrambling variation in avian eggshell colour and patterning in a continent-wide study.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {181269}, pmid = {30800374}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {The evolutionary drivers underlying marked variation in the pigmentation of eggs within many avian species remains unclear. The leading hypotheses proposed to explain such variation advocate the roles of genetic differences, signalling and/or structural integrity. One means of testing among these hypotheses is to capitalize on museum collections of eggs obtained throughout a broad geographical range of a species to ensure sufficient variation in predictors pertaining to each hypothesis. Here, we measured coloration and patterning in eggs from 272 clutches of Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen) collected across most of their geographical range of ca 7 million km[2]; encompassing eight subspecies, variation in environmental parameters, and the presence/absence of a brood parasite. We found considerable variation in background colour, as well as in the extent and distribution of patterning across eggs. There was little evidence that this variation was explained by subspecies or the contemporary presence of a brood parasite. However, measures of maximum temperature, leaf area index and soil calcium all contributed to variation in egg appearance, although their explanatory power was relatively low. Our results suggest that multiple factors combine to influence egg appearance in this species, and that even in species with highly variable eggs, coloration is not readily explained.}, } @article {pmid30782863, year = {2019}, author = {Anderson, YC and Kirkpatrick, K and Dolan, GMS and Wouldes, TA and Grant, CC and Cave, TL and Wild, CEK and Derraik, JGB and Cutfield, WS and Hofman, PL}, title = {Do changes in weight status affect cognitive function in children and adolescents with obesity? A secondary analysis of a clinical trial.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {e021586}, pmid = {30782863}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Body Mass Index ; Child ; *Cognition ; *Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; New Zealand ; Pediatric Obesity/*psychology/therapy ; Weight Loss ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: It is unclear whether an association exists between obesity in children/adolescents and cognitive function, and whether the latter can be altered by body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) reductions. We aimed to determine whether an association exists between BMI SDS and cognitive function in children/adolescents with obesity engaged in an obesity intervention. Second, we sought to determine if BMI SDS reduction at 12 months was associated with improved cognitive function.

DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants (n=69) were recruited from an obesity intervention. Eligible participants (recruited June 2013 to June 2015) were aged 6-16 years, with a BMI ≥98th centile or BMI >91st centile with weight-related comorbidities.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was change in BMI SDS from baseline at 12 months. Dependent variables of cognitive functioning and school achievement were assessed at baseline and 12 months, using dependent variables of cognitive functioning (elements of Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices, Wide Range Achievement Test-fourth edition and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-fourth edition).

RESULTS: At baseline, BMI SDS was not associated with all aspects of cognitive function tested (n=69). Reductions in BMI SDS over time did not alter cognitive function overall. However, there was a greater reduction in comprehension standard scores in participants who increased their BMI SDS (adjusted estimated difference -6.1, 95% CI -11.6 to -0.6; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS: There were no observed associations between BMI SDS and cognitive function in participants, apart from comprehension in the exploratory analyses, which may have been a random finding. Further studies need to include larger longitudinal cohorts incorporating a wider BMI range at entry to determine whether our findings persist.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ANZCTR12611000862943; Pre-results.}, } @article {pmid30773853, year = {2019}, author = {Hong, K and Wong, IYH and Singh, K and Chang, RT}, title = {Corneal Biomechanics Using a Scheimpflug-Based Noncontact Device in Normal-Tension Glaucoma and Healthy Controls.}, journal = {Asia-Pacific journal of ophthalmology (Philadelphia, Pa.)}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {22-29}, doi = {10.22608/APO.2018334}, pmid = {30773853}, issn = {2162-0989}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Case-Control Studies ; Corneal Pachymetry ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Hong Kong ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure/*physiology ; Logistic Models ; Low Tension Glaucoma/*physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Tonometry, Ocular/methods ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To determine if a novel biomechanical parameter, corneal applanation velocity, as measured by the Corvis ST, is associated with a diagnosis of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study.

METHODS: Study and control subjects were recruited from the ophthalmology clinic of a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong over an 8-week period in 2013. A total of 80 eyes with NTG diagnosis and 155 healthy eyes randomly selected to be in the control group were included in the final analysis. All subjects underwent corneal biomechanical testing with the Oculus Corvis ST non-contact tonometer. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and central corneal thickness was conducted to assess the relationship between inward and outward applanation velocity and the risk of NTG. Secondary outcome variables included corneal applanation time, length, amplitude, and highest concavity.

RESULTS: Inward applanation velocity was faster in the NTG eyes (0.15 ± 0.02 m/s) than in the control eyes (0.14 ± 0.02 m/s) (P = 0.016). The odds ratio for a 0.01 m/s increase in inward applanation velocity when comparing NTG eyes with control eyes adjusted for age and central corneal thickness was 1.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.30) (P = 0.016). There was no evidence that outward applanation velocity or any secondary corneal biomechanical variable differed between the NTG and control eyes.

CONCLUSIONS: Normal-tension glaucoma eyes demonstrated a small, statistically significant faster corneal inward applanation velocity than normal control eyes.}, } @article {pmid30763308, year = {2019}, author = {Bauch, C and Boonekamp, JJ and Korsten, P and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {Epigenetic inheritance of telomere length in wild birds.}, journal = {PLoS genetics}, volume = {15}, number = {2}, pages = {e1007827}, pmid = {30763308}, issn = {1553-7404}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*genetics ; Birds/*genetics ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Epigenesis, Genetic/*genetics ; Epigenomics/methods ; Fathers ; Female ; Heredity/*genetics ; Male ; Paternal Age ; Reproduction/genetics ; Spermatozoa/physiology ; Telomere/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Telomere length (TL) predicts health and survival across taxa. Variation in TL between individuals is thought to be largely of genetic origin, but telomere inheritance is unusual, because zygotes already express a TL phenotype, the TL of the parental gametes. Offspring TL changes with paternal age in many species including humans, presumably through age-related TL changes in sperm, suggesting an epigenetic inheritance mechanism. However, present evidence is based on cross-sectional analyses, and age at reproduction is confounded with between-father variation in TL. Furthermore, the quantitative importance of epigenetic TL inheritance is unknown. Using longitudinal data of free-living jackdaws Corvus monedula, we show that erythrocyte TL of subsequent offspring decreases with parental age within individual fathers, but not mothers. By cross-fostering eggs, we confirmed the paternal age effect to be independent of paternal age dependent care. Epigenetic inheritance accounted for a minimum of 34% of the variance in offspring TL that was explained by paternal TL. This is a minimum estimate, because it ignores the epigenetic component in paternal TL variation and sperm TL heterogeneity within ejaculates. Our results indicate an important epigenetic component in the heritability of TL with potential consequences for offspring fitness prospects.}, } @article {pmid30758867, year = {2019}, author = {Cho, C and Cho, E and Kim, N and Shin, J and Woo, S and Lee, E and Hwang, J and Ha, J}, title = {Age-related biophysical changes of the epidermal and dermal skin in Korean women.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {25}, number = {4}, pages = {504-511}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12679}, pmid = {30758867}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Biophysical Phenomena ; Dermis/metabolism/*pathology ; Elasticity ; Epidermis/metabolism/*pathology ; Face/*pathology/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Skin Aging/*physiology ; Skin Pigmentation ; Spectrophotometry/methods ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The clinical characteristics of skin were investigated to study the inter-relationship and changes in the biophysical properties of the epidermal and dermal layers associated with aging using noninvasive methods.

METHODS: Our study included 100 healthy women aged between the early 20s and late 60s. Biophysical characteristics of skin such as color (brightness and spots), transparency, wrinkle on crow's feet, elasticity, hydration, sebum content, glossiness, and transepidermal water loss measured under controlled conditions.

RESULTS: This study performed in a Korean population demonstrated that aging significantly affects human skin in terms of parameters such as wrinkles, skin color, elasticity, and epidermal hydration. Age-related changes in skin hydration showed varying patterns between the epidermis and dermis. Skin color showed heterogeneous characteristics between the upper and lower epidermal layers associated with aging. Skin elasticity and wrinkles were observed to show and inversely proportional relationship in the early 40s.

CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the significant influence of aging on the biophysical properties of skin and determined the distinct age-related biophysical changes in the epidermal and dermal layers of skin using noninvasive method. This study indicates the need for further research to investigate the distinctive age-related changes in characteristics of the epidermal and dermal layers of human skin.}, } @article {pmid30744978, year = {2019}, author = {Gruber, R and Schiestl, M and Boeckle, M and Frohnwieser, A and Miller, R and Gray, RD and Clayton, NS and Taylor, AH}, title = {New Caledonian Crows Use Mental Representations to Solve Metatool Problems.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {686-692.e3}, pmid = {30744978}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; *Imagination ; *Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {One of the mysteries of animal problem-solving is the extent to which animals mentally represent problems in their minds. Humans can imagine both the solution to a problem and the stages along the way [1-3], such as when we plan one or two moves ahead in chess. The extent to which other animals can do the same is far less clear [4-25]. Here, we presented New Caledonian crows with a series of metatool problems where each stage was out of sight of the others and the crows had to avoid either a distractor apparatus containing a non-functional tool or a non-functional apparatus containing a functional tool. Crows were able to mentally represent the sub-goals and goals of metatool problems: crows kept in mind the location and identities of out-of-sight tools and apparatuses while planning and performing a sequence of tool behaviors. This provides the first conclusive evidence that birds can plan several moves ahead while using tools.}, } @article {pmid30742302, year = {2019}, author = {Nowaczyk, N and Kalinowska-Łyszczarz, A and Paprzycki, W and Michalak, S and Kaźmierski, R and Pawlak, MA}, title = {Spatial distribution of white matter degenerative lesions and cognitive dysfunction in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.}, journal = {Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska}, volume = {53}, number = {1}, pages = {18-25}, pmid = {30742302}, issn = {0028-3843}, support = {R01 AG013743/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Brain ; *Cognitive Dysfunction ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Multiple Sclerosis ; *Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *White Matter ; }, abstract = {AIM: The aim of this study was to assess degenerative lesion localisation in the course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to identify the association between localisation and the frequency of T1-hypointense lesions (black holes) with cognitive dysfunction. We also searched for neuroradiological predictors of cognitive dysfunction in patients. The clinical rationale for the study was previous research, and our own findings suggest that lesion localisation plays an important role in cognitive performance and neurological disability of MS patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two patients were included in the study. All subjects underwent neuropsychological examination using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, a naming task from the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests, and attention to detail tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired on 1.5 Tesla scanner and black holes were manually segmented on T1-weighted volumetric images using the FMRIB Software Library. Linear regression was applied to establish a relationship between black hole volume per lobe and cognitive parameters. Bonferroni correction of voxelwise analysis was used to correct for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: The following associations between black hole volume and cognition were identified: frontal lobes black hole volume was associated with phonemic verbal fluency (t = -4.013, p < 0.001), parietal black hole volume was associated with attention (t = -3.776, p < 0.001), and parietal and temporal black hole volumes were associated with nonverbal intelligence (p < 0.001). The volume of parietal black holes was the best predictor of cognitive dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS: Our approach, including measurement of focal axonal loss based on T1-volumetric MRI sequence and brief neuropsychological assessment, might improve personalised diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in clinical practice.}, } @article {pmid30733635, year = {2019}, author = {de Luna-Dias, C and de Carvalho-E-Silva, SP}, title = {Calls of Boanalatistriata (Caramaschi & Cruz, 2004) (Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae), an endemic tree frog from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.}, journal = {ZooKeys}, volume = {}, number = {820}, pages = {83-94}, pmid = {30733635}, issn = {1313-2989}, abstract = {Bioacoustical data are useful for studying amphibians, especially their conservation, taxonomy, and evolution, among others. Of the 12 species of the Boanapolytaenia clade, only B.buriti and B.latistriata have no published information about their advertisement calls. We recorded four males of B.latistriata in its type locality at Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, south-eastern Brazil. We used a Roland R26 digital recorder with a Sennheiser ME-67 microphone and analysed the recordings using the Raven Pro 1.5 software. We recorded two different types of calls (call A and call B). Both were composed of one pulsed note and presented a slightly ascending-descending frequency modulation. Call A was more frequent, having durations between 0.042 and 0.093 s with the dominant frequency ranging from 3375.0 to 3937.5 Hz, and was composed of 11 to 21 pulses separated by intervals that were not fully silent. Call B had durations between 0.711 and 1.610 s, with dominant frequency from 3281.2 to 3750.0 Hz, and was composed of 11 to 29 pulses separated by fully silent intervals. Among the B.polytaenia clade, the calls of B.latistriata are more similar to those of B.bandeirantes, B.beckeri, B.polytaenia, and B.aff.beckeri. The calls of B.latistriata differ from these species in its lower dominant frequency. Boanalatistriata present a short, single-note call with a lower pulse period (call A) and a long call with higher pulse period (call B), which differ from the other species of the clade. The coefficients of variation for the various bioacoustical attributes were calculated within- and between-males and these have been discussed. We also report a fight event between two males of B.latistriata. This is the first report of a fight in members of the B.polytaenia clade.}, } @article {pmid30727944, year = {2019}, author = {Veiga, IMB and Lüschow, D and Gutzer, S and Hafez, HM and Mühldorfer, K}, title = {Phylogenetic relationship of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale isolated from poultry and diverse avian hosts based on 16S rRNA and rpoB gene analyses.}, journal = {BMC microbiology}, volume = {19}, number = {1}, pages = {31}, pmid = {30727944}, issn = {1471-2180}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Birds/*microbiology ; Flavobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology/*veterinary ; Genes, Bacterial ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Ornithobacterium/*classification/isolation & purification ; *Phylogeny ; Poultry/*microbiology ; Poultry Diseases/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Turkeys/microbiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ornithobacterium (O.) rhinotracheale is an emerging bacterial pathogen in poultry and not fully understood to date. Because of its importance particularly for the global turkey meat industry, reliable diagnostic and characterization methods are needed for early treatment and in future for better vaccine production. The host range of birds infected by O. rhinotracheale or carrying the bacterium in their respiratory tract has constantly increased raising important epidemiological and taxonomic questions for a better understanding of its diversity, ecology and transmission cycles. The purpose of this study was to introduce partial rpoB gene sequencing for O. rhinotracheale into routine diagnostics to differentiate strains isolated from poultry and more diverse avian hosts (i.e., birds of prey, corvids and pigeons) and to compare phylogenetic relationships with results from 16S rRNA gene analysis and multilocus sequence typing (MLST).

RESULTS: Partial 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed a high level of homogeneity among the 65 investigated O. rhinotracheale sequences with similarity values ranging from 98.6 to 100% between sequences from non-galliform and poultry species. The corresponding rpoB gene sequences were heterogeneous and ranged in their similarity values from 85.1 to 100%. The structure of the rpoB tree was in strong correlation with previous MLST results revealing three main clusters A (poultry and birds of prey), B (poultry, birds of prey and corvids) and C (pigeons), which were clearly separated from each other.

CONCLUSIONS: By using partial sequences from a single gene, the rpoB gene analysis is in good agreement with MLST results with a slight decrease in resolution to distinguish more similar strains. The present results provide strong evidence that traditional phenotypic and genetic methods may not properly represent the heterogeneous group of bacteria classified as O. rhinotracheale. From housekeeping gene analyses, it is very likely that the genus Ornithobacterium includes additional species and partial rpoB gene sequencing can be recommended as fast, cost-effective and readily available method to identify strains and differentiate between O. rhinotracheale and Ornithobacterium-like bacteria.}, } @article {pmid30723505, year = {2018}, author = {Titah, HS and Abdullah, SRS and Idris, M and Anuar, N and Basri, H and Mukhlisin, M and Tangahu, BV and Purwanti, IF and Kurniawan, SB}, title = {Arsenic Resistance and Biosorption by Isolated Rhizobacteria from the Roots of Ludwigia octovalvis.}, journal = {International journal of microbiology}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {3101498}, pmid = {30723505}, issn = {1687-918X}, abstract = {Certain rhizobacteria can be applied to remove arsenic in the environment through bioremediation or phytoremediation. This study determines the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of arsenic on identified rhizobacteria that were isolated from the roots of Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven. The arsenic biosorption capability of the was also analyzed. Among the 10 isolated rhizobacteria, five were Gram-positive (Arthrobacter globiformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus, and Staphylococcus lentus), and five were Gram-negative (Enterobacter asburiae, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pantoea spp., Rhizobium rhizogenes, and Rhizobium radiobacter). R. radiobacter showed the highest MIC of >1,500 mg/L of arsenic. All the rhizobacteria were capable of absorbing arsenic, and S. paucimobilis showed the highest arsenic biosorption capability (146.4 ± 23.4 mg/g dry cell weight). Kinetic rate analysis showed that B. cereus followed the pore diffusion model (R [2] = 0.86), E. asburiae followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model (R [2] = 0.99), and R. rhizogenes followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R [2] = 0.93). The identified rhizobacteria differ in their mechanism of arsenic biosorption, arsenic biosorption capability, and kinetic models in arsenic biosorption.}, } @article {pmid30718374, year = {2019}, author = {Wu, CC and Klaesson, A and Buskas, J and Ranefall, P and Mirzazadeh, R and Söderberg, O and Wolf, JBW}, title = {In situ quantification of individual mRNA transcripts in melanocytes discloses gene regulation of relevance to speciation.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 5}, pages = {}, pmid = {30718374}, issn = {1477-9145}, support = {336536/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Color ; Crows/genetics/*physiology ; Feathers/growth & development/*physiology ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; *Genetic Speciation ; Melanocytes/metabolism ; Pigmentation/*genetics ; Pigments, Biological/biosynthesis/*genetics ; RNA, Messenger/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Functional validation of candidate genes involved in adaptation and speciation remains challenging. Here, we exemplify the utility of a method quantifying individual mRNA transcripts in revealing the molecular basis of divergence in feather pigment synthesis during early-stage speciation in crows. Using a padlock probe assay combined with rolling circle amplification, we quantified cell-type-specific gene expression in the histological context of growing feather follicles. Expression of Tyrosinase Related Protein 1 (TYRP1), Solute Carrier Family 45 member 2 (SLC45A2) and Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D Synthase (HPGDS) was melanocyte-limited and significantly reduced in follicles from hooded crow, explaining the substantially lower eumelanin content in grey versus black feathers. The central upstream Melanocyte Inducing Transcription Factor (MITF) only showed differential expression specific to melanocytes - a feature not captured by bulk RNA-seq. Overall, this study provides insight into the molecular basis of an evolutionary young transition in pigment synthesis, and demonstrates the power of histologically explicit, statistically substantiated single-cell gene expression quantification for functional genetic inference in natural populations.}, } @article {pmid30711042, year = {2019}, author = {Asghari, A and Sadraei, J and Pirestani, M and Mohammadpour, I}, title = {First molecular identification and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from hooded crows (Corvus cornix) and pigeons (Columba livia) in Tehran Province, Iran.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {62}, number = {}, pages = {25-30}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2018.11.013}, pmid = {30711042}, issn = {1878-1667}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/*parasitology ; Blastocystis/*classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Blastocystis Infections/*veterinary ; Columbidae/*parasitology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Crows/*parasitology ; Feces/parasitology ; Humans ; Iran/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite among humans and animals such as non-human primates, pigs, cattle, birds, amphibians, and less frequently, rats, reptiles and insects. Since Blastocystis is a widely transmissible parasite between humans and mammals or birds, it is prominent to determine whether newly secluded non-human isolates are zoonotic. There are no comprehensive studies in Iran assessing the prevalence and molecular identification of Blastocystis infection in birds, especially in pigeons and crows. So, the aim of this study was to identify Blastocystis subtypes (STs) in crows and pigeons in Tehran province, Iran, using Nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Overall, 300 Blastocystis isolates from birds (156 pigeons and 144 crows) were subtyped by PCR, and the homology among isolates was then confirmed by RFLP analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was detected 42.9% in pigeons and 44.4% in crows. All positive pigeons were owned by ST13 (100%). Among crows, 46 samples (71.8%) like pigeons were ST13, and 13 samples (20.3%) were ST14. Five samples (7.9%) remained unknown. This study was the first report of ST13 and ST14 of Blastocystis from birds. In the present study, our data revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in pigeon's and crow's samples and the isolates from these birds were classified into two genetically distinct STs. Therefore, birds appear to be infected with various STs. It is important to determine the phylogenetic relationships between unknown STs from these birds and the multiple STs of Blastocystis.}, } @article {pmid30704017, year = {2019}, author = {Gryz, J and Krauze-Gryz, D}, title = {Indirect Influence of African Swine Fever Outbreak on the Raven (Corvus corax) Population.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {9}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {30704017}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {240115, 240104//MInistry of Environment/ ; }, abstract = {Carrion plays a crucial role in the raven's diet. In the past, domestic pig carrion was widely available in Poland. This changed with an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak and the introduction of strict procedures aimed at stopping the virus from spreading. We compared data from Central Poland (field and forest mosaic, study area of 105 km[2]) for two periods, i.e., before (2011[-]2014) and after the ASF outbreak (2015[-]2018). In breeding seasons, nests of ravens were found, juveniles were counted, and the time when juveniles left their nests was recorded. Diet composition data were based on pellet analysis and direct observations of feeding birds. The number of breeding pairs dropped from 12.3 to 7.5 in the second period. Breeding parameters were similar. However, birds in the second period had fewer fledglings per successful pair. Domestic pig carrion was found to be an important food item, and with its limited supply, ravens changed their diet, i.e., they fed on the carrion of dogs and cats or preyed on small vertebrates more often. Overall, our study points to a crucial role of the availability of the carrion of big farm animals (i.e., domestic pig) in maintaining the high density of breeding raven populations.}, } @article {pmid33945715, year = {2019}, author = {Blass, R}, title = {Response to Jay Greenberg's letter.}, journal = {The International journal of psycho-analysis}, volume = {100}, number = {1}, pages = {150-151}, doi = {10.1080/00207578.2019.1568834}, pmid = {33945715}, issn = {1745-8315}, } @article {pmid30697741, year = {2019}, author = {Sen, S and Parishar, P and Pundir, AS and Reiner, A and Iyengar, S}, title = {The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and DARPP-32 in the house crow (Corvus splendens) brain.}, journal = {The Journal of comparative neurology}, volume = {527}, number = {11}, pages = {1801-1836}, doi = {10.1002/cne.24649}, pmid = {30697741}, issn = {1096-9861}, mesh = {Animals ; Brain/*metabolism ; Crows/*metabolism ; Dopamine and cAMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein 32/*metabolism ; Neurons/metabolism ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Birds of the family Corvidae which includes diverse species such as crows, rooks, ravens, magpies, jays, and jackdaws are known for their amazing abilities at problem-solving. Since the catecholaminergic system, especially the neurotransmitter dopamine, plays a role in cognition, we decided to study the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines in the brain of house crows (Corvus splendens). We also studied the expression of DARPP-32 (dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein), which is expressed in dopaminoceptive neurons. Our results demonstrated that as in other avian species, the expression of both TH and DARPP-32 was highest in the house crow striatum. The caudolateral nidopallium (NCL, the avian analogue of the mammalian prefrontal cortex) could be differentiated from the surrounding pallial regions based on a larger number of TH-positive "baskets" of fibers around neurons in this region and greater intensity of DARPP-32 staining in the neuropil in this region. House crows also possessed distinct nuclei in their brains which corresponded to song control regions in other songbirds. Whereas immunoreactivity for TH was higher in the vocal control region Area X compared to the surrounding MSt (medial striatum) in house crows, staining in RA and HVC was not as prominent. Furthermore, the arcopallial song control regions RA (nucleus robustus arcopallialis) and AId (intermediate arcopallium) were strikingly negative for DARPP-32 staining, in contrast to the surrounding arcopallium. Patterns of immunoreactivity for TH and DARPP-32 in "limbic" areas such as the hippocampus, septum, and extended amygdala have also been described.}, } @article {pmid30694341, year = {2019}, author = {Ruiz-Ripa, L and Gómez, P and Alonso, CA and Camacho, MC and de la Puente, J and Fernández-Fernández, R and Ramiro, Y and Quevedo, MA and Blanco, JM and Zarazaga, M and Höfle, U and Torres, C}, title = {Detection of MRSA of Lineages CC130-mecC and CC398-mecA and Staphylococcus delphini-lnu(A) in Magpies and Cinereous Vultures in Spain.}, journal = {Microbial ecology}, volume = {78}, number = {2}, pages = {409-415}, pmid = {30694341}, issn = {1432-184X}, support = {SAF2016-76571-R//Ministerio de Econom?a, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de Espa?a/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Falconiformes/*microbiology ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/classification/drug effects/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Penicillin-Binding Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Spain ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Virulence Factors/genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine the carriage rate of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) in wild birds and to characterize recovered isolates. Tracheal samples from 324 wild birds, obtained in different Spanish regions during 2015-2016, were screened for CoPS carriage. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the virulence gene content were investigated. Molecular typing was performed by spa, agr, MLST, SCCmec, and S. delphini group classification. CoPS were recovered from 26 samples of wild birds (8.3%), and 27 isolates were further characterized. Two CoPS species were detected: S. aureus (n = 15; eight cinereous vultures and seven magpies) and S. delphini (n = 12; 11 cinereous vultures and one red kite). Thirteen S. aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and the remaining two strains were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA). Twelve MRSA were mecC-positive, typed as t843-ST1583/ST1945/ST1581/ST1571 (n = 11) and t1535-ST1945 (n = 1) (all of clonal-complex CC130); they were susceptible to the non-β-lactams tested. The remaining MRSA strain carried the mecA gene, was typed as t011-ST398-CC398-agrI-SCCmec-V, and showed a multiresistance phenotype. MSSA isolates were ascribed to lineages ST97-CC97 and ST425-CC425. All S. aureus lacked the studied virulence genes (lukS/F-PV, tst, eta, etb, and etd), and the IEC type E (with scn and sak genes) was detected in four mecC-positive and one MSSA isolates. S. delphini strains were methicillin-susceptible but showed resistance to at least one of the antimicrobials tested, with high penicillin (75%, with blaZ gene) and tetracycline [58%, with tet(K)± tet(L)] resistance rates. All S. delphini isolates presented the virulence genes lukS-I, siet, and se-int, and four carried the clindamycin-resistance lnu(A) gene.}, } @article {pmid30683665, year = {2019}, author = {Matsui, H and Izawa, EI}, title = {Rapid adjustment of pecking trajectory to prism-induced visual shifts in crows as compared with pigeons.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {222}, number = {Pt 4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.182345}, pmid = {30683665}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; Columbidae/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; *Motor Activity ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; *Vision, Ocular ; }, abstract = {Pecking in birds is analogous to reaching and grasping movements in primates. Earlier studies on visuomotor control in birds, which were conducted mostly in pigeons, suggested that avian pecking is controlled feedforwardly, and is out of the control of visual guidance during movement. However, recent studies using crows suggested a role of vision in pecking control during movement. To unveil what visuomotor mechanisms underlie the flexibility of pecking in crows, we examined whether pigeons and crows adjust their pecking to the visual distortion induced by prisms. Because prisms induce visual shifts of object positions, birds were required to adjust their movements. Pecking kinematics were examined before and after attaching prisms in front of the birds' eyes. Analysis of lateral deviation caused by the prisms showed that crows rapidly adjusted their pecking trajectories, but pigeons did so slowly. Angular displacement also increased in pigeons after attachment of the prism, but decreased in crows. These responses to prisms were consistent among individuals in pigeons but varied in crows, though the adjustment of pecking commonly succeeded in crows. These results suggest that pecking in pigeons predominantly involves feedforward control and that the movement is determined depending on the visual information available before the initiation of pecking. In contrast, the results from crows suggest that their pecking trajectories are corrected during the movement, supporting on-line visual control. Our findings provide the first evidence to suggest the on-line visual control of pecking in birds.}, } @article {pmid30681794, year = {2019}, author = {Kerscher, M and Wanitphakdeedecha, R and Trindade de Almeida, A and Maas, C and Frevert, J}, title = {IncobotulinumtoxinA: A Highly Purified and Precisely Manufactured Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {52-57}, pmid = {30681794}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/chemistry/immunology ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage/chemistry/immunology ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Aesthetic dermatologic applications of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), including treatment of glabellar lines, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet, were the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the US in 2017, with high levels of subject satisfaction. Since the first BoNT type A (BoNT-A) formulation was approved in 1989, the number of formulations available on the world’s commercial markets has increased and new approvals are expected. BoNT is produced by Clostridium botulinum in nature as part of a large protein complex. However, the unnecessary clostridial proteins, which dissociate from BoNT under physiological conditions with a half-life of <1 minute, have no role in clinical applications. Data demonstrate that BoNT administration can elicit an immunological response, leading to production of neutralizing antibodies that can be associated with reduced efficacy or treatment non-response. As repeat treatments are required to maintain efficacy, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of antibody development and choose a BoNT with the lowest risk of immunogenicity. IncobotulinumtoxinA is manufactured using advanced technology to precisely isolate the pure BoNT without unnecessary clostridial proteins, and with low immunogenicity and high specific activity. In incobotulinumtoxinA clinical studies, no previously BoNT-naïve subjects developed neutralizing antibodies, and there was no secondary non-response to incobotulinumtoxinA treatment. Here we review the role of unnecessary clostridial proteins in BoNT-A and discuss the unique incobotulinumtoxinA manufacturing and purification process with a focus on the implications for use in aesthetic medicine. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):52-57.}, } @article {pmid30679660, year = {2019}, author = {Umbers, KDL and White, TE and De Bona, S and Haff, T and Ryeland, J and Drinkwater, E and Mappes, J}, title = {The protective value of a defensive display varies with the experience of wild predators.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {463}, pmid = {30679660}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Behavior, Animal ; *Gryllidae ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {Predation has driven the evolution of diverse adaptations for defence among prey, and one striking example is the deimatic display. While such displays can resemble, or indeed co-occur with, aposematic 'warning' signals, theory suggests deimatic displays may function independently of predator learning. The survival value of deimatic displays against wild predators has not been tested before. Here we used the mountain katydid Acripeza reticulata to test the efficacy of a putative deimatic display in the wild. Mountain katydids have a complex defence strategy; they are camouflaged at rest, but reveal a striking red-, blue-, and black-banded abdomen when attacked. We presented live katydids to sympatric (experienced) and allopatric (naive) natural predators, the Australian magpie Cracticus tibicen, and observed bird reactions and katydid behaviors and survival during repeated interactions. The efficacy of the katydids' defence differed with predator experience. Their survival was greatest when faced with naïve predators, which provided clear evidence of the protective value of the display. In contrast, katydid survival was consistently less likely when facing experienced predators. Our results suggest that sympatric predators have learned to attack and consume mountain katydids despite their complex defense, and that their post-attack display can be an effective deterrent, particularly against naïve predators. These results suggest that deimatism does not require predator learning to afford protection, but that a predator can learn to expect the display and subsequently avoid it or ignore it. That sympatric predators learn to ignore the defense is a possible explanation for the mountain katydid's counter-intuitive behavior of revealing warning colors only after tactile stimuli from predator attack.}, } @article {pmid30679066, year = {2019}, author = {Dresow, M}, title = {Macroevolution evolving: Punctuated equilibria and the roots of Stephen Jay Gould's second macroevolutionary synthesis.}, journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences}, volume = {75}, number = {}, pages = {15-23}, doi = {10.1016/j.shpsc.2019.01.003}, pmid = {30679066}, issn = {1879-2499}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; *Paleontology ; }, } @article {pmid30678427, year = {2019}, author = {S, P and N, KV and S, S}, title = {Breast Cancer Detection using Crow Search Optimization based Intuitionistic Fuzzy Clustering with Neighborhood Attraction.}, journal = {Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {157-165}, pmid = {30678427}, issn = {2476-762X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Breast Neoplasms/*diagnosis ; Cluster Analysis ; Fuzzy Logic ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Mammography/methods ; }, abstract = {Objective: Generally, medical images contain lots of noise that may lead to uncertainty in diagnosing the abnormalities. Computer aided diagnosis systems offer a support to the radiologists in identifying the disease affected area. In mammographic images, some normal tissues may appear to be similar to masses and it is tedious to differentiate them. Therefore, this paper presents a novel framework for the detection of mammographic masses that leads to early diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods: This work proposes a Crow search optimization based Intuitionistic fuzzy clustering approach with neighborhood attraction (CrSA-IFCM-NA) for identifying the region of interest. First order moments were extracted from preprocessed images. These features were given as input to the Intuitionistic fuzzy clustering algorithm. Instead of randomly selecting the initial centroids, crow search optimization technique is applied to choose the best initial centroid and the masses are separated. Experiments are conducted over the images taken from the Mammographic Image Analysis Society (mini-MIAS) database. Results: CrSA-IFCM-NA effectively separated the masses from mammogram images and proved to have good results in terms of cluster validity indices indicating the clear segmentation of the regions. Conclusion: The experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method proves to be encouraging for detection of masses. Thus, it provides a better assistance to the radiologists in diagnosing breast cancer at an early stage.}, } @article {pmid30668633, year = {2020}, author = {Wouters, H and Hilmer, SN and Gnjidic, D and Van Campen, JP and Teichert, M and Van Der Meer, HG and Schaap, LA and Huisman, M and Comijs, HC and Denig, P and Lamoth, CJ and Taxis, K}, title = {Long-Term Exposure to Anticholinergic and Sedative Medications and Cognitive and Physical Function in Later Life.}, journal = {The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences}, volume = {75}, number = {2}, pages = {357-365}, doi = {10.1093/gerona/glz019}, pmid = {30668633}, issn = {1758-535X}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cholinergic Antagonists/*administration & dosage ; Cognition/*physiology ; *Exercise Test ; Female ; Geriatric Assessment ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives/*administration & dosage ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Netherlands ; Polypharmacy ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anticholinergic and sedative medications are frequently prescribed to older individuals. These medications are associated with short-term cognitive and physical impairment, but less is known about long-term associations. We therefore examined whether over 20 years cumulative exposure to these medications was related to poorer cognitive and physical functioning.

METHODS: Older adult participants of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were followed from 1992 to 2012. On seven measurement occasions, cumulative exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications was quantified with the drug burden index (DBI), a linear additive pharmacological dose-response model. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alphabet Coding Task (ACT, three trials), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT, learning and retention condition), and Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM, two trials). Physical functioning was assessed with the Walking Test (WT), Cardigan Test (CT), Chair Stands Test (CST), Balance Test (BT), and self-reported Functional Independence (FI). Data were analyzed with linear mixed models adjusted for age, education, sex, living with a partner, BMI, depressive symptoms, comorbidities (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, COPD, osteoarthritis, CNS diseases), and prescribed medications.

RESULTS: Longitudinal associations were found of the DBI with poorer cognitive functioning (less items correct on the three ACT trials, AVLT learning condition, and the two RCPM trials) and with poorer physical functioning (longer completion time on the CT, CST, and lower self-reported FI).

CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal analysis of data collected over 20 years, showed that higher long-term cumulative exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications was associated with poorer cognitive and physical functioning.}, } @article {pmid30667083, year = {2019}, author = {Kroneman, JGH and Faber, JW and Schouten, JCM and Wolschrijn, CF and Christoffels, VM and Jensen, B}, title = {Comparative analysis of avian hearts provides little evidence for variation among species with acquired endothermy.}, journal = {Journal of morphology}, volume = {280}, number = {3}, pages = {395-410}, pmid = {30667083}, issn = {1097-4687}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy & histology ; Heart Atria/*anatomy & histology ; Mammals ; }, abstract = {Mammals and birds acquired high performance hearts and endothermy during their independent evolution from amniotes with many sauropsid features. A literature review shows that the variation in atrial morphology is greater in mammals than in ectothermic sauropsids. We therefore hypothesized that the transition from ectothermy to endothermy was associated with greater variation in cardiac structure. We tested the hypothesis in 14 orders of birds by assessing the variation in 15 cardiac structures by macroscopic inspection and histology, with an emphasis on the atria as they have multiple features that lend themselves to quantification. We found bird hearts to have multiple features in common with ectothermic sauropsids (synapomorphies), such as the presence of three sinus horns. Convergent features were shared with crocodylians and mammals, such as the cranial offset of the left atrioventricular junction. Other convergent features, like the compact organization of the atrial walls, were shared with mammals only. Pacemaker myocardium, identified by Isl1 expression, was anatomically node-like (Mallard), thickened (Chicken), or indistinct (Lesser redpoll, Jackdaw). Some features were distinctly avian, (autapomorphies) including the presence of a left atrial antechamber and the ventral merger of the left and right atrial auricles, which was found in some species of parrots and passerines. Most features, however, exhibited little variation. For instance, there were always three systemic veins and two pulmonary veins, whereas among mammals there are 2-3 and 1-7, respectively. Our findings suggest that the transition to high cardiac performance does not necessarily lead to a greater variation in cardiac structure.}, } @article {pmid30663512, year = {2019}, author = {Kleider-Offutt, HM}, title = {Afraid of one afraid of all: When threat associations spread across face-types.}, journal = {The Journal of general psychology}, volume = {146}, number = {1}, pages = {93-110}, doi = {10.1080/00221309.2018.1540397}, pmid = {30663512}, issn = {1940-0888}, mesh = {Black or African American/psychology ; Anxiety/*psychology ; Face ; Fear/*psychology ; Female ; Generalization, Psychological/*physiology ; Humans ; Judgment ; Male ; Prejudice/*psychology ; Psychological Distance ; Reaction Time ; *Social Perception ; *Stereotyping ; White People/psychology ; }, abstract = {Fear can be acquired for objects not inherently associated with threat (e.g. birds), and this threat may generalize from prototypical to peripheral category members (e.g. crows vs. penguins). When categorizing people, pervasive stereotypes link Black men to assumed violence and criminality. Faces with Afrocentric features (prototypical) are more often associated with threat and criminality than non-Afrocentric (peripheral) faces regardless of whether the individual is Black or White. In this study, using a priming paradigm, threat associations related to negative racial stereotypes were tested as a vehicle for spreading fear across face-type categories. Results showed more negative than positive judgments for White face targets but only when the prime was primarily non-Afrocentric (i.e. Eurocentric). Black face targets were judged more negatively than positively regardless of prime. This suggests some cognitive processes related to threat generalizations of objects extend to complex social categories.}, } @article {pmid30650339, year = {2019}, author = {Rubi, TL and Clark, DL and Keller, JS and Uetz, GW}, title = {Courtship behavior and coloration influence conspicuousness of wolf spiders (Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz)) to avian predators.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {162}, number = {}, pages = {215-220}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2018.12.023}, pmid = {30650339}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; *Courtship ; Freezing Reaction, Cataleptic ; Male ; *Mating Preference, Animal ; Passeriformes ; *Pigmentation ; Predatory Behavior ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Spiders ; Walking ; }, abstract = {Signalers must balance the benefits of detection by intended receivers with the costs of detection by eavesdroppers. This trade-off is exemplified by sexual signaling systems, in which signalers experience sexual selection for conspicuousness to mates as well as natural selection for crypsis to predators. In this study, we examined how courtship behavior and body coloration influenced the conspicuousness of males to avian predators in the well-studied brush-legged wolf spider system (Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz)). We focused on three behaviors (courtship, walking, and freezing) and two coloration schemes (natural coloration and idealized background-matching coloration). We presented captive blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata) with video playbacks of male spiders in a presence-absence detection task and characterized conspicuousness by measuring response latency and detectability. We found that any type of motion significantly increased detectability, and that body coloration and behavior interacted to determine detectability while the spiders were in motion. Among spiders in motion, courting spiders were detected faster than walking spiders. Stationary (frozen) spiders, in contrast, were rarely detected. These results illustrate that male S. ocreata can be both highly conspicuous and highly cryptic to avian predators. Thus, while we find that courtship is conspicuous to avian predators in this system, we suggest that behavioral plasticity may mitigate some of the predation costs of the sexual signal.}, } @article {pmid30638868, year = {2019}, author = {Ames, J and Warner, M and Siracusa, C and Signorini, S and Brambilla, P and Mocarelli, P and Eskenazi, B}, title = {Prenatal dioxin exposure and neuropsychological functioning in the Seveso Second Generation Health Study.}, journal = {International journal of hygiene and environmental health}, volume = {222}, number = {3}, pages = {425-433}, pmid = {30638868}, issn = {1618-131X}, support = {F06 TW002075/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; F31 ES026488/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 ES007171/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES001896/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Breast Feeding ; Child ; Environmental Pollutants/*blood ; Female ; Humans ; Italy ; Male ; *Maternal Exposure ; *Maternal-Fetal Exchange ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/*blood ; Pregnancy ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; *Seveso Accidental Release ; Sex Characteristics ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prenatal 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure has been shown to alter sexual differentiation of the brain in animal models, impacting pubertal development, behavior, cortical dominance, and cognition. The effects of early life exposure to dioxin-like compounds on human neurodevelopment, however, are less clear and warrant further investigation.

METHODS: The Seveso Women's Health Study (SWHS), initiated in 1996, is a well-characterized cohort of 981 Italian women who lived in proximity to an industrial accident in July 1976 that resulted in one of the highest residential TCDD exposures on record. In 2014-2016, we enrolled offspring born after the accident into the Seveso Second Generation Health Study. Children aged 7-17 years old (n = 161) completed a neuropsychological assessment spanning executive function and reverse learning (Wisconsin Card Sort), non-verbal intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices), attention and hyperactivity (Connor's Continuous Performance (CPT), and memory (Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning). We used multivariate regression with robust standard error estimates accounting for clustering of siblings to model the associations between these outcomes and prenatal exposure defined as TCDD measured in maternal serum collected soon after the explosion and estimated to pregnancy.

RESULTS: The children (82 male, 79 female) averaged 13.1 (±2.9) years of age. Adjusting for covariates, a 10-fold increase in maternal serum TCDD was not adversely associated with reverse learning/set-shifting, memory, attention/impulsivity, or non-verbal intelligence. In sex-stratified models, prenatal TCDD was associated with more non-perseverative errors in boys but not in girls (pint = 0.04). TCDD was also associated with attention deficits on the CPT but only among children with the shortest breastfeeding histories.

CONCLUSIONS: While overall, there were no significant associations, the observed differential neurotoxic sensitivities to TCDD by sex and lactation history may warrant confirmation in future studies.}, } @article {pmid30631293, year = {2018}, author = {Tian, Y and Fang, Y and Li, J}, title = {The Effect of Metacognitive Knowledge on Mathematics Performance in Self-Regulated Learning Framework-Multiple Mediation of Self-Efficacy and Motivation.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {2518}, pmid = {30631293}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Metacognition, self-efficacy, and motivation are important components of interaction in self-regulated learning (SRL). However, the psychological mechanism underlying the association among them in mathematical learning remained ambiguous. The present study investigated whether the relationship between metacognitive knowledge (MK) and mathematics performance can be mediated by self-efficacy and motivation. The sample comprised 569 students (245 male, Mage = 16.39, SD = 0.63) of Grade 10 in China. The MK in mathematics questionnaire, the self-efficacy questionnaire, the academic motivation scale, Raven advanced progressive matrix, and mathematics tests were used for data collection. Our results suggested that the mathematics performance could be predicted by MK, self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Moreover, the association between MK and mathematics performance was mediated by self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, as revealed by a multiple mediation analysis. Additionally, there were sex differences in MK, self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. The findings highlight the psychological mechanism in the mathematics of Chinese students and will help teachers to improve students' mathematical learning in SRL framework more effectively. Implications for education and further studies are discussed.}, } @article {pmid30628856, year = {2019}, author = {Vazquez, A and Gustafson, KD and Harmeling, B and Ernest, HB}, title = {GENETIC DIVERSITY OF YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIES (PICA NUTALLI) BEFORE AND AFTER A WEST NILE VIRUS EPIDEMIC.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {55}, number = {2}, pages = {316-324}, doi = {10.7589/2018-01-023}, pmid = {30628856}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*virology ; California/epidemiology ; *Epidemics ; *Genetic Variation ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary/virology ; }, abstract = {The appearance of West Nile virus (WNV) coincided with declines in California, US bird populations beginning in 2004, and particularly affected corvid populations, including Yellow-billed Magpies (Pica nutalli), an endemic species to California. Our objective was to determine if the timing of the WNV epidemic correlated with changes in the genetic diversity or population structure of magpies. We hypothesized the declines in magpie abundance from WNV would lead to genetic bottlenecks and reduced genetic diversity, but not to changes in population genetic structure. To test these hypotheses, we genetically typed magpie samples collected during the Dead Bird Survey before WNV arrived (2002-04), immediately after WNV arrived in late 2004 (2006-08), and several generations after the onset of the epidemic (2009-11). For each of these three time periods, we tested for genetic bottlenecks, estimated genetic heterozygosity, allelic richness, relatedness, effective population sizes, and genetic structure, with the use of 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. Although there was no evidence for spatial or temporal genetic structure, genetic-diversity estimates were similar or below estimates for endangered corvid species. Measures of genetic diversity were consistent across time periods. In contrast to our expectation, we detected a genetic bottleneck prior to the WNV epidemic, which may have coincided with severe drought conditions in California, increasing human population size in magpie range, and an estimated 33% decrease in population size. We found weak evidence to support a bottleneck after the introduction of WNV in California. Our results suggest the WNV epidemic did not have additional catastrophic effects on the neutral genetic diversity of P. nutalli in the sampled areas. However, because we detected lower heterozygosity in Yellow-billed Magpies than has been reported in closely related endangered species, this species is of conservation concern and should be monitored to detect further population declines or loss of genetic diversity.}, } @article {pmid30613892, year = {2019}, author = {Luo, J and Wang, Y and Wang, Z and Gao, Z}, title = {Assessment of Pb and Cd contaminations in the urban waterway sediments of the Nen River (Qiqihar section), Northeastern China, and transfer along the food chain.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {5913-5924}, pmid = {30613892}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Cadmium/*analysis ; China ; Ecology ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Food Chain ; Geologic Sediments ; Lead/*analysis ; Metals, Heavy ; Risk Assessment ; Rivers ; Urbanization ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/*analysis ; }, abstract = {The increasing anthropogenic inputs of Pb and Cd into China's Nen River (Qiqihar section) owing to rapid urbanization in the past 50 years may pose ecological risks to the river's aquatic system. To confirm this hypothesis, we determined the Pb and Cd concentrations in the sediments of the Nen River flowing across Qiqihar City by comparing the control group (samplings in the Nen River branch bypassing the city) and bioaccumulation along the food chain. We found significantly higher Pb concentrations in the sediments than in the control group (39.21 mg kg[-1] dry weight [dw] vs. 22.44 mg kg[-1] dw; p < 0.05). However, the difference between the Cd contents of the two groups was nonsignificant (0.33 mg kg[-1] dw vs. 0.30 mg kg[-1] dw) (p = 0.07). Accumulated Pb and Cd in the sediments pose a medium risk to the system of Nen River according to the result of risk assessment code analysis. The increased Pb and Cd levels along the food chain had adverse health effects in the species at the top level of the food chain. For example, the feathers of Corvus frugilegus and Sterna hirundo contained 0.28-2.25 mg kg[-1] dw of Cd. These values are considered potentially toxic to common avian species. The bone Pb level of C. frugilegus ranged from 4.82 to 7.41 mg kg[-1] dw within the increasing Pb range (2-15 mg kg[-1] dw) of common water birds. The inputs of Pb and Cd into the local environment should be reduced for the preservation of aquatic system health.}, } @article {pmid30613067, year = {2019}, author = {Fujii, Y and Kanno, Y and Koshita, S and Ogawa, T and Kusunose, H and Masu, K and Sakai, T and Yonamine, K and Kawakami, Y and Murabayashi, T and Kozakai, F and Noda, Y and Okada, H and Ito, K}, title = {Predictive Factors for Inaccurate Diagnosis of Swollen Lymph Nodes in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration.}, journal = {Clinical endoscopy}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {152-158}, pmid = {30613067}, issn = {2234-2400}, abstract = {BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for inaccurate endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes without rapid on-site cytopathological evaluation.

METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA for abdominal or mediastinal lymph nodes from January 2008 to June 2017 were included from a prospectively maintained EUS-FNA database and retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EUS-FNA for the detection of neoplastic diseases were calculated. Candidate factors for inaccurate diagnosis (lymph node size and location, needle type, puncture route, number of passes, and causative disease) were evaluated by comparison between accurately diagnosed cases and others.

RESULTS: The final diagnosis of the punctured lymph node was classified as neoplastic (65 cases: a metastatic lymph node, malignant lymphoma, or Crow-Fukase syndrome) or non-neoplastic (18 cases: a reactive node or amyloidosis). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 83%, 94%, and 86%, respectively. On multivariate analyses, small size of the lymph node was the sole predictive factor for inaccurate EUS-FNA diagnosis with a significant difference (odds ratios, 19.8; 95% confidence intervals, 3.15-124; p=0.0015).

CONCLUSION: The lymph node size of <16 mm was the only independent factor associated with inaccurate EUS-FNA diagnosis of swollen lymph nodes.}, } @article {pmid30598449, year = {2019}, author = {Chen, N and Juric, I and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Schoech, SJ and Clark, AG and Coop, G}, title = {Allele frequency dynamics in a pedigreed natural population.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {116}, number = {6}, pages = {2158-2164}, pmid = {30598449}, issn = {1091-6490}, support = {R01 GM108779/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Birds/genetics ; *Gene Frequency ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Models, Genetic ; *Pedigree ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {A central goal of population genetics is to understand how genetic drift, natural selection, and gene flow shape allele frequencies through time. However, the actual processes underlying these changes-variation in individual survival, reproductive success, and movement-are often difficult to quantify. Fully understanding these processes requires the population pedigree, the set of relationships among all individuals in the population through time. Here, we use extensive pedigree and genomic information from a long-studied natural population of Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to directly characterize the relative roles of different evolutionary processes in shaping patterns of genetic variation through time. We performed gene dropping simulations to estimate individual genetic contributions to the population and model drift on the known pedigree. We found that observed allele frequency changes are generally well predicted by accounting for the different genetic contributions of founders. Our results show that the genetic contribution of recent immigrants is substantial, with some large allele frequency shifts that otherwise may have been attributed to selection actually due to gene flow. We identified a few SNPs under directional short-term selection after appropriately accounting for gene flow. Using models that account for changes in population size, we partitioned the proportion of variance in allele frequency change through time. Observed allele frequency changes are primarily due to variation in survival and reproductive success, with gene flow making a smaller contribution. This study provides one of the most complete descriptions of short-term evolutionary change in allele frequencies in a natural population to date.}, } @article {pmid30597322, year = {2019}, author = {Kim, EY and Inoue, N and Koh, DH and Iwata, H}, title = {The aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 potentially mediates cytochrome P450 1A induction in the jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos).}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety}, volume = {171}, number = {}, pages = {99-111}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.12.037}, pmid = {30597322}, issn = {1090-2414}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/*metabolism ; Dioxins/*metabolism ; Female ; Genes, Reporter ; Liver/metabolism ; Male ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Protein Isoforms/chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Transcriptional Activation ; }, abstract = {To understand the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) isoforms in avian species, we investigated the functional characteristics of two AHR isoforms (designated as jcAHR1 and jcAHR2) of the jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos). Two amino acid residues corresponding to Ile[324] and Ser[380] (high sensitive type) in chicken AHR1 that are known to determine dioxin sensitivity were Ile[325] and Ala[381] (moderate sensitive type) in jcAHR1 and Val[306] and Ala[362] (low sensitive type) in jcAHR2. The quantitative comparison of the two jcAHR mRNA expression levels in a Tokyo jungle crow population showed that jcAHR2 accounted for 92.4% in the liver, while jcAHR1 accounted for only 7.6%. Both in vitro-expressed jcAHR1 and jcAHR2 proteins exhibited a specific binding to [[3]H]-labeled 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Transactivation potencies for jcAHR1 and jcAHR2 in in vitro reporter gene assays were measured in jcAHR-expressed cells exposed to 16 dioxins and related compounds (DRCs). Both jcAHR1 and jcAHR2 were activated in a congener- and an isoform-specific manner. EC50 value of TCDD for jcAHR2 (0.61 nM) was six-fold higher than that for jcAHR1 (0.098 nM), but jcAHR2 had higher transactivation efficacy than jcAHR1 in terms of the magnitude of response. The high transactivation efficacy of jcAHR2 in DRCs is in contrast to that of AHR2s in other avian species with low transactivation efficacy. Molecular docking simulations of TCDD with in silico jcAHR1 and jcAHR2 homology models showed that the two sensitivity-decisive amino acids indirectly controlled TCDD-binding modes through their surrounding amino acids. Deletion assays of jcAHR2 revealed that 736-805 amino acid residues in the C-terminal region were critical for its transactivation. We suggest that jcAHR2 plays a critical role in regulating the AHR signaling pathway, at least in its highly expressed organs.}, } @article {pmid30587749, year = {2018}, author = {Nishimoto, T and Bonkohara, Y and Murakami, H and Noma, D}, title = {[Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Pericardial Fenestration for Pericardial Effusion in a Patient with Crow-Fukase Syndrome].}, journal = {Kyobu geka. The Japanese journal of thoracic surgery}, volume = {71}, number = {13}, pages = {1092-1095}, pmid = {30587749}, issn = {0021-5252}, mesh = {Aged ; Female ; Humans ; POEMS Syndrome/blood/*complications ; Pericardial Effusion/complications/*surgery ; Pericardium/*surgery ; *Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/blood ; }, abstract = {A 65-year-old woman was referred to our department with recurrent pericardial effusion. Her serum vascular endothelial growth factor was high, serum M-protein was positive, and nerve conduction velocity of extremities was decreased. Therefore, she was diagnosed with Crow-Fukase (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M protein, skin changes:POEMS) syndrome, which is characterized by the presence of plasma cell dyscrasia with them. We performed video-thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration with 4×4 cm window. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the pericardial effusion completely disappeared. Video-assisted thoracoscopic pericardial fenestration was a safe and effective treatment for recurrent pericardial effusion.}, } @article {pmid30586345, year = {2019}, author = {Ballard, TNS and Vorisek, MK and Few, JW}, title = {Impact of Botulinum Toxin Type A Treatment of the Glabella and Crow's Feet on Static Forehead Rhytides.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {45}, number = {1}, pages = {167-169}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001512}, pmid = {30586345}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Female ; Forehead ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*therapeutic use ; Rhytidoplasty ; *Skin Aging ; }, } @article {pmid30586006, year = {2019}, author = {Huerta-Franco, MR and Vargas-Luna, M and Somoza, X and Delgadillo-Holtfort, I and Balleza-Ordaz, M and Kashina, S}, title = {Gastric responses to acute psychological stress in climacteric women: a pilot study.}, journal = {Menopause (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {469-475}, doi = {10.1097/GME.0000000000001274}, pmid = {30586006}, issn = {1530-0374}, mesh = {Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Anxiety/psychology ; Constipation ; Estradiol/blood ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human/blood ; Humans ; Hyperphagia ; Menopause/*physiology/*psychology ; Middle Aged ; *Peristalsis ; Pilot Projects ; Psychological Tests ; Stress, Psychological/*physiopathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Women exhibit reduced ovarian sex hormones during the menopausal period that result in well-known physical and psychological symptoms. However, symptoms related to gastric motility (GM) have not been thoroughly investigated. We hypothesized that stress response gastric motility (SRGM) is lower in postmenopausal (PM) and perimenopausal (PERIM) women than in premenopausal (PREM) women. Estrogenic decline leads to neuroendocrine changes in different areas of the brain. These changes can result in hypothalamic vasomotor symptoms, disorders in eating behaviours, and altered blood pressure, in addition to psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety, depression, and irritability related to alterations in the limbic system.

METHODS: In this pilot study, 55 PREM, PERIM, and PM women were clinically evaluated using the Nowack stress profile (SP) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). GM was assessed via electrical bioimpedance using two psychological stress tests (Stroop and Raven tests).

RESULTS: Basal SP and STAI-anxiety test scores were similar among the three groups of women (P > 0.05). PERIM women had lower GM in the basal state (P < 0.05) than did other women. PREM and PM women had significantly decreased GM during the stress tests (P < 0.05). However, PERIM did not exhibit GM changes during stress tests (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Changes in sex hormones during PERIM may affect GM and SRGM.}, } @article {pmid30580445, year = {2019}, author = {Bessis, D and Petit, A and Battistella, M and Bourrat, E and Girard, C and Pallure, V and Marque, M and Lacour, JP and Vitetta, A and Bieth, É and Selves, J and Solassol, J and Vendrell, J}, title = {Naevoid acanthosis nigricans or RAVEN (rounded and velvety epidermal naevus) and mosaic FGFR3 and FGFR2 mutations.}, journal = {The British journal of dermatology}, volume = {180}, number = {4}, pages = {955-957}, doi = {10.1111/bjd.17581}, pmid = {30580445}, issn = {1365-2133}, mesh = {*Acanthosis Nigricans ; Animals ; *Crows ; Mutation ; *Nevus ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/genetics ; }, } @article {pmid30578524, year = {2018}, author = {Tsui, I and Song, BJ and Lin, CS and Tsang, SH}, title = {A Practical Approach to Retinal Dystrophies.}, journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology}, volume = {1085}, number = {}, pages = {245-259}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-95046-4_51}, pmid = {30578524}, issn = {0065-2598}, mesh = {Humans ; Ophthalmoscopy ; Optical Imaging ; Retina ; Retinal Dystrophies/*diagnosis/*therapy ; }, abstract = {Genomic approaches to developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in retinal dystrophies are among the most advanced applications of genetics (Tsang SH, Gouras P (1996) Molecular physiology and pathology of the retina. In: Duane TD, Tasman W, Jaeger AE (eds) Duane's clinical opthalmology. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia). The notion that "nothing can be done" for patients with retinal dystrophies is no longer true. Electrophysiological testing and autofluorescence imaging help to diagnose and predict the patient's course of disease. Better phenotyping can contribute to better-directed, cost-efficient genotyping. Combining fundoscopy, autofluorescent imaging, and electrophysiological testing is essential in approaching patients with retinal dystrophies. Emerging are new gene-based treatments for these devastating conditions.}, } @article {pmid30564390, year = {2018}, author = {Lind, J}, title = {What can associative learning do for planning?.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {5}, number = {11}, pages = {180778}, pmid = {30564390}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {There is a new associative learning paradox. The power of associative learning for producing flexible behaviour in non-human animals is downplayed or ignored by researchers in animal cognition, whereas artificial intelligence research shows that associative learning models can beat humans in chess. One phenomenon in which associative learning often is ruled out as an explanation for animal behaviour is flexible planning. However, planning studies have been criticized and questions have been raised regarding both methodological validity and interpretations of results. Due to the power of associative learning and the uncertainty of what causes planning behaviour in non-human animals, I explored what associative learning can do for planning. A previously published sequence learning model which combines Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning was used to simulate two planning studies, namely Mulcahy & Call 2006 'Apes save tools for future use.' Science 312, 1038-1040 and Kabadayi & Osvath 2017 'Ravens parallel great apes in flexible planning for tool-use and bartering.' Science 357, 202-204. Simulations show that behaviour matching current definitions of flexible planning can emerge through associative learning. Through conditioned reinforcement, the learning model gives rise to planning behaviour by learning that a behaviour towards a current stimulus will produce high value food at a later stage; it can make decisions about future states not within current sensory scope. The simulations tracked key patterns both between and within studies. It is concluded that one cannot rule out that these studies of flexible planning in apes and corvids can be completely accounted for by associative learning. Future empirical studies of flexible planning in non-human animals can benefit from theoretical developments within artificial intelligence and animal learning.}, } @article {pmid30552190, year = {2019}, author = {Kovanen, S and Rossi, M and Pohja-Mykrä, M and Nieminen, T and Raunio-Saarnisto, M and Sauvala, M and Fredriksson-Ahomaa, M and Hänninen, ML and Kivistö, R}, title = {Population Genetics and Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni Isolates from Western Jackdaws and Game Birds in Finland.}, journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, volume = {85}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {30552190}, issn = {1098-5336}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; Bacterial Toxins/genetics ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; Birds/microbiology ; Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; Campylobacter jejuni/classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Crows/*microbiology ; Disease Reservoirs/microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics ; Ducks/microbiology ; Finland ; Gastroenteritis ; Genetic Markers ; *Genetics, Population ; Humans ; *Molecular Epidemiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Phylogeny ; Poultry/*microbiology ; Public Health ; Type VI Secretion Systems/genetics ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; }, abstract = {Poultry are considered a major reservoir and source of human campylobacteriosis, but the roles of environmental reservoirs, including wild birds, have not been assessed in depth. In this study, we isolated and characterized Campylobacter jejuni from western jackdaws (n = 91, 43%), mallard ducks (n = 82, 76%), and pheasants (n = 9, 9%). Most of the western jackdaw and mallard duck C. jejuni isolates represented multilocus sequence typing (MLST) sequence types (STs) that diverged from those previously isolated from human patients and various animal species, whereas all pheasant isolates represented ST-19, a common ST among human patients and other hosts worldwide. Whole-genome MLST revealed that mallard duck ST-2314 and pheasant ST-19 isolates represented bacterial clones that were genetically highly similar to human isolates detected previously. Further analyses revealed that in addition to a divergent ClonalFrame genealogy, certain genomic characteristics of the western jackdaw C. jejuni isolates, e.g., a novel cdtABC gene cluster and the type VI secretion system (T6SS), may affect their host specificity and virulence. Game birds may thus pose a risk for acquiring campylobacteriosis; therefore, hygienic measures during slaughter and meat handling warrant special attention.IMPORTANCE The roles of environmental reservoirs, including wild birds, in the molecular epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni have not been assessed in depth. Our results showed that game birds may pose a risk for acquiring campylobacteriosis, because they had C. jejuni genomotypes highly similar to human isolates detected previously. Therefore, hygienic measures during slaughter and meat handling warrant special attention. On the contrary, a unique phylogeny was revealed for the western jackdaw isolates, and certain genomic characteristics identified among these isolates are hypothesized to affect their host specificity and virulence. Comparative genomics within sequence types (STs), using whole-genome multilocus sequence typing (wgMLST), and phylogenomics are efficient methods to analyze the genomic relationships of C. jejuni isolates.}, } @article {pmid30538345, year = {2018}, author = {Yazdanjooie, M and Sadraei, J and Dalimi, A and Pirestani, M}, title = {Isolation of Encephalitozoon intestinalis from crows living in urban parks of Tehran, Iran: an investigation with zoonotic aspect.}, journal = {Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology}, volume = {42}, number = {4}, pages = {494-499}, pmid = {30538345}, issn = {0971-7196}, abstract = {Microsporidia are eukaryotic, intracellular obligate parasites that widely involve many organisms including insects, fish, birds, and mammals. One of the genera of Microsporidia is Encephalitozoon, which contains several opportunistic pathogens. Since Encephalitozoon spp. are zoonotic and opportunistic pathogens, it is important to find their reservoir hosts; hence, the current study aimed at isolating and identifying Encephalitozoon spp. in the crows by the light microscopy observations and molecular methods. For this purpose, 36 samples were collected by the dropping method; however, due to the low volume of samples, the total samples were collected in a sterile stool container and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Encephalitozoon spp. Accordingly, 300-bp bands, specific to Encephalitozoon spp., were observed and by sequencing E. intestinalis was identified. Crows can be considered as the hosts of E. intestinalis.}, } @article {pmid30536039, year = {2019}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Ridley, AR and Thornton, A}, title = {Smarter through group living: A response to Smulders.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {277-279}, pmid = {30536039}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {DP140101921//Australian Research Council/International ; BB/H021817/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Female ; *Motivation ; }, abstract = {We recently identified a strong, positive relationship between group size and individual cognitive performance, and a strong, positive relationship between female cognitive performance and reproductive success (Ashton, Ridley, Edwards, & Thornton in Nature, 554, 364-367, 2018). An opinion piece by Smulders (Learning & Behavior, https://doi.org/10.3758/s13420-018-0335-0, 2018) raised the interesting notion that these patterns may be underlined by motivational factors. In this commentary, we highlight why none of the available data are consistent with this explanation, but instead support the argument that the demands of group living influence cognitive development, with knock-on consequences for fitness.}, } @article {pmid30534343, year = {2018}, author = {Klump, BC and Masuda, BM and St Clair, JJH and Rutz, C}, title = {Preliminary observations of tool-processing behaviour in Hawaiian crows Corvus hawaiiensis.}, journal = {Communicative & integrative biology}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {e1509637}, pmid = {30534343}, issn = {1942-0889}, abstract = {Very few animal species habitually make and use foraging tools. We recently discovered that the Hawaiian crow is a highly skilled, natural tool user. Most captive adults in our experiment spontaneously used sticks to access out-of-reach food from a range of extraction tasks, exhibiting a surprising degree of dexterity. Moreover, many birds modified tools before or during deployment, and some even manufactured tools from raw materials. In this invited addendum article, we describe and discuss these observations in more detail. Our preliminary data, and comparisons with the better-studied New Caledonian crow, suggest that the Hawaiian crow has extensive tool-modification and manufacture abilities. To chart the full extent of the species' natural tool-making repertoire, we have started conducting dedicated experiments where subjects are given access to suitable raw materials for tool manufacture, but not ready-to-use tools.}, } @article {pmid30519433, year = {2018}, author = {Walker, LE and Marzluff, JM and Metz, MC and Wirsing, AJ and Moskal, LM and Stahler, DR and Smith, DW}, title = {Population responses of common ravens to reintroduced gray wolves.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {22}, pages = {11158-11168}, pmid = {30519433}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Top predators have cascading effects throughout the food web, but their impacts on scavenger abundance are largely unknown. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) provide carrion to a suite of scavenger species, including the common raven (Corvus corax). Ravens are wide-ranging and intelligent omnivores that commonly take advantage of anthropogenic food resources. In areas where they overlap with wolves, however, ravens are numerous and ubiquitous scavengers of wolf-acquired carrion. We aimed to determine whether subsidies provided through wolves are a limiting factor for raven populations in general and how the wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park in 1995-1997 affected raven population abundance and distribution on the Yellowstone's Northern Range specifically. We counted ravens throughout Yellowstone's Northern Range in March from 2009 to 2017 in both human-use areas and wolf habitat. We then used statistics related to the local wolf population and the winter weather conditions to model raven abundance during our study period and predict raven abundance on the Northern Range both before and after the wolf reintroduction. In relatively severe winters with greater snowpack, raven abundance increased in areas of human use and decreased in wolf habitat. When wolves were able to acquire more carrion, however, ravens increased in wolf habitat and decreased in areas with anthropogenic resources. Raven populations prior to the wolf reintroduction were likely more variable and heavily dependent on ungulate winter-kill and hunter-provided carcasses. The wolf recovery in Yellowstone helped stabilize raven populations by providing a regular food supply, regardless of winter severity. This stabilization has important implications for effective land management as wolves recolonize the west and global climate patterns change.}, } @article {pmid30508564, year = {2019}, author = {Kelly, DM and Bisbing, TA and Magnotti, JF}, title = {Use of medial axis for reorientation by the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {158}, number = {}, pages = {192-199}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2018.11.011}, pmid = {30508564}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Cues ; Orientation, Spatial/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Space Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Many animals are challenged with the task of reorientation. Considerable research over the years has shown a diversity of species extract geometric information (e.g., distance and direction) from continuous surfaces or boundaries to reorient. How this information is extracted from the environment is less understood. Three encoding strategies that have received the most study are the use of principal axes, medial axis or local geometric cues. We used a modeling approach to investigate which of these three general strategies best fit the spatial search data of a highly-spatial corvid, the Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana). Individual nutcrackers were trained in a rectangular-shaped arena, and once accurately locating a hidden goal, received non-reinforced tests in an L-shaped arena. The specific shape of this arena allowed us to dissociate among the three general encoding strategies. Furthermore, we reanalyzed existing data from chicks, pigeons and humans using our modeling approach. Overall, we found the most support for the use of the medial axis, although we additionally found that pigeons and humans may have engaged in random guessing. As with our previous studies, we find no support for the use of principal axes.}, } @article {pmid30502539, year = {2019}, author = {Guzzetti, S and Mancini, F and Caporali, A and Manfredi, L and Daini, R}, title = {The association of cognitive reserve with motor and cognitive functions for different stages of Parkinson's disease.}, journal = {Experimental gerontology}, volume = {115}, number = {}, pages = {79-87}, doi = {10.1016/j.exger.2018.11.020}, pmid = {30502539}, issn = {1873-6815}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*etiology/psychology ; *Cognitive Reserve ; Dementia/etiology/psychology ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*complications/*psychology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The cognitive reserve (CR) theory has been proposed to account for the mismatch between the degree of neuropathological changes and clinical outcome in dementias. Recently, it has also been applied to Parkinson's disease (PD) with promising results, but mostly just focusing on separate proxy measures of CR, such as education, working and leisure time activities, instead of adopting a more comprehensive approach. Using the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), this study examined the association of CR with motor functions and cognition in patients with medium-low (1-9 years) and medium-high (>9 years) PD duration.

METHODS: Fifty patients with PD underwent a neurological and a neuropsychological assessment, comprised of: Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale- section III, Mini-Mental State Examination, Clock-Drawing Test, Rey auditory verbal learning test (immediate and delayed recall trials), Digit Span Forward, Corsi Span Forward, Frontal Assessment Battery, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, WAIS similarities subtest, Phonemic Fluency, Semantic Fluency and CRIq.

RESULTS: PD patients with a higher CRIq score showed a reduced motor impairment and a better global cognitive performance when compared to PD patients with a lower CRIq score, with an advantage especially observed on executive functions and short-term memory. The CR effect was even enhanced in the case of longer disease duration, as observed when considering the overall neuropsychological tests performance and non-verbal abstract reasoning in particular. The results obtained when considering education, as a single proxy measure of CR, provided no additional findings, nor did they reveal all the effects yielded by the adoption of the CRI score.

CONCLUSION: Our results support the beneficial role of CR against motor and cognitive dysfunctions in PD and suggest that its protective role may be mostly manifested at the later stages of the disease. A theoretical framework able to explain the different impact of CR on Alzheimer Disease and PD is discussed. Finally, our results stressed the importance of using a comprehensive measure of CR instead of focusing on just one of its proxies.}, } @article {pmid30515968, year = {2019}, author = {Bonneris, E and Gao, Z and Prosser, A and Barfknecht, R}, title = {Selecting appropriate focal species for assessing the risk to birds from newly drilled pesticide-treated winter cereal fields in France.}, journal = {Integrated environmental assessment and management}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {422-436}, pmid = {30515968}, issn = {1551-3793}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Environmental Exposure/*analysis ; France ; Hordeum ; Insecticides/*toxicity ; Neonicotinoids/*toxicity ; Nitro Compounds/*toxicity ; Pesticide Residues/toxicity ; Risk Assessment/*methods ; Seasons ; *Triticum ; }, abstract = {Identifying focal bird species appropriate to the situation in which a plant protection product is used is important for refined risk assessment (EFSA). We analyzed the results of extensive field observations of newly drilled cereal fields in France in autumn over 2 seasons to determine real bird focal species. In 2011, birds were observed before and after drilling on wheat and barley fields drilled with imidacloprid-treated seeds (i.e., "treatment" fields) or seeds treated with compounds other than imidacloprid (i.e., "alternative treatment" fields). Bird abundance, species richness, and diversity were significantly higher in wheat fields than barley fields; these findings led us to monitor only wheat fields in 2012. Statistical analyses did not show a significant effect of the drilling itself or between the treatment fields and the alternative treatment fields on the number and type of bird species. These results led to the pooling of 2011 data on all fields for focal species determination. Similarly, all bird monitoring data generated in 2012 before and after drilling were pooled and analyzed. Rules for determination of candidate focal species detailed in the EFSA () guidance were followed. Carrion crow, wood pigeon, gray partridge, skylark, common starling, and pied wagtail were the bird species most frequently observed on wheat fields. This list of candidate species was processed to determine the most relevant focal species according to the method of Dietzen et al. (); this process resulted in the selection of skylark, gray partridge, wood pigeon, and pied wagtail as focal species to assess risks to birds for pesticides applied during drilling of winter cereals in France (September through November). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:000-000. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).}, } @article {pmid30513676, year = {2018}, author = {Kaplan, G}, title = {Development of Meaningful Vocal Signals in a Juvenile Territorial Songbird (Gymnorhina tibicen) and the Dilemma of Vocal Taboos Concerning Neighbours and Strangers.}, journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI}, volume = {8}, number = {12}, pages = {}, pmid = {30513676}, issn = {2076-2615}, support = {The Cardigan Fund//University of New England/ ; DP0452557//Australian Research Council/ ; }, abstract = {Young territorial songbirds have calls to learn, especially calls that may be vital for maintaining territory. Territoriality is largely reinforced and communicated by vocal signals. In their natal territory, juvenile magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) enjoy protection from predators for 8[-]9 months. It is not at all clear, however, when and how a young territorial songbird learns to distinguish the meaning of calls and songs expressed by parents, conspecifics, neighbours, and heterospecifics, or how territorial calls are incorporated into the juvenile's own repertoire. This project investigated acquisition and expression of the vocal repertoire in juvenile magpies and assessed the responses of adults and juveniles to playbacks of neighbour and stranger calls inside their territory. The results reported here identify age of appearance of specific vocalisations and the limits of their expression in juveniles. One new and surprising result was that many types of adult vocalisation were not voiced by juveniles. Playbacks of calls of neighbours and strangers inside the natal territory further established that adults responded strongly but differentially to neighbours versus strangers. By contrast, juveniles needed months before paying any attention to and distinguishing between neighbour and stranger calls and eventually did so only in non-vocal ways (such as referral to adults). These results provide evidence that auditory perception not only includes recognition and memory of neighbour calls but also an assessment of the importance of such calls in the context of territoriality.}, } @article {pmid30513278, year = {2019}, author = {Andreasen, AK and Iversen, P and Marstrand, L and Siersma, V and Siebner, HR and Sellebjerg, F}, title = {Structural and cognitive correlates of fatigue in progressive multiple sclerosis.}, journal = {Neurological research}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {168-176}, doi = {10.1080/01616412.2018.1547813}, pmid = {30513278}, issn = {1743-1328}, mesh = {Adult ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging/etiology/pathology/physiopathology ; *Fatigue/diagnostic imaging/etiology/pathology/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motor Cortex/diagnostic imaging/*pathology/physiopathology ; *Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/complications/diagnostic imaging/pathology/physiopathology ; Parietal Lobe/diagnostic imaging/*pathology/physiopathology ; Prefrontal Cortex/diagnostic imaging/*pathology/physiopathology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating symptom and experienced by most patients. In recent studies investigating this phenomenon, the majority of patients had a relapsing-remitting disease course.

METHODS: Patients with progressive MS participating in one of three treatment trials during a period from 2010 to 2014 were included. Fatigue was assessed with the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) and patients were further examined with a cognitive test battery, including Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and 3 T MRI with subsequent quantitative analyses of 13 cortical regions of interest, deep grey matter and lesion volume.

RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were enrolled. The thickness of the pre-central gyrus correlated significantly with motor fatigue. We found only a non-significant trend towards a correlation between cognitive fatigue and the thickness of the pre-central gyrus, the parietal inferior supra-marginal gyrus and the opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus. 36% of participants had impaired processing speed and 9% had normal function on all tests. The scores on the FSMC-cognitive scale were related to performance on SDMT.

CONCLUSION: In this exploratory study of patients with progressive MS, fatigue was related to processing speed. Motor fatigue was also related to the cortical thickness of the primary motor cortex and there was a trend towards a relationship between cognitive fatigue and the thickness of cortical areas involved in attentional processes. Additional studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between regional cortical atrophy, cognitive functioning and the perception of fatigue.

ABBREVIATIONS: FSMC: Motor and Cognitive Functions; MS: Multiple Sclerosis; SDMT: Symbol Digit Modalities Test; MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; RRMS: Relapsing-Remitting Disease Course; EDSS: Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale; FLAIR: Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery; NAWM: Normal-Appearing White Matter; CGM: Cortical Grey Matter; CTh: Cortical Thickness; ROIs: Regions of Interest; Raven: Raven Progressive Matrices; TM A: Trail Making A; TM B: Trail Making B; Rey: Rey Complex Figure; Similarities: WAIS III Similarities; Stroop: Stroop Colour Naming Test; BDI: Becks Depression Inventory II.}, } @article {pmid30487308, year = {2018}, author = {Cunningham, CX and Johnson, CN and Barmuta, LA and Hollings, T and Woehler, EJ and Jones, ME}, title = {Top carnivore decline has cascading effects on scavengers and carrion persistence.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {285}, number = {1892}, pages = {}, pmid = {30487308}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Cats/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Food Chain ; Introduced Species ; Marsupialia/*physiology ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; Tasmania ; }, abstract = {Top carnivores have suffered widespread global declines, with well-documented effects on mesopredators and herbivores. We know less about how carnivores affect ecosystems through scavenging. Tasmania's top carnivore, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), has suffered severe disease-induced population declines, providing a natural experiment on the role of scavenging in structuring communities. Using remote cameras and experimentally placed carcasses, we show that mesopredators consume more carrion in areas where devils have declined. Carcass consumption by the two native mesopredators was best predicted by competition for carrion, whereas consumption by the invasive mesopredator, the feral cat (Felis catus), was better predicted by the landscape-level abundance of devils, suggesting a relaxed landscape of fear where devils are suppressed. Reduced discovery of carcasses by devils was balanced by the increased discovery by mesopredators. Nonetheless, carcasses persisted approximately 2.6-fold longer where devils have declined, highlighting their importance for rapid carrion removal. The major beneficiary of increased carrion availability was the forest raven (Corvus tasmanicus). Population trends of ravens increased 2.2-fold from 1998 to 2017, the period of devil decline, but this increase occurred Tasmania-wide, making the cause unclear. This case study provides a little-studied potential mechanism for mesopredator release, with broad relevance to the vast areas of the world that have suffered carnivore declines.}, } @article {pmid30485450, year = {2019}, author = {Yoshida, H and Yamazaki, K and Komiya, A and Aoki, M and Kasamatsu, S and Murata, T and Sayo, T and Cilek, MZ and Okada, Y and Takahashi, Y}, title = {Inhibitory effects of Sanguisorba officinalis root extract on HYBID (KIAA1199)-mediated hyaluronan degradation and skin wrinkling.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {41}, number = {1}, pages = {12-20}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12505}, pmid = {30485450}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adult ; Cell Survival/drug effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Fibroblasts/drug effects ; HEK293 Cells ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Hyaluronan Receptors/genetics/metabolism ; Hyaluronic Acid/chemistry/*metabolism ; Japan ; Middle Aged ; Placebos ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology ; Plant Roots/*chemistry ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; Sanguisorba/*chemistry ; Saponins/*pharmacology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Hyaluronan (HA), an important constituent of extracellular matrix in the skin, has many biological activities such as hydration that contributes to firmness and bounciness of the skin. We have reported that reduction in HA in the papillary dermis and over-expression of HYBID (HYaluronan Binding protein Involved in hyaluronan Depolymerization, alias KIAA1199 or CEMIP), a key molecule for HA degradation in skin fibroblasts, are implicated in facial skin wrinkling in Japanese and Caucasian women. However, little or no information is available for substances which inhibit the HYBID-mediated HA degradation.

METHODS: Inhibition of Sanguisorba officinalis root extract and ziyuglycoside I, one of the components of Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, to the HYBID-mediated HA degradation was assessed by size-exclusion chromatography of HA depolymerized by stable transfectants of HYBID in HEK293 cells (HYBID/HEK293 cells) or normal human skin fibroblasts (Detroit 551 cells and NHDF-Ad cells). The HYBID mRNA and protein expression was examined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting in the skin fibroblasts treated with Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, and size distribution of newly produced HA was evaluated by preparing metabolically radiolabelled HA. A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study was carried out in the 21 healthy Japanese women, who were topically treated with the formulation containing Sanguisorba officinalis root extract or the placebo on each side of the face including crow's foot area.

RESULTS: Sanguisorba officinalis root extract, but not ziyuglycoside I, abolished HYBID-mediated HA degradation by HYBID/HEK293 cells. Sanguisorba officinalis root extract also inhibited HYBID-mediated HA degradation in skin fibroblasts by down-regulating HYBID mRNA and protein expression. Although control untreated skin fibroblasts produced polydispersed HA, the cells treated with Sanguisorba officinalis root extract produced only high-molecular-weight HA. Treatment with Sanguisorba officinalis root extract-formulated lotion significantly improved skin elasticity, and reduced skin wrinkling scores at the outer eye corner compared with the placebo formulation.

CONCLUSION: Sanguisorba officinalis root extract showed an anti-HYBID-mediated HA degradation activity and anti-wrinkle activity on human facial skin, which is accompanied by the improvement in elasticity. Our study provides the possibility of a new strategy to inhibit HYBID-mediated HA degradation for anti-wrinkle care.}, } @article {pmid30482600, year = {2018}, author = {Kent, SJW and Morrison, R}, title = {Rural and urban differences in orthognathic surgical patients in the north east of Scotland.}, journal = {The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery}, volume = {56}, number = {10}, pages = {931-935}, doi = {10.1016/j.bjoms.2018.10.271}, pmid = {30482600}, issn = {1532-1940}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Facial Asymmetry/epidemiology/pathology/surgery ; Female ; Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion/epidemiology/pathology/surgery ; Middle Aged ; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures/*statistics & numerical data ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; Retrospective Studies ; Rural Population/*statistics & numerical data ; Scotland/epidemiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Urban Population/*statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {We have previously identified differences in the presentation and treatment of cancer between patients who live in rural compared with urban areas, but have not yet seen differences in those treated by orthognathic surgery. We hypothesised that patients from areas further away from the hospital face higher costs to attend and may not present with minor problems as often as those who live nearby. We therefore retrospectively reviewed all those (n=216) who had presented for orthognathic surgery over a six-year period (May 2011 to May 2017). The severity of malocclusion and facial asymmetry was established by combining measurements of intraoperative movements. Rurality was measured as the distance from home to the hospital at the time of operation. Those with smaller intraoperative movements (less than 7mm combined movement) lived significantly closer to the hospital as the crow flies (mean difference 15.13 miles, 95% CI 0.20 to 30.48, p=0.05) and could travel there more quickly (mean difference 65minutes 95% CI 9.8 to 121.7, p=0.02) than those with larger movements. Our results suggest that patients with small malocclusions and slight facial asymmetry who live further away from the hospital, may be less likely to present for operation than those who live closer. We explain why socioeconomic class is unlikely to confound our results, and suggest potential ways to minimise the effect observed.}, } @article {pmid30476553, year = {2019}, author = {Rutledge, R and Kular, K and Manchanda, N}, title = {The Mini-Gastric Bypass original technique.}, journal = {International journal of surgery (London, England)}, volume = {61}, number = {}, pages = {38-41}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijsu.2018.10.042}, pmid = {30476553}, issn = {1743-9159}, mesh = {Gastric Bypass/*methods ; Humans ; Jejunum/surgery ; Laparoscopy/*methods ; Obesity, Morbid/*surgery ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mini-Gastric Bypass (MGB) is becoming more and more popular as shown by the numerous articles published over the past 15 years, supporting the operation as a short and simple procedure with excellent outcomes and low complication rates. There is still confusion amongst surgeons on the technique of the operation. The purpose of this paper is to review and describe the technique of MGB by its originators.

METHODS: With 20 years of experience of performing the original MGB, the authors present the details of the MGB.

RESULTS: The MGB consists of a long conduit from below the crow's foot extending up to the left of the angle of His. It is similar to, but importantly, not the same as the pouch of the Sleeve Gastrectomy. MGB has a wide gastro-jejunal anastomosis to an anti-colic loop of jejunum 150-200 cm distal to the ligament of Trietz. The power of MGB comes from the fact that it is both a "Non-Obstructive" restrictive procedure and it also has a significant fatty food intolerance component with minimal malabsorption.

CONCLUSION: In this article we describe the original Rutledge technique of Mini-Gastric Bypass. Notably this is neither a "Single Anastomosis bypass", nor an "Omega Loop Bypass" and also not the "One Anastomosis Bypass of Carbajo". It is a particular technique first created by Rutledge in 1997 and associated with low risk and excellent outcomes. The goal of this manuscript is to help avoid complications and problems seen when the operation deviates from some of the basic principles of general surgery used in the original operation.}, } @article {pmid30476136, year = {2019}, author = {Nuriddin, A}, title = {Psychiatric Jim Crow: Desegregation at the Crownsville State Hospital, 1948-1970.}, journal = {Journal of the history of medicine and allied sciences}, volume = {74}, number = {1}, pages = {85-106}, doi = {10.1093/jhmas/jry025}, pmid = {30476136}, issn = {1468-4373}, mesh = {Adult ; Black or African American/*history ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Desegregation/*history ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; Hospitals, Psychiatric/*history ; Hospitals, State/*history ; Humans ; Male ; Maryland ; Mental Health Services/*history ; Middle Aged ; }, abstract = {The Crownsville State Hospital, located in Maryland just outside of Annapolis, provides a thought-provoking example of the impact of desegregation in the space of the mental hospital. Using institutional reports, patient records, and oral histories, this article reconstructs the three phases of desegregation at Crownsville. First, as a result of its poor conditions, lack of qualified staff, and its egregious mistreatment of patients, African American community leaders and organizations such as the NAACP called for the desegregation of the care staff of Crownsville in the late 1940s. Second, the introduction of a skilled African American staff created unprecedented and morally complex issues about access to psychiatric therapeutics. Last, in 1963, Health Commissioner Dr. Isadore Tuerk officially desegregated patients in all Maryland state hospitals. Though desegregation brought much needed improvements to Crownsville, these gains were ultimately swamped by deinstitutionalization and the shift towards outpatient psychiatric care. By the 1970s, Crownsville had returned to the poor conditions that existed during segregation.}, } @article {pmid30473852, year = {2018}, author = {Greggor, AL and McIvor, GE and Clayton, NS and Thornton, A}, title = {Wild jackdaws are wary of objects that violate expectations of animacy.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {5}, number = {10}, pages = {181070}, pmid = {30473852}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Nature is composed of self-propelled, animate agents and inanimate objects. Laboratory studies have shown that human infants and a few species discriminate between animate and inanimate objects. This ability is assumed to have evolved to support social cognition and filial imprinting, but its ecological role for wild animals has never been examined. An alternative, functional explanation is that discriminating stimuli based on their potential for animacy helps animals distinguish between harmless and threatening stimuli. Using remote-controlled experimental stimulus presentations, we tested if wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula) respond fearfully to stimuli that violate expectations for movement. Breeding pairs (N = 27) were presented at their nests with moving and non-moving models of ecologically relevant stimuli (birds, snakes and sticks) that differed in threat level and propensity for independent motion. Jackdaws were startled by movement regardless of stimulus type and produced more alarm calls when faced with animate objects. However, they delayed longest in entering their nest-box after encountering a stimulus that should not move independently, suggesting they recognized the movement as unexpected. How jackdaws develop expectations about object movement is not clear, but our results suggest that discriminating between animate and inanimate stimuli may trigger information gathering about potential threats.}, } @article {pmid30469552, year = {2018}, author = {Zhu, XY and Gupta, SK and Sun, XC and He, C and Li, GX and Jiang, JH and Liu, XP and Lu, MH and Chen, YF}, title = {Z2 topological edge state in honeycomb lattice of coupled resonant optical waveguides with a flat band.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {26}, number = {19}, pages = {24307-24317}, doi = {10.1364/OE.26.024307}, pmid = {30469552}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {Two-dimensional (2D) coupled resonant optical waveguide (CROW), exhibiting topological edge states, provides an efficient platform for designing integrated topological photonic devices. In this paper, we propose an experimentally feasible design of 2D honeycomb CROW photonic structure. The characteristic optical system possesses two-fold and three-fold Dirac points at different positions in the Brillouin zone. The effective gauge fields implemented by the intrinsic pseudo-spin-orbit interaction open up topologically nontrivial bandgaps through the Dirac points. Spatial lattice geometries allow destructive wave interference, leading to a dispersionless, near-flat energy band in the vicinity of the three-fold Dirac point in the telecommunication frequency regime. This nontrivial structure with a near-flat band yields topologically protected edge states. These characteristics underpin the fundamental importance as well as the potential applications in various optical devices. Based on the honeycomb CROW lattice, we design the shape-independent topological cavity and the beam splitter, which demonstrate the relevance for a wide range of photonic applications.}, } @article {pmid30457220, year = {2019}, author = {Amici, F}, title = {An Evolutionary Approach to the Study of Collaborative Remembering?.}, journal = {Topics in cognitive science}, volume = {11}, number = {4}, pages = {811-816}, doi = {10.1111/tops.12398}, pmid = {30457220}, issn = {1756-8765}, mesh = {Adaptation, Psychological/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Humans ; Knowledge ; Memory/*physiology ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; Social Learning/physiology ; }, abstract = {Hope and Gabbert (2008) and Jay and colleagues (in press) show us that collaborative remembering, in certain contexts, may result in incomplete and less accurate memories. Here, I will discuss the evolutionary origins of this behavior, linking it to phenomena such as social contagion, conformity, and social learning, which are highly adaptive and widespread across non-human taxa.}, } @article {pmid30444843, year = {2018}, author = {Mattingly, JK and Castellanos, I and Moberly, AC}, title = {Nonverbal Reasoning as a Contributor to Sentence Recognition Outcomes in Adults With Cochlear Implants.}, journal = {Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology}, volume = {39}, number = {10}, pages = {e956-e963}, pmid = {30444843}, issn = {1537-4505}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Cochlear Implantation ; *Cochlear Implants ; Cognition/*physiology ; Deafness/physiopathology/surgery ; Female ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Speech ; Speech Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {HYPOTHESIS: Significant variability in speech recognition persists among postlingually deafened adults with cochlear implants (CIs). We hypothesize that scores of nonverbal reasoning predict sentence recognition in adult CI users.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive functions contribute to speech recognition outcomes in adults with hearing loss. These functions may be particularly important for CI users who must interpret highly degraded speech signals through their devices. This study used a visual measure of reasoning (the ability to solve novel problems), the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM), to predict sentence recognition in CI users.

METHODS: Participants were 39 postlingually deafened adults with CIs and 43 age-matched normal-hearing (NH) controls. CI users were assessed for recognition of words in sentences in quiet, and NH controls listened to eight-channel vocoded versions to simulate the degraded signal delivered by a CI. A computerized visual task of the RPM, requiring participants to identify the correct missing piece in a 3×3 matrix of geometric designs, was also performed. Particular items from the RPM were examined for their associations with sentence recognition abilities, and a subset of items on the RPM was tested for the ability to predict degraded sentence recognition in the NH controls.

RESULTS: The overall number of items answered correctly on the 48-item RPM significantly correlated with sentence recognition in CI users (r = 0.35-0.47) and NH controls (r = 0.36-0.57). An abbreviated 12-item version of the RPM was created and performance also correlated with sentence recognition in CI users (r = 0.40-0.48) and NH controls (r = 0.49-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS: Nonverbal reasoning skills correlated with sentence recognition in both CI and NH subjects. Our findings provide further converging evidence that cognitive factors contribute to speech processing by adult CI users and can help explain variability in outcomes. Our abbreviated version of the RPM may serve as a clinically meaningful assessment for predicting sentence recognition outcomes in CI users.}, } @article {pmid30442433, year = {2019}, author = {Falcionelli, N and Sernani, P and Brugués, A and Mekuria, DN and Calvaresi, D and Schumacher, M and Dragoni, AF and Bromuri, S}, title = {Indexing the Event Calculus: Towards practical human-readable Personal Health Systems.}, journal = {Artificial intelligence in medicine}, volume = {96}, number = {}, pages = {154-166}, doi = {10.1016/j.artmed.2018.10.003}, pmid = {30442433}, issn = {1873-2860}, mesh = {Chronic Disease ; *Decision Trees ; Humans ; Information Management/*organization & administration ; Monitoring, Ambulatory/instrumentation/*methods ; Noncommunicable Diseases ; *Wearable Electronic Devices ; }, abstract = {Personal Health Systems (PHS) are mobile solutions tailored to monitoring patients affected by chronic non communicable diseases. In general, a patient affected by a chronic disease can generate large amounts of events: for example, in Type 1 Diabetic patients generate several glucose events per day, ranging from at least 6 events per day (under normal monitoring) to 288 per day when wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that samples the blood every 5 minutes for several days. Just by itself, without considering other physiological parameters, it would be impossible for medical doctors to individually and accurately follow every patient, highlighting the need of simple approaches towards querying physiological time series. Achieving this with current technology is not an easy task, as on one hand it cannot be expected that medical doctors have the technical knowledge to query databases and on the other hand these time series include thousands of events, which requires to re-think the way data is indexed. Anyhow, handling data streams efficiently is not enough. Domain experts' knowledge must be explicitly included into PHSs in a way that it can be easily readed and modified by medical staffs. Logic programming represents the perfect programming paradygm to accomplish this task. In this work, an Event Calculus-based reasoning framework to standardize and express domain-knowledge in the form of monitoring rules is suggested, and applied to three different use cases. However, if online monitoring has to be achieved, the reasoning performance must improve dramatically. For this reason, three promising mechanisms to index the Event Calculus Knowledge Base are proposed. All of them are based on different types of tree indexing structures: k-d trees, interval trees and red-black trees. The paper then compares and analyzes the performance of the three indexing techniques, by computing the time needed to check different type of rules (and eventually generating alerts), when the number of recorded events (e.g. values of physiological parameters) increases. The results show that customized jREC performs much better when the event average inter-arrival time is little compared to the checked rule time-window. Instead, where the events are more sparse, the use of k-d trees with standard EC is advisable. Finally, the Multi-Agent paradigm helps to wrap the various components of the system: the reasoning engines represent the agent minds, and the sensors are its body. The said agents have been developed in MAGPIE, a mobile event based Java agent platform.}, } @article {pmid30441093, year = {2018}, author = {Zhou, Y and Xu, T and Li, S and Li, S}, title = {Confusion State Induction and EEG-based Detection in Learning.}, journal = {Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {3290-3293}, doi = {10.1109/EMBC.2018.8512943}, pmid = {30441093}, issn = {2694-0604}, mesh = {Brain-Computer Interfaces ; *Electroencephalography ; Emotions ; Machine Learning ; }, abstract = {Confusion, as an affective state, has been proved beneficial for learning, although this emotion is always mentioned as negative affect. Confusion causes the learner to solve the problem and overcome difficulties in order to restore the cognitive equilibrium. Once the confusion is successfully resolved, a deeper learning is generated. Therefore, quantifying and visualizing the confusion that occurs in learning as well as intervening has gained great interest by researchers. Among these researches, triggering confusion precisely and detecting it is the critical step and underlies other studies. In this paper, we explored the induction of confusion states and the feasibility of detecting confusion using EEG as a first step towards an EEG-based Brain Computer Interface for monitoring the confusion and intervening in the learning. 16 participants EEG data were recorded and used. Our experiment design to induce confusion was based on tests of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Each confusing and not-confusing test item was presented during 15 seconds and the raw EEG data was collected via Emotiv headset. To detect the confusion emotion in learning, we propose an end-to-end EEG analysis method. End-to-end classification of Deep Learning in Machine Learning has revolutionized computer vision, which has gained interest to adopt this method to EEG analysis. The result of this preliminary study was promising, which showed a 71.36% accuracy in classifying users' confused and unconfused states when they are inferring the rules in the tests.}, } @article {pmid30440759, year = {2018}, author = {Li, X and Kesavadas, T}, title = {Surgical Robot with Environment Reconstruction and Force Feedback.}, journal = {Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {1861-1866}, doi = {10.1109/EMBC.2018.8512695}, pmid = {30440759}, issn = {2694-0604}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Feedback ; Humans ; *Robotics ; Surgeons ; User-Computer Interface ; }, abstract = {We present a new surgical robot hardware-in-the-loop simulator, with 3D surgical field reconstruction in RGB-D sensor range, which allows tool-tissue interactions to be presented as haptic feedback and thus provides the situation awareness of unwanted collision. First, the point cloud of the complete surgical environment is constructed from multiple frames of sensor data to avoid the occlusion issue. Then the user selects a region of interest where the robot's tool must avoid (also called forbidden region). The real-time haptic force rendering algorithm computes the interaction force which is then communicated to a haptic device at 1 kHz, to assist the surgeon to perform safe actions. The robot used is a RAVEN II system, RGB-D sensor is used to scan the environment, and two Omni haptic devices provide the 3-DoF haptic force. A registration pipeline is presented to complete the surgical environment point cloud mapping in preoperative surgery planning phase, which improves quality of haptic rendering in the presence of occlusion. Furthermore, we propose a feasible and fast algorithm which extends the existing work on the proxy-based method for haptic rendering between a Haptic Interaction Point (HIP) and a point cloud. The proposed methodology has the potential of improving the safety of surgical robots.}, } @article {pmid30427210, year = {2019}, author = {Moore, RD and Sicard, V and Pindus, D and Raine, LB and Drollette, ES and Scudder, MR and Decker, S and Ellemberg, D and Hillman, CH}, title = {A targeted neuropsychological examination of children with a history of sport-related concussion.}, journal = {Brain injury}, volume = {33}, number = {3}, pages = {291-298}, doi = {10.1080/02699052.2018.1546408}, pmid = {30427210}, issn = {1362-301X}, support = {R01 HD055352/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Age of Onset ; Athletic Injuries/diagnosis/*psychology ; Brain Concussion/diagnosis/*psychology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/etiology/psychology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mathematics ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Stroop Test ; Trail Making Test ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Experimental research suggests that sport-related concussion can lead to persistent alterations in children's neurophysiology and cognition. However, the search for neuropsychological tests with a similar ability to detect long-term deficits continues.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The current study assessed whether a target battery of neuropsychological measures of higher cognition and academic achievement would detect lingering deficits in children 2 years after injury.

RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

METHODS AND PROCEDURE: A total of 32 pre-adolescent children (16 concussion history, 16 control) completed a targeted battery of neuropsychological and academic tests.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children with a history of concussion exhibited selective deficits during the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Comprehensive Trail-Making Test, and the mathematics sub-section of the WRAT-3. Deficit magnitude was significantly related to age at injury, but not time since injury.

CONCLUSIONS: The current results suggest that neuropsychological measures of higher cognition and academic achievement may be sensitive to lingering deficits, and that children injured earlier in life may exhibit worse neuropsychological and academic performance.}, } @article {pmid30410111, year = {2018}, author = {Laumer, IB and Call, J and Bugnyar, T and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Spontaneous innovation of hook-bending and unbending in orangutans (Pongo abelii).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {16518}, pmid = {30410111}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29084/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Female ; Locomotion ; Male ; Pongo abelii/*physiology ; Stereotyped Behavior/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Betty the crow astonished the scientific world as she spontaneously crafted hook-tools from straight wire in order to lift a basket out of vertical tubes. Recently it was suggested that this species' solution was strongly influenced by predispositions from behavioural routines from habitual hook-tool manufacture. Nevertheless, the task became a paradigm to investigate tool innovation. Considering that young humans had surprising difficulties with the task, it was yet unclear whether the innovation of a hooked tool would be feasible to primates that lacked habitual hook making. We thus tested five captive orangutans in a hook bending and unbending task. Orangutans are habitually tool-using primates that have been reported to use but not craft hooked tools for locomotion in the wild. Two orangutans spontaneously innovated hook tools and four unbent the wire from their first trial on. Pre-experience with ready-made hooks had some effect but did not lead to continuous success. Further subjects improved the hook-design feature when the task required the subjects to bent the hook at a steeper angle. Our results indicate that the ability to represent and manufacture tools according to a current need does not require stereotyped behavioural routines, but can indeed arise innovatively. Furthermore, the present study shows that the capacity for hook tool innovation is not limited to large brained birds within non-human animals.}, } @article {pmid30405485, year = {2018}, author = {Bobrowicz, K and Osvath, M}, title = {Cats Parallel Great Apes and Corvids in Motor Self-Regulation - Not Brain but Material Size Matters.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1995}, pmid = {30405485}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The inhibition of unproductive motor movements is regarded as a fundamental cognitive mechanism. Recently it has been shown that species with large absolute brain size or high numbers of pallial neurons, like great apes and corvids, show the highest performance on a task purportedly measuring this mechanism: the cylinder task. In this task the subject must detour a perpendicularly oriented transparent cylinder to reach a reward through a side opening, instead of directly reaching for it and bumping into the front, which is regarded as an inhibitory failure. Here we test domestic cats, for the first time, and show that they can reach the same levels as great apes and corvids on this task, despite having much smaller brains. We tested subjects with apparatuses that varied in size (cylinder length and diameter) and material (glass or plastic), and found that subjects performed best on the large cylinders. As numbers of successes decreased significantly when the cylinders were smaller, we conducted additionally two experiments to discern which properties (length of the transparent surface, goal distance from the surface, size of the side opening) affects performance. We conclude that sensorimotor requirements, which differ between species, may have large impact on the results in such seemingly simple and apparently comparable tests. However, we also conclude that cats have comparably high levels of motor self-regulation, despite the differences between tests.}, } @article {pmid30405209, year = {2019}, author = {Shirley, MK and Arthurs, OJ and Seunarine, KK and Cole, TJ and Eaton, S and Williams, JE and Clark, CA and Wells, JCK}, title = {Metabolic rate of major organs and tissues in young adult South Asian women.}, journal = {European journal of clinical nutrition}, volume = {73}, number = {8}, pages = {1164-1171}, pmid = {30405209}, issn = {1476-5640}, support = {MR/R010692/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/M012069/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; NIHR-CS-012-002//DH | National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)/International ; MR/M012069/1//Medical Research Council (MRC)/International ; CDF-2017-10-037/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom ; NIHR-CS-012-002/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom ; 8888//Wenner-Gren Foundation/International ; }, mesh = {Absorptiometry, Photon/methods ; Adult ; Asia, Western ; *Basal Metabolism ; Body Mass Index ; Brain/*physiology ; Calorimetry, Indirect/methods ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Heart/*physiology ; Humans ; Kidney/*physiology ; Liver/*physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Major organ-specific and tissue-specific metabolic rate (Ki) values were initially estimated using in vivo methods, and values reported by Elia (Energy metabolism: tissue determinants and cellular corollaries, Raven Press, New York, 1992) were subsequently supported by statistical analysis. However, the majority of work to date on this topic has addressed individuals of European descent, whereas population variability in resting energy metabolism has been reported. We aimed to estimate Ki values in South Asian females.

SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 70 healthy young women of South Asian ancestry. Brain and organs were measured using magnetic resonance imaging, skeletal muscle mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, fat mass by the 4-component model, and whole-body resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. Organ and tissue Ki values were estimated indirectly using regression analysis through the origin. Preliminary analysis suggested overestimation of heart mass, hence the modeling was repeated with a literature-based 22.5% heart mass reduction.

RESULTS: The pattern of derived Ki values across organs and tissues matched that previously estimated in vivo, but the values were systematically lower. However, adjusting for the overestimation of heart mass markedly improved the agreement.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results support variability in Ki values among organs and tissues, where some are more metabolically "expensive" than others. Initial findings suggesting lower organ/tissue Ki values in South Asian women were likely influenced by heart mass estimation bias. The question of potential ethnic variability in organ-specific and tissue-specific energy metabolism requires further investigation.}, } @article {pmid30402778, year = {2019}, author = {Sepkoski, D}, title = {The Unfinished Synthesis?: Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology in the 20th Century.}, journal = {Journal of the history of biology}, volume = {52}, number = {4}, pages = {687-703}, pmid = {30402778}, issn = {1573-0387}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Genetics, Population/*history ; History, 20th Century ; Paleontology/*history ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {In the received view of the history of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis, paleontology was given a prominent role in evolutionary biology thanks to the significant influence of paleontologist George Gaylord Simpson on both the institutional and conceptual development of the Synthesis. Simpson's 1944 Tempo and Mode in Evolution is considered a classic of Synthesis-era biology, and Simpson often remarked on the influence of other major Synthesis figures - such as Ernst Mayr and Theodosius Dobzhansky - on his developing thought. Why, then, did paleontologists of the 1970s and 1980s - Stephen Jay Gould, Niles Eldredge, David M. Raup, Steven Stanley, and others - so frequently complain that paleontology remained marginalized within evolutionary biology? This essay considers three linked questions: first, were paleontologists genuinely welcomed into the Synthetic project during its initial stages? Second, was the initial promise of the role for paleontology realized during the decades between 1950 and 1980, when the Synthesis supposedly "hardened" to an "orthodoxy"? And third, did the period of organized dissent and opposition to this orthodoxy by paleontologists during the 1970s and 1980s bring about a long-delayed completion to the Modern Synthesis, or rather does it highlight the wider failure of any such unified Darwinian evolutionary consensus?}, } @article {pmid30402671, year = {2019}, author = {Kumar, SN and Fred, AL and Varghese, PS}, title = {Suspicious Lesion Segmentation on Brain, Mammograms and Breast MR Images Using New Optimized Spatial Feature Based Super-Pixel Fuzzy C-Means Clustering.}, journal = {Journal of digital imaging}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {322-335}, pmid = {30402671}, issn = {1618-727X}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Brain Diseases/*diagnostic imaging ; Breast Neoplasms/*diagnostic imaging ; Fuzzy Logic ; Humans ; Image Enhancement/methods ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/*methods ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Mammography ; Pattern Recognition, Automated/*methods ; }, abstract = {Suspicious lesion or organ segmentation is a challenging task to be solved in most of the medical image analyses, medical diagnoses and computer diagnosis systems. Nevertheless, various image segmentation methods were proposed in the previous studies with varying success levels. But, the image segmentation problems such as lack of versatility, low robustness, high complexity and low accuracy in up-to-date image segmentation practices still remain unsolved. Fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) methods are very well suited for segmenting the regions. The noise-free images are effectively segmented using the traditional FCM method. However, the segmentation result generated is highly sensitive to noise due to the negligence of spatial information. To solve this issue, super-pixel-based FCM (SPOFCM) is implemented in this paper, in which the influence of spatially neighbouring and similar super-pixels is incorporated. Also, a crow search algorithm is adopted for optimizing the influential degree; thereby, the segmentation performance is improved. In clinical applications, the SPOFCM feasibility is verified using the multi-spectral MRIs, mammograms and actual single spectrum on performing tumour segmentation tests for SPOFCM. Ultimately, the competitive, renowned segmentation techniques such as k-means, entropy thresholding (ET), FCM, FCM with spatial constraints (FCM_S) and kernel FCM (KFCM) are used to compare the results of proposed SPOFCM. Experimental results on multi-spectral MRIs and actual single-spectrum mammograms indicate that the proposed algorithm can provide a better performance for suspicious lesion or organ segmentation in computer-assisted clinical applications.}, } @article {pmid30402057, year = {2018}, author = {Rodríguez, B and Rodríguez, A and Siverio, F and Siverio, M and , }, title = {Factors affecting the spatial distribution and breeding habitat of an insular cliff-nesting raptor community.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {64}, number = {2}, pages = {173-181}, pmid = {30402057}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {The specific spatial distribution and habitat association-strongly influenced by environmental factors or competitive interactions-are major issues in ecology and conservation. We located and georeferenced nesting sites of five cliff-nesting raptors (Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus [a locally extinct species], common buzzard Buteo buteo, osprey Pandion haliaetus, common kestrel Falco tinnunculus, Barbary falcon Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides), and common raven Corvus corax on one of the most biodiverse hotspot within the Canary Islands (Teno, Tenerife). We used generalized linear models to evaluate the factors affecting abundance, richness, and intra- and interspecific interactions. Raptor abundance increased with slope, shrub-covered area, and habitat diversity, and decreased with altitude, and forested and grassed areas. Richness increased with slope and decreased with altitude. Threatened species (osprey, Barbary falcon, and raven) occupied cliffs farther away from houses and roads, and more rugged areas than the non-threatened species. The models suggested that the probability of cliff occupation by buzzards, falcons, and ravens depended only on inter-specific interactions. Buzzard occupation increased with the distance to the nearest raven and kestrel nests, whereas falcons and ravens seek proximity to each other. Teno holds between 75% and 100% of the insular breeding populations of the most endangered species (osprey and raven), indicating the high conservation value of this area. Our study suggests that the preservation of rugged terrains and areas of low human pressure are key factors for raptor conservation and provide basic knowledge on the community structure and habitat associations to develop appropriated management actions for these fragile island populations.}, } @article {pmid30397596, year = {2018}, author = {Bache, WK and DeLisi, LE}, title = {The Sex Chromosome Hypothesis of Schizophrenia: Alive, Dead, or Forgotten? A Commentary and Review.}, journal = {Molecular neuropsychiatry}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {83-89}, pmid = {30397596}, issn = {2296-9209}, abstract = {The X chromosome has long been an intriguing site for harboring genes that have importance in brain development and function. It has received the most attention for having specific genes underlying the X-linked inherited intellectual disabilities, but has also been associated with schizophrenia in a number of early studies. An X chromosome hypothesis for a genetic predisposition for schizophrenia initially came from the X chromosome anomaly population data showing an excess of schizophrenia in Klinefelter's (XXY) males and triple X (XXX) females. Crow and colleagues later expanded the X chromosome hypothesis to include the possibility of a locus on the Y chromosome and, specifically, genes on X that escaped inactivation and are X-Y homologous loci. Some new information about possible risk loci on these chromosomes has come from the current large genetic consortia genome-wide association studies, suggesting that perhaps this hypothesis needs to be revisited for some schizophrenias. The following commentary reviews the early and more recent literature supporting or refuting this dormant hypothesis and emphasizes the possible candidate genes still of interest that could be explored in further studies.}, } @article {pmid30397447, year = {2018}, author = {Yamasaki, T and Aoki, S and Tokita, M}, title = {Allometry and integration do not strongly constrain beak shape evolution in large-billed (Corvus macrorhynchos) and carrion crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {20}, pages = {10057-10066}, pmid = {30397447}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {A recent geometric morphometric study on certain landbird lineages revealed that a major part of the variation in beak shape is accounted for by skull size and cranial shape. The study interpreted this result as evidence for the presence of strong evolutionary constraints that severely prevented beak shape from evolving substantially away from predictions of allometry and morphological integration. However, there is another overlooked but similarly plausible explanation for this result: The reason why beak shape does not depart much from predictions might simply be that selection pressures favoring such changes in shape are themselves rare. Here, to evaluate the intensity of evolutionary constraints on avian beak shape more appropriately, we selected large-billed (Corvus macrorhynchos) and carrion crows (Corvus corone) as study objects. These landbird species seem to experience selection pressures favoring a departure from an allometric trajectory. A landmark-based geometric morphometric approach using three-dimensional reconstructions of CT scan images revealed that only 45.4% of the total shape variation was explained by allometry and beak-braincase integration. This suggests that when a selection pressure acts in a different direction to allometry and integration, avian beak shape can react to it and evolve flexibly. As traditionally considered, evolutionary constraints on avian beak shape might not be all that strong.}, } @article {pmid30391908, year = {2018}, author = {Nishisaka-Nonaka, R and Mawatari, K and Yamamoto, T and Kojima, M and Shimohata, T and Uebanso, T and Nakahashi, M and Emoto, T and Akutagawa, M and Kinouchi, Y and Wada, T and Okamoto, M and Ito, H and Yoshida, KI and Daidoji, T and Nakaya, T and Takahashi, A}, title = {Irradiation by ultraviolet light-emitting diodes inactivates influenza a viruses by inhibiting replication and transcription of viral RNA in host cells.}, journal = {Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology}, volume = {189}, number = {}, pages = {193-200}, doi = {10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.10.017}, pmid = {30391908}, issn = {1873-2682}, mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; Influenza A virus/*radiation effects ; Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells/virology ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections ; RNA, Viral/biosynthesis/genetics ; Transcription, Genetic/radiation effects ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; Virus Inactivation/*radiation effects ; Virus Replication/radiation effects ; }, abstract = {Influenza A viruses (IAVs) pose a serious global threat to humans and their livestock, especially poultry and pigs. This study aimed to investigate how to inactivate IAVs by using different ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). We developed sterilization equipment with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) those peak wavelengths were 365 nm (UVA-LED), 310 nm (UVB-LED), and 280 nm (UVC-LED). These UV-LED irradiations decreased dose fluence-dependent plaque-forming units of IAV H1N1 subtype (A/Puerto Rico/8/1934) infected Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, but the inactivation efficiency of UVA-LED was significantly lower than UVB- and UVC-LED. UV-LED irradiations did not alter hemagglutination titer, but decreased accumulation of intracellular total viral RNA in infected MDCK cells was observed. Additionally, UV-LED irradiations suppressed the accumulation of intracellular mRNA (messenger RNA), vRNA (viral RNA), and cRNA (complementary RNA), as measured by strand-specific RT-PCR. These results suggest that UV-LEDs inhibit host cell replication and transcription of viral RNA. Both UVB- and UVC-LED irradiation decreased focus-forming unit (FFU) of H5N1 subtype (A/Crow/Kyoto/53/2004), a highly pathogenic avian IAV (HPAI), in infected MDCK cells, and the amount of FFU were lower than the H1N1 subtype. From these results, it appears that IAVs may have different sensitivity among the subtypes, and UVB- and UVC-LED may be suitable for HPAI virus inactivation.}, } @article {pmid30390453, year = {2019}, author = {López-Perea, JJ and Camarero, PR and Sánchez-Barbudo, IS and Mateo, R}, title = {Urbanization and cattle density are determinants in the exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides of non-target wildlife.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {244}, number = {}, pages = {801-808}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.101}, pmid = {30390453}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*blood ; Anticoagulants/*blood ; Cattle ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Falconiformes/*blood ; Foxes/*blood ; Liver/chemistry ; Mustelidae/*blood ; Rodenticides/*blood ; Spain ; Urbanization ; }, abstract = {The persistence and toxicity of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) in animal tissues make these compounds dangerous by biomagnification in predatory species. Here we studied the levels of SGARs in non-target species of wildlife and the environmental factors that influence such exposure. Liver samples of terrestrial vertebrates (n = 244) found dead between 2007 and 2016 in the region of Aragón (NE Spain) were analysed. The presence of SGARs was statistically analysed with binary or ordinal logistic models to study the effect of habitat characteristics including human population density, percentage of urban surface, livestock densities and surface of different types of crops. SGARs residues were detected in 83 (34%) of the animals and levels >200 ng/g were found in common raven (67%), red fox (50%), red kite (38%), Eurasian eagle-owl (25%), stone marten (23%), Eurasian buzzard (17%), northern marsh harrier (17%), and Eurasian badger (14%). The spatial analysis revealed that the presence of SGARs residues in wildlife was more associated with the use of these products as biocides in urban areas and cattle farms rather than as plant protection products in agricultural fields. This information permits to identify potential habitats where SGARs may pose a risk for predatory birds and mammals.}, } @article {pmid30384509, year = {2018}, author = {Ruiz-Rodríguez, M and Martín-Vivaldi, M and Martínez-Bueno, M and Soler, JJ}, title = {Correction: Ruiz-Rodríguez et al. Gut Microbiota of Great Spotted Cuckoo Nestlings Is a Mixture of Those of Their Foster Magpie Siblings and of Cuckoo Adults. Genes 2018, 9, 381.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {9}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {30384509}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {The authors wish to make the following changes in their paper [...].}, } @article {pmid30367386, year = {2019}, author = {Pahor, A and Stavropoulos, T and Jaeggi, SM and Seitz, AR}, title = {Validation of a matrix reasoning task for mobile devices.}, journal = {Behavior research methods}, volume = {51}, number = {5}, pages = {2256-2267}, pmid = {30367386}, issn = {1554-3528}, support = {K02 AG054665/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH111742/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Cell Phone ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Problem Solving ; Psychometrics ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Many cognitive tasks have been adapted for tablet-based testing, but tests to assess nonverbal reasoning ability, as measured by matrix-type problems that are suited to repeated testing, have yet to be adapted for and validated on mobile platforms. Drawing on previous research, we developed the University of California Matrix Reasoning Task (UCMRT)-a short, user-friendly measure of abstract problem solving with three alternate forms that works on tablets and other mobile devices and that is targeted at a high-ability population frequently used in the literature (i.e., college students). To test the psychometric properties of UCMRT, a large sample of healthy young adults completed parallel forms of the test, and a subsample also completed Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and a math test; furthermore, we collected college records of academic ability and achievement. These data show that UCMRT is reliable and has adequate convergent and external validity. UCMRT is self-administrable, freely available for researchers, facilitates repeated testing of fluid intelligence, and resolves numerous limitations of existing matrix tests.}, } @article {pmid30365419, year = {2019}, author = {Haapala, EA and Lintu, N and Väistö, J and Tompuri, T and Soininen, S and Viitasalo, A and Eloranta, AM and Venäläinen, T and Sääkslahti, A and Laitinen, T and Lakka, TA}, title = {Longitudinal Associations of Fitness, Motor Competence, and Adiposity with Cognition.}, journal = {Medicine and science in sports and exercise}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {465-471}, doi = {10.1249/MSS.0000000000001826}, pmid = {30365419}, issn = {1530-0315}, mesh = {*Adiposity ; *Cardiorespiratory Fitness ; Child ; *Cognition ; Female ; Finland ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; *Motor Skills ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), motor competence (MC), and body fat percentage (BF%) with cognition in children.

METHODS: Altogether, 371 children (188 boys and 183 girls) 6-9 yr of age at baseline participated in this 2-yr follow-up study. We assessed CRF by maximal cycle ergometer test, computed the MC score from the z-scores of the 50-m shuttle run, static balance, and box and block test results, measured BF% by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and assessed cognition using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) score. The associations were studied by linear regression analysis and repeated-measures ANCOVA.

RESULTS: In boys, a higher MC score (β = -0.161, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.314 to -0.009), a shorter 50-m shuttle run test duration (β = 0.152, 95% CI = 0.007-0.296), and a higher number of cubes moved in the Box and block test (β = -0.161, 95% CI = -0.309 to -0.013) at baseline were associated with a smaller increase in the RCPM score during follow-up. These associations were largely explained by the RCPM score at baseline. However, boys in the highest third (mean difference = 2.5, 95% CI for difference = 0.66-4.33) and the middle third (mean difference = 2.1, 95% CI for difference = 0.39-3.82) of the MC score at baseline had a higher RCPM score over the 2-yr follow-up than boys in the lowest third. CRF, MC, or adiposity was not associated with the RCPM score in girls. Changes in CRF, MC, or BF% were not associated with changes in cognition.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher MC at baseline predicted better cognition during the first two school years in boys but not in girls. CRF or adiposity was not associated with cognition in boys or girls.}, } @article {pmid30357434, year = {2018}, author = {Prochazkova, L and Lippelt, DP and Colzato, LS and Kuchar, M and Sjoerds, Z and Hommel, B}, title = {Exploring the effect of microdosing psychedelics on creativity in an open-label natural setting.}, journal = {Psychopharmacology}, volume = {235}, number = {12}, pages = {3401-3413}, pmid = {30357434}, issn = {1432-2072}, support = {694722//European Research Council (ERC-2015-AdG-694722)/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic ; *Creativity ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Hallucinogens/*administration & dosage ; Humans ; Intelligence/drug effects/physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Motivation/drug effects/physiology ; Nootropic Agents/*administration & dosage ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Problem Solving/drug effects/physiology ; Thinking/*drug effects/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Taking microdoses (a mere fraction of normal doses) of psychedelic substances, such as truffles, recently gained popularity, as it allegedly has multiple beneficial effects including creativity and problem-solving performance, potentially through targeting serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors and promoting cognitive flexibility, crucial to creative thinking. Nevertheless, enhancing effects of microdosing remain anecdotal, and in the absence of quantitative research on microdosing psychedelics, it is impossible to draw definitive conclusions on that matter. Here, our main aim was to quantitatively explore the cognitive-enhancing potential of microdosing psychedelics in healthy adults.

METHODS: During a microdosing event organized by the Dutch Psychedelic Society, we examined the effects of psychedelic truffles (which were later analyzed to quantify active psychedelic alkaloids) on two creativity-related problem-solving tasks: the Picture Concept Task assessing convergent thinking and the Alternative Uses Task assessing divergent thinking. A short version of the Ravens Progressive Matrices task assessed potential changes in fluid intelligence. We tested once before taking a microdose and once while the effects were expected to be manifested.

RESULTS: We found that both convergent and divergent thinking performance was improved after a non-blinded microdose, whereas fluid intelligence was unaffected.

CONCLUSION: While this study provides quantitative support for the cognitive-enhancing properties of microdosing psychedelics, future research has to confirm these preliminary findings in more rigorous placebo-controlled study designs. Based on these preliminary results, we speculate that psychedelics might affect cognitive metacontrol policies by optimizing the balance between cognitive persistence and flexibility. We hope this study will motivate future microdosing studies with more controlled designs to test this hypothesis.}, } @article {pmid30356096, year = {2018}, author = {Bayern, AMPV and Danel, S and Auersperg, AMI and Mioduszewska, B and Kacelnik, A}, title = {Compound tool construction by New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {15676}, pmid = {30356096}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; Decision Making ; Executive Function ; Female ; Food ; Inventions ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Reward ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The construction of novel compound tools through assemblage of otherwise non-functional elements involves anticipation of the affordances of the tools to be built. Except for few observations in captive great apes, compound tool construction is unknown outside humans, and tool innovation appears late in human ontogeny. We report that habitually tool-using New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) can combine objects to construct novel compound tools. We presented 8 naïve crows with combinable elements too short to retrieve food targets. Four crows spontaneously combined elements to make functional tools, and did so conditionally on the position of food. One of them made 3- and 4-piece tools when required. In humans, individual innovation in compound tool construction is often claimed to be evolutionarily and mechanistically related to planning, complex task coordination, executive control, and even language. Our results are not accountable by direct reinforcement learning but corroborate that these crows possess highly flexible abilities that allow them to solve novel problems rapidly. The underlying cognitive processes however remain opaque for now. They probably include the species' typical propensity to use tools, their ability to judge affordances that make some objects usable as tools, and an ability to innovate perhaps through virtual, cognitive simulations.}, } @article {pmid30355809, year = {2018}, author = {Ling, H and Mclvor, GE and Nagy, G and MohaimenianPour, S and Vaughan, RT and Thornton, A and Ouellette, NT}, title = {Simultaneous measurements of three-dimensional trajectories and wingbeat frequencies of birds in the field.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {15}, number = {147}, pages = {}, pmid = {30355809}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Crows/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Wings, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Tracking the movements of birds in three dimensions is integral to a wide range of problems in animal ecology, behaviour and cognition. Multi-camera stereo-imaging has been used to track the three-dimensional (3D) motion of birds in dense flocks, but precise localization of birds remains a challenge due to imaging resolution in the depth direction and optical occlusion. This paper introduces a portable stereo-imaging system with improved accuracy and a simple stereo-matching algorithm that can resolve optical occlusion. This system allows us to decouple body and wing motion, and thus measure not only velocities and accelerations but also wingbeat frequencies along the 3D trajectories of birds. We demonstrate these new methods by analysing six flocking events consisting of 50 to 360 jackdaws (Corvus monedula) and rooks (Corvus frugilegus) as well as 32 jackdaws and 6 rooks flying in isolated pairs or alone. Our method allows us to (i) measure flight speed and wingbeat frequency in different flying modes; (ii) characterize the U-shaped flight performance curve of birds in the wild, showing that wingbeat frequency reaches its minimum at moderate flight speeds; (iii) examine group effects on individual flight performance, showing that birds have a higher wingbeat frequency when flying in a group than when flying alone and when flying in dense regions than when flying in sparse regions; and (iv) provide a potential avenue for automated discrimination of bird species. We argue that the experimental method developed in this paper opens new opportunities for understanding flight kinematics and collective behaviour in natural environments.}, } @article {pmid30335785, year = {2018}, author = {Wang, H and Marcišauskas, S and Sánchez, BJ and Domenzain, I and Hermansson, D and Agren, R and Nielsen, J and Kerkhoven, EJ}, title = {RAVEN 2.0: A versatile toolbox for metabolic network reconstruction and a case study on Streptomyces coelicolor.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {14}, number = {10}, pages = {e1006541}, pmid = {30335785}, issn = {1553-7358}, mesh = {Computational Biology/*methods ; Computer Simulation ; Databases, Genetic ; Gene Editing ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/*genetics ; Models, Genetic ; *Software ; Streptomyces coelicolor/*genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {RAVEN is a commonly used MATLAB toolbox for genome-scale metabolic model (GEM) reconstruction, curation and constraint-based modelling and simulation. Here we present RAVEN Toolbox 2.0 with major enhancements, including: (i) de novo reconstruction of GEMs based on the MetaCyc pathway database; (ii) a redesigned KEGG-based reconstruction pipeline; (iii) convergence of reconstructions from various sources; (iv) improved performance, usability, and compatibility with the COBRA Toolbox. Capabilities of RAVEN 2.0 are here illustrated through de novo reconstruction of GEMs for the antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. Comparison of the automated de novo reconstructions with the iMK1208 model, a previously published high-quality S. coelicolor GEM, exemplifies that RAVEN 2.0 can capture most of the manually curated model. The generated de novo reconstruction is subsequently used to curate iMK1208 resulting in Sco4, the most comprehensive GEM of S. coelicolor, with increased coverage of both primary and secondary metabolism. This increased coverage allows the use of Sco4 to predict novel genome editing targets for optimized secondary metabolites production. As such, we demonstrate that RAVEN 2.0 can be used not only for de novo GEM reconstruction, but also for curating existing models based on up-to-date databases. Both RAVEN 2.0 and Sco4 are distributed through GitHub to facilitate usage and further development by the community (https://github.com/SysBioChalmers/RAVEN and https://github.com/SysBioChalmers/Streptomyces_coelicolor-GEM).}, } @article {pmid30323931, year = {2018}, author = {Freeman, NE and Newman, AEM}, title = {Quantifying corticosterone in feathers: validations for an emerging technique.}, journal = {Conservation physiology}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {coy051}, pmid = {30323931}, issn = {2051-1434}, abstract = {Feather corticosterone measurement is becoming a widespread tool for assessing avian physiology. Corticosterone is deposited into feathers during growth and provides integrative and retrospective measures of an individual's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Although researchers across disciplines have been measuring feather corticosterone for the past decade, there are still many issues with the extraction and measurement of corticosterone from feathers. In this paper, we provide several directives for refining the methodology for feather hormone analysis. We compare parallelism between the standard curve and serially diluted feather tissue from wild turkeys, Canada jays, and black-capped chickadees to demonstrate the wide applicability across species. Through a series of validations, we compare methods for feather preparation, sample filtration and extract reconstitution prior to corticosterone quantification using a radioimmunoassay. Higher corticosterone yields were achieved following pulverization of the feather however, more variation between replicates was observed. Removal of the rachis also increased the amount of corticosterone detected per unit mass while glass versus paper filters had no effect, and using ethanol in the reconstution buffer decreased intra-assay variation. With these findings and continued methodological refinement, feather corticosterone has the potential to be a powerful tool for both ecologists and physiologists working with historical and contemporary specimens.}, } @article {pmid30320127, year = {2018}, author = {Gutierrez, JC and Holladay, SD and Arzi, B and Gomez, M and Pollard, R and Youngblood, P and Srivastava, S}, title = {Entry-Level Spatial and General Non-verbal Reasoning: Can These Abilities be Used as a Predictor for Anatomy Performance in Veterinary Medical Students?.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {226}, pmid = {30320127}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {There is currently limited available information, but growing interest, in possible relationships between spatial visualization skills in medical students and their academic performance in select areas of the curriculum such as radiographic interpretation and anatomy. There is very limited comparable information on how entry-level spatial visualization skills may correlate with macroscopic anatomy performance in veterinary medical students exposed to an integrated curriculum. The present study made use of a battery of two short tests that measure spatial ability: Guay's visualization of views test (VVT) and mental rotation test (MRT) and, one test that measures general non-verbal reasoning abilities: Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (APMT). Tests were given to 1st-year veterinary medical students (n = 124) immediately before commencing the integrated veterinary medical curriculum. Results show there is a positive correlation between entry-level spatial ability and non-verbal general reasoning scores confirming these abilities are linked (r: +0.22 and +0.3 for VVT/APMT and MRT/APMT respectively). The dispersion and inconsistency of significant positive correlation between anatomy practical exams grade and spatial and general reasoning scores suggest these abilities either do not correlate with anatomy practical exams grade or, are overcome with progression through the anatomy courses. Males scored higher than females in the spatial ability tests: 16.59 vs. 12.06 for VVT (p = 0.01) and 19.0 vs. 14.68 for MRT (p = 0.01). Scores for APMT did not show a significant difference by gender.}, } @article {pmid30319161, year = {2018}, author = {Norwood, CR}, title = {Mapping the Intersections of Violence on Black Women's Sexual Health within the Jim Crow Geographies of Cincinnati Neighborhoods.}, journal = {Frontiers}, volume = {39}, number = {2}, pages = {97-135}, pmid = {30319161}, issn = {0160-9009}, support = {R25 HD045810/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Who will revere the Black woman? Who will keep our neighborhoods safe for Black innocent womanhood? Black womanhood is outraged and humiliated. Black womanhood cries for dignity and restitution and salvation. Black womanhood wants and needs protection, and keeping, and holding. Who will assuage her indignation? Who will keep her precious and pure? Who will glorify and proclaim her beautiful image? To whom will she cry rape? Abbey Lincoln, 1970.}, } @article {pmid30313452, year = {2018}, author = {Passanha, V and Brescovit, AD}, title = {On the Neotropical spider Subfamily Masteriinae (Araneae, Dipluridae).}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4463}, number = {1}, pages = {1-73}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4463.1.1}, pmid = {30313452}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures ; Animals ; Body Size ; Brazil ; Colombia ; Dominican Republic ; Female ; Martinique ; Organ Size ; Peru ; *Spiders ; Trinidad and Tobago ; Venezuela ; }, abstract = {The Neotropical species of the diplurid subfamily Masteriinae are revised and redefined. Masteriinae now comprises four genera, Masteria L. Koch, 1893, Striamea Raven, 1981, a new genus, Siremata n. gen. and Edwa Raven, 2015, a fossil genus. The type species, Masteria hirsuta L. Koch, 1893, was used as basis for comparison and the knowledge of the genus has increased. Twelve species of Masteria are redescribed and eight new species are described: M. amarumayu n. sp. and M. mutum n. sp., from Brazil; M. yacambu n. sp., from Venezuela; M. sabrinae n. sp., from Martinique; M. tayrona n. sp., from Colombia; M. aguaruna n. sp., from Peru, M. soucouyant n. sp., from Trinidad and Tobago; and M. galipote n. sp., from the Dominican Republic. Females of Masteria aimeae (Alayón, 1995) and M. golovatchi Alayón, 1995 are described for the first time. Females of M. spinosa (Petrunkevitch, 1925), M. petrunkevitchi (Chickering, 1964), M. lewisi (Chickering, 1964), M. barona (Chickering, 1966), M. downeyi (Chickering, 1966), M. simla (Chickering, 1966), M. colombiensis Raven, 1981 and M. pecki Gertsch, 1982 are illustrated for the first time and rediagnosed. Masteria tovarensis (Simon, 1889) and M. cyclops (Simon, 1889) are synonymized with M. lucifuga (Simon, 1889). Masteria modesta (Simon, 1892) is considered as species inquirendae and M. emboaba Pedroso, Baptista Bertani, 2015 is considered as incertae sedis, as the type is lost. Both species of Striamea are revised and redescribed. A new genus, Siremata n. gen., is described and includes three Amazonian species: S. valteri n. sp., S. juruti n. sp., S. lucasae n. sp. Knowledge of the distribution ranges of the Neotropical Masteriinae are increased.}, } @article {pmid30313189, year = {2018}, author = {Almeida, MQ and Salvatierra, L and De Morais, JW}, title = {A new species of Masteria L. Koch, 1873 (Dipluridae: Masteriinae) from Guyana.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4434}, number = {2}, pages = {366-368}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4434.2.6}, pmid = {30313189}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Guyana ; Male ; *Spiders ; }, abstract = {Mygalomorphs are a diverse spider group with primitive characteristics composed of the largest spider species in the world, however some species may be very small (Bond et al. 2012; Rogerio et al. 2013). The small spiders of the subfamily Masteriinae (Dipluridae, Mygalomorphae) can be found in Asia and South America (Raven 1981; Pedroso et al. 2015; WSC 2017). The subfamily is represented by two genera: Masteria L. Koch, 1873 and Striamea Raven, 1981. Masteria species can be identified by the following combination of characters: absence of cuspules in endites and labium; zero, two, six or eight eyes; and with or without paraembolic apophysis on the male palpal bulb (Raven 1981, 1985, 1991; Alayón 1995; Bertani et al. 2013; Pedroso et al. 2015). Currently, 24 species of Masteria are described, with 6 species found in South America: Masteria colombiensis, Raven, 1981 from Colombia; M. manauara Bertani, Cruz Oliveira 2013 and M. emboaba Pedroso, Baptista Bertani, 2015 from Brazil; M. cyclops (Simon 1889), M. tovarensis (Simon, 1889) and M. lucifuga (Simon, 1889) from Venezuela (WSC 2017). We document herein the first record and description of a new species of the genus Masteria from Guyana.}, } @article {pmid30309157, year = {2018}, author = {Han, J and Xiang, H and Ridley, WE and Ridley, LJ}, title = {Crow's feet: Asbestos related lung changes.}, journal = {Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology}, volume = {62 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {27}, doi = {10.1111/1754-9485.14_12785}, pmid = {30309157}, issn = {1754-9485}, mesh = {Animals ; Asbestos/*poisoning ; Asbestosis/*diagnostic imaging ; Crows ; Humans ; Lung/*diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods ; }, } @article {pmid30309092, year = {2018}, author = {Xiang, H and Han, J and Ridley, WE and Ridley, LJ}, title = {Crow's feet appearance: Fissured gallstones.}, journal = {Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology}, volume = {62 Suppl 1}, number = {}, pages = {70}, doi = {10.1111/1754-9485.18_12784}, pmid = {30309092}, issn = {1754-9485}, mesh = {Diagnosis, Differential ; Gallstones/*diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; *Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, } @article {pmid30307964, year = {2018}, author = {Hausberger, M and Boigné, A and Lesimple, C and Belin, L and Henry, L}, title = {Wide-eyed glare scares raptors: From laboratory evidence to applied management.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {10}, pages = {e0204802}, pmid = {30307964}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Eye/*physiopathology ; Glare ; Predatory Behavior/physiology ; Raptors/*physiology ; Vision, Ocular/physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Raptors are one of the most important causes of fatalities due to their collisions with aircrafts as well as being the main victims of collisions with constructions. They are difficult to deter because they are not influenced by other airspace users or ground predators. Because vision is the primary sensory mode of many diurnal raptors, we evaluated the reactions of captive raptors to a "superstimulus" (a "paradoxical effect whereby animals show greater responsiveness to an exaggerated stimulus than to the natural stimulus") that combined an "eye shape" stimulus (as many species have an aversion for this type of stimulus) and a looming movement (LE). This looming stimulus mimics an impending collision and induces avoidance in a wide range of species. In captivity, raptors showed a clear aversion for this LE stimulus. We then tested it in a real life setting: at an airport where raptors are abundant. This study is the first to show the efficiency of a visual non-invasive repellent system developed on the basis of both captive and field studies. This system deterred birds of prey and corvids through aversion, and did not induce habituation. These findings suggest applications for human security as well as bird conservation, and further research on avian visual perception and sensitivity to signals.}, } @article {pmid30298044, year = {2018}, author = {Liu, Y and Yang, X and Li, J and Kou, E and Tian, H and Huang, H}, title = {Theory of Mind Development in School-Aged Left-Behind Children in Rural China.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1819}, pmid = {30298044}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The current study aimed to investigate differences in theory of mind between left-behind children and non-left-behind children in rural China and to examine the potential protective role of general reasoning ability in left-behind children's theory of mind. Participants included 213 children aged 7.10-13.67 years (111 boys and 102 girls, M = 10.51 years, SD = 1.33), 101 of whom were left behind in rural areas by one or both migrating parents for at least 6 months. The Strange Stories task, a second-order false belief task, and a faux pas task were used to measure children's theory of mind, and Sessions B and C in Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices were used to test children's general reasoning ability. The results showed that left-behind children scored lower on both the faux pas task and Strange Stories task. Additionally, on second-order false belief understanding, left-behind boys performed worse than non-left-behind boys, while left-behind girls scored higher than non-left behind girls. Moreover, children's general reasoning ability moderated the relationship between parental migrant status and children's faux pas understanding: For children with high levels of general reasoning ability, left-behind children performed similarly to non-left-behind children, while for children with low levels of general reasoning ability, left-behind children scored lower than non-left-behind children, indicating that general reasoning ability buffered the negative effect of being left behind on children's theory of mind development. The implications of these findings for training directed at left-behind children are discussed.}, } @article {pmid30288960, year = {2019}, author = {Taufique, ST and Prabhat, A and Kumar, V}, title = {Light at night affects hippocampal and nidopallial cytoarchitecture: Implication for impairment of brain function in diurnal corvids.}, journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology}, volume = {331}, number = {2}, pages = {149-156}, doi = {10.1002/jez.2238}, pmid = {30288960}, issn = {2471-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Brain/*radiation effects ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Hippocampus/*radiation effects ; Light/*adverse effects ; Neurons/*radiation effects ; Photoperiod ; }, abstract = {Our previous studies have shown that light at night (LAN) impaired cognitive performance and affected neurogenesis and neurochemistry in the cognition-associated brain regions, particularly the hippocampus (HP) and lateral caudal nidopallium (NCL) of Indian house crows (Corvus splendens). Here, we examined the cytoarchitecture and mapped out the morphology of neurons and glia-neuron density in HP and NCL regions of crows that were first entrained to 12-hr light (LL): 12-hr darkness (LD) and then exposed to the light regime in which 12-hr darkness was either replaced by daytime light (i.e., constant light, LL) or by dim light (i.e., dim light at night, dLAN), with controls continued on LD 12:12. Compared with LD, there was a significant decrease in the soma size, suggesting reduced neuronal plasticity without affecting the neuronal density of both HP and NCL of crows under LL and dLAN conditions. In parallel, we found a reduced number of glia cells and, hence, decreased glia-neuron ratio positively correlated with soma size in both, HP and NCL regions. These results for the first time demonstrate LAN-induced negative effects on the brain cytoarchitecture of a diurnal species and give insight for possible influence on the brain health and functions in animals including humans that might be inadvertently exposed to LAN in an emerging night-illuminated urban environment.}, } @article {pmid30286069, year = {2018}, author = {Mitchell, PW}, title = {The fault in his seeds: Lost notes to the case of bias in Samuel George Morton's cranial race science.}, journal = {PLoS biology}, volume = {16}, number = {10}, pages = {e2007008}, pmid = {30286069}, issn = {1545-7885}, mesh = {Anatomy, Comparative/history ; Craniotomy/*history ; History, 19th Century ; Humans ; Organ Size ; Philadelphia ; Racial Groups ; Racism/*history ; Skull/anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {The discovery of nearly 180-year-old cranial measurements in the archives of 19th century American physician and naturalist Samuel George Morton can address a lingering debate, begun in the late 20th century by paleontologist and historian of science Stephen Jay Gould, about the unconscious bias alleged in Morton's comparative data of brain size in human racial groups. Analysis of Morton's lost data and the records of his studies does not support Gould's arguments about Morton's biased data collection. However, historical contextualization of Morton with his scientific peers, especially German anatomist Friedrich Tiedemann, suggests that, while Morton's data may have been unbiased, his cranial race science was not. Tiedemann and Morton independently produced similar data about human brain size in different racial groups but analyzed and interpreted their nearly equivalent results in dramatically different ways: Tiedemann using them to argue for equality and the abolition of slavery, and Morton using them to entrench racial divisions and hierarchy. These differences draw attention to the epistemic limitations of data and the pervasive role of bias within the broader historical, social, and cultural context of science.}, } @article {pmid30284948, year = {2019}, author = {Rogers, KH and Ley, DH and Woods, LW}, title = {Mycoplasmosis of House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) and California Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) in a Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility with Probable Nosocomial Transmission.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {55}, number = {2}, pages = {494-498}, pmid = {30284948}, issn = {1943-3700}, support = {R01 GM105245/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology/*transmission ; California/epidemiology ; Conjunctivitis, Bacterial/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Cross Infection ; Disease Outbreaks/veterinary ; Hospitals, Animal ; Mycoplasma Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {We describe an investigation of an outbreak of conjunctivitis in juvenile House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) and California Scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) at a central California, US wildlife rehabilitation facility. In late May 2015, the facility began admitting juvenile finches, the majority with normal eyes at intake. In June, with juvenile finches already present, the facility admitted juvenile scrub-jays, all with normal eyes at intake. In July, after conjunctivitis was observed in increasing numbers of juvenile finches and scrub-jays, carcasses were submitted for postmortem examination. Histopathology of five finches and three scrub-jays identified lymphocytic infiltrates in the ocular tissues. Conjunctival swabs from 87% (13/15) finches and 33% (4/12) scrub-jays were PCR-positive for Mycoplasma gallisepticum. One finch and two scrub-jays were PCR-positive for Mycoplasma synoviae. Additionally, gene sequencing (16S ribosomal RNA and 16S-23S intergenic spacer region) identified Mycoplasma sturni from 33% (3/9) scrub-jays. This outbreak of conjunctivitis suggested that M. gallisepticum-infected juvenile finches admitted to and maintained in a multispecies nursery likely resulted in transmission within the facility to healthy juvenile finches and scrub-jays. Evidence of other Mycoplasma spp. in finches and scrub-jays indicates that these species are susceptible to infection and may act as carriers. This outbreak highlighted the need for effective triage and biosecurity measures within wildlife rehabilitation facilities.}, } @article {pmid30283017, year = {2018}, author = {Lewis, MB}, title = {The interactions between botulinum-toxin-based facial treatments and embodied emotions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {14720}, pmid = {30283017}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adult ; Affect/drug effects/physiology ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*therapeutic use ; Cosmetic Techniques/*psychology ; Emotions/*drug effects ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/therapeutic use ; Neurotoxins/therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/pathology/physiology ; }, abstract = {Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections reduce muscle mobility and are commonly used to treat the appearance of glabellar frown lines. Research shows that this cosmetic treatment leads to a reduction in depression. This reduction is consistent with the theory of embodied emotions because patients have a reduced ability to frown and so receive less negative feedback associated with this action. The current research explored this effect and three further hypotheses for the effects of cosmetic BTX injections based on embodied emotions. It was hypothesised that treatment of crow's feet (or laughter lines) would reduce mood as patients' Duchenne smiles would be impaired. It was hypothesised that facial BTX treatments would impair emotional expression recognition because the ability to mimic emotions would be reduced. Finally, it was hypothesised that, as BTX treatments prevent facial expressions associated with sexual excitement, sexual function would be impaired after treatment. Twenty four BTX-treated and twelve matched participants (all female) were tested before and after treatment. Results found that BTX treatment of laughter lines was associated with increased depression scores. Further, BTX treatment was associated with reduced emotion recognition ability and sexual function. The current results add to our knowledge of the psychological effects of injections of powerful neurotoxins and broaden the scope of the embodiment of emotions.}, } @article {pmid30282404, year = {2018}, author = {Shin, DA and Kim, C and Yudoyono, F and Yun, Y and Ha, Y and Kang, S}, title = {Feasibility of Percutaneous Robot-Assisted Epiduroscopic System.}, journal = {Pain physician}, volume = {21}, number = {5}, pages = {E565-E571}, pmid = {30282404}, issn = {2150-1149}, mesh = {Animals ; Endoscopy/*instrumentation/methods ; Epidural Space/*surgery ; Feasibility Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/*instrumentation/*methods ; Robotics/instrumentation/methods ; Swine ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endoscopy has replaced open surgery, especially in spinal surgery. Among them, image-guided epiduroscopy allows pain generators to be identified, including epidural adhesion, fibrotic tissues, root compression, and spinal stenosis. However, the heavy lead apron worn by pain physicians to avoid exposure to radiation can induce occupational hazards, such as orthopedic complications and radiation-induced cancer. Hence, we developed a robotic system to address these problems.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of a robot-controlled epiduroscopic system.

STUDY DESIGN: In vivo animal experiment.

SETTING: University in Republic of Korea.

METHODS: The robot-controlled epiduroscopic system was developed using the open architecture robot system (The Raven Surgical Robotic System, CITRIS, Berkley, CA, USA). The robotic system consists of a lab-made epiduroscope, steering section, robotic arm, and manipulator. For the in vivo study, 2 Yorkshire pigs were used to simulate an epiduroscopic procedure with the robotic system.

RESULTS: The insertion and steering of the catheter was performed safely, and epiduroscopic visualization was obtained without side effects. There were no device-related complications. Radiation exposure for the primary operator was 80% lower than the levels found during conventional epiduroscopic procedures. All live pigs showed normal behavior without any signs of pain. The mean time to reach the target region was less than 8 minutes.

LIMITATIONS: The epiduroscopic procedure was performed on pigs and not on humans. The dimensions of the spinal canal of pigs cannot compare to those of humans.

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of the robot-assisted epiduroscopic system.

KEY WORDS: Epiduroscopy, robotic system, spine, pig, animal model.}, } @article {pmid30271545, year = {2018}, author = {Townsend, AK and Wheeler, SS and Freund, D and Sehgal, RNM and Boyce, WM}, title = {Links between blood parasites, blood chemistry, and the survival of nestling American crows.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {8}, number = {17}, pages = {8779-8790}, pmid = {30271545}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Many studies have used the avian hemosporidians (Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium, and Hemoproteus) to test hypotheses of host-parasite co-evolution, yet documented health and survival consequences of these blood parasites vary among studies and generalizations about their pathogenicity are debatable. In general, the negative effects of the hemosporidians are likely to be greatest during acute infections of young birds, yet most previous studies in wild passerines have examined chronic effects in adults. Here, we evaluated responses of nestling American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) to acute infection (prevalence and burden), as well as its short- and long-term survival consequences. We used panel of nine hematological and biochemical parameters that are regularly used to evaluate the health of domestic animals, including leukocyte profiles, hematocrit, and plasma proteins. We assessed the effects of infection on survival in a mark-recapture framework. Overall, 56% of crows (n = 321 samples) were infected by at least one of the three genera. Infections by all genera were associated with elevated plasma proteins and globulins, which could indicate an adaptive immune response. However, only Plasmodium infections were associated with low hematocrit (anemia) and lower fledging success, possibly mediated by the negative effect of low hematocrit values on body condition. Moreover, early Plasmodium infection (<40 days of age) had long-term survival implications: it was associated with lower apparent survival probability within 3 years after fledging. These results suggest that young crows mounted an adaptive immune response to all three genera. Short- and long-term pathological effects, however, were only apparent with Plasmodium infections.}, } @article {pmid30269648, year = {2019}, author = {Prussien, KV and Salihu, A and Abdullahi, SU and Galadanci, NA and Bulama, K and Belonwu, RO and Kirkham, FJ and Yarboi, J and Bemis, H and DeBaun, MR and Compas, BE}, title = {Associations of transcranial doppler velocity, age, and gender with cognitive function in children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria.}, journal = {Child neuropsychology : a journal on normal and abnormal development in childhood and adolescence}, volume = {25}, number = {6}, pages = {705-720}, pmid = {30269648}, issn = {1744-4136}, support = {K24 HL147017/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R21 NS080639/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 MH018921/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; U54 HD083211/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS094041/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Age Factors ; Anemia, Sickle Cell/*complications/*diagnostic imaging ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*diagnosis/*diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Gender Identity ; Humans ; Male ; Nigeria ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial/*methods ; }, abstract = {Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have elevated cerebral blood velocity relative to healthy peers. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the association between cerebral blood velocity, measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, age, and gender with cognitive function in children with SCA in Nigeria. Eighty-three children (Mage = 9.10, SD = 1.90 years; 55% female) with SCA in Nigeria completed cognitive assessments and a TCD ultrasound. The association between TCD velocity and measures of perceptual reasoning (Raven's Progressive Matrices), working memory (WISC-IV Digit Span), and executive planning (Tower of London, TOL) were assessed. Results showed that elevated TCD velocity significantly predicted lower scores on TOL Time Violations and Total Problem-Solving Time when controlling for BMI, hemoglobin level, and parent education, suggesting that TCD velocity is related to the efficiency of executive function. Further, age was negatively related to children's performance on the Ravens Matrices and TOL Total Correct, and boys showed greater deficits on the TOL Total Correct relative to girls. Moderation analyses for gender showed that there was a conditional negative association between TCD velocity and Digit Span for boys, but not for girls. Findings suggest that children with SCA in Nigeria with elevated TCD velocity are at risk for deficits in efficiency of executive planning, and boys with elevated TCD velocity are particularly at increased risk for deficits in auditory working memory. Implications of this study are important for interventions to reduce cerebral blood velocity and the use of TCD in this population.}, } @article {pmid32020956, year = {2018}, author = {Lei, F and Crow, WT and Holmes, TRH and Hain, C and Anderson, MC}, title = {Global Investigation of Soil Moisture and Latent Heat Flux Coupling Strength.}, journal = {Water resources research}, volume = {54}, number = {10}, pages = {8196-8215}, pmid = {32020956}, issn = {0043-1397}, support = {N-999999/ImNASA/Intramural NASA/United States ; }, abstract = {As a key variable in the climate system, soil moisture (SM) plays a central role in the earth's terrestrial water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles through its coupling with surface latent heat flux (LH). Despite the need to accurately represent SM/LH coupling in earth system models, we currently lack quantitative, observation-based, and unbiased estimates of its strength. Here, we utilize the triple collocation (TC) approach introduced in Crow et al. (2015) to SM and LH products obtained from multiple satellite remote sensing platforms and land surface models (LSMs) to obtain unbiased global maps of SM/LH coupling strength. Results demonstrate that, relative to coupling strength estimates acquired directly from remote sensing-based datasets, the application of TC generally enhances estimates of warm-season SM/LH coupling, especially in the western United States, the Sahel, Central Asia, and Australia. However, relative to triple collocation estimates, LSMs (still) over-predict SM/LH coupling strength along transitional climate regimes between wet and dry climates, such as the central Great Plains of North America, India, and coastal Australia. Specific climate zones with biased relations in LSMs are identified to geographically focus the re-examination of LSM parameterizations. TC-based coupling strength estimates are robust to our choice of LSM contributing SM and LH products to the TC analysis. Given their robustness, TC-based coupling strength estimates can serve as an objective benchmark for investigating model predicted SM/LH coupling.}, } @article {pmid30267304, year = {2018}, author = {Naumczyk, P and Sawicka, AK and Brzeska, B and Sabisz, A and Jodzio, K and Radkowski, M and Czachowska, K and Winklewski, PJ and Finc, K and Szurowska, E and Demkow, U and Szarmach, A}, title = {Cognitive Predictors of Cortical Thickness in Healthy Aging.}, journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology}, volume = {1116}, number = {}, pages = {51-62}, doi = {10.1007/5584_2018_265}, pmid = {30267304}, issn = {0065-2598}, mesh = {Aged ; Brain/*diagnostic imaging ; *Cognition ; Female ; *Healthy Aging ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {This study seeks to define the role of predictive values of the motor speed, inhibition control, and fluid and crystallized intelligence in estimating the cortical thickness in healthy elderly. Forty-six older healthy subjects (37 women, 9 men) over 60 years of age were included in the study. The participants were examined on 3.0 T MRI scanners. The protocol included standard anatomical sequences, to exclude brain pathology, and a high-resolution T1-weighted sequence used to estimate the cortical thickness. The neuropsychological protocol included fluid intelligence assessment (Raven Progressive Matrices), crystalized intelligence assessment (information or vocabulary subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R)), and executive functioning (Color Traits Test). The findings unraveled several interdependencies. The higher the intelligence, the thicker was the grey matter in nine regions of both hemispheres, but also some paradoxical reversed associations were found in four areas; all of them were localized along different sections of the cingulate gyrus in both hemispheres. An inverse association was found between crystallized intelligence and the thickness of the pars opecularis of the right hemisphere. The better the executive functioning, the thicker was the grey matter of a given region. The better the motor performance, the thicker was the grey matter of the rostral middle frontal area of the left hemisphere and the lingual gyrus of both hemispheres. In conclusion, the associations unraveled demonstrate that the neural mechanisms underlying healthy aging are complex and heterogenic across different cognitive domains and neuroanatomical regions. No brain aging theory seems to provide a suitable interpretative framework for all the results. A novel, more integrative approach to the brain aging should be considered.}, } @article {pmid30256169, year = {2018}, author = {Elderbrock, EK and Small, TW and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Adult Provisioning Influences Nestling Corticosterone Levels in Florida Scrub Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Physiological and biochemical zoology : PBZ}, volume = {91}, number = {6}, pages = {1083-1090}, doi = {10.1086/700258}, pmid = {30256169}, issn = {1537-5293}, mesh = {Animals ; Corticosterone/*blood ; Female ; *Maternal Behavior ; *Nesting Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {We studied Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) nestlings to examine the relationship between parental feeding rates and levels of corticosterone (CORT), a metabolic and stress-related steroid hormone hypothesized to play a role in mediating begging behavior. It has been documented that nutritional deficiency results in increased glucocorticoid levels in nestling birds. Further, previous studies have found that CORT levels of Florida scrub jay nestlings are negatively correlated with parental nest attendance and provisioning rates; however, the behavioral observations were made several days before the collection of samples to assess CORT levels. Few studies have investigated whether experience immediately before sampling impacts nestling glucocorticoid levels, especially in a free-living species. By monitoring parental activity at the nest before sample collection, we found that nestling CORT levels varied as a function of parental provisioning rate and the time since their last feed. However, counter to our predictions, higher provisioning rates and more recent feedings were associated with higher CORT levels in nestlings rather than lower CORT levels. These results suggest that some aspect of parental provisioning results in increased CORT levels in nestling Florida scrub jays.}, } @article {pmid30253153, year = {2018}, author = {Rutz, C and Hunt, GR and St Clair, JJH}, title = {Corvid Technologies: How Do New Caledonian Crows Get Their Tool Designs?.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {18}, pages = {R1109-R1111}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.08.031}, pmid = {30253153}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {*Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Recent research shows that New Caledonian crows can incorporate information from researcher-made objects into objects they subsequently manufacture. This 'mental template matching' is one of several possible - mutually compatible - mechanisms for the cultural transmission of tool designs among wild crows.}, } @article {pmid30238146, year = {2018}, author = {Ganz, K and Jenni, L and Madry, MM and Kraemer, T and Jenny, H and Jenny, D}, title = {Acute and Chronic Lead Exposure in Four Avian Scavenger Species in Switzerland.}, journal = {Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology}, volume = {75}, number = {4}, pages = {566-575}, doi = {10.1007/s00244-018-0561-7}, pmid = {30238146}, issn = {1432-0703}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; *Birds ; Bone and Bones/chemistry ; Crows ; Eagles ; Ecotoxicology/methods ; Environmental Exposure/*analysis ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Falconiformes ; Lead/*analysis/pharmacokinetics ; Lead Poisoning/*veterinary ; Liver/chemistry ; Species Specificity ; Switzerland ; Tissue Distribution ; }, abstract = {Despite irrefutable evidence of its negative impact on animal behaviour and physiology, lethal and sublethal lead poisoning of wildlife is still persistent and widespread. For scavenging birds, ingestion of ammunition, or fragments thereof, is the major exposure route. In this study, we examined the occurrence of lead in four avian scavengers of Switzerland and how it differs between species, regions, and age of the bird. We measured lead concentration in liver and bone of the two main alpine avian scavengers (golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos and bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus) over the entire area of the Swiss Alps and two of the main avian scavengers occurring in the lowlands of Switzerland (red kite Milvus milvus and common raven Corvus corax). Of those four species, only the bearded vulture is an obligate scavenger. We found that lead burdens in the two alpine avian scavengers were higher than those found for the same species elsewhere in Europe or North America and reached levels compatible with acute poisoning, whereas lead burdens of the two lowland avian scavengers seemed to be lower. Several golden eagles, but only one red kite with abnormally high bone lead concentrations were found. In all four species, a substantial proportion of birds had elevated levels which presumably represent recent (liver lead levels) or past (bone lead levels) uptake of sublethal doses of lead.}, } @article {pmid30235385, year = {2018}, author = {Makino, ET and Jain, A and Tan, P and Nguyen, A and Moga, A and Charmel, C and Kadoya, K and Cheng, T and Mehta, RC}, title = {Clinical Efficacy of a Novel Two-Part Skincare System on Pollution-Induced Skin Damage.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {17}, number = {9}, pages = {975-981}, pmid = {30235385}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Air Pollutants/*adverse effects ; Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage/chemistry/*therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Drug Compounding ; Facial Dermatoses/etiology/metabolism/*prevention & control ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Air pollution continues to be a global health concern and recent studies have shown that air pollutants can cause skin damage and skin aging through several pathways that induce oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and skin barrier dysfunction. Preventive measures need to be considered to retain optimal skin health, and topical skincare products may be able to alleviate the negative effects of air pollution on skin. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical usage study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a novel two-part skincare system (LVS) that was developed to provide protection against environmental skin aggressors including air pollution. After 8 weeks of use in subjects exposed to extremely high levels of pollution, LVS provided significant improvements compared to placebo in all clinical efficacy parameters including crow's feet wrinkles, overall skin damage, skin tone evenness, tactile roughness, and visible redness. Subject self-assessment questionnaires showed that the treatment product was highly rated in self-perceived efficacy. Decreased SQOOH and MDA content in skin swab samples suggest that LVS helped to reduce oxidative stress in patients' skin. Histological analyses of biopsy samples using biomarkers related to skin structure, damage and function (collagen IV, MMP1, CPD, and CD1a) further support the clinical benefits of LVS. Altogether, the presented study is among the first to show that topical skincare products can help to reduce pollution-induced skin damage and improve skin quality, especially when specifically formulated with active ingredients that combat the harmful effects of air pollutants. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(9):975-981.}, } @article {pmid30228952, year = {2018}, author = {Baldauf, MC and Gerke, JS and Kirschner, A and Blaeschke, F and Effenberger, M and Schober, K and Rubio, RA and Kanaseki, T and Kiran, MM and Dallmayer, M and Musa, J and Akpolat, N and Akatli, AN and Rosman, FC and Özen, Ö and Sugita, S and Hasegawa, T and Sugimura, H and Baumhoer, D and Knott, MML and Sannino, G and Marchetto, A and Li, J and Busch, DH and Feuchtinger, T and Ohmura, S and Orth, MF and Thiel, U and Kirchner, T and Grünewald, TGP}, title = {Systematic identification of cancer-specific MHC-binding peptides with RAVEN.}, journal = {Oncoimmunology}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {e1481558}, pmid = {30228952}, issn = {2162-4011}, abstract = {Immunotherapy can revolutionize anti-cancer therapy if specific targets are available. Immunogenic peptides encoded by cancer-specific genes (CSGs) may enable targeted immunotherapy, even of oligo-mutated cancers, which lack neo-antigens generated by protein-coding missense mutations. Here, we describe an algorithm and user-friendly software named RAVEN (Rich Analysis of Variable gene Expressions in Numerous tissues) that automatizes the systematic and fast identification of CSG-encoded peptides highly affine to Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC) starting from transcriptome data. We applied RAVEN to a dataset assembled from 2,678 simultaneously normalized gene expression microarrays comprising 50 tumor entities, with a focus on oligo-mutated pediatric cancers, and 71 normal tissue types. RAVEN performed a transcriptome-wide scan in each cancer entity for gender-specific CSGs, and identified several established CSGs, but also many novel candidates potentially suitable for targeting multiple cancer types. The specific expression of the most promising CSGs was validated in cancer cell lines and in a comprehensive tissue-microarray. Subsequently, RAVEN identified likely immunogenic CSG-encoded peptides by predicting their affinity to MHCs and excluded sequence identity to abundantly expressed proteins by interrogating the UniProt protein-database. The predicted affinity of selected peptides was validated in T2-cell peptide-binding assays in which many showed binding-kinetics like a very immunogenic influenza control peptide. Collectively, we provide an exquisitely curated catalogue of cancer-specific and highly MHC-affine peptides across 50 cancer types, and a freely available software (https://github.com/JSGerke/RAVENsoftware) to easily apply our algorithm to any gene expression dataset. We anticipate that our peptide libraries and software constitute a rich resource to advance anti-cancer immunotherapy.}, } @article {pmid30225178, year = {2018}, author = {Cucco, M and Bowman, R}, title = {Mass fluctuation in breeding females, males, and helpers of the Florida scrub-jay Aphelocoma coerulescens.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5607}, pmid = {30225178}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Much evidence suggests that birds actively regulate their body mass reserves relative to their energy needs. Energy requirements during reproduction may differ in relation to sex-specific behavioural roles or, in the case of cooperative breeders, breeders relative to helpers. We measured body mass of free-living Florida scrub-jays throughout the nesting season by training them to land on an electronic balance. Jays exhibited a pattern of diurnal linear mass gain, from morning to afternoon. Day-to-day mass fluctuations, defined as the difference between mass on two consecutive days, were small (>80% were within 2 g, less than 3% of the mass of an adult bird) for all classes of jays: female breeders, male breeders and prebreeding helpers. The jays, which live in subtropical south-central Florida, did not exhibit changes in day-to-day mass fluctuation relative to weather or climate variables or calendar date. Day-to-day mass fluctuations influenced mass fluctuation between the following third and fourth days. These changes were usually compensatory, indicating that jays are able to regulate their body mass on a short-term basis, despite strong differences in their roles in reproduction. During reproduction, jays have a relatively predictable and abundant food supply, thus the appropriate strategy may be to maintain a stable body mass that balances some energy reserves against maintaining a low body mass for efficient flight, as required during reproduction.}, } @article {pmid30222228, year = {2019}, author = {Townsend, AK and Taff, CC and Jones, ML and Getman, KH and Wheeler, SS and Hinton, MG and Logsdon, RM}, title = {Apparent inbreeding preference despite inbreeding depression in the American crow.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {1116-1126}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14866}, pmid = {30222228}, issn = {1365-294X}, support = {(13-2735)//ANR Competitive Grant from the University of California at Davis/International ; 1555754//National Science Foundation/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; California ; Crows/*genetics/physiology ; Heterozygote ; Inbreeding ; Inbreeding Depression/*genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; New York ; Reproduction/*genetics ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; }, abstract = {Although matings between relatives can have negative effects on offspring fitness, apparent inbreeding preference has been reported in a growing number of systems, including those with documented inbreeding depression. Here, we examined evidence for inbreeding depression and inbreeding preference in two populations (Clinton, New York, and Davis, California, USA) of the cooperatively breeding American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). We then compared observed inbreeding strategies with theoretical expectations for optimal, adaptive levels of inbreeding, given the inclusive fitness benefits and population-specific magnitude of inbreeding depression. We found that low heterozygosity at a panel of 33 microsatellite markers was associated with low survival probability (fledging success) and low white blood cell counts among offspring in both populations. Despite these costs, our data were more consistent with inbreeding preference than avoidance: The observed heterozygosity among 396 sampled crow offspring was significantly lower than expected if local adults were mating by random chance. This pattern was consistent across a range of spatial scales in both populations. Adaptive levels of inbreeding, given the magnitude of inbreeding depression, were predicted to be very low in the California population, whereas complete disassortative mating was predicted in the New York population. Sexual conflict might have contributed to the apparent absence of inbreeding avoidance in crows. These data add to an increasing number of examples of an "inbreeding paradox," where inbreeding appears to be preferred despite inbreeding depression.}, } @article {pmid30218871, year = {2018}, author = {Herring, G and Eagles-Smith, CA and Varland, DE}, title = {Mercury and lead exposure in avian scavengers from the Pacific Northwest suggest risks to California condors: Implications for reintroduction and recovery.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {243}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {610-619}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.005}, pmid = {30218871}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; California ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Environmental Exposure/analysis ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Falconiformes/*metabolism ; Fishes ; Lead/*metabolism ; Mercury/*metabolism ; Northwestern United States ; Risk ; }, abstract = {Mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are widespread contaminants that pose risks to avian scavengers. In fact, Pb exposure is the primary factor limiting population recovery in the endangered California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) and Hg can impair avian reproduction at environmentally relevant exposures. The Pacific Northwest region of the US was historically part of the condor's native range, and efforts are underway to expand recovery into this area. To identify potential threats to reintroduced condors we assessed foraging habitats, Hg and Pb exposure, and physiological responses in two surrogate avian scavenger species (common ravens [Corvus corax] and turkey vultures [Cathartes aura] across the region between 2012 and 2016. Mercury exposure near the Pacific coast was 17-27-fold higher than in inland areas, and stable carbon and sulfur isotopes ratios indicated that coastal scavengers were highly reliant on marine prey. In contrast, Pb concentrations were uniformly elevated across the region, with 18% of the birds exposed to subclinical poisoning levels. Elevated Pb concentrations were associated with lower delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity, and in ravens there was an interactive effect between Hg and Pb on fecal corticosterone concentrations. This interaction indicated that the effects of Hg and Pb exposure on the stress axis are bidirectional, and depend on the magnitude of simultaneous exposure to the other contaminant. Our results suggest that condors released to the Pacific Northwest may be exposed to both elevated Hg and Pb, posing challenges to management of future condor populations in the Pacific Northwest. Developing a robust monitoring program for reintroduced condors and surrogate scavengers will help both better understand the drivers of exposure and predict the likelihood of impaired health. These findings provide a strong foundation for such an effort, providing resource managers with valuable information to help mitigate potential risks.}, } @article {pmid30218624, year = {2018}, author = {Taufique, SKT and Prabhat, A and Kumar, V}, title = {Illuminated night alters hippocampal gene expressions and induces depressive-like responses in diurnal corvids.}, journal = {The European journal of neuroscience}, volume = {48}, number = {9}, pages = {3005-3018}, doi = {10.1111/ejn.14157}, pmid = {30218624}, issn = {1460-9568}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomarkers/blood ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/biosynthesis/genetics ; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology ; Corticosterone/blood ; Crows ; Depression/etiology/*genetics/*metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Hippocampus/*metabolism ; Lighting/*adverse effects ; Melatonin/blood/genetics ; Photoperiod ; }, abstract = {Artificial light at night induces circadian disruptions and causes cognitive impairment and mood disorders; yet very little is known about the neural and molecular correlates of these effects in diurnal animals. We manipulated the night environment and examined cellular and molecular changes in hippocampus, the brain region involved in cognition and mood, of Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) exposed to 12 hr light (150 lux): 12 hr darkness (0 lux). Diurnal corvids are an ideal model species with cognitive abilities at par with mammals. Dim light (6 lux) at night (dLAN) altered daily activity:rest pattern, reduced sleep, and induced depressive-like responses (decreased eating and self-grooming, self-mutilation, and reduced novel object exploration); return to an absolute dark night reversed these negative effects. dLAN suppressed nocturnal melatonin levels; however, diurnal corticosterone levels were unaffected. Concomitant reduction of immunoreactivity for DCX and BDNF suggested dLAN-induced suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis and compromised neuronal health. dLAN also negatively influenced hippocampal expression of genes associated with depressive-like responses (bdnf, il-1β, tnfr1, nr4a2), but not of those associated with neuronal plasticity (egr1, creb, syngap, syn2, grin2a, grin2b), cellular oxidative stress (gst, sod3, cat1) and neuronal death (caspase2, caspase3, foxo3). Furthermore, we envisaged the role of BDNF and showed epigenetic modification of bdnf gene by decreased histone H3 acetylation and increased hdac4 expression under dLAN. These results demonstrate transcriptional and epigenetic bases of dLAN-induced negative effects in diurnal crows, and provide insights into the risks of exposure to illuminated nights to animals including humans in an urban setting.}, } @article {pmid30215276, year = {2019}, author = {Simonds, VW and Kim, FL and LaVeaux, D and Pickett, V and Milakovich, J and Cummins, J}, title = {Guardians of the Living Water: Using a Health Literacy Framework to Evaluate a Child as Change Agent Intervention.}, journal = {Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {349-359}, pmid = {30215276}, issn = {1552-6127}, support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Child ; Community-Based Participatory Research ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; *Health Literacy ; Humans ; Indians, North American/*psychology ; Male ; Program Development ; Program Evaluation ; *Water Pollution ; *Water Supply ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: American Indian communities in the United States experience considerable health inequities, including increased exposure to environmental contaminants. Consequently, community members of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation identified the lack of water-related environmental knowledge among children as an area of concern.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to provide a feasibility evaluation of an increasingly sophisticated environmental health literacy program for children.

METHOD: A community-academic partnership developed and piloted the Guardians of the Living Water program to increase environmental health literacy among children and their families on the Crow reservation. Nutbeam's framework for health literacy, a schema based on functional, interactive, and critical literacy, shaped the program evaluation. We used a within-subjects, quasi-experimental design without a control group. Interviews with children and parents were used to assess the feasibility of the program, while pre-/posttests assessed changes in knowledge, skills, and behavior.

RESULTS: Compared with preintervention responses, those from postintervention indicated significant increases for selected knowledge and attitude components. Based on qualitative interviews with children and caregivers, the camp was a valuable experience and increased knowledge of water quality science and reinforced cultural knowledge.

DISCUSSION: This success of our program stems from the trust initially built between partners and then expanded throughout the community. The program and the evaluation benefited from both the health literacy framework and from our integration of Apsáalooke values.

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a community-based intervention designed to increase environmental health literacy among youth and their social networks is feasible and acceptable to this American Indian community.}, } @article {pmid30205027, year = {2018}, author = {Wheatcroft, D and Price, TD}, title = {Collective Action Promoted by Key Individuals.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {192}, number = {4}, pages = {401-414}, doi = {10.1086/698874}, pmid = {30205027}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cooperative Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Social Behavior ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Explaining why individuals participate in risky group behaviors has been a long-term challenge. We experimentally studied the formation of groups of birds (mobs) that aggressively confront predators and avian nest parasites and developed a theoretical model to evaluate the conditions under which mobs arise. We presented taxidermied mounts of predators on adult birds (hawks and owls) and of nest threats (crows and cuckoos) at different distances to nests of Phylloscopus warblers. Even when alone, birds are aggressive toward predators of adult birds, both at and away from their nests. By contrast, birds aggressively confront nest threats alone only when they have a nest nearby. However, strong initial responses by nest owners lead individuals without nearby nests to increase their responses, thereby generating a mob. Building on these findings, we derive the conditions in which individuals are incentivized to invest more when joining a high-gain individual compared to when acting alone. Strong responses of high-gain individuals acting alone tend to reduce the investments of other high-gain individuals that subsequently join. However, individuals that benefit sufficiently little from acting alone increase their investments when joining a high-gain individual and can even be sufficiently incentivized to join in when they would otherwise not act alone. Together, these results suggest an important role for key individuals in the generation of some group behaviors.}, } @article {pmid30200421, year = {2018}, author = {Rahman, A and Al-Taiar, A and Shaban, L and Al-Sabah, R and Al-Harbi, A and Mojiminiyi, O}, title = {Plasma 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Is Not Associated with Either Cognitive Function or Academic Performance in Adolescents.}, journal = {Nutrients}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {30200421}, issn = {2072-6643}, support = {WF02/13//Kuwait University/ ; }, mesh = {*Academic Performance ; Adolescent ; *Adolescent Behavior ; Age Factors ; Biomarkers/blood ; Child ; *Child Behavior ; *Cognition ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Kuwait ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin D/*analogs & derivatives/blood ; Vitamin D Deficiency/*blood/diagnosis/psychology ; }, abstract = {Several observational studies have reported an association between low levels of vitamin D (VD) and poor cognition in adults, but there is a paucity of data on such an association in adolescents. We investigated the association between VD and cognitive function or academic achievement among 1370 adolescents, who were selected from public middle schools in Kuwait, using stratified multistage cluster random sampling with probability proportional to size. Plasma 25-hydroxy VD (25-OH-D) was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). An age-adjusted standard score (ASC), calculated from Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test, was used to evaluate cognitive function; academic achievements were extracted from the schools' records. Data on various covariates were collected from the parents through a self-administered questionnaire and from the adolescents using face-to-face interviews. 25-OH-D was weakly correlated positively with ASC (ρ = 0.06; p = 0.04). Univariable linear regression analysis showed an association between 25-OH-D categories and ASC after adjusting for gender, but adjusting for parental education was sufficient to explain this association. Multivariable analysis showed no association between 25-OH-D and ASC after adjusting for potential confounders whether 25-OH-D was fitted as a continuous variable (p = 0.73), a variable that is categorized by acceptable cutoff points (p = 0.48), or categorized into quartiles (p = 0.88). Similarly, 25-OH-D was not associated with academic performance. We conclude that 25-OH-D is associated with neither cognitive function nor academic performance in adolescents.}, } @article {pmid30194522, year = {2018}, author = {Ţălu, Ş and Morozov, IA and Sobola, D and Škarvada, P}, title = {Multifractal Characterization of Butterfly Wings Scales.}, journal = {Bulletin of mathematical biology}, volume = {80}, number = {11}, pages = {2856-2870}, doi = {10.1007/s11538-018-0490-7}, pmid = {30194522}, issn = {1522-9602}, mesh = {Animal Scales/*ultrastructure ; Animals ; Butterflies/*ultrastructure ; Fractals ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Mathematical Concepts ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Models, Biological ; Nanostructures/ultrastructure ; Pigmentation ; Surface Properties ; Wings, Animal/*ultrastructure ; }, abstract = {A lot of insect families have physical structures created by evolution for coloration. These structures are a source of ideas for new bio-inspired materials. The aim of this study was to quantitatively characterize the micromorphology of butterfly wings scales using atomic force microscopy and multifractal analysis. Two types of butterflies, Euploea mulciber ("striped blue crow") and Morpho didius ("giant blue morpho"), were studied. The three-dimensional (3D) surface texture of the butterfly wings scales was investigated focusing on two areas: where the perceived colors strongly depend on and where they do not depend on the viewing angle. The results highlight a correlation between the surface coloration and 3D surface microtexture of butterfly wings scales.}, } @article {pmid30189245, year = {2018}, author = {Seppänen, MRJ}, title = {Novel cytoskeletal mutations with immunodeficiency: Why is the raven like a writing desk?.}, journal = {The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology}, volume = {142}, number = {5}, pages = {1444-1446}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaci.2018.08.020}, pmid = {30189245}, issn = {1097-6825}, mesh = {Actins ; Animals ; *Crows ; Mutation ; WD40 Repeats ; *Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome ; Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein/genetics ; Writing ; }, } @article {pmid30186962, year = {2018}, author = {Kramer, S and Vasil, KJ and Adunka, OF and Pisoni, DB and Moberly, AC}, title = {Cognitive Functions in Adult Cochlear Implant Users, Cochlear Implant Candidates, and Normal-Hearing Listeners.}, journal = {Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology}, volume = {3}, number = {4}, pages = {304-310}, pmid = {30186962}, issn = {2378-8038}, support = {K23 DC015539/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC000111/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC015257/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001070/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Increasing evidence suggests that hearing loss may be linked to cognitive decline, and that cochlear implantation may lead to improvements in cognition. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of severe-to-profound hearing loss and cochlear implantation in post-lingually deafened adults, compared with age-matched normal-hearing (NH) peers. Participants were tested on several non-auditory measures of cognition: working memory (WM) (digit span, object span, symbol span), non-verbal reasoning (Raven's progressive matrices), information-processing speed and inhibitory control (Stroop test), speed of phonological and lexical access (Test of Word Reading Efficiency), and verbal learning and memory (California Verbal Learning Test). Demographic measures were also collected.

METHODS: Cohort study at tertiary neurotology center. Forty-three post-lingually deafened experienced CI users, 19 post-lingually deafened CI candidates, and 40 age-matched NH controls with no cognitive impairment were enrolled. Comparisons among the groups on the cognitive measures were performed.

RESULTS: Adult CI users and CI candidates demonstrated worse (or a trend towards worse) performance as compared with NH peers on non-verbal reasoning, information-processing speed, speed of lexical access, and verbal learning and memory. However, after controlling for gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and vocabulary knowledge among groups, some of these differences were no longer significant. Similarly, large differences were not found in most cognitive abilities between experienced CI users and CI candidates.

CONCLUSIONS: Adult CI users, CI candidates, and NH peers generally demonstrated equivalent non-auditory cognitive abilities, after controlling for gender, SES, and vocabulary knowledge. These findings provide support for a link between cognitive decline and hearing loss, but this association may be partly attributable to group differences in SES and vocabulary knowledge.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.}, } @article {pmid30155970, year = {2018}, author = {Pritchard, M and Hilari, K and Cocks, N and Dipper, L}, title = {Psychometric properties of discourse measures in aphasia: acceptability, reliability, and validity.}, journal = {International journal of language & communication disorders}, volume = {53}, number = {6}, pages = {1078-1093}, doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.12420}, pmid = {30155970}, issn = {1460-6984}, mesh = {Aphasia/*physiopathology ; Comprehension ; Humans ; *Language ; Psychometrics/methods ; Qualitative Research ; Reproducibility of Results ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Speech Intelligibility ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Discourse in adults with aphasia is increasingly the focus of assessment and therapy research. A broad range of measures is available to describe discourse, but very limited information is available on their psychometric properties. As a result, the quality of these measures is unknown, and there is very little evidence to motivate the choice of one measure over another.

AIMS: To explore the quality of a range of discourse measures, targeting sentence structure, coherence, story structure and cohesion. Quality was evaluated in terms of the psychometric properties of acceptability (data completeness and skewness), reliability (inter- and intra-rater), and validity (content, convergent, discriminant and known groups).

METHODS & PROCEDURES: Participants with chronic mild-to-moderate aphasia were recruited from community groups. They produced a range of discourses which were grouped into Cinderella and everyday discourses. Discourses were then transcribed orthographically and analyzed using macro- and microlinguistic measures (Story Grammar, Topic Coherence, Local Coherence, Reference Chains and Predicate Argument Structure-PAS). Data were evaluated against standard predetermined criteria to ascertain the psychometric quality of the measures.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A total of 17 participants took part in the study. All measures had high levels of acceptability, inter- and intra-rater reliability, and had good content validity, as they could be related to a level of the theoretical model of discourse production. For convergent validity, as expected, 8/10 measures correlated with the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) spontaneous speech scores, and 7/10 measures correlated with the Kissing and Dancing Test (KDT) scores (r ≥ 0.3), giving an overall positive rating for construct validity. For discriminant validity, as predicted, all measures had low correlations with Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and WAB-R Auditory Verbal Comprehension scores (r < 0.3), giving an overall positive rating for construct validity. Finally, for known groups validity, all measures indicated a difference between speakers with mild and moderate aphasia except for the Local Coherence measures. Overall, Story Grammar, Topic Coherence, Reference Chains and PAS emerged as the strongest measures in the current study because they achieved the predetermined thresholds for quality in terms of each of the psychometric parameters profiled.

The current study is the first to psychometrically profile measures of discourse in aphasia. It contributes to the field by identifying Story Grammar, Topic Coherence, Reference Chains and PAS as the most psychometrically robust discourse measures yet profiled with speakers with aphasia. Until further data are available indicating the strength of other discourse measures, caution should be applied when using them.}, } @article {pmid30153302, year = {2018}, author = {Cuneo, F and Antonietti, JP and Mohr, C}, title = {Unkept promises of cognitive styles: A new look at old measurements.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e0203115}, pmid = {30153302}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Psychological ; *Personality ; Personality Inventory ; Psychometrics ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Thinking ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Cognitive style is thought to be a stable marker of one's way to approach mental operations. While of wide interest over the last decades, its operationalization remains a challenge. The literature indicates that cognitive styles assessed via i) questionnaires are predicted by personality and ii) performance tests (e.g., Group Embedded Figures Test; GEFT) are related to general intelligence. In the first study, we tested the psychometric relationship between the Cognitive Style Index questionnaire (CSI) and personality inventories (NEO Five Factor Inventory; NEO-FFI, HEXACO Personality Inventory Revised; HEXACO-PI-R). In the second study, we assessed the CSI, NEO-FFI, GEFT and a general intelligence test (Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Test; RSMT). We found that CSI scores were largely predicted by personality and that CSI was uncorrelated with GEFT performance. Instead, better performance on the GEFT was associated with better performance on the RSMT. We conclude that i) cognitive style questionnaires overlap with personality inventories, ii) cognitive style performance tests do not measure cognitive styles and should not be used as such and iii) the cognitive style concept needs to be assessed with alternative measurement types. We discuss possible future directions.}, } @article {pmid30141148, year = {2018}, author = {Aharoni, T and Goldbourt, A}, title = {Rapid automated determination of chemical shift anisotropy values in the carbonyl and carboxyl groups of fd-y21m bacteriophage using solid state NMR.}, journal = {Journal of biomolecular NMR}, volume = {72}, number = {1-2}, pages = {55-67}, pmid = {30141148}, issn = {1573-5001}, support = {847/17//Israel Science Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {*Anisotropy ; Bacteriophage M13/*chemistry ; Carbon Isotopes ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Motion ; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular/*methods ; Protein Conformation ; Proteins/*chemistry ; Software ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Determination of chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) in immobilized proteins and protein assemblies is one of several tools to determine protein dynamics on the timescales of microseconds and faster. The large CSA values of C=O groups in the rigid limit makes them in particular attractive for measurements of large amplitude motions, or their absence. In this study, we implement a 3D R-symmetry-based sequence that recouples the second spatial component of the [13]C CSA with the corresponding isotropic [13]C'-[13]C cross-peaks in order to probe backbone and sidechain dynamics in an intact fd-y21m filamentous phage viral capsid. The assignment of the isotropic cross-peaks and the analysis were conducted automatically using a new software named 'Raven'. The software can be utilized to auto-assign any 2D [13]C-[13]C or [15]N-[13]C spectrum given a previously-determined assignment table and generates simultaneously all intensity curves acquired in the third dimension. Here, all CSA spectra were automatically generated, and subsequently matched against a simulated set of CSA curves to yield their values. For the multi-copy, 50-residue-long protein capsid of fd-y21m, the backbone of the helical region is rigid, with reduced CSA values of ~ 12.5 kHz (~ 83 ppm). The N-terminus shows motionally-averaged CSA lineshapes and the carboxylic sidechain groups of four residues indicate large amplitude motions for D4, D5, D12 and E20. The current results further strengthen our previous studies of [15]N CSA values and are in agreement with qualitative analysis of [13]C-[13]C dipolar build-up curves, which were automatically obtained using our software. Our automated analysis technique is general and can be applied to study protein structure and dynamics, with data resulting from experiments that probe different variables such as relaxation rates and scaled anisotropic interactions.}, } @article {pmid30137290, year = {2018}, author = {Jamborova, I and Janecko, N and Halova, D and Sedmik, J and Mezerova, K and Papousek, I and Kutilova, I and Dolejska, M and Cizek, A and Literak, I}, title = {Molecular characterization of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase- and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae among corvids (Corvus brachyrhynchos and Corvus corax) roosting in Canada.}, journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology}, volume = {94}, number = {11}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiy166}, pmid = {30137290}, issn = {1574-6941}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics ; Canada ; Crows/*microbiology ; Escherichia coli/classification/enzymology/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Feces/microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/enzymology/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Plasmids/genetics ; beta-Lactamases/*genetics ; }, abstract = {This study evaluated the carriage of AmpC and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes and associated plasmids in faecal bacteria of Canadian corvids. Faecal samples from 449 birds in five roosting sites across Canada were analyzed using selective media, screening for AmpC and ESBL genes by PCR, and sequencing. Genomic relatedness was determined by PFGE and MLST. Plasmid mobility was studied by conjugation and transformation experiments, followed by plasmid typing. In total, 96 (21%, n = 449) cefotaxime-resistant Escherichia coli and three (0.7%) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were identified. ESBL genes blaCTX-M-1 (n = 3), blaCTX-M-14 (n = 2), blaCTX-M-32 (n = 2) and blaCTX-M-124 (n = 1) were detected in eight E. coli isolates, whereas blaSHV-2 (2) was found in two K. pneumoniae. E. coli isolates contained blaCMY-2 (n = 83) and blaCMY-42 (n = 1). The high genetic diversity of the isolates and presence of clinically important E. coli ST69 (n = 1), ST117 (n = 7) and ST131 (n = 1) was revealed. AmpC genes were predominantly carried by plasmids of incompatibility groups I1 (45 plasmids), A/C (10) and K (7). The plasmid IncI1/ST12 was most common and found in diverse E. coli STs in all sites. Highly diverse E. coli isolates containing AmpC and ESBL genes, including clinically important clones and emerging plasmids, are in circulation throughout Canadian wildlife.}, } @article {pmid30132462, year = {2018}, author = {Berdina, ON and Rychkova, LV and Madaeva, IM}, title = {[Characteristics of sleep structure in schoolchildren with high intellectual abilities].}, journal = {Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova}, volume = {118}, number = {7}, pages = {78-81}, doi = {10.17116/jnevro20181187178}, pmid = {30132462}, issn = {1997-7298}, mesh = {Arousal ; *Electroencephalography ; Humans ; Polysomnography ; *Sleep ; }, abstract = {AIM: To study characteristics of sleep structure based on polysomnography (PSG) data of intellectually gifted schoolchildren.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-four 8-9 grade schoolchildren of the boarding school were examined. In the first stage, the level of intellectual development was assessed with Raven's Progressive Matrices. An analysis of medical history and clinical examination were performed as well. Based on the result of testing, the adolescents were divided into medium intelligence group (n=15) and high intelligence group (n=29). The second stage included PSG examination.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a trend towards an increase in sleep latency with a significant decrease of deep sleep, a significant decrease in REM-sleep latency and an increase in the number of REM-sleep episodes in the high intelligence group. No significant differences in waking after sleep onset, number of arousals (EEG activations) and respiratory events, and oxygen saturation levels were identified. The characteristics of PSG in intellectually gifted schoolchildren should be considered as a compensatory and adaptive reaction in response to constant increased intellectual loads and stressful situations as risk factors for psychosomatic disorders.}, } @article {pmid30132156, year = {2018}, author = {Hennefield, L and Hwang, HG and Weston, SJ and Povinelli, DJ}, title = {Meta-analytic techniques reveal that corvid causal reasoning in the Aesop's Fable paradigm is driven by trial-and-error learning.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, pages = {735-748}, pmid = {30132156}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {F32 HD093273/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; Crows/*physiology ; *Learning ; *Problem Solving ; Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The classic Aesop's fable, Crow and the Pitcher, has inspired a major line of research in comparative cognition. Over the past several years, five articles (over 32 experiments) have examined the ability of corvids (e.g., rooks, crows, and jays) to complete lab-based analogs of this fable, by requiring them to drop stones and other objects into tubes of water to retrieve a floating worm (Bird and Emery in Curr Biol 19:1-5, 2009b; Cheke et al. in Anim Cogn 14:441-455, 2011; Jelbert et al. in PLoS One 3:e92895, 2014; Logan et al. in PLoS One 7:e103049, 2014; Taylor et al. in Gray R D 12:e26887, 2011). These researchers have stressed the unique potential of this paradigm for understanding causal reasoning in corvids. Ghirlanda and Lind (Anim Behav 123:239-247, 2017) re-evaluated trial-level data from these studies and concluded that initial preferences for functional objects, combined with trial-and-error learning, may account for subjects' performance on key variants of the paradigm. In the present paper, we use meta-analytic techniques to provide more precise information about the rate and mode of learning that occurs within and across tasks. Within tasks, subjects learned from successful (but not unsuccessful) actions, indicating that higher-order reasoning about phenomena such as mass, volume, and displacement is unlikely to be involved. Furthermore, subjects did not transfer information learned in one task to subsequent tasks, suggesting that corvids do not engage with these tasks as variants of the same problem (i.e., how to generate water displacement to retrieve a floating worm). Our methodological analysis and empirical findings raise the question: Can Aesop's fable studies distinguish between trial-and-error learning and/or higher-order causal reasoning? We conclude they cannot.}, } @article {pmid30131530, year = {2018}, author = {}, title = {Matchmaking clues for clever crows that are close to extinction.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {560}, number = {7719}, pages = {413}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-018-05901-8}, pmid = {30131530}, issn = {1476-4687}, } @article {pmid30129502, year = {2018}, author = {Hua, CL and Bardo, AR and Brown, JS}, title = {Mistrust in Physicians does not Explain Black-white Disparities in Primary Care and Emergency Department Utilization: The Importance of Socialization During the Jim Crow era.}, journal = {Journal of the National Medical Association}, volume = {110}, number = {6}, pages = {540-546}, pmid = {30129502}, issn = {0027-9684}, support = {R01 AG040199/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R03 HD050374/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AG000139/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Black or African American/psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; Emergency Service, Hospital/*statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Physician-Patient Relations ; Primary Health Care/*statistics & numerical data ; *Social Segregation ; *Socialization ; Trust ; White People/*statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Compared to whites, blacks under-utilize primary care (PC) and over-utilize emergency department (ED) services. The aim of this study is to determine whether mistrust in physicians explains these black-white disparities, and the potentially modifying influence of socialization under racially segregated health care (i.e., raised in the U.S. South during the Jim Crow era).

METHODS: Data come from the nationally representative Americans' Changing Lives Study (n=1,578). Poisson regression techniques are utilized to respectively model PC and ED utilization among a sample of non-Hispanic black and white adults aged forty-years and older.

CONCLUSION: Mistrust in physicians does not explain black-white disparities in PC or ED utilization. Blacks under-utilize PC services compared to whites, net of predisposing, need, and enabling factors, but this is especially apparent among blacks who were raised in the U.S. south during the Jim Crow era and continue to reside in the South. Blacks greatly over-utilize ED services compared to whites, but this is greatest among those raised in the south during the Jim Crow era and/or those currently residing in the South.}, } @article {pmid30127351, year = {2018}, author = {Mason, LD and Wardell-Johnson, G and Luxton, SJ and Bateman, PW}, title = {Predators Show Seasonal Predilections for Model Clay Spiders in an Urban Environment.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {12444}, pmid = {30127351}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Environment ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Seasons ; Spiders/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Predator-prey interactions may be altered under human-induced rapid environmental change, such as urbanisation. Extensive clearing in urban areas may leave short-range endemic species, such as mygalomorph spiders, more vulnerable to local extinction through predation in remaining remnants. Predation rates on Australian mygalomorph spiders were assessed using clay models of two size classes (5 cm, 3 cm), during two time periods in 2016 (January-February, July-August). Size and phenology of models resembled the mygalomorph genera Aname and Teyl occurring in these local urban remnants. Local predator guilds were significantly influenced by leaf-litter cover (%) and proportion of surrounding parkland. Preference for spider vs. control models was consistent across all predator types (bird, rodent, lizard and wasp), but specialist spider wasps (Pompilidae) only attacked spider models. Generalist predators (birds, lizards and rodents) were more opportunistic. Lizards and rodents exhibit similar predation behaviour, indicating there may be some inter-specific competition. Invasive generalists (e. g. rodents) or urban adapters (e. g. corvids) are more likely to represent an increased threat to spiders than are co-evolved specialists (e.g. spider wasps).}, } @article {pmid30117157, year = {2019}, author = {Larsabal, M and Cogrel, O and Caumont, C and Jegou, MH and Taïeb, A and Morice-Picard, F}, title = {Mosaic mutations in FGFR3 and FGFR2 are associated with naevoid acanthosis nigricans or RAVEN (round and velvety epidermal naevus).}, journal = {The British journal of dermatology}, volume = {180}, number = {1}, pages = {201-202}, doi = {10.1111/bjd.17095}, pmid = {30117157}, issn = {1365-2133}, mesh = {Acanthosis Nigricans/*diagnosis/genetics/pathology ; Adult ; Biopsy ; Female ; Humans ; Mosaicism ; Mutation ; Nevus/*diagnosis/genetics/pathology ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2/*genetics ; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/*genetics ; Skin/pathology ; }, } @article {pmid30111659, year = {2018}, author = {Steyaert, SMJG and Frank, SC and Puliti, S and Badia, R and Arnberg, MP and Beardsley, J and Økelsrud, A and Blaalid, R}, title = {Special delivery: scavengers direct seed dispersal towards ungulate carcasses.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {30111659}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Ericaceae ; Feces ; Feeding Behavior ; Foxes ; Norway ; Reindeer ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds ; }, abstract = {Cadaver decomposition islands around animal carcasses can facilitate establishment of various plant life. Facultative scavengers have great potential for endozoochory, and often aggregate around carcasses. Hence, they may disperse plant seeds that they ingest across the landscape towards cadaver decomposition islands. Here, we demonstrate this novel mechanism along a gradient of wild tundra reindeer carcasses. First, we show that the spatial distribution of scavenger faeces (birds and foxes) was concentrated around carcasses. Second, faeces of the predominant scavengers (corvids) commonly contained viable seeds of crowberry, a keystone species of the alpine tundra with predominantly vegetative reproduction. We suggest that cadaver decomposition islands function as endpoints for directed endozoochory by scavengers. Such a mechanism could be especially beneficial for species that rely on small-scale disturbances in soil and vegetation, such as several Nordic berry-producing species with cryptic generative reproduction.}, } @article {pmid30110762, year = {2018}, author = {Saakian, DB and Cheong, KH and Koh, JM}, title = {Solution of the Crow-Kimura model with changing population size and Allee effect.}, journal = {Physical review. E}, volume = {98}, number = {1-1}, pages = {012405}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.98.012405}, pmid = {30110762}, issn = {2470-0053}, mesh = {*Evolution, Molecular ; *Models, Biological ; Mutation ; Population Density ; Population Dynamics ; }, abstract = {The Crow-Kimura model is commonly used in the modeling of genetic evolution in the presence of mutations and associated selection pressures. We consider a modified version of the Crow-Kimura model, in which population sizes are not fixed and Allee saturation effects are present. We demonstrate the evolutionary dynamics in this system through an analytical approach, examining both symmetric and single-peak fitness landscape cases. Especially interesting are the dynamics of the populations near extinction. A special version of the model with saturation and degradation on the single-peak fitness landscape is investigated as a candidate of the Allee effect in evolution, revealing reduction tendencies of excessively large populations, and extinction tendencies for small populations. The analytical solutions for these dynamics are presented with accuracy O(1/N), where N is the number of nucleotides in the genome.}, } @article {pmid30105075, year = {2018}, author = {Morales, D and Ramirez, G and Herrera-Arellano, A and Tortoriello, J and Zavala, M and Zamilpa, A}, title = {Identification of Digestive Enzyme Inhibitors from Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven.}, journal = {Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {8781352}, pmid = {30105075}, issn = {1741-427X}, abstract = {Current antiobesity and antidiabetic tools have been insufficient to curb these diseases and frequently cause side effects; therefore, new pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitors could be excellent aids for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. The aim of this study was to identify, quantify, and characterize the chemical compounds with the highest degree of inhibitory activity of these enzymes, contained in a Ludwigia octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract. Chemical purification was performed by liquid-liquid separation and column chromatography. Inhibitory activities were measured in vitro, employing acarbose, orlistat, and a Camellia sinensis hydroalcoholic extract as references. For structural elucidation, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance was carried out, and High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to quantify the compounds. For α-glucosidases, L. octovalvis hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction showed half-maximal Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) values of 700 and 250 μg/mL, for lipase, 480 and 718 μg/mL, while C. sinensis showed 260 and 587 μg/mL. The most active compounds were identified as ethyl gallate (1, IC50 832 μM) and gallic acid (2, IC50 969 μM); both displayed competitive inhibition of α-glucosidases and isoorientin (3, IC50 201 μM), which displayed uncompetitive inhibition of lipase. These data could be useful in the development of a novel phytopharmaceutical drug.}, } @article {pmid30104433, year = {2018}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Thornton, A and Ridley, AR}, title = {An intraspecific appraisal of the social intelligence hypothesis.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1756}, pages = {}, pmid = {30104433}, issn = {1471-2970}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Variation, Individual ; *Emotional Intelligence ; Invertebrates/*physiology ; Songbirds/physiology ; Vertebrates/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The prevailing hypotheses for the evolution of cognition focus on either the demands associated with group living (the social intelligence hypothesis (SIH)) or ecological challenges such as finding food. Comparative studies testing these hypotheses have generated highly conflicting results; consequently, our understanding of the drivers of cognitive evolution remains limited. To understand how selection shapes cognition, research must incorporate an intraspecific approach, focusing on the causes and consequences of individual variation in cognition. Here, we review the findings of recent intraspecific cognitive research to investigate the predictions of the SIH. Extensive evidence from our own research on Australian magpies (Cracticus tibicen dorsalis), and a number of other taxa, suggests that individuals in larger social groups exhibit elevated cognitive performance and, in some cases, elevated reproductive fitness. Not only do these findings demonstrate how the social environment has the potential to shape cognitive evolution, but crucially, they demonstrate the importance of considering both genetic and developmental factors when attempting to explain the causes of cognitive variation.This article is part of the theme issue 'Causes and consequences of individual differences in cognitive abilities'.}, } @article {pmid30096106, year = {2018}, author = {De Boulle, K and Werschler, WP and Gold, MH and Bruce, S and Sattler, G and Ogilvie, P and Street, J and Larsen, KE and Yushmanova, I and Lei, X and Lee, E and Vitarella, D and Mao, C}, title = {Phase 3 Study of OnabotulinumtoxinA Distributed Between Frontalis, Glabellar Complex, and Lateral Canthal Areas for Treatment of Upper Facial Lines.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {44}, number = {11}, pages = {1437-1448}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001612}, pmid = {30096106}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Double-Blind Method ; *Face ; Female ; Humans ; Injections ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although commonly practiced, simultaneous onabotulinumtoxinA injections to multiple facial areas have not been investigated in prospective studies.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of forehead lines (FHL) distributed between the frontalis (20 U) and glabellar complex (20 U), with or without simultaneous lateral canthal areas (crow's feet lines [CFL], 24 U) treatment.

METHODS: Subjects with moderate to severe FHL were randomized (2:2:1) to onabotulinumtoxinA 40 U, onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U, or placebo. After 180 days, subjects could receive up to 2 additional open-label onabotulinumtoxinA 64 U treatments.

RESULTS: The intent-to-treat (ITT) population comprised 787 subjects, and the modified ITT (mITT) population (subjects with psychological impact) comprised 568. After 30 days, onabotulinumtoxinA 40 U and 64 U significantly improved investigator- and subject-assessed FHL severity by at least 2 Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS) grades in 45.6% and 53.0% of ITT subjects, respectively, versus 0.6% receiving placebo (both, p < .0001). Significantly more mITT subjects receiving onabotulinumtoxinA achieved investigator- and subject-assessed FWS ratings of none/mild versus placebo (p < .0001). OnabotulinumtoxinA was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: OnabotulinumtoxinA distributed between the frontalis and glabellar complex, with or without additional CFL injections, was safe and effective for treatment of moderate to severe FHL.}, } @article {pmid30094362, year = {2018}, author = {Hunter, MA and Lieberman, G and Coffman, BA and Trumbo, MC and Armenta, ML and Robinson, CSH and Bezdek, MA and O'Sickey, AJ and Jones, AP and Romero, V and Elkin-Frankston, S and Gaurino, S and Eusebi, L and Schumacher, EH and Witkiewitz, K and Clark, VP}, title = {Mindfulness-based training with transcranial direct current stimulation modulates neuronal resource allocation in working memory: A randomized pilot study with a nonequivalent control group.}, journal = {Heliyon}, volume = {4}, number = {7}, pages = {e00685}, pmid = {30094362}, issn = {2405-8440}, abstract = {Mindfulness-based training (MBT) and transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) methods such as direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated promise for the augmentation of cognitive abilities. The current study investigated the potential compatibility of concurrent "electrical" MBT and tDCS (or eMBT) by testing its combined effects on behavioral and neurophysiological indices of working memory (WM) and attentional resource allocation. Thirty-four healthy participants were randomly assigned to either a MBT task with tDCS group (eMBT) or an active control training task with sham tDCS (Control) group. Training lasted 4-weeks, with up to twenty MBT sessions and with up to eight of those sessions that were eMBT sessions. Electroencephalography was acquired during varying WM load conditions using the n-back task (1-, 2-, 3-back), along with performance on complex WM span tasks (operation and symmetry span) and fluid intelligence measures (Ravens and Shipley) before and after training. Improved performance was observed only on the 3-back and spatial span tasks for eMBT but not the Control group. During 3-back performance in the eMBT group, an increase in P3 amplitude and theta power at electrode site Pz was also observed, along with a simultaneous decrease in frontal midline P3 amplitude and theta power compared to the Control group. These results are consistent with the neural efficiency hypothesis, where higher cognitive capacity was associated with more distributed brain activity (i.e., increase in parietal and decrease in frontal amplitudes). Future longitudinal studies are called upon to further examine the direct contributions of tDCS on MBT by assessing the differential effects of electrode montage, polarity, current strength and a direct contrast between the eMBT and MBT conditions on performance and neuroimaging outcome data. While preliminary, the current results provided evidence for the potential compatibility of using eMBT to modulate WM capacity through the allocation of attention and its neurophysiological correlates.}, } @article {pmid30092679, year = {2018}, author = {Esquinas, AM and Karim, HMR and Soo Hoo, GW}, title = {Insight to the growing utilizations of high flow nasal oxygen therapy over non-invasive ventilation in community teaching hospital: alternative or complementary?In response to: Mihaela S. Stefan, Patrick Eckert, Bogdan Tiru, Jennifer Friderici, Peter K. Lindenauer & Jay S. Steingrub (2018) High flow nasal oxygen therapy utilization: 7-year experience at a community teaching hospital, Hospital Practice, 46:2, 73-76, DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2018.1438739.}, journal = {Hospital practice (1995)}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {170-171}, doi = {10.1080/21548331.2018.1510283}, pmid = {30092679}, issn = {2154-8331}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Hospitals, Community ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noninvasive Ventilation/*statistics & numerical data ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/*statistics & numerical data ; Respiration, Artificial/*statistics & numerical data ; Respiratory Insufficiency/*therapy ; }, } @article {pmid30088462, year = {2018}, author = {de Freitas Keppeke, L and Schoen, TH}, title = {Perceptual-Motor Maturity in Adolescence and the Tanner Stages: A Study with Bender-Gradual Scoring System.}, journal = {The Spanish journal of psychology}, volume = {21}, number = {}, pages = {E33}, doi = {10.1017/sjp.2018.33}, pmid = {30088462}, issn = {1988-2904}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adolescent Development/*physiology ; *Bender-Gestalt Test ; Child ; Child Development/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Puberty/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Visual-motor skill forms an important psycho diagnostic component and is associated with psycho-neurological aspects. The Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test, widely used for the evaluation of this area, is meant for children up to 11 years. In adolescence, the changes associated with puberty generate nonlinear anthropometric development resulting in mild and temporary incoordination. This study investigated the relation between visual-motor development measured by the Bender test and pubertal changes according to the Tanner scale. In all 134 adolescents of both sexes, aged from 10 to 15, who kept routine medical appointments, participated. We used the Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test, Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, and medical chart data. The techniques were applied individually. Pubertal changes were associated with the Bender test results showing higher scores at the G3 stage, the period corresponding to a growth spurt, compared to the G5 stage (p = .007, ES = .187), the post-growth spurt period in boys. Age and gender did not influence the Bender test scores. According to the Raven test, the g intelligence factor, interfered significantly in the visual-motor performance (r = -57%, p < .001). Schooling, repetition of a school year, and developmental problems (p = .002, ES = .156; p = .002, ES = .623; p < .001, ES = .880, respectively) obtained similar results. The Bender Test was sensitive to schooling and maturational problems during adolescence. There was an association between visual-motor development and sexual maturity in male adolescents. Our results indicate the usefulness of the Bender Test at older ages than those used in the test standardization.}, } @article {pmid30083996, year = {2018}, author = {Malik, A and Dharaiya, N and Espín, S}, title = {Is current information on organochlorine exposure sufficient to conserve birds in India?.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)}, volume = {27}, number = {8}, pages = {1137-1149}, pmid = {30083996}, issn = {1573-3017}, support = {20828-1//Rufford Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/*analysis ; India ; Pesticides/*analysis ; }, abstract = {Organochlorine compounds (OCs) pose a serious threat towards the wildlife due to their well-known adverse effects. India is the second largest producer of pesticides in Asia, with DDT production still ongoing, and is ranked amongst the leading countries of pesticide consumption. However, a significant data gap in avian biomonitoring studies has been identified in Asia. The objective of this review is to compile and discuss the available literature on concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in Indian birds. The review of 18 articles showed that DDTs were the OCs most frequently analysed, followed by HCHs and PCBs (highest hepatic mean values: 11.6, 1.8 and 1.03 µg/g ww, respectively). The most frequently analysed matrix was whole body homogenates, followed by internal tissues. Plasma, eggs, feathers and guano were poorly sampled. The range of sampling years was 1980-2007. In general, hepatic OC concentrations were below the level known to cause adverse effects, although p,p'-DDE in eggs was found in concentrations associated with eggshell thinning. Most of the studies were carried out in Southern India (Tamil Nadu). Out of 106 species studied, house crow (Corvus splendens) was the most frequently monitored. However, the number of individuals sampled per species is generally low and different sample types are used, thus, huge limitations to compare OC exposure exist. This review shows that there is a clear deficit of data on OC concentrations and sublethal effects that needs to be addressed to understand the status of OC exposure, spatio-temporal trends and potential impacts in Indian avifauna.}, } @article {pmid30083121, year = {2018}, author = {Bourrier, SC and Berman, MG and Enns, JT}, title = {Cognitive Strategies and Natural Environments Interact in Influencing Executive Function.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {1248}, pmid = {30083121}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Exposure to natural environments and the adoption of specific cognitive strategies are each claimed to have a direct influence on executive mental functioning. Here we manipulate both factors to help determine whether they draw on common cognitive resources. Three experiments investigated links between environmental effects (nature vs. urban video tours) and strategic effects (active vs. passive instructional approaches to the task). Each experiment used a pretest-posttest design and assessed executive mental functioning using a backward digit span task and Raven's progressive matrices. Experiment 1 manipulated participants' cognitive strategy through explicit instructions in order to establish a link between cognitive strategy and executive mental functioning. Experiment 2 used a pair of 10-min video tours (urban, nature) to examine the relationship between environmental exposure and executive mental function on the same tasks, replicating previous findings with the backward digit span task and extended them to a new task (i.e., Raven's progressive matrices). In Experiment 3, these two manipulations were combined to explore the relations between them. The results showed that the nature video tour attenuated the influence of task instructions relative to the urban video tour. An interaction between environmental video exposure and cognitive strategy was found, in that effects of cognitive strategy on executive function were smaller in the nature video condition than in the urban video condition. This suggests that brief exposure to nature had a direct positive influence on executive mental functioning.}, } @article {pmid30082401, year = {2018}, author = {Iknayan, KJ and Beissinger, SR}, title = {Collapse of a desert bird community over the past century driven by climate change.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {115}, number = {34}, pages = {8597-8602}, pmid = {30082401}, issn = {1091-6490}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; *Climate Change ; *Desert Climate ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Models, Biological ; }, abstract = {Climate change has caused deserts, already defined by climatic extremes, to warm and dry more rapidly than other ecoregions in the contiguous United States over the last 50 years. Desert birds persist near the edge of their physiological limits, and climate change could cause lethal dehydration and hyperthermia, leading to decline or extirpation of some species. We evaluated how desert birds have responded to climate and habitat change by resurveying historic sites throughout the Mojave Desert that were originally surveyed for avian diversity during the early 20th century by Joseph Grinnell and colleagues. We found strong evidence of an avian community in collapse. Sites lost on average 43% of their species, and occupancy probability declined significantly for 39 of 135 breeding birds. The common raven was the only native species to substantially increase across survey sites. Climate change, particularly decline in precipitation, was the most important driver of site-level persistence, while habitat change had a secondary influence. Habitat preference and diet were the two most important species traits associated with occupancy change. The presence of surface water reduced the loss of site-level richness, creating refugia. The collapse of the avian community over the past century may indicate a larger imbalance in the Mojave and provide an early warning of future ecosystem disintegration, given climate models unanimously predict an increasingly dry and hot future.}, } @article {pmid30072877, year = {2018}, author = {Ditz, HM and Kupferman, JK and Nieder, A}, title = {Neurons in the Hippocampus of Crows Lack Responses to Non-spatial Abstract Categories.}, journal = {Frontiers in systems neuroscience}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {33}, pmid = {30072877}, issn = {1662-5137}, abstract = {Lesion studies suggest a role of the avian hippocampus in spatial and episodic memory. However, whether the avian hippocampus is also involved in processing categorical information and non-spatial working memory contents remains unknown. To address this question, we trained two crows in a delayed-match-to-sample test to assess and briefly memorize the number of items in dot displays, i.e., their numerosity. We recorded neuronal activity in hippocampus while crows solved this task. Hardly any hippocampal neurons responded to the category 'numerosity,' during neither sample presentation, nor during the memory delay. This was in striking contrast to previous recordings in the telencephalic association area 'nidopallium caudolaterale' (NCL) of the same crows, in which we previously reported an abundance of numerosity-selective and working memory-selective neurons. Our data suggest that categorical information is not processed in the avian hippocampus.}, } @article {pmid30071975, year = {2018}, author = {Campo, JV and Bridge, JA}, title = {Exploring the Impact of 13 Reasons Why: Looking for Light Amidst the Heat . .}, journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry}, volume = {57}, number = {8}, pages = {547-549}, doi = {10.1016/j.jaac.2018.05.012}, pmid = {30071975}, issn = {1527-5418}, mesh = {Adolescent ; *Bullying ; Female ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; *Suicide ; }, abstract = {A Letter to the Editor by Kieling and collegues[1] in this month's Journal attempts to explore the impact of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why (13RW) on the thinking and behavior of adolescent viewers. The series is an adaptation of a 2007 novel by Jay Asher, and tells the story of an adolescent girl who dies by suicide following a series of traumas and disappointments that she catalogues before her death on 13 audiotapes. The tapes are left behind with the expectation that each of the individuals presumably responsible for her suicide will listen and better understand their individual and collective failures. Since its release and airing in 2017, the show has generated considerable heated debate and controversy, largely due to concerns about its potential for suicide contagion.}, } @article {pmid30071683, year = {2018}, author = {Sutton, JT and Helmkampf, M and Steiner, CC and Bellinger, MR and Korlach, J and Hall, R and Baybayan, P and Muehling, J and Gu, J and Kingan, S and Masuda, BM and Ryder, OA}, title = {A High-Quality, Long-Read De Novo Genome Assembly to Aid Conservation of Hawaii's Last Remaining Crow Species.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {30071683}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {Abstract: Genome-level data can provide researchers with unprecedented precision to examine the causes and genetic consequences of population declines, which can inform conservation management. Here, we present a high-quality, long-read, de novo genome assembly for one of the world's most endangered bird species, the 'Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis; Hawaiian crow). As the only remaining native crow species in Hawai'i, the 'Alalā survived solely in a captive-breeding program from 2002 until 2016, at which point a long-term reintroduction program was initiated. The high-quality genome assembly was generated to lay the foundation for both comparative genomics studies and the development of population-level genomic tools that will aid conservation and recovery efforts. We illustrate how the quality of this assembly places it amongst the very best avian genomes assembled to date, comparable to intensively studied model systems. We describe the genome architecture in terms of repetitive elements and runs of homozygosity, and we show that compared with more outbred species, the 'Alalā genome is substantially more homozygous. We also provide annotations for a subset of immunity genes that are likely to be important in conservation management, and we discuss how this genome is currently being used as a roadmap for downstream conservation applications.}, } @article {pmid30065105, year = {2018}, author = {Faria, JP and Rocha, M and Rocha, I and Henry, CS}, title = {Methods for automated genome-scale metabolic model reconstruction.}, journal = {Biochemical Society transactions}, volume = {46}, number = {4}, pages = {931-936}, doi = {10.1042/BST20170246}, pmid = {30065105}, issn = {1470-8752}, mesh = {Automation ; Databases, Genetic ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; *Metagenome ; Microbiota ; *Models, Biological ; Software Design ; }, abstract = {In the era of next-generation sequencing and ubiquitous assembly and binning of metagenomes, new putative genome sequences are being produced from isolate and microbiome samples at ever-increasing rates. Genome-scale metabolic models have enormous utility for supporting the analysis and predictive characterization of these genomes based on sequence data. As a result, tools for rapid automated reconstruction of metabolic models are becoming critically important for supporting the analysis of new genome sequences. Many tools and algorithms have now emerged to support rapid model reconstruction and analysis. Here, we are comparing and contrasting the capabilities and output of a variety of these tools, including ModelSEED, Raven Toolbox, PathwayTools, SuBliMinal Toolbox and merlin.}, } @article {pmid30060541, year = {2018}, author = {Ruiz-Rodríguez, M and Martín-Vivaldi, M and Martínez-Bueno, M and Soler, JJ}, title = {Gut Microbiota of Great Spotted Cuckoo Nestlings is a Mixture of Those of Their Foster Magpie Siblings and of Cuckoo Adults.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {9}, number = {8}, pages = {}, pmid = {30060541}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {Diet and host genetic or evolutionary history are considered the two main factors determining gut microbiota of animals, although studies are scarce in natural populations. The system of great spotted cuckoos (Clamatorglandarius) parasitizing magpies (Pica pica) is ideal to study both effects since magpie adults feed cuckoo and magpie nestlings with the same diet and, consequently, differences in gut microbiota of nestlings of these two species will mainly reflect the importance of genetic components. Moreover, the diet of adults and of nestling cuckoos drastically differ from each other and, thus, differences and similarities in their microbiotas would respectively reflect the effect of environmental and genetic factors. We used next-generation sequencing technologies to analyze the gut microbiota of cuckoo adults and nestlings and of magpie nestlings. The highest α-diversity estimates appeared in nestling cuckoos and the lowest in nestling magpies. Moreover, despite the greatest differences in the microbiome composition of magpies and cuckoos of both ages, cuckoo nestlings harbored a mixture of the Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) present in adult cuckoos and nestling magpies. We identified the bacterial taxa responsible for such results. These results suggest important phylogenetic components determining gut microbiome of nestlings, and that diet might be responsible for similarities between gut microbiome of cuckoo and magpie nestlings that allow cuckoos to digest food provided by magpie adults.}, } @article {pmid30057908, year = {2018}, author = {Cao, Y and Yang, JP and Zhu, XG and Zhu, J and Chang, HQ and Guo, SH and Luo, D and Zhou, BR}, title = {A Comparative In Vivo Study on Three Treatment Approaches to Applying Topical Botulinum Toxin A for Crow's Feet.}, journal = {BioMed research international}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {6235742}, pmid = {30057908}, issn = {2314-6141}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; Eyelids ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intradermal ; Middle Aged ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three treatment approaches to applying Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNTA) for crow's Feet.

METHODS: Thirty female subjects with moderate-to-severe crow's feet were included in this comparative in vivo study. They were randomly divided into three groups, including the local intramuscular, intradermal microdroplet injection, and nanomicroneedle delivered with BoNTA therapy group. After one session, evaluations were done at the time points of weeks one, four, and twelve after the treatment. The assessments included subjective satisfaction, blinded clinical assessment, and the biophysical parameters (skin collagen content, elasticity, hydration, and sebum contents).

RESULTS: For dynamic wrinkles, intramuscular injection and intradermal microdroplets injection were more effective than nanomicroneedles. For static wrinkles, nanomicroneedles and intradermal microdroplets injection were more effective. However, the intramuscular injection had no significant effect on static wrinkles. At one week and four weeks after the treatment, the skin elasticity, collagen content, and hydration of nanomicroneedle group and intradermal microdroplet group increased more significantly than those of the intramuscular injection group; at twelve weeks after the treatment, the skin elasticity, collagen content, and hydration of intradermal microdroplet group were higher than those of other two groups. However we observed no statistically significant difference in sebum content between the three groups before and after the treatment.

CONCLUSION: BoNTA delivered through nanomicroneedles and intradermal microdroplets injection can effectively treat crow's feet. This trial is registered with [2016]KY018-01, registered 16 Feb 2016.}, } @article {pmid30042634, year = {2018}, author = {Yurtoğulları, Ş and Taşkapılıoğlu, Ö and Öztürk, B and Bilgiç, B and Hakyemez, B and Türkeş, N and Gelişken, Ö and Turan, ÖF and Bakar, M}, title = {Comparison of Brain Atrophy, Cognition and Optical Coherence Tomography Results Between Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Healthy Controls.}, journal = {Noro psikiyatri arsivi}, volume = {55}, number = {1}, pages = {3-8}, pmid = {30042634}, issn = {1300-0667}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment is also an important cause of disability in MS in addition to motor, sensory, visual, and cerebellar affections. The aim of this study is to show the relation between the cognitive disability in MS with brain atrophy and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

METHODS: Forty-three multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and 15 healthy individuals as controls were included in the study. MS patients were divided into three groups as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), relapsing-remitting with optic neuritis (RRMS+ON), and secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). An experienced psychologist performed modified Wechsler Memory Scale Revised form (WMS-R), Lines Orientation test, Stroop Color Word Interference test (STROOP), Standard Raven Progressive Matrices (SRPM), Benton Facial Recognition Test, verbal fluency test, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition tests in all cases. Optic coherence tomographies (OCT) were done. Cranial subcortical volumes of all subjects were measured using 3-dimensonal T1A imagines obtained by the cranial subcortical 1.5 tesla MR device (fully automatic Freesurfer program). Brain parenchymal fractions were calculated by proportioning the obtained volume measurements to the total intracranial volume.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects (65.5% female, 34.5% male) were enrolled in the study. There were significant differences among the groups in terms of parenchymal thickness, volumes of third ventricle, and white matter. There was a significant correlation between the volumes of the deep gray matter, mesial temporal structures and lateral ventricular volumes, and the test results of the WMS-R. OCT scores of all MS patients, whether or not they experienced optic neuritis, had increased, being worse especially in the SPMS group. Correlation between RNFL and the brain parenchymal fractions of the patients were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Manual methods instead of automatic segmentation method are being more commonly used in the studies with brain atrophy and MS in our country. A significant correlation between OCT scores and brain atrophy is shown with our present study, and this is followed as a reflection of decrease in cognitive tests that provides valuable and reliable knowledge for the literature.}, } @article {pmid30030729, year = {2018}, author = {Blume, CA and Machado, BM and da Rosa, RR and Rigoni, MDS and Casagrande, DS and Mottin, CC and Schaan, BD}, title = {Association of Maternal Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass with Obstetric Outcomes and Fluid Intelligence in Offspring.}, journal = {Obesity surgery}, volume = {28}, number = {11}, pages = {3611-3620}, pmid = {30030729}, issn = {1708-0428}, mesh = {Adult ; Bariatric Surgery ; Body Mass Index ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Delivery, Obstetric/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; *Gastric Bypass ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Small for Gestational Age ; *Intelligence ; Male ; Nutritional Status ; Obesity/complications/*surgery ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology/etiology ; *Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to assess whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) prior to pregnancy is associated with fluid intelligence in offspring. Additionally, perinatal and obstetric outcomes, and children nutritional status were evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Singleton births of women who underwent RYGB between 2000 and 2010 (BS) were matched to two control births by maternal age, delivery year, and gender. Control group 1 (CG1) and control group 2 (CG2) included women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m[2] and ≥ 35 kg/m[2], respectively, who had never undergone bariatric surgery.

RESULTS: Thirty-two children from each group (n = 96) were analyzed, mostly female (59%) and Caucasian (82%), with a mean age of 7 ± 2 years. Their general intelligence scores were similar after adjusting for sociodemographic confounders; family economic class was the strongest predictor (low: β = - 20.57; p < 0.001; middle: β = - 9.34; p = 0.019). Gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.03; 0.35) and hypertensive disorders (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.01; 0.40) were less frequent in BS than CG2. Post-RYGB pregnancies were associated with lower birth weight (P = 0.021) than controls. Child overweight and obesity was higher (OR 4.59; 95% CI 1.55; 13.61; p = 0.006) in CG2 (78%) than CG1 (44%) and similar to BS (65%).

CONCLUSIONS: RYGB prior to pregnancy was not associated with fluid intelligence in offspring. Prior RYGB was associated with a lower frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders than in women with a pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 35 kg/m[2], as well as with lower birth weight than both control groups.}, } @article {pmid30027612, year = {2018}, author = {Rouvrais, C and Baspeyras, M and Mengeaud, V and Rossi, AB}, title = {Antiaging efficacy of a retinaldehyde-based cream compared with glycolic acid peel sessions: A randomized controlled study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {6}, pages = {1136-1143}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12511}, pmid = {30027612}, issn = {1473-2165}, support = {//Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmetique/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; *Chemexfoliation ; Female ; Glycolates/*pharmacology ; Humans ; Keratolytic Agents/*pharmacology ; Middle Aged ; Retinaldehyde/*pharmacology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Cream ; Treatment Outcome ; Vitamin E/*analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Glycolic acid (GA) chemical peels are a popular treatment for photoaged skin rejuvenation, but retinaldehyde (RAL)-based cosmetic creams have also demonstrated efficacy in improving photoaging, and are potentially better tolerated than chemical peels.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of an antiaging cream containing 0.1% RAL associated with Glycylglycine Oleamide (GGO, Relastide[®]) and Pre-tocopheryl[®] , to GA peels sessions in the treatment of photoaging.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five women with photoaging were randomized in 2 treatment groups: (1) Daily application of the antiaging cream for 8 weeks or (2) Three sequential GA peels (20%, 50%, and 70%), 2-3 weeks apart. Skin surface texture, length of wrinkles, complexion radiance, and evenness of pigmentation and texture were assessed by profilometry using skin replicas, computer image analysis, and self-assessment.

RESULTS: Efficacy of both treatments was similar in reducing crow's feet wrinkles depth (STm -7.61%, P = .0007 vs -4.34%, P = .0348; P = .3049 intergroup) and volume, crow's feet and periorbital wrinkle length, and number of fine lines and wrinkles at end of treatments. The efficacy of the cream in refining skin texture was superior to the peels (contrast: -5.61%, P = .0025 vs +3.54, P = .08; P intergroup = .0252). The 8-week treatment with the antiaging cream was well tolerated; adverse events were fewer and of milder intensity than with the peels, (12-fold lower incidence of physical signs).

CONCLUSION: A dermocosmetic cream containing 0.1% RAL, GGO (Relastide[®]) and Pre-tocopheryl[®] is as effective as 3 sequential GA peels, better tolerated, and is an alternative in the management of photoaged skin.}, } @article {pmid30017081, year = {2018}, author = {Abdoli, A and Arbabi, M and Pirestani, M and Mirzaghavami, M and Ghaffarifar, F and Dalimi, A and Sadraei, J}, title = {Molecular assessment of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in hooded crows (Corvus cornix) in Tehran, Iran.}, journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases}, volume = {57}, number = {}, pages = {69-73}, doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2018.06.008}, pmid = {30017081}, issn = {1878-1667}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; Brain/parasitology ; Cats ; Coccidiosis/epidemiology/parasitology/transmission/*veterinary ; Crows/*parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Dogs ; Genotype ; Iran/epidemiology ; Neospora/classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Prevalence ; Toxoplasma/classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Toxoplasmosis, Animal/*epidemiology/parasitology/transmission ; }, abstract = {Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are two closely related protozoan parasites that have been detected from various species of bird hosts. However, little is known about the prevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii in crows. Hence, we examined the molecular frequency of N. caninum and T. gondii in the brain samples of hooded crows (Corvus cornix) that collected from different public parks of Tehran, Iran by nested-PCR method. We used the primers targeting the Nc5 and GRA6 genes for detection of N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. From a total of 55 brain samples, 5 (9.9%) and 9 (16.36%) samples were positive for N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. Sequencing of a N. caninum isolate revealed 95%-100% identity with the deposited N. caninum in GenBank. Genotyping of T. gondii isolates by PCR-RFLP analysis of the GRA6 gene revealed type III genotype in 8 isolates. The results of this study indicate that hooded crows may have a putative role in transmission of N. caninum and T. gondii to canines and felines definitive hosts, respectively.}, } @article {pmid30015606, year = {2018}, author = {Wicherts, JM}, title = {IGNORING PSYCHOMETRIC PROBLEMS IN THE STUDY OF GROUP DIFFERENCES IN COGNITIVE TEST PERFORMANCE.}, journal = {Journal of biosocial science}, volume = {50}, number = {6}, pages = {868-869}, doi = {10.1017/S0021932018000172}, pmid = {30015606}, issn = {1469-7599}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; *Cognition ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Psychometrics ; Saudi Arabia ; }, abstract = {In a recent study, te Nijenhuis et al. (2017) used a version of Jensen's method of correlated vectors to study the nature of ethnic group differences on Raven's Progressive Matrices test. In this comment, the author points out that this method has been shown to be psychometrically inappropriate in studying group differences in performance on dichotomous (correctly or incorrectly scored) items. Specifically, the method uses item statistics like the item-total correlation that necessarily differ across groups differing in ability and employs a linear model to test inherent non-linear relations. Wicherts (2017) showed that this method can provide correlations far exceeding r=0.44 in cases where the group differences cannot possibly be on g because the items measure different traits across the groups. The psychometric problems with their method cast serious doubts on te Nijenhuis et al.'s conclusions concerning the role of g in the studied group difference in cognitive test performance.}, } @article {pmid30013855, year = {2018}, author = {Silina, AV}, title = {Sex change in scallop Patinopecten yessoensis: response to population composition?.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e5240}, pmid = {30013855}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Sex structure is very labile between populations and specific for each population because it is a result of genetic, ontogenetic and biocenotic influences on the mollusks. In this study, the age frequency distribution, age-sex structure, and sex ratio were assessed in the wild populations of the Yeso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay) observed at fifteen sites in the northwestern Sea of Japan (=East Sea). The sex ratio varied between the populations from 0.83:1 to 1.52:1 (males/females), with the mean sex ratio being 1.03 ± 0.05:1. Within a population, the proportions of males and females in term of number differed between age classes. Males were more numerous than females in the younger age classes, and females prevailed over males in the older age classes. It was found that in different scallop populations the sex change occurred at different ages. In the populations that predominantly consisted of young (two- to four-year-old) individuals, males prevailed over females in the age class 2 yr.; the equal male/female proportion was found in the age class 3 yr.; and in older age classes, females prevailed over males. Another pattern was observed in the populations that consisted mainly of middle-aged (five- to six-year-old) individuals. Here, the age-sex ratio became equal at an age of 4-6 years. In the old populations (mainly 6-12-year-olds) the equal male/female proportion was observed at an age of 8-10 years. Thus, the age of sex change was not uniform for the scallop populations. It depended on the age structure of the population and, thus, was socially controlled. The greater number of females in the older age classes suggests a protandric sex change.}, } @article {pmid30012749, year = {2018}, author = {Gonçalves, A and Biro, D}, title = {Comparative thanatology, an integrative approach: exploring sensory/cognitive aspects of death recognition in vertebrates and invertebrates.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1754}, pages = {}, pmid = {30012749}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Cues ; *Death ; *Invertebrates ; *Perception ; Thanatology ; *Vertebrates ; }, abstract = {Evolutionary thanatology benefits from broad taxonomic comparisons of non-human animals' responses to death. Furthermore, exploring the sensory and cognitive bases of these responses promises to allow classification of the underlying mechanisms on a spectrum from phylogenetically ancient to more derived traits. We draw on studies of perception and cognition in invertebrate and vertebrate taxa (with a focus on arthropods, corvids, proboscids, cetaceans and primates) to explore the cues that these animals use to detect life and death in others, and discuss proximate and ultimate drivers behind their capacities to do so. Parallels in thanatological behaviour exhibited by the last four taxa suggest similar sensory-cognitive processing rules for dealing with corpses, the evolution of which may have been driven by complex social environments. Uniting these responses is a phenomenon we term 'animacy detection malfunction', whereupon the corpse, having both animate and inanimate attributes, creates states of fear/curiosity manifested as approach/avoidance behaviours in observers. We suggest that integrating diverse lines of evidence (including the 'uncanny valley' effect originating from the field of robotics) provides a promising way to advance the field, and conclude by proposing avenues for future research.This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.}, } @article {pmid30012745, year = {2018}, author = {Swift, K and Marzluff, JM}, title = {Occurrence and variability of tactile interactions between wild American crows and dead conspecifics.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1754}, pages = {}, pmid = {30012745}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*physiology ; *Death ; Feeding Behavior ; Information Storage and Retrieval ; *Motivation ; Territoriality ; Thanatology ; *Touch ; Washington ; }, abstract = {Observations of some mammals and birds touching their dead provoke questions about the motivation and adaptive value of this potentially risky behaviour. Here, we use controlled experiments to determine if tactile interactions are characteristic of wild American crow responses to dead crows, and what the prevalence and nature of tactile interactions suggests about their motivations. In Experiment 1, we test if food or information acquisition motivates contact by presenting crows with taxidermy-prepared dead crows, and two species crows are known to scavenge: dead pigeons and dead squirrels. In Experiment 2, we test if territoriality motivates tactile interactions by presenting crows with taxidermy crows prepared to look either dead or upright and life-like. In Experiment 1, we find that crows are significantly less likely to make contact but more likely to alarm call and recruit other birds in response to dead crows than to dead pigeons and squirrels. In addition, we find that aggressive and sexual encounters with dead crows are seasonally biased. These findings are inconsistent with feeding or information acquisition-based motivation. In Experiment 2, we find that crows rarely dive-bomb and more often alarm call and recruit other crows to dead than to life-like crows, behaviours inconsistent with responses given to live intruders. Consistent with a danger response hypothesis, our results show that alarm calling and neighbour recruitment occur more frequently in response to dead crows than other stimuli, and that touching dead crows is atypical. Occasional contacts, which take a variety of aggressive and sexual forms, may result from an inability to mediate conflicting stimuli.This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.}, } @article {pmid30008787, year = {2018}, author = {Reid, SNS and Ryu, JK and Kim, Y and Jeon, BH}, title = {The Effects of Fermented Laminaria japonica on Short-Term Working Memory and Physical Fitness in the Elderly.}, journal = {Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM}, volume = {2018}, number = {}, pages = {8109621}, pmid = {30008787}, issn = {1741-427X}, mesh = {Aged ; Antioxidants/metabolism/*pharmacology ; Biological Products/*pharmacology ; Cognitive Dysfunction/prevention & control ; *Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Exercise Test ; Fermentation ; Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism ; Humans ; Laminaria/*chemistry ; Memory, Short-Term/*drug effects ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/prevention & control ; Neuroprotective Agents/*pharmacology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Physical Fitness ; Polysaccharides/pharmacology ; Seaweed/chemistry ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/pharmacology ; }, abstract = {Considering the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of fermented Laminaria japonica A. (FST), the purpose of the present study is to establish whether FST may be considered a viable, efficacious supplement that can be administered in later life to offset neurodegenerative conditions associated with aging. Forty senior subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Two groups were formed, one FST group (n = 32, 72.35 ± 5.54 yrs) and one placebo (CON) (n = 28, 74.57 ± 5.69 yrs), which received 1.5 g/day of FST for 6 weeks. Subjects were asked to abstain from any regular exercise. In order to analyze short-term memory, a variety of neuropsychological tests were implemented. Body composition, physical fitness evaluations, antioxidant function, and inflammatory markers were also included in the analyses pre- and posttest. We demonstrated that FST significantly improved neuropsychological test scores, including higher scores in the K-MMSE, numerical memory test, Raven test, and iconic memory, compared to the CON group. Shorter test trial times in the 6-meter [corrected] walk test were observed in the FST group (p<0.001 and p<0.05, trials 1 and 2, respectively). FST also significantly increased antioxidant activity of GPx, GSR, and SOD, reduced the production of TBARS, and lowered 8-oxoDG levels. The present study highlights the potential widespread application of FST in protecting against the degenerative effects of aging on short-term memory and physical function. Neuropsychological evaluation indicates that FST may provide a protective mechanism against cognitive impairment associated with dementia. Neuromuscular integrity and physical function are typically compromised in aging and dementia patients; thus, whether by stimulation of muscle-related growth factors or an increase in serum BDNF, FST supplementation may act to preserve physical function in the elderly. The bioactive constituents of FST such as GABA and fucoidan acting to provide improvements in antioxidant activity following FST supplementation may protect against progressive degeneration purportedly caused by reactive oxygen species.}, } @article {pmid30008510, year = {2018}, author = {Isaksson, E and Utku Urhan, A and Brodin, A}, title = {High level of self-control ability in a small passerine bird.}, journal = {Behavioral ecology and sociobiology}, volume = {72}, number = {7}, pages = {118}, pmid = {30008510}, issn = {0340-5443}, abstract = {ABSTRACT: Cognitively advanced animals are usually assumed to possess better self-control, or ability to decline immediate rewards in favour of delayed ones, than less cognitively advanced animals. It has been claimed that the best predictor of high such ability is absolute brain volume meaning that large-brained animals should perform better than small-brained ones. We tested self-control ability in the great tit, a small passerine. In the common test of this ability, the animal is presented with a transparent cylinder that contains a piece of food. If the animal tries to take the reward through the transparent wall of the cylinder, this is considered an impulsive act and it fails the test. If it moves to an opening and takes the reward this way, it passes the test. The average performance of our great tits was 80%, higher than most animals that have been tested and almost in level with the performance in corvids and apes. This is remarkable considering that the brain volume of a great tit is 3% of that of a raven and 0.1% of that of a chimpanzee.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The transparent cylinder test is the most common way to test the ability of self-control in animals. If an animal understands that it only can take food in the cylinder from the cylinder's opening and controls its impulsivity, it passes the test. A high level of self-control has been demonstrated only in cognitively advanced animals such as apes and corvids. Here, we demonstrate that the great tit, a small song bird that is very good at learning, performs almost in level with chimpanzees and ravens in this test.}, } @article {pmid30002396, year = {2018}, author = {Gómez-Olivencia, A and Sala, N and Núñez-Lahuerta, C and Sanchis, A and Arlegi, M and Rios-Garaizar, J}, title = {First data of Neandertal bird and carnivore exploitation in the Cantabrian Region (Axlor; Barandiaran excavations; Dima, Biscay, Northern Iberian Peninsula).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {10551}, pmid = {30002396}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology ; Body Remains ; Carnivory/*physiology ; Crows ; Eagles ; Europe ; Fossils ; Humans ; Lynx ; Neanderthals/*physiology ; Wolves ; }, abstract = {Neandertals were top predators who basically relied on middle- to large-sized ungulates for dietary purposes, but there is growing evidence that supports their consumption of plants, leporids, tortoises, marine resources, carnivores and birds. The Iberian Peninsula has provided the most abundant record of bird exploitation for meat in Europe, starting in the Middle Pleistocene. However, the bird and carnivore exploitation record was hitherto limited to the Mediterranean area of the Iberian Peninsula. Here we present the first evidence of bird and carnivore exploitation by Neandertals in the Cantabrian region. We have found cut-marks in two golden eagles, one raven, one wolf and one lynx remain from the Mousterian levels of Axlor. The obtaining of meat was likely the primary purpose of the cut-marks on the golden eagle and lynx remains. Corvids, raptors, felids and canids in Axlor could have likely acted as commensals of the Neandertals, scavenging upon the carcasses left behind by these hunter-gatherers. This could have brought them closer to Neandertal groups who could have preyed upon them. These new results provide additional information on their dietary scope and indicate a more complex interaction between Neandertals and their environment.}, } @article {pmid29992421, year = {2019}, author = {Smulders, TV}, title = {Smarter through group living?.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {4}, pages = {275-276}, pmid = {29992421}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Cognition ; }, abstract = {Wild Australian magpies living (or growing up) in larger social groups take fewer trials to solve a battery of four cognitive tests than those living (or growing up) in smaller groups. The tests all draw on a common underlying factor, but is this factor cognitive or motivational?}, } @article {pmid29991639, year = {2019}, author = {Valiente, R and Sureda, X and Bilal, U and Navas-Acien, A and Pearce, J and Franco, M and Escobar, F}, title = {Regulating the local availability of tobacco retailing in Madrid, Spain: a GIS study to evaluate compliance.}, journal = {Tobacco control}, volume = {28}, number = {3}, pages = {325-333}, doi = {10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2018-054269}, pmid = {29991639}, issn = {1468-3318}, mesh = {Commerce/legislation & jurisprudence/*statistics & numerical data ; Geographic Information Systems ; Humans ; Schools/*legislation & jurisprudence ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Spain ; Tobacco Products/*economics/legislation & jurisprudence/statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: In Spain, tobacco sales are limited to tobacco-exclusive stores and associated vending machines. A minimum of 150 m between stores is required, unless they exceed a legal sales threshold. Minimum distances to schools are recommended but not defined. We evaluated compliance with these regulations in Madrid, Spain.

METHODS: Information about tobacco-exclusive stores and their sales volume was obtained in 2014. We used geographic information system to identify stores closer than 150 m between them and examine whether they exceeded the sales threshold. We estimated distances between stores and schools, considering different distance intervals (<150 m, 150-300 m and >300 m) and calculations (crow flies and street network). We assessed the association of area-level demographic and socioeconomic characteristics with the distribution of tobacco stores.

RESULTS: 5.3% (34/638) of tobacco stores were within 150 m of each other. Among those, 76% (26/34) did not meet the regulation sales threshold. These stores were in areas with lower proportion of young population (<15 years) and higher proportion of people with university-level education. 75% (476/638) of stores were situated closer than 300 m to schools. No differences were identified in sociodemographic and economic characteristics by the store distance to schools.

CONCLUSION: Most tobacco stores are compliant with the regulations in Spain. However, these regulations are insufficient to reduce tobacco availability. More restrictive regulations are needed to limit the geographic distribution of tobacco retailers, and health criteria should also be considered in the current legislation. The evaluation of the Spanish regulatory model may provide useful insights for other jurisdictions looking to decrease the tobacco retail availability.}, } @article {pmid29983311, year = {2018}, author = {Dickerson, KL and Ainge, JA and Seed, AM}, title = {The Role of Association in Pre-schoolers' Solutions to "Spoon Tests" of Future Planning.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {14}, pages = {2309-2313.e2}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.05.052}, pmid = {29983311}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Memory, Episodic ; *Mental Recall ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Imagining the future is a powerful tool for making plans and solving problems. It is thought to rely on the episodic system which also underpins remembering a specific past event [1-3]. However, the emergence of episodic future thinking over development and evolution is debated [4-9]. One key source of positive evidence in pre-schoolers and animals is the "spoon test" or item choice test [4, 10], in which participants encounter a problem in one context and then a choice of items in another context, one of which is the solution to the problem. A majority of studies report that most children choose the right item by age 4 [10-15, cf.16]. Apes and corvids have also been shown to pass versions of the test [17-19]. However, it has been suggested that a simpler mechanism could be driving choice: the participant simply chooses the item that has been assigned salience or value, without necessarily imagining the future event [16, 20-23]. We developed a new test in which two of the items offered to children were associated with positive outcomes, but only one was still useful. We found that older children (5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds) chose the correct item at above chance levels, but younger children (3- and 4-year-olds) did not. In further tests, 4-year-olds showed an intact memory for the encoding event. We conclude that positive association substantially impacts performance on item choice tests in 4-year-olds and that future planning may have a more protracted developmental trajectory than episodic memory.}, } @article {pmid29975360, year = {2018}, author = {Wójciak, P and Rybakowski, J}, title = {Clinical picture, pathogenesis and psychometric assessment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.}, journal = {Psychiatria polska}, volume = {52}, number = {2}, pages = {185-197}, doi = {10.12740/PP/70610}, pmid = {29975360}, issn = {2391-5854}, mesh = {Emotions ; Humans ; Interview, Psychological/*standards ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Psychological Tests/standards ; Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis ; Schizophrenia/*diagnosis ; *Schizophrenic Psychology ; Social Behavior ; Symptom Assessment/*standards ; }, abstract = {Negative symptoms of schizophrenia constitute a serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem. They substantially account for the impairment of health, social functioning and quality of life whereas treatment is difficult. In this paper the development of the concept of schizophrenia and negative symptoms is presented. The models of positive and negative symptoms, introduced in the 1980's by Timothy Crow and Nancy Andreasen, and William Carpenter's concept of so-called deficit syndrome with the criteria of the division of negative symptoms into the primary and secondary, are discussed. Current views on the pathogenesis of negative symptoms are shown with reference to neuroimaging studies, neurotransmitter alterations, neuropsychological deficits, genetic, immunological and epidemiological studies. A subsection is devoted to the diagnostics tools for negative symptoms. Chronologically, they are divided into scales of the 1st and 2nd generation. The first generation includes: the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Schedule for the Deficit Syndrome (SDS), and the Proxy for Deficit Syndrome. The second generation scales, developed as a result of the recommendation by American experts in 2006, include: the Brief Negative Syndrome Scale (BNSS) and the Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS), also the self-assessment scales: the Motivation and Pleasure Scale - Self Report (MAP-SR) and the Self-assessment of Negative Symptoms (SNS). The BNSS and the SNS scales, whose Polish versions were elaborated in the Department of Adult Psychiatry of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, are discussed in-depth.}, } @article {pmid29962382, year = {2019}, author = {Chen, YM and Huang, CC and Hsiao, CY and Hu, S and Wang, IL and Sung, HC}, title = {Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) raven extract supplementation enhances muscle glycogen content and endurance exercise performance in mice.}, journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science}, volume = {81}, number = {5}, pages = {667-674}, pmid = {29962382}, issn = {1347-7439}, mesh = {Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/*pharmacology ; Fatigue/*drug therapy ; Glycogen/analysis ; Male ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry/drug effects ; Onagraceae/*chemistry ; Physical Endurance/*drug effects ; Swimming/physiology ; }, abstract = {Ludwigia octovalvis extract (LOE) is a widely used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. To date, few studies have demonstrated the effect of LOE supplementation on exercise performance, physical fatigue and biochemical profile. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of LOE extract on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge. Male ICR mice from 3 groups (n=8 per group) were orally administered LOE for 4 weeks at 0 (vehicle), 61.5 (LOE-1X) or 307.5 (LOE-5X) mg/kg/day. LOE supplementation was able to dose-dependently increase endurance swimming time (P<0.0001) and decrease levels of serum lactate (P=0.0022), ammonia (P<0.0001), creatine kinase (P<0.0001), blood urea nitrogen (P<0.0001) and glucose utilization (P<0.0001) after acute exercise challenge. The glycogen in gastrocnemius muscle also increased with LOE treatment in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.0001). Biochemically, AST, ALT, LDH, CK, BUN, creatinine and UA levels were decreased with LOE treatment. Our study shows that 4-week supplementation with LOE increases muscle glycogen content storage to enhance exercise performance and anti-fatigue effects.}, } @article {pmid29958290, year = {2018}, author = {Williams, BK and Johnson, FA}, title = {Value of sample information in dynamic, structurally uncertain resource systems.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {6}, pages = {e0199326}, pmid = {29958290}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Bayes Theorem ; Decision Making ; *Fires ; Florida/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Models, Theoretical ; *Natural Resources ; }, abstract = {Few if any natural resource systems are completely understood and fully observed. Instead, there almost always is uncertainty about the way a system works and its status at any given time, which can limit effective management. A natural approach to uncertainty is to allocate time and effort to the collection of additional data, on the reasonable assumption that more information will facilitate better understanding and lead to better management. But the collection of more data, either through observation or investigation, requires time and effort that often can be put to other conservation activities. An important question is whether the use of limited resources to improve understanding is justified by the resulting potential for improved management. In this paper we address directly a change in value from new information collected through investigation. We frame the value of information in terms of learning through the management process itself, as well as learning through investigations that are external to the management process but add to our base of understanding. We provide a conceptual framework and metrics for this issue, and illustrate them with examples involving Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, } @article {pmid29958041, year = {2018}, author = {Hirst, RB and Conaboy, C and Vaughn, D and H Enriquez, R and Wickham, R}, title = {The "Jay-Dar" Phenomenon: Individuals Discriminate Cannabis Users from Nonusers Based Upon a Photograph.}, journal = {Substance use & misuse}, volume = {53}, number = {14}, pages = {2359-2367}, doi = {10.1080/10826084.2018.1474228}, pmid = {29958041}, issn = {1532-2491}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; *Drug Users ; Female ; Humans ; *Judgment ; Male ; *Marijuana Use ; Middle Aged ; Social Perception ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: With increasing legalization of medicinal and recreational cannabis, use is on the rise. Research suggests individuals may be able to guess cannabis user status based upon appearance; however, these findings utilized a small sample of photographs that was not balanced on user status or gender. Further, no studies examined whether raters with cannabis experience are better at judging others' cannabis use, or what physical features they use to make these judgments. This study explored these factors using a larger, balanced photograph database.

METHOD: An American sample (n = 249, 48.6% female, mean age = 35.19 years) rated 36 photographs (18 cannabis users, 18 nonusers) balanced on gender and age on the likelihood that the photographed individuals use cannabis, producing 8964 ratings. Respondents also reported physical features considered in their ratings, as well as their own cannabis use history.

RESULTS: As hypothesized, photographs of users received higher ratings on the Marijuana Use Likelihood Index relative to nonusers. Further, results revealed a gender by rater user status interaction, indicating that raters with no previous cannabis experience rated males higher than females, while raters with cannabis experience did not demonstrate this rating discrepancy. Cannabis use explained over 9% of the variance in ratings across all photographs.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest individuals do rate cannabis users as more likely to be users, relative to nonusers, based upon appearance alone. These findings have important implications, not only for research on chronic cannabis use effects, but also for social and achievement factors such as potential stigma.}, } @article {pmid29955154, year = {2018}, author = {Jelbert, SA and Hosking, RJ and Taylor, AH and Gray, RD}, title = {Mental template matching is a potential cultural transmission mechanism for New Caledonian crow tool manufacturing traditions.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {8956}, pmid = {29955154}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Cognition/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Food Dispensers, Automatic ; Imitative Behavior/physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Reward ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Tool Use Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Cumulative cultural evolution occurs when social traditions accumulate improvements over time. In humans cumulative cultural evolution is thought to depend on a unique suite of cognitive abilities, including teaching, language and imitation. Tool-making New Caledonian crows show some hallmarks of cumulative culture; but this claim is contentious, in part because these birds do not appear to imitate. One alternative hypothesis is that crows' tool designs could be culturally transmitted through a process of mental template matching. That is, individuals could use or observe conspecifics' tools, form a mental template of a particular tool design, and then reproduce this in their own manufacture - a process analogous to birdsong learning. Here, we provide the first evidence supporting this hypothesis, by demonstrating that New Caledonian crows have the cognitive capacity for mental template matching. Using a novel manufacture paradigm, crows were first trained to drop paper into a vending machine to retrieve rewards. They later learnt that only items of a particular size (large or small templates) were rewarded. At test, despite being rewarded at random, and with no physical templates present, crows manufactured items that were more similar in size to previously rewarded, than unrewarded, templates. Our results provide the first evidence that this cognitive ability may underpin the transmission of New Caledonian crows' natural tool designs.}, } @article {pmid29932821, year = {2018}, author = {Reeve, RA and Reynolds, F and Paul, J and Butterworth, BL}, title = {Culture-Independent Prerequisites for Early Arithmetic.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {29}, number = {9}, pages = {1383-1392}, doi = {10.1177/0956797618769893}, pmid = {29932821}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {*Aptitude ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; *Mathematics ; Northern Territory ; Problem Solving ; Psychological Tests ; }, abstract = {In numerate societies, early arithmetic development is associated with visuospatial working memory, executive functions, nonverbal intelligence, and magnitude-comparison abilities. To what extent do these associations arise from cultural practices or general cognitive prerequisites? Here, we administered tests of these cognitive abilities (Corsi Blocks, Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, Porteus Maze) to indigenous children in remote northern Australia, whose culture contains few counting words or counting practices, and to nonindigenous children from an Australian city. The indigenous children completed a standard nonverbal addition task; the nonindigenous children completed a comparable single-digit addition task. The correlation matrices among variables in the indigenous and nonindigenous children showed similar patterns of relationships, and parallel regression analyses showed that visuospatial working memory was the main predictor of addition performance in both groups. Our findings support the hypothesis that the same cognitive capacities promote competence for learners in both numerate and nonnumerate societies.}, } @article {pmid29926397, year = {2019}, author = {Hampton, R}, title = {Parallel overinterpretation of behavior of apes and corvids.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {47}, number = {2}, pages = {105-106}, pmid = {29926397}, issn = {1543-4508}, support = {P51 OD011132/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Hominidae ; }, abstract = {The report by Kabadayi and Osvath (Science, 357(6347), 202-204, 2017) does not demonstrate planning in ravens. The behavior of corvids and apes is fascinating and will be best appreciated through well-designed experiments that explicitly test alternative explanations and that are interpreted without unjustified anthropomorphic embellishment.}, } @article {pmid29920164, year = {2018}, author = {Komar, N and Panella, NA and Golnar, AJ and Hamer, GL}, title = {Forage Ratio Analysis of the Southern House Mosquito in College Station, Texas.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {18}, number = {9}, pages = {485-490}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2018.2285}, pmid = {29920164}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*blood ; Culex/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Mammals/*blood ; Species Specificity ; Texas ; }, abstract = {Culex quinquefasciatus is the principal vector of West Nile virus (WNV) in the South Central United States, yet limited data on host utilization are available. We evaluated host utilization over a 3-month period in 2013 in a residential landscape in College Station, Texas. PCR sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene permitted molecular identification of vertebrate bloodmeals to the species level. Forage ratio analysis identified bird species that were overutilized and underutilized by comparing community feeding index values to expected relative abundance values of bird species, derived from eBird data. Community feeding index values were also used in conjunction with reservoir competence data from the literature to generate reservoir capacity index values, a means of identifying relative importance of vertebrate reservoir hosts. Of 498 blood-engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus, 313 (62.9%) were identified to vertebrate species. The majority (95.5%) of bloodmeals originated from avian species with the remainder from mammals, but not humans. Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) was the principal host for mosquito feeding in June and July, but northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) became primary host in August. Forage ratio analysis revealed the overutilization of house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus), American robin (Turdus migratorius), northern mockingbird, northern cardinal, white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) were under-utilized relative to availability. Reservoir capacity calculations suggested that northern mockingbird and northern cardinal were the principal amplifiers in the study area. These data identify the primary avian species contributing to the enzootic amplification of WNV in East-Central Texas and reveal that the heavy feeding on moderately competent hosts and no feeding on humans likely limit epidemics in this region.}, } @article {pmid29916087, year = {2018}, author = {Qian, SS and Cuffney, TF}, title = {The multiple-comparison trap and the Raven's paradox-perils of using null hypothesis testing in environmental assessment.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {190}, number = {7}, pages = {409}, pmid = {29916087}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Computer Simulation ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; *Models, Statistical ; Probability ; Research Design ; }, abstract = {Detecting and quantifying environmental thresholds is frequently an important step in understanding ecological responses to environmental stressors. We discuss two statistical issues often encountered in threshold detection and quantification when statistical null hypothesis testing is used as a main analytical tool. The hidden multiple-comparison trap (leading to a much higher risk of a false detection) and Raven's paradox (rendering a "detection" meaningless) are often obscured when statistical hypothesis testing is used as part of a more elaborate model, especially models based on computer-intensive methods. Using two examples, we show that the hidden multiple-comparison trap can be exposed using computer simulation to estimate the probability of making a false detection; Raven's paradox can be avoided by clearly stating the null and alternative hypotheses using scientific terms to substantiate that the rejection of the null is equivalent to proving that the alternative of interest is true. The hidden multiple-comparison trap implies that a null hypothesis testing based on a computer-intensive method should be used with caution. The implication of Raven's paradox requires that we focus on providing evidence supporting the proposed hypothesis or model, rather than seeking evidence against the frequently irrelevant null hypothesis. These two problems, and many others related to null hypothesis testing, suggest that statistical hypothesis testing should be used only as a component of the body of evidence, perhaps, as the devil's advocate.}, } @article {pmid33474285, year = {2018}, author = {Liu, R and Chen, R and Liu, J and Xiong, Y and Kan, X}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of Urocissa erythroryncha (Passeriformes: Corvidae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {691-692}, pmid = {33474285}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The complete mitochondrial genome of Urocissa erythroryncha is 16930 bp in length. It was predicted to contain 13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes, and a putative control region. All of the PCGs initiated with ATG, except for MT-COX1 which began with GTG and MT-ND3 began with ATA, while stopped by three types of stop codons. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Urocissa erythroryncha and the other species of Corvidae were monophyletic group in this study. And the monophyly of the genus Pyrrhocorax was strongly supported. Moreover, our results also support a sister-group relationship between Corvidae and Muscicapidae.}, } @article {pmid29908383, year = {2018}, author = {Mwangala, PN and Kariuki, SM and Nyongesa, MK and Mwangi, P and Chongwo, E and Newton, CR and Abubakar, A}, title = {Cognition, mood and quality-of-life outcomes among low literacy adults living with epilepsy in rural Kenya: A preliminary study.}, journal = {Epilepsy & behavior : E&B}, volume = {85}, number = {}, pages = {45-51}, pmid = {29908383}, issn = {1525-5069}, support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MR/M025454/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; 107769/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MR/M025454/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Affect/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Depression/complications/psychology ; Epilepsy/complications/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Kenya ; *Literacy ; Male ; *Mental Health ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Rural Population ; Self Report ; Social Adjustment ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Epilepsy is frequently associated with neurocognitive impairments, mental health, and psychosocial problems but these are rarely documented in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to examine the neurocognitive outcomes, depressive symptoms, and psychosocial adjustments of people with epilepsy (PWE) in Kilifi, Kenya. We evaluated the impact of these outcomes on health-related quality of life. Self-report, interviewer-administered measures of depression (Major Depression Inventory) and quality of life (RAND SF-36) were administered to 63 PWE and 83 community controls. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, Digit Span, and Contingency Naming Test. The results show that PWE have poorer scores for executive function, working memory, intelligence quotient (IQ), depression, and quality of life than controls. Twenty-seven (27%) of PWE had depressive symptoms, which was significantly greater than in controls (6%); P < 0.001. Quality-of-life scores were significantly lower in PWE with depressive symptoms than in those without depressive symptoms (Mean QoL scores (standard deviation (SD)): 46.43 (13.27) versus 64.18 (17.69); P = 0.01. On adjusted linear regression models, depression affected total quality-of-life scores (P = 0.07) as well as individual health indicator domains touching on pain (P = 0.04), lethargy/fatigue (P = 0.01), and emotional well-being (P = 0.02). Our results show that epilepsy is associated with a significant burden of mental health and neurocognitive impairments in the community; however, community-based studies are needed to provide precise estimates of these disorders.}, } @article {pmid29905106, year = {2018}, author = {Kruse, T and Zachariah, T and McManamon, R}, title = {T-cell Thymic Lymphoma With Proventricular Metastasis in a Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {Journal of avian medicine and surgery}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {128-132}, doi = {10.1647/2017-293}, pmid = {29905106}, issn = {1082-6742}, mesh = {Animals ; Autopsy/veterinary ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle/veterinary ; Bird Diseases/*pathology/surgery ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Immunohistochemistry/veterinary ; Lymphoma, T-Cell/pathology/surgery/*veterinary ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; *Passeriformes ; Proventriculus/*pathology ; Thymus Neoplasms/pathology/surgery/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {An adult, wild-caught, female Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) was evaluated because of an observable mass on the ventral neck. Initial physical examination and diagnostic tests were performed, which revealed a subcutaneous mass. Surgical removal of the mass was attempted, but the bird died during surgery. Results of necropsy and histopathologic evaluation identified the mass as thymic lymphoma with proventricular metastasis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for CD3 in the thymic mass and within the predominant lymphoid population in the serosal proventricular masses, which confirmed metastasis of T-cell lymphoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T-cell thymic lymphoma in a wild Florida scrub jay.}, } @article {pmid29898021, year = {2018}, author = {Mota-Veloso, I and Ramos-Jorge, ML and Homem, MA and Pordeus, IA and Paiva, SM and Oliveira-Ferreira, F}, title = {Dental caries in schoolchildren: influence of inattention, hyperactivity and executive functions.}, journal = {Brazilian oral research}, volume = {32}, number = {}, pages = {e52}, doi = {10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0052}, pmid = {29898021}, issn = {1807-3107}, mesh = {Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/*complications/*epidemiology/physiopathology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Caregivers ; Child ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; DMF Index ; Dental Caries/*epidemiology/*etiology/physiopathology/psychology ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parents ; Poisson Distribution ; Prevalence ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention. Individuals with ADHD may present limitations with regard to executive functions and performing activities that involve planning and/or attention/concentration. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between dental caries and signs of ADHD in a representative sample of schoolchildren. A representative sample of 851 schoolchildren aged seven to 12 years was randomly selected from public and private schools. Data acquisition involved a clinical dental examination for cavitated permanent and deciduous teeth using the DMFT/dmft indices. Neuropsychological evaluations, including the assessment of intelligence (Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test) and executive functions (Corsi Tapping Blocks tests and Digit Span test) were also performed. Parents/caregivers and teachers answered the SNAP-IV Questionnaire for the investigation of signs of inattention and hyperactivity in the family and school environment. Parents/caregivers also answered questionnaires addressing socioeconomic and socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive analysis of the variables and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed. Parental reports of signs of inattention (PR: 1.28; p < 0.05) and hyperactivity (PR: 1.15; p < 0.05) were associated with a greater occurrence of caries. A better performance on the backward order of the Corsi Tapping Blocks tests (PR: 0.94; p < 0.05) and higher level of mother's schooling were associated with a lower frequency of caries. A better performance on executive function tasks was a protective factor against dental caries, whereas children considered inattentive and/or hyperactive by their parents had a higher prevalence rate of dental caries.}, } @article {pmid29891142, year = {2018}, author = {Hassan, MM and Hoque, MA and Ujvari, B and Klaassen, M}, title = {Live bird markets in Bangladesh as a potentially important source for Avian Influenza Virus transmission.}, journal = {Preventive veterinary medicine}, volume = {156}, number = {}, pages = {22-27}, doi = {10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.05.003}, pmid = {29891142}, issn = {1873-1716}, mesh = {Animals ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Chickens ; *Commerce ; Influenza A virus ; Influenza in Birds/*epidemiology/prevention & control/*transmission ; *Poultry ; }, abstract = {Live bird markets (LBM) are important for trading poultry in many developing countries where they are being considered hotspots of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) prevalence and contamination. An active surveillance for Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) was conducted on four species of LBM birds (chickens, ducks, quails and pigeons) from 10 of the largest LBM in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and two species of peri-domestic wild birds (house crow and Asian pied starling) in their direct vicinity from November 2012 until September 2016. Our aim was to identify the scale and annual pattern of AIV circulation in both the LBM birds and the two per-domestic wild bird species living in close proximity of the LBM. In the latter two species, the annual pattern in AIV antibody prevalence was additionally investigated. A total of 4770 LBM birds and 1119 peri-domestic wild birds were sampled. We used rt-PCR for detection of the AIV M-gene and AIV subtypes H5, H7 and H9 from swab samples. We used c-ELISA for AIV antibody detection from serum samples of peri-domestic wild birds. Average AIV prevalence among the four LBM species varied between 16 and 28%, whereas no AIV was detected in peri-domestic wild birds by rt-PCR. In all LBM species we found significantly higher AIV prevalence in winter compared to summer. A similar pattern was found in AIV antibody prevalence in peri-domestic wild birds feeding in the direct vicinity of LBM. For the subtypes of AIV investigated, we found a significantly higher proportion of AIV H5 in LBM chickens and H9 in LBM ducks. No H7 was detected in any of the investigated samples. We conclude that AIV and notably AIV H5 and H9 were circulating in the investigated LBM of Bangladesh with clear seasonality that matched the prevalence of AIV antibodies of peri-domestic wild birds. These patterns show great resemblance to the annual outbreak patterns in Bangladeshi poultry industry. Our data suggest considerable exchange of AIV within and among the four LBM bird species and peri-domestic wild birds, which likely contributes to the maintenance of the AIV problems in Bangladesh. Increasing biosecurity and notably reducing the direct and indirect mixing of various domestic bird species and peri-domestic wild birds and developing all-in-all-out selling systems with regular use of disinfectant are likely to reduce the risk of transmission and spread of AIV, including HPAI.}, } @article {pmid29888933, year = {2019}, author = {Malek, N and Messinger, D and Gao, AYL and Krumhuber, E and Mattson, W and Joober, R and Tabbane, K and Martinez-Trujillo, JC}, title = {Generalizing Duchenne to sad expressions with binocular rivalry and perception ratings.}, journal = {Emotion (Washington, D.C.)}, volume = {19}, number = {2}, pages = {234-241}, doi = {10.1037/emo0000410}, pmid = {29888933}, issn = {1931-1516}, support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; //Canadian Institutes of Health Research/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Affect ; Face ; *Facial Expression ; *Facial Recognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Biological ; *Vision Disparity ; *Vision, Binocular ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Discrete emotion theories emphasize the modularity of facial expressions, while functionalist theories suggest that a single facial action may have a common meaning across expressions. Smiles involving the Duchenne marker, eye constriction causing crow's feet, are perceived as intensely positive and sincere. To test whether the Duchenne marker is a general index of intensity and sincerity, we contrasted positive and negative expressions with and without the Duchenne marker in a binocular rivalry paradigm. Both smiles and sad expressions involving the Duchenne marker were perceived longer than non-Duchenne expressions, and participants rated all Duchenne expressions as more affectively intense and more sincere than their non-Duchenne counterparts. Correlations between perceptual dominance and ratings suggested that the Duchenne marker increased the dominance of smiles and sad expressions by increasing their perceived affective intensity. The results provide evidence in favor of Darwin's hypothesis that specific facial actions have a general function (conveying affect intensification and sincerity) across expressions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).}, } @article {pmid29881330, year = {2018}, author = {Singh, UA and Kumari, M and Iyengar, S}, title = {Method for improving the quality of genomic DNA obtained from minute quantities of tissue and blood samples using Chelex 100 resin.}, journal = {Biological procedures online}, volume = {20}, number = {}, pages = {12}, pmid = {29881330}, issn = {1480-9222}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although genomic DNA isolation using the Chelex 100 resin is rapid and inexpensive, the DNA obtained by this method has a low concentration in solution and contains suspended impurities. The presence of debris in the DNA solution may result in degradation of DNA on long term storage and inhibition of the polymerase chain reaction. In order to remove impurities and concentrate the DNA in solution, we have introduced modifications in the existing DNA isolation protocol using Chelex-100. We used ammonium acetate to precipitate proteins and a sodium acetate- isopropanol mixture to pellet out DNA which was washed with ethanol.

RESULTS: A pure DNA pellet that can be dissolved in water or Tris-EDTA buffer and stored for a long time at - 80 °C was obtained. We also observed a 20-fold change in the DNA concentration following precipitation and re-dissolution.

CONCLUSION: Our method is different from other extraction methods since it uses non-toxic, easily available and inexpensive reagents as well as minimal amounts of blood or tissue samples for the DNA extraction process. Besides its use in sex determination and genotyping in lab animals as described in this paper, it may also have applications in forensic science and diagnostics such as the easy detection of pathogenic DNA in blood.}, } @article {pmid29875298, year = {2018}, author = {Szipl, G and Ringler, E and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Attacked ravens flexibly adjust signalling behaviour according to audience composition.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {285}, number = {1880}, pages = {}, pmid = {29875298}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {*Aggression ; *Animal Communication ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Social Dominance ; }, abstract = {A fundamental attribute of social intelligence is the ability to monitor third-party relationships, which has been repeatedly demonstrated in primates, and recently also in captive ravens. It is yet unknown how ravens make use of this ability when dealing with different types of social relationships simultaneously during complex real-life situations. Free-ranging non-breeder ravens live in societies characterized by high fission-fusion dynamics and structured by age, pair-bond status and kinship. Here, we show that free-ranging ravens modify communication during conflicts according to audience composition. When being attacked by dominant conspecifics, victims of aggression signal their distress via defensive calls. Victims increased call rates when their kin were in the bystander audience, but reduced call rates when the bystanders were bonding partners of their aggressors. Hence, ravens use social knowledge flexibly and probably based on their own need (i.e. alert nearby allies and avoid alerting nearby rivals).}, } @article {pmid33474277, year = {2018}, author = {Hsieh, HI and Hou, HY and Chang, RX and Cheng, YN and Jang-Liaw, NH}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome sequence for the Taiwan Blue Magpie Urocissa caerulea (Passeriformes: Corvidae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {3}, number = {2}, pages = {665-667}, pmid = {33474277}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {Taiwan Blue Magpie (Urocissa caerulea) is endemic to Taiwan and listed as threatened species protected by law. In this study, we first determined and described the complete mitochondrial genome of Taiwan Blue Magpie. The circle genome is 16,928 bp in length, and contains 13 protein coding, 22 tRNA, two rRNA genes, and one non-coding control region (CR). The overall base composition of the mitochondrial DNA is 30.99% for A, 24.69% for T, 30.07% for C, and 14.25% for G. The percentage of G + C content is 44.32%. This work provides fundamental molecular data which will be useful for evolution and phylogeny studies on Corvidae in the future.}, } @article {pmid29873844, year = {2019}, author = {Cavallini, M and Papagni, M and Gazzola, R}, title = {An objective method to assess the improvements of skin texture roughness after botulinum toxin type a treatment of crow's feet.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {25}, number = {1}, pages = {54-59}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12595}, pmid = {29873844}, issn = {1600-0846}, support = {4301148828//Allergan/ ; }, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/*administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Adult ; Aged ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin/*anatomy & histology/drug effects ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/physiology ; Software ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Photo-numeric scales could lack precision and objectivity on evaluating the improvements on wrinkles after a treatment with botulinum toxin type A. The authors suggest a new digital evaluation method to analyze its effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate retrospectively the effect of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A on skin texture in the lateral peri-orbital region with a new objective method.

METHODS: Skin texture roughness (STR) in the lateral peri-orbital region is evaluated with a multi-directional light beam by light emitting diodes of different wavelengths (Antera 3D[®]), before and after injections of 12 units of botulinum toxin type A. The wrinkles and lines deeper than 0.5 mm are filtered to measure accurately skin texture.

RESULTS: We observed an improvement of STR in all cases treated with botulinum toxin type A. A significant decrease of STR was recorded as follows: 17.08% (P < .0001) at 4 weeks and 12.14% at 4 months (P = .001).

CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin type A treatment of crow's feet was able to improve STR. The Antera[®] device and software are a valuable, objective, easy and reproducible method to assess the effects of the toxin.}, } @article {pmid29871743, year = {2018}, author = {Zeeh, F and Klausmann, S and Masserey, Y and Nathues, H and Perreten, V and Rohde, J}, title = {Isolation of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae from a crow (Corvus corone) in close proximity to commercial pigs.}, journal = {Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)}, volume = {236}, number = {}, pages = {111-112}, doi = {10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.05.002}, pmid = {29871743}, issn = {1532-2971}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/microbiology/*transmission ; Brachyspira ; Brachyspira hyodysenteriae/*isolation & purification ; *Crows ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/microbiology/transmission/*veterinary ; Swine ; Swine Diseases/*microbiology/transmission ; Switzerland ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine whether crows (Corvus corone) can harbour Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the cause of swine dysentery, and whether the organism carried by crows is related to strains infecting pigs. B. hyodysenteriae was isolated from one crow in close proximity to two pig farms in Switzerland. This isolate, along with five isolates of B. hyodysenteriae from one of the farms, belonged to sequence type (ST) 66 using multilocus sequence typing. This finding suggests that crows are potential vectors of B. hyodysenteriae, but further studies will be necessary to clarify the role of crows in the epidemiology of this organism.}, } @article {pmid29870913, year = {2018}, author = {Oravcová, V and Peixe, L and Coque, TM and Novais, C and Francia, MV and Literák, I and Freitas, AR}, title = {Wild corvid birds colonized with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium of human origin harbor epidemic vanA plasmids.}, journal = {Environment international}, volume = {118}, number = {}, pages = {125-133}, doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.039}, pmid = {29870913}, issn = {1873-6750}, mesh = {Animals ; *Enterococcus faecium/drug effects/genetics ; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/*microbiology/transmission/veterinary ; Humans ; Passeriformes/*microbiology ; Plasmids/genetics ; Vancomycin Resistance/*genetics ; *Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci/drug effects/genetics ; Zoonoses/*microbiology/transmission ; }, abstract = {The most prevalent type of acquired vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) is encoded by the vanA transposon Tn1546, mainly located on transferable plasmids. vanA plasmids have been characterized in VREfm from a variety of sources but not wild birds. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic context of VREfm strains recovered from wild corvid birds and to compare their plasmid and strain characteristics with human strains. To achieve that, 75 VREfm isolates, including strains from wild birds recovered during wide surveillance studies performed in Europe, Canada and the United States (2010-2013), and clinical and wastewater strains from Czech Republic, a region lacking data about vanA plasmids, were analysed. Their population structure, presence of major putative virulence markers and characterization of vanA transposons and plasmids were established. VREfm from wild birds were mainly associated with major human lineages (ST18 and ST78) circulating in hospitals worldwide and were enriched in putative virulence markers that are highly associated with clinical E. faecium from human infections. They also carried plasmids of the same families usually found in the clinical setting [RCR, small theta plasmids, RepA_N (pRUM/pLG1) and Inc18]. The clinically widespread IS1251-carrying Tn1546 type "F" was predominant and Tn1546-vanA was mainly located on pRUM/Axe-Txe (USA) and Inc18- or pLG1-like (Europe) plasmids. VREfm from hospitals and wastewaters carried Tn1546-vanA in different plasmid types including mosaic pRUM-Inc18 plasmids, not identified in wild birds. This is the first characterization of vanA plasmids obtained from wild birds. A similar plasmid pool seems to exist in different clonal E. faecium backgrounds of humans and wild birds. The isolation of VREfm strains from wild birds that belong to human E. faecium adapted lineages and carry virulence genes, Tn1546 and plasmid variants widespread in the clinical setting is of concern and highlight their role as potential drivers of the global dissemination of vancomycin resistance.}, } @article {pmid29868262, year = {2018}, author = {Forti, LR and Foratto, RM and Márquez, R and Pereira, VR and Toledo, LF}, title = {Current knowledge on bioacoustics of the subfamily Lophyohylinae (Hylidae, Anura) and description of Ocellated treefrog Itapotihyla langsdorffii vocalizations.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e4813}, pmid = {29868262}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anuran vocalizations, such as advertisement and release calls, are informative for taxonomy because species recognition can be based on those signals. Thus, a proper acoustic description of the calls may support taxonomic decisions and may contribute to knowledge about amphibian phylogeny.

METHODS: Here we present a perspective on advertisement call descriptions of the frog subfamily Lophyohylinae, through a literature review and a spatial analysis presenting bioacoustic coldspots (sites with high diversity of species lacking advertisement call descriptions) for this taxonomic group. Additionally, we describe the advertisement and release calls of the still poorly known treefrog, Itapotihyla langsdorffii. We analyzed recordings of six males using the software Raven Pro 1.4 and calculated the coefficient of variation for classifying static and dynamic acoustic properties.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We found that more than half of the species within the subfamily do not have their vocalizations described yet. Most of these species are distributed in the western and northern Amazon, where recording sampling effort should be strengthened in order to fill these gaps. The advertisement call of I. langsdorffii is composed of 3-18 short unpulsed notes (mean of 13 ms long), presents harmonic structure, and has a peak dominant frequency of about 1.4 kHz. This call usually presents amplitude modulation, with decreasing intensity along the sequence of notes. The release call is a simple unpulsed note with an average duration of 9 ms, and peak dominant frequency around 1.8 kHz. Temporal properties presented higher variations than spectral properties at both intra- and inter-individual levels. However, only peak dominant frequency was static at intra-individual level. High variability in temporal properties and lower variations related to spectral ones is usual for anurans; The first set of variables is determined by social environment or temperature, while the second is usually related to species-recognition process. Here we review and expand the acoustic knowledge of the subfamily Lophyohylinae, highlighting areas and species for future research.}, } @article {pmid32026068, year = {2018}, author = {Martineli, AKB and Pizeta, FA and Loureiro, SR}, title = {Behavioral problems of school children: impact of social vulnerability, chronic adversity, and maternal depression.}, journal = {Psicologia, reflexao e critica : revista semestral do Departamento de Psicologia da UFRGS}, volume = {31}, number = {1}, pages = {11}, pmid = {32026068}, issn = {0102-7972}, support = {307394/2014-0//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil)/ ; 307394 / 2014-0//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/Brazil)/ ; }, abstract = {This study's objective was to identify the predictive effect of indicators concerning social vulnerability, chronic adversity, and maternal depression on behavioral problems among school-aged children, according to the perceptions of mothers and teachers, considering the presence or absence of difficulties in the contexts of family and school. A total of 85 pairs of mothers and school children were distributed into three groups according to the behavioral problems identified. A General Questionnaire, the PHQ-9, the Chronic Adversity Scale, and the (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) SDQ were applied to the mothers; the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices were applied to the children; and the SDQ was applied to the teachers. Data were analyzed with descriptive, predictive, and comparative statistical procedures (p ≤ 0.05). The results reveal the presence of cumulative risks for children with behavioral problems; mothers more frequently identified behavioral problems than teachers; and maternal depression was a predictor for behavioral problems. Such findings are relevant for devising mental health programs.}, } @article {pmid29860384, year = {2018}, author = {Kutilova, I and Janecko, N and Cejkova, D and Literak, I and Papagiannitsis, CC and Dolejska, M}, title = {Characterization of blaKPC-3-positive plasmids from an Enterobacter aerogenes isolated from a corvid in Canada.}, journal = {The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy}, volume = {73}, number = {9}, pages = {2573-2575}, doi = {10.1093/jac/dky199}, pmid = {29860384}, issn = {1460-2091}, mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology ; Canada ; *Crows ; Enterobacter aerogenes/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Enterobacteriaceae Infections/microbiology/*veterinary ; Plasmids/*analysis ; beta-Lactamases/*genetics ; }, } @article {pmid29860368, year = {2018}, author = {Klein, HU and Zareba, W and Kutyifa, V}, title = {Arthur Jay Moss MD PhD: The cardiology world has again lost one of its most respected and worldwide-honoured scholars and experienced clinician. Born 21 June 1931, Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at Rochester University Medical Center, Rochester, NY, Arthur passed away on 14 February 2018 at the age of 86.}, journal = {European heart journal}, volume = {39}, number = {21}, pages = {1872-1874}, doi = {10.1093/eurheartj/ehy211}, pmid = {29860368}, issn = {1522-9645}, } @article {pmid29858421, year = {2018}, author = {Rocha Mota, L and Motta, LJ and Duarte, IDS and Horliana, ACRT and Silva, DFTD and Pavani, C}, title = {Efficacy of phototherapy to treat facial ageing when using a red versus an amber LED: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.}, journal = {BMJ open}, volume = {8}, number = {5}, pages = {e021419}, pmid = {29858421}, issn = {2044-6055}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aging ; *Color ; Elasticity ; *Face ; Female ; Humans ; *Light ; Middle Aged ; *Phototherapy ; Quality of Life ; Research Design ; *Skin ; *Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The skin undergoes morphological and physiological changes with the advancing age of an individual. These changes may be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to cellular ageing and consequent skin ageing. The term photoageing is used to characterise the ageing of the skin caused by solar radiation. Clinically, the skin becomes more flaccid, thicker and hyperpigmented, while there is an early appearance of wrinkles and other skin changes, such as skin cancer. Nowadays, there are numerous treatments for ageing skin, and one of them is with the use of phototherapy, which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The objective of this study will be to evaluate the percentages of reduction in the volume of periocular wrinkles when treated with red and amber LEDs.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: All of the participants will receive photobiomodulation to treat their periocular wrinkles. They will be using red and amber LEDs, with one colour being used on each hemiface. The facial side to be treated with each colour will be randomised. After an interval of 180 days, the participants will receive a cross-treatment. The primary variable of the study is the volume of periocular wrinkles (crow's feet), which will be measured by a VisioFace equipment. The secondary variables are elasticity (measured by Cutometer) and hydration (measured by Corneometer). Quality of life and self-assessment of the participants will be measured using the adapted Melasma Quality of Life scale - Brazilian Portuguese adaption (MelasQoL-BP) and Skindex-29 questionnaires. All of the variables will be measured before and after a group of 10 sessions.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Nove de Julho University (acceptance number: 2.550.732). This trial has been registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry) (REBEC number: RBR-6YFCBM). This study is not recruiting yet.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR6YFCBM; Pre-results.}, } @article {pmid29857494, year = {2018}, author = {Zrzavá, M and Hladová, I and Dalíková, M and Šíchová, J and Õunap, E and Kubíčková, S and Marec, F}, title = {Sex Chromosomes of the Iconic Moth Abraxas grossulariata (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) and Its Congener A. sylvata.}, journal = {Genes}, volume = {9}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {29857494}, issn = {2073-4425}, abstract = {The magpie moth, Abraxas grossulariata, is an iconic species in which female heterogamety was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the sex chromosomes of this species have not yet been cytologically identified. We describe the sex chromosomes of A. grossulariata and its congener, A. sylvata. Although these species split only around 9.5 million years ago, and both species have the expected WZ/ZZ chromosomal system of sex determination and their sex chromosomes share the major ribosomal DNA (rDNA) representing the nucleolar organizer region (NOR), we found major differences between their karyotypes, including between their sex chromosomes. The species differ in chromosome number, which is 2n = 56 in A. grossularita and 2n = 58 in A. sylvata. In addition, A. grossularita autosomes exhibit massive autosomal blocks of heterochromatin, which is a very rare phenomenon in Lepidoptera, whereas the autosomes of A. sylvata are completely devoid of distinct heterochromatin. Their W chromosomes differ greatly. Although they are largely composed of female-specific DNA sequences, as shown by comparative genomic hybridization, cross-species W-chromosome painting revealed considerable sequence differences between them. The results suggest a relatively rapid molecular divergence of Abraxas W chromosomes by the independent spreading of female-specific repetitive sequences.}, } @article {pmid29797581, year = {2018}, author = {Paulson, S and Lombard, J and Pigliucci, M and Ruse, M and Smith, EE}, title = {The power of meaning: the quest for an existential roadmap.}, journal = {Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences}, volume = {1432}, number = {1}, pages = {10-28}, doi = {10.1111/nyas.13699}, pmid = {29797581}, issn = {1749-6632}, mesh = {*Happiness ; Humans ; *Philosophy ; *Quality of Life ; }, abstract = {Where can we turn to find the story of our lives-an existential roadmap that explains where we have come from, why we are here, and where we are headed? Must each of us discover meaning within the context of our individual lives, or are there universal sources of meaning that we can all access? Is there any relationship between living a meaningful life and the quality of our health and well-being? And how can we find meaning in the face of adversity and suffering? Neurologist Jay Lombard, philosophers Massimo Pigliucci and Michael Ruse, and author Emily Esfahani Smith shed light on these perennial questions in conversation with Steve Paulson, executive producer and host of To the Best of Our Knowledge.}, } @article {pmid29795929, year = {2017}, author = {Zeller, F and Krampen, D and Reiß, S and Schweizer, K}, title = {Do Adaptive Representations of the Item-Position Effect in APM Improve Model Fit? A Simulation Study.}, journal = {Educational and psychological measurement}, volume = {77}, number = {5}, pages = {743-765}, pmid = {29795929}, issn = {1552-3888}, abstract = {The item-position effect describes how an item's position within a test, that is, the number of previous completed items, affects the response to this item. Previously, this effect was represented by constraints reflecting simple courses, for example, a linear increase. Due to the inflexibility of these representations our aim was to examine whether adapted representations are more appropriate than the existing ones. Models of confirmatory factor analysis were used for testing the different representations. Analyses were conducted by means of simulated data that followed the covariance pattern of Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) items. Since the item-position effect has been demonstrated repeatedly for the APM, it is a very suitable measure for our investigations. Results revealed no remarkable improvement by using an adapted representation. Possible reasons causing these results are discussed.}, } @article {pmid29794731, year = {2018}, author = {Tang, S and Sun, Z and Wu, X and Wang, YY and Zhang, J}, title = {An innovative thread-lift technique for facial rejuvenation and complication management: A case report.}, journal = {Medicine}, volume = {97}, number = {21}, pages = {e10547}, pmid = {29794731}, issn = {1536-5964}, mesh = {Blepharoptosis/*surgery ; Face/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Rejuvenation ; Rhytidoplasty/adverse effects/*methods ; Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {RATIONALE: Aging of face is an unavoidable process. Traditional procedures for facial rejuvenation have multiple disadvantages. In this case report, we used an innovative technique combining thread lift with small incision rhytidectomy for facial rejuvenation. Management for complication was also reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS: We presented a 52-year-old male with facial ptosis and wrinkles.

DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as facial aging including skin laxity, mid-face and mandibular jowl ptosis, static crows-feet wrinkles, and deepening nasolabial fold.

INTERVENTIONS: We used an innovative technique combining thread lift with small incision rhytidectomy to treat facial aging.

OUTCOMES: Improvements of the crow's feet, nasolabial fold, mid-face and lower face ptosis were observed. Complication of subcutaneous nodule was corrected with cosmetic effect of thread lift remained.

LESSONS: The innovative technique combining thread lift with small incision rhytidectomy is a good alternative for the treatment of facial aging.}, } @article {pmid29793682, year = {2018}, author = {Tolnay, SE and Beck, EM and Sass, V}, title = {Migration and protest in the Jim Crow South.}, journal = {Social science research}, volume = {73}, number = {}, pages = {13-30}, pmid = {29793682}, issn = {1096-0317}, support = {P2C HD042828/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {The Great Migration and the Civil Rights Movement were two pivotal events experienced by the southern African American population during the 20th Century. Each has received considerable attention by social scientists and historians, and a possible connection between the two phenomena has been speculated. However, no systematic investigation of the effect of migration on protest during the Jim Crow era has been conducted. In this study we use data for 333 southern communities to examine the relationship between youthful black migration between 1950 and 1960 and the occurrence of sit-ins early in 1960. We find a strong positive, non-linear, relationship between net-migration and the likelihood of a sit-in which can be explained by two sets of mediating influences: local demographic conditions and local organizational presence. Our findings offer strong empirical support for an association between southern black migration and protest during Jim Crow and suggest the value of considering the influence of demographic forces on collective action.}, } @article {pmid29790246, year = {2018}, author = {Roos, S and Smart, J and Gibbons, DW and Wilson, JD}, title = {A review of predation as a limiting factor for bird populations in mesopredator-rich landscapes: a case study of the UK.}, journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society}, volume = {93}, number = {4}, pages = {1915-1937}, doi = {10.1111/brv.12426}, pmid = {29790246}, issn = {1469-185X}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Mammals/*physiology ; Population Density ; *Predatory Behavior ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {The impact of increasing vertebrate predator numbers on bird populations is widely debated among the general public, game managers and conservationists across Europe. However, there are few systematic reviews of whether predation limits the population sizes of European bird species. Views on the impacts of predation are particularly polarised in the UK, probably because the UK has a globally exceptional culture of intensive, high-yield gamebird management where predator removal is the norm. In addition, most apex predators have been exterminated or much depleted in numbers, contributing to a widely held perception that the UK has high numbers of mesopredators. This has resulted in many high-quality studies of mesopredator impacts over several decades. Here we present results from a systematic review of predator trends and abundance, and assess whether predation limits the population sizes of 90 bird species in the UK. Our results confirm that the generalist predators Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Crows (Corvus corone and C. cornix) occur at high densities in the UK compared with other European countries. In addition, some avian and mammalian predators have increased numerically in the UK during recent decades. Despite these high and increasing densities of predators, we found little evidence that predation limits populations of pigeons, woodpeckers and passerines, whereas evidence suggests that ground-nesting seabirds, waders and gamebirds can be limited by predation. Using life-history characteristics of prey species, we found that mainly long-lived species with high adult survival and late onset of breeding were limited by predation. Single-brooded species were also more likely to be limited by predation than multi-brooded species. Predators that depredate prey species during all life stages (i.e. from nest to adult stages) limited prey numbers more than predators that depredated only specific life stages (e.g. solely during the nest phase). The Red Fox and non-native mammals (e.g. the American Mink Neovison vison) were frequently identified as numerically limiting their prey species. Our review has identified predator-prey interactions that are particularly likely to result in population declines of prey species. In the short term, traditional predator-management techniques (e.g. lethal control or fencing to reduce predation by a small number of predator species) could be used to protect these vulnerable species. However, as these techniques are costly and time-consuming, we advocate that future research should identify land-use practices and landscape configurations that would reduce predator numbers and predation rates.}, } @article {pmid29774435, year = {2018}, author = {Stow, MK and Vernouillet, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Neophobia does not account for motoric self-regulation performance as measured during the detour-reaching cylinder task.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {565-574}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-018-1189-8}, pmid = {29774435}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {312379-2009//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Attention ; Exploratory Behavior ; Fear ; *Learning ; Passeriformes/physiology ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {The ability to restrain a prepotent response in favor of a more adaptive behavior, or to exert inhibitory control, has been used as a measure of a species' cognitive abilities. Inhibitory control defines a spectrum of behaviors varying in complexity, ranging from self-control to motoric self-regulation. Several factors underlying inhibitory control have been identified, however, the influence of neophobia (i.e., aversion to novelty) on inhibitory control has not received much attention. Neophobia is known to affect complex cognitive abilities, but whether neophobia also influences more basic cognitive abilities, such as motoric self-regulation, has received less attention. Further, it remains unclear whether an individual's response to novelty is consistent across different paradigms purported to assess neophobia. We tested two North American corvid species, black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia) and California scrub jays (Aphelocoma californica) using two well-established neophobia paradigms to assess response stability between contexts. We then evaluated neophobia scores against the number of trials needed to learn a motoric self-regulation task, as well as subsequent task performance. Neophobia scores did not correlate across paradigms, nor did the responses during either paradigm account for motoric self-regulation performance.}, } @article {pmid29773973, year = {2018}, author = {Mayeli, M and Rahmani, F and Aarabi, MH}, title = {Comprehensive Investigation of White Matter Tracts in Professional Chess Players and Relation to Expertise: Region of Interest and DMRI Connectometry.}, journal = {Frontiers in neuroscience}, volume = {12}, number = {}, pages = {288}, pmid = {29773973}, issn = {1662-4548}, abstract = {Purpose: Expertise is the product of training. Few studies have used functional connectivity or conventional diffusometric methods to identify neural underpinnings of chess expertise. Diffusometric variables of white matter might reflect these adaptive changes, along with changes in structural connectivity, which is a sensitive measure of microstructural changes. Method: Diffusometric variables of 29 professional chess players and 29 age-sex matched controls were extracted for white matter regions based on John Hopkin's Mori white matter atlas and partially correlated against professional training time and level of chess proficiency. Diffusion MRI connectometry was implemented to identify changes in structural connectivity in professional players compared to novices. Result: Compared to novices, higher planar anisotropy (CP) was observed in inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and cingulate gyrus, in professional chess players, which correlated with higher RPM score in this group. Higher fractional anisotropy (FA) was observed in ILF, uncinate fasciculus (UF) and hippocampus and correlated with better scores in Raven's progressive matrices (RPM) score and longer duration of chess training in professional players. Consistently, radial diffusivity in bilateral IFOF, bilateral ILF and bilateral SLF was inversely correlated with level of training in professional players. DMRI connectometry analysis identified increased connectivity in bilateral UF, bilateral IFOF, bilateral cingulum, and corpus callosum in chess player's compared to controls. Conclusion: Structural connectivity of major associational subcortical white matter fibers are increased in professional chess players. FA and CP of ILF, SLF and UF directly correlates with duration of professional training and RPM score, in professional chess players.}, } @article {pmid29769348, year = {2018}, author = {Lau, SKP and Wong, EYM and Tsang, CC and Ahmed, SS and Au-Yeung, RKH and Yuen, KY and Wernery, U and Woo, PCY}, title = {Discovery and Sequence Analysis of Four Deltacoronaviruses from Birds in the Middle East Reveal Interspecies Jumping with Recombination as a Potential Mechanism for Avian-to-Avian and Avian-to-Mammalian Transmission.}, journal = {Journal of virology}, volume = {92}, number = {15}, pages = {}, pmid = {29769348}, issn = {1098-5514}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bird Diseases/genetics/transmission ; Birds/*virology ; *Coronaviridae Infections/genetics/transmission/veterinary ; *Coronavirus/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/pathogenicity ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Saudi Arabia ; Swine/*virology ; }, abstract = {The emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome showed once again that coronaviruses (CoVs) in animals are potential source for epidemics in humans. To explore the diversity of deltacoronaviruses in animals in the Middle East, we tested fecal samples from 1,356 mammals and birds in Dubai, The United Arab Emirates. Four novel deltacoronaviruses were detected from eight birds of four species by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR): FalCoV UAE-HKU27 from a falcon, HouCoV UAE-HKU28 from a houbara bustard, PiCoV UAE-HKU29 from a pigeon, and QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from five quails. Complete genome sequencing showed that FalCoV UAE-HKU27, HouCoV UAE-HKU28, and PiCoV UAE-HKU29 belong to the same CoV species, suggesting recent interspecies transmission between falcons and their prey, houbara bustards and pigeons, possibly along the food chain. Western blotting detected specific anti-FalCoV UAE-HKU27 antibodies in 33 (75%) of 44 falcon serum samples, supporting genuine infection in falcons after virus acquisition. QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 belongs to the same CoV species as porcine coronavirus HKU15 (PorCoV HKU15) and sparrow coronavirus HKU17 (SpCoV HKU17), discovered previously from swine and tree sparrows, respectively, supporting avian-to-swine transmission. Recombination involving the spike protein is common among deltacoronaviruses, which may facilitate cross-species transmission. FalCoV UAE-HKU27, HouCoV UAE-HKU28, and PiCoV UAE-HKU29 originated from recombination between white-eye coronavirus HKU16 (WECoV HKU16) and magpie robin coronavirus HKU18 (MRCoV HKU18), QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from recombination between PorCoV HKU15/SpCoV HKU17 and munia coronavirus HKU13 (MunCoV HKU13), and PorCoV HKU15 from recombination between SpCoV HKU17 and bulbul coronavirus HKU11 (BuCoV HKU11). Birds in the Middle East are hosts for diverse deltacoronaviruses with potential for interspecies transmission.IMPORTANCE During an attempt to explore the diversity of deltacoronaviruses among mammals and birds in Dubai, four novel deltacoronaviruses were detected in fecal samples from eight birds of four different species: FalCoV UAE-HKU27 from a falcon, HouCoV UAE-HKU28 from a houbara bustard, PiCoV UAE-HKU29 from a pigeon, and QuaCoV UAE-HKU30 from five quails. Genome analysis revealed evidence of recent interspecies transmission between falcons and their prey, houbara bustards and pigeons, possibly along the food chain, as well as avian-to-swine transmission. Recombination, which is known to occur frequently in some coronaviruses, was also common among these deltacoronaviruses and occurred predominantly at the spike region. Such recombination, involving the receptor binding protein, may contribute to the emergence of new viruses capable of infecting new hosts. Birds in the Middle East are hosts for diverse deltacoronaviruses with potential for interspecies transmission.}, } @article {pmid29768124, year = {2018}, author = {Fronzetti Colladon, A and Grippa, F}, title = {The Importance of Being Honest: Correlating Self-Report Accuracy and Network Centrality with Academic Performance.}, journal = {The Journal of psychology}, volume = {152}, number = {5}, pages = {304-324}, doi = {10.1080/00223980.2018.1459443}, pmid = {29768124}, issn = {1940-1019}, mesh = {Academic Performance/*psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Deception ; Engineering/education ; Female ; Friends/psychology ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Personality ; Self Report/*standards ; Students/*psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Trust/psychology ; *Truth Disclosure ; Universities ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This study investigates the correlation of self-report accuracy with academic performance. The sample was composed of 289 undergraduate students (96 senior and 193 junior) enrolled in two engineering classes. Age ranged between 22 and 24 years, with a slight over representation of male students (53%). Academic performance was calculated based on students' final grades in each class. The tendency to report inaccurate information was measured at the end of the Raven Progressive Matrices Test, by asking students to report their exact finishing times. We controlled for gender, age, personality traits, intelligence, and past academic performance. We also included measures of centrality in their friendship, advice and trust networks. Correlation and multiple regression analyses results indicate that lower achieving students were significantly less accurate in self-reporting data. We also found that being more central in the advice network was correlated with higher performance (r = .20, p < .001). The results are aligned with existing literature emphasizing the individual and relational factors associated with academic performance and, pending future studies, may be utilized to include a new metric of self-report accuracy that is not dependent on academic records.}, } @article {pmid29764777, year = {2018}, author = {Monshizadeh, L and Vameghi, R and Sajedi, F and Yadegari, F and Hashemi, SB and Kirchem, P and Kasbi, F}, title = {Comparison of Social Interaction between Cochlear-Implanted Children with Normal Intelligence Undergoing Auditory Verbal Therapy and Normal-Hearing Children: A Pilot Study.}, journal = {The journal of international advanced otology}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {34-38}, pmid = {29764777}, issn = {1308-7649}, mesh = {Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation/*adverse effects/methods ; Cochlear Implants/*statistics & numerical data ; Correction of Hearing Impairment/methods ; Female ; Hearing/*physiology ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/*surgery ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Interpersonal Relations ; Iran/epidemiology ; Language Development ; Male ; Speech Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: A cochlear implant is a device that helps hearing-impaired children by transmitting sound signals to the brain and helping them improve their speech, language, and social interaction. Although various studies have investigated the different aspects of speech perception and language acquisition in cochlear-implanted children, little is known about their social skills, particularly Persian-speaking cochlear-implanted children. Considering the growing number of cochlear implants being performed in Iran and the increasing importance of developing near-normal social skills as one of the ultimate goals of cochlear implantation, this study was performed to compare the social interaction between Iranian cochlear-implanted children who have undergone rehabilitation (auditory verbal therapy) after surgery and normal-hearing children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study compared the social interaction level of 30 children with normal hearing and 30 with cochlear implants who were conveniently selected. The Raven test was administered to the both groups to ensure normal intelligence quotient. The social interaction status of both groups was evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

RESULTS: After controlling age as a covariate variable, no significant difference was observed between the social interaction scores of both the groups (p > 0.05). In addition, social interaction had no correlation with sex in either group.

CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation followed by auditory verbal rehabilitation helps children with sensorineural hearing loss to have normal social interactions, regardless of their sex.}, } @article {pmid29743545, year = {2018}, author = {Woods, RD and Kings, M and McIvor, GE and Thornton, A}, title = {Caller characteristics influence recruitment to collective anti-predator events in jackdaws.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {7343}, pmid = {29743545}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/H021817/2/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 630051486/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Social Behavior ; *Social Responsibility ; Vocalization, Animal/physiology ; }, abstract = {Across the animal kingdom, examples abound of individuals coming together to repel external threats. When such collective actions are initiated by recruitment signals, individuals may benefit from being selective in whom they join, so the identity of the initiator may determine the magnitude of the group response. However, the role of signaller discrimination in coordinating group-level responses has yet to be tested. Here we show that in wild jackdaws, a colonial corvid species, collective responses to anti-predator recruitment calls are mediated by caller characteristics. In playbacks next to nestboxes, the calls of nestbox residents attracted most recruits, followed in turn by other colony members, non-colony members and rooks (a sympatric corvid). Playbacks in fields outside nestbox colonies, where the immediate threat to broods was lower, showed similar results, with highest recruitment to nearby colony members' calls. Responses were further influenced by caller sex: calls from non-colony member females were less likely to elicit responsive scolding by recruits than other calls, potentially reflecting social rank associated with sex and colony membership. These results show that vocal discrimination mediates jackdaws' collective responses and highlight the need for further research into the cognitive basis of collective actions in animal groups.}, } @article {pmid29719531, year = {2018}, author = {Rohde, F and Schusser, B and Hron, T and Farkašová, H and Plachý, J and Härtle, S and Hejnar, J and Elleder, D and Kaspers, B}, title = {Characterization of Chicken Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, a Long Missed Cytokine in Birds.}, journal = {Frontiers in immunology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {605}, pmid = {29719531}, issn = {1664-3224}, mesh = {Animals ; Avian Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/*immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chickens/*immunology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Crows/immunology ; GC Rich Sequence/genetics ; Humans ; Macrophages/*immunology ; Mammals/immunology ; NF-kappa B/metabolism ; Palaeognathae/immunology ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor/*genetics/metabolism ; Sequence Alignment ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a pleiotropic cytokine playing critical roles in host defense and acute and chronic inflammation. It has been described in fish, amphibians, and mammals but was considered to be absent in the avian genomes. Here, we report on the identification and functional characterization of the avian ortholog. The chicken TNF-α (chTNF-α) is encoded by a highly GC-rich gene, whose product shares with its mammalian counterpart 45% homology in the extracellular part displaying the characteristic TNF homology domain. Orthologs of chTNF-α were identified in the genomes of 12 additional avian species including Palaeognathae and Neognathae, and the synteny of the closely adjacent loci with mammalian TNF-α orthologs was demonstrated in the crow (Corvus cornix) genome. In addition to chTNF-α, we obtained full sequences for homologs of TNF-α receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1, TNFR2). chTNF-α mRNA is strongly induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of monocyte derived, splenic and bone marrow macrophages, and significantly upregulated in splenic tissue in response to i.v. LPS treatment. Activation of T-lymphocytes by TCR crosslinking induces chTNF-α expression in CD4[+] but not in CD8[+] cells. To gain insights into its biological activity, we generated recombinant chTNF-α in eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression systems. Both, the full-length cytokine and the extracellular domain rapidly induced an NFκB-luciferase reporter in stably transfected CEC-32 reporter cells. Collectively, these data provide strong evidence for the existence of a fully functional TNF-α/TNF-α receptor system in birds thus filling a gap in our understanding of the evolution of cytokine systems.}, } @article {pmid33870100, year = {2018}, author = {Hudson, TB and Yuan, FG}, title = {Automated In-Process Cure Monitoring of Composite Laminates Using a Guided Wave-Based System With High-Temperature Piezoelectric Transducers.}, journal = {Journal of nondestructive evaluation, diagnostics and prognostics of engineering systems}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {}, pmid = {33870100}, issn = {2572-3898}, support = {/ARMD/Aeronautics NASA/United States ; }, abstract = {An in-process cure monitoring technique based on "guided wave" concept for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites was developed. Key parameters including physical properties (viscosity and degree of cure) and state transitions (gelation and vitrification) during the cure cycle were clearly identified experimentally from the amplitude and group velocity of guided waves, validated via the semi-empirical cure process modeling software RAVEN. Using the newly developed cure monitoring system, an array of high-temperature piezoelectric transducers acting as an actuator and sensors were employed to excite and sense guided wave signals, in terms of voltage, through unidirectional composite panels fabricated from Hexcel® IM7/8552 prepreg during cure in an oven. Average normalized peak voltage, which pertains to the wave amplitude, was selected as a metric to describe the guided waves phenomena throughout the entire cure cycle. During the transition from rubbery to glassy state, the group velocity of the guided waves was investigated for connection with degree of cure, Tg, and mechanical properties. This work demonstrated the feasibility of in-process cure monitoring and continued progress toward a closed-loop process control to maximize composite part quality and consistency.}, } @article {pmid29706882, year = {2018}, author = {Tabei, KI and Satoh, M and Ogawa, JI and Tokita, T and Nakaguchi, N and Nakao, K and Kida, H and Tomimoto, H}, title = {Cognitive Function and Brain Atrophy Predict Non-pharmacological Efficacy in Dementia: The Mihama-Kiho Scan Project2.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {87}, pmid = {29706882}, issn = {1663-4365}, abstract = {We aimed to determine whether neuropsychological deficits and brain atrophy could predict the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions. Forty-six participants with mild-to-moderate dementia were monitored for 6 months; 25 underwent an intervention involving physical exercise with music, and 21 performed cognitive stimulation tasks. Participants were categorized into improvement (IMP) and no-IMP subgroups. In the exercise-with-music group, the no-IMP subgroup performed worse than the IMP subgroup on the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test at baseline. In the cognitive-stimulation group, the no-IMP subgroup performed worse than the IMP subgroup on Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices and the cognitive functional independence measure at baseline. In the no-IMP subgroup, voxel-based morphometric analysis at baseline revealed more extensive gray matter loss in the anterior cingulate gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus in the exercise-with-music and cognitive-stimulation groups, respectively. Participants with mild-to-moderate dementia with cognitive decline and extensive cortical atrophy are less likely to show improved cognitive function after non-pharmaceutical therapy.}, } @article {pmid29690109, year = {2018}, author = {Hammer, MP and Allen, GR and Martin, KC and Adams, M and Ebner, BC and Raadik, TA and Unmack, PJ}, title = {Revision of the Australian Wet Tropics endemic rainbowfish genus Cairnsichthys (Atheriniformes: Melanotaeniidae), with description of a new species.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4413}, number = {2}, pages = {271-294}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4413.2.3}, pmid = {29690109}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Australia ; Ecosystem ; *Fishes ; Male ; Queensland ; }, abstract = {The freshwater melanotaeniid genus Cairnsichthys is endemic to a relatively small area of specialised habitat within the Wet Tropics bioregion of north-eastern Queensland, Australia. It was previously considered as monotypic, including only a single species, C. rhombosomoides (Nichols Raven, 1928). The recent discovery of an apparently-isolated population in the Daintree rainforest, approximately 120 km north of the known range extent, prompted a detailed investigation of its taxonomic status using a combined lines of evidence approach. We provide compelling evidence from multiple nuclear genetic markers (52 allozyme loci), mitochondrial DNA sequence data (1141 bp cytochrome b) and morphology (examination of a suite of 38 morphometric and meristic characters) that supports north-south splitting of C. rhombosomoides. Accordingly, we describe the northern population as a distinct species, C. bitaeniatus sp. nov., on the basis of 25 specimens, 34.7-65.6 mm SL. The new species differs morphologically primarily by having a more slender and narrow shape, featuring a flatter, straighter predorsal profile and shorter second dorsal fin base; possession of slightly smaller scales, reflected in higher counts of lateral scales and predorsal scales; typically more vertebrae; and colour differences including a more robust, short black stripe across the upper operculum, a pronounced yellow patch on the anteroventral body and usually a more conspicuous second dark stripe on the lower body, with adult males generally having yellowish compared to reddish fins. We also provide a generic diagnosis for Cairnsichthys and a redescription of C. rhombosomoides. Information on the known distribution, habitats and conservation status of species in the genus is summarised, the new species being of particular concern as a narrow range endemic with specific environmental requirements.}, } @article {pmid29680766, year = {2018}, author = {Osvath, M and Kabadayi, C}, title = {Contrary to the Gospel, Ravens Do Plan Flexibly.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {22}, number = {6}, pages = {474-475}, doi = {10.1016/j.tics.2018.03.011}, pmid = {29680766}, issn = {1879-307X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; }, } @article {pmid29675942, year = {2018}, author = {Janecko, N and Halova, D and Jamborova, I and Papousek, I and Masarikova, M and Dolejska, M and Literak, I}, title = {Occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. recovered from Corvus brachyrhynchos and Corvus corax roosting in Canada.}, journal = {Letters in applied microbiology}, volume = {67}, number = {2}, pages = {130-135}, doi = {10.1111/lam.12993}, pmid = {29675942}, issn = {1472-765X}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Bird Diseases/*drug therapy/microbiology ; Canada ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Crows/*microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/*genetics ; Escherichia coli/*drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification ; Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Humans ; Klebsiella Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/*drug effects/genetics/isolation & purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Plasmids/*genetics ; Quinolones/*pharmacology ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: The spread of antimicrobial resistance from human activity derived sources to natural habitats implicates wildlife as potential vectors of antimicrobial resistance transfer. Wild birds, including corvid species can disseminate mobile genetic resistance determinants through faeces. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates obtained from winter roosting sites of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and common ravens (Corvus corax) in Canada. Faecal swabs were collected at five roosting sites across Canada. Selective media isolation and multiplex PCR screening was utilized to identify PMQR genes followed by gene sequencing, pulse-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing to characterize isolates. Despite the low prevalence of E. coli containing PMQR (1·3%, 6/449), qnrS1, qnrB19, qnrC, oqxAB and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes were found in five sequence types (ST), including E. coli ST 131. Conversely, one isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae contained the plasmid-mediated resistance gene qnrB19. Five different K. pneumoniae STs were identified, including two novel types. The occurrence of PMQR genes and STs of public health significance in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from corvids gives further evidence of the anthropogenic derived dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants at the human activity-wildlife-environment interface.

This study examined large corvids as possible vector species for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in indicator and pathogenic bacteria as a means to assess the anthropogenic dissemination of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Although rare, PMQR genes were found among corvid populations across Canada. The clinically important Escherichia coli strain ST131 containing aac(6')-Ib-cr gene along with a four-class phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pattern as well as one Klebsiella pneumoniae strain containing a qnrB19 gene were identified in one geographical location. Corvids are a viable vector for the circulation of PMQR genes and clinically important clones in wide-ranging environments.}, } @article {pmid29675138, year = {2018}, author = {Hu, L and Jiang, L and Bi, K and Liao, H and Yang, Z and Huang, X and Bao, Z}, title = {Genomic in situ hybridization in interspecific hybrids of scallops (Bivalvia, Pectinidae) and localization of the satellite DNA Cf303, and the vertebrate telomeric sequences (TTAGGG)n on chromosomes of scallop Chlamys farreri (Jones & Preston, 1904).}, journal = {Comparative cytogenetics}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {83-95}, pmid = {29675138}, issn = {1993-0771}, abstract = {Mitotic chromosome preparations of the interspecific hybrids Chlamys farreri (Jones & Preston, 1904) × Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857), C. farreri × Argopecten irradians (Lamarck, 1819) and C. farreri × Mimachlamys nobilis (Reeve, 1852) were used to compare two different scallop genomes in a single slide. Although genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) using genomic DNA from each scallop species as probe painted mitotic chromosomes of the interspecific hybrids, the painting results were not uniform; instead it showed species-specific distribution patterns of fluorescent signals among the chromosomes. The most prominent GISH-bands were mainly located at centromeric or telomeric regions of scallop chromosomes. In order to illustrate the sequence constitution of the GISH-bands, the satellite Cf303 sequences of C. farreri and the vertebrate telomeric (TTAGGG)n sequences were used to map mitotic chromosomes of C. farreri by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results indicated that the GISH-banding pattern presented by the chromosomes of C. farreri is mainly due to the distribution of the satellite Cf303 DNA, therefore suggesting that the GISH-banding patterns found in the other three scallops could also be the result of the chromosomal distribution of other species-specific satellite DNAs.}, } @article {pmid29674990, year = {2018}, author = {Ibernon, L and Touchet, C and Pochon, R}, title = {Emotion Recognition as a Real Strength in Williams Syndrome: Evidence From a Dynamic Non-verbal Task.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {463}, pmid = {29674990}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {The hypersocial profile characterizing individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), and particularly their attraction to human faces and their desire to form relationships with other people, could favor the development of their emotion recognition capacities. This study seeks to better understand the development of emotion recognition capacities in WS. The ability to recognize six emotions was assessed in 15 participants with WS. Their performance was compared to that of 15 participants with Down syndrome (DS) and 15 typically developing (TD) children of the same non-verbal developmental age, as assessed with Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM; Raven et al., 1998). The analysis of the three groups' results revealed that the participants with WS performed better than the participants with DS and also than the TD children. Individuals with WS performed at a similar level to TD participants in terms of recognizing different types of emotions. The study of development trajectories confirmed that the participants with WS presented the same development profile as the TD participants. These results seem to indicate that the recognition of emotional facial expressions constitutes a real strength in people with WS.}, } @article {pmid29673693, year = {2018}, author = {Mcleish, K and Ferguson, S and Gannicliffe, C and Campbell, S and Thomson, PIT and Webster, LMI}, title = {Profiling in wildlife crime: Recovery of human DNA deposited outside.}, journal = {Forensic science international. Genetics}, volume = {35}, number = {}, pages = {65-69}, doi = {10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.04.002}, pmid = {29673693}, issn = {1878-0326}, mesh = {Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*legislation & jurisprudence ; *Crime ; DNA/*isolation & purification ; *DNA Fingerprinting ; Environment ; Forensic Genetics ; Humans ; *Touch ; }, abstract = {Incidents of bird of prey persecution receive a lot of media coverage in the UK, with investigations rarely recovering sufficient evidence to proceed to prosecution. One of the main challenges is to identify a suspect, as these offences are carried out in remote locations without witnesses, and crime scenes may not be found for days. However, traps, poisoned baits and bird of prey carcasses can be recovered from these crime scenes. This study aimed to determine whether reportable human DNA profiles could be recovered from any of these substrates after periods of time outside. Experiments depositing human touch DNA on duplicate substrates (traps, rabbit baits and corvid carcasses) set for 0, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 10 days outside were carried out, with DNA recovery and profiling following standard operating procedures for Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services. Weather conditions varied among experiments, including some heavy rainfall. Results demonstrated that it was possible to obtain reportable DNA profiles from all substrates after at least 1 day outside. Most promisingly, the traps showed no drop-off in DNA persistence over the experiments as complete DNA profiles were obtained after the full 10 days outside. A further experiment using 4 bird of prey carcasses confirmed that it is possible to obtain reportable human DNA profiles from them after 1 day outside (n = 2 reportable profiles). These results show that touch DNA can persist in an outdoor environment, and provide a tantalising avenue for inquiry in bird of prey persecution investigations.}, } @article {pmid29667522, year = {2019}, author = {Mendes, PVB and Gradim, LCC and Silva, NS and Allegretti, ALC and Carrijo, DCM and Cruz, DMCD}, title = {Pressure distribution analysis in three wheelchairs cushions of subjects with spinal cord injury.}, journal = {Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology}, volume = {14}, number = {6}, pages = {555-560}, doi = {10.1080/17483107.2018.1463399}, pmid = {29667522}, issn = {1748-3115}, mesh = {Adult ; *Equipment Design ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Pressure ; Pressure Ulcer/*prevention & control ; *Sitting Position ; Spinal Cord Injuries/*rehabilitation ; *Wheelchairs ; }, abstract = {Purpose: Pressure injuries are a complication due to spinal cord injury. The objective of the study is to compare the pressure distribution in the wheelchair seat of subjects with spinal cord injury using 3 pads (Roho[®], Varilite[®] and Jay[®]). Methods: Pressure analysis was performed on 10 participants in two situations: (a) the participant sitting in static posture and (b) with the wheelchair being used for locomotion. Results: In the static position: Jay[®] showed the best rates for average pressure and also the contact area, the Roho[®] had the lowest average for the peak pressure. During the wheelchair moving, Jay[®] showed the best average pressure, Roho[®] had a lower average for peak pressure and Varilite[®] provided a highest means for the contact area of the buttocks and thighs. Conclusions: The use of appropriate cushion is an effective measure in people with spinal cord injury. Implications for Rehabilitation Pressure injuries are a complication due to spinal cord injury. Study to compare the pressure distribution in the wheelchair seat of subjects with spinal cord injury is important to minimize the injuries resulting from pressure injuries. The comfort resulting from the use of the cushion suited to the demands of the subjects with spinal cord injury is fundamental for the process of rehabilitation and social participation of the people affected. Understanding and minimizing pressure points can contribute to the appropriate rehabilitation process.}, } @article {pmid29666837, year = {2018}, author = {Meeker, AK}, title = {Cancer telomeres and white crows.}, journal = {American journal of clinical and experimental urology}, volume = {6}, number = {2}, pages = {93-100}, pmid = {29666837}, issn = {2330-1910}, abstract = {This mini-review article discusses past and present prostate-focused research on telomere and telomerase biology conducted at Johns Hopkins, through the eyes of a Donald S Coffey trainee. Included are past discoveries of abnormalities in telomere biology in the context of prostate cancer and its pre-malignant precursor prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN); the finding that telomerase activity is androgen-regulated in the prostate, and the potential role of telomerase in prostate epithelial stem cells. Also reviewed are more recent results showing that in situ telomere length measurements in patient tissue specimens may have utility in risk assessment and as a prognostic biomarker. Highlighted throughout the article are some of the training and mentorship approaches employed by the late Dr. Coffey, former Director of Urologic Research at the Brady Urological Research Institute, which inspired new research ideas, team science, and discovery.}, } @article {pmid29666401, year = {2018}, author = {Montecino-Latorre, D and Barker, CM}, title = {Overwintering of West Nile virus in a bird community with a communal crow roost.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {6088}, pmid = {29666401}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/*transmission/virology ; Crows/*virology ; Models, Biological ; Seasons ; West Nile Fever/transmission/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*isolation & purification/physiology ; }, abstract = {In temperate climates, transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) is detectable rarely during the coldest months (late fall through early spring), yet the virus has reappeared consistently during the next warm season. Several mechanisms may contribute to WNV persistence through winter, including bird-to-bird transmission among highly viremic species. Here we consider whether, under realistic scenarios supported by field and laboratory evidence, a winter bird community could sustain WNV through the winter in the absence of mosquitoes. With this purpose we constructed a deterministic model for a community of susceptible birds consisting of communally roosting crows, raptors and other birds. We simulated WNV introduction and subsequent transmission dynamics during the winter under realistic initial conditions and model parameterizations, including plausible contact rates for roosting crows. Model results were used to determine whether the bird community could yield realistic outbreaks that would result in WNV infectious individuals at the end of the winter, which would set up the potential for onward horizontal transmission into summer. Our findings strongly suggest that winter crow roosts could allow for WNV persistence through the winter, and our model results provide synthesis to explain inconclusive results from field studies on WNV overwintering in crow roosts.}, } @article {pmid29663701, year = {2018}, author = {Kwon, HS and Lee, JH and Kim, GM and Bae, JM}, title = {Efficacy and safety of retinaldehyde 0.1% and 0.05% creams used to treat photoaged skin: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, pages = {471-476}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12551}, pmid = {29663701}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adult ; Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Double-Balloon Enteroscopy ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Retinaldehyde/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Cream/therapeutic use ; Skin Physiological Phenomena/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although topical retinoic acid effectively restores photoaged skin, the associated irritation limits the utility of the material. Retinaldehyde (RAL) is the natural precursor of retinoic acid and can also be used to treat photoaged skin; the safety profile is good.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of new anti-aging creams containing RAL at 0.1% and 0.05% used to treat photoaged skin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 40 female Korean volunteers who applied RAL 0.1% or RAL 0.05% creams twice daily for 3 months. Wrinkles on, and the textures of, both crow's feet were quantitatively assessed using the Antera 3D[®] system. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, the melanin index, and skin brightness were also evaluated. Overall improvement was assessed using a five-point scale by both the patients and the dermatologists.

RESULTS: The 3-month application improved overall photoaging in both RAL 0.1% (95%) and RAL 0.05% groups (95%). Both RAL 0.1% and RAL 0.05% afforded significant textural improvements (13.7% and 12.6%, respectively), reduced the TEWL (14.5%, 17.9%), and increased hydration (10.2%, 6.0%); however, no statistical differences were observed between two groups. Only RAL 0.1% significantly improved the melanin index (by 6.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Both RAL 0.1% and RAL 0.05% creams were well tolerated and improved skin hydration and texture. However, only RAL 0.1% cream improved the melanin index.}, } @article {pmid29663676, year = {2018}, author = {Reivitis, A and Karimi, K and Griffiths, C and Banayan, A}, title = {A single-center, pilot study evaluating a novel TriHex peptide- and botanical-containing eye treatment compared to baseline.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, pages = {467-470}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12542}, pmid = {29663676}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adult ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptides/*therapeutic use ; Pilot Projects ; Plant Preparations/*therapeutic use ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Topical treatments containing tripeptide and hexapeptide (TriHex technology) have been proven to contribute to youthful skin by clearing the extracellular matrix and stimulating collagen and elastin production.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy of a novel eye treatment containing TriHex peptides and other synergistic ingredients for the daily treatment of fine lines/crow's feet around the eyes, under eye hollowing, under eye bags, and dark circles.

PATIENTS/METHODS: In this study, 10 subjects (9 female and 1 male) aged 30-60 of Fitzpatrick skin type I, II, or III were selected to use an eye treatment containing TriHex peptides and active botanicals (Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment with TriHex Technology™, ALASTIN Skincare, Inc., Carlsbad, CA) twice daily for 12 weeks. Subjects were photographed and evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Using an adjusted Griffiths scale (0 = none, best possible condition and 9 = severe, worst possible condition), subjects were evaluated on severity of fine lines/crow's feet, under eye hollowing, under eye bags, and dark circles at each visit. Subjects completed a "Subject Questionnaire" at week 4, week 8, and week 12 pertaining to the subject's observations and perceived improvement of these measures.

RESULTS: Based on the investigator's assessments, overall improvement in periocular skin was noted for all 10 subjects. Over the course of 12 weeks, raw scores significantly decreased indicating reduction of lines/crow's feet (41% improvement), under eye hollowing (29% improvement), under eye bags (48% improvement), and dark circles (39% improvement). Based on the "Subject Questionnaire," all subjects noted overall improvement of the appearance of skin around the eyes.

CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, this eye treatment containing TriHex peptides and active botanicals is an effective stand-alone treatment for the rejuvenation of periocular skin. When used twice daily, this product can reduce the appearance of lines/crow's feet, under eye hollowing, under eye bags, and dark circles.}, } @article {pmid29657318, year = {2018}, author = {}, title = {Jays play nicely with the right hormone.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {556}, number = {7701}, pages = {277}, doi = {10.1038/d41586-018-04436-2}, pmid = {29657318}, issn = {1476-4687}, } @article {pmid29649503, year = {2018}, author = {Brem, AK and Almquist, JN and Mansfield, K and Plessow, F and Sella, F and Santarnecchi, E and Orhan, U and McKanna, J and Pavel, M and Mathan, S and Yeung, N and Pascual-Leone, A and Kadosh, RC and , }, title = {Modulating fluid intelligence performance through combined cognitive training and brain stimulation.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {118}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {107-114}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.04.008}, pmid = {29649503}, issn = {1873-3514}, mesh = {Brain/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/*methods ; Electric Stimulation/*methods ; Executive Function/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Negotiating ; Regression Analysis ; Single-Blind Method ; }, abstract = {It is debated whether cognitive training of specific executive functions leads to far transfer effects, such as improvements in fluid intelligence (Gf). Within this context, transcranial direct current stimulation and recently also novel protocols such as transcranial random noise and alternating current stimulation are being investigated with regards to their ability to enhance cognitive training outcomes. We compared the effects of four different transcranial electrical brain stimulation protocols in combination with nine daily computerized training sessions on Gf. 82 participants were randomly assigned to receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), random noise stimulation (tRNS), multifocal alternating current stimulation at 40 Hz (mftACS), or multifocal tDCS (mftDCS) in combination with an adaptive and synergistic executive function (EF) training, or to a no-contact control group. EF training consisted of gamified tasks drawing on isolated as well as integrated executive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility). Transfer was assessed with a combined measure of Gf including three established tests (Bochumer Matrizentest - BOMAT, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices - RAPM, and Sandia Matrices). We found significant improvements in Gf for the tDCS, mftDCS, and tRNS groups when compared with the no-contact group. In contrast, the mftACS group did not improve significantly and showed a similar pattern as the no-contact group. Mediation analyses indicated that the improvement in Gf was mediated through game progression in the mftDCS and tRNS group. Electrical brain stimulation in combination with sustained EF training can lead to transfer effects in Gf, which are mediated by training progression.}, } @article {pmid29644612, year = {2018}, author = {Zarrintab, M and Mirzaei, R}, title = {Tissue distribution and oral exposure risk assessment of heavy metals in an urban bird: magpie from Central Iran.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {25}, number = {17}, pages = {17118-17127}, pmid = {29644612}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; Cities ; Female ; Hydrogen Peroxide/*chemistry ; Industry ; Iran ; Male ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis/chemistry ; Passeriformes ; Risk Assessment ; Soil ; Soil Pollutants/*analysis/chemistry ; Tissue Distribution/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Direct ingestion of soil and/or soil attached to the food items is a potential rout for wildlife exposure to contaminants. In this study, bioaccumulation of five heavy metals (HMs) in internal tissues of an urban bird (Pica pica) collected from Aran-O-Bidgol City, Central Iran and their related soil were investigated. A total of 15 magpie specimens were collected in autumn 2013 and then their internal tissues were digested using a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2, and finally, concentrations of HMs were detected by ICP-OES. In addition, in order to show level of HM exposure risk to magpie, an exposure risk assessment was modeled. Results indicated that HMs were accumulated as follows: liver > kidney > muscle. Zn and Cu were significantly higher in magpie's tissues collected from agricultural site; on the other hand, Pb and Cd were significantly higher in industrial site (p < 0.05). Level of Cd in male's livers (2.11 μg/g dw) was significantly higher than in females (1.85 μg/g dw) (p < 0.05). Levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in liver, muscle, and kidney, respectively, were significantly higher in adults than in subadults (p < 0.05). Soil exposure doses of all HMs were lower than tolerable daily intake (Zn 4.35, Cu 1.34, Ni 5.65, Pb 0.35, and Cd 0.53). The calculated hazard quotations (HQs) for HMs were as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd and for all HMs were at no risk level (HQ < 1). The amounts of hazard index for three sites were as follows: urban (1.032) > agriculture (0.943) ≥ industry (0.941) and only for urban area was at low risk (1 < HQ < 2). It seemed that birds living in a safe environment and/or HM contaminations in soil separately had no negative effects on magpies. We can also suggest that low levels of HMs in magpie's tissues can be due to low levels of HMs in soil.}, } @article {pmid29643823, year = {2018}, author = {Gómez-Veiga, I and Vila Chaves, JO and Duque, G and García Madruga, JA}, title = {A New Look to a Classic Issue: Reasoning and Academic Achievement at Secondary School.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {400}, pmid = {29643823}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Higher-order thinking abilities such as abstract reasoning and meaningful school learning occur sequentially. The fulfillment of these tasks demands that people activate and use all of their working memory resources in a controlled and supervised way. The aims of this work were: (a) to study the interplay between two new reasoning measures, one mathematical (Cognitive Reflection Test) and the other verbal (Deductive Reasoning Test), and a third classical visuo-spatial reasoning measure (Raven Progressive Matrices Test); and (b) to investigate the relationship between these measures and academic achievement. Fifty-one 4th grade secondary school students participated in the experiment and completed the three reasoning tests. Academic achievement measures were the final numerical scores in seven basic subjects. The results demonstrated that cognitive reflection, visual, and verbal reasoning are intimately related and predicts academic achievement. This work confirms that abstract reasoning constitutes the most important higher-order cognitive ability that underlies academic achievement. It also reveals the importance of dual processes, verbal deduction and metacognition in ordinary teaching and learning at school.}, } @article {pmid29643220, year = {2018}, author = {Duque, JF and Leichner, W and Ahmann, H and Stevens, JR}, title = {Mesotocin influences pinyon jay prosociality.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {14}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {29643220}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Altruism ; Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Oxytocin/*analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many species exhibit prosocial behaviour, in which one individual's actions benefit another individual, often without an immediate benefit to itself. The neuropeptide oxytocin is an important hormonal mechanism influencing prosociality in mammals, but it is unclear whether the avian homologue mesotocin plays a similar functional role in birds. Here, we experimentally tested prosociality in pinyon jays (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus), a highly social corvid species that spontaneously shares food with others. First, we measured prosocial preferences in a prosocial choice task with two different pay-off distributions: Prosocial trials delivered food to both the subject and either an empty cage or a partner bird, whereas Altruism trials delivered food only to an empty cage or a partner bird (none to subject). In a second experiment, we examined whether administering mesotocin influenced prosocial preferences. Compared to choices in a control condition, we show that subjects voluntarily delivered food rewards to partners, but only when also receiving food for themselves (Prosocial trials), and administration of high levels of mesotocin increased these behaviours. Thus, in birds, mesotocin seems to play a similar functional role in facilitating prosocial behaviours as oxytocin does in mammals, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved hormonal mechanism for prosociality.}, } @article {pmid29634743, year = {2018}, author = {Jiménez de Oya, N and Camacho, MC and Blázquez, AB and Lima-Barbero, JF and Saiz, JC and Höfle, U and Escribano-Romero, E}, title = {High susceptibility of magpie (Pica pica) to experimental infection with lineage 1 and 2 West Nile virus.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {e0006394}, pmid = {29634743}, issn = {1935-2735}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/blood/transmission/*virology ; Culicidae/physiology/virology ; Disease Susceptibility ; Europe ; Female ; Male ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology ; Pica/immunology/virology ; West Nile Fever/blood/transmission/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/genetics/immunology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic pathogen naturally transmitted by mosquitoes whose natural hosts are birds, has spread worldwide during the last few decades. Resident birds play an important role in flavivirus epidemiology, since they can serve as reservoirs and facilitate overwintering of the virus. Herein, we report the first experimental infection of magpie (Pica pica) with two strains of West Nile virus, lineages 1 (NY-99) and 2 (SRB Novi-Sad/12), which are currently circulating in Europe. Magpies were highly susceptible to WNV infection, with similar low survival rates (30% and 42.8%) for both lineages. All infected magpies developed viremia detectable at 3 days post-infection with titers above those necessary for successful transmission of WNV to a mosquito. Neutralizing antibodies were detected at all time points analyzed (from 7 to 17 days post-infection). WNV genome was detected in the brains and hearts of all magpies that succumbed to the infection, and, in some of the surviving birds. WNV-RNA was amplified from swabs (oral and cloacal) at 3, 6 and 7 days post-infection and feather pulps, from 3 to 17 days post-infection, of infected animals. Even more, infectious virus was recovered from swabs up to 7 days post-infection and from feather pulps up to 10 days post infection. Sham-infected control animals were negative for viremia, viral RNA, and antibodies. These results suggest that the magpie, which is one of the most abundant corvid species in Europe, could represent a source of WNV transmission for birds and humans. Our observations shed light on the pathogenesis, transmission, and ecology of WNV and can benefit the implementation of surveillance and control programs.}, } @article {pmid29630997, year = {2019}, author = {Bodeau-Livinec, F and Davidson, LL and Zoumenou, R and Massougbodji, A and Cot, M and Boivin, MJ}, title = {Neurocognitive testing in West African children 3-6 years of age: Challenges and implications for data analyses.}, journal = {Brain research bulletin}, volume = {145}, number = {}, pages = {129-135}, pmid = {29630997}, issn = {1873-2747}, support = {R21 HD060524/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Africa, Western ; Child ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Data Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Learning ; Male ; Mental Status and Dementia Tests/*standards ; Neuropsychological Tests/*standards ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/*standards ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: When testing African children with developmental and cognitive standardized tests from high-income countries (HIC), investigators are uncertain as to whether to apply the HIC norms for these tests when standardizing a child's raw-score performance on the basis of age. The present study compared the construct validity of both raw and HIC-based standardized scores for the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and the Kaufman Assessment Battery in Children - 2nd edition (KABC-II) for Beninese children in a rural setting from three to six years of age.

METHODS: Seventy-four children 3-4 yrs of age were assessed with the MSEL, and 61 eligible older children (5-6 yrs of age) were assessed with the KABC-II. Assessors spoke the instructions to the children and caregivers for the assessment items in the local language. The developmental quality of the home environment was evaluated with the Caldwell Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) inventory, and a material possessions and housing quality checklist was used as a measure of socio-economic status (SES). Children's mothers were given the Raven's Progressive Matrices test (nonverbal cognitive ability), and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) (emotional wellbeing).

RESULTS: For the MSEL, the 4-yr old group performed significantly better than the 3-yr old group on both the raw and standardized score comparisons for all scales. These differences were attenuated when using standardized scores, although the MSEL standardized cognitive composite score was still highly significant between years of age. When comparing 5- to 6-yr olds on KABC-II subtest and global scale performance, comparisons between the raw and standardized mean score performances were much less consistent. Generally, 6-yr olds performed significantly better than 5-yr olds on the raw score comparisons on the KABC-II subtests, but not so for standardized scores. Parent-child interactions assessed through the HOME measure was associated with both raw and standardized MSEL cognitive composite score outcomes on a multiple regression analysis. SES was the only significant predictor for KABC-II raw and standardized outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Standardization using HIC norms was not optimal, resulting in minimal impact to account for age when using the MSEL, and lower scores for oldest children compared with youngest children when using the KABC2. This is likely due to children in Benin drifting away from HIC-based norms with each passing year of age, systematically lowering standardized performance measures. These findings support the importance of having a local comparison group of reference or control children to allow for adjusted (for age, HOME, and SES) raw score comparisons when using western-based tests for developmental and neuropsychological evaluation.}, } @article {pmid29620454, year = {2018}, author = {Scott, AB and Phalen, D and Hernandez-Jover, M and Singh, M and Groves, P and Toribio, JLML}, title = {Wildlife Presence and Interactions with Chickens on Australian Commercial Chicken Farms Assessed by Camera Traps.}, journal = {Avian diseases}, volume = {62}, number = {1}, pages = {65-72}, doi = {10.1637/11761-101917-Reg.1}, pmid = {29620454}, issn = {1938-4351}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animal Husbandry ; Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Birds ; Chickens/*physiology ; New South Wales ; Photography/*veterinary ; Queensland ; }, abstract = {The types of wildlife and the frequency of their visits to commercial chicken farms in Australia were assessed using infrared and motion-sensing camera traps. Cameras were set up on 14 free-range layer farms, three cage layer farms, two barn layer farms, five non-free-range meat chicken farms, and six free-range meat chicken farms in the Sydney basin region and South East Queensland. Wildlife visits were found on every farm type and were most frequent on cage layer farms (73%), followed by free-range layer farms (15%). The common mynah (Acridotheres tristis) was the most frequent wildlife visitor in the study (23.9%), followed by corvids (22.9%) and Columbiformes (7.5%). Most wildlife visits occurred during the day from 6 am to 6 pm (85%). There were infrequent observations of direct contact between chickens and wildlife, suggesting the indirect route of pathogen transfer may be more significant. The level of biosecurity on the farm is suggested to impact the frequency of wildlife visits more so than the farm type.}, } @article {pmid29620040, year = {2019}, author = {Kamat, A and Quadros, T}, title = {An observational study on glabellar wrinkle patterns in Indians.}, journal = {Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology}, volume = {85}, number = {2}, pages = {182-189}, doi = {10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_211_17}, pmid = {29620040}, issn = {0973-3922}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*supply & distribution ; Cohort Studies ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Esthetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forehead ; Humans ; India ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/*ethnology ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum A exotoxin is an established treatment for glabellar frown lines, crow's feet, and horizontal furrows of the forehead. The glabella is probably the most common site for botulinum toxin treatment in Asians. Five glabellar contraction patterns have been classified in earlier studies based on eyebrow approximation, depression, and elevation. Unfortunately, this was found to be confusing by many practitioners. Indians, as all Asians, have smaller muscles compared to the European population, and there is no consensus on the optimal dosage per injection site or concentration of toxin to be used.

AIMS: (a) Identification and classification of glabellar wrinkle patterns in Indians. (b) Optimization of the minimal effective dose of toxin per site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective photographic analysis of 200 patients who received botulinum toxin for the first time to treat glabellar wrinkles was conducted. The wrinkle patterns were identified and classified by the authors based on the prevalence of perpendicular and transverse glabellar lines, nasal, and forehead wrinkles.

RESULTS: Six patterns were identified: (1) 11 (2) U (3) Pi (4) X (5) W (6) I. The relevant muscles were identified and doses optimized for those sites.

LIMITATIONS: The doses mentioned in this study are not universal for all patients and toxin units would have to be altered and individualized according to the bulk of the facial muscles and individual needs.

CONCLUSION: The investigators classification, injection patterns, and dosage may provide valuable guidance to facial esthetic treatment.}, } @article {pmid29614683, year = {2018}, author = {Alves, L and Cardoso, S and Maroco, J and de Mendonça, A and Guerreiro, M and Silva, D}, title = {Neuropsychological Predictors of Long-Term (10 Years) Mild Cognitive Impairment Stability.}, journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {1703-1711}, doi = {10.3233/JAD-171034}, pmid = {29614683}, issn = {1875-8908}, mesh = {Aged ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*diagnosis/psychology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) corresponds to a condition likely to progress to dementia, essentially Alzheimer's disease, longitudinal studies have shown that some patients may not convert to dementia and maintain the diagnosis of MCI even after many years.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether patients that maintain the diagnosis of MCI in the long term (10 years) are really stable or just declining slowly, and to identify clinical and neuropsychological characteristics associated with long-term stability.

METHODS: The Cognitive Complaints Cohort (CCC) was searched for MCI cases who maintained that diagnosis for at least 10 years. For each long-term-stable MCI patient, two MCI patients that converted to dementia during follow-up, matched for age and education, were selected from the same database. The baseline and last neuropsychological evaluations for long-term-stable MCI and converter MCI were compared. Baseline neuropsychological predictors of long-term stability were searched for.

RESULTS: Long-term-stable MCI (n = 22) and converter MCI (n = 44) patients did not differ in terms of gender distribution, education, age at first assessment and time between symptom onset and first evaluation. Time of follow-up was on average 11 years for long-term-stable MCI and 3 years for converter MCI. The baseline and follow-up neuropsychological tests were not significantly different in long-term-stable MCI patients, whereas a general decline was observed in converter MCI patients. Higher scores on one memory test, the Word Delayed Total Recall, and on the non-verbal abstraction test, Raven's Progressive Matrices, at the baseline predicted long-term (10 years) clinical stability.

CONCLUSIONS: Some patients with MCI remain clinically and neuropsychologically stable for a decade. Better performances at baseline in memory and non-verbal abstraction tests predict long-term stability.}, } @article {pmid29601669, year = {2018}, author = {Boonekamp, JJ and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {Canalisation in the wild: effects of developmental conditions on physiological traits are inversely linked to their association with fitness.}, journal = {Ecology letters}, volume = {21}, number = {6}, pages = {857-864}, doi = {10.1111/ele.12953}, pmid = {29601669}, issn = {1461-0248}, mesh = {*Biomarkers ; Genetic Fitness ; *Phenotype ; }, abstract = {Ecological conditions affect fitness, but mechanisms causing such effects are not well known, while evolved responses to environmental variation may depend on the underlying mechanisms. Consequences of environmental conditions vary strongly between traits, but a framework to interpret such variation is lacking. We propose that variation in trait response may be explained by differential canalisation, with traits with larger fitness effects showing weaker responses to environmental perturbations due to preferential resource allocation to such traits. We tested the canalisation hypothesis using brood size manipulation in wild jackdaw nestlings in which we measured eight physiological traits (mainly oxidative stress markers), and two feather traits. For each trait, we estimated manipulation response and association with fitness (over-winter survival). As predicted, a strong negative correlation emerged between manipulation response and association with fitness (r =-0.76). We discuss the consequences of differential trait canalisation for the study of mechanisms mediating environmental effects on fitness.}, } @article {pmid29579052, year = {2018}, author = {, }, title = {Correction: MAGPIE: Simplifying access and execution of computational models in the life sciences.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {e1006083}, pmid = {29579052}, issn = {1553-7358}, abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005898.].}, } @article {pmid29576946, year = {2018}, author = {Brecht, KF and Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Clayton, NS}, title = {Difficulties when using video playback to investigate social cognition in California scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica).}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {e4451}, pmid = {29576946}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Previous research has suggested that videos can be used to experimentally manipulate social stimuli. In the present study, we used the California scrub-jays' cache protection strategies to assess whether video playback can be used to simulate conspecifics in a social context. In both the lab and the field, scrub-jays are known to exhibit a range of behaviours to protect their caches from potential pilferage by a conspecific, for example by hiding food in locations out of the observer's view or by re-caching previously made caches once the observer has left. Here, we presented scrub-jays with videos of a conspecific observer as well as two non-social conditions during a caching period and assessed whether they would cache out of the observer's "view" (Experiment 1) or would re-cache their caches once the observer was no longer present (Experiment 2). In contrast to previous studies using live observers, the scrub-jays' caching and re-caching behaviour was not influenced by whether the observer was present or absent. These findings suggest that there might be limitations in using video playback of social agents to mimic real-life situations when investigating corvid decision making.}, } @article {pmid29574973, year = {2018}, author = {Kang, G and Tu, TNT and Kim, S and Yang, H and Jang, M and Jo, D and Ryu, J and Baek, J and Jung, H}, title = {Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density, elasticity and hydration.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {199-206}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12453}, pmid = {29574973}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adenosine/*administration & dosage ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Animals ; *Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects ; Elasticity ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Cream/administration & dosage ; Swine ; *Transdermal Patch/adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Water ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Although dissolving microneedle patches have been widely studied in the cosmetics field, no comparisons have been drawn with the topical applications available for routine use. In this study, two wrinkle-improving products, adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches and an adenosine cream, were evaluated for efficacy, with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration, and safety in a clinical test on the crow's feet area.

METHODS: Clinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 10 weeks on 22 female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patch was applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow's feet area. The adenosine cream was applied two times per day, in the morning and evening, for 8 weeks to the other crow's feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration were measured by using PRIMOS[®] premium, Dermascan[®] C, Cutometer[®] MPA580, and Corneometer[®] CM 825, respectively. In addition, subjective skin irritation was evaluated by self-observation, and objective skin irritation was assessed through expert interviews.

RESULTS: The adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches had a similar or better efficacy than the adenosine cream. Both groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters (P < 0.05). The dissolving microneedle patches had a long-lasting effect on the average wrinkle depth (P < 0.05), only showed efficacy in dermal density (P < 0.05), had an early improving effect on elasticity (P < 0.05), and demonstrated better hydration efficacy (P < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.

CONCLUSIONS: In the clinical efficacy test of four skin-improvement parameters, adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches showed the same or better effect than the adenosine cream, although the weekly adenosine dose was 140 times lower. The dissolving microneedle patches caused no adverse reactions. These adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches are expected to be safe, effective, and novel cosmetics for skin improvement.}, } @article {pmid29569788, year = {2018}, author = {Krause, A and Pugh, TAM and Bayer, AD and Li, W and Leung, F and Bondeau, A and Doelman, JC and Humpenöder, F and Anthoni, P and Bodirsky, BL and Ciais, P and Müller, C and Murray-Tortarolo, G and Olin, S and Popp, A and Sitch, S and Stehfest, E and Arneth, A}, title = {Large uncertainty in carbon uptake potential of land-based climate-change mitigation efforts.}, journal = {Global change biology}, volume = {24}, number = {7}, pages = {3025-3038}, doi = {10.1111/gcb.14144}, pmid = {29569788}, issn = {1365-2486}, mesh = {Biomass ; Carbon/*metabolism ; Carbon Cycle ; Carbon Dioxide/analysis ; Carbon Sequestration ; *Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Crops, Agricultural ; Forests ; Soil ; Uncertainty ; }, abstract = {Most climate mitigation scenarios involve negative emissions, especially those that aim to limit global temperature increase to 2°C or less. However, the carbon uptake potential in land-based climate change mitigation efforts is highly uncertain. Here, we address this uncertainty by using two land-based mitigation scenarios from two land-use models (IMAGE and MAgPIE) as input to four dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs; LPJ-GUESS, ORCHIDEE, JULES, LPJmL). Each of the four combinations of land-use models and mitigation scenarios aimed for a cumulative carbon uptake of ~130 GtC by the end of the century, achieved either via the cultivation of bioenergy crops combined with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) or avoided deforestation and afforestation (ADAFF). Results suggest large uncertainty in simulated future land demand and carbon uptake rates, depending on the assumptions related to land use and land management in the models. Total cumulative carbon uptake in the DGVMs is highly variable across mitigation scenarios, ranging between 19 and 130 GtC by year 2099. Only one out of the 16 combinations of mitigation scenarios and DGVMs achieves an equivalent or higher carbon uptake than achieved in the land-use models. The large differences in carbon uptake between the DGVMs and their discrepancy against the carbon uptake in IMAGE and MAgPIE are mainly due to different model assumptions regarding bioenergy crop yields and due to the simulation of soil carbon response to land-use change. Differences between land-use models and DGVMs regarding forest biomass and the rate of forest regrowth also have an impact, albeit smaller, on the results. Given the low confidence in simulated carbon uptake for a given land-based mitigation scenario, and that negative emissions simulated by the DGVMs are typically lower than assumed in scenarios consistent with the 2°C target, relying on negative emissions to mitigate climate change is a highly uncertain strategy.}, } @article {pmid29567144, year = {2018}, author = {Wang, B and Sun, LD and Liu, HH and Wang, ZD and Zhao, YK and Wang, W and Liu, Q}, title = {Molecular detection of novel circoviruses in ticks in northeastern China.}, journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {836-839}, doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.017}, pmid = {29567144}, issn = {1877-9603}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/parasitology ; China/epidemiology ; Circovirus/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Intergenic ; DNA, Viral/*genetics ; Dermacentor/*virology ; Forests ; *Genome, Viral ; Genomics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Ixodes/*virology ; Metagenomics ; Open Reading Frames ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tick Infestations/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Novel circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes have been found in various animals using high-throughput sequencing techniques. In this study, two circular ssDNA genomes were detected in adult ticks from northeastern China by Solexa sequencing and PCR. The two sequences shared a similar genomic organization to circoviruses, with genomes of 1936 bp (TiCV-1) and 1812 bp (TiCV-2), each including two major open read frames (ORFs), ORF1 and ORF2, encoding putative replicase and capsid proteins, respectively. The potential stem-loop structure of a circovirus was predicted in the intergenic region between the two ORFs. Sequence comparison showed that the genome of TiCV-2 was almost the same as that of TiCV-1, except for two deletions and several mutations, and they had a high identity of 71.3-72.9% with Raven circovirus. The infection rates of circoviruses were calculated by the maximum likelihood estimation as 3.2% (95% CI, 1.9-5.2%) for TiCV-1 in the investigated Haemaphysalis longicornis, and 1.2% (95% CI, 0.2-4.0%) for TiCV-2 in Ixodes crenulatus from Yichun of Heilongjiang Province. These results indicate that the two sequences are distantly related to known circovirus genomes and may represent novel species in the family Circoviridae.}, } @article {pmid29565147, year = {2018}, author = {Hormazábal-Peralta, A and Espinoza, J and Cáceres, P and Lizana, PA}, title = {Adolescents with high intellectual ability: differences in body composition and physical activity by sex.}, journal = {Nutricion hospitalaria}, volume = {35}, number = {1}, pages = {38-43}, doi = {10.20960/nh.1170}, pmid = {29565147}, issn = {1699-5198}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Body Composition/*physiology ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Child, Gifted ; Chile/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Exercise/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Obesity/epidemiology ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to have multiple health and wellness benefits, but there is no such information for adolescents with high intellectual ability (HIA). Thus, the aim of this study is to assess body composition and PA in HIA Chilean adolescents.

METHODS: Weight and body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance in 73 adolescents (39 female) aged 14-18 years from the Valparaíso region of Chile. HIA was assessed via Raven's Progressive Matrices (> 75th percentile) and PA, via questionnaire. Obesity was defined as a body fat percentage (BF%) ≥ 25 (for boys) or ≥ 30 BF% (for girls).

RESULTS: Obesity prevalence was 43.59% in females and 8.82% in males. A total of 69% of adolescents performed more than two hours of weekly exercise, with the amount being greater in males. BF% and fat mass index were significantly different (p < 0.05) in adolescents who engaged in fewer than two hours of weekly exercise. On the contrary, subjects who performed more than two hours of weekly exercise exhibited higher mass muscle percentages (p < 0.01). After controlling for socioeconomic status and PA, the obesity odds ratio (OR = 7.6; 95% CI: 1.9-30.9) was significantly higher in females (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with HIA reported elevated PA. However, obesity was more prevalent in females, who also reported less weekly PA than males.}, } @article {pmid29563949, year = {2018}, author = {Boeckle, M and Szipl, G and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Raven food calls indicate sender's age and sex.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {15}, number = {}, pages = {5}, pmid = {29563949}, issn = {1742-9994}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acoustic parameters of animal signals have been shown to correlate with various phenotypic characteristics of the sender. These acoustic characteristics can be learned and categorized and thus are a basis for perceivers' recognition abilities. One of the most demanding capacities is individual recognition, achievable only after repeated interactions with the same individual. Still, class-level recognition might be potentially important to perceivers who have not previously encountered callers but can classify unknown individuals according to the already learned categories. Especially for species with high fission-fusion dynamics that repeatedly encounter unknown individuals it may be advantageous to develop class-level recognition. We tested whether frequency-, temporal-, and amplitude-related acoustic parameters of vocalizations emitted by ravens, a species showing high fission-fusion dynamics in non-breeder aggregations, are connected to phenotypic characteristics and thus have the potential for class-level recognition.

RESULTS: The analysis of 418 food calls revealed that some components summarizing acoustic parameters were differentiated by age-classes and sex.

CONCLUSIONS: Together, the results provide evidence for the co-variation of vocal characteristics and respective sex and age categories, a prerequisite for class-level recognition in perceivers. Perceivers that are ignorant of the caller's identity can thus potentially recognize these class-level differences for decision-making processes in feeding contexts.}, } @article {pmid29563825, year = {2018}, author = {Sugihara, Y and Ikushima, S and Miyake, M and Kirisako, T and Yada, Y and Fujiwara, D}, title = {Improvement of skin conditions by ingestion of Aspergillus kawachii (Koji) extract containing 14-dehydroergosterol in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {115-124}, pmid = {29563825}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {PURPOSE: The present study examined the effect of ingestion of Koji extract containing 14-dehydroergosterol (14-DHE), prepared from Aspergillus kawachii NBRC4308, on improvement of skin conditions among healthy volunteers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 70 healthy adult women who felt that their skin was dry ingested either a placebo dietary supplement or Koji extract (200 mg/day) supplement containing 0.1% 14-DHE for 12 weeks. Throughout the treatment period and for 4 weeks afterward, objective indicators - including moisture content of the stratum corneum, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin wrinkles - were evaluated; in addition, the subjects answered a questionnaire on their skin conditions with ratings on a visual analog scale. Statistical analysis was conducted on the basis of differences from baseline scores.

RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, the Koji extract group showed significantly increased forearm moisture at 4, 8, and 16 weeks (p < 0.05 on unpaired t-test). The questionnaire survey showed a marked improvement in skin conditions, particularly crow's feet, in the Koji extract group versus the placebo group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05 by unpaired t-test). Furthermore, the Koji extract group showed a trend (p < 0.10) toward improvement in skin moisture (at 4 weeks), dryness around the eyes/mouth (at 4 weeks), and overall skin condition (at 8 weeks) versus the placebo group.

CONCLUSION: Ingestion of Koji extract containing 14-DHE was demonstrated to have positive effects toward improving skin conditions - in particular, on increasing skin moisture in the stratum corneum.}, } @article {pmid29561815, year = {2018}, author = {Doyle, JT and Kindness, L and Realbird, J and Eggers, MJ and Camper, AK}, title = {Challenges and Opportunities for Tribal Waters: Addressing Disparities in Safe Public Drinking Water on the Crow Reservation in Montana, USA.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {29561815}, issn = {1660-4601}, support = {P50 ES026102/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 MD002317/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; P20 RR016455/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Drinking Water/*standards ; Environmental Health ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; Montana ; United States ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/*methods ; Water Supply/*standards ; }, abstract = {Disparities in access to safe public drinking water are increasingly being recognized as contributing to health disparities and environmental injustice for vulnerable communities in the United States. As the Co-Directors of the Apsaálooke Water and Wastewater Authority (AWWWA) for the Crow Tribe, with our academic partners, we present here the multiple and complex challenges we have addressed in improving and maintaining tribal water and wastewater infrastructure, including the identification of diverse funding sources for infrastructure construction, the need for many kinds of specialized expertise and long-term stability of project personnel, ratepayer difficulty in paying for services, an ongoing legacy of inadequate infrastructure planning, and lack of water quality research capacity. As a tribal entity, the AWWWA faces additional challenges, including the complex jurisdictional issues affecting all phases of our work, lack of authority to create water districts, and additional legal and regulatory gaps-especially with regards to environmental protection. Despite these obstacles, the AWWWA and Crow Tribe have successfully upgraded much of the local water and wastewater infrastructure. We find that ensuring safe public drinking water for tribal and other disadvantaged U.S. communities will require comprehensive, community-engaged approaches across a broad range of stakeholders to successfully address these complex legal, regulatory, policy, community capacity, and financial challenges.}, } @article {pmid29552564, year = {2018}, author = {Carrasco-Garcia, R and Barroso, P and Perez-Olivares, J and Montoro, V and Vicente, J}, title = {Consumption of Big Game Remains by Scavengers: A Potential Risk as Regards Disease Transmission in Central Spain.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {4}, pmid = {29552564}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Understanding the role that facultative scavenger species may play in spreading infectious pathogens, and even becoming reservoirs for humans, domestic and wild ungulates or, on the contrary, preventing the spread of disease, requires a prior understanding of the pattern of carrion scavenging in specific scenarios. The objectives of this paper are (i) to describe the guild of vertebrate scavengers and (ii) to study the species-specific, habitat, and management-related factors involved in the usage of gut piles in South Central Spain (SCS), a tuberculosis (TB) endemic area. We used camera trapping at 18 hunting piles on seven hunting estates. A total of eight bird and five mammal taxa were detected at the remains of hunting piles. The most frequently detected species in terms of number of gut piles visited (78%) and scavenged (61%) was the red fox Vulpes vulpes, followed by the griffon vulture Gyps fulvus (56% as regards both presence and scavenging) and the raven Corvus corax (61 and 39% as regards presence and scavenging, respectively). We evidenced that griffon vultures accounted for most of the scavenging activity in open habitats, while facultative mammal scavengers, red fox, and wild boar Sus scrofa made the highest contribution to scavenging in vegetation-covered habitats. In the case of wild boar, the gut piles deposited during the evening and night favored higher rates of scavenging, while the opposite pattern was observed for griffons. Overall, our findings suggest that when disposing of hunting remains in areas of risk as regards disease transmission it is particularly important to consider the access that facultative mammals, and especially wild boar, have to material, while the presence of the resource needs to be safeguarded to protect specialist scavengers of conservation value. These results are of particular relevance in the case of wild boar in the current context of re-emerging TB and emerging African swine fever (ASF) in Europe.}, } @article {pmid29551415, year = {2018}, author = {Wagener, L and Loconsole, M and Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Neurons in the Endbrain of Numerically Naive Crows Spontaneously Encode Visual Numerosity.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {7}, pages = {1090-1094.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.02.023}, pmid = {29551415}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows ; Discrimination, Psychological/*physiology ; *Mathematical Concepts ; Neurons/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Endowed with an elaborate cerebral cortex, humans and other primates can assess the number of items in a set, or numerosity, from birth on [1] and without being trained [2]. Whether spontaneous numerosity extraction is a unique feat of the mammalian cerebral cortex [3-7] or rather an adaptive property that can be found in differently designed and independently evolved neural substrates, such as the avian enbrain [8], is unknown. To address this question, we recorded single-cell activity from the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a high-level avian association brain area [9-11], of numerically naive crows. We found that a proportion of NCL neurons were spontaneously responsive to numerosity and tuned to the number of items, even though the crows were never trained to assess numerical quantity. Our data show that numerosity-selective neuronal responses are spontaneously present in the distinct endbrains of diverge vertebrate taxa. This seemingly hard-wired property of the avian endbrain to extract numerical quantity explains how birds in the wild, or right after hatching, can exploit numerical cues when making foraging or social decisions. It suggests that endbrain circuitries that evolved based on convergent evolution, such as the avian endbrain, give rise to the same numerosity code.}, } @article {pmid29548501, year = {2018}, author = {Merzagora, I and Amadasi, A and Blandino, A and Travaini, G}, title = {The expert and the foreigner: Reflections of forensic transcultural psychopathology on a total of 86 reports by experts on criminal liability.}, journal = {International journal of law and psychiatry}, volume = {57}, number = {}, pages = {24-30}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijlp.2017.12.005}, pmid = {29548501}, issn = {1873-6386}, mesh = {Adult ; Criminal Law/legislation & jurisprudence ; Criminals/*legislation & jurisprudence/statistics & numerical data ; Emigrants and Immigrants/*legislation & jurisprudence/statistics & numerical data ; Expert Testimony/*legislation & jurisprudence/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Forensic Psychiatry/legislation & jurisprudence ; Humans ; Italy ; Male ; Mental Competency/*legislation & jurisprudence ; Persons with Psychiatric Disorders/*legislation & jurisprudence/statistics & numerical data ; Psychopathology/legislation & jurisprudence ; }, abstract = {In recent times Italy has been experiencing massive migration flows, therefore the attention on the issue of crimes committed by foreigners is increasing. But within trials, in the evaluation of criminal liability of foreigners, how do experts deal with them? Do the performed evaluations take cultural diversity into account? The present study took origin from these questions and examined a total of 86 reports by experts on criminal liability of foreign persons (16 females and 70 males). Examinees have been declared indictable in 31 cases (36%), totally mentally ill in 40 cases (45%) and with diminished liability in 15 cases (17%); when liability was excluded, examinees were diagnosed in 11 cases with mood disorders, in 23 cases with personality disorders, in 4 cases with adaptation disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder and in 10 cases with different diagnoses (in some cases more than one diagnosis was present). None of the reports used the section of the DSM concerning "cultural framing". Tests were used in 48 surveys (56% of cases), with more tests for each examinee, for a total of 39 Rorschach, 14 Raven test, 8 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - MMPI - 4 Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - WAIS - level test, 8 Thematic Apperception test. When subjects were diagnosed with mental disorder and with diminished liability, 42 (79%) were also socially dangerous. Results highlight the importance of the relationship between the expert and the foreigner. Many factors ought to be critically considered by experts dealing with foreigners, like cultural awareness, knowledge of verbal communication, critical consideration of meanings and diagnosis, knowledge of the foreigners' personal story, presence of tests with inexact information and cultural fallacy.}, } @article {pmid29532636, year = {2018}, author = {Summa, M and Henttonen, H and Maunula, L}, title = {Human noroviruses in the faeces of wild birds and rodents-new potential transmission routes.}, journal = {Zoonoses and public health}, volume = {65}, number = {5}, pages = {512-518}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12461}, pmid = {29532636}, issn = {1863-2378}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Birds/*virology ; Caliciviridae Infections/*transmission/virology ; Feces/*virology ; Humans ; Mice ; Norovirus/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Rats ; Rodentia/*virology ; Seasons ; }, abstract = {Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are one of the leading global causes of diarrhoeal diseases and are transmitted mainly from person to person but also through contaminated food, water and fomites. The possible zoonotic nature of NoVs has occasionally been discussed, although the viruses are generally considered to be host-species-specific. We investigated whether wild birds and rodents could serve as carriers of HuNoVs, thereby transmitting the virus to humans directly or indirectly by contaminating foods. All samples, 115 avian and 100 rat faeces collected in springs 2009-2013 from dump sites, and 85 faeces from yellow-necked mice trapped in late autumn 2008 and 2009 after the rodents entered human settlements due to the first night frosts, were screened for HuNoV using real-time reverse transcription PCR. HuNoVs were detected in 31 (27%) faecal samples of wild birds, in two (2%) faecal samples of rats and in no samples of mice. Most (25) of the positive bird samples and both rat samples contained genogroup II, and six positive bird samples contained genogroup I HuNoV. The avian species shedding faeces containing HuNoVs were identified as gulls and crows using DNA barcoding. Our results show that wildlife, birds and rats in particular, is capable of spreading HuNoVs in the environment.}, } @article {pmid29532403, year = {2018}, author = {von Davier, M}, title = {Automated Item Generation with Recurrent Neural Networks.}, journal = {Psychometrika}, volume = {83}, number = {4}, pages = {847-857}, pmid = {29532403}, issn = {1860-0980}, mesh = {Automation ; Humans ; Language ; *Machine Learning ; Models, Theoretical ; *Neural Networks, Computer ; Personality ; Personality Tests ; Psychometrics/methods ; }, abstract = {Utilizing technology for automated item generation is not a new idea. However, test items used in commercial testing programs or in research are still predominantly written by humans, in most cases by content experts or professional item writers. Human experts are a limited resource and testing agencies incur high costs in the process of continuous renewal of item banks to sustain testing programs. Using algorithms instead holds the promise of providing unlimited resources for this crucial part of assessment development. The approach presented here deviates in several ways from previous attempts to solve this problem. In the past, automatic item generation relied either on generating clones of narrowly defined item types such as those found in language free intelligence tests (e.g., Raven's progressive matrices) or on an extensive analysis of task components and derivation of schemata to produce items with pre-specified variability that are hoped to have predictable levels of difficulty. It is somewhat unlikely that researchers utilizing these previous approaches would look at the proposed approach with favor; however, recent applications of machine learning show success in solving tasks that seemed impossible for machines not too long ago. The proposed approach uses deep learning to implement probabilistic language models, not unlike what Google brain and Amazon Alexa use for language processing and generation.}, } @article {pmid29530744, year = {2018}, author = {Dore, P and Dumani, A and Wyatt, G and Shepherd, AJ}, title = {Links between global and local shape perception, coloured backgrounds, colour discrimination, and non-verbal IQ.}, journal = {Vision research}, volume = {151}, number = {}, pages = {31-40}, doi = {10.1016/j.visres.2018.02.004}, pmid = {29530744}, issn = {1878-5646}, mesh = {Adult ; Color Perception/*physiology ; Color Perception Tests ; Female ; Form Perception/*physiology ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {This study explored associations between local and global shape perception on coloured backgrounds, colour discrimination, and non-verbal IQ (NVIQ). Five background colours were chosen for the local and global shape tasks that were tailored for the cone-opponent pathways early in the visual system (cardinal colour directions: L-M, loosely, reddish-greenish; and S-(L + M), or tritan colours, loosely, blueish-yellowish; where L, M and S refer to the long, middle and short wavelength sensitive cones). Participants also completed the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue test (FM100) to determine whether performance on the local and global shape tasks correlated with colour discrimination overall, or with performance on the L-M and tritan subsets of the FM100 test. Overall performance on the local and global shape tasks did correlate with scores on the FM100 tests, despite the colour of the background being irrelevant to the shape tasks. There were also significantly larger associations between scores for the L-M subset of the FM100 test, compared to the tritan subset, and accuracy on some of the shape tasks on the reddish, greenish and neutral backgrounds. Participants also completed the non-verbal components of the WAIS and the SPM+ version of Raven's progressive matrices, to determine whether performance on the FM100 test, and on the local and global shape tasks, correlated with NVIQ. FM100 scores correlated significantly with both WAIS and SPM+ scores. These results extend previous work that has indicated FM100 performance is not purely a measure of colour discrimination, but also involves aspects of each participant's NVIQ, such as the ability to attend to local and global aspects of the test, part-whole relationships, perceptual organisation and good visuomotor skills. Overall performance on the local and global shape tasks correlated only with the WAIS scores, not the SPM+. These results indicate that those aspects of NVIQ that engage spatial comprehension of local-global relationships and manual manipulation (WAIS), rather than more abstract reasoning (SPM+), are related to performance on the local and global shape tasks. Links are presented between various measures of NVIQ and performance on visual tasks, but they are currently seldom addressed in studies of either shape or colour perception. Further studies to explore these issues are recommended.}, } @article {pmid29528812, year = {2018}, author = {Lawton, SJ and Weis, AM and Byrne, BA and Fritz, H and Taff, CC and Townsend, AK and Weimer, BC and Mete, A and Wheeler, S and Boyce, WM}, title = {Comparative analysis of Campylobacter isolates from wild birds and chickens using MALDI-TOF MS, biochemical testing, and DNA sequencing.}, journal = {Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc}, volume = {30}, number = {3}, pages = {354-361}, pmid = {29528812}, issn = {1943-4936}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology ; Birds ; Campylobacter/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Campylobacter Infections/microbiology/*veterinary ; Chickens ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; Poultry Diseases/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/*analysis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/veterinary ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/veterinary ; }, abstract = {Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was compared to conventional biochemical testing methods and nucleic acid analyses (16S rDNA sequencing, hippurate hydrolysis gene testing, whole genome sequencing [WGS]) for species identification of Campylobacter isolates obtained from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus, n = 8), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos, n = 17), a mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 1), and a western scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica, n = 1). The test results for all 27 isolates were in 100% agreement between MALDI-TOF MS, the combined results of 16S rDNA sequencing, and the hippurate hydrolysis gene PCR (p = 0.0027, kappa = 1). Likewise, the identifications derived from WGS from a subset of 14 isolates were in 100% agreement with the MALDI-TOF MS identification. In contrast, biochemical testing misclassified 5 isolates of C. jejuni as C. coli, and 16S rDNA sequencing alone was not able to differentiate between C. coli and C. jejuni for 11 sequences (p = 0.1573, kappa = 0.0857) when compared to MALDI-TOF MS and WGS. No agreement was observed between MALDI-TOF MS dendrograms and the phylogenetic relationships revealed by rDNA sequencing or WGS. Our results confirm that MALDI-TOF MS is a fast and reliable method for identifying Campylobacter isolates to the species level from wild birds and chickens, but not for elucidating phylogenetic relationships among Campylobacter isolates.}, } @article {pmid29517437, year = {2018}, author = {Carrera-Játiva, PD and Morgan, ER and Barrows, M and Wronski, T}, title = {GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAPTIVE AND FREE-RANGING BIRDS AND POTENTIAL CROSS-TRANSMISSION IN A ZOO ENVIRONMENT.}, journal = {Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine : official publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians}, volume = {49}, number = {1}, pages = {116-128}, doi = {10.1638/2016-0279R1.1}, pmid = {29517437}, issn = {1042-7260}, mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild ; *Animals, Zoo ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology/transmission ; Birds ; Feces/parasitology ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Parasitic Diseases, Animal/epidemiology/*parasitology/transmission ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Gastrointestinal parasites are commonly reported in wild birds, but transmission amongst avifauna in zoological settings, and between these captive birds and wild birds in surrounding areas, remains poorly understood. A survey was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-ranging birds at Bristol Zoo Gardens between May and July 2016. A total of 348 fecal samples from 32 avian species were examined using the Mini-FLOTAC flotation method. Parasites were detected in 31% (45/145) of samples from captive birds and in 65.5% (133/203) of samples from free-ranging birds. Parasites of captive individuals included ascarids (Heterakis spp. and other morphotypes), capillarids, oxyurids, strongyles, a trematode, and protozoans (Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Caryospora sp., and Entamoeba spp.). Parasites of free-ranging birds included ascarids (Ascaridia spp., Porrocaecum spp., and other morphotypes), capillarids, oxyurids, strongyles (Syngamus spp. and other morphotypes), cestodes (Choanotaenia spp., Hymenolepis spp., and other morphotypes), a trematode, and protozoans (Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Entamoeba spp.). Similar types of parasites were detected in captive and free-ranging birds, but capillarid ova morphology was similar only between closely related species, eg in corvids (captive azure-winged magpies [ Cyanipica cyana] and wild jackdaws [ Corvus monedula]) and between wild columbids (collared doves [ Streptopelia decaocto], rock doves [ Columba livia], and wood pigeons [ Columba palumbus]). The prevalence and intensity of nematodes and coccidia in birds housed outdoors did not differ statistically from species housed indoors. Results indicate that captive and free-ranging birds may share parasites when closely related, but this would need to be confirmed by the study of adult specimens and molecular tests. Determining which parasites are present in captive and free-ranging species in zoological parks will support the establishment of effective husbandry practices to maintain the health status of managed species.}, } @article {pmid29515467, year = {2018}, author = {Kurachi, M and Takahashi, T and Sumiyoshi, T and Uehara, T and Suzuki, M}, title = {Early Intervention and a Direction of Novel Therapeutics for the Improvement of Functional Outcomes in Schizophrenia: A Selective Review.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {39}, pmid = {29515467}, issn = {1664-0640}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A recent review reported that the median proportion of patients recovering from schizophrenia was 13.5% and that this did not change over time. Various factors including the duration of untreated psychosis, cognitive impairment, negative symptoms, and morphological changes in the brain influence the functional outcome of schizophrenia. The authors herein reviewed morphological changes in the brain of schizophrenia patients, effects of early intervention, and a direction of developing novel therapeutics to achieve significant improvement of the functional outcome.

METHODS: A selective review of the literature including studies from our department was performed.

RESULTS: Longitudinal structural neuroimaging studies on schizophrenia revealed that volume reductions in the peri-Sylvian regions (e.g., superior temporal gyrus and insula), which are related to positive psychotic symptoms, progress around the onset (critical stage) of schizophrenia, but become stable in the chronic stage. On the other hand, morphological changes in the fronto-thalamic regions and lateral ventricle, which are related to negative symptoms, neurocognitive dysfunction, and the functional outcome, progress during both the critical and chronic stages. These changes in the peri-Sylvian and fronto-thalamic regions may provide a pathophysiological basis for Crow's two-syndrome classification. Accumulated evidence from early intervention trials suggests that the transition risk from an at-risk mental state (ARMS) to psychosis is approximately 30%. Differences in the cognitive performance, event-related potentials (e.g., mismatch negativity), and brain morphology have been reported between ARMS subjects who later developed psychosis and those who did not. Whether early intervention for ARMS significantly improves the long-term recovery rate of schizophrenia patients remains unknown. With respect to the development of novel therapeutics, animal models of schizophrenia based on the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor hypofunction hypothesis successfully mimicked behavioral changes associated with cognitive impairments characteristic of the disease. Furthermore, these animal models elicited histological changes in the brain similar to those observed in schizophrenia patients, i.e., decreased numbers of parvalbumin-positive interneurons and dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons in the frontal cortex. Some antioxidant compounds were found to ameliorate these behavioral and histological abnormalities.

CONCLUSION: Early intervention coupled with novel therapeutics may offer a promising approach for substantial improvement of the functional outcome of schizophrenia patients.}, } @article {pmid29514988, year = {2018}, author = {Xiao, M and Chen, W and Li, W and Zhao, J and Hong, YL and Nishiyama, Y and Miyoshi, T and Shawkey, MD and Dhinojwala, A}, title = {Elucidation of the hierarchical structure of natural eumelanins.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {15}, number = {140}, pages = {}, pmid = {29514988}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows ; *Feathers/chemistry/metabolism/ultrastructure ; *Hair/chemistry/metabolism/ultrastructure ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; *Melanins/chemistry/metabolism ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry/ultrastructure ; *Pigmentation ; Sepia ; Species Specificity ; Turkeys ; }, abstract = {Eumelanin is one of the most ubiquitous pigments in living organisms and plays an important role in coloration and UV protection. Because eumelanin is highly cross-linked and insoluble in solvents, the chemical structure is still not completely known. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to compare intact eumelanosomes (pigment granules mostly made of eumelanin) from four phylogentically distant species: cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) inks, black fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) feathers, iridescent wild turkey (Melleagris gallopavo) feathers and black human hair. We found that eumelanosomes from all four species are composed of subunit nanoparticles with a length of 10-60 nm, consistent with earlier observations in eumelanosomes from the sepia ink and human hair. The solid-state NMR results indicate the presence of quinone methide tautomers in all four eumelanins. We also found clear differences in the UV absorbance, the ratio of 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid/5,6-dihydroxyindole and protonated aryl carbon ratios in sepia eumelanin relative to the other three. This comparison of natural eumelanin across a phylogenetically broad group of organisms provides insights into the change in the eumelanin structure over the evolutionary history and enables the production of synthetic eumelanin with properties that are similar to natural eumelanin.}, } @article {pmid29506438, year = {2018}, author = {Hofmeister, EK and Lund, M and Shearn Bochsler, V}, title = {West Nile Virus Infection in American Singer Canaries: An Experimental Model in a Highly Susceptible Avian Species.}, journal = {Veterinary pathology}, volume = {55}, number = {4}, pages = {531-538}, doi = {10.1177/0300985818760377}, pmid = {29506438}, issn = {1544-2217}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/*blood ; Bird Diseases/mortality/*pathology/virology ; Canaries/*virology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Disease Susceptibility/*veterinary ; RNA, Viral/blood ; Viremia/veterinary ; West Nile Fever/mortality/pathology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/*immunology ; }, abstract = {This study investigated the susceptibility of American singer canaries (Serinus canaria) to West Nile virus (WNV) infection. Adult canaries were inoculated with 10[5], 10[2], and 10[1] plaque forming units (PFU) of WNV. All birds became infected and mortality occurred by 5 days postinoculation. The load of viral RNA as determined by RT-qPCR was dose dependent, and was higher at all doses than the level of viral RNA detected in American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) challenged with 10[5] PFU of WNV. In a subset of birds, viremia was detected by virus isolation; canaries inoculated with 10[1] PFU of WNV developed viremia exceeding 10[10] PFU/mL serum, a log higher than American crows inoculated with 10[5] PFU of virus. In canaries euthanized at 3 days postinoculation, WNV was isolated at >10[7] PFU of virus/100 mg of lung, liver, heart, spleen, and kidney tissues. Pallor of the liver and splenomegaly were the most common macroscopic observations and histologic lesions were most severe in liver, spleen, and kidney, particularly in canaries challenged with 10[2] and 10[1] PFU. Immunoreactivity to WNV was pronounced in the liver and spleen. IgG antibodies to WNV were detected in serum by enzyme immunoassay in 11 of 21 (52%) challenged canaries and, in 4 of 5 (20%) of these sera, neutralization antibodies were detected at a titer ≥ 1:20. American singer canaries provide a useful model as this bird species is highly susceptible to WNV infection.}, } @article {pmid29502554, year = {2019}, author = {Ziada, KE and Metwaly, HAM and Bakhiet, SF and Cheng, H and Lynn, R}, title = {GENDER DIFFERENCES IN INTELLIGENCE OF 5- TO 11-YEAR-OLDS ON THE COLOURED PROGRESSIVE MATRICES IN EGYPT.}, journal = {Journal of biosocial science}, volume = {51}, number = {1}, pages = {154-156}, doi = {10.1017/S0021932018000020}, pmid = {29502554}, issn = {1469-7599}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Egypt ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Psychometrics ; Sex Factors ; }, abstract = {This study was based on data for a sample of 1756 Egyptian primary school children (863 boys and 893 girls) aged 5-11 years assessed for intelligence with Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). The results showed that boys obtained a slightly higher IQ than girls and had greater variance.}, } @article {pmid29500409, year = {2018}, author = {Kearns, AM and Restani, M and Szabo, I and Schrøder-Nielsen, A and Kim, JA and Richardson, HM and Marzluff, JM and Fleischer, RC and Johnsen, A and Omland, KE}, title = {Genomic evidence of speciation reversal in ravens.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {906}, pmid = {29500409}, issn = {2041-1723}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Gene Flow ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Genome ; *Genomics ; Geography ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Introns/genetics ; Mosaicism ; *Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Reproductive Isolation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Many species, including humans, have emerged via complex reticulate processes involving hybridisation. Under certain circumstances, hybridisation can cause distinct lineages to collapse into a single lineage with an admixed mosaic genome. Most known cases of such 'speciation reversal' or 'lineage fusion' involve recently diverged lineages and anthropogenic perturbation. Here, we show that in western North America, Common Ravens (Corvus corax) have admixed mosaic genomes formed by the fusion of non-sister lineages ('California' and 'Holarctic') that diverged ~1.5 million years ago. Phylogenomic analyses and concordant patterns of geographic structuring in mtDNA, genome-wide SNPs and nuclear introns demonstrate long-term admixture and random interbreeding between the non-sister lineages. In contrast, our genomic data support reproductive isolation between Common Ravens and Chihuahuan Ravens (C. cryptoleucus) despite extensive geographic overlap and a sister relationship between Chihuahuan Ravens and the California lineage. These data suggest that the Common Raven genome was formed by secondary lineage fusion and most likely represents a case of ancient speciation reversal that occurred without anthropogenic causes.}, } @article {pmid29499250, year = {2018}, author = {Luo, Y and Zhang, L and Teng, Z and DeAngelis, DL}, title = {A parasitism-mutualism-predation model consisting of crows, cuckoos and cats with stage-structure and maturation delays on crows and cuckoos.}, journal = {Journal of theoretical biology}, volume = {446}, number = {}, pages = {212-228}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.02.028}, pmid = {29499250}, issn = {1095-8541}, mesh = {Animals ; Cats/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; }, abstract = {In this paper, a parasitism-mutualism-predation model is proposed to investigate the dynamics of multi-interactions among cuckoos, crows and cats with stage-structure and maturation time delays on cuckoos and crows. The crows permit the cuckoos to parasitize their nestlings (eggs) on the crow chicks (eggs). In return, the cuckoo nestlings produce a malodorous cloacal secretion to protect the crow chicks from predation by the cats, which is apparently beneficial to both the crow and cuckoo population. The multi-interactions, i.e., parasitism and mutualism between the cuckoos (nestlings) and crows (chicks), predation between the cats and crow chicks are modeled both by Holling-type II and Beddington-DeAngelis-type functional responses. The existence of positive equilibria of three subsystems of the model are discussed. The criteria for the global stability of the trivial equilibrium are established by the Krein-Rutman theorem and other analysis methods. Moreover, the threshold dynamics for the coexistence and weak persistence of the model are obtained, and we show, both analytically and numerically, that the stabilities of the interior equilibria may change with the increasing maturation time delays. We find there exists an evident difference in the dynamical properties of the parasitism-mutualism-predation model based on whether or not we consider the effects of stage-structure and maturation time delays on cuckoos and crows. Inclusion of stage structure results in many varied dynamical complexities which are difficult to encompass without this inclusion.}, } @article {pmid29493658, year = {2017}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Sosa, S and Pasquaretta, C and Dufour, V}, title = {Erratum: A longitudinal network analysis of social dynamics in rooks Corvus frugilegus: repeated group modifications do not affect social network in captive rooks.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {477}, doi = {10.1093/cz/zox045}, pmid = {29493658}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/cz/zow083.].}, } @article {pmid29492785, year = {2018}, author = {Wright, AA and Kelly, DM and Katz, JS}, title = {Comparing cognition by integrating concept learning, proactive interference, and list memory.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {46}, number = {2}, pages = {107-123}, pmid = {29492785}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Cognition/*physiology ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Discrimination Learning/physiology ; Haplorhini ; Learning/*physiology ; Memory/physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {This article describes an approach for training a variety of species to learn the abstract concept of same/different, which in turn forms the basis for testing proactive interference and list memory. The stimulus set for concept-learning training was progressively doubled from 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 . . . to 1,024 different pictures with novel-stimulus transfer following learning. All species fully learned the same/different abstract concept: capuchin and rhesus monkeys learned more readily than pigeons; nutcrackers and magpies were at least equivalent to monkeys and transferred somewhat better following initial training sets. A similar task using the 1,024-picture set plus delays was used to test proactive interference on occasional trials. Pigeons revealed greater interference with 10-s than with 1-s delays, whereas delay time had no effect on rhesus monkeys, suggesting that the monkeys' interference was event based. This same single-item same/different task was expanded to a 4-item list memory task to test animal list memory. Humans were tested similarly with lists of kaleidoscope pictures. Delays between the list and test were manipulated, resulting in strong initial recency effects (i.e., strong 4th-item memory) at short delays and changing to a strong primacy effect (i.e., strong 1st-item memory) at long delays (pigeons 0-s to 10-s delays; monkeys 0-s to 30-s delays; humans 0-s to 100-s delays). Results and findings are discussed in terms of these species' cognition and memory comparisons, evolutionary implications, and future directions for testing other species in these synergistically related tasks.}, } @article {pmid29492692, year = {2018}, author = {Layton-Matthews, K and Ozgul, A and Griesser, M}, title = {The interacting effects of forestry and climate change on the demography of a group-living bird population.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {186}, number = {4}, pages = {907-918}, pmid = {29492692}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; Demography ; *Forestry ; Forests ; Sweden ; }, abstract = {Anthropogenic degradation of natural habitats is a global driver of wildlife population declines. Local population responses to such environmental perturbations are generally well understood, but in socially structured populations, interactions between environmental and social factors may influence population responses. Thus, understanding how habitat degradation affects the dynamics of these populations requires simultaneous consideration of social and environmental mechanisms underlying demographic responses. Here we investigated the effect of habitat degradation through commercial forestry on spatiotemporal dynamics of a group-living bird, the Siberian jay, Perisoreus infaustus, in boreal forests of northern Sweden. We assessed the interacting effects of forestry, climate and population density on stage-specific, seasonal life-history rates and population dynamics, using long-term, individual-based demographic data from 70 territories in natural and managed forests. Stage-specific survival and reproductive rates, and consequently population growth, were lower in managed forests than in natural forests. Population growth was most sensitive to breeder survival and was more sensitive to early dispersing juveniles than those delaying dispersal. Forestry decreased population growth in managed forests by reducing reproductive success and breeder survival. Increased snow depth improved winter survival, and warmer spring temperatures enhanced reproductive success, particularly in natural forests. Population growth was stable in natural forests but it was declining in managed forests, and this difference accelerated under forecasted climate scenarios. Thus, climatic change could exacerbate the rate of forestry-induced population decline through reduced snow cover in our study species, and in other species with similar life-history characteristics and habitat requirements.}, } @article {pmid29492018, year = {2017}, author = {Duron, Q and Bourguet, E and De Meringo, H and Millon, A and Vidal, E}, title = {Invasive rats strengthen predation pressure on bird eggs in a South Pacific island rainforest.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {63}, number = {6}, pages = {583-590}, pmid = {29492018}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Invasive rats (Rattus spp.) are known to have pervasive impacts on island birds, particularly on their nesting success. To conserve or restore bird populations, numerous invasive rat control or eradication projects are undertaken on islands worldwide. However, such projects represent a huge investment and the decision-making process requires proper assessment of rat impacts. Here, we assessed the influence of two sympatric invasive rats (Rattus rattus and R. exulans) on native bird eggs in a New Caledonian rainforest, using artificial bird-nest monitoring. A total of 178 artificial nests containing two eggs of three different sizes were placed either on the ground or 1.5 m high and monitored at the start of the birds' breeding season. Overall, 12.4% of the nests were depredated during the first 7 days. At site 1, where nests were monitored during 16 days, 41.8% of the nests were depredated. The main predator was the native crow Corvus moneduloides, responsible for 62.9% of the overall predation events. Rats were responsible for only 22.9% of the events, and ate only small and medium eggs at both heights. Our experiment suggests that in New Caledonia, predation pressure by rats strengthens overall bird-nest predation, adding to that by native predators. Experimental rat control operations may allow reduced predation pressure on nests as well as the recording of biodiversity responses after rat population reduction.}, } @article {pmid29491998, year = {2017}, author = {Boucherie, PH and Sosa, S and Pasquaretta, C and Dufour, V}, title = {A longitudinal network analysis of social dynamics in rooks corvus frugilegus: repeated group modifications do not affect social network in captive rooks.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {379-388}, pmid = {29491998}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Numerous studies have investigated the remarkable variation of social features and the resulting structures across species. Indeed, relationships are dynamic and vary in time according to various factors such as environmental conditions or individuals attributes. However, few studies have investigated the processes that stabilize the structures within a given species, and the behavioral mechanisms that ensure their coherence and continuity across time. Here, we used a dynamic actor-based model, RSiena, to investigate the consistency of the temporal dynamic of relationships of a group of captive rooks facing recurrent modifications in group composition (i.e., the loss and introduction of individuals). We found that changes in relationships (i.e., formation and removal) followed consistent patterns regardless of group composition and sex-ratio. Rooks preferentially interacted with paired congeners (i.e., unpopular attachment) and were more likely to form relationships with individuals bonded to a current social partner (i.e., "friends of friends", or triadic closure). The sex of individuals had no effect on the dynamic of relationships. This robust behavioral mechanisms formed the basis of inter-connected networks, composed of sub-structures of individuals emerging from the enmeshment of dyadic and triadic motifs. Overall, the present study reveals crucial aspects of the behavioral mechanisms shaping rooks social structure, suggesting that rooks live in a well-integrated society, going far beyond the unique monogamous pair-bond.}, } @article {pmid29491996, year = {2017}, author = {Pesendorfer, MB and Sillett, TS and Morrison, SA}, title = {Spatially biased dispersal of acorns by a scatter-hoarding corvid may accelerate passive restoration of oak habitat on California's largest island.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {63}, number = {4}, pages = {363-367}, pmid = {29491996}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Scatter hoarding by corvids (crows, jays, magpies, and nutcrackers) provides seed dispersal for many large-seeded plants, including oaks and pines. When hoarding seeds, corvids often choose nonrandom locations throughout the landscape, resulting in differential survival of seeds. In the context of habitat restoration, such disproportional storing of seeds in areas suitable for germination and establishment can accelerate expansion and recovery of large-seeded tree populations and their associated ecosystems. Here, we investigate the spatial preferences of island scrub jays Aphelocoma insularis during scatter hoarding of acorns (Quercus spp.) on Santa Cruz Island. We use a large behavioral data set on the birds' behavior in combination with seedling surveys and spatial analysis to determine whether 1) island scrub jays disproportionally cache seeds in specific habitat types, and 2) whether the preferred habitat type is suitable for oak regeneration. Our results show that the jays nonrandomly cache acorns across the landscape; they use chaparral and coastal sage scrub disproportionally while avoiding open and grassy areas. The areas used most often for caching were also the areas with the highest oak seedling densities. We discuss the potential role of these findings for the recovery of Santa Cruz Island's oak habitat since the 1980s.}, } @article {pmid29491479, year = {2018}, author = {Bose, A and Dürr, T and Klenke, RA and Henle, K}, title = {Collision sensitive niche profile of the worst affected bird-groups at wind turbine structures in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {3777}, pmid = {29491479}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Ecosystem ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Germany ; *Power Plants ; Renewable Energy/*adverse effects ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {Biodiversity-related impacts at wind energy facilities have increasingly become a cause of conservation concern, central issue being the collision of birds. Utilizing spatial information of their carcass detections at wind turbines (WTs), we quantified the detections in relation to the metric distances of the respective turbines to different land-use types. We used ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA) to identify combinations of land-use distances with respect to the spatial allocation of WTs that led to higher proportions of collisions among the worst affected bird-groups: Buntings, Crows, Larks, Pigeons and Raptors. We also assessed their respective similarities to the collision phenomenon by checking for overlaps amongst their distance combinations. Crows and Larks showed the narrowest "collision sensitive niche"; a part of ecological niche under higher risk of collisions with turbines, followed by that of Buntings and Pigeons. Raptors had the broadest niche showing significant overlaps with the collision sensitive niches of the other groups. This can probably be attributed to their larger home range combined with their hunting affinities to open landscapes. Identification of collision sensitive niches could be a powerful tool for landscape planning; helping avoid regions with higher risks of collisions for turbine allocations and thus protecting sensitive bird populations.}, } @article {pmid29491247, year = {2018}, author = {Okamura, M and Kaneko, M and Ojima, S and Sano, H and Shindo, J and Shirafuji, H and Yamamoto, S and Tanabe, T and Yoshikawa, Y and Hu, DL}, title = {Differential Distribution of Salmonella Serovars and Campylobacter spp. Isolates in Free-Living Crows and Broiler Chickens in Aomori, Japan.}, journal = {Microbes and environments}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {77-82}, pmid = {29491247}, issn = {1347-4405}, mesh = {Animals ; Campylobacter/classification/*isolation & purification ; Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/veterinary ; Chickens/*microbiology ; Crows/*microbiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Genotype ; Japan/epidemiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Poultry/microbiology ; Prevalence ; Salmonella/classification/*isolation & purification ; Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology ; Serogroup ; }, abstract = {Salmonella and Campylobacter cause foodborne enteritis mainly via the consumption of raw/undercooked contaminated poultry meat and products. Broiler flocks are primarily colonized with these bacteria; however, the underlying etiology remains unclear. The present study was conducted in order to obtain further information on the prevalence and genotypic distribution of Salmonella and Campylobacter in free-living crows and broiler flocks in a region for 2 years, thereby facilitating estimations of the potential risk of transmission of C. jejuni from crows to broiler flocks. Salmonella serovars Bredeney and Derby were isolated from 8 and 3 out of 123 captured crows, respectively, both of which are not common in broiler chickens. Campylobacter were isolated from all 89 crows tested and C. jejuni was prevalent (85 crows). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed broad diversity in the crow isolates of C. jejuni. However, 3 crow isolates and 2 broiler isolates showing similar banding patterns were assigned to different sequence types in multi-locus sequence typing. These results indicate that crows do not share Salmonella serovars with broilers, and harbor various genotypes of C. jejuni that differ from those of broiler flocks. Thus, our results indicate that crows are not a potential vector of these bacteria to broiler flocks in this region.}, } @article {pmid31162436, year = {2018}, author = {Perret, P and Dauvier, B}, title = {Children's Allocation of Study Time during the Solution of Raven's Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Journal of Intelligence}, volume = {6}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {31162436}, issn = {2079-3200}, abstract = {The acuity of reasoning on Raven's Progressive Matrices is strongly influenced by strategic determinants. Building on metamemory studies that highlight the influence of study-time allocation on memory development, we investigated children's allocation of study time while solving these matrices. A total of 170 children aged 6-12 years completed a computerized short-form version of the standard matrices featuring items selected to represent a broad range of difficulties. Beyond analyzing changes in mean latencies and performances with age, we used generalized additive mixed models to explore within-participant variability in response times as a function of both item complexity and overall individual efficiency. Results revealed that individual differences in performances were significantly associated with children's adaptive modulation of response times. Mediation analysis further indicated that response-time modulation contributed to age-related changes in performance. Taking account of study-time allocation in reasoning tasks may open up new avenues for the study of reasoning development and the assessment of intellectual functioning.}, } @article {pmid29475319, year = {2018}, author = {Romero-García, S and Moscoso-Mártir, A and Müller, J and Shen, B and Merget, F and Witzens, J}, title = {Wideband multi-stage CROW filters with relaxed fabrication tolerances.}, journal = {Optics express}, volume = {26}, number = {4}, pages = {4723-4737}, doi = {10.1364/OE.26.004723}, pmid = {29475319}, issn = {1094-4087}, abstract = {We present wideband and large free spectral range optical filters with steep passband edges for the selection of adjacent WDM communication channels that can be reliably fabricated with mainstream silicon photonics technology. The devices are based on three cascaded stages of coupled resonator optical waveguides loaded on a common bus waveguide. These stages differ in the number of resonators but are implemented with exactly identical unit cells, comprised of a matched racetrack resonator layout and a uniform spacing between cells. The different number of resonators in each stage allows a high rejection in the through port response enabled by the interleaved distribution of zeros. Furthermore, the exact replication of a unique cell avoids the passband ripple and high lobes in the stopband that typically arise in apodized coupled resonator optical waveguide based filters due to fabrication and coupling induced variations in the effective path length of each resonator. Silicon photonics filters designed for the selection of 9 adjacent optical carriers generated by a 100 GHz free spectral range comb laser have been successfully fabricated with 248 nm DUV lithography, achieving an out-of-band rejection above 11 dB and an insertion loss of less than 0.5 dB for the worst channels.}, } @article {pmid29458978, year = {2018}, author = {Prassack, KA and Pante, MC and Njau, JK and de la Torre, I}, title = {The paleoecology of Pleistocene birds from Middle Bed II, at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, and the environmental context of the Oldowan-Acheulean transition.}, journal = {Journal of human evolution}, volume = {120}, number = {}, pages = {32-47}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhevol.2017.11.003}, pmid = {29458978}, issn = {1095-8606}, mesh = {Animals ; *Archaeology ; Biota ; *Birds ; *Cultural Evolution ; *Environment ; *Fossils ; *Hominidae ; Paleontology ; Tanzania ; Technology ; }, abstract = {Fossil bird data (community composition and taphonomic profiles) are used here to infer the environmental context of the Oldowan-Acheulean transitional period at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. This is the first comprehensive report on the Middle Bed II avifauna and includes fossils excavated by the Olduvai Geochronology and Archaeology Project (OGAP) and recently rediscovered fossils collected by Mary Leakey. Crane, ibis, darter, owl, raptor, crow, and vulture are reported from Bed II for the first time. The presence of these taxa, absent earlier in this Bed, point to a general opening and drying of the landscape with grassland and open woodland expansion. Taxa associated with dense, emergent wetland vegetation, such as dabbling ducks and rails, are uncommon and less diverse than earlier in Bed II. This suggests more mature wetlands with clearer waters. Cormorants continue to be common, but are less diverse. Cormorants and other roosting taxa provide evidence of trees in the area. Compared to lowermost Bed II, the Middle to Upper Bed II landscape is interpreted here as more open and drier (but not necessarily more arid), with matured wetlands, scattered trees, and a greater expansion of grasslands.}, } @article {pmid29457405, year = {2017}, author = {Xu, L and Hou, WK and Xu, P}, title = {[Morphology characteristics of sural bean bone and it's role in knee joint diseases].}, journal = {Zhongguo gu shang = China journal of orthopaedics and traumatology}, volume = {30}, number = {11}, pages = {1074-1076}, doi = {10.3969/j.issn.1003-0034.2017.11.022}, pmid = {29457405}, issn = {1003-0034}, mesh = {Humans ; Knee Joint ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/diagnosis/*pathology ; Sesamoid Bones/*pathology ; }, abstract = {Fabella is a common sesamoid bone. In recent years, people have paid more attention to its anatomic location, distribution characteristics in crow, importance in stabilizing knee joint and related diseases. This article reviews the anatomy, distribution and the relationship between the calf bone and the knee joint diseases, so as to strengthen the attention of the bones in the diagnosis and treatment of knee diseases.}, } @article {pmid29456325, year = {2017}, author = {Singh, Y and Makharia, A and Sharma, A and Agrawal, K and Varma, G and Yadav, T}, title = {A study on different forms of intelligence in Indian school-going children.}, journal = {Industrial psychiatry journal}, volume = {26}, number = {1}, pages = {71-76}, pmid = {29456325}, issn = {0972-6748}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Most definitions of intelligence focus on capabilities that are relevant to scholastic performances. However, there are seven forms of intelligences. There is a lack of data on multiple intelligences in Indian children. Hence, this study was conducted to assess different forms of intelligences in students and compared these diverse intelligences with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we recruited 1065 school children between the age of 12 and 16 years from two government and 13 private schools in five towns, six cities, and two villages across India. All the children were administered multiple intelligences questionnaire by Armstrong, consisting of thirty true/false types of questions to assess the intelligences of a child in seven domains including linguistic skills, logical/mathematical abilities, musical skills, spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic skills, intrapersonal intelligence, and interpersonal intelligence. IQ scores were assessed by Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: We found that different students possessed different forms of intelligences and most students had more than one forms of intelligence. Of seven forms of intelligence, only three forms of intelligence such as logical/mathematical, musical, and spatial were positively correlated with the IQ score.

CONCLUSIONS: Even in the children with low IQ, many students had other forms of intelligences. The IQ scores correlated with only logical/mathematical, spatial, and musical intelligence. Hence, tapping the intelligences of students can help enhance their learning process. Our curriculum should have an amalgamation of teaching for all kinds of intelligences for maximum productivity.}, } @article {pmid29454255, year = {2018}, author = {Jóźwiak, S and Veggiotti, P and Moreira, J and Gama, H and Rocha, F and Soares-da-Silva, P}, title = {Effects of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate on neurocognitive functioning in children with refractory focal-onset seizures.}, journal = {Epilepsy & behavior : E&B}, volume = {81}, number = {}, pages = {1-11}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.01.029}, pmid = {29454255}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anticonvulsants/*therapeutic use ; Attention/physiology ; Child ; Cognition/physiology ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Dibenzazepines/*therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Epilepsy/*drug therapy/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/physiology ; Quality of Life ; Seizures/*drug therapy/physiopathology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: This was a phase-II, randomized, double-blind (DB), placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate neurocognitive effects of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as adjunctive therapy in pediatric patients with refractory focal-onset seizures (FOS).

METHODS: Children (6-16years old) with FOS were randomized (2:1) to ESL or placebo. Treatment started at 10mg/kg/day, was up-titrated up to 30mg/kg/day (target dose), and maintained for 8weeks, followed by one-year open-label follow-up. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to the end of maintenance period in the composite Power of Attention assessed with the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) system. Behavioral and emotional functioning and quality of life (QOL), secondary endpoints, were assessed with Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). Efficacy was evaluated through changes in standardized seizure frequency (SF), responder rate, and proportion of seizure-free patients. Safety was evaluated by the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients were randomized. A noninferiority analysis failed to reject the null hypothesis that the change from baseline in the Power of Attention score in the ESL group was at least 121ms inferior to the placebo group for all age groups. The CDR scores showed no differences between placebo and ESL in Power of Attention (1868.0 vs 1759.5), Continuity of Attention (1.136 vs -1.786), Quality of Working Memory (-0.023 vs -0.024), and Speed of Memory (-263.4 vs -249.6). Nonsignificant differences between placebo and ESL were seen for CHQ-PF50, CBCL scores, and Raven's SPM. Episodic Memory Index showed significant negative effect on ESL. Efficacy results favored the ESL group (SF least square [LS] means 1.98 vs 4.29). The TEAEs had a similar incidence between treatment groups (41.0% vs 47.5%).

CONCLUSIONS: Overall ESL did not produce statistically significant effects on neurocognitive and behavioral functioning in patients with epilepsy aged 6 to 16years. Additionally, ESL was effective in reducing seizure frequency and was well-tolerated.}, } @article {pmid29447156, year = {2018}, author = {Maharaj, PD and Bosco-Lauth, AM and Langevin, SA and Anishchenko, M and Bowen, RA and Reisen, WK and Brault, AC}, title = {West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viral genetic determinants of avian host competence.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {12}, number = {2}, pages = {e0006302}, pmid = {29447156}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {R01 CI000235/CI/NCPDCID CDC HHS/United States ; AI065359/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI061822/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI055607/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U54 AI065359/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; AI061822/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; AI55607/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/immunology/mortality/transmission/*virology ; Cross Protection/immunology ; Crows/virology ; Encephalitis Virus, St. Louis/*genetics/immunology/physiology ; Encephalitis, Viral/immunology/transmission/*veterinary/virology ; Finches/virology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Sparrows/virology ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics/immunology ; Viremia ; Virulence/genetics ; Virus Replication ; West Nile Fever/immunology/transmission/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/*genetics/immunology/physiology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis (SLEV) virus are enzootically maintained in North America in cycles involving the same mosquito vectors and similar avian hosts. However, these viruses exhibit dissimilar viremia and virulence phenotypes in birds: WNV is associated with high magnitude viremias that can result in mortality in certain species such as American crows (AMCRs, Corvus brachyrhynchos) whereas SLEV infection yields lower viremias that have not been associated with avian mortality. Cross-neutralization of these viruses in avian sera has been proposed to explain the reduced circulation of SLEV since the introduction of WNV in North America; however, in 2015, both viruses were the etiologic agents of concurrent human encephalitis outbreaks in Arizona, indicating the need to re-evaluate host factors and cross-neutralization responses as factors potentially affecting viral co-circulation. Reciprocal chimeric WNV and SLEV viruses were constructed by interchanging the pre-membrane (prM)-envelope (E) genes, and viruses subsequently generated were utilized herein for the inoculation of three different avian species: house sparrows (HOSPs; Passer domesticus), house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) and AMCRs. Cross-protective immunity between parental and chimeric viruses were also assessed in HOSPs. Results indicated that the prM-E genes did not modulate avian replication or virulence differences between WNV and SLEV in any of the three avian species. However, WNV-prME proteins did dictate cross-protective immunity between these antigenically heterologous viruses. Our data provides further evidence of the important role that the WNV / SLEV viral non-structural genetic elements play in viral replication, avian host competence and virulence.}, } @article {pmid29439508, year = {2018}, author = {Fareed, J and Bacher, P and Jeske, W}, title = {Advances in Heparins and Related Research. An Epilogue.}, journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)}, volume = {23}, number = {2}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/molecules23020390}, pmid = {29439508}, issn = {1420-3049}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomedical Research/*history ; Blood Coagulation/physiology ; Cattle ; Heparin/analogs & derivatives/biosynthesis/history/*therapeutic use ; Heparin Antagonists/therapeutic use ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Protamines/therapeutic use ; Quality Control ; Sheep ; Swine ; Thrombosis/blood/*drug therapy/history/physiopathology ; }, abstract = {The discovery of heparin in 1916 by Jay McLean, a medical student at Johns Hopkins University, not only provided a universal anticoagulant, but also laid the foundation for the discipline of hemostasis and thrombosis[...].}, } @article {pmid29434390, year = {2018}, author = {Rale, VK and Kalia, VC}, title = {The Torch Bearer Microbiologist: Prof. J(Jay) Vakil (1927-2017).}, journal = {Indian journal of microbiology}, volume = {58}, number = {1}, pages = {1-2}, doi = {10.1007/s12088-018-0707-3}, pmid = {29434390}, issn = {0046-8991}, } @article {pmid29430125, year = {2018}, author = {Marafi, FAR and Rasheed, R and Usmani, S and Alkandari, F and Iqbal, A}, title = {Significance of 18F-sodium Fluoride Positron Emission Tomography in Characterization of POEMS Osteosclerotic Lesions Better Than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography.}, journal = {Indian journal of nuclear medicine : IJNM : the official journal of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, India}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {76-78}, pmid = {29430125}, issn = {0972-3919}, abstract = {Crow-Fukase syndrome (POEMS syndrome) is a rare systemic paraneoplastic syndrome. Bone lesions are manifested by sclerotic osteoblastic lesions often associated with bone pain. Characterization of osseous lesions is always crucial for clinical correlation and better patient management. We present a case where [18]F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([18]F-FDG PET/CT) was unable to characterize a clinically symptomatic patient, and [18]F-fluoride PET/CT showed excellent characterization of osteosclerotic lesions. The results were in correlation with already published data and showed that [18]F-fluoride PET/CT has better uptake in osteoblastic lesions in POEMS syndrome when compared to [18]F-FDG PET/CT and have superior imaging quality in assessing the bone lesions.}, } @article {pmid29417053, year = {2017}, author = {Globig, A and Staubach, C and Sauter-Louis, C and Dietze, K and Homeier-Bachmann, T and Probst, C and Gethmann, J and Depner, KR and Grund, C and Harder, TC and Starick, E and Pohlmann, A and Höper, D and Beer, M and Mettenleiter, TC and Conraths, FJ}, title = {Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 Clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany in 2016/2017.}, journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {240}, pmid = {29417053}, issn = {2297-1769}, abstract = {Here, we report on the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in Germany. Between November 8, 2016, and September 30, 2017, more than 1,150 cases of HPAI H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b in wild birds and 107 outbreaks in birds kept in captivity (92 poultry holdings and 15 zoos/animal parks) were reported in Germany. This HPAI epidemic is the most severe recorded in Germany so far. The viruses were apparently introduced by migratory birds, sparking an epidemic among wild birds across Germany with occasional incursions into poultry holdings, zoos and animal parks, which were usually rapidly detected and controlled by stamping out. HPAI viruses (mainly subtype H5N8, in a few cases also H5N5) were found in dead wild birds of at least 53 species. The affected wild birds were water birds (including gulls, storks, herons, and cormorants) and scavenging birds (birds of prey, owls, and crows). In a number of cases, substantial gaps in farm biosecurity may have eased virus entry into the holdings. In a second wave of the epidemic starting from February 2017, there was epidemiological and molecular evidence for virus transmission of the infections between commercial turkey holdings in an area of high poultry density, which caused approximately 25% of the total number of outbreaks in poultry. Biosecurity measures in poultry holdings should be adapted. This includes, inter alia, wearing of stable-specific protective clothing and footwear, cleaning, and disinfection of equipment that has been in contact with birds and prevention of contacts between poultry and wild water birds.}, } @article {pmid29416368, year = {2018}, author = {Milani, M and Sparavigna, A}, title = {Antiaging efficacy of melatonin-based day and night creams: a randomized, split-face, assessor-blinded proof-of-concept trial.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {51-57}, pmid = {29416368}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin is a complete and independent melatoninergic system. At the skin level, melatonin (Mel) acts as a relevant antioxidant and cytoprotective substance. Topical application of Mel is considered meaningful, since it can easily penetrate the stratum corneum. Exogenous Mel can be expected to represent a potent antioxidative defense system against skin aging mechanisms. Day and night creams containing Mel, carried in lipospheres (Melatosphere™), have been developed (Nutriage SPF 30 day cream and Nutriage night cream).

STUDY AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a Mel-based cream as antiaging treatment.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a randomized, split-face, assessor-blinded, prospective 3-month study, 22 women (mean age 55 years) with moderate-severe skin aging were enrolled (clinical trial registration number: NCT03276897). Study products were applied in the morning (Nutriage day cream) and evening (Nutriage night cream) on the right or left side of the face. Primary outcomes were: 1) clinical evaluation of wrinkles' grade (crow's feet and nasolabial folds), surface microrelief, skin tonicity (resistance to pinching and traction, recovery after pinching) and skin dryness and 2) instrumental evaluation of skin roughness and 3D photographic documentation (Vectra H1 images system). Assessments of both clinical and instrumental evaluations were performed at baseline and after 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment by an investigator unaware of treatment allocation.

RESULTS: All the subjects completed the study. Crow's feet was reduced significantly (p=0.05) by -15% with the creams in comparison with the non-treated side after 3 months. At the end of the study, surface microrelief (-26.5%), skin profilometry (-13%), skin tonicity (+30%) and skin dryness (-59.5%) significantly improved with active treatment. Both products were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: In women with skin aging, Mel-based creams improved significantly skin tonicity and skin hydration with a significant reduction in skin roughness, supporting the skin antiaging effect of this molecule applied topically.}, } @article {pmid29414945, year = {2018}, author = {Ashton, BJ and Ridley, AR and Edwards, EK and Thornton, A}, title = {Cognitive performance is linked to group size and affects fitness in Australian magpies.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {554}, number = {7692}, pages = {364-367}, pmid = {29414945}, issn = {1476-4687}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; Australia ; *Biological Evolution ; Cognition/*physiology ; Female ; *Genetic Fitness ; Intelligence/physiology ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Population Density ; Reproduction/physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The social intelligence hypothesis states that the demands of social life drive cognitive evolution. This idea receives support from comparative studies that link variation in group size or mating systems with cognitive and neuroanatomical differences across species, but findings are contradictory and contentious. To understand the cognitive consequences of sociality, it is also important to investigate social variation within species. Here we show that in wild, cooperatively breeding Australian magpies, individuals that live in large groups show increased cognitive performance, which is linked to increased reproductive success. Individual performance was highly correlated across four cognitive tasks, indicating a 'general intelligence factor' that underlies cognitive performance. Repeated cognitive testing of juveniles at different ages showed that the correlation between group size and cognition emerged in early life, suggesting that living in larger groups promotes cognitive development. Furthermore, we found a positive association between the task performance of females and three indicators of reproductive success, thus identifying a selective benefit of greater cognitive performance. Together, these results provide intraspecific evidence that sociality can shape cognitive development and evolution.}, } @article {pmid29410861, year = {2018}, author = {McIvor, GE and Lee, VE and Thornton, A}, title = {Testing social learning of anti-predator responses in juvenile jackdaws: the importance of accounting for levels of agitation.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {5}, number = {1}, pages = {171571}, pmid = {29410861}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Social learning is often assumed to help young animals respond appropriately to potential threats in the environment. We brought wild, juvenile jackdaws briefly into captivity to test whether short exposures to conspecific vocalizations are sufficient to promote anti-predator learning. Individuals were presented with one of two models-a stuffed fox representing a genuine threat, or a toy elephant simulating a novel predator. Following an initial baseline presentation, juveniles were trained by pairing models with either adult mobbing calls, indicating danger, or contact calls suggesting no danger. In a final test phase with no playbacks, birds appeared to have habituated to the elephant, regardless of training, but responses to the fox remained high throughout, suggesting juveniles already recognized it as a predator before the experiment began. Training with mobbing calls did seem to generate elevated escape responses, but this was likely to be a carry-over effect of the playback in the previous trial. Overall, we found little evidence for social learning. Instead, individuals' responses were mainly driven by their level of agitation immediately preceding each presentation. These results highlight the importance of accounting for agitation in studies of anti-predator learning, and whenever animals are held in captivity for short periods.}, } @article {pmid29388846, year = {2018}, author = {Choi, SY and Hong, JY and Ko, EJ and Kim, BJ and Hong, SW and Lim, MH and Yeon, SH and Son, RH}, title = {Protective effects of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) against skin aging: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology}, volume = {20}, number = {5}, pages = {313-318}, doi = {10.1080/14764172.2017.1418512}, pmid = {29388846}, issn = {1476-4180}, mesh = {Adult ; Antioxidants/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; *Cyclopia Plant ; Double-Blind Method ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Eye ; Female ; Fermentation ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Phytotherapy/adverse effects ; Plant Extracts/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Physiological Phenomena/*drug effects ; Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and photodamage resulting from ultraviolet radiation exposure play key roles in skin aging. Fermented Cyclopia intermedia, which is used to brew honeybush tea, exerts antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase activity.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) for skin rejuvenation.

METHODS: 120 Korean subjects with crow's feet wrinkles were randomized to receive either low-dose extract (400 mg/day), high-dose extract (800 mg/day), or placebo (negative control, only dextran) for 12 weeks. Wrinkles were evaluated using JANUS[®] and PRIMO pico[®]. Skin elasticity, hydration and transepidermal water loss were measured.

RESULTS: Global skin wrinkle grade was significantly improved in both low-dose and high-dose groups compared to placebo group, as well as for skin hydration and elasticity. Both the low- and high-dose groups showed significantly decreased TEWL compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse effects during the entire study period.

CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that HU-018 is effective for improving skin wrinkles, elasticity, and hydration. Therefore, daily supplementation with fermented honeybush could be helpful for protecting against skin aging.}, } @article {pmid29386519, year = {2018}, author = {Stanford, R and Lockley, MG and Tucker, C and Godfrey, S and Stanford, SM}, title = {A diverse mammal-dominated, footprint assemblage from wetland deposits in the Lower Cretaceous of Maryland.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {741}, pmid = {29386519}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Fossils ; Geography ; Geologic Sediments ; *Mammals ; Maryland ; Paleontology ; *Wetlands ; }, abstract = {A newly discovered assemblage of predominantly small tracks from the Cretaceous Patuxent Formation at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Maryland, reveals one of the highest track densities and diversities ever reported (~70 tracks, representing at least eight morphotypes from an area of only ~2 m[2]). The assemblage is dominated by small mammal tracks including the new ichnotxon Sederipes goddardensis, indicating sitting postures. Small crow-sized theropod trackways, the first from this unit, indicate social trackmakers and suggest slow-paced foraging behavior. Tracks of pterosaurs, and other small vertebrates suggest activity on an organic-rich substrate. Large well-preserved sauropod and nodosaurs tracks indicate the presence of large dinosaurs. The Patuxent Formation together with the recently reported Angolan assemblage comprise the world's two largest Mesozoic mammal footprint assemblages. The high density of footprint registration at the NASA site indicates special preservational and taphonomic conditions. These include early, penecontemporaneous deposition of siderite in organic rich, reducing wetland settings where even the flesh of body fossils can be mummified. Thus, the track-rich ironstone substrates of the Patuxent Formation, appear to preserve a unique vertebrate ichnofacies, with associated, exceptionally-preserved body fossil remains for which there are currently no other similar examples preserved in the fossil record.}, } @article {pmid29382499, year = {2017}, author = {Sala, JE}, title = {[The jibarization of logos: how medical reductionism can kill].}, journal = {Boletin medico del Hospital Infantil de Mexico}, volume = {74}, number = {2}, pages = {154-163}, doi = {10.1016/j.bmhimx.2016.11.009}, pmid = {29382499}, issn = {1665-1146}, mesh = {Delivery of Health Care/*organization & administration ; Humans ; Models, Theoretical ; *Philosophy, Medical ; *Public Health ; }, abstract = {In recent decades, a disciplinary and subdisciplinary proliferation has triggered both in the medical fields and science in general. This trend may be partially explained by two diachronic, dialectically interconnected facts: the deepening of technical, social and international division of labor in the globalized capitalist world, and the triumph of the reductionist program, mainly developed by the logical empiricism of the Vienna Circle. This paper aims to deepen the debate on the intricate links between medicine, biology, philosophy, reductionism and complex thought, by using two examples: a case report of current medicine and the situation experienced by a famous American scientist, Stephen Jay Gould, about his first cancer, an abdominal mesothelioma. We have witnessed how the two above-mentioned historical facts have been operating as a super-structure like a pair of "tweezers", dismembering and compressing at the same moment the object of knowledge, the theories that allow their study, and the subject that receives the knowledge. This jibarization of logos is a real problem for public health, from the moment that it impacts, omnipresent, in the actual hegemonic medical model, leading to potentially dangerous attitudes to the various components of health systems.}, } @article {pmid29377397, year = {2018}, author = {Wang, X and Shu, X and Li, Z and Huo, W and Zou, L and Tang, Y and Li, L}, title = {Comparison of two kinds of skin imaging analysis software: VISIA[®] from Canfield and IPP[®] from Media Cybernetics.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {24}, number = {3}, pages = {379-385}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12440}, pmid = {29377397}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation/*diagnostic imaging ; *Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Linear Models ; Middle Aged ; Skin/*diagnostic imaging ; *Skin Aging ; *Software ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Skin imaging analysis, acting as a supplement to noninvasive bioengineering devices, has been widely used in medical cosmetology and cosmetic product evaluation. The main aim of this study is to assess the differences and correlations in measuring skin spots, wrinkles, vascular features, porphyrin, and pore between two commercially available image analysis software.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy healthy women were included in the study. Before taking pictures, the dermatologist evaluated subjects' skin conditions. Test sites included the forehead, cheek, and periorbital skin. A 2 × 2 cm cardboard was used to make a mark on the skin surface. Pictures were taken using VISIA[®] under three kinds light conditions and analyzed using VISIA[®] and IPP[®] respectively.

RESULTS: (1) Skin pore, red area, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, porphyrin, and wrinkle measured with VISIA[®] were correlated with those measured with IPP[®] (P < .01). (2) Spot, wrinkle, fine line, brown spot, and red area analyzed with VISIA[®] were correlated with age on the forehead and periorbital skin (P < .05). L-value, Crow's feet, ultraviolet spot, brown spot, and red area analyzed with IPP[®] were correlated with age on the periorbital skin (P < .05). (3) L-value, spot, wrinkle, fine line, porphyrin, red area, and pore analyzed with VISIA[®] and IPP[®] showed correlations with the subjective evaluation scores (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS: VISIA[®] and IPP[®] showed acceptable correlation in measuring various skin conditions. VISIA[®] showed a high sensibility when measured on the forehead skin. IPP[®] is available as an alternative software program to evaluate skin features.}, } @article {pmid29375193, year = {2018}, author = {Maziarz, M and Piggott, C and Burgess, M}, title = {Predator recognition and differential behavioural responses of adult wood warblers Phylloscopus sibilatrix.}, journal = {Acta ethologica}, volume = {21}, number = {1}, pages = {13-20}, pmid = {29375193}, issn = {0873-9749}, abstract = {Birds often engage in nest defence against predators to improve breeding success, but defence efficiency requires the capability to assess the threat level posed by potential predators. For species with low breeding-site tenacity, which may encounter varying occurrence and density of predators in different areas, threat recognition could be compromised due to naivety, and so predator recognition may focus on broad key features to diminish the risk of misidentification. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by recording behavioural reactions of the nomadic wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix to objects reflecting various levels of threat: least weasel and Eurasian jay taxidermy mounts, an inanimate object and an empty display mount. To assess actual nest predators, we used remote cameras to record predation events at wood warbler nests. As in other studies in Western Europe, Eurasian jay was found to be the main nest predator, with occasional predation by least weasel. The reaction of adult warblers to the models was generally to remain silent and on nests during the incubation stage presumably due to the need to maintain efficient nest camouflage and concealment. During the nestling stage, behavioural responses of adult warblers, calling and suspended feeding of young, showed the strongest effects from the jay taxidermy mount, moderate to the weasel and weakest to the inanimate object and empty mount. As the reaction of wood warblers reflected the degree of genuine threat posed by the predators depicted by the models, we conclude that predator recognition may be present in this species.}, } @article {pmid29373167, year = {2018}, author = {Claes, R and Muyshondt, PGG and Dirckx, JJJ and Aerts, P}, title = {Do high sound pressure levels of crowing in roosters necessitate passive mechanisms for protection against self-vocalization?.}, journal = {Zoology (Jena, Germany)}, volume = {126}, number = {}, pages = {65-70}, doi = {10.1016/j.zool.2017.12.002}, pmid = {29373167}, issn = {1873-2720}, mesh = {Animals ; Chickens/*physiology ; Crowding/psychology ; Ear/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Sex Characteristics ; Sound/adverse effects ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {High sound pressure levels (>120dB) cause damage or death of the hair cells of the inner ear, hence causing hearing loss. Vocalization differences are present between hens and roosters. Crowing in roosters is reported to produce sound pressure levels of 100dB measured at a distance of 1m. In this study we measured the sound pressure levels that exist at the entrance of the outer ear canal. We hypothesize that roosters may benefit from a passive protective mechanism while hens do not require such a mechanism. Audio recordings at the level of the entrance of the outer ear canal of crowing roosters, made in this study, indeed show that a protective mechanism is needed as sound pressure levels can reach amplitudes of 142.3dB. Audio recordings made at varying distances from the crowing rooster show that at a distance of 0.5m sound pressure levels already drop to 102dB. Micro-CT scans of a rooster and chicken head show that in roosters the auditory canal closes when the beak is opened. In hens the diameter of the auditory canal only narrows but does not close completely. A morphological difference between the sexes in shape of a bursa-like slit which occurs in the outer ear canal causes the outer ear canal to close in roosters but not in hens.}, } @article {pmid29364882, year = {2018}, author = {Torres-Vargas, J and Jiménez-Coello, M and Guzmán-Marín, E and Acosta-Viana, KY and Yadon, ZE and Gutiérrez-Blanco, E and Guillermo-Cordero, JL and Garg, NJ and Ortega-Pacheco, A}, title = {Quantitative and histological assessment of maternal-fetal transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in guinea pigs: An experimental model of congenital Chagas disease.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {e0006222}, pmid = {29364882}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {R01 AI054578/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI054578/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan/blood ; Chagas Disease/*pathology/*transmission ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Histocytochemistry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G/blood ; *Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; *Maternal-Fetal Exchange ; Parasite Load ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/*pathology ; Trypanosoma cruzi/*isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of Trypanosoma cruzi infection on fertility, gestation outcome, and maternal-fetal transmission in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

METHODS: Animals were infected with T. cruzi H4 strain (TcI lineage) before gestation (IBG) or during gestation (IDG). Tissue and sera samples of dams and fetuses were obtained near parturition.

RESULTS: All IBG and IDG dams were seropositive by two tests, and exhibited blood parasite load of 1.62±2.2 and 50.1±62 parasites/μl, respectively, by quantitative PCR. Histological evaluation showed muscle fiber degeneration and cellular necrosis in all infected dams. Parasite nests were not detected in infected dams by histology. However, qPCR analysis detected parasites-eq/g heart tissue of 153±104.7 and 169.3±129.4 in IBG and IDG dams, respectively. All fetuses of infected dams were positive for anti-parasite IgG antibodies and tissue parasites by qPCR, but presented a low level of tissue inflammatory infiltrate. Fetuses of IDG (vs. IBG) dams exhibited higher degree of muscle fiber degeneration and cellular necrosis in the heart and skeletal tissues. The placental tissue exhibited no inflammatory lesions and amastigote nests, yet parasites-eq/g of 381.2±34.3 and 79.2±84.9 were detected in IDG and IBG placentas, respectively. Fetal development was compromised, and evidenced by a decline in weight, crow-rump length, and abdominal width in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: T. cruzi TcI has a high capacity of congenital transmission even when it was inoculated at a very low dose before or during gestation. Tissue lesions, parasite load, and fetal under development provide evidence for high virulence of the parasite during pregnancy. Despite finding of high parasite burden by qPCR, placentas were protected from cellular damage. Our studies offer an experimental model to study the efficacy of vaccines and drugs against congenital transmission of T. cruzi. These results also call for T. cruzi screening in pregnant women and adequate follow up of the newborns in endemic areas.}, } @article {pmid29361607, year = {2018}, author = {Stavenga, DG and Leertouwer, HL and Wilts, BD}, title = {Magnificent magpie colours by feathers with layers of hollow melanosomes.}, journal = {The Journal of experimental biology}, volume = {221}, number = {Pt 4}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1242/jeb.174656}, pmid = {29361607}, issn = {1477-9145}, mesh = {Animals ; Color ; Feathers/*physiology ; Melanosomes/*chemistry/*ultrastructure ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Models, Chemical ; Pigmentation/*physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Spectrum Analysis ; }, abstract = {The blue secondary and purple-to-green tail feathers of magpies are structurally coloured owing to stacks of hollow, air-containing melanosomes embedded in the keratin matrix of the barbules. We investigated the spectral and spatial reflection characteristics of the feathers by applying (micro)spectrophotometry and imaging scatterometry. To interpret the spectral data, we performed optical modelling, applying the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method as well as an effective media approach, treating the melanosome stacks as multi-layers with effective refractive indices dependent on the component media. The differently coloured magpie feathers are realised by adjusting the melanosome size, with the diameter of the melanosomes as well as their hollowness being the most sensitive parameters that influence the appearance of the feathers.}, } @article {pmid29360051, year = {2018}, author = {Pluta, A and Kulesza, M and Grzegorzewski, P and Kucharska, K}, title = {Assessing advanced theory of mind and alexithymia in patients suffering from enduring borderline personality disorder.}, journal = {Psychiatry research}, volume = {261}, number = {}, pages = {436-441}, doi = {10.1016/j.psychres.2018.01.003}, pmid = {29360051}, issn = {1872-7123}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Affective Symptoms/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*psychology ; Anxiety/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Borderline Personality Disorder/*diagnosis/epidemiology/*psychology ; Comorbidity ; Depression/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Personality Assessment/standards ; Personality Inventory/standards ; *Theory of Mind/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Findings on the theory of mind (ToM) abilities in borderline personality disorder (BPD) have been inconsistent. Surprisingly, no studies have focused on the complex aspects of ToM while simultaneously measuring alexithymia as well as comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms, therefore, our study aimed to fill this gap. 30 female patients with BPD and 38 healthy controls (HCs) completed the Faux Pas Test (FPT) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20). The clinical and intellectual assessment comprised of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis II Disorders (SCID-II), the Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R), and the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM). Women with BPD scored significantly worse than HCs on overall ToM abilities. After controlling for the intelligence level, depressive symptoms, and state and trait anxiety, both groups presented a similar overall level of alexithymia. No correlation between the FPT and TAS-20 scores was found, suggesting that both constructs might be unrelated in BPD. Because ToM dysfunctions seem not to result from comorbid clinical symptoms, trait anxiety, or intellectual abilities, our study results suggest that ToM deficits might be considered a core feature of BPD.}, } @article {pmid29358606, year = {2018}, author = {St Clair, JJH and Klump, BC and Sugasawa, S and Higgott, CG and Colegrave, N and Rutz, C}, title = {Hook innovation boosts foraging efficiency in tool-using crows.}, journal = {Nature ecology & evolution}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {441-444}, doi = {10.1038/s41559-017-0429-7}, pmid = {29358606}, issn = {2397-334X}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The New Caledonian crow is the only non-human animal known to craft hooked tools in the wild, but the ecological benefit of these relatively complex tools remains unknown. Here, we show that crows acquire food several times faster when using hooked rather than non-hooked tools, regardless of tool material, prey type and extraction context. This implies that small changes to tool shape can strongly affect energy-intake rates, highlighting a powerful driver for technological advancement.}, } @article {pmid29344961, year = {2018}, author = {Colomb, L and Flament, F and Wagle, A and Idelcaid, Y and Agrawal, D}, title = {In vivo evaluation of some biophysical parameters of the facial skin of Indian subjects living in Mumbai. Part II: Variability with age and gender.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {40}, number = {2}, pages = {141-147}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12445}, pmid = {29344961}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Biophysics ; Face/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; India ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sebum/metabolism ; *Skin Physiological Phenomena ; Skin Pigmentation ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A previously published work explored the diversity of some biophysical parameters (colour, elasticity, sebum production, skin microrelief, etc.) of the skin of 1204 Indian women, differently aged, living in four Indian cities (Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai). The present work aimed at completing such research by focusing on possible gender-related differences in the same skin parameters, between Indian men and women living in the same Indian city (Mumbai).

METHODS: A total of 297 Indian men, differently aged (18-70y), were recruited in Mumbai, completing the panel of 303 women who were previously recruited in this same city. The same instrumental measurements of facial skin colour and its homogeneity, its mechanical properties, the sebum production, skin pores size, skin relief, etc. as in the previous work, were conducted.

RESULTS: Overall, the facial skin colour shows a darker complexion in men as compared to women, on forehead, ocular region, lips, chin and cheek. The skin colour unevenness, which increases with age, was found higher in men, as compared to women. At comparable age, women and men present a same density of skin pores, whereas those of men appear larger, up to 55y. The deepness of Crow's feet wrinkles does not significantly differ between genders. A lesser extensibility was found on the cheeks of men. In men, the sebum production was found significantly higher than that of women at ages above 40y.

CONCLUSIONS: This work indicates some commonly shared age-related skin features between women and men from Mumbai, despite slight different characteristics such as skin pigmentation, forehead/cheek colour contrast, mechanical properties and sebum production.}, } @article {pmid29344324, year = {2017}, author = {Muti, GF and Basso, M}, title = {Treatment of Lateral Periorbital Lines with Different Dilutions of IncobotulinumtoxinA.}, journal = {The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {27-29}, pmid = {29344324}, issn = {1941-2789}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: IncobotulinumtoxinA is a botulinum neurotoxin type A that is free from complexing proteins and is used in various therapeutic indications and aesthetic medicine. It is approved for the treatment of glabellar frown lines in the United States. In Europe, it is also approved for the treatment of lateral periorbital lines (crow's feet) and for the combined treatment of upper facial lines, including glabellar frown lines, crow's feet, and horizontal forehead lines. METHODS: In the present study, incobotulinumtoxinA was injected at two different dilutions to treat female subjects aged 40 to 50 years who had moderate-to-severe lateral periorbital lines at maximum contraction according to a score of 2 or 3 points on the 5-point Merz Aesthetics Scales (MAS). For Group 1 (n=20), 50U of incobotulinumtoxinA were reconstituted with 1.60mL of 0.9% NaCI, and for Group 2 (n=20), a reconstitution volume of 0.55mL was used. RESULTS: Merz Aesthetics Scales scores were markedly improved by at least one point in both groups at one month and three months. The mean Merz Aesthetics Scales scores at one month were 0.4 and 0.6 points for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, corresponding to a mean improvement of 2.0 and 1.8 points compared with baseline, respectively. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in efficacy and tolerability of incobotulinumtoxinA were seen between the two dilutions at any time point.}, } @article {pmid29342669, year = {2017}, author = {Pepperberg, IM}, title = {"Birdbrains" should not be ignored in studying the evolution of g.}, journal = {The Behavioral and brain sciences}, volume = {40}, number = {}, pages = {e216}, doi = {10.1017/S0140525X16001758}, pmid = {29342669}, issn = {1469-1825}, mesh = {Animals ; *Intelligence ; *Parrots ; Research ; }, abstract = {The authors evaluate evidence for general intelligence (g) in nonhumans but lean heavily toward mammalian data. They mention, but do not discuss in detail, evidence for g in nonmammalian species, for which substantive material exists. I refer to a number of avian studies, particularly in corvids and parrots, which would add breadth to the material presented in the target article.}, } @article {pmid29338711, year = {2018}, author = {Shurulinkov, P and Spasov, L and Stoyanov, G and Chakarov, N}, title = {Blood parasite infections in a wild population of ravens (Corvus corax) in Bulgaria.}, journal = {Malaria journal}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {33}, pmid = {29338711}, issn = {1475-2875}, support = {PIEF-GA-2013-625883//H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Bulgaria/epidemiology ; *Crows ; Cytochromes b/analysis ; Haemosporida/classification/*isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Protozoan Proteins/analysis ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Blood parasites have been studied intensely in many families of avian hosts, but corvids, a particularly cosmopolitan family, remain underexplored. Haemosporidian parasites of the common raven (Corvus corax) have not been studied, although it is the largest, most adaptable, and widespread corvid. Genetic sequence data from parasites of ravens can enhance the understanding of speciation patterns and specificity of haemosporidian parasites in corvids, and shed light how these hosts cope with parasite pressure.

METHODS: A baited cage trap was used to catch 86 ravens and a nested PCR protocol was used to amplify a 479 bp fragment of the haemosporidian cytochrome b gene from the samples. The obtained sequences were compared with the MalAvi database of all published haemosporidian lineages and a phylogenetic tree including all detected raven parasites was constructed. An examination of blood smears was performed for assessment of infection intensity.

RESULTS: Twenty blood parasite lineages were recovered from ravens caught in a wild population in Bulgaria. The prevalence of generalist Plasmodium lineages was 49%, and the prevalence of Leucocytozoon lineages was 31%. Out of 13 detected Leucocytozoon lineages six were known from different corvids, while seven others seem to be specific to ravens. A phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that Leucocytozoon lineages of ravens and other corvids are not monophyletic, with some groups appearing closely related to parasites of other host families.

CONCLUSIONS: Several different, morphologically cryptic groups of Leucocytozoon parasites appear to infect corvids. Ravens harbour both generalist corvid Leucocytozoon as well as apparently species-specific lineages. The extraordinary breeding ecology and scavenging lifestyle possibly allow ravens to evade vectors and have relatively low blood parasite prevalence compared to other corvids.}, } @article {pmid31579265, year = {2018}, author = {Hendricks, J}, title = {Quantum for pressure.}, journal = {Nature physics}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {}, pmid = {31579265}, issn = {1745-2473}, support = {9999-NIST//Intramural NIST DOC/United States ; }, abstract = {Jay Hendricks tells about ongoing work to change the realization and dissemination of the pascal, which will lead to the elimination of mercury-barometer pressure standards.}, } @article {pmid30956930, year = {2018}, author = {Rubio, E and Sanllorente, O and Tieleman, BI and Ibáñez-Álamo, JD}, title = {Fecal sacs do not increase nest predation in a ground nester.}, journal = {Journal of ornithology}, volume = {159}, number = {4}, pages = {985-990}, pmid = {30956930}, issn = {2193-7192}, abstract = {Most altricial birds remove their nestlings' feces from the nest, but the evolutionary forces driving this behavior are poorly understood. A possible adaptive explanation for this could be that birds avoid the attraction of nest predators to their nests due to the visual or olfactory cues produced by feces (nest predation hypothesis). This hypothesis has received contrasting support indicating that additional experimental studies are needed, particularly with respect to the visual component of fecal sacs. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an experiment manipulating the presence of fecal sacs on inactive Woodlark (Lullula arborea) nests. This ground nester has highly cryptic nests that are mainly depredated by visually oriented nest predators (i.e., corvids) in our study population, making it an excellent system to test for the nest predation hypothesis. Our results showed that the presence of fecal sacs in the nest does not seem to be an important factor explaining nest predation. Interestingly, the effect of nest concealment, the most important factor explaining nest predation in Woodlark nests, depended on whether the nest was depredated the previous year or not, supporting the importance of using different nesting sites between years. Our findings indicate that this important nest sanitation behavior is not likely motivated by nest predation and highlight the need to explore alternative selective pressures in this context.}, } @article {pmid30956929, year = {2018}, author = {Baniukiewicz, M and Dick, ZL and Giabbanelli, PJ}, title = {Capturing the fast-food landscape in England using large-scale network analysis.}, journal = {EPJ data science}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {39}, pmid = {30956929}, issn = {2193-1127}, support = {U54 HD070725/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Fast-food outlets play a significant role in the nutrition of British children who get more food from such shops than the school canteen. To reduce young people's access to fast-food meals during the school day, many British cities are implementing zoning policies. For instance, cities can create buffers around schools, and some have used 200 meters buffers while others used 400 meters. But how close is too close? Using the road network is needed to precisely computing the distance between fast-food outlets (for policies limiting the concentration), or fast-food outlets and the closest school (for policies using buffers). This estimates how much of the fast-food landscape could be affected by a policy, and complementary analyses of food utilization can later translate the estimate into changes on childhood nutrition and obesity. Network analyses of retail and urban forms are typically limited to the scale of a city. However, to design national zoning policies, we need to perform this analysis at a national scale. Our study is the first to perform a nation-wide analysis, by linking large datasets (e.g., all roads, fast-food outlets and schools) and performing the analysis over a high performance computing cluster. We found a strong spatial clustering of fast-food outlets (with 80% of outlets being within 120 of another outlet), but much less clustering for schools. Results depend on whether we use the road network on the Euclidean distance (i.e. 'as the crow flies'): for instance, half of the fast-food outlets are found within 240 m of a school using an Euclidean distance, but only one-third at the same distance with the road network. Our findings are consistent across levels of deprivation, which is important to set equitable national policies. In line with previous studies (at the city scale rather than national scale), we also examined the relation between centrality and outlets, as a potential target for policies, but we found no correlation when using closeness or betweenness centrality with either the Spearman or Pearson correlation methods.}, } @article {pmid31966237, year = {2017}, author = {Tsai, TS and Mao, JJ}, title = {Species Identification of Shed Snake Skins in Taiwan and Adjacent Islands.}, journal = {Zoological studies}, volume = {56}, number = {}, pages = {e38}, pmid = {31966237}, issn = {1810-522X}, abstract = {Tein-Shun Tsai and Jean-Jay Mao (2017) Shed snake skins have many applications for humans and other animals, and can provide much useful information to a field survey. When properly prepared and identified, a shed snake skin can be used as an important voucher; the morphological descriptions of the shed skins may be critical for taxonomic research, as well as studies of snake ecology and conservation. However, few convenient/ expeditious methods or techniques to identify shed snake skins in specific areas have been developed. In this study, we collected and examined a total of 1,260 shed skin samples - including 322 samples from neonates/ juveniles and 938 from subadults/adults - from 53 snake species in Taiwan and adjacent islands, and developed the first guide to identify them. To the naked eye or from scanned images, the sheds of almost all species could be identified if most of the shed was collected. The key features that aided in identification included the patterns on the sheds and scale morphology. Ontogenetic differences and intraspecific variation in the patterns of sheds were evident in some snake species, and the proportion of young snakes with patterned shed skins was larger than that of adults. The retention of markings on the ventral side of the body (especially the ventral head) during sloughing was much lower than that on the dorsal side. We hope that this pioneering work will not only encourage other researchers to develop similar keys for their country, but also promote local schools, organizations, and citizen scientists to conduct snake inventories.}, } @article {pmid33065955, year = {2017}, author = {Coleman, WP and Sattler, G and Weissenberger, P and Hast, MA and Hanschmann, A}, title = {Safety of IncobotulinumtoxinA in the Treatment of Facial Lines: Results From a Pooled Analysis of Randomized, Prospective, Controlled Clinical Studies.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {43 Suppl 3}, number = {}, pages = {S293-S303}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001409}, pmid = {33065955}, issn = {1524-4725}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA in aesthetics has been established in multiple studies. Although individual studies have been reported, a combined assessment of incobotulinumtoxinA safety across studies is not available.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of adverse events (AEs) across prospective incobotulinumtoxinA studies in aesthetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Safety data were assessed from 9 placebo-controlled or active-controlled single-dose studies on glabellar frown lines (GFL), crow's feet (CF), and upper facial lines (UFL). Analyses by treatment cycle included 4 repeat-dose studies on GFL and UFL.

RESULTS: One thousand three hundred seventy-seven subjects received incobotulinumtoxinA (GFL, n = 1,189; CF, n = 83; UFL, n = 105) in single-dose studies (placebo-controlled studies: incobotulinumtoxinA, n = 866; placebo, n = 395). Over 1,000 subjects received incobotulinumtoxinA in repeat-dose studies (GFL, n = 880; UFL, n = 290). In placebo-controlled single-dose studies, incidences of treatment-related AEs ranged from 5.4% (GFL) to 22.9% (UFL). The most frequent treatment-related AE in single-dose studies was headache (GFL, 4.8%; UFL, 11.4%). In repeat-dose studies, incidence of AEs was highest during cycle 1 (GFL, 8.9%; UFL, 17.2%) and decreased across treatment cycles. No serious treatment-related AEs were observed.

CONCLUSION: Results confirm the favorable safety and tolerability of incobotulinumtoxinA. The frequency of treatment-related AEs was low and may decrease with subsequent treatments.}, } @article {pmid31014599, year = {2017}, author = {Irie, T and Ikeda, T and Nakamura, T and Ichii, O and Yamada, N and Ito, T and Yamazaki, A and Takai, S and Yagi, K}, title = {First molecular detection of Sarcocystis ovalis in the intestinal mucosa of a Japanese jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) in Hokkaido, Japan.}, journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {54-57}, doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.08.005}, pmid = {31014599}, issn = {2405-9390}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Crows/*parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification ; DNA, Ribosomal/isolation & purification ; Intestinal Mucosa/parasitology ; Japan/epidemiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; *Sarcocystis/genetics/isolation & purification ; Sarcocystosis/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {Although cysts of Sarcocystis spp. have been detected in domestic and wild animals throughout Japan, their natural definitive hosts have not been fully elucidated. Additionally, in Hokkaido, several Sarcocystis spp. are highly prevalent among wild sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis), one of which is S. ovalis. The life cycle of S. ovalis is maintained in corvid birds. To identify the definitive host for S. ovalis in Hokkaido, we investigated its prevalence among corvid birds (Corvus macrorhynchos and C. corone). A total of 42 crow carcasses were collected during August 2015-July 2016 in southern Hokkaido. Examination for coccidian sporocysts in rectal feces and intestinal mucosa, detection of Sarcocystis DNA (18S rRNA gene) from intestinal mucosa samples, and histological observation of intestinal tissue were conducted. No Sarcocystis sporocysts were detected in fecal and mucosal samples by flotation. DNA from intestinal mucosa was positive in one crow (C. macrorhynchos). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the isolate clustered with S. ovalis and was closely related to isolates obtained from sika deer in Hokkaido. Histologically, S. ovalis gamogenesis (gamonts or gametes) and oocyst production were observed in the villi of the crow positive for S. ovalis DNA. However, the crow was negative for other coccidian parasites, such as Eimeria, by fecal examination. Our results suggested that crows harbor S. ovalis in the intestine and may serve as a definitive host of S. ovalis in Hokkaido. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a natural definitive host for Sarcocystis spp. prevalent among sika deer in Japan.}, } @article {pmid33473868, year = {2017}, author = {Sarker, S and Helbig, K and Raidal, SR}, title = {The first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {2}, number = {2}, pages = {473-474}, pmid = {33473868}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {Here, we report the complete mitochondrial genome of an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides). The mitogenome of C. coronoides was characterised as a circular molecule of 16,925 bp in length encoding a typically conserved structure similar to those of other Corvidae. It consisted of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes, with all protein-coding sequences commencing with methionine. The lengths of 12S ribosomal RNA and 16S ribosomal RNA were 980 bp and 1600 bp, respectively, and were located between tRNA-Phe and tRNA-Leu. The overall base composition of the mitogenome of C. coronoides was slightly higher AT (56.0%) content than GC (44.0%). A phylogenetic tree using available complete mitogenome sequences of the family Corvidae revealed a close evolutionary relationship of C. coronoides with the now extinct Chatham raven (C. moriorum), a large songbird that was native to the Chatham Islands east of New Zealand.}, } @article {pmid32026102, year = {2017}, author = {Varanda, CA and Fernandes, FDM}, title = {Cognitive flexibility training intervention among children with autism: a longitudinal study.}, journal = {Psicologia, reflexao e critica : revista semestral do Departamento de Psicologia da UFRGS}, volume = {30}, number = {1}, pages = {15}, pmid = {32026102}, issn = {0102-7972}, support = {150739/2012-5//National Council of Technological and Scientific Development/ ; }, abstract = {Autism is defined by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction in multiple contexts as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. There are also reported difficulties in the dynamic activation and modification of cognitive processes in response to changes in tasks' demands. Such difficulties are believed to be due to poor flexible cognition. This research aimed to assess and intervene in cognitive flexibility in subjects with autism.Ten subjects diagnosed with autism by psychiatrists, aged 5 years to 13 years and 5 months, were assessed in non-verbal intelligence through Raven's Progressive Matrices in pretest. They were also assessed in cognitive flexibility through Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and in patterns of social interactions, behaviors, and communication through Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). An intervention program of 14 to 21 sessions was established to enhance cognitive flexibility. In posttest, they were assessed in WCST and ADI-R.All measures of cognitive flexibility improved in posttest except for failure to maintain set. Among the measures improved in posttest, perseverative errors and responses improved in posttest with statistical significance as well as categories completed. Total scores on ADI-R were lower in posttest as well as scores on communication abilities.The qualitative improvement showed by the individuals of this research concerning cognitive flexibility and also patterns of restricted behavior, social interaction, and communication abilities suggests that individuals with autism can benefit from the development of strategies for the enhancement of cognitive flexibility. Nevertheless, more research is suggested with a larger sample among subjects on the autism spectrum.}, } @article {pmid29693817, year = {2017}, author = {Washio, Y and Frederick, J and Archibald, A and Bertram, N and Crowe, JA}, title = {Community-I nitiated Pilot Program "My Baby's Breath" to Reduce Prenatal Alcohol Use.}, journal = {Delaware medical journal}, volume = {89}, number = {2}, pages = {46-51}, pmid = {29693817}, issn = {0011-7781}, mesh = {Alcohol Drinking/*prevention & control ; Community Health Services ; Female ; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders/*prevention & control ; *Health Education ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; *Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/*prevention & control ; United States ; }, abstract = {Prenatal alcohol use puts mothers and their children at risk for complications during pregnancy, birth, and the neonatal periods. This paper describes a currently implemented community-based pilot program to reduce drinking among pregnant mothers. The program has worked in collaboration with case managers from Crow Wing County Social Services. Participants were required to provide daily breath samples with monetary incentives on alcohol-negative sample submissions. The program has treated four pregnant mothers so far, with an average of 94 percent compliance rate and no alcohol-positive breath samples. Future planned adjustments include using a remotely reloadlable debit card to reinforce daily sample submission, switching to completely random monitoring schedules to avoid falsenegative results, and expanding the program service in other counties. The community-based program using mobile technology has promise to increase opportunities to reinforce healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.}, } @article {pmid32025273, year = {2017}, author = {van Daalen, SF and Caswell, H}, title = {Lifetime reproductive output: individual stochasticity, variance, and sensitivity analysis.}, journal = {Theoretical ecology}, volume = {10}, number = {3}, pages = {355-374}, pmid = {32025273}, issn = {1874-1738}, abstract = {Lifetime reproductive output (LRO) determines per-generation growth rates, establishes criteria for population growth or decline, and is an important component of fitness. Empirical measurements of LRO reveal high variance among individuals. This variance may result from genuine heterogeneity in individual properties, or from individual stochasticity, the outcome of probabilistic demographic events during the life cycle. To evaluate the extent of individual stochasticity requires the calculation of the statistics of LRO from a demographic model. Mean LRO is routinely calculated (as the net reproductive rate), but the calculation of variances has only recently received attention. Here, we present a complete, exact, analytical, closed-form solution for all the moments of LRO, for age- and stage-classified populations. Previous studies have relied on simulation, iterative solutions, or closed-form analytical solutions that capture only part of the sources of variance. We also present the sensitivity and elasticity of all of the statistics of LRO to parameters defining survival, stage transitions, and (st)age-specific fertility. Selection can operate on variance in LRO only if the variance results from genetic heterogeneity. The potential opportunity for selection is quantified by Crow's index I , the ratio of the variance to the square of the mean. But variance due to individual stochasticity is only an apparent opportunity for selection. In a comparison of a range of age-classified models for human populations, we find that proportional increases in mortality have very small effects on the mean and variance of LRO, but large positive effects on I . Proportional increases in fertility increase both the mean and variance of LRO, but reduce I . For a size-classified tree population, the elasticity of both mean and variance of LRO to stage-specific mortality are negative; the elasticities to stage-specific fertility are positive.}, } @article {pmid30070456, year = {2017}, author = {Chen, Z and Liu, T and Shao, J and Zhu, T and Liu, H and Wang, H}, title = {[The orbicularis muscle partial resection combined with orbital fat flap or orbicularis muscle flap graft for treatment of crow's feet in women].}, journal = {Zhonghua zheng xing wai ke za zhi = Zhonghua zhengxing waike zazhi = Chinese journal of plastic surgery}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {4-7}, pmid = {30070456}, issn = {1009-4598}, mesh = {Adipose Tissue/*transplantation ; Adult ; Blepharoplasty/methods ; Eyelids/surgery ; Facial Muscles/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Myocutaneous Flap/*transplantation ; Oculomotor Muscles/surgery ; Orbit/surgery ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; *Skin Aging/pathology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the outer orbicularis muscle partial resection combined with orbital fat flap or orbicularis muscle flap transfer to block orbicularis muscle for improvement of crow's feet.

METHODS: From October 2010 to May 2015,82 cases of females (aged from 27 to 54 years old) with crow's feet were treated with new method(n =41) and traditional method(control, n =41).The new method included partial resection and orbital fat flap or orbicularis muscle flap transfer to block orbicularis muscle. The traditional method was performed to lift the skin and orbicularis oculi muscle to improve the crow's feet. The operation time, the postoperative recovery time, eyes closing function and hematoma, nerve injury and other complications were recorded.1,3,6 and 12 months after operation, the effect was assessed by one cosmetic surgeon who is unkown the groups. Completely correction was assed as 5 points and no improvement or even worse as 0 point.12 months after operation, the patients satisfactory rate was recorded.

RESULTS: 75 cases were followed up, including 39 in new method group and 36 in control group. The operative time and postoperative recovery time were (50 ± 5) min,(58 ± 4) min and (5 ±1) d,(6.0±1.5) d in the new method group and control group respectively (P＜0.05).The two groups both had good eyes closing function, no eyes closing fatigue or difficult or other serious complications such as hematoma, nerve injury. Visual analog scale were 3.2 ± 0.6,3.5 ± 0.5,4.2 ± 0.8,4.3 ±0.8 and 3.1 ±0.6,3.4 ±0.9,3.0 ±0.6,2.8 ±0.5 in the new method group and control group at 1,3,6,12 months after surgery respectively. Obviously, the effect in new method group was much better than that in control group after 6 and 12 months with statistical significance (P ＜ 0.05).12 months after surgery, the satisfaction surveys showed satisfactory in 33 cases; fairly satisfactory in 4 cases; dissatisfactory in 2 cases in new method group, and satisfactory in 10 cases; fairly satisfactory in 15 cases; dissatisfactory in 11 cases in the control group, showing significant difference between the 2 groups (P ＜0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The outer orbital orbicularis muscle partial resection combined with orbital fat flap or orbicularis muscle flap is reasonable and reliable to correct crow's feet with short recovery and less complication. It is a worthy new method for recommendation.}, } @article {pmid29714876, year = {2017}, author = {Liapi, S and Polychronopoulou, S}, title = {Cognitive and socio-emotional development and manifestation of learning disabilities of 8- to 10-year-old children born after intracytoplasmatic sperm injection compared to naturally conceived children.}, journal = {Clinical and experimental obstetrics & gynecology}, volume = {44}, number = {1}, pages = {104-109}, pmid = {29714876}, issn = {0390-6663}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Development ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Learning Disabilities ; Male ; *Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cognitive and socio-emotional development, as well as the mani- festation of learning disabilities of eight- to ten-year-old children born after intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Developmental outcomes of 40 children born after ICSI were compared with those of 40 children born after spontaneous conception (SC). Outcome measures included the Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Athina Test of Learning Difficulties.

RESULTS: Regarding cognitive development, ICSI children tend to obtain a similar intelligence score with SC children on Raven's Test. No significant differences were noted on CBCL's syndrome and abilities' profiles, and on Athina Test.

CONCLUSIONS: ICSI and SC children show a comparable cognitive and socio-emotional development and have the same chances of manifesting learning disabilities. None of the demographic factors taken into consideration (age, sex of the child, and educational level of the parents) nor the mode of conception seem to affect their well-being.}, } @article {pmid30643560, year = {2016}, author = {Papadimitrakopoulou, VA}, title = {AURA3 trial: does Tagrisso (osimertinib) have the potential to become the new standard of care for second-line treatment of patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC.}, journal = {Lung cancer management}, volume = {5}, number = {4}, pages = {159-162}, pmid = {30643560}, issn = {1758-1974}, abstract = {Vassiliki A Papadimitrakopoulou speaks to Roshaine Wijayatunga, Managing Commissioning Editor: Dr Papadimitrakopoulou is the Jay and Lori Eisenberg Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Chief of the section of Thoracic Medical Oncology in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at the University of Texas/MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her areas of expertise include design and development of novel therapeutic clinical trials for lung and head and neck neoplasms, personalized genomics-driven lung cancer therapy and translational research and cancer chemoprevention. Her extensive experience in design, development and implementation of translational research in the context of multidisciplinary research teams has led to research funding from National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Department of Defense (DOD) both independently and as a member of a research team in the Head and Neck SPORE program. Currently, she serves as the principal investigator and leads numerous clinical and translational research projects with a focus on the development of biomarker-based targeted therapy to overcome therapeutic resistance in advanced disease and immunotherapy. Most notably, she has led the multidisciplinary clinical and translational research infrastructure dedicated to the treatment of metastatic refractory NSCLC as part of the BATTLE-2 program, designed and developed the first-in-the-world comprehensive genomics-driven umbrella approach in Squamous Lung Cancer, the Lung Master protocol, jointly sponsored by NCI-Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) and Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH)/industry, aiming at bringing personalized medicine to patients with this disease. She is the Co-PI of an R01 award focusing on the role of KRAS mutations and targeting in lung cancer. She is the lead author or coauthor of over 150 published articles, book chapters and reviews, and numerous abstracts involving cancer therapeutics, prevention and translational research and she has received several awards including the ASCO Young Investigator and Career Development Award. On this R01 application, she will serve as Co-PI, working closely with Roy Herbst (Yale Cancer Center) and Don Gibbons (UT/MD Anderson Cancer Center), building on the recently completed BATTLE-2 program, and capitalizing on both laboratory findings supporting MEK targeted therapy and clinical effectiveness of immunotherapy and their combinations in addressing KRAS mutated lung cancer.}, } @article {pmid32680341, year = {2016}, author = {Azami, S and Moghadas, A and Sohrabi-Esmrood, F and Nazifi, M and Mirmohamad, M and Hemmati, F and Ahmadi, A and Hamzeh-Poor, P and Khari, S and Lakes, K}, title = {A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation, stimulant medication, and an active control in the treatment of ADHD.}, journal = {Child and adolescent mental health}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {217-224}, doi = {10.1111/camh.12157}, pmid = {32680341}, issn = {1475-357X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This research aimed to compare computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (CACR) psychostimulants (MED) and placebo CACR (PCACR) in the treatment of ADHD using a multiarm parallel design.

METHODS: Thirty-four boys with ADHD, aged 7-12, were randomly assigned to either CACR (n = 12), MED (n = 11), or PCACR (n = 11). However, the study was not blinded and medication doses might be suboptimal given the lack of titration. Continuous performance test, Tower-of-London, forward/backward digit span, span board, Raven's progressive matrices, and SNAP-IV were completed at baseline, posttest, and follow-up.

RESULTS: Computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation outperformed both MED and PCACR on backward digit span at posttest and PCACR at follow-up. CACR outperformed PCACR and MED on forward digit span at posttest and PCACR at follow-up. CACR outperformed MED on span board at posttest. CACR outperformed PCACR and MED on Raven's matrices at posttest. CACR and PCACR scored lower than MED on ADHD-PHI at posttest. CACR scored lower than MED on ADHD-C at posttest.

CONCLUSIONS: Immediately after interventions, CACR improved certain simple executive functions (EFs) as much as active stimulant medication. On complex EFs, CACR was superior to active stimulant medication and PCACR. CACR reduced behavioral symptoms of ADHD more than active stimulant medication. However, at 3-month follow-up, maintenance of the CACR gains was weak.}, } @article {pmid29491924, year = {2016}, author = {Skórka, P and Sierpowska, K and Haidt, A and Myczko, Ł and Ekner-Grzyb, A and Rosin, ZM and Kwieciński, Z and Suchodolska, J and Takacs, V and Jankowiak, Ł and Wasielewski, O and Graclik, A and Krawczyk, AJ and Kasprzak, A and Szwajkowski, P and Wylegała, P and Malecha, AW and Mizera, T and Tryjanowski, P}, title = {Habitat preferences of two sparrow species are modified by abundances of other birds in an urban environment.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {357-368}, pmid = {29491924}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {Every species has certain habitat requirements, which may be altered by interactions with other co-occurring species. These interactions are mostly ignored in predictive models trying to identify key habitat variables correlated with species population abundance/occurrence. We investigated how the structure of the urban landscape, food resources, potential competitors, predators, and interaction between these factors influence the abundance of house sparrow Passer domesticus and the tree sparrow P. montanus in sixty 25 ha plots distributed randomly across residential areas of the city of Poznań (Poland). The abundance of the house sparrow was positively correlated with the abundance of pigeons but negatively correlated with human-related food resources. There were significant interaction terms between abundances of other urban species and habitat variables in statistical models. For example, the abundance of house sparrow was negatively correlated with the abundance of corvids and tree sparrows but only when food resources were low. The abundance of tree sparrows positively correlated with density of streets and the distance from the city center. The abundance of this species positively correlated with the abundance of corvids when food resources were low but negatively correlated at low covers of green area. Our study indicates that associations between food resources, habitat covers, and the relative abundance of two sparrow species are altered by the abundance of other urban species. Competition, niche separation and social facilitation may be responsible for these interactive effects. Thus, biotic interactions should be included not only as an additive effect but also as an interaction term between abundance and habitat variables in statistical models predicting species abundance and occurrence.}, } @article {pmid29491922, year = {2016}, author = {Loretto, MC and Schuster, R and Bugnyar, T}, title = {GPS tracking of non-breeding ravens reveals the importance of anthropogenic food sources during their dispersal in the Eastern Alps.}, journal = {Current zoology}, volume = {62}, number = {4}, pages = {337-344}, pmid = {29491922}, issn = {1674-5507}, abstract = {In many songbirds, the space use of breeders is well studied but poorly understood for non-breeders. In common ravens, some studies of non-breeders indicate high vagrancy with large individual differences in home range size, whereas others show that up to 40% of marked non-breeders can be regularly observed at the same anthropogenic food source over months to years. The aim of this study was to provide new insights on ravens' behavior during dispersal in the Eastern Alps. We deployed Global Positioning System (GPS) loggers on 10 individuals to gather accurate spatial and temporal information on their movements to quantify: 1) the dimension of the birds' space use (home range size with seasonal effects and daily/long-term travel distances), 2) how long they stayed in a dispersal stage of wandering as opposed to settling temporarily, and 3) their destination of movements. We recorded movements of up to 40 km per hour, more than 160 km within 1 day and more than 11,000 km within 20 months, indicating high vagrancy. Switching frequently between temporarily settling and travelling large distances in short time intervals leads to extensive home ranges, which also explains and combines the different findings in the literature. The destinations are rich anthropogenic food sources, where the birds spent on average 75% of their time. We discuss how ravens may find these "feeding hot spots" and which factors may influence their decision to stay/leave a site. The strong dependence on anthropogenic resources found in this population may have implications for site management and conservation issues.}, } @article {pmid33473517, year = {2016}, author = {Eo, SH and An, J}, title = {Mitochondrial genome sequence of black paradise flycatcher (Aves: Monarchidae) and its phylogenetic position.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {1}, number = {1}, pages = {454-455}, pmid = {33473517}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {We generated the complete mitochondrial genome of the black paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata; Family: Monarchidae), an ecologically important insectivorous bird in Asian forest ecosystems. The mitogenome was 16,984 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs and a control region. Gene composition and arrangement in the mitogenome were similar to those of related families Corvidae and Laniidae available in GenBank. However, tRNA[Ala] was located between COXII and ATP8 genes in the mitogenome of T. atrocaudata while tRNA[Lys] , was in the same location in the mitogenomes of Corvidae and Laniidae. The phylogenetic tree based on the mitogenomes of T. atrocaudata and the related families supported that Monarchidae was the sister taxa to the clade of Laniidae and Corvidae. The mitogenome of T. atrocaudata will be a valuable genetic resource for phylogenetic analyses and implication of conservation and management of the species.}, } @article {pmid29737706, year = {2016}, author = {Wang, QY and Zhao, YZ and Luo, X and Hua, JQ and Li, Z and Xu, JL}, title = {[Potential nest predators of Syrmaticus reevesii based on camera traps and artificial nests.].}, journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology}, volume = {27}, number = {6}, pages = {1968-1974}, doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.201606.020}, pmid = {29737706}, issn = {1001-9332}, mesh = {Animals ; *Breeding ; Ecosystem ; *Galliformes ; Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {In order to understand the background of the field breeding ecology of Reeves's pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesii) inside and outside of protected area, an investigation on nest predation rate, potential nest predators and the habitat factors affecting nest predation was conducted at Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, Henan Province and Pingjingguan Village, Hubei Province, which were protected and non-protected area, respectively. The fieldwork was conducted from March to July 2014, and artificial nests (taking eggs as bait), camera traps and habitat plots were used at these two sites to catch information about nest predation. Experiments were designed in two rounds, including the early-breeding stage (March to April) and mid-breeding stage (May to June). We placed 149 artificial ground nests with 62 randomly picked nest sites, each monitored by one camera. The working days of all cameras were 1315 days, and we finally obtained 7776 pictures and 6950 video clips. The results showed that the rate of nest predation outside the protected areas (Pingjingguan) was higher than that in nature reserve (Dongzhai), with highly significant diffe-rences both in early-breeding and mid-breeding stages. In two stages, more nest predator species (11 and 6 species in two stages, respectively) occurred in Pingjingguan than in Dongzhai (7 and 5 species, respectively). In Pingjingguan, Glires and Corvidae were top predators, while in Dongzhai Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) was firstly ranked. Slope degree and arbor canopy cover were positively related with the nest predation rate in Pingjingguan, while fallen leaves coverage had significant influence on nest predation in Dongzhai. We also found wild Reeves's pheasant paid visits to 13 artificial nests for 18 times by viewing the pictures and video clips.}, } @article {pmid34290900, year = {2016}, author = {Li, Y and Miyasaka, M and Haghighipanah, M and Cheng, L and Hannaford, B}, title = {Dynamic Modeling of Cable Driven Elongated Surgical Instruments for Sensorless Grip Force Estimation.}, journal = {IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation : ICRA : [proceedings]. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation}, volume = {2016}, number = {}, pages = {4128-4134}, pmid = {34290900}, issn = {2152-4092}, support = {R21 EB016122/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Haptic feedback plays a key role in surgeries, but it is still a missing component in robotic Minimally Invasive Surgeries. This paper proposes a dynamic model-based sensorless grip force estimation method to address the haptic perception problem for commonly used elongated cable-driven surgical instruments. Cable and cable-pulley properties are studied for dynamic modeling; grip forces, along with driven motor and gripper jaw positions and velocities are jointly estimated with Unscented Kalman Filter and only motor encoder readings and motor output torques are assumed to be known. A bounding filter is used to compensate for model inaccuracy and to improve method robustness. The proposed method was validated on a 10mm gripper which is driven by a Raven-II surgical robot. The gripper was equipped with 1-dimensional force sensors which served as ground truth data. The experimental results showed that the proposed method provides sufficiently good grip force estimation, while only motor encoder and the motor torques are used as observations.}, } @article {pmid33473475, year = {2016}, author = {Yang, MX and Wang, QX and Xiao, H and Yang, C}, title = {Sequencing complete mitochondrial genome of Lanius sphenocercus sphenocercus (Passeriformes: Laniidae) using Illunima HiSeq 2500.}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {1}, number = {1}, pages = {306-307}, pmid = {33473475}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {Using an Illumina platform, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Lanius sphenocercus sphenocercus to an average coverage of 1669.5×. We performed a de novo assembly using SOAPdenovo2 and obtained the total mitogenome with 16,833 bp in length. Most PCGs begin with the typical ATG start codon with the exception of COI gene, which use GTG as the initiation codon. Stop codons AGG, TAG, TAA, and AGA are present in the PCGs; exceptions are COII, COIII and ND4, which possess incomplete termination codons (T). But, the function of COII with incomplete stop codon T should be further investigated. The phylogeny revealed that genetic distance of Laniidae and Corvidae was closer than other species. Compared to other three shrike species, L. s. sphenocercus occupy a separate status in the genus Lanius.}, } @article {pmid33473393, year = {2016}, author = {Peng, LF and Yang, DC and Lu, CH}, title = {Complete mitochondrial genome of oriental magpie-robin Copsychus saularis (Aves: Muscicapidae).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources}, volume = {1}, number = {1}, pages = {21-22}, pmid = {33473393}, issn = {2380-2359}, abstract = {The total length of mitogenome of Copsychus saularis is 16 827 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and one D-loop. The phylogenetic tree of C. saularis and 13 other species belonging to Passeriformes was built.}, } @article {pmid30151142, year = {2015}, author = {Tringali, A and Bowman, R and Husby, A}, title = {Selection and inheritance of sexually dimorphic juvenile plumage coloration.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {5}, number = {22}, pages = {5413-5422}, pmid = {30151142}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Sexually dimorphic plumage coloration is widespread in birds and is generally thought to be a result of sexual selection for more ornamented males. Although many studies find an association between coloration and fitness related traits, few of these simultaneously examine selection and inheritance. Theory predicts that sex-linked genetic variation can facilitate the evolution of dimorphism, and some empirical work supports this, but we still know very little about the extent of sex linkage of sexually dimorphic traits. We used a longitudinal study on juvenile Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to estimate strength of selection and autosomal and Z-linked heritability of mean brightness, UV chroma, and hue. Although plumage coloration signals dominance in juveniles, there was no indication that plumage coloration was related to whether or not an individual bred or its lifetime reproductive success. While mean brightness and UV chroma are moderately heritable, hue is not. There was no evidence for sex-linked inheritance of any trait with most of the variation explained by maternal effects. The genetic correlation between the sexes was high and not significantly different from unity. These results indicate that evolution of sexual dimorphism in this species is constrained by low sex-linked heritability and high intersexual genetic correlation.}, } @article {pmid30699582, year = {2015}, author = {Ye, W and Zeng, Y and Kerns, J}, title = {First Report of Trichodorus obtusus on Turfgrass in North Carolina, U.S.A.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {99}, number = {2}, pages = {291}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-08-14-0830-PDN}, pmid = {30699582}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {In May 2014, 11 sandy soil samples were collected at a depth of about 5 to 15 cm from a golf course community in Wilmington, NC, composed of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) from the fairway, St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) from the lawn, and Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica) from the tee, all of which showed spotted yellowing and necrosis. Plant-parasitic nematodes were extracted from soil samples by a combination of elutriation and sugar centrifugal-flotation methods at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Nematode Assay Lab, Raleigh, NC. The results revealed the presence of several plant-parasitic nematodes, with a stubby-root nematode (Trichodoridae) present. Population densities of stubby-root nematodes were 10 to 90 (average 50) nematodes per 500 cm[3] of soil. This species was clearly different from the parthenogenetic stubby-root nematode Nanidorus minor (Colbran, 1956) Siddiqi, 1974 commonly found in North Carolina because of the presence of males and larger body size. Morphological and molecular analyses of this nematode identified the species as Trichodorus obtusus Cobb, 1913. Morphological features of T. obtusus specimens were examined in glycerol permanent mounts. Males (n = 5) had a ventrally curved spicule, three ventromedian precloacal papillae (one ventromedian cervical papilla anterior to the excretory pore, one pair of lateral cervical pores at the level of the ventromedian cervical papilla), and a tail with a non-thickened terminal cuticle. Males were 860 to 1,120 (average 1,018) μm long, body width 38 to 48 (42) μm, onchiostyle 53 to 60 (56) μm, and spicule 54 to 62 (59) μm. Females (n = 5) had a pore-like vulva, a barrel-shaped vagina, and one or two postadvulvar lateral body pores on each side. Females were 990 to 1,330 (1,148) μm long, body width 43 to 56 (48) μm, onchiostyle 50 to 64 (58) μm, and V 49.0 to 57.5% (53.0%). The morphology agreed with the description of T. obtusus (2). DNA was prepared by squashing a single nematode (n = 3) on a microscope slide and collecting in 50 μl of AE buffer (10 mM Tris-Cl, 0.5 mM EDTA; pH 9.0). The 18S rDNA region was amplified with the forward primers 18S-G18S4 (5' GCTTGTCTCAAAGATTAAGCC 3'), SSUF07 (AAAGATTAAGCCATGCATG), and 18S965 (GGCGATCAGATACCGCCCTAGTT) and reverse primers 18S-18P (TGATCCWKCYGCAGGTTCAC), SSUR26 (CATTCTTGGCAAATGCTTTCG), and 18S1573R (TACAAAGGGCAGGGACGTAAT). The 28S D2/D3 region was amplified with the forward primer 28S391a (AGCGGAGGAAAAGAAACTAA) and reverse primer 28S501 (TCGGAAGGAACCAGCTACTA) (4). The resulting 18S (1,547-bp) and 28S D2/D3 (925-bp) sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers KM276665 and KM276666. The 18S sequence data was 100% homologous with two populations of T. obtusus (JX279930, 898 bp, and JX289834, 897 bp) from South Carolina and one (AY146460, 634 bp) from an unknown source, each with a 1-bp difference in a Blastn search. The 28S D2/D3 sequence data was less than 90% homologous with many Trichodorus species, but no T. obtusus sequence data was available. T. obtusus is known to occur only in the United States and to damage turfgrasses. It is reported in the states of Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New York, and South Dakota. This nematode has been reported as a pathogen of bermudagrass in Florida (1) and South Carolina (3), but pathogenicity to St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass is unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. obtusus on turfgrasses in North Carolina. References: (1) W. T. Crow and J. K. Welch. Nematropica 34:31, 2004. (2) W. Decraemer. The Family Trichodoridae: Stubby Root and Virus Vector Nematodes. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 1995. (3) J. B. Shaver et al. Plant Dis. 97:852, 2013. (4) G. R. Stirling et al. Nematology 15:401, 2013.}, } @article {pmid30703978, year = {2014}, author = {Barnes, I and Walla, JA and Bergdahl, A and Wingfield, MJ}, title = {Four New Host and Three New State Records of Dothistroma Needle Blight Caused by Dothistroma pini in the United States.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {98}, number = {10}, pages = {1443}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-06-14-0606-PDN}, pmid = {30703978}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {During 2010 and 2011, Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), also known as red band needle blight, was observed for the first time in Cass and Pembina counties in North Dakota (ND). In Pembina Co., DNB was observed in two sites in the Jay V. Wessels Wildlife Management Area (JWWMA). In September 2009, yellow spots on green needles were observed on some trees along the western edge of one planting. By June 2010, DNB was found on third- and fourth-year needles in both JWWMA plantings. Symptoms had developed into dark brown bands or spots on necrotic needles that contained erumpent black acervuli. In June 2011, similar DNB symptoms were observed on Pinus nigra, P. flexilis, P. ponderosa, P. cembra, and P. albicaulis in the Dale E. Herman Research Arboretum, Cass Co., ND. DNB was collected in July 2011 in Brookings Co., South Dakota (SD), from a seed source provenance planting of P. ponderosa. To identify the species causing the infections, symptomatic needles were collected in 2010 from both sites in JWWMA and then again from all four locations in 2011 on all pine species infected. Needles of P. nigra from a private residence near Fairland in Shelby County, Indiana (IN), were also included in the sample set. The rDNA-ITS was PCR-amplified either directly from conidia obtained from acervuli on the needles or from cultures obtained from isolations. Amplicons were sequenced and a BLAST search was performed in GenBank. The sequences of samples obtained from P. nigra, P. flexilis, P. cembra, and P. albicaulis in ND, P. ponderosa in SD, and P. nigra from IN showed 100% sequence homology with Dothistroma pini (Accession No. AY808302). These isolates were identical to all previously assayed isolates of D. pini from Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan in the United States. The P. ponderosa isolates from all three sites in ND differed from the other isolates and contained a 1-bp point mutation from a C to a T at site 72 (sequence deposited in GenBank, accession KJ933441). Mating type was determined using species-specific mating type primers for D. pini (3). All 26 samples from ND and SD were of the MAT-1 idiomorph, while the sample from IN contained the MAT-2 idiomorph. All cultures are maintained at FABI, University of Pretoria, South Africa. The two species that cause DNB, D. septosporum (G. Dorog.) M. Morelet and D. pini Hulbary, are morphologically indistinguishable and molecular characterization remains essential for correct species identification (1). Host and geographical distribution range determinations of Dothistroma spp. made without molecular methods are not valid. To date, species confirmed using DNA sequences in the United States include D. septosporum in the Pacific Northwest states of Oregon and Idaho on P. ponderosa, in Montana on P. contorta v. latifolia, and D. pini in the North Central states of Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan on P. nigra (1). This study documents the presence of D. pini in three additional states, including a first report of DNB in ND and SD. It also includes new records of D. pini infecting P. flexilis, P. cembra, P. albicaulis, and P. ponderosa. Results of this study have expanded the documented host range of D. pini in the United States from one (P. nigra) to five species. Globally, D. pini is now known to infect a total of 10 pine hosts (2,4,5). References: (1) I. Barnes et al. Stud. Mycol. 50:551, 2004. (2) I. Barnes et al. For. Pathol. 41:361, 2011. (3) M. Groenewald et al. Phytopathology 97:825, 2007. (4) D. Piou et al. Plant Dis. 98:841, 2014. (5) B. Piskur et al. For. Pathol. 43:518, 2013.}, } @article {pmid30708902, year = {2014}, author = {McGroary, PC and Cisar, JL and Giblin-Davis, RM and Ruiz, OF and Nangle, EJ}, title = {First Report of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes on Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) in Barbados.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {98}, number = {7}, pages = {1018}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-08-13-0832-PDN}, pmid = {30708902}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) is a warm-season perennial turfgrass commonly used for golf courses that are grown in saline environments or using saline water for irrigation. However, seashore paspalum is also grown in non-saline conditions due to its low fertilizer and water requirements (2). In Barbados, on a newly constructed golf course, seashore paspalum 'Sea Isle Supreme' sprigs were imported from Georgia (United States) and were planted over 2006 and 2007 on greens, tees, fairways, and rough. Golf greens were constructed following the United States Golf Association Green Section (Far Hills, NJ) putting green guidelines. Tees and fairways were constructed using native soil. Two years after the grow-in, the putting greens began to exhibit irregular chlorotic patches, followed by gradual thinning and decline of turfgrass stand density in those areas. Additionally, turfgrass roots sampled from those symptomatic patches appeared to be abbreviated compared to non-symptomatic areas of the greens. A survey was conducted in May 2013 to determine if plant-parasitic nematodes were present coinciding with the observed symptoms, which were similar to those described in a previous report (3). Consequently, two samples were collected from each green with a total of four greens sampled. Each sample consisted of 20 soil cores (15 cm depth × 1.2 cm in diameter) from either areas of the greens showing symptoms or from non-symptomatic areas. Nematodes were extracted from 100 cm[3] soil samples using a modified centrifugal-sugar flotation technique (4). No plant parasitic nematodes were present in any of the samples from the non-symptomatic areas. Three genera of plant parasitic nematodes were found in all the samples from the symptomatic areas: Helicotylenchus. Mesocriconema, and Pratylenchus. Nematode populations of these genera averaged 30, 60, and 200 nematodes per 100 cm[3], respectively. Populations of the genera Helicotylenchus and Mesocriconema were below the action threshold levels for seashore paspalum used by the University of Florida Nematode Assay Laboratory (1). Currently, no threshold exists for Pratylenchus for seashore paspalum. Conversely, the genera Helicotylenchus. Mesocriconema, and Pratylenchus were found associated with the irregular chlorotic patches but not with the non-symptomatic areas. To our knowledge, this is the first report of plant parasitic nematodes associated with seashore paspalum maintained as putting greens in Barbados. References: (1) W. T. Crow. Nematode management for golf courses in Florida. EDIS. Accessed 31 July 2013 from: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in124 , 2001. (2) R. R. Duncan and R. N. Carrow. Seashore Paspalum: The Environmental Turfgrass. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2000. (3) A. C. Hixson and W. T. Crow. Plant Dis. 88:680, 2004. (4) W. R. Jenkins. Plant Dis. Rep. 48:692, 1964.}, } @article {pmid30722626, year = {2013}, author = {Shaver, JB and Agudelo, P and Martin, SB}, title = {First Report of Stubby Root Caused by Trichodorus obtusus on Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass in South Carolina.}, journal = {Plant disease}, volume = {97}, number = {6}, pages = {852}, doi = {10.1094/PDIS-10-12-0932-PDN}, pmid = {30722626}, issn = {0191-2917}, abstract = {In September 2011, diagnostic samples were taken from 'Tifway' Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis) tees and from 'Emerald' Zoysia (Zoysia japonica) roughs of a golf course in Charleston, SC. Additional samples were taken from a sod farm located near Charleston, SC from a field of 'Empire' Zoysia. The soil was sandy loam and the samples were taken at a depth of 10 to 15 cm from symptomatic turf. Symptoms on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass included stubby roots and lightly to severely chlorotic or dead patches of irregular sizes and shapes. Nematodes were extracted by sugar centrifugal-flotation and counted. The predominant nematode species recovered was Trichodorus obtusus Cobb, 1913: syn. T. proximus Allen, 1957, n.syn. (3). Nematode densities (per 100 cm[3] of soil) were 30 to 170 (average 94, n = 5) at the sod farm, and 30 to 230 (average 107, n = 7) at the golf course. This nematode has been reported as a pathogen of bermudagrass in Florida, where it is more damaging than Paratrichodorus minor, the other stubby root nematode commonly associated with turfgrass (1). In Florida, 120 T. obtusus individuals per 100 cm[3] is considered high risk (2). We have encountered several additional samples from across South Carolina with comparable densities since our first diagnosis. Infested soil (94 individuals per 100 cm[3]) collected from the sod farm was put into columns and planted with 'Empire' sod and maintained in the greenhouse. After 140 days, the population density increased to an average of 230 individuals per 100 cm3. Plants were prone to wilting and new root growth showed symptoms similar to those observed in the field. Morphologic and morphometric identification of T. obtusus was made by examining male and female specimens in temporary water mounts. Males had ventrally curved spicules with three ventral precloacal papillae, with the posterior papilla just anterior to the head of the retracted spicules, one ventromedian cervical papilla anterior to the excretory pore, and tail with non-thickened terminal cuticle. Females had a deep, barrel-shaped, pore-like vulva, and one or two postadvulvar lateral body pores on each side. Males and females had distinctly offset esophagus. Females (n = 10) were 1,100 to 1,440 (1,250) μm long, body width 40 to 53 (45) μm, onchiostyle 63 to 75 (67) μm, and V 583 to 770 (673) μm. Males (n = 10) were 1,076 to 1,353 (1,222) μm long, body width 33 to 45 (39) μm, onchiostyle 62 to 69 (65) μm, and spicule 55 to 63 (59) μm. From individuals representing the two locations, an 898-bp section of the 18S rDNA region was sequenced using primers 37F (5'-GCCGCGAAAAGCTCATTACAAC-3') and 932R (5'-TATCTGATCGCTGTCGAACC-3') (4). A BLASTn search revealed no similar sequences to those of our two populations (Accessions JX289834 and JX279930). As such, it appears that these are the first sequences of this portion of the 18S rDNA for T. obtusus, although a different, non-overlapping portion of 18S was found in GenBank (AY146460) under the synonym T. proximus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. obtusus on zoysiagrass and the first report of the species on bermudagrass in South Carolina. References: (1) W. T. Crow and J. K. Welch. Nematropica 34:31, 2004. (2) W. T. Crow et al. Florida Nematode Management Guide. SP-54. University of Florida, Gainesville, 2003. (3) W. Decraemer. The Family Trichodoridae: Stubby Root and Virus Vector Nematodes. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Pp. 27-30, 1995. (4) I. Duarte et al. Nematology 12:171, 2010.}, } @article {pmid29537564, year = {2011}, author = {}, title = {Obituary: Paul Jay Tannenbaum, DDS.}, journal = {Journal of periodontology}, volume = {82}, number = {10}, pages = {1389}, doi = {10.1902/jop.2011.1110001}, pmid = {29537564}, issn = {1943-3670}, } @article {pmid30082948, year = {2011}, author = {Fitzgibbons, R and O'Leary, D}, title = {Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Clergy.}, journal = {The Linacre quarterly}, volume = {78}, number = {3}, pages = {252-273}, doi = {10.1179/002436311803888276}, pmid = {30082948}, issn = {0024-3639}, abstract = {The reports The Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States 1950-2002 and the Supplementary Data Analysis, and The Causes and Context study (2011) by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, concluded that the childhood and adolescent sexual abuse committed by clergy was totally unrelated to homosexuality. The latest John Jay attempt to explain the deliberate homosexual predation and abuse of adolescent males, the primary victims in the crisis, as a crime of opportunity ignores the severe psychological conflicts and grooming behaviors in priests who offended against minors. This article discusses why the studies used to support the view of the abuse of minors as being not related to homosexuality are not applicable to the problem of clergy childhood sexual abuse. The data in the John Jay reports strongly suggests that homosexual abuse of adolescent males is at the heart of the crisis. The psychological causes of homosexual attraction in men to adolescent males are presented. A number of well-designed studies have found that men with SSA are more likely to have psychiatric and substance abuse disorders and STDs than heterosexual males, and are more likely to have a positive attitude to sexual relations between adult and adolescent males. Competent mental-health professionals should offer a second opinion about the causes of the crisis in regard to the psychological conflicts in the priests. Also, priests and seminarians with deep-seated homosexual tendencies have a serious responsibility to pursue appropriate treatment and spiritual direction in order to protect adolescent males, in particular, and the Church from further damage.}, } @article {pmid32847222, year = {2011}, author = {Flouri, E and Hickey, J and Mavroveli, S and Hurry, J}, title = {Adversity, Emotional Arousal, and Problem Behaviour in Adolescence: The Role of Non-Verbal Cognitive Ability as a Resilience Promoting Factor.}, journal = {Child and adolescent mental health}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {22-29}, doi = {10.1111/j.1475-3588.2010.00558.x}, pmid = {32847222}, issn = {1475-357X}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: To test whether emotional arousal mediates the moderator effect of non-verbal cognitive ability on the association between cumulative contextual risk (number of proximal and distal adverse life events) and adolescent problem behaviour.

METHOD:   Data from a UK community sample of secondary school aged children were used. The study sample comprised 207 children with a mean age of 13.44 years (SD = 1.45). Problem behaviour was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, non-verbal cognitive ability was assessed with Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Plus, and emotional arousal was measured with the Acting Out Emotions Scale of the Emotion Awareness Questionnaire. Adjustment was made for gender, age, family structure, and socio-economic disadvantage.

RESULTS:   Non-verbal cognitive ability moderated the effect of cumulative contextual risk on overall problem behaviour, and emotional arousal mediated this moderator effect. That is, risk predicted emotional arousal, which predicted overall problem behaviour, but emotional arousal was more strongly related to overall problem behaviour among children of low non-verbal cognitive ability than among children of high non-verbal cognitive ability.

CONCLUSIONS:   These findings are important for both theory development and intervention design. They advance theory because they suggest that non-verbal cognitive ability buffers the effect of risk on overall problem behaviour by strengthening control over emotions. They have implications for intervention design because they suggest that interventions carried out to enhance children's emotion regulation skills in the presence of multiple adversity might be more effective if they target children who score low on non-verbal cognitive ability.}, } @article {pmid32214652, year = {2011}, author = {LaDeau, SL and Calder, CA and Doran, PJ and Marra, PP}, title = {West Nile virus impacts in American crow populations are associated with human land use and climate.}, journal = {Ecological research}, volume = {26}, number = {5}, pages = {909-916}, pmid = {32214652}, issn = {0912-3814}, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the western hemisphere during the summer of 1999, reawakening US public awareness of the potential severity of vector-borne pathogens. Since its New World introduction, WNV has caused disease in human, avian, and mammalian communities across the continent. American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are a highly susceptible WNV host and when modeled appropriately, changes in crow abundances can serve as a proxy for the spatio-temporal presence of WNV. We use the dramatic declines in abundance of this avian host to examine spatio-temporal heterogeneity in WNV intensity across the northeastern US, where WNV was first detected. Using data from the Breeding Bird Survey, we identify significant declines in crow abundance after WNV emergence that are associated with lower forest cover, more urban land use, and warmer winter temperatures. Importantly, we document continued declines as WNV was present in an area over consecutive years. Our findings support the urban-pathogen link that human WNV incidence studies have shown. For each 1% increase in urban land cover we expect an additional 5% decline in the log crow abundance beyond the decline attributed to WNV in undeveloped areas. We also demonstrate a significant relationship between above-average winter temperatures and WNV-related declines in crow abundance. The mechanisms behind these patterns remain uncertain and hypotheses requiring further research are suggested. In particular, a strong positive relationship between urban land cover and winter temperatures may confound mechanistic understanding, especially when a temperature-sensitive vector is involved.}, } @article {pmid33863037, year = {2000}, author = {Proctor, MCF}, title = {Mosses and alternative adaptation to life on land.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {148}, number = {1}, pages = {1-3}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8137.2000.00751.x}, pmid = {33863037}, issn = {1469-8137}, abstract = {It is easy to dismiss bryophytes as 'lower' plants, mere primitive precursors long since left behind in the evolutionary race, and of only rather esoteric and incidental biological interest. But this is to let oneself be led astray by a simplistic image of a tidy evolutionary tree - an image that served Darwin well a century and a half ago (Desmond & Moore, 1992), but which we should now see as an intricately branched evolutionary bush with innumerable shoots reaching out from all depths to the growing apices that represent the present day. The earliest land plants may indeed have been at a bryophyte level of organization, but modern bryophytes, no less than vascular plants, are the product of some 450 million years' evolution since that time (Edwards et al., 1998). Raven (1977, 1984) has emphasized the importance of the evolution of supracellular transport systems in the origin of vascular land plants. Bryophytes, on the other hand, evolved desiccation tolerance and represent an alternative strategy of adaptation to life on land, photosynthesizing and growing when water is available, and suspending metabolism when it is not. They are limited by their mode of life, but also liberated : they are prominent on hard substrates such as rock and bark, which are impenetrable to roots and untenable to vascular plants. Bryophytes (in species numbers the second biggest group of green land plants) may be seen as the mobile phones, notebook computers and diverse other rechargeable battery-powered devices of the plant world - not direct competitors for their mains-based equivalents, but a lively and sophisticated complement to them.}, } @article {pmid29578779, year = {1999}, author = {Benkman, CW}, title = {The Selection Mosaic and Diversifying Coevolution between Crossbills and Lodgepole Pine.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {153}, number = {S5}, pages = {S75-S91}, doi = {10.1086/303213}, pmid = {29578779}, issn = {1537-5323}, abstract = {Asymmetrical competition determines which of two seed predators drives the evolution of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ssp. latifolia) cones. Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are effective preemptive competitors in lodgepole pine forests so that red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) are uncommon and selection from Tamiasciurus drives cone evolution. When Tamiasciurus are absent, crossbills increase in abundance and coevolve in an evolutionary arms race with pine. Similarly, Tamiasciurus alters the evolutionary trajectories of large-seeded pines, many of which rely on birds (Corvidae) for their seed dispersal. Populations therefore exhibit a selection mosaic with coevolutionary hot spots. In the coevolutionary hot spots, divergent selection on crossbills potentially leads to reproductive isolation and speciation. This results in a subsequent reduction in the geographic mosaic but diversifies the adaptive landscape on which crossbills have radiated. Thus, divergent selection is a double-edged sword. Divergent selection is critical in creating a selection mosaic but erodes the selection mosaic when it promotes reproductive isolation and speciation.}, } @article {pmid29681073, year = {1996}, author = {}, title = {Reviews.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {133}, number = {2}, pages = {375-380}, doi = {10.1111/j.1469-8137.1996.tb01904.x}, pmid = {29681073}, issn = {1469-8137}, abstract = {Books reviewed in this article: Wind and Trees. Ed. by M. P. Coutts and J. Grace Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests. Ed. by S. H. Bullock, H. A. Mooney and E. Medina Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas. By Denis R. Benjamin The Significance and Regulation of Soil Biodiversity. Ed. by H. P. Collins, G. P. Robertson and M. J. Klug Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. By Horst Marschner Photoinhibition of Photosynthesis: From Molecular Mechanisms to the Field, Ed. by N. R. Baker and J. R. Bowyer Polyphenols' 94: 17th International Conference on Polyphenols, Palma de Mallorca (Spain). Ed. by R. Brouillard, M. Jay and A. Scalbert.}, } @article {pmid29357137, year = {1987}, author = {Webb, SL}, title = {Beech Range Extension and Vegetation History: Pollen Stratigraphy of Two Wisconsin Lakes.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {68}, number = {6}, pages = {1993-2005}, doi = {10.2307/1939890}, pmid = {29357137}, issn = {0012-9658}, abstract = {The pollen stratigraphy of two small lakes in eastern Wisconsin (Radtke Lake, Washington county, and Gass Lake, Manitowoc County) records the Holocene (past 10 000 yr) spread of beech (Fagus grandifolia: Fagaceae). Radiocarbon dates were obtained for the oldest stratigraphic levels at which beech pollen appeared consistently in amounts > 0.5% of terrestrial pollen. A spatially continuous pattern of beech expansion from the north was ruled out, because beech trees grew in Wisconsin by 6000 BP, 2000 yr before adjacent populations were established to the north. Alternative geographic patterns of speed (from the south or east) were spatially discontinuous, requiring seed dispersal distances of perhaps 25-130 km. That beechnuts could be dispersed across such distances suggests (1) the involvement of Blue Jays, Passenger Pigeons, or other vertebrates, and (2) a capacity for reaching climatically controlled range limits, given sufficient time despite such discontinuities in habitat. A lag 1000-2000 yr between the establishment of source populations in Michigan and Indiana and the appearance of beech in Wisconsin suggests that low-probability dispersal events were involved and that dispersal constraints limited the range of beech during this time, although climatic and edaphic explanations for the lag cannot be ruled out. Pollen data from the two sites reveal other features of vegetation history in eastern Wisconsin: an open Picea-Fraxinus woodland prior to 11 000 BP; sequence of Picea, Abies, Betula, and then Pinus forests between 11 000 and 7500 BP; the establishment of a coniferous/deciduous forest ecotone ("tension zone") ° 7000 BP in this region; and the presence of Quercus-dominanted deciduous forests from 7000 BP until 110 BP (time of Euro-American settlement), a period punctuated by a gradual decrease in Ulmus populations (° 4500 and 5700 BP at the two sites) and by an increase in mesophytic tree abundance at the expense of Quercus after 3500 BP.}, } @article {pmid29829088, year = {1896}, author = {}, title = {The Young Ravens of Physic.}, journal = {The Hospital}, volume = {20}, number = {516}, pages = {317-318}, pmid = {29829088}, issn = {0267-6478}, } @article {pmid30331498, year = {1817}, author = {Comrie, P}, title = {Reports on the Ardent Fever of the West Indies, as Occurring on Board His Majesty's Ships Raven and Niobe, in the Year 1815.}, journal = {Edinburgh medical and surgical journal}, volume = {13}, number = {50}, pages = {165-181}, pmid = {30331498}, issn = {0963-4932}, } @article {pmid29337074, year = {2018}, author = {Padget, O and Bond, SL and Kavelaars, MM and van Loon, E and Bolton, M and Fayet, AL and Syposz, M and Roberts, S and Guilford, T}, title = {In Situ Clock Shift Reveals that the Sun Compass Contributes to Orientation in a Pelagic Seabird.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {28}, number = {2}, pages = {275-279.e2}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.062}, pmid = {29337074}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; *Circadian Clocks ; *Orientation, Spatial ; *Solar System ; *Spatial Navigation ; Taxis Response ; Wales ; }, abstract = {Compass orientation is central to the control of animal movement from the scale of local food-caching movements around a familiar area in parids [1] and corvids [2, 3] to the first autumn vector navigation of songbirds embarking on long-distance migration [4-6]. In the study of diurnal birds, where the homing pigeon, Columba livia, has been the main model, a time-compensated sun compass [7] is central to the two-step map-and-compass process of navigation from unfamiliar places, as well as guiding movement via a representation of familiar area landmarks [8-12]. However, its use by an actively navigating wild bird is yet to be shown. By phase shifting an animal's endogenous clock, known as clock-shifting [13-15], sun-compass use can be demonstrated when the animal incorrectly consults the sun's azimuthal position while homing after experimental displacement [15-17]. By applying clock-shift techniques at the nest of a wild bird during natural incubation, we show here that an oceanic navigator-the Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus-incorporates information from a time-compensated sun compass during homeward guidance to the breeding colony after displacement. Consistently with homing pigeons navigating within their familiar area [8, 9, 11, 18], we find that the effect of clock shift, while statistically robust, is partial in nature, possibly indicating the incorporation of guidance from landmarks into movement decisions.}, } @article {pmid29330183, year = {2018}, author = {Sen, K and Lu, J and Mukherjee, P and Berglund, T and Varughese, E and Mukhopadhyay, AK}, title = {Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in the Crow Gut Involves Many Deletions within the Cytolethal Distending Toxin Gene Cluster.}, journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, volume = {84}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {29330183}, issn = {1098-5336}, support = {EPA999999//Intramural EPA/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Base Sequence ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology ; Campylobacter Infections/microbiology/*veterinary ; Campylobacter jejuni/genetics/*pathogenicity/*physiology ; *Crows ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial ; India ; Multigene Family ; Mutation ; *Sequence Deletion ; Virulence ; Washington ; }, abstract = {Campylobacter spp. are major causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. The virulence potential of Campylobacter shed in crow feces obtained from a roost area in Bothell, Washington, was studied and compared with that from isolates from other parts of Washington and from a different crow species 7,000 miles away in Kolkata, India. Campylobacter organisms were isolated from 61% and 69% of the fecal samples obtained from Washington and Kolkata, respectively, and were confirmed to be C. jejuni The cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) gene cluster from these isolates revealed a truncated sequence of approximately 1,350 bp. Sequencing of the gene cluster revealed two types of mutations: a 668-bp deletion across cdtA and cdtB and a 51-bp deletion within cdtB Some strains had additional 20-bp deletions in cdtB In either case, a functional toxin is not expected; a functional toxin is produced by the expression of three tandem genes, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC Reverse transcriptase PCR with total RNA extracted from the isolates showed no expression of cdtB A toxin assay performed with these isolates on HeLa cells failed to show cytotoxic effects on the cells. However, the isolates were able to colonize the chicken ceca for a period of at least 4 weeks, similar to that of a clinical isolate. Other virulence gene markers, flagellin A and CadF, were present in 100% of the isolates. Our study suggests that crows carry the bacterium C. jejuni but with a dysfunctional toxin protein that is expected to drastically reduce its potential to cause diarrhea.IMPORTANCE Campylobacters are a major cause of gastroenteritis in humans. Since outbreaks have most often been correlated with poultry or unpasteurized dairy products, contact with farm animals, or contaminated water, historically, the majority of the studies have been with campylobacter isolates from poultry, domestic animals, and human patients. However, the bacterium has a broad host range that includes birds. These reservoirs need to be investigated, because the identification of the source and a determination of the transmission routes for a pathogen are important for the development of evidence-based disease control programs. In this study, two species of the human-commensal crow, from two different geographical regions separated by 7,000 miles of land and water, have been examined for their ability to cause disease by shedding campylobacters. Our results show that the crow may not play a significant role in campylobacteriosis, because the campylobacter organisms they shed produce a nonfunctional toxin.}, } @article {pmid29320499, year = {2018}, author = {Morrison, R and Reiss, D}, title = {Precocious development of self-awareness in dolphins.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {e0189813}, pmid = {29320499}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Awareness ; Bottle-Nosed Dolphin/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Mirror-self recognition (MSR) is a behavioral indicator of self-awareness in young children and only a few other species, including the great apes, dolphins, elephants and magpies. The emergence of self-awareness in children typically occurs during the second year and has been correlated with sensorimotor development and growing social and self-awareness. Comparative studies of MSR in chimpanzees report that the onset of this ability occurs between 2 years 4 months and 3 years 9 months of age. Studies of wild and captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have reported precocious sensorimotor and social awareness during the first weeks of life, but no comparative MSR research has been conducted with this species. We exposed two young bottlenose dolphins to an underwater mirror and analyzed video recordings of their behavioral responses over a 3-year period. Here we report that both dolphins exhibited MSR, indicated by self-directed behavior at the mirror, at ages earlier than generally reported for children and at ages much earlier than reported for chimpanzees. The early onset of MSR in young dolphins occurs in parallel with their advanced sensorimotor development, complex and reciprocal social interactions, and growing social awareness. Both dolphins passed subsequent mark tests at ages comparable with children. Thus, our findings indicate that dolphins exhibit self-awareness at a mirror at a younger age than previously reported for children or other species tested.}, } @article {pmid29316266, year = {2019}, author = {Subias, L and Griffin, AS and Guez, D}, title = {Inference by exclusion in the red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii).}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {14}, number = {2}, pages = {193-203}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12299}, pmid = {29316266}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {Animals ; *Choice Behavior ; *Cockatoos ; Discrimination, Psychological ; Female ; Male ; *Psychomotor Performance ; }, abstract = {Inference by exclusion is the ability to select a given option by excluding the others. When designed appropriately, tests of this ability can reveal choices that cannot be explained by associative processes. Over the past decade, exclusion reasoning has been explored in several non-human taxonomic groups, including birds, mainly in Corvids and Parrots. To increase our understanding of the taxonomic distribution of exclusion reasoning and, therefore, its evolution, we investigated exclusion performances in red-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii), an Australian relative of the Goffin cockatoo (Cacatua goffini), using a food-finding task. Cockatoos were required to find a food item hidden in 1 of the 2 experimenter's hands. Following training sessions in which they reliably selected the closed baited hand they had just been shown open, each individual was tested on 4 different conditions. Critical to demonstrating exclusion reasoning was the condition in which they were shown the empty hand and then offered a choice of both closed hands. The performance of all birds was above chance on all experimental conditions but not on an olfactory and/or cuing control condition. The results suggest that the birds might be able to infer by exclusion, although an explanation based on rule learning cannot be excluded. This first experiment in red-tailed black cockatoo highlights the potential of this species as a model to study avian cognition and paves the pathway for future investigations.}, } @article {pmid29312032, year = {2017}, author = {Schoppek, W and Fischer, A}, title = {Common Process Demands of Two Complex Dynamic Control Tasks: Transfer Is Mediated by Comprehensive Strategies.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {2145}, pmid = {29312032}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Although individual differences in complex problem solving (CPS) are well-established, relatively little is known about the process demands that are common to different dynamic control (CDC) tasks. A prominent example is the VOTAT strategy that describes the separate variation of input variables ("Vary One Thing At a Time") for analyzing the causal structure of a system. To investigate such comprehensive knowledge elements and strategies, we devised the real-time driven CDC environment Dynamis2 and compared it with the widely used CPS test MicroDYN in a transfer experiment. One hundred sixty five subjects participated in the experiment, which completely combined the role of MicroDYN and Dynamis2 as source or target problem. Figural reasoning was assessed using a variant of the Raven Test. We found the expected substantial correlations among figural reasoning and performance in both CDC tasks. Moreover, MicroDYN and Dynamis2 share 15.4% unique variance controlling for figural reasoning. We found positive transfer from MicroDYN to Dynamis2, but no transfer in the opposite direction. Contrary to our expectation, transfer was not mediated by VOTAT but by an approach that is characterized by setting all input variables to zero after an intervention and waiting a certain time. This strategy (called PULSE strategy) enables the problem solver to observe the eigendynamics of the system. We conclude that for the study of complex problem solving it is important to employ a range of different CDC tasks in order to identify components of CPS. We propose that besides VOTAT and PULSE other comprehensive knowledge elements and strategies, which contribute to successful CPS, should be investigated. The positive transfer from MicroDYN to the more complex and dynamic Dynamis2 suggests an application of MicroDYN as training device.}, } @article {pmid29307740, year = {2018}, author = {Kang, Y and Shen, X and Yuan, R and Xiang, B and Fang, Z and Murphy, RW and Liao, M and Shen, Y and Ren, T}, title = {Pathogenicity and transmissibility of three avian influenza A (H5N6) viruses isolated from wild birds.}, journal = {The Journal of infection}, volume = {76}, number = {3}, pages = {286-294}, doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2017.12.012}, pmid = {29307740}, issn = {1532-2742}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Chickens/*virology ; Ducks/*virology ; Female ; Influenza A virus/isolation & purification/*pathogenicity ; Influenza in Birds/transmission/*virology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Poultry Diseases/transmission/*virology ; Virulence ; }, abstract = {Since 2013, highly pathogenic H5N6 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have emerged in poultry and caused sporadic human infections in Asia. The recent discovery of three new avian H5N6 viruses - A/oriental magpie-robin/Guangdong/SW8/2014 (H5N6), A/common moorhen/Guangdong/GZ174/2014 (H5N6) and A/Pallas's sandgrouse/Guangdong/ZH283/2015 (H5N6) - isolated from apparently healthy wild birds in Southern China in 2014-2015 raises great concern for the spread of these highly pathogenic AIVs (HPAIVs) and their potential threat to human and animal health. In our study, we conducted animal experiments and tested their pathogenicity in ducks, chickens and mice. Ducks can carry and shed the H5N6 HPAIVs, but show no ill effects. On the other hand, these H5N6 HPAIVs can efficiently infect, transmit and cause death in chickens. Due to the overlap of habitats, domestic ducks play an important role in circulating AIVs between poultry and wild birds. Our results raise the possibility that wild birds disseminate these H5N6 HPAIVs to poultry along their flyways and thus pose a great threat to the poultry industry. These viruses are also highly pathogenic to mice, suggesting they pose a potential threat to mammals and, thus, public health. One virus isolated in 2015 replicates much more efficiently and is more lethal in these animals than the two other viruses isolated in 2014. It seems that the H5N6 viruses tend to be more lethal as time passes. Therefore, it is necessary to vigilantly monitor H5N6 HPAIVs in wild birds and poultry.}, } @article {pmid29304032, year = {2018}, author = {Eggers, MJ and Doyle, JT and Lefthand, MJ and Young, SL and Moore-Nall, AL and Kindness, L and Medicine, RO and Ford, TE and Dietrich, E and Parker, AE and Hoover, JH and Camper, AK}, title = {Community Engaged Cumulative Risk Assessment of Exposure to Inorganic Well Water Contaminants, Crow Reservation, Montana.}, journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health}, volume = {15}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {29304032}, issn = {1660-4601}, support = {P50 ES026102/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM104417/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 MD002317/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; P20 RR016455/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; K12 GM088021/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Arsenic/analysis ; Drinking Water/*analysis ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Humans ; Inorganic Chemicals/*analysis ; Montana ; Nitrates/analysis ; *Public Health ; Risk Assessment ; Rural Population ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Uranium/analysis ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/*analysis ; Water Supply ; *Water Wells ; }, abstract = {An estimated 11 million people in the US have home wells with unsafe levels of hazardous metals and nitrate. The national scope of the health risk from consuming this water has not been assessed as home wells are largely unregulated and data on well water treatment and consumption are lacking. Here, we assessed health risks from consumption of contaminated well water on the Crow Reservation by conducting a community-engaged, cumulative risk assessment. Well water testing, surveys and interviews were used to collect data on contaminant concentrations, water treatment methods, well water consumption, and well and septic system protection and maintenance practices. Additive Hazard Index calculations show that the water in more than 39% of wells is unsafe due to uranium, manganese, nitrate, zinc and/or arsenic. Most families' financial resources are limited, and 95% of participants do not employ water treatment technologies. Despite widespread high total dissolved solids, poor taste and odor, 80% of families consume their well water. Lack of environmental health literacy about well water safety, pre-existing health conditions and limited environmental enforcement also contribute to vulnerability. Ensuring access to safe drinking water and providing accompanying education are urgent public health priorities for Crow and other rural US families with low environmental health literacy and limited financial resources.}, } @article {pmid29299036, year = {2017}, author = {Szipl, G and Ringler, E and Spreafico, M and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Calls during agonistic interactions vary with arousal and raise audience attention in ravens.}, journal = {Frontiers in zoology}, volume = {14}, number = {}, pages = {57}, pmid = {29299036}, issn = {1742-9994}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acoustic properties of vocalizations can vary with the internal state of the caller, and may serve as reliable indicators for a caller's emotional state, for example to prevent conflicts. Thus, individuals may associate distinct characteristics in acoustic signals of conspecifics with specific social contexts, and adjust their behaviour accordingly to prevent escalation of conflicts. Common ravens (Corvus corax) crowd-forage with individuals of different age classes, sex, and rank, assemble at feeding sites, and engage in agonistic interactions of varying intensity. Attacked individuals frequently utter defensive calls in order to appease the aggressor. Here, we investigated if acoustic properties of defensive calls change with varying levels of aggression, and if bystanders respond to these changes.

RESULTS: Individuals were more likely to utter defensive calls when the attack involved contact aggression, and when the attacker was higher in rank than the victim. Defensive calls produced during intense conflicts were longer and uttered at higher rates, and showed higher fundamental frequency- and amplitude-related measures than calls uttered during low-intensity aggression, indicating arousal-based changes in defensive calls. Playback experiments showed that ravens were more likely to react in response to defensive calls with higher fundamental frequency by orientating towards the speakers as compared to original calls and calls manipulated in duration.

CONCLUSIONS: Arousal-based changes are encoded in acoustic parameters of defensive calls in attacked ravens, and bystanders in the audience pay attention to the degree of arousal in attacked conspecifics. Our findings imply that common ravens can regulate conflicts with conspecifics by means of vocalizations, and are able to gather social knowledge from conspecific calls.}, } @article {pmid29292361, year = {2017}, author = {Nieder, A}, title = {Evolution of cognitive and neural solutions enabling numerosity judgements: lessons from primates and corvids.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1740}, pages = {}, pmid = {29292361}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; *Crows/physiology ; Judgment ; Macaca mulatta/*physiology/*psychology ; Neurons/physiology ; Parietal Lobe/physiology ; Telencephalon/physiology ; }, abstract = {Brains that are capable of representing numerosity, the number of items in a set, have arisen repeatedly and independently in different animal taxa. This review compares the cognitive and physiological mechanisms found in a nonhuman primate, the rhesus macaque, and a corvid songbird, the carrion crow, in order to elucidate the evolutionary adaptations underlying numerical competence. Monkeys and corvids are known for their advanced cognitive competence, despite them both having independently and distinctly evolved endbrains that resulted from a long history of parallel evolution. In both species, numerosity is represented as an analogue magnitude by an approximate number system that obeys the Weber-Fechner Law. In addition, the activity of numerosity-selective neurons in the fronto-parietal association cortex of monkeys and the telencephalic associative area nidopallium caudolaterale of crows mirrors the animals' performance. In both species' brains, neuronal activity is tuned to a preferred numerosity, encodes the numerical value in an approximate fashion, and is best represented on a logarithmic scale. Collectively, the data show an impressive correspondence of the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms for numerosity representations across monkeys and crows. This suggests that remotely related vertebrates with distinctly developed endbrains adopted similar physiological solutions to common computational problems in numerosity processing.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The origins of numerical abilities'.}, } @article {pmid29292354, year = {2017}, author = {Hannagan, T and Nieder, A and Viswanathan, P and Dehaene, S}, title = {A random-matrix theory of the number sense.}, journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences}, volume = {373}, number = {1740}, pages = {}, pmid = {29292354}, issn = {1471-2970}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; *Discrimination, Psychological ; Haplorhini/*physiology/psychology ; Humans ; Infant ; *Models, Neurological ; Psychophysics ; }, abstract = {Number sense, a spontaneous ability to process approximate numbers, has been documented in human adults, infants and newborns, and many other animals. Species as distant as monkeys and crows exhibit very similar neurons tuned to specific numerosities. How number sense can emerge in the absence of learning or fine tuning is currently unknown. We introduce a random-matrix theory of self-organized neural states where numbers are coded by vectors of activation across multiple units, and where the vector codes for successive integers are obtained through multiplication by a fixed but random matrix. This cortical implementation of the 'von Mises' algorithm explains many otherwise disconnected observations ranging from neural tuning curves in monkeys to looking times in neonates and cortical numerotopy in adults. The theory clarifies the origin of Weber-Fechner's Law and yields a novel and empirically validated prediction of multi-peak number neurons. Random matrices constitute a novel mechanism for the emergence of brain states coding for quantity.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'The origins of numerical abilities'.}, } @article {pmid29285478, year = {2017}, author = {Najafi, M and Akouchekian, S and Ghaderi, A and Mahaki, B and Rezaei, M}, title = {Multiple Intelligences Profiles of Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Comparison with Nonattention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.}, journal = {Advanced biomedical research}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {148}, pmid = {29285478}, issn = {2277-9175}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychological problem during childhood. This study aimed to evaluate multiple intelligences profiles of children with ADHD in comparison with non-ADHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was done on 50 children of 6-13 years old in two groups of with and without ADHD. Children with ADHD were referred to Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, in 2014. Samples were selected based on clinical interview (based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and parent-teacher strengths and difficulties questionnaire), which was done by psychiatrist and psychologist. Raven intelligence quotient (IQ) test was used, and the findings were compared to the results of multiple intelligences test. Data analysis was done using a multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS20 software.

RESULTS: Comparing the profiles of multiple intelligence among two groups, there are more kinds of multiple intelligences in control group than ADHD group, a difference which has been more significant in logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the other kinds of multiple intelligences in two groups (P > 0.05). The IQ average score in the control group and ADHD group was 102.42 ± 16.26 and 96.72 ± 16.06, respectively, that reveals the negative effect of ADHD on IQ average value. There was an insignificance relationship between linguistic and naturalist intelligence (P > 0.05). However, in other kinds of multiple intelligences, direct and significant relationships were observed (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Since the levels of IQ (Raven test) and MI in control group were more significant than ADHD group, ADHD is likely to be associated with logical-mathematical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal profiles.}, } @article {pmid29282545, year = {2017}, author = {Janaydeh, M and Ismail, A and Omar, H and Zulkifli, SZ and Bejo, MH and Aziz, NAA}, title = {Relationship between Pb and Cd accumulations in house crow, their habitat, and food content from Klang area, Peninsular Malaysia.}, journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment}, volume = {190}, number = {1}, pages = {47}, pmid = {29282545}, issn = {1573-2959}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Cadmium/analysis/*metabolism ; Crows/*metabolism ; *Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/*metabolism ; Environmental Pollution/statistics & numerical data ; Feathers/chemistry ; Female ; Food Chain ; Humans ; Lead/analysis/*metabolism ; Malaysia ; Male ; Metals, Heavy/analysis ; Soil ; }, abstract = {Heavy metal pollution has become a global concern due to accumulation in tissue and transferable effects to humans via the food chain. This study focused on monitoring the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in surface soil and body content: bone, heart, brain, liver, lung, muscle, kidney, feathers, feces, and gizzard contents of house crow Corvus splendens in the Klang region, Malaysia. The results revealed the occurrence of Pb and Cd in all biological samples from house crows, food contents, and surface soil samples. Heart and kidney accrued high amounts of Cd, while high amounts of Pb were found to accumulate in bones and feathers. Major discrepancies were also discovered in the concentrations of metals between juvenile and adults, as well as female and male bird samples. Concentrations of Pb and Cd in house crow internal tissues correlated significantly with that of bird feathers, but none could be established with that of surface soil. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between Pb concentration in the internal tissues to that of the feces, but the same was not the case when compared with the surface soil concentration. Metal accrual in the house crows feathers and feces may be through a long-term transmission via the food chain, which are eliminated from feathers via molting. This may suggest the utility of molted breast feathers of house crow in the bio-monitoring of Cd and Pb contamination, whereas feces of house crow appear only to be suitable for the bio-monitoring of Pb contamination.}, } @article {pmid29278961, year = {2018}, author = {Elridy, AS and Zaki, RGE and Elshinawy, RF}, title = {Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Abobotulinumtoxin A (ABO) and Onabotulinumtoxin A (ONA) in the Treatment of Crow's Feet Wrinkles: A Split-Face Study.}, journal = {Seminars in ophthalmology}, volume = {33}, number = {6}, pages = {739-747}, doi = {10.1080/08820538.2017.1418013}, pmid = {29278961}, issn = {1744-5205}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/administration & dosage ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Single-Blind Method ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Comparing the clinical efficacy of Abobotulinumtoxin A (ABO) and Onabotulinumtoxin A(ONA) using a dosing ratio of 2.5U:1.0U in the treatment of crow's feet wrinkles.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized, split-face study, included 40 subjects, with moderate-to-severe crow's feet wrinkles. Patients were subjected to a dose equivalence of (ABO):(ONA); 2.5:1.0 U. Post treatment evaluation was done on 7, 30, and 120 days, comparing: Time, Duration, and Degree of Improvement; Patients Satisfaction.

RESULTS: No significant difference was found between ABO & ONA regarding duration and time to improvement on static posture. While on dynamic posture, ABO showed significantly less time and longer duration. Both products produced highly significant improvement of the wrinkles' severity on both static and dynamic posture in comparison to the baseline severity. Satisfaction was more with ABO.

CONCLUSION: ABO is a safe, effective alternative to ONA in treating crow's feet wrinkles.}, } @article {pmid29274762, year = {2018}, author = {Gallup, GG and Anderson, JR}, title = {The "olfactory mirror" and other recent attempts to demonstrate self-recognition in non-primate species.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {148}, number = {}, pages = {16-19}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2017.12.010}, pmid = {29274762}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Ego ; Olfactory Perception/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; Smell/physiology ; }, abstract = {The recent attempt by Horowitz (2017) to develop an "olfactory mirror" test of self-recognition in domestic dogs raises some important questions about the kinds of data that are required to provide definitive evidence for self-recognition in dogs and other species. We conclude that the "olfactory mirror" constitutes a compelling analog to the mark test for mirror self-recognition in primates, but despite claims to the contrary neither dogs, elephants, dolphins, magpies, horses, manta rays, squid, nor ants have shown compelling, reproducible evidence for self-recognition in any modality.}, } @article {pmid29273913, year = {2018}, author = {Layes, S and Lalonde, R and Bouakkaz, Y and Rebai, M}, title = {Effectiveness of working memory training among children with dyscalculia: evidence for transfer effects on mathematical achievement-a pilot study.}, journal = {Cognitive processing}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {375-385}, pmid = {29273913}, issn = {1612-4790}, mesh = {*Academic Success ; Child ; Dyscalculia/psychology/*therapy ; Female ; Humans ; *Learning ; Male ; Mathematics ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Pilot Projects ; *Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {We examined whether the working memory (WM) capacity of developmentally dyscalculic children can be improved by a WM training program and whether outcomes relate to mathematical performance. The experimental design comprised two groups with developmental dyscalculia with grade 4 schooling: an experimental group (n = 14; mean age = 115.29 months) and a control group (n = 14; mean age = 116.07 months). All participants were assessed on measures of WM, mathematic attainment, and nonverbal mental ability (Raven test) before and after training. The WM training program focused on manipulating and maintaining arithmetic information. The results show that both WM and mathematical performances improved significantly after intervention, indicating a strong relationship between these two constructs. The control group improved slightly in Raven's progressive matrices and a reading number task. These findings are discussed in terms of near and far transfer toward trained and untrained skills and stress the positive impact of WM training on learning mathematics in children with dyscalculia.}, } @article {pmid29258430, year = {2017}, author = {Zhang, Q and Peng, Y and Wang, Y}, title = {Long-duration general anesthesia influences the intelligence of school age children.}, journal = {BMC anesthesiology}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {170}, pmid = {29258430}, issn = {1471-2253}, support = {NO. 81171169//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; }, mesh = {Anesthesia, General/*adverse effects/*trends ; Child ; Electrocardiography/drug effects/trends ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intelligence/*drug effects/physiology ; *Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Postoperative Complications/*chemically induced/diagnosis/psychology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: General anesthesia has been linked to impaired brain development in immature animals and young children. In this study the influence of orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia on the intelligence of school age children has been evaluated.

METHODS: A total of 209 subjects aged 6-12 years were recruited and allocated into 4 groups according to the duration of general anesthesia, including a control group (n = 30), short (< 1 h, n = 49), moderate- (1-3 h, n = 51) and long-duration groups (> 3 h, n = 79), respectively. The intelligence quotient (IQ) of the subjects was measured by the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) before and after orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia of various durations (vide supra).

RESULTS: The IQ score decreased significantly in the long-duration group at 1 month post-operation compared with the pre-operation score (P < 0.001), and IQ did not recover completely at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.05), but had recovered when measured at the 1-year follow-up. Moreover, this study showed that the development of children's intelligence was affected by the exposure time to anesthetics at a younger age (OR = 5.26, 95% CI:2.70-8.41, P < 0.001), having a mother with a low education level (OR = 2.71, 95% CI:1.24-6.14, P = 0.014) and premature birth (OR = 2.76, 95% CI:1.34-5.46, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: More than 3 h general anesthesia influenced the IQ of school age children for up to 3 months after orthopedic surgery. Beside extended exposure time to anesthetics additional factors for post-operative IQ reduction were younger children age, mothers with low educational levels and premature birth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR-OOC-17013497  retrospectively registered on 11/23/2017.}, } @article {pmid29257965, year = {2017}, author = {van Casteren, A}, title = {Tool Use: Crows Craft the Right Tool for the Job.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {27}, number = {24}, pages = {R1314-R1316}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.022}, pmid = {29257965}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; Language ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {New research into tool crafting in New Caledonian crows has uncovered factors that influence tool shape and the foraging advantages that these characteristics confer.}, } @article {pmid29249025, year = {2018}, author = {Grúz, A and Déri, J and Szemerédy, G and Szabó, K and Kormos, É and Bartha, A and Lehel, J and Budai, P}, title = {Monitoring of heavy metal burden in wild birds at eastern/north-eastern part of Hungary.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {25}, number = {7}, pages = {6378-6386}, pmid = {29249025}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*metabolism ; Birds/*metabolism ; Body Burden ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Feathers/*chemistry ; Hungary ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis ; }, abstract = {Concentrations of different heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) were examined in the contour feathers of long-eared owl (Asio otus), little owl (Athene noctua), tawny owl (Strix aluco), barn owl (Tyto alba), Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), rook (Corvus frugilegus), hooded crow (Corvus cornix), carrion crow (Corvus corone), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). The samples were collected from the Hortobágyi Madárpark (Bird Hospital Foundation) in Hungary. The bird species were classified into six groups based on their nourishment. Feathers were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of the above-mentioned heavy metals in the six different groups and to compare them by the groups, to find a possible connection between the concentrations and the age of birds and to get some information about the heavy metal burden of the environment. The highest As concentration was measured in little owl (0.65 ± 0.56 mg/kg). The highest Cd, Cr and Pb concentration was found in the feathers of barn swallow (0.13 ± 0.06 mg/kg; 1.69 ± 0.44 mg/kg; 5.36 ± 1.46 mg/kg), while the highest Cu and Hg concentration (65.45 ± 17.66 mg/kg; 2.72 ± 1.08 mg/kg) in sparrowhawk feathers and the highest Zn concentration in owls (157.21 ± 57.3 mg/kg). Statistically significant difference has been determined between the juvenile and adult crows in the case of Cd (p = 0.011). The higher concentration was measured in adults (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/kg) than that in juveniles (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Based on our results, the examined area is not contaminated by these heavy metals on that level, which can cause any adverse effect or poisoning in birds, so this region is safe to wildlife.}, } @article {pmid29248926, year = {2017}, author = {Segal, O and Kaplan, D and Patael, S and Kishon-Rabin, L}, title = {Comprehension of "Narrow Focus" by Adolescents in the Autism Spectrum.}, journal = {Folia phoniatrica et logopaedica : official organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)}, volume = {69}, number = {1-2}, pages = {67-77}, doi = {10.1159/000477399}, pmid = {29248926}, issn = {1421-9972}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/complications/*psychology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; *Comprehension ; Education, Special/methods ; Emotions ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pitch Discrimination ; Speech Disorders/etiology/*psychology ; Theory of Mind ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The study compared the performance of adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) to that of age-matched peers with typical development (TD) and cognitive language-matched peers with TD on measures of identification and comprehension of "narrow focus."

PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine participants, 17 autistic, 17 TD peers matched for age and sex, and 15 TD children matched for expressive vocabulary participated in the study.

METHOD: The Hebrew Narrow Focus Test (HNFT) was used. The HNFT includes 3 subtests. The first subtest (A) required identification of the stressed word in the sentence based on psychoacoustic abilities alone. The second (B) and third (C) subtests required understanding the meaning of focused stress in different contexts. In subtest B, the meaning of "narrow focus" was to contrast other possibilities related to the lexical-grammatical role of the stressed word in the sentence, whereas in subtest C, the meaning was to indicate a mistake.

RESULTS: ASD participants showed reduced performance compared to peers across all the subtests of the HNFT, but similar performance compared to TD children in subtests A and B and better performance on subtest C. A significant correlation was found between the Raven test for assessing nonverbal intelligence and subtests B and C of the HNFT in the group of adolescents with ASD.

CONCLUSIONS: Comprehension of narrow focus in adolescents with ASD who study in a special educational system is related to their cognitive-linguistic abilities and not to the autistic condition by itself or to its severity.}, } @article {pmid29244826, year = {2017}, author = {Baldow, C and Salentin, S and Schroeder, M and Roeder, I and Glauche, I}, title = {MAGPIE: Simplifying access and execution of computational models in the life sciences.}, journal = {PLoS computational biology}, volume = {13}, number = {12}, pages = {e1005898}, pmid = {29244826}, issn = {1553-7358}, mesh = {Biological Science Disciplines/*statistics & numerical data ; Computational Biology ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; *Models, Biological ; Models, Statistical ; Programming Languages ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Software ; Systems Biology ; }, abstract = {Over the past decades, quantitative methods linking theory and observation became increasingly important in many areas of life science. Subsequently, a large number of mathematical and computational models has been developed. The BioModels database alone lists more than 140,000 Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) models. However, while the exchange within specific model classes has been supported by standardisation and database efforts, the generic application and especially the re-use of models is still limited by practical issues such as easy and straight forward model execution. MAGPIE, a Modeling and Analysis Generic Platform with Integrated Evaluation, closes this gap by providing a software platform for both, publishing and executing computational models without restrictions on the programming language, thereby combining a maximum on flexibility for programmers with easy handling for non-technical users. MAGPIE goes beyond classical SBML platforms by including all models, independent of the underlying programming language, ranging from simple script models to complex data integration and computations. We demonstrate the versatility of MAGPIE using four prototypic example cases. We also outline the potential of MAGPIE to improve transparency and reproducibility of computational models in life sciences. A demo server is available at magpie.imb.medizin.tu-dresden.de.}, } @article {pmid29244069, year = {2018}, author = {Weinkle, SH and Werschler, WP and Teller, CF and Sykes, JM and Shamban, A and Rivkin, A and Narurkar, VA and Kaminer, MS and Dayan, S and Cohen, JL and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Impact of Comprehensive, Minimally Invasive, Multimodal Aesthetic Treatment on Satisfaction With Facial Appearance: The HARMONY Study.}, journal = {Aesthetic surgery journal}, volume = {38}, number = {5}, pages = {540-556}, doi = {10.1093/asj/sjx179}, pmid = {29244069}, issn = {1527-330X}, mesh = {Adult ; Bimatoprost/*administration & dosage ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Dermal Fillers/*administration & dosage ; Esthetics ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; *Rejuvenation ; Self Concept ; Skin Aging ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Individuals seeking aesthetic treatment have concerns regarding multiple facial areas.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the aesthetic impact and satisfaction achieved with a multimodal approach to aesthetic treatment using a combination of minimally invasive treatments.

METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, rater-blinded, 4-month HARMONY study evaluated patient satisfaction and aesthetic impact of a combination of fillers (VYC-20L, HYC-24L, and HYC-24L+), onabotulinumtoxinA, and bimatoprost. Males and females aged 35 to 65 years received on-label, staged treatment with fillers, as needed per investigator assessment, on day 1, with touch ups allowed on day 14. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks. OnabotulinumtoxinA was injected into glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, or both at month 3. Primary effectiveness measure was mean change from baseline on the FACE-Q 10-item Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale.

RESULTS: Of 100 patients treated, 93 underwent at least the 4-month posttreatment assessment and were assessed for efficacy. The FACE-Q Satisfaction with Facial Appearance Overall Scale total score increased from baseline (41.2) to month 4 (72.9; P < 0.00001; effect size, 2.7). Improvement following multimodal treatment was observed on FACE-Q individual items. Self-perceived age decreased from 0.2 years older than actual age at baseline to 4.6 years younger at month 4. Nearly all patients (99%) rated themselves as improved or much improved on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Investigator assessments also demonstrated improvement. Mild to moderate adverse events occurred in 42 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive, multimodal treatment resulted in improvements in FACE-Q scores and perceived age, indicating a high degree of patient satisfaction and a younger facial appearance.}, } @article {pmid29241959, year = {2018}, author = {Holcomb, GW}, title = {The Journal of Pediatric Surgery: Its First 50 Years.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric surgery}, volume = {53}, number = {2}, pages = {212-216}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.11.007}, pmid = {29241959}, issn = {1531-5037}, mesh = {Child ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Pediatrics/*history ; Periodicals as Topic/*history ; *Surgical Procedures, Operative ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {This article is based on the Journal of Pediatric Surgery Lecture at the 2017 meeting of the British Association of Pediatric Surgeons. This lecture was renamed The Jay L. Grosfeld /Journal of Pediatric Surgery Lecture in honor of Dr. Jay L. Grosfeld who was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pediatric Surgery (JPS) from 1994 until his passing in 2016. The first part of this paper recounts the first 50years of JPS starting with the efforts of Drs. Koop and Gans to start a Journal devoted to Pediatric Surgery. The second part of the paper reviews the top ten citations in the first 50years of JPS. Finally, the last part of the article discusses what the future may hold for JPS.}, } @article {pmid29238838, year = {2017}, author = {Jayakumar, KL and Samimi, SS}, title = {Jay Frank Schamberg, MD-Beyond the Eponymous Disease.}, journal = {JAMA dermatology}, volume = {153}, number = {12}, pages = {1242}, doi = {10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.4273}, pmid = {29238838}, issn = {2168-6084}, mesh = {Dermatology/*history ; *Eponyms ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Pigmentation Disorders/*history ; United States ; }, } @article {pmid29238522, year = {2017}, author = {Dohms, KM and Graham, BA and Burg, TM}, title = {Multilocus genetic analyses and spatial modeling reveal complex population structure and history in a widespread resident North American passerine (Perisoreus canadensis).}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {23}, pages = {9869-9889}, pmid = {29238522}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {An increasing body of studies of widely distributed, high latitude species shows a variety of refugial locations and population genetic patterns. We examined the effects of glaciations and dispersal barriers on the population genetic patterns of a widely distributed, high latitude, resident corvid, the gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis), using the highly variable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and microsatellite markers combined with species distribution modeling. We sequenced 914 bp of mtDNA control region for 375 individuals from 37 populations and screened seven loci for 402 individuals from 27 populations across the gray jay range. We used species distribution modeling and a range of phylogeographic analyses (haplotype diversity, ΦST, SAMOVA, FST, Bayesian clustering analyses) to examine evolutionary history and population genetic structure. MtDNA and microsatellite markers revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations with high concordance between markers. Paleodistribution models supported at least five potential areas of suitable gray jay habitat during the last glacial maximum and revealed distributions similar to the gray jay's contemporary during the last interglacial. Colonization from and prolonged isolation in multiple refugia is evident. Historical climatic fluctuations, the presence of multiple dispersal barriers, and highly restricted gene flow appear to be responsible for strong genetic diversification and differentiation in gray jays.}, } @article {pmid29238321, year = {2017}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Jacobs, I and Osvath, M}, title = {The Development of Motor Self-Regulation in Ravens.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {2100}, pmid = {29238321}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Inhibitory control refers to the ability to stop impulses in favor of more appropriate behavior, and it constitutes one of the underlying cognitive functions associated with cognitive flexibility. Much attention has been given to cross-species comparisons of inhibitory control; however, less is known about how and when these abilities develop. Mapping the ontogeny of inhibitory control in different species may therefore reveal foundational elements behind cognitive processes and their evolution. In this study, we tested the development of motor self-regulation in raven chicks (Corvus corax), using two detour tasks that required inhibition of motor impulses to directly reach for a visible reward behind a barrier. One task included a mesh barrier, which partly occluded the reward, and the other task used a completely transparent barrier, the cylinder task. The results suggest that the more visible a reward is, the more difficult it is to inhibit motor impulses toward it, and further, that this inhibitory challenge gradually decreases during development. The mesh barrier is reliably detoured before the animals pass the task with the wholly transparent cylinder. As the majority of the birds begun testing as nestlings, and as we provided them with experiences they normally would not receive in a nest, it is likely that they showed the earliest possible onset of these skills. A control subject, tested at a later age, showed that the mesh detours required no particular training, but that tasks including complete transparency likely require more specific experiences. Adult ravens without explicit training are highly proficient in inhibitory detour tasks, and, together with chimpanzees, they are the best performers of all tested species in the cylinder task. Our results suggest that their skills develop early in life, around their third month. Their developmental pattern of inhibitory skills for detours resembles that of children and rhesus macaques, albeit the pace of development is markedly faster in ravens. Investigating the development of cognition is crucial to understanding its foundations within and across species.}, } @article {pmid29236583, year = {2018}, author = {Steensma, DP}, title = {The Raven.}, journal = {Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology}, volume = {36}, number = {5}, pages = {512-513}, doi = {10.1200/JCO.2017.76.3458}, pmid = {29236583}, issn = {1527-7755}, mesh = {Attitude to Death ; Humans ; Melanoma/*diagnosis/*psychology ; Skin Neoplasms/*diagnosis/*psychology ; }, } @article {pmid29233938, year = {2018}, author = {Bustillo-Avendaño, E and Ibáñez, S and Sanz, O and Sousa Barros, JA and Gude, I and Perianez-Rodriguez, J and Micol, JL and Del Pozo, JC and Moreno-Risueno, MA and Pérez-Pérez, JM}, title = {Regulation of Hormonal Control, Cell Reprogramming, and Patterning during De Novo Root Organogenesis.}, journal = {Plant physiology}, volume = {176}, number = {2}, pages = {1709-1727}, pmid = {29233938}, issn = {1532-2548}, mesh = {Arabidopsis/*genetics/growth & development ; *Cellular Reprogramming ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Indoleacetic Acids/*metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Plant Growth Regulators/*metabolism ; Plant Leaves/genetics/growth & development ; Plant Roots/genetics/growth & development ; Regeneration ; *Signal Transduction ; }, abstract = {Body regeneration through formation of new organs is a major question in developmental biology. We investigated de novo root formation using whole leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Our results show that local cytokinin biosynthesis and auxin biosynthesis in the leaf blade followed by auxin long-distance transport to the petiole leads to proliferation of J0121-marked xylem-associated tissues and others through signaling of INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE28 (IAA28), CRANE (IAA18), WOODEN LEG, and ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS1 (ARR1), ARR10, and ARR12. Vasculature proliferation also involves the cell cycle regulator KIP-RELATED PROTEIN2 and ABERRANT LATERAL ROOT FORMATION4, resulting in a mass of cells with rooting competence that resembles callus formation. Endogenous callus formation precedes specification of postembryonic root founder cells, from which roots are initiated through the activity of SHORT-ROOT, PLETHORA1 (PLT1), and PLT2. Primordia initiation is blocked in shr plt1 plt2 mutant. Stem cell regulators SCHIZORIZA, JACKDAW, BLUEJAY, and SCARECROW also participate in root initiation and are required to pattern the new organ, as mutants show disorganized and reduced number of layers and tissue initials resulting in reduced rooting. Our work provides an organ regeneration model through de novo root formation, stating key stages and the primary pathways involved.}, } @article {pmid29229413, year = {2018}, author = {Taufique, SKT and Prabhat, A and Kumar, V}, title = {Constant light environment suppresses maturation and reduces complexity of new born neuron processes in the hippocampus and caudal nidopallium of a diurnal corvid: Implication for impairment of the learning and cognitive performance.}, journal = {Neurobiology of learning and memory}, volume = {147}, number = {}, pages = {120-127}, doi = {10.1016/j.nlm.2017.12.001}, pmid = {29229413}, issn = {1095-9564}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Association Learning/*physiology ; Cerebral Cortex/metabolism/*physiology ; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology ; Crows/metabolism/*physiology ; Doublecortin Domain Proteins ; Doublecortin Protein ; Hippocampus/physiology ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/*metabolism ; Neurogenesis/*physiology ; Neuropeptides/*metabolism ; *Photoperiod ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Spatial Learning/*physiology ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Periodic day-night environment shapes the temporal pattern in the behaviour and physiology (e.g. 24-h activity-rest and sleep-wake cycles) and the advanced brain function, such as learning, memory and decision making. In a previous study, we showed the abolition of 24-h rhythm in the activity-rest pattern, and an attenuated cognitive performance in diurnal Indian house crows (Corvus splendens) under constant light (no-night; LL) environment. Present study extended this, and investigated LL-induced effects on the neurogenesis (birth, maturation and neurite complexity of new born neurons) in the hippocampus and caudal nidopallium, the brain regions directly associated with learning and cognition in birds. We performed immunohistochemistry of doublecortin (DCX; a neurogenesis marker) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, a key enzyme of the dopamine biosynthesis) in the brain section containing hippocampus or caudal nidopallium of Indian house crows exposed for 2 weeks to LL, with controls maintained under 12L:12D. As expected, crows showed arrhythmicity with a significantly reduced rest period in the 24-h activity-rest pattern, and a decreased cognitive performance when tested for the spatial and pattern association learning tasks under LL. Importantly, there was a significant decrease in DCX-immunoreactive (ir) cells and, as shown by Sholl analysis, in the complexity of DCX-ir neurites in both, the hippocampus and caudal nidopallium of crows under LL, as compared to those under 12L:12D. The anatomical proximity of DCX-ir neurons with TH-ir fibers suggested a functional association of the new born hippocampal and caudal nidopallial neurons with the learning, and perhaps cognition in Indian house crows. These results give insights into possible impact of the loss of night on brain health and functions in an emerging ecosystem in which other diurnal species including humans may be inadvertently exposed to an illuminated night, such as in an overly lighted metropolitan urban habitat.}, } @article {pmid29225028, year = {2017}, author = {Sugasawa, S and Klump, BC and St Clair, JJH and Rutz, C}, title = {Causes and Consequences of Tool Shape Variation in New Caledonian Crows.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {27}, number = {24}, pages = {3885-3890.e4}, doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.028}, pmid = {29225028}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Hominins have been making tools for over three million years [1], yet the earliest known hooked tools appeared as recently as 90,000 years ago [2]. Hook innovation is likely to have boosted our ancestors' hunting and fishing efficiency [3], marking a major transition in human technological evolution. The New Caledonian crow is the only non-human animal known to craft hooks in the wild [4, 5]. Crows manufacture hooked stick tools in a multi-stage process, involving the detachment of a branch from suitable vegetation; "sculpting" of a terminal hook from the nodal joint; and often additional adjustments, such as length trimming, shaft bending, and bark stripping [4, 6, 7]. Although tools made by a given population share key design features [4, 6, 8], they vary appreciably in overall shape and hook dimensions. Using wild-caught, temporarily captive crows, we experimentally investigated causes and consequences of variation in hook-tool morphology. We found that bird age, manufacture method, and raw-material properties influenced tool morphology, and that hook geometry in turn affected crows' foraging efficiency. Specifically, hook depth varied with both detachment technique and plant rigidity, and deeper hooks enabled faster prey extraction in the provided tasks. Older crows manufactured tools of distinctive shape, with pronounced shaft curvature and hooks of intermediate depth. Future work should explore the interactive effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on tool production and deployment. Our study provides a quantitative assessment of the drivers and functional significance of tool shape variation in a non-human animal, affording valuable comparative insights into early hominin tool crafting [9].}, } @article {pmid29217466, year = {2018}, author = {Elderbrock, EK and Small, TW and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Influence of corticosterone treatment on nestling begging in Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens).}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {259}, number = {}, pages = {213-222}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.12.003}, pmid = {29217466}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Corticosterone/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Altricial young are dependent on adults for protection and food, and they display nutritional need by begging to elicit feeding from parents. Begging at high levels can be energetically expensive and attract predators; thus, an individual must balance its nutritional needs with these potential costs. Further, because a parent is limited in the amount of food it can provide, begging can contribute to both parent-offspring conflict and sibling-sibling competition. Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors may contribute to begging behavior. One intrinsic factor of interest is corticosterone (CORT), a metabolic hormone hypothesized to play a role in regulating a nestling's begging behavior. We investigated the hypothesis that increased exposure to CORT influences nestling begging behavior in an altricial species, the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens). We treated one nestling per treatment nest with a twice-daily dose of exogenous hormone via a CORT-injected waxworm, whereas a second individual received a vehicle-injected waxworm. We monitored individual nestling and adult behavior at all nests with the use of high-definition video cameras on several days during treatment. We found no difference in begging rate between CORT fed and vehicle fed nestlings within a treatment nest. Further, to determine whether CORT treatment had indirect effects on the entire brood, we monitored additional nests, in which nestlings were not manipulated. When treatment and controls were compared, overall begging rates of nestlings in treatment nests were greater than those in control nests. This result suggests that CORT treatment of an individual altered its behavior, as well as that of its siblings.}, } @article {pmid29213080, year = {2017}, author = {Danel, S and Osiurak, F and von Bayern, AMP}, title = {From the Age of 5 Humans Decide Economically, Whereas Crows Exhibit Individual Preferences.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {17043}, pmid = {29213080}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Child, Preschool ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Problem Solving ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Human societies greatly depend on tools, which spare us considerable time and effort. Humans might have evolved a bias to employ tools, using them even when they are unnecessary. This study aimed to investigate whether adult humans and a distantly related habitually tool-using vertebrate species, the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides), use tools depending on their necessity. In addition, children aged 3 to 5 years were examined to investigate the developmental pattern. The task involved choosing between using a body part (i.e. crows: beak; humans: hand) or a tool for retrieving a reward from a box. All subjects were tested in two conditions. In the Body+/Tool- condition, using the body was more efficient than using the tool, and conversely in the Body-/Tool+ condition. Our results suggest that the capacity to employ tools economically develops late in humans. Crows, however, failed to choose economically. At the individual level, some subjects exhibited striking individual preferences for either using a tool or their beak throughout the task. Whether such biases depend on individual experience or whether they are genetically determined remains to be investigated. Our findings provide new insights about tool use and its cognitive implementation in two outstanding tool-using taxa.}, } @article {pmid29210086, year = {2018}, author = {Jenner, RA}, title = {Evolution Is Linear: Debunking Life's Little Joke.}, journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology}, volume = {40}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/bies.201700196}, pmid = {29210086}, issn = {1521-1878}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Humans ; *Life ; Metaphor ; Paleontology ; Science ; }, abstract = {Linear depictions of the evolutionary process are ubiquitous in popular culture, but linear evolutionary imagery is strongly rejected by scientists who argue that evolution branches. This point is frequently illustrated by saying that we didn't evolve from monkeys, but that we are related to them as collateral relatives. Yet, we did evolve from monkeys, but our monkey ancestors are extinct, not extant. Influential voices, such as the late Stephen Jay Gould, have misled audiences for decades by falsely portraying the linear and branching aspects of evolution to be in conflict, and by failing to distinguish between the legitimate linearity of evolutionary descent, and the branching relationships among collateral relatives that result when lineages of ancestors diverge. The purpose of this article is to correct the widespread misplaced rejection of linear evolutionary imagery, and to re-emphasize the basic truth that the evolutionary process is fundamentally linear.}, } @article {pmid29209190, year = {2017}, author = {Amin, HU and Mumtaz, W and Subhani, AR and Saad, MNM and Malik, AS}, title = {Classification of EEG Signals Based on Pattern Recognition Approach.}, journal = {Frontiers in computational neuroscience}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {103}, pmid = {29209190}, issn = {1662-5188}, abstract = {Feature extraction is an important step in the process of electroencephalogram (EEG) signal classification. The authors propose a "pattern recognition" approach that discriminates EEG signals recorded during different cognitive conditions. Wavelet based feature extraction such as, multi-resolution decompositions into detailed and approximate coefficients as well as relative wavelet energy were computed. Extracted relative wavelet energy features were normalized to zero mean and unit variance and then optimized using Fisher's discriminant ratio (FDR) and principal component analysis (PCA). A high density EEG dataset validated the proposed method (128-channels) by identifying two classifications: (1) EEG signals recorded during complex cognitive tasks using Raven's Advance Progressive Metric (RAPM) test; (2) EEG signals recorded during a baseline task (eyes open). Classifiers such as, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), and Naïve Bayes (NB) were then employed. Outcomes yielded 99.11% accuracy via SVM classifier for coefficient approximations (A5) of low frequencies ranging from 0 to 3.90 Hz. Accuracy rates for detailed coefficients were 98.57 and 98.39% for SVM and KNN, respectively; and for detailed coefficients (D5) deriving from the sub-band range (3.90-7.81 Hz). Accuracy rates for MLP and NB classifiers were comparable at 97.11-89.63% and 91.60-81.07% for A5 and D5 coefficients, respectively. In addition, the proposed approach was also applied on public dataset for classification of two cognitive tasks and achieved comparable classification results, i.e., 93.33% accuracy with KNN. The proposed scheme yielded significantly higher classification performances using machine learning classifiers compared to extant quantitative feature extraction. These results suggest the proposed feature extraction method reliably classifies EEG signals recorded during cognitive tasks with a higher degree of accuracy.}, } @article {pmid29187607, year = {2017}, author = {Found, R}, title = {Interactions between cleaner-birds and ungulates are personality dependent.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {13}, number = {11}, pages = {}, pmid = {29187607}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Aggression ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Deer/*psychology ; *Passeriformes ; Personality ; }, abstract = {While a growing body of literature explores the ecological implications of consistent individual variation in the behaviour of wildlife, few studies have looked at the reciprocal influences of personality within interspecific interactions, despite the potentially significant impacts on biodiversity. Here I used two species involved in cleaner-bird behaviour-black-billed magpies (Pica pica) and Rocky mountain elk (Cervus canadensis)-to show that the exhibition of mutualistic behaviour can depend on the personality of the individual involved. I recorded suites of correlated behaviours in both elk and magpies to derive personality gradients from 'shy' to 'bold', which I compared with observations of interspecific interactions. I measured each half of this mutualistic relationship separately. I found that bold elk were more likely to aggressively reject magpie landings, while shy elk allowed magpies to land and groom them. Contrastingly, I found it was bold magpies that were willing to risk landings, while shy magpies rarely attempted landings. These results show that the exhibition of interspecific behaviour is predicated on the personality of the individuals, and thus likely contributes to the selection and maintenance of personality variation within populations.}, } @article {pmid29180719, year = {2018}, author = {Krzemińska, U and Morales, HE and Greening, C and Nyári, ÁS and Wilson, R and Song, BK and Austin, CM and Sunnucks, P and Pavlova, A and Rahman, S}, title = {Population mitogenomics provides insights into evolutionary history, source of invasions and diversifying selection in the House Crow (Corvus splendens).}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {120}, number = {4}, pages = {296-309}, pmid = {29180719}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Africa ; Animals ; Asia ; Bayes Theorem ; *Biological Evolution ; Codon ; Crows/*genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; *Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {The House Crow (Corvus splendens) is a useful study system for investigating the genetic basis of adaptations underpinning successful range expansion. The species originates from the Indian subcontinent, but has successfully spread through a variety of thermal environments across Asia, Africa and Europe. Here, population mitogenomics was used to investigate the colonisation history and to test for signals of molecular selection on the mitochondrial genome. We sequenced the mitogenomes of 89 House Crows spanning four native and five invasive populations. A Bayesian dated phylogeny, based on the 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes, supports a mid-Pleistocene (~630,000 years ago) divergence between the most distant genetic lineages. Phylogeographic patterns suggest that northern South Asia is the likely centre of origin for the species. Codon-based analyses of selection and assessments of changes in amino acid properties provide evidence of positive selection on the ND2 and ND5 genes against a background of purifying selection across the mitogenome. Protein homology modelling suggests that four amino acid substitutions inferred to be under positive selection may modulate coupling efficiency and proton translocation mediated by OXPHOS complex I. The identified substitutions are found within native House Crow lineages and ecological niche modelling predicts suitable climatic areas for the establishment of crow populations within the invasive range. Mitogenomic patterns in the invasive range of the species are more strongly associated with introduction history than climate. We speculate that invasions of the House Crow have been facilitated by standing genetic variation that accumulated due to diversifying selection within the native range.}, } @article {pmid29176725, year = {2017}, author = {Chen, Z and De Beuckelaer, A and Wang, X and Liu, J}, title = {Distinct neural substrates of visuospatial and verbal-analytic reasoning as assessed by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {16230}, pmid = {29176725}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; *Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Language ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Recent studies revealed spontaneous neural activity to be associated with fluid intelligence (gF) which is commonly assessed by Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, and embeds two types of reasoning: visuospatial and verbal-analytic reasoning. With resting-state fMRI data, using global brain connectivity (GBC) analysis which averages functional connectivity of a voxel in relation to all other voxels in the brain, distinct neural correlates of these two reasoning types were found. For visuospatial reasoning, negative correlations were observed in both the primary visual cortex (PVC) and the precuneus, and positive correlations were observed in the temporal lobe. For verbal-analytic reasoning, negative correlations were observed in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and temporoparietal junction, and positive correlations were observed in the angular gyrus. Furthermore, an interaction between GBC value and type of reasoning was found in the PVC, rIFG and the temporal lobe. These findings suggest that visuospatial reasoning benefits more from elaborate perception to stimulus features, whereas verbal-analytic reasoning benefits more from feature integration and hypothesis testing. In sum, the present study offers, for different types of reasoning in gF, first empirical evidence of separate neural substrates in the resting brain.}, } @article {pmid29175405, year = {2018}, author = {Yang, F and Xie, S and Liu, J and Wei, C and Zhang, H and Chen, T and Zhang, J}, title = {Arsenic concentrations and speciation in wild birds from an abandoned realgar mine in China.}, journal = {Chemosphere}, volume = {193}, number = {}, pages = {777-784}, doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.098}, pmid = {29175405}, issn = {1879-1298}, mesh = {Animals ; Arsenates ; Arsenic/*analysis/chemistry ; Arsenicals/*analysis ; Arsenites ; *Birds ; Cacodylic Acid/analysis ; China ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods ; Feathers/chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry/methods ; *Mining ; Muscle, Skeletal/chemistry ; Passeriformes ; Sulfides ; }, abstract = {Birds are at a higher level in the food chain; however, the potential bioaccumulation and biotransformation of arsenic (As) in birds in As mines has rarely been studied. In this study, four passerine bird species (tree sparrow [Passer montanus], light-vented bulbul [Pycnonotus sinensis], Garrulax canorus [Leucodioptron canorus], and magpie [Pica pica]) were collected from an abandoned As mine in China. The highest recorded As concentrations were 4.95 mg/kg and 51.65 mg/kg in muscles and feathers, respectively. Detection using high-performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) revealed six As species, including arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), arsenobetaine (AsB) and arsenocholine (AsC), with the former three species as the dominant (>92%) and the latter three as the minor As species (<6.17%). Further analysis of the selected bird samples using the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) technique revealed the existence of As(III)-tris-glutathione (As(III)-GSH), which can be regarded as equivalent to the non-extractable and unidentified As form in the HPLC-ICP-MS data. Both methods revealed similar patterns of As species in the birds from the As mine, with muscles containing mainly inorganic As and DMA and feathers containing mainly inorganic As. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge regarding As accumulation and speciation in terrestrial organisms.}, } @article {pmid29167158, year = {2017}, author = {Farrar, DR and Stensvold, MC}, title = {Observations on bipolar disjunctions of moonwort ferns (Botrychium, Ophioglossaceae).}, journal = {American journal of botany}, volume = {104}, number = {11}, pages = {1675-1679}, doi = {10.3732/ajb.1700166}, pmid = {29167158}, issn = {1537-2197}, mesh = {Ferns/genetics/*physiology ; Genotype ; Hybridization, Genetic ; New Zealand ; North America ; Phylogeny ; *Plant Dispersal ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Peter Raven, in 1963, included two fern taxa of the genus Botrychium in his list of plant species exhibiting American amphitropical bipolar disjunctions. He attributed the southern hemisphere occurrences to post-Pleistocene long-distance dispersal from counterparts in the northern hemisphere, probably assisted by annual bird migrations between the disjunct areas. Using genetic evidence gathered through worldwide analyses of phylogenetic relationship in Botrychium, we now review and reconsider Raven's conclusions. Genetic similarities indicate that South American Botrychium dusenii is an allotetraploid taxon closely related to B. spathulatum, a North American endemic, and that B. lunaria in New Zealand possesses a genotype identical to that of a taxon in North America derived through introgressive hybridization between B. lunaria and an endemic North American species, B. neolunaria. Both North American counterparts exhibit Raven's characteristics of bipolar disjuncts in their occurrence in mountain and coastal meadows, copious production of small propagules (spores in Botrychium), occurrence in habitats frequented by transpolar bird migrants, and ability to found new colonies through inbreeding. We discuss these characteristics in Botrychium and relative to other ferns and suggest further studies on Botrychium and related taxa to address questions of time, number, and mode of bipolar dispersals.}, } @article {pmid29163144, year = {2017}, author = {Trammell, JP and MacRae, PG and Davis, G and Bergstedt, D and Anderson, AE}, title = {The Relationship of Cognitive Performance and the Theta-Alpha Power Ratio Is Age-Dependent: An EEG Study of Short Term Memory and Reasoning during Task and Resting-State in Healthy Young and Old Adults.}, journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {364}, pmid = {29163144}, issn = {1663-4365}, support = {K25 AG051782/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R03 MH106922/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Objective: The Theta-Alpha ratio (TAR) is known to differ based upon age and cognitive ability, with pathological electroencephalography (EEG) patterns routinely found within neurodegenerative disorders of older adults. We hypothesized that cognitive ability would predict EEG metrics differently within healthy young and old adults, and that healthy old adults not showing age-expected EEG activity may be more likely to demonstrate cognitive deficits relative to old adults showing these expected changes. Methods: In 216 EEG blocks collected in 16 young and 20 old adults during rest (eyes open, eyes closed) and cognitive tasks (short-term memory [STM]; matrix reasoning [RM; Raven's matrices]), models assessed the contributing roles of cognitive ability, age, and task in predicting the TAR. A general linear mixed-effects regression model was used to model this relationship, including interaction effects to test whether increased cognitive ability predicted TAR differently for young and old adults at rest and during cognitive tasks. Results: The relationship between cognitive ability and the TAR across all blocks showed age-dependency, and cognitive performance at the CZ midline location predicted the TAR measure when accounting for the effect of age (p < 0.05, chi-square test of nested models). Age significantly interacted with STM performance in predicting the TAR (p < 0.05); increases in STM were associated with increased TAR in young adults, but not in old adults. RM showed similar interaction effects with aging and TAR (p < 0.10). Conclusion: EEG correlates of cognitive ability are age-dependent. Adults who did not show age-related EEG changes were more likely to exhibit cognitive deficits than those who showed age-related changes. This suggests that healthy aging should produce moderate changes in Alpha and TAR measures, and the absence of such changes signals impaired cognitive functioning.}, } @article {pmid29154697, year = {2018}, author = {Dujela, M and Hyer, CF and Berlet, GC}, title = {Rate of Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis After Retrograde Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis With Intramedullary Nail Fixation: Evaluation of the RAIN Database.}, journal = {Foot & ankle specialist}, volume = {11}, number = {5}, pages = {410-415}, doi = {10.1177/1938640017740674}, pmid = {29154697}, issn = {1938-7636}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Ankle Fractures/diagnostic imaging/*surgery ; Arthritis/complications/diagnosis ; Arthrodesis/instrumentation/*methods ; *Bone Nails ; Databases, Factual ; Female ; Foot Deformities, Acquired/etiology/physiopathology/surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain Measurement ; Prognosis ; Range of Motion, Articular/*physiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Subtalar Joint/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/*surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hindfoot arthritis or significant deformity involving the ankle and subtalar joint (STJ) is a disabling condition with few salvage options. Many surgeons note a decreased STJ fusion rate compared with ankle union when a retrograde nail construct is used. The purpose of this study was to report the STJ fusion rate of tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with retrograde nail.

METHODS: A chart and radiographic review was performed. TTC fusions performed in patients with osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, or deformity correction with retrograde nail fixation were included. Exclusion criteria included neuropathy, Charcot arthropathy, and failed total ankle replacement.

RESULTS: Ultimately, 66 retrograde TTC fusions (in 63 patients) met inclusion criteria. The average age was 57.0 years. There were 29 female and 34 male patients. Radiographic fusion of the ankle and STJ was demonstrated in 68.2% of the patients. There were 11 cases (16.7%) of ankle arthrodesis with STJ nonunion, 6 cases (9.1%) of STJ fusion but ankle nonunion, and 4 cases (6.1%) of stable radiographic nonunion of both joints. The mean time to subtalar fusion was 112.1 days. One patient required revision surgery and conversion to below-knee amputation. One patient required a CROW walker for assistance with gait.

CONCLUSION: A 22.8% radiographic nonunion rate of the STJ was noted in retrograde TTC fusion. Despite this, patients were stable and pain free.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective Case series.}, } @article {pmid29154295, year = {2017}, author = {}, title = {Professional Tribute: Jay Neufeld.}, journal = {Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {10}, number = {3-4}, pages = {159-160}, doi = {10.3233/PRM-170468}, pmid = {29154295}, issn = {1875-8894}, } @article {pmid29143707, year = {2018}, author = {Fiorentino, M and Perignon, M and Kuong, K and de Groot, R and Parker, M and Burja, K and Dijkhuizen, MA and Sokhom, S and Chamnan, C and Berger, J and Wieringa, FT}, title = {Effect of multi-micronutrient-fortified rice on cognitive performance depends on premix composition and cognitive function tested: results of an effectiveness study in Cambodian schoolchildren.}, journal = {Public health nutrition}, volume = {21}, number = {4}, pages = {816-827}, pmid = {29143707}, issn = {1475-2727}, mesh = {Academic Success ; Animals ; Cambodia ; Child ; *Child Health ; Cognition/*drug effects ; *Diet ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; *Food, Fortified ; Humans ; Male ; Micronutrients/administration & dosage/*pharmacology ; *Nutritional Status ; *Oryza ; Parasites ; Schools ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Even though current policy is strongly focused on the crucial first '1000 days', it might be still possible to enhance cognitive function during the pre-adolescent and adolescent years by improving micronutrient status. In Cambodia, nutritional status is poor. Provision of rice fortified with micronutrients through a school meal programme (SMP) could be a cost-effective strategy to help improve health and school performance. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different micronutrient-fortified rice formulations on cognitive function in Cambodian children.

SETTING: Sixteen Cambodian schools receiving SMP.

DESIGN: The FORISCA-UltraRice®+NutriRice® study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Four groups of four schools were randomly allocated to receive normal rice, UltraRice®Original, UltraRice®New or NutriRice®. Within each school, 132 children were randomly selected. Data on cognitive performance (picture completion, block design and Raven's coloured progressive matrices (RCPM)), anthropometry, parasite infestation and micronutrient status were collected before the intervention and after 6 months.

SUBJECTS: Cognitive data were available for 1796 children aged 6-16 years.

RESULTS: All cognitive scores improved after 6 months (P<0·001). Block design score improvement was significantly higher in children consuming UltraRice®Original (P=0·03) compared with the other fortified rice groups and placebo. No difference among groups was found on RCPM or picture completion scores. Stunting, parasite infestation and inflammation negatively affected the impact of the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: Combined with other interventions, using SMP to distribute fortified rice to schoolchildren may be a cost-effective way to increase cognitive performance and thereby improve school performance and educational achievements.}, } @article {pmid29142017, year = {2017}, author = {Banerjee, S and Perelson, AS and Moses, M}, title = {Modelling the effects of phylogeny and body size on within-host pathogen replication and immune response.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {14}, number = {136}, pages = {}, pmid = {29142017}, issn = {1742-5662}, support = {R01 AI028433/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 OD011095/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds/immunology/virology ; *Body Size ; Host-Parasite Interactions/*immunology ; Humans ; *Models, Immunological ; *Phylogeny ; West Nile virus/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Understanding how quickly pathogens replicate and how quickly the immune system responds is important for predicting the epidemic spread of emerging pathogens. Host body size, through its correlation with metabolic rates, is theoretically predicted to impact pathogen replication rates and immune system response rates. Here, we use mathematical models of viral time courses from multiple species of birds infected by a generalist pathogen (West Nile Virus; WNV) to test more thoroughly how disease progression and immune response depend on mass and host phylogeny. We use hierarchical Bayesian models coupled with nonlinear dynamical models of disease dynamics to incorporate the hierarchical nature of host phylogeny. Our analysis suggests an important role for both host phylogeny and species mass in determining factors important for viral spread such as the basic reproductive number, WNV production rate, peak viraemia in blood and competency of a host to infect mosquitoes. Our model is based on a principled analysis and gives a quantitative prediction for key epidemiological determinants and how they vary with species mass and phylogeny. This leads to new hypotheses about the mechanisms that cause certain taxonomic groups to have higher viraemia. For example, our models suggest that higher viral burst sizes cause corvids to have higher levels of viraemia and that the cellular rate of virus production is lower in larger species. We derive a metric of competency of a host to infect disease vectors and thereby sustain the disease between hosts. This suggests that smaller passerine species are highly competent at spreading the disease compared with larger non-passerine species. Our models lend mechanistic insight into why some species (smaller passerine species) are pathogen reservoirs and some (larger non-passerine species) are potentially dead-end hosts for WNV. Our techniques give insights into the role of body mass and host phylogeny in the spread of WNV and potentially other zoonotic diseases. The major contribution of this work is a computational framework for infectious disease modelling at the within-host level that leverages data from multiple species. This is likely to be of interest to modellers of infectious diseases that jump species barriers and infect multiple species. Our method can be used to computationally determine the competency of a host to infect mosquitoes that will sustain WNV and other zoonotic diseases. We find that smaller passerine species are more competent in spreading the disease than larger non-passerine species. This suggests the role of host phylogeny as an important determinant of within-host pathogen replication. Ultimately, we view our work as an important step in linking within-host viral dynamics models to between-host models that determine spread of infectious disease between different hosts.}, } @article {pmid29131787, year = {2017}, author = {Rubin, R}, title = {Mary Crow: leader in research on systemic lupus erythematosus.}, journal = {Lancet (London, England)}, volume = {390}, number = {10103}, pages = {1636}, doi = {10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32554-0}, pmid = {29131787}, issn = {1474-547X}, mesh = {Biomedical Research/*history ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; *Leadership ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/*history ; New York ; }, } @article {pmid29130067, year = {2017}, author = {Li, Y and Hannaford, B}, title = {Gaussian Process Regression for Sensorless Grip Force Estimation of Cable Driven Elongated Surgical Instruments.}, journal = {IEEE robotics and automation letters}, volume = {2}, number = {3}, pages = {1312-1319}, pmid = {29130067}, issn = {2377-3766}, support = {R21 EB016122/EB/NIBIB NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Haptic feedback is a critical but a clinically missing component in robotic Minimally Invasive Surgeries. This paper proposes a Gaussian Process Regression(GPR) based scheme to address the gripping force estimation problem for clinically commonly used elongated cable-driven surgical instruments. Based on the cable-driven mechanism property studies and surgical robotic system properties, four different Gaussian Process Regression filters were designed and analyzed, including: one GPR filter with 2-dimensional inputs, one GPR filter with 3-dimensional inputs, one GPR Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) with 2-dimensional inputs, and one GPR UKF with 3-dimensional inputs. The four proposed methods were compared with the dynamic model based UKF filter on a 10mm gripper on the Raven-II surgical robot platform. The experimental results demonstrated that the four proposed methods outperformed the dynamic model based method on precision and reliability without parameter tuning. And surprisingly, among the four methods, the simplest GPR Filter with 2-dimensional inputs has the best performance.}, } @article {pmid29129070, year = {2017}, author = {Librizzi, M and Caradonna, F and Cruciata, I and Dębski, J and Sansook, S and Dadlez, M and Spencer, J and Luparello, C}, title = {Molecular Signatures Associated with Treatment of Triple-Negative MDA-MB231 Breast Cancer Cells with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors JAHA and SAHA.}, journal = {Chemical research in toxicology}, volume = {30}, number = {12}, pages = {2187-2196}, doi = {10.1021/acs.chemrestox.7b00269}, pmid = {29129070}, issn = {1520-5010}, mesh = {Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry/*pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Computational Biology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ; Ferrous Compounds/chemistry/*pharmacology ; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/chemistry/*pharmacology ; Humans ; Hydroxamic Acids/chemistry/*pharmacology ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/*drug therapy/*genetics/pathology ; Vorinostat ; }, abstract = {Jay Amin hydroxamic acid (JAHA; N8-ferrocenylN[1]-hydroxy-octanediamide) is a ferrocene-containing analogue of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). JAHA's cytotoxic activity on MDA-MB231 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells at 72 h has been previously demonstrated with an IC50 of 8.45 μM. JAHA's lethal effect was found linked to perturbations of cell cycle, mitochondrial activity, signal transduction, and autophagy mechanisms. To glean novel insights on how MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells respond to the cytotoxic effect induced by JAHA, and to compare the biological effect with the related compound SAHA, we have employed a combination of differential display-PCR, proteome analysis, and COMET assay techniques and shown some differences in the molecular signature profiles induced by exposure to either HDACis. In particular, in contrast to the more numerous and diversified changes induced by SAHA, JAHA has shown a more selective impact on expression of molecular signatures involved in antioxidant activity and DNA repair. Besides expanding the biological knowledge of the effect exerted by the modifications in compound structures on cell phenotype, the molecular elements put in evidence in our study may provide promising targets for therapeutic interventions on TNBCs.}, } @article {pmid29128976, year = {2018}, author = {Hartmann, K and Veit, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Neurons in the crow nidopallium caudolaterale encode varying durations of visual working memory periods.}, journal = {Experimental brain research}, volume = {236}, number = {1}, pages = {215-226}, pmid = {29128976}, issn = {1432-1106}, support = {NI 618/6-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Crows ; Female ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Time Perception/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Adaptive sequential behaviors rely on the bridging and integration of temporally separate information for the realization of prospective goals. Corvids' remarkable behavioral flexibility is thought to depend on the workings of the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), a high-level avian associative forebrain area. We trained carrion crows to remember visual items for three alternating delay durations in a delayed match-to-sample task and recorded single-unit activity from the NCL. Sample-selective delay activity, a correlate of visual working memory, was maintained throughout different working memory durations. Delay responses remained selective for the same preferred sample item across blocks with different delay durations. However, selectivity strength decreased with increasing delay durations, mirroring worsened behavioral performance with longer memory delays. Behavioral relevance of delay activity was further evidenced by reduced encoding of the preferred sample item during error trials. In addition, NCL neurons adapted their time-dependent discharges to blocks of different memory durations, so that delay duration could be successfully classified based on population activity a few trials after the delay duration switched. Therefore, NCL neurons not only maintain information from individual trials, but also keep track of the duration for which this information is needed in the context of the task. These results strengthen the role of corvid NCL in maintaining working memory for flexible control of temporally extended goal-directed behavior.}, } @article {pmid29121785, year = {2019}, author = {Lúcio, PS and Cogo-Moreira, H and Puglisi, M and Polanczyk, GV and Little, TD}, title = {Psychometric Investigation of the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices Test in a Sample of Preschool Children.}, journal = {Assessment}, volume = {26}, number = {7}, pages = {1399-1408}, doi = {10.1177/1073191117740205}, pmid = {29121785}, issn = {1552-3489}, mesh = {Age Distribution ; *Aptitude Tests ; Brazil ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Psychometrics/*methods ; Sex Distribution ; }, abstract = {The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) test in a sample of preschoolers from Brazil (n = 582; age: mean = 57 months, SD = 7 months; 46% female). We investigated the plausibility of unidimensionality of the items (confirmatory factor analysis) and differential item functioning (DIF) for sex and age (multiple indicators multiple causes method). We tested four unidimensional models and the one with the best-fit index was a reduced form of the Raven's CPM. The DIF analysis was carried out with the reduced form of the test. A few items presented DIF (two for sex and one for age), confirming that the Raven's CPM items are mostly measurement invariant. There was no effect of sex on the general factor, but increasing age was associated with higher values of the g factor. Future research should indicate if the reduced form is suitable for evaluating the general ability of preschoolers.}, } @article {pmid29098484, year = {2018}, author = {Rudwick, MJS}, title = {The Fate of the Method of 'Paradigms' in Paleobiology.}, journal = {Journal of the history of biology}, volume = {51}, number = {3}, pages = {479-533}, pmid = {29098484}, issn = {1573-0387}, mesh = {Animals ; Arthropods/anatomy & histology ; Biological Evolution ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Fossils/*anatomy & histology ; History, 20th Century ; Invertebrates/*anatomy & histology ; Life History Traits ; Paleontology/*history/methods ; }, abstract = {An earlier article described the mid-twentieth century origins of the method of "paradigms" in paleobiology, as a way of making testable hypotheses about the functional morphology of extinct organisms. The present article describes the use of "paradigms" through the 1970s and, briefly, to the end of the century. After I had proposed the paradigm method to help interpret the ecological history of brachiopods, my students developed it in relation to that and other invertebrate phyla, notably in Euan Clarkson's analysis of vision in trilobites. David Raup's computer-aided "theoretical morphology" was then combined with my functional or adaptive emphasis, in Adolf Seilacher's tripartite "constructional morphology." Stephen Jay Gould, who had strongly endorsed the method, later switched to criticizing the "adaptationist program" he claimed it embodied. Although the explicit use of paradigms in paleobiology had declined by the end of the century, the method was tacitly subsumed into functional morphology as "biomechanics."}, } @article {pmid29094992, year = {2018}, author = {Mulligan, NW and Rawson, KA and Peterson, DJ and Wissman, KT}, title = {The replicability of the negative testing effect: Differences across participant populations.}, journal = {Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition}, volume = {44}, number = {5}, pages = {752-763}, doi = {10.1037/xlm0000490}, pmid = {29094992}, issn = {1939-1285}, mesh = {Adult ; Association Learning/*physiology ; *Cues ; Humans ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/*physiology ; *Practice, Psychological ; Psychology, Experimental/*methods ; *Reading ; *Research Design ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Although memory retrieval often enhances subsequent memory, Peterson and Mulligan (2013) reported conditions under which retrieval produces poorer subsequent recall-the negative testing effect. The item-specific-relational account proposes that the effect occurs when retrieval disrupts interitem organizational processing relative to the restudy condition. Rawson et al. (2015), in contrast, failed to replicate the negative testing effect despite repeated high-powered attempts. This article examines the discrepant results, ruling out differences in procedures, and concludes that differences in participant population produced the varying outcome. Specifically, participants from the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Kent State University (KSU) completed the same version of the negative-testing paradigm and were assessed on several measures of cognitive ability (working memory capacity, Raven's progressive matrices, and SAT or ACT score). For the UNC sample, free recall scores and the amount of category clustering (a measure of organizational processing) was greater in the restudy than retrieval condition (i.e., the negative testing effect was found); for the KSU sample, there was no difference on either measure. Furthermore, in the restudy condition, recall and clustering was greater for UNC than KSU students whereas in the retrieval condition, there was no effect of site on either measure. As expected, measures of cognitive ability were greater for the UNC than KSU sample. The results indicate that the negative testing effect is replicable but is subject to limitation related to the participant population. An analysis in terms of the relationship between cognitive ability and memory predicted this pattern of results. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid29084259, year = {2017}, author = {Johnsen, A and Kearns, AM and Omland, KE and Anmarkrud, JA}, title = {Sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome of the common raven Corvus corax (Aves: Corvidae) confirms mitogenome-wide deep lineages and a paraphyletic relationship with the Chihuahuan raven C. cryptoleucus.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {e0187316}, pmid = {29084259}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/classification/*genetics ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Previous studies based on single mitochondrial markers have shown that the common raven (Corvus corax) consists of two highly diverged lineages that are hypothesised to have undergone speciation reversal upon secondary contact. Furthermore, common ravens are paraphyletic with respect to the Chihuahuan raven (C. cryptoleucus) based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here we explore the causes of mtDNA paraphyly by sequencing whole mitochondrial genomes of 12 common ravens from across the Northern Hemisphere, in addition to three Chihuahuan ravens and one closely related brown-necked raven (C. ruficollis) using a long-range PCR protocol. Our raven mitogenomes ranged between 16925-16928 bp in length. GC content varied from 43.3% to 43.8% and the 13 protein coding genes, two rRNAs and 22 tRNAs followed a standard avian mitochondrial arrangement. The overall divergence between the two common raven clades was 3% (range 0.3-5.8% in 16 regions including the protein coding genes, rRNAs and the control region). Phylogenies constructed from whole mitogenomes recovered the previously found mitochondrial sister relationship between the common raven California clade and the Chihuahuan raven (overall divergence 1.1%), which strengthens the hypothesis that mtDNA paraphyly in the common raven results from speciation reversal of previously distinct Holarctic and California lineages.}, } @article {pmid29081434, year = {2017}, author = {Herzberg, D}, title = {Entitled to Addiction?: Pharmaceuticals, Race, and America's First Drug War.}, journal = {Bulletin of the history of medicine}, volume = {91}, number = {3}, pages = {586-623}, pmid = {29081434}, issn = {1086-3176}, support = {G13 LM012050/LM/NLM NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Drug and Narcotic Control/*history/legislation & jurisprudence ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Racism/*history ; Substance-Related Disorders/*history/psychology ; United States ; United States Food and Drug Administration/*history/organization & administration ; }, abstract = {This article rethinks the formative decades of American drug wars through a social history of addiction to pharmaceutical narcotics, sedatives, and stimulants in the first half of the twentieth century. It argues, first, that addiction to pharmaceutical drugs is no recent aberration; it has historically been more extensive than "street" or illicit drug use. Second, it argues that access to psychoactive pharmaceuticals was a problematic social entitlement constructed as distinctively medical amid the racialized reforms of the Progressive Era. The resulting drug control regime provided inadequate consumer protection for some (through the FDA), and overly punitive policing for others (through the FBN). Instead of seeing these as two separate stories-one a liberal triumph and the other a repressive scourge-both should be understood as part of the broader establishment of a consumer market for drugs segregated by class and race like other consumer markets developed in the era of Progressivism and Jim Crow.}, } @article {pmid29078034, year = {2018}, author = {Hill, SD and Aryal, A and Pawley, MDM and Ji, W}, title = {So much for the city: Urban-rural song variation in a widespread Asiatic songbird.}, journal = {Integrative zoology}, volume = {13}, number = {2}, pages = {194-205}, doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.12284}, pmid = {29078034}, issn = {1749-4877}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Asia ; Cities ; Male ; Noise ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Song plays a fundamental role in intraspecific communication in songbirds. The temporal and structural components of songs can vary in different habitats. These include urban habitats where anthropogenic sounds and alteration of habitat structure can significantly affect songbird vocal behavior. Urban-rural variations in song complexity, song length and syllable rate are not fully understood. In this study, using the oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) as a model, we investigated urban-rural variation in song complexity, song length, syllable rate, syllable length and inter-syllable interval. Comparing urban and rural songs from 7 countries across its natural Asiatic range (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand), we found no significant differences in oriental magpie-robin song complexity. However, we found significant differences in temporal song variables between urban and rural sites. Longer songs and inter-syllable intervals in addition to slower syllable rates within urban sites contributed the most to this variance. This indicates that the urban environment may have driven production of longer and slower songs to maximize efficient transmission of important song information in urban habitats.}, } @article {pmid29074881, year = {2017}, author = {Scasta, JD and Stam, B and Windh, JL}, title = {Rancher-reported efficacy of lethal and non-lethal livestock predation mitigation strategies for a suite of carnivores.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {14105}, pmid = {29074881}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; *Carnivora ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; *Livestock ; *Predatory Behavior ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {Pastoralists have dealt with livestock losses from predators for millennia, yet effective mitigation strategies that balance wildlife conservation and sustainable agriculture are still needed today. In Wyoming, USA, 274 ranchers responded to a retrospective survey, and rated the efficacy of predation mitigation strategies for foxes, dogs, coyotes, wolves, bobcats, mountain lions, bears, and birds (buzzards, eagles, hawks, ravens). Rancher reported efficacy of mitigation varied by predator species, mitigation strategy, and lethality of strategies, but not livestock type. Ranchers perceive they were most effective at mitigating predation by foxes and coyotes, moderately effective at mitigating large carnivores, and the least effective at mitigating birds. Ranchers also reported that avian predators seem to be the most challenging predator type. The general perception was lethal mitigation strategies were more effective than non-lethal strategies, with guard animals showing the most potential among the non-lethal options. In general, ranchers did not perceive non-lethal strategies as a proxy for lethal strategies. However, a few ranchers reported being successful with non-lethal options such as herding, fencing, and stalling at night but more details about such successful applications are needed. Innovation in current or novel non-lethal mitigation strategies, and examples of efficacy, are needed to justify producer adoption.}, } @article {pmid29065635, year = {2017}, author = {Li, X and Alemzadeh, H and Chen, D and Kalbarczyk, Z and Iyer, RK and Kesavadas, T}, title = {Surgeon Training in Telerobotic Surgery via a Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator.}, journal = {Journal of healthcare engineering}, volume = {2017}, number = {}, pages = {6702919}, pmid = {29065635}, issn = {2040-2295}, mesh = {Algorithms ; Clinical Competence ; Computers ; Equipment Design ; Feedback ; Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/*education/instrumentation ; *Simulation Training ; Software ; Surgeons/*education ; *Telemedicine ; *User-Computer Interface ; Virtual Reality ; }, abstract = {This work presents a software and hardware framework for a telerobotic surgery safety and motor skill training simulator. The aims are at providing trainees a comprehensive simulator for acquiring essential skills to perform telerobotic surgery. Existing commercial robotic surgery simulators lack features for safety training and optimal motion planning, which are critical factors in ensuring patient safety and efficiency in operation. In this work, we propose a hardware-in-the-loop simulator directly introducing these two features. The proposed simulator is built upon the Raven-II™ open source surgical robot, integrated with a physics engine and a safety hazard injection engine. Also, a Fast Marching Tree-based motion planning algorithm is used to help trainee learn the optimal instrument motion patterns. The main contributions of this work are (1) reproducing safety hazards events, related to da Vinci™ system, reported to the FDA MAUDE database, with a novel haptic feedback strategy to provide feedback to the operator when the underlying dynamics differ from the real robot's states so that the operator will be aware and can mitigate the negative impact of the safety-critical events, and (2) using motion planner to generate semioptimal path in an interactive robotic surgery training environment.}, } @article {pmid29064988, year = {2017}, author = {Rossi, AM and Eviatar, J and Green, JB and Anolik, R and Eidelman, M and Keaney, TC and Narurkar, V and Jones, D and Kolodziejczyk, J and Drinkwater, A and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Signs of Facial Aging in Men in a Diverse, Multinational Study: Timing and Preventive Behaviors.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {43 Suppl 2}, number = {}, pages = {S210-S220}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001293}, pmid = {29064988}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Esthetics ; *Face ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Photography ; Racial Groups ; *Skin Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Men are a growing patient population in aesthetic medicine and are increasingly seeking minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in the timing of facial aging and in the prevalence of preventive facial aging behaviors in men by race/ethnicity.

METHODS: Men aged 18 to 75 years in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia rated their features using photonumeric rating scales for 10 facial aging characteristics. Impact of race/ethnicity (Caucasian, black, Asian, Hispanic) on severity of each feature was assessed. Subjects also reported the frequency of dermatologic facial product use.

RESULTS: The study included 819 men. Glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, and nasolabial folds showed the greatest change with age. Caucasian men reported more severe signs of aging and earlier onset, by 10 to 20 years, compared with Asian, Hispanic, and, particularly, black men. In all racial/ethnic groups, most men did not regularly engage in basic, antiaging preventive behaviors, such as use of sunscreen.

CONCLUSION: Findings from this study conducted in a globally diverse sample may guide clinical discussions with men about the prevention and treatment of signs of facial aging, to help men of all races/ethnicities achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes.}, } @article {pmid29062203, year = {2017}, author = {Fadel, HM and Afifi, R and Al-Qabili, DM}, title = {Characterization and zoonotic impact of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli in some wild bird species.}, journal = {Veterinary world}, volume = {10}, number = {9}, pages = {1118-1128}, pmid = {29062203}, issn = {0972-8988}, abstract = {AIM: Wild birds are considered silent vectors of some zoonotic water and food borne pathogens of public health significance. Owing to the importance of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) as the most pathogenic among the emerging diarrheagenic E. coli groups that can infect man; the present study was designed to detect the occurrence of STEC among wild birds in Egypt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 177 intestinal content swab samples originating from five wild bird species were investigated for the presence of E. coli and STEC by standard culture methods. Suspect STEC isolates were further characterized by serotyping, random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD PCR), antimicrobial resistance pattern and PCR detection of stx1, stx2, and eae genes.

RESULTS: A total of 30 suspect STEC isolates from 30 positive birds' samples were detected and identified on STEC CHROMagar (semi-captive pigeons, 15; house crows, 8; cattle egrets, 3; moorhens, 2; and house teals, 2). 25 isolates were grouped into 13 serogroups (O:20, O:25, O:26, O:27, O:63, O:78, O:111, O:114, O:125, O:128, O:142, O:153, and O:158), while five were rough strains. The distribution of STEC virulence genes among wild birds was as follows: 16 birds carried stx1 gene only (nine pigeons [28.1%], six crows [7.1%], and one cattle egret [5.6%]). Stx1 and stx2 genes together were detected in four birds (one cattle egret [5.6%], two moorhens [6.1%], and one house teal, [10%]). Only one pigeon (3.1%) possessed the three alleles. Disk diffusion test results showed that cefixime was the most effective against STEC serotypes with (93.3%) sensitivity, followed by gentamycin (56.7%), and amoxicillin (50%). On the other hand, all the recovered STEC isolates were resistant to cefotaxime, doxycycline, cephalothin, and sulfisoxazole. RAPD fingerprinting using primers OPA-2 and OPA-9 showed that STEC isolates were heterogeneous; they yielded 30 and 27 different clusters, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Wild birds carry STEC and may add to the contamination of the surrounding environment.}, } @article {pmid29053429, year = {2018}, author = {Allen, CR and Mara, A and Tulman, ER and Ley, DH and Geary, SJ}, title = {HOUSE FINCH (HAEMORHOUS MEXICANUS)-ASSOCIATED MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM IDENTIFIED IN LESSER GOLDFINCH (SPINUS PSALTRIA) AND WESTERN SCRUB JAY (APHELOCOMA CALIFORNICA) USING STRAIN-SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE PCR.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {54}, number = {1}, pages = {180-185}, doi = {10.7589/2017-04-079}, pmid = {29053429}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Mycoplasma Infections/microbiology/*veterinary ; Mycoplasma gallisepticum/genetics/*isolation & purification ; *Passeriformes ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/*methods ; }, abstract = {: In 1994 Mycoplasma gallisepticum was found to be the etiologic agent of House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) conjunctivitis, a rapidly expanding epidemic caused by a genetically discrete, House Finch-associated strain of M. gallisepticum (HFMG). While most prominent in House Finches, HFMG has been reported in other members of the family Fringillidae, including American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis), Purple Finches (Haemorhous purpureus), Pine Grosbeaks (Pinicola enucleator), and Evening Grosbeaks (Coccothraustes vespertinus). Herein we report two new potential host species of HFMG strain, the Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria), belonging to the Fringillidae family, and the Western (California) Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica), belonging to the Corvidae family. The latter is one of only two reports of HFMG being found outside the Fringillidae family, and of these is the only one reported outside of captivity. Furthermore, non-HFMG M. gallisepticum was identified in an American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), indicating presence of additional strains in wild birds. Strain typing of M. gallisepticum isolates was done via HFMG-specific quantitative PCR analysis and validated using random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Our results suggested an expanded host range of HFMG strain, and further suggested that the host range of HFMG was not limited to members of the family Fringillidae.}, } @article {pmid29052057, year = {2018}, author = {Kaszab, E and Marton, S and Forró, B and Bali, K and Lengyel, G and Bányai, K and Fehér, E}, title = {Characterization of the genomic sequence of a novel CRESS DNA virus identified in Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Archives of virology}, volume = {163}, number = {1}, pages = {285-289}, doi = {10.1007/s00705-017-3598-4}, pmid = {29052057}, issn = {1432-8798}, support = {Momentum//Magyar Tudományos Akadémia/ ; Bolyai scholarship//Magyar Tudományos Akadémia/ ; Bolyai scholarship//Magyar Tudományos Akadémia/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/*virology ; DNA Viruses/*isolation & purification ; DNA, Circular ; *Genome, Viral ; Genomics/*methods ; Passeriformes/*virology ; Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {Circular replication associated protein (Rep)-encoding ssDNA (CRESS DNA) viruses have diverse genomic architecture and are widely distributed in different ecosystems. In this study we characterized the complete genomic sequence of a novel circovirus-like virus, Garrulus glandarius associated circular virus-1 (GgaCV-1). The genome size (1971 nt) and other features (the nonanucleotide, rolling circle replication motif and SF3 helicase motif) are also reminiscent of circoviruses. Similar genomes with uni-directionally localized and overlapping rep and cap genes are typical of type V CRESS DNA viruses that were identified in invertebrates and environmental samples of aquatic ecosystems. GgaCV-1 showed the highest aa identity with partial rep sequences detected in bat feces (77%) and with the rep (54%) and cap (42%) of Lake Sarah-associated circular virus-23 of New Zealand freshwater mussel origin. A dietary origin for GgaCV-1 could not be excluded as the virus was detected in the cloacal swab specimen of an Eurasian jay. Further studies may help to reveal the linkage among variable organisms regarding virus transmission.}, } @article {pmid29036268, year = {2018}, author = {Krieger, N and Jahn, JL and Waterman, PD and Chen, JT}, title = {Breast Cancer Estrogen Receptor Status According to Biological Generation: US Black and White Women Born 1915-1979.}, journal = {American journal of epidemiology}, volume = {187}, number = {5}, pages = {960-970}, doi = {10.1093/aje/kwx312}, pmid = {29036268}, issn = {1476-6256}, mesh = {Adult ; Black or African American/history/*statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian/history/statistics & numerical data ; Breast Neoplasms/*epidemiology/*ethnology/metabolism ; China/ethnology ; Female ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Racism/history/legislation & jurisprudence ; Receptors, Estrogen/*analysis ; SEER Program ; United States/epidemiology ; White People/history/*statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {Evidence suggests that contemporary population distributions of estrogen-receptor (ER) status among breast cancer patients may be shaped by earlier major societal events, such as the 1965 abolition of legal racial discrimination in the United States (state and local "Jim Crow" laws) and the Great Famine in China (1959-1961). We analyzed changes in ER status in relation to Jim Crow birthplace among the 46,417 black and 339,830 white US-born, non-Hispanic women in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 13 Registry Group who were born between 1915 and 1979 and diagnosed (ages 25-84 years, inclusive) during 1992-2012. We grouped the cases according to birth cohort and quantified the rate of change using the haldane (which scales change in relation to biological generation). The percentage of ER-positive cases rose according to birth cohort (1915-1919 to 1975-1979) only among women diagnosed before age 55. Changes according to biological generation were greater among black women than among white women, and among black women, they were greatest among those born in Jim Crow (versus non-Jim Crow) states, with this group being the only group to exhibit high haldane values (>|0.3|, indicating high rate of change). Our study's analytical approach and findings underscore the need to consider history and societal context when analyzing ER status among breast cancer patients and racial/ethnic inequities in its distribution.}, } @article {pmid29026697, year = {2017}, author = {Razdan, P and Patthi, B and Kumar, JK and Agnihotri, N and Chaudhari, P and Prasad, M}, title = {Effect of Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water on Intelligence Quotient of 12-14-Year-Old Children in Mathura District: A Cross-Sectional Study.}, journal = {Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry}, volume = {7}, number = {5}, pages = {252-258}, pmid = {29026697}, issn = {2231-0762}, abstract = {AIMS: The aim was to assess and correlate the influence of the concentration of fluoride in ingested water on the intelligence quotient (IQ) of 12-14-year-old youngsters in Mathura district.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 219 children were selected, 75 from low F area, 75 medium F area, and 69 from high F area. The concentration of fluoride in the routinely ingested water was estimated using "Ion Selective Electrode method"; then, Raven's Test was utilized to estimate the IQ of the study participants. Independent t-test, Tukey's post hoc, Chi-square an analysis of variance tests were used to associate the mean and proportion IQ scores in high-, medium-, and low-fluoride regions along with inter-group significant differences (P ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS: The comparison of IQ score showed that 35 (46.7%) participants from the high fluoride and 10 (13.3%) participants from the medium-fluoride areas had below average IQ. Further, it was noted that the lowest mean marks were obtained by the children in the high-fluoride region (13.9467) followed by those in medium (18.9467) and uppermost in least noted fluoride area (38.6087). However, gender-based intergroup comparison did not produce a significant relation with fluoride (P ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Concentration of Fluoride in the ingested water was significantly associated with the IQ of children. It has also coined the proportional variability in mental output in accordance to the ingested fluoride level. As two sides of a coin, fluoride cannot be utterly blamed for a lower intelligence in a population; it puts forward a fact that intelligence is a multifactorial variable with a strategic role played by genetics and nutrition to develop cognitive and psychosomatic activities in an individual.}, } @article {pmid29020746, year = {2017}, author = {Kole, K and Lindeboom, RGH and Baltissen, MPA and Jansen, PWTC and Vermeulen, M and Tiesinga, P and Celikel, T}, title = {Proteomic landscape of the primary somatosensory cortex upon sensory deprivation.}, journal = {GigaScience}, volume = {6}, number = {10}, pages = {1-10}, pmid = {29020746}, issn = {2047-217X}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; *Proteomics ; Sensory Deprivation/*physiology ; Somatosensory Cortex/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) powerfully shapes neural circuits by inducing long-lasting molecular changes in the brain. Molecular mechanisms of EDP have been traditionally studied by identifying single or small subsets of targets along the biochemical pathways that link synaptic receptors to nuclear processes. Recent technological advances in large-scale analysis of gene transcription and translation now allow systematic observation of thousands of molecules simultaneously. Here we employed label-free quantitative mass spectrometry to address experience-dependent changes in the proteome after sensory deprivation of the primary somatosensory cortex. Cortical column- and layer-specific tissue samples were collected from control animals, with all whiskers intact, and animals whose C-row whiskers were bilaterally plucked for 11-14 days. Thirty-three samples from cortical layers (L) 2/3 and L4 spanning across control, deprived, and first- and second-order spared columns yielded at least 10 000 peptides mapping to ∼5000 protein groups. Of these, 4676 were identified with high confidence, and >3000 were found in all samples. This comprehensive database provides a snapshot of the proteome after whisker deprivation, a protocol that has been widely used to unravel the synaptic, cellular, and network mechanisms of EDP. Complementing the recently made available transcriptome for identical experimental conditions (see the accompanying article by Kole et al.), the database can be used to (i) mine novel targets whose translation is modulated by sensory organ use, (ii) cross-validate experimental protocols from the same developmental time point, and (iii) statistically map the molecular pathways of cortical plasticity at a columnar and laminar resolution.}, } @article {pmid29020745, year = {2017}, author = {Kole, K and Komuro, Y and Provaznik, J and Pistolic, J and Benes, V and Tiesinga, P and Celikel, T}, title = {Transcriptional mapping of the primary somatosensory cortex upon sensory deprivation.}, journal = {GigaScience}, volume = {6}, number = {10}, pages = {1-6}, pmid = {29020745}, issn = {2047-217X}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Gene Expression ; Mice ; Sensory Deprivation/*physiology ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Somatosensory Cortex/*physiology ; Vibrissae/physiology ; }, abstract = {Experience-dependent plasticity (EDP) is essential for anatomical and functional maturation of sensory circuits during development. Although the principal synaptic and circuit mechanisms of EDP are increasingly well studied experimentally and computationally, its molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. EDP can be readily studied in the rodent barrel cortex, where each "barrel column" preferentially represents deflections of its own principal whisker. Depriving select whiskers while sparing their neighbours introduces competition between barrel columns, ultimately leading to weakening of intracortical, translaminar (i.e., cortical layer (L)4-to-L2/3) feed-forward excitatory projections in the deprived columns. The same synapses are potentiated in the neighbouring spared columns. These experience-dependent alterations of synaptic strength are thought to underlie somatosensory map plasticity. We used RNA sequencing in this model system to uncover cortical-column and -layer specific changes on the transcriptome level that are induced by altered sensory experience. Column- and layer-specific barrel cortical tissues were collected from juvenile mice with all whiskers intact and mice that received 11-12 days of long whisker (C-row) deprivation before high-quality RNA was purified and sequenced. The current dataset entails an average of 50 million paired-end reads per sample, 75 base pairs in length. On average, 90.15% of reads could be uniquely mapped to the mm10 reference mouse genome. The current data reveal the transcriptional changes in gene expression in the barrel cortex upon altered sensory experience in juvenile mice and will help to molecularly map the mechanisms of cortical plasticity.}, } @article {pmid29018253, year = {2017}, author = {Bakonyi, T and Erdélyi, K and Brunthaler, R and Dán, Á and Weissenböck, H and Nowotny, N}, title = {Usutu virus, Austria and Hungary, 2010-2016.}, journal = {Emerging microbes & infections}, volume = {6}, number = {10}, pages = {e85}, pmid = {29018253}, issn = {2222-1751}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Austria/epidemiology ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/pathology/*virology ; Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology/*veterinary ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; *Flavivirus/classification/isolation & purification ; Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/pathology/*veterinary ; Genome, Viral ; Hungary/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics ; }, abstract = {Usutu virus (USUV, Flaviviridae) was first reported in Europe in Austria in 2001, where it caused wild bird (mainly blackbird) mortality until 2005. Since 2006 no further USUV cases were diagnosed in the country. However, the virus emerged in other European countries (Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany and the Czech Republic) between 2005 and 2011. In 2016, widespread USUV-associated wild bird mortality was observed in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In this study, we report the results of passive monitoring for USUV in Austria and Hungary between 2010 and 2016. In Hungary, USUV caused sporadic cases of wild bird mortality between 2010 and 2015 (altogether 18 diagnosed cases), whereas in summer and autumn 2016 the number of cases considerably increased to 12 (ten blackbirds, one Eurasian jay and one starling). In Austria, USUV was identified in two blackbirds in 2016. Phylogenetic analyses of coding-complete genomes and partial regions of the NS5 protein gene revealed that USUVs from Hungary between 2010 and 2015 are closely related to the virus that emerged in Austria in 2001 and in Hungary in 2005, while one Hungarian sequence from 2015 and all sequences from Hungary and Austria from 2016 clustered together with USUV sequences reported from Italy between 2009 and 2010. The results of the study indicate continuous USUV circulation in the region and exchange of USUV strains between Italy, Austria and Hungary.Emerging Microbes &Infections (2017) 6, e85; doi:10.1038/emi.2017.72; published online 11 October 2017.}, } @article {pmid28989768, year = {2017}, author = {Lambert, ML and Schiestl, M and Schwing, R and Taylor, AH and Gajdon, GK and Slocombe, KE and Seed, AM}, title = {Function and flexibility of object exploration in kea and New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {4}, number = {9}, pages = {170652}, pmid = {28989768}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {A range of non-human animals frequently manipulate and explore objects in their environment, which may enable them to learn about physical properties and potentially form more abstract concepts of properties such as weight and rigidity. Whether animals can apply the information learned during their exploration to solve novel problems, however, and whether they actually change their exploratory behaviour to seek functional information about objects have not been fully explored. We allowed kea (Nestor notabilis) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) to explore sets of novel objects both before and after encountering a task in which some of the objects could function as tools. Following this, subjects were given test trials in which they could choose among the objects they had explored to solve a tool-use task. Several individuals from both species performed above chance on these test trials, and only did so after exploring the objects, compared with a control experiment with no prior exploration phase. These results suggest that selection of functional tools may be guided by information acquired during exploration. Neither kea nor crows changed the duration or quality of their exploration after learning that the objects had a functional relevance, suggesting that birds do not adjust their behaviour to explicitly seek this information.}, } @article {pmid28987023, year = {2018}, author = {Hong, JY and Ko, EJ and Choi, SY and Li, K and Kim, AR and Park, JO and Kim, BJ}, title = {Efficacy and safety of a novel, soluble microneedle patch for the improvement of facial wrinkle.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {235-241}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12426}, pmid = {28987023}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adenosine/therapeutic use ; Aged ; Dermal Fillers/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Elasticity/drug effects ; Eye ; Face ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Nasolabial Fold ; Needles/adverse effects ; Prospective Studies ; Rejuvenation ; Single-Blind Method ; *Skin Aging ; Skin Cream/therapeutic use ; Skin Physiological Phenomena/drug effects ; *Transdermal Patch/adverse effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Various kinds of functional cosmetics are on the market, although there are a variety of opinions concerning the actual effect. Transdermal microneedle patch has been introduced as a newly developed device for drug delivery through the skin.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to verify the face skin improvement effect and safety of a novel cosmetic microneedle patch.

METHODS: A total of 84 Korean females finished this prospective clinical trial. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: (1) soluble hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedle patch alone, (2) soluble HA microneedle patch plus adenosine wrinkle cream, and (3) adenosine wrinkle cream alone. The treatments were applied to the crow's feet and nasolabial fold wrinkle for 12 weeks. The test areas were measured before treatment and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after use of the test product. At the completion of the testing period of the trial, the global assessment of efficacy and product preferences were surveyed from the subjects.

RESULTS: Combination treatment with wrinkle cream and microneedle patch significantly improved Merz scale for crow's feet and nasolabial folds, compared to the sole application of wrinkle cream or patch. Measurement on the crow's feet showed an overall improvement in all 3 groups, yielding no significant differences among the groups. No serious adverse effects were observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: Combination application of a soluble microneedle patch and wrinkle cream was an effective treatment in improving facial wrinkles, thus enhancing skin rejuvenation.}, } @article {pmid28985619, year = {2017}, author = {Abbo, BG and Hulslander, LE and Goldade, DA}, title = {Determination of 20, 25-diazacholesterol in avian matrices by high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.}, journal = {Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences}, volume = {1065-1066}, number = {}, pages = {129-133}, doi = {10.1016/j.jchromb.2017.09.028}, pmid = {28985619}, issn = {1873-376X}, mesh = {Animals ; Azacosterol/*analysis ; *Birds ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/*methods ; Contraceptive Agents/*analysis ; Limit of Detection ; Linear Models ; Liver/chemistry ; Pest Control ; Reproducibility of Results ; Solid Phase Extraction/methods ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/*methods ; Tissue Distribution ; }, abstract = {Wildlife contraceptives are an emerging tool for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. One promising avian contraceptive compound, 20,25-diazacholesterol (DAC), reduces fertility by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. A reliable analytical method for DAC was required in support of its registration for use as a reproductive control agent in pest bird species. A liquid chromatographic method employing tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the analysis of tissue extracts following solid phase extraction clean-up. Tissues analyzed were whole body samples from crows, monk parakeets, and quails and liver samples from crows and quails. Excellent sensitivity and selectivity was afforded by tandem mass spectrometry. The method accuracy of DAC from various tissue samples fortified at parts-per-million (ppm) and parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations was high (>90%) with excellent precision (<10% relative standard deviation). Lower limits of detection were excellent in all tissues types, ranging from 1 to 11ppb in whole body matrices and 9.9-34ppb in liver matrices.}, } @article {pmid28978738, year = {2017}, author = {Ręk, P and Magrath, RD}, title = {Deceptive vocal duets and multimodal display in a songbird.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {284}, number = {1864}, pages = {}, pmid = {28978738}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Australian Capital Territory ; Female ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; *Territoriality ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Many group-living animals cooperatively signal to defend resources, but what stops deceptive signalling to competitors about coalition strength? Cooperative-signalling species include mated pairs of birds that sing duets to defend their territory. Individuals of these species sometimes sing 'pseudo-duets' by mimicking their partner's contribution, but it is unknown if these songs are deceptive, or why duets are normally reliable. We studied pseudo-duets in Australian magpie-larks, Grallina cyanoleuca, and tested whether multimodal signalling constrains deception. Magpie-larks give antiphonal duets coordinated with a visual display, with each sex typically choosing a different song type within the duet. Individuals produced pseudo-duets almost exclusively during nesting when partners were apart, but the two song types were used in sequence rather than antiphonally. Strikingly, birds hid and gave no visual displays, implying deceptive suppression of information. Acoustic playbacks showed that pseudo-duets provoked the same response from residents as true duets, regardless of whether they were sequential or antiphonal, and stronger response than that to true duets consisting of a single song type. By contrast, experiments with robot models showed that songs accompanied by movements of two birds prompted stronger responses than songs accompanied by movements of one bird, irrespective of the number of song types or singers. We conclude that magpie-larks used deceptive pseudo-duets when partners were apart, and suppressed the visual display to maintain the subterfuge. We suggest that the visual component of many species' duets provides the most reliable information about the number of signallers and may have evolved to maintain honesty in duet communication.}, } @article {pmid28974636, year = {2017}, author = {Maartens, A}, title = {An interview with Jayaraj Rajagopal.}, journal = {Development (Cambridge, England)}, volume = {144}, number = {19}, pages = {3389-3391}, doi = {10.1242/dev.158220}, pmid = {28974636}, issn = {1477-9129}, mesh = {Animals ; Developmental Biology/*history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Stem Cell Research ; }, abstract = {Jayaraj (Jay) Rajagopal is a Principal Investigator at the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. A Howard Hughes Medical Institute Faculty Scholar, his lab works on the development and regeneration of the lung. He uses stem cell and animal models to develop novel insights that hopefully will provide inspiration for therapies to help treat human lung disease. He was awarded the Dr Susan Lim Award for Outstanding Young Investigator at the 2017 International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) meeting in Boston (MA,USA), where we met him to talk about how a fish tank started a life-long fascination with the lung, the transition to running his own lab, and his optimism for the future of both basic stem cell research and its clinical translation.}, } @article {pmid28971040, year = {2017}, author = {Jo, SY and Hwang, JW and Pyun, SB}, title = {Relationship Between Cognitive Function and Dysphagia After Stroke.}, journal = {Annals of rehabilitation medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {4}, pages = {564-572}, pmid = {28971040}, issn = {2234-0645}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of cognitive deficits in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, and to analyze the relationships between cognitive dysfunction and severity of dysphagia in supratentorial stroke.

METHODS: A total of 55 patients with first-ever supratentorial lesion stroke were enrolled retrospectively, within 3 months of onset. We rated dysphagia from 0 (normal) to 4 (severe) using the dysphagia severity scale (DSS) through clinical examinations and videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). The subjects were classified either as non-dysphagic (scale 0) or dysphagic (scale 1 to 4). We compared general characteristics, stroke severity and the functional scores of the two groups. We then performed comprehensive cognitive function tests and investigated the differences in cognitive performance between the two groups, and analyzed the correlation between cognitive test scores, DSS, and parameters of oral and pharyngeal phase.

RESULTS: Fugl-Meyer motor assessment, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index showed significant differences between the two groups. Cognitive test scores for the dysphagia group were significantly lower than the non-dysphagia group. Significant correlations were shown between dysphagia severity and certain cognitive subtest scores: visual span backward (p=0.039), trail making tests A (p=0.042) and B (p=0.002), and Raven progressive matrices (p=0.002). The presence of dysphagia was also significantly correlated with cognitive subtests, in particular for visual attention and executive attention (odds ratio [OR]=1.009; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.016; p=0.017). Parameters of premature loss were also significantly correlated with the same subtests (OR=1.009; 95% CI, 1.002-1.016; p=0.017).

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that cognitive function is associated with the presence and severity of post-stroke dysphagia. Above all, visual attention and executive functions may have meaningful influence on the oral phase of swallowing in stroke patients with supratentorial lesions.}, } @article {pmid28968822, year = {2017}, author = {McPhatter, LP and Su, T and Williams, G and Cheng, ML and Dhillon, M and Gerry, AC}, title = {Host-Feeding Patterns of Culex stigmatosoma (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southern California.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {54}, number = {6}, pages = {1750-1757}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjx154}, pmid = {28968822}, issn = {1938-2928}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; California ; Cattle ; Cities ; *Culex ; Dogs ; Ecosystem ; Feeding Behavior ; Humans ; }, abstract = {Knowledge of the blood-feeding patterns exhibited by arthropod vectors is essential for understanding the complex dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission. Some species of mosquitoes belonging to the genus Culex have been implicated as having major roles in the transmission of arboviruses such as West Nile virus, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and Western equine encephalitis virus. Although the host-feeding patterns for many of these Culex species are well studied, the host-feeding patterns of Culex stigmatosoma Dyar are relatively poorly studied, even though this species is suspected to be an important maintenance vector for West Nile virus and other arboviruses. In the current study, bloodmeals from 976 blood-engorged Cx. stigmatosoma, collected from 30 sites in southern California from 2009-2012, were processed for vertebrate host identification by nucleotide sequencing following polymerase chain reaction to amplify portions of the cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b genes of vertebrate animals. Vertebrate DNA was amplified, sequenced, and identified from a total of 647 Cx. stigmatosoma bloodmeals, revealing that 98.6% of bloodmeals were from birds, 1.2% from three mammal species, and a single bloodmeal was from a reptile species. In total, 40 different host species were identified. The greatest number of bloodmeals identified was from domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus L.) (38% of bloodmeals), house sparrow (Passer domesticus L.) (23%), house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus Müller) (17%), American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos L.) (4%), and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura L.) (3%). However, chicken bloodmeals were identified almost entirely from a single site where mosquito collection devices were placed in the near vicinity of confined domestic chickens. The strongly ornithophilic feeding behavior shown in this study for Cx. stigmatosoma supports the hypothesis that this mosquito species may be an important maintenance (or endemic) vector for arboviruses that circulate among susceptible birds.}, } @article {pmid28968179, year = {2017}, author = {Krawiec, M and Woźniak-Biel, A and Bednarski, M and Wieliczko, A}, title = {Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Genotypic Characteristic of Campylobacter spp. Isolates from Free-Living Birds in Poland.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {17}, number = {11}, pages = {755-763}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2017.2116}, pmid = {28968179}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*microbiology ; *Birds ; Campylobacter/*drug effects/*genetics ; Campylobacter Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Poland/epidemiology ; }, abstract = {Campylobacter spp. is the most commonly reported, bacterial cause of human foodborne infection worldwide. Commercial poultry and free-living birds are natural reservoirs of three particular species: Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility of 43 Campylobacter strains, obtained from free-living birds, in Poland. In total, 700 birds were examined. The strains were isolated from 43 birds (6.14%) from the feces of 7 wild bird species: Mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos (29 positive/121 tested), great cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (5/77), velvet scoters Melanitta fusca (4/30), tawny owls Strix aluco (2/5), common buzzard Buteo buteo (1/3), rook Corvus frugilegus (1/6), and Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus (1/30). Thirty-eight (88.37%) of obtained strains belonged to C. jejuni and five (11.63%) to C. coli. Other 428 examined birds from different bird species were Campylobacter negative. The antimicrobial susceptibility to nine antimicrobials was also studied in investigated isolates of Campylobacter spp. Sixteen of the examined strains (37.21% of all positive samples) showed susceptibility to all of the nine antimicrobials. Moreover, the prevalence of selected virulence genes, such as flaA, cadF, ceuE, virB11, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC were all analyzed. The virulence gene that was found most frequently in total number of Campylobacter strains was ceuE (72.10%) and other genes, such as flaA, cadF, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC, were found in over 60% of all examined strains. Variable antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of different virulence genes of examined strains, isolated from free-living birds, suggest that special attention should be given to wild birds and any potential approaches to the control of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter should be discussed.}, } @article {pmid28966011, year = {2017}, author = {Nic Lughadha, E and Bachman, SP and Govaerts, R}, title = {Plant States and Fates: Response to Pimm and Raven.}, journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution}, volume = {32}, number = {12}, pages = {887-889}, doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2017.09.005}, pmid = {28966011}, issn = {1872-8383}, mesh = {*Plants ; }, } @article {pmid28963599, year = {2017}, author = {Stanton, L and Davis, E and Johnson, S and Gilbert, A and Benson-Amram, S}, title = {Adaptation of the Aesop's Fable paradigm for use with raccoons (Procyon lotor): considerations for future application in non-avian and non-primate species.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1147-1152}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-017-1129-z}, pmid = {28963599}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Cognition ; Female ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Raccoons/*psychology ; Reward ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {To gain a better understanding of the evolution of animal cognition, it is necessary to test and compare the cognitive abilities of a broad array of taxa. Meaningful inter-species comparisons are best achieved by employing universal paradigms that standardize testing among species. Many cognitive paradigms, however, have been tested in only a few taxa, mostly birds and primates. One such example, known as the Aesop's Fable paradigm, is designed to assess causal understanding in animals using water displacement. To evaluate the universal effectiveness of the Aesop's Fable paradigm, we applied this paradigm to a previously untested taxon, the raccoon (Procyon lotor). We first trained captive raccoons to drop stones into a tube of water to retrieve a floating food reward. Next, we presented successful raccoons with objects that differed in the amount of water they displaced to determine whether raccoons could select the most functional option. Raccoons performed differently than corvids and human children did in previous studies of Aesop's Fable, and we found raccoons to be innovative in many aspects of this task. We suggest that raccoon performance in this paradigm reflected differences in tangential factors, such as behavior, morphology, and testing procedures, rather than cognitive deficiencies. We also present insight into previously undocumented challenges that should better inform future Aesop's Fable studies incorporating more diverse taxa.}, } @article {pmid28953940, year = {2017}, author = {Lee, SI and Lee, H and Jablonski, PG and Choe, JC and Husby, M}, title = {Microbial abundance on the eggs of a passerine bird and related fitness consequences between urban and rural habitats.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {e0185411}, pmid = {28953940}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Climate ; Colony Count, Microbial ; *Ecosystem ; Eggs/*microbiology ; Passeriformes/*microbiology/physiology ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, abstract = {Urban environments present novel and challenging habitats to wildlife. In addition to well-known difference in abiotic factors between rural and urban environments, the biotic environment, including microbial fauna, may also differ significantly. In this study, we aimed to compare the change in microbial abundance on eggshells during incubation between urban and rural populations of a passerine bird, the Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica), and examine the consequences of any differences in microbial abundances in terms of hatching success and nestling survival. Using real-time PCR, we quantified the abundances of total bacteria, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., surfactin-producing Bacillus spp. and Candida albicans on the eggshells of magpies. We found that urban magpie eggs harboured greater abundances of E. coli/Shigella spp. and C. albicans before incubation than rural magpie eggs. During incubation, there was an increase in the total bacterial load, but a decrease in C. albicans on urban eggs relative to rural eggs. Rural eggs showed a greater increase in E. coli/Shigella spp. relative to their urban counterpart. Hatching success of the brood was generally lower in urban than rural population. Nestling survival was differentially related with the eggshell microbial abundance between urban and rural populations, which was speculated to be the result of the difference in the strength of the interaction among the microbes. This is the first demonstration that avian clutches in urban and rural populations differ in eggshell microbial abundance, which can be further related to the difference in hatching success and nestling survival in these two types of environments. We suggest that future studies on the eggshell microbes should investigate the interaction among the microbes, because the incubation and/or environmental factors such as urbanization or climate condition can influence the dynamic interactions among the microbes on the eggshells which can further determine the breeding success of the parents.}, } @article {pmid28946631, year = {2017}, author = {Neary, J and Goodwin, SE and Cohen, LB and Neuman, MG}, title = {Alcohol Misuse Link to POEMS Syndrome in a Patient.}, journal = {Cancers}, volume = {9}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {28946631}, issn = {2072-6694}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Previously called Crow-Fukase syndrome, POEMS syndrome is characterized by poly-neuropathy, osteo-sclerotic myeloma, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes. Extremely elevated levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are characteristic of the syndrome. Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections can also be present in POEMS. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is not well understood. The link between chronic alcohol consumption and this malignant condition has not been reported until now. In addition, no previous study has evaluated the influence of cytokine and chemokines or viruses in the severity and evolution of POEMS.

OBJECTIVES: (1) to describe a heavy-alcohol user, who was diagnosed with POEMS; (2) to demonstrate the utility of quantitative measurement of serum levels of VEGF in the diagnosis of POEMS and the monitoring of therapeutic interventions; (3) to demonstrate that overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a characteristic of POEMS.

METHODS: We describe a case of a POEMS patient presenting HCV and who is a heavy drinker; we compare the serum levels of cytokines and chemokines between the POEMS patient with 80 patients with HCV, 12 healthy controls, and 80 individuals with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We quantified (ELISA pg/mL) the levels of VEGF, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Regulated-upon-Activation Normal-T-cell-Expressed and presumably-Secreted (RANTES), and Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NFκB).

RESULTS: In POEMS patients, VEGF levels were elevated versus control or other diseases, TNFα levels were higher versus control, but lower when compared with HCV or ALD patients. VEGF levels in POEMS patients decreased with therapeutic intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: Chronic alcohol misuse can be a strong risk factor to rare malignancies such as POEMS syndrome. Extreme elevation of VEGF levels is diagnostic for POEMS syndrome, and should be followed to assess response to therapy. In addition, other comorbidities should be considered individually to ensure personalized therapeutic intervention.}, } @article {pmid28940309, year = {2017}, author = {Gone, JP}, title = {"It Felt Like Violence": Indigenous Knowledge Traditions and the Postcolonial Ethics of Academic Inquiry and Community Engagement.}, journal = {American journal of community psychology}, volume = {60}, number = {3-4}, pages = {353-360}, doi = {10.1002/ajcp.12183}, pmid = {28940309}, issn = {1573-2770}, mesh = {Community Participation ; Disclosure/*ethics ; *Ethics, Research ; Humans ; *Indians, North American ; *Knowledge ; Psychology/*ethics ; Violence ; }, abstract = {In a 2014 presentation at an academic conference featuring an American Indian community audience, I critically engaged the assumptions and commitments of Indigenous Research Methodologies. These methodologies have been described as approaches and procedures for conducting research that stem from long-subjugated Indigenous epistemologies (or "ways of knowing"). In my presentation, I described a Crow Indian religious tradition known as a skull medicine as an example of an indigenous way of knowing, referring to a historical photograph of a skull medicine bundle depicted on an accompanying slide. This occasioned consternation among many in attendance, some of whom later asserted that it was unethical for me to have presented this information because of Indigenous cultural proscriptions against publicizing sacred knowledge and photographing sacred objects. This ethical challenge depends on enduring religious sensibilities in Northern Plains Indian communities, as embedded within a postcolonial political critique concerning the accession of sacred objects by Euro-American collectors during the early 20th century. I complicate these ethical claims by considering competing goods that are valued by community psychologists, ultimately acknowledging that the associated ethical challenge resists resolution in terms that would be acceptable to diverse constituencies.}, } @article {pmid28931706, year = {2017}, author = {Zinman, B and Skyler, JS and Riddle, MC and Ferrannini, E}, title = {Diabetes Research and Care Through the Ages.}, journal = {Diabetes care}, volume = {40}, number = {10}, pages = {1302-1313}, doi = {10.2337/dci17-0042}, pmid = {28931706}, issn = {1935-5548}, mesh = {California ; Congresses as Topic ; Diabetes Mellitus/*diet therapy/*drug therapy ; Diet ; *Disease Management ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/blood/therapeutic use ; Insulin/blood/therapeutic use ; *Research Design ; Societies, Medical ; }, abstract = {As has been well established, the Diabetes Care journal's most visible signature event is the Diabetes Care Symposium held each year during the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions. Held this past year on 10 June 2017 in San Diego, California, at the 77th Scientific Sessions, this event has become one of the most attended sessions during the Scientific Sessions. Each year, in order to continue to have the symposium generate interest, we revise the format and content of this event. For this past year, our 6th annual symposium, I felt it was time to provide a comprehensive overview of our efforts in diabetes care to determine, first and foremost, how we arrived at our current state of management. I also felt the narrative needed to include the current status of management, especially with a focus toward cardiovascular disease, and finally, we wanted to ask what the future holds. Toward this goal, I asked four of the most noted experts in the world to provide their opinion on this topic. The symposium started with a very thoughtful presentation by Dr. Jay Skyler entitled "A Look Back as to How We Got Here." That was followed by two lectures on current concepts by Dr. Bernard Zinman entitled "Current Treatment Paradigms Today-How Well Are We Doing?" and by Dr. Matthew Riddle entitled "Evolving Concepts and Future Directions for Cardiovascular Outcomes Trials." The final lecture for the symposium was delivered by Dr. Ele Ferrannini and was entitled "What Does the Future Hold?" As always, a well-attended and well-received symposium is now the norm for our signature event and our efforts were rewarded by the enthusiasm of the attendees. This narrative summarizes the lectures held at the symposium.-William T. CefaluChief Scientific, Medical & Mission Officer, American Diabetes Association.}, } @article {pmid28929247, year = {2017}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Krasheninnikova, A and O'Neill, L and van de Weijer, J and Osvath, M and von Bayern, AMP}, title = {Are parrots poor at motor self-regulation or is the cylinder task poor at measuring it?.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1137-1146}, pmid = {28929247}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Female ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Male ; Parrots/*physiology ; Psychomotor Performance ; Research Design ; *Self-Control ; }, abstract = {The ability to inhibit unproductive motor responses triggered by salient stimuli is a fundamental inhibitory skill. Such motor self-regulation is thought to underlie more complex cognitive mechanisms, like self-control. Recently, a large-scale study, comparing 36 species, found that absolute brain size best predicted competence in motor inhibition, with great apes as the best performers. This was challenged when three Corvus species (corvids) were found to parallel great apes despite having much smaller absolute brain sizes. However, new analyses suggest that it is the number of pallial neurons, and not absolute brain size per se, that correlates with levels of motor inhibition. Both studies used the cylinder task, a detour-reaching test where food is presented behind a transparent barrier. We tested four species from the order Psittaciformes (parrots) on this task. Like corvids, many parrots have relatively large brains, high numbers of pallial neurons, and solve challenging cognitive tasks. Nonetheless, parrots performed markedly worse than the Corvus species in the cylinder task and exhibited strong learning effects in performance and response times. Our results suggest either that parrots are poor at controlling their motor impulses, and hence that pallial neuronal numbers do not always correlate with such skills, or that the widely used cylinder task may not be a good measure of motor inhibition.}, } @article {pmid28927634, year = {2017}, author = {Redshaw, J and Taylor, AH and Suddendorf, T}, title = {Flexible Planning in Ravens?.}, journal = {Trends in cognitive sciences}, volume = {21}, number = {11}, pages = {821-822}, doi = {10.1016/j.tics.2017.09.001}, pmid = {28927634}, issn = {1879-307X}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Reward ; }, abstract = {Across two different contexts, Kabadayi and Osvath found that ravens preferentially selected items that could be used to obtain future rewards. Do these results demand a rethink of the evolution of flexible planning, or are there leaner alternative explanations for the performance of ravens?}, } @article {pmid28925618, year = {2017}, author = {Oldham, KT}, title = {In memoriam: Jay L. Grosfeld, MD, FACS, champion for pediatric surgery patients.}, journal = {Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons}, volume = {102}, number = {1}, pages = {73-74}, pmid = {28925618}, issn = {0002-8045}, mesh = {General Surgery/*history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Pediatrics/*history ; United States ; }, } @article {pmid28922382, year = {2017}, author = {Canestrari, D and Bolopo, D and Turlings, TCJ and Röder, G and Marcos, JM and Baglione, V}, title = {Formal comment to Soler et al.: Great spotted cuckoo nestlings have no antipredatory effect on magpie or carrion crow host nests in southern Spain.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {9}, pages = {e0184446}, pmid = {28922382}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; Crows ; Nesting Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; Spain ; }, } @article {pmid28918225, year = {2017}, author = {Ren, X and Schweizer, K and Wang, T and Chu, P and Gong, Q}, title = {On the relationship between executive functions of working memory and components derived from fluid intelligence measures.}, journal = {Acta psychologica}, volume = {180}, number = {}, pages = {79-87}, doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2017.09.002}, pmid = {28918225}, issn = {1873-6297}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Inhibition, Psychological ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The aim of the current study is to provide new insights into the relationship between executive functions and intelligence measures in considering the item-position effect observed in intelligence items. Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) and Horn's LPS reasoning test were used to assess fluid intelligence which served as criterion in investigating the relationship between intelligence and executive functions. A battery of six experimental tasks measured the updating, shifting, and inhibition processes of executive functions. Data were collected from 205 university students. Fluid intelligence showed substantial correlations with the updating and inhibition processes and no correlation with the shifting process without considering the item-position effect. Next, the fixed-link model was applied to APM and LPS data separately to decompose them into an ability component and an item-position component. The results of relating the components to executive functions showed that the updating and shifting processes mainly contributed to the item-position component whereas the inhibition process was mainly associated with the ability component of each fluid intelligence test. These findings suggest that improvements in the efficiency of updating and shifting processes are likely to occur during the course of completing intelligence measures and inhibition is important for intelligence in general.}, } @article {pmid28914409, year = {2018}, author = {Despinoy, F and Zemiti, N and Forestier, G and Sánchez, A and Jannin, P and Poignet, P}, title = {Evaluation of contactless human-machine interface for robotic surgical training.}, journal = {International journal of computer assisted radiology and surgery}, volume = {13}, number = {1}, pages = {13-24}, pmid = {28914409}, issn = {1861-6429}, mesh = {Gestures ; Humans ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/*education/methods ; *User-Computer Interface ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Teleoperated robotic systems are nowadays routinely used for specific interventions. Benefits of robotic training courses have already been acknowledged by the community since manipulation of such systems requires dedicated training. However, robotic surgical simulators remain expensive and require a dedicated human-machine interface.

METHODS: We present a low-cost contactless optical sensor, the Leap Motion, as a novel control device to manipulate the RAVEN-II robot. We compare peg manipulations during a training task with a contact-based device, the electro-mechanical Sigma.7. We perform two complementary analyses to quantitatively assess the performance of each control method: a metric-based comparison and a novel unsupervised spatiotemporal trajectory clustering.

RESULTS: We show that contactless control does not offer as good manipulability as the contact-based. Where part of the metric-based evaluation presents the mechanical control better than the contactless one, the unsupervised spatiotemporal trajectory clustering from the surgical tool motions highlights specific signature inferred by the human-machine interfaces.

CONCLUSIONS: Even if the current implementation of contactless control does not overtake manipulation with high-standard mechanical interface, we demonstrate that using the optical sensor complete control of the surgical instruments is feasible. The proposed method allows fine tracking of the trainee's hands in order to execute dexterous laparoscopic training gestures. This work is promising for development of future human-machine interfaces dedicated to robotic surgical training systems.}, } @article {pmid28905251, year = {2017}, author = {Brecht, KF and Wagener, L and Ostojić, L and Clayton, NS and Nieder, A}, title = {Comparing the face inversion effect in crows and humans.}, journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology}, volume = {203}, number = {12}, pages = {1017-1027}, pmid = {28905251}, issn = {1432-1351}, support = {NI 618/7-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Facial Recognition/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Humans show impaired recognition of faces that are presented upside down, a phenomenon termed face inversion effect, which is thought to reflect the special relevance of faces for humans. Here, we investigated whether a phylogenetically distantly related avian species, the carrion crow, with similar socio-cognitive abilities to human and non-human primates, exhibits a face inversion effect. In a delayed matching-to-sample task, two crows had to differentiate profiles of crow faces as well as matched controls, presented both upright and inverted. Because crows can discriminate humans based on their faces, we also assessed the face inversion effect using human faces. Both crows performed better with crow faces than with human faces and performed worse when responding to inverted pictures in general compared to upright pictures. However, neither of the crows showed a face inversion effect. For comparative reasons, the tests were repeated with human subjects. As expected, humans showed a face-specific inversion effect. Therefore, we did not find any evidence that crows-like humans-process faces as a special visual stimulus. Instead, individual recognition in crows may be based on cues other than a conspecific's facial profile, such as their body, or on processing of local features rather than holistic processing.}, } @article {pmid28901322, year = {2017}, author = {Hou, Y and Zhao, X and Chen, J and Zhou, J and Chen, W and Mao, H and Chen, R}, title = {Effects of Macrothele raven venom on intrarenal invasion and metastasis of H22 liver cancer cells in mice.}, journal = {Journal of cancer research and therapeutics}, volume = {13}, number = {4}, pages = {725-729}, doi = {10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_1286_16}, pmid = {28901322}, issn = {1998-4138}, mesh = {Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects ; Arachnida/chemistry ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/*drug therapy/genetics/pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation/*drug effects ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms/*drug therapy/pathology ; Mice ; Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics ; Venoms/*administration & dosage/chemistry ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its insensitivity to chemotherapy are the main causes of poor prognosis in patients with HCC. This study investigated the anti-cancer effect of Macrothele raveni venom on intrarenal metastatic HCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subrenal capsule xenograft model of HCC was established by inoculation of H22 liver cancer cells.

RESULTS: The general health, histology, and molecular changes were observed after administering 10 times of different dose of Macrothele raven venom injections. A volume of 0.8 μg/ml and 1.0 μg/ml of Macrothele raven venom significantly improved general health status in mice with subrenal capsule HCC tumors. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that Macrothele raven venom dose-dependently reduced invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells in the kidney. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that Macrothele raven venom injection dose-dependently decreased PI3K mRNA and protein, Akt protein, and mTOR mRNA expression, but increased Bad mRNA and protein expression in the kidney with H22 tumor cell invasion. 0.8 μg/ml is the most effective dose for the treatment of intrarenal metastatic HCC.

CONCLUSIONS: Macrothele raven venom dose-dependently inhibits invasion and metastasis of intrarenal metastatic HCC through inhibition of PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling and increase of Bad expression.}, } @article {pmid28899382, year = {2017}, author = {Schmid, S and Fachet, K and Dinkel, A and Mackenstedt, U and Woog, F}, title = {Carrion crows (Corvus corone) of southwest Germany: important hosts for haemosporidian parasites.}, journal = {Malaria journal}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {369}, pmid = {28899382}, issn = {1475-2875}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; *Crows ; DNA, Protozoan/analysis ; Female ; Germany/epidemiology ; Haemosporida/classification/*isolation & purification ; Male ; *Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; Prevalence ; Protozoan Infections, Animal/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) and other Haemosporida (Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon spp.) form a diverse group of vector-transmitted blood parasites that are abundant in many bird families. Recent studies have suggested that corvids may be an important host for Plasmodium spp. and Leucocytozoon spp.

METHODS: To investigate the diversity of Haemosporida of resident carrion crows (Corvus corone) and Eurasian Magpies (Pica pica) in southwest Germany, 100 liver samples of corvids were examined using a nested PCR method to amplify a 1063 bp fragment of the haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The phylogenetic relationship of parasite lineages obtained from these birds was inferred.

RESULTS: Haemosporidian DNA was detected in 85 carrion crows (89.5%) and in all five Eurasian Magpies. The most abundant parasite genus was Leucocytozoon with a prevalence of 85.3% (n = 95). 65.3% of the samples (n = 62) contained multiple infections. Thirteen haemosporidian lineages were isolated from the corvid samples. Female carrion crows were more likely infected with haemosporidian parasites than males.

DISCUSSION: This study provides the first insight into the diversity of haemosporidian parasites of corvids in Germany. Very high prevalences were found and based on the applied diagnostic method also a high amount of multiple infections could be detected. Due to the high diversity of haemosporidian parasites found in corvids, they seem to be excellent model organisms to test species deliminations in haemosporidian parasites.}, } @article {pmid28895948, year = {2017}, author = {Marley, SA and Erbe, C and Kent, CPS}, title = {Underwater recordings of the whistles of bottlenose dolphins in Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia.}, journal = {Scientific data}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {170126}, pmid = {28895948}, issn = {2052-4463}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bottle-Nosed Dolphin ; *Vocalization, Animal ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {Dolphins use frequency-modulated whistles for a variety of social functions. Whistles vary in their characteristics according to context, such as activity state, group size, group composition, geographic location, and ambient noise levels. Therefore, comparison of whistle characteristics can be used to address numerous research questions regarding dolphin populations and behaviour. However, logistical and economic constraints on dolphin research have resulted in data collection biases, inconsistent analytical approaches, and knowledge gaps. This Data Descriptor presents an acoustic dataset of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) whistles recorded in the Fremantle Inner Harbour, Western Australia. Data were collected using an autonomous recorder and analysed using a range of acoustic measurements. Acoustic data review identified 336 whistles, which were subsequently measured for six key characteristics using Raven Pro software. Of these, 164 'high-quality' whistles were manually measured to provide an additional five acoustic characteristics. Digital files of individual whistles and corresponding measurements make this dataset available to researchers to address future questions regarding variations within and between dolphin communities.}, } @article {pmid28892233, year = {2017}, author = {Choi, SY and Kwon, HJ and Ahn, GR and Ko, EJ and Yoo, KH and Kim, BJ and Lee, C and Kim, D}, title = {Hyaluronic acid microneedle patch for the improvement of crow's feet wrinkles.}, journal = {Dermatologic therapy}, volume = {30}, number = {6}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1111/dth.12546}, pmid = {28892233}, issn = {1529-8019}, mesh = {Adult ; Cosmetic Techniques/adverse effects/*instrumentation ; Dermal Fillers/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Equipment Design ; Esthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Injections, Intradermal ; Middle Aged ; *Miniaturization ; *Needles ; Patient Satisfaction ; *Rejuvenation ; Republic of Korea ; *Skin Aging ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Hyaluronic acid (HA) has an immediate volumizing effect, due to its strong water-binding potential, and stimulates fibroblasts, causing collagen synthesis, with short- and long-term effects on wrinkle improvement. We investigated the efficacy and safety of HA microneedle patches for crow's feet wrinkles. Using a randomized spilt-face design, we compared microneedle patches with a topical application containing the same active ingredients. We enrolled 34 Korean female subjects with mild to moderate crow's feet wrinkles. The wrinkle on each side of the subject's face was randomly assigned to a HA microneedle patch or HA essence application twice a week for 8 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Skin wrinkles were measured as average roughness using replica and PRIMOS. Skin elasticity was assessed using a cutometer. Two independent blinded dermatologists evaluated the changes after treatment using the global visual wrinkle assessment score. Subjects assessed wrinkles using the subject global assessment score. Skin wrinkles were significantly reduced and skin elasticity significantly increased in both groups, although improvement was greater in the patch group at week 8 after treatment. In the primary and cumulative skin irritation tests, the HA microneedle patch did not induce any skin irritation. The HA microneedle patch is more effective than the HA essence for wrinkle improvement and is a safe and convenient without skin irritation.}, } @article {pmid28892186, year = {2017}, author = {MacCormick, MRA and Kilkenny, JJ and Walker, M and Zur Linden, A and Singh, A}, title = {Investigating the impact of innate dexterity skills and visuospatial aptitude on the performance of baseline laparoscopic skills in veterinary students.}, journal = {Veterinary surgery : VS}, volume = {46}, number = {8}, pages = {1175-1186}, doi = {10.1111/vsu.12682}, pmid = {28892186}, issn = {1532-950X}, mesh = {Adult ; *Aptitude ; Clinical Competence/*statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy/statistics & numerical data/*veterinary ; Male ; Ontario ; Pilot Projects ; *Schools, Veterinary ; Students, Health Occupations/*statistics & numerical data ; Task Performance and Analysis ; Video Games/statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To determine if manual dexterity and visuospatial skills can be used to predict baseline laparoscopic surgery skills in veterinary students.

STUDY DESIGN: Pilot study.

METHODS: Veterinary students (n = 45) from years 1-4 volunteered for this study. An hour-long electronic questionnaire was completed by participants. The first section was used to collect demographics and information about prior nonsurgical experiences. The second section included 3 tests of visuospatial skills, including the Purdue Visualization of Rotations Test, Mental Rotations Test, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test. Multiple tests were administered to assess innate dexterity, including the grooved pegboard test, indirect and direct zigzag tracking tests, and the 3Dconnexion proficiency test. Each dexterity test was performed once with the left hand and once with the right hand. The order of task performance was randomized. Basic laparoscopic skills were assessed using the validated fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) peg transfer task.

RESULTS: There was an association between left-handed grooved pegboard scores (95% CI -10046.36 to -1636.53, P-value = .008) and left-handed indirect zigzag tracking task (95% CI -35.78 to -8.20, P-value = .003) with FLS peg transfer scores. Individuals who reported playing videogames achieved higher scores on the FLS peg transfer task than those without videogame experience (95% CI 583.59 to 3509.97, P-value = .007).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that dexterity was a better predictor of baseline laparoscopic skills than visuospatial skills in veterinary students.}, } @article {pmid28886467, year = {2017}, author = {Zhang, H and Yan, C and Zhang, X and Shi, J and Zhu, B}, title = {The relationship between fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness in 7-to-14-year-old children.}, journal = {Consciousness and cognition}, volume = {55}, number = {}, pages = {172-178}, doi = {10.1016/j.concog.2017.08.003}, pmid = {28886467}, issn = {1090-2376}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention/*physiology ; Child ; Child Development/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Motion Perception/physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Previous researches have shown that people with higher fluid intelligence are more likely to detect the unexpected stimuli. The current study systematically explored the relationship between fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness in children. In Experiment 1, we measured one hundred and seventy-nine 7-to-14-year-old children's fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness. The results showed that fluid intelligence was negatively related to sustained inattentional blindness only in 7-to-8-year-old children. In Experiment 2, we explored sustained inattentional blindness in sixty children with high Raven's scores. We found that compared with children who have average Raven's scores aged 11-to-12 years old, children with high Raven's scores were unable to better avoid sustained inattentional blindness. In general, this research implies that the relation between fluid intelligence and sustained inattentional blindness is weak. Fluid intelligence could predict sustained inattentional blindness only when children do not have enough perceptual capacities to complete the primary task.}, } @article {pmid28878059, year = {2017}, author = {Laumer, IB and Bugnyar, T and Reber, SA and Auersperg, AMI}, title = {Can hook-bending be let off the hook? Bending/unbending of pliant tools by cockatoos.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {284}, number = {1862}, pages = {}, pmid = {28878059}, issn = {1471-2954}, support = {J 3404/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 29084/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Cockatoos ; *Learning ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The spontaneous crafting of hook-tools from bendable material to lift a basket out of a vertical tube in corvids has widely been used as one of the prime examples of animal tool innovation. However, it was recently suggested that the animals' solution was hardly innovative but strongly influenced by predispositions from habitual tool use and nest building. We tested Goffin's cockatoo, which is neither a specialized tool user nor a nest builder, on a similar task set-up. Three birds individually learned to bend hook tools from straight wire to retrieve food from vertical tubes and four subjects unbent wire to retrieve food from horizontal tubes. Pre-experience with ready-made hooks had some effect but was not necessary for success. Our results indicate that the ability to represent and manufacture tools according to a current need does not require genetically hardwired behavioural routines, but can indeed arise innovatively from domain general cognitive processing.}, } @article {pmid28877312, year = {2017}, author = {Korgavkar, K and Lee, KC and Weinstock, MA and , }, title = {Effect of Topical Fluorouracil Cream on Photodamage: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.}, journal = {JAMA dermatology}, volume = {153}, number = {11}, pages = {1142-1146}, pmid = {28877312}, issn = {2168-6084}, mesh = {Administration, Cutaneous ; Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; Ear ; Face ; Female ; Fluorouracil/administration & dosage/*therapeutic use ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Skin Cream ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Photoaging, which is premature skin aging caused by long-term UV exposure, is of aesthetic concern to many patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of topical fluorouracil, 5%, cream on photoaging using validated photonumeric scales.

The Veterans Affairs Keratinocyte Carcinoma Chemoprevention Trial was a randomized clinical trial of 932 US veterans with a recent history of 2 or more keratinocyte carcinomas performed from September 30, 2011, through June 30, 2014, to assess the chemopreventive effects of a standard course of topical fluorouracil. Photographs were taken at baseline and at numerous time points for up to 4 years. In our secondary analysis, 2 independent dermatologists graded these photographs using 4 validated photonumeric scales. A total of 3042 photographs from 281 participants randomized to apply topical fluorouracil or placebo were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months using 4 photonumeric scales (Griffiths scale, Allergan forehead lines scale, melomental folds scale, and crow's feet scale). Data analysis was performed from November 1, 2016, to January 1, 2017.

INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to apply topical fluorouracil, 5%, cream or a vehicle control cream to the face and ears twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks for a total of 28 to 56 doses.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Effect of a standard course of fluorouracil on the extent of photodamage as measured using 4 photonumeric scales.

RESULTS: The study population was predominantly male (274 [97.5%]) and white (281 [100%]), with a mean (SD) age of 71.5 (0.57) years. No statistically significant changes were found in photodamage between baseline and 6 months (Griffiths scale: χ2 = 0.01, P = .93; Allergan forehead lines scale: χ2 = 0.18, P = .67; melomental fold scale: χ2 = 0.03, P = .87; crow's feet scale: χ2 = 2.41, P = .12), 12 months (Griffiths scale: χ2 = 1.39, P = .24; Allergan forehead lines scale: χ2 = 0.64, P = .43; melomental fold scale: χ2 = 0.12, P = .73; crow's feet scale: χ2 = 1.07, P = .30), and 18 months (Griffiths scale: χ2 = 3.11, P = .08; Allergan forehead lines scale: χ2 = 0.89, P = .34; melomental fold scale: χ2 = 1.64, P = .20; crow's feet scale: χ2 = 0.46, P = .50).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study did not demonstrate improvement in photoaging with a standard course of topical fluorouracil, 5%, cream, a finding that may be attributable to a true lack of effect in photodamage or limitations of the photonumeric scales in capturing the effect. The development of photonumeric scales that include manifestations of photoaging other than rhytids, such as lentigines, hyperpigmentation, and telangiectasias, should be considered.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00847912.}, } @article {pmid28874242, year = {2017}, author = {Viuff, SL and Plenge, U and Belhage, B and Boushel, R and Koester, T}, title = {Effects of low-dose recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on cognitive performance.}, journal = {Danish medical journal}, volume = {64}, number = {9}, pages = {}, pmid = {28874242}, issn = {2245-1919}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Cognition Disorders/drug therapy ; Double-Blind Method ; Erythropoietin/*administration & dosage ; Female ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Male ; Recombinant Proteins/*administration & dosage ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: High-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has been shown to improve cognitive performance in both healthy volunteers and in patients suffering from diseases affecting the brain. The aim of this study was to examine whether administration of low-dose and even micro-dose rhEpo improves cognitive performance in healthy volunteers.

METHODS: We enrolled 25 healthy volunteers in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to receive either low-dose rhEpo (n = 8, 60 IU/kg/week), micro-dose rhEpo (n = 9, 20 IU/kg/week), or saline (n = 8) for four weeks. Two cognitive performance-tests, the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (Raven) and the Number Finder (NUFI), were performed during the first and last day of the study period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted weekly and were coded according to a scale.

RESULTS: Subjects receiving micro-dose rhEpo improved significantly measured by the Raven score (p = 0.04), and subjects receiving low-dose rhEpo treatment improved significantly measured by the NUFI score (p = 0.047), whereas no improvement was found in experienced cognitive performance in any of the groups. We found no significant difference in either Raven, NUFI or self-reported results between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: In this small study, we found no significant effect of low-dose or micro-dose rhEpo on visual attention, cognitive performance in complex cognitive tasks or self-experienced cognitive performance compared with placebo.

FUNDING: The Aase and Ejnar Danielsen's Foundation. Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03093506.}, } @article {pmid28874011, year = {2017}, author = {Thiemann, TC and Woodward, DL and Fang, Y and Ryan, BM and Nelms, BM and Scott, JJ and Reisen, WK}, title = {Abundance and Bloodfeeding Patterns of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an Oak Woodland on the Eastern Slope of the Northern Coast Range of California.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {54}, number = {5}, pages = {1344-1353}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjx078}, pmid = {28874011}, issn = {1938-2928}, mesh = {Animals ; *Birds ; California ; Culicidae/enzymology/genetics/*physiology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Food Chain ; Forests ; Insect Proteins/genetics ; *Mammals ; Population Dynamics ; Seasons ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {The abundance and bloodfeeding patterns of mosquitoes was studied from 2008 to 2010 at an 18 ha. oak woodland in Lake County, CA. Host-seeking females were collected weekly from sunset to sunrise by paired dry-ice-baited CDC style traps, whereas resting females were aspirated from paired walk-in red boxes. Sequences of the COI gene amplified from bloodmeals from engorged resting females were used to identify the bloodmeal hosts. Aedes sierrensis (Ludlow) and Aedes increpitus Dyar complex mosquitoes were univoltine, although the timing of emergence and abundance varied temporally and seemed weather dependent. Abundance of both Anopheles franciscanus McCracken and Anopheles freeborni Aitken peaked in mid to late summer. Females of both genera bloodfed primarily on mule deer and black-tailed jackrabbits, and few fed on either dogs or humans that were consistently present within the woodland. In contrast, multivoltine Culex tarsalis Coquillett and Culex stigmatosoma Dyar were abundant throughout summer, especially from July to September. Both Culex species bloodfed on a wide variety of avian hosts, with most bloodmeals originating from California scrub-jay, wild turkey, oak titmouse, and house finch. Culex tarsalis fed on proportionately more mammals as summer progressed, peaking at 33% in September.}, } @article {pmid28873035, year = {2017}, author = {DeCarlo, C and Omar, AH and Haroun, MI and Bigler, L and Bin Rais, MN and Abu, J and Omar, AR and Mohammed, HO}, title = {Potential Reservoir and Associated Factors for West Nile Virus in Three Distinct Climatological Zones.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {17}, number = {10}, pages = {709-713}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2016.2098}, pmid = {28873035}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds/*virology ; Climate ; Disease Reservoirs/*veterinary ; Malaysia/epidemiology ; Mammals/*virology ; Qatar/epidemiology ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; West Nile virus/*isolation & purification ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic single-strand RNA arbovirus (family Flaviviridae: Flavivirus), transmitted among avian hosts in enzootic cycles by a mosquito vector. The virus has a significant disease effect on humans and equines when it bridges into a cycle with various sequelae with epidemic potential. This study was carried out to identify the potential spectrum of WNV hosts in three geographic areas with climatologically distinct features: Malaysia, Qatar, and the United States of America (U.S.). Serum samples were collected from avian and mammal species suspected to be reservoirs for the virus at these areas in a cross-sectional epidemiologic study. The samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against the virus using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on putative risk factors were also collected and analyzed for significance of association with seropositivity using the logistic regression analysis. Among the tested avian and mammalian species, raccoons had the highest seroconversion rate (54%) followed by crows (30%), horses (27%), camels (10%), other avian species (7%), and canine species (3%). It was almost twice as likely to detect seroconversion among these mammalian and avian species in the fall in comparison to other seasons of the year. Only mammalian and avian species and seasons of the year were significantly associated with the likelihood of seroconversion to WNV when we controlled for other factors in the multivariate analysis. Our data from the U.S. showed that raccoons and camels are susceptible to infection by the virus and may play a role in the perpetuation of endemic foci for the disease.}, } @article {pmid28861014, year = {2017}, author = {Franco, MDG and Beja, MJ and Candeias, A and Santos, N}, title = {Emotion Understanding, Social Competence and School Achievement in Children from Primary School in Portugal.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {1376}, pmid = {28861014}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {This study analyzes the relationship between emotion understanding and school achievement in children of primary school, considering age, gender, fluid intelligence, mother's educational level and social competence. In this study participated 406 children of primary school. The instruments used were the Test of Emotion Comprehension, Colored Progressive Matrices of Raven, Socially Action and Interpersonal Problem Solving Scale. The structural equation model showed the relationship between the emotion understanding and school performance depends on a mediator variable that in the context of the study was designated social competence. Age appear as an explanatory factor of the differences found, the mother's educational level only predicts significantly social emotional competence, fluid intelligence is a predictor of emotion understanding, school achievement and social emotional competence. Regarding the influence of sex, emotional understanding does not emerge as a significant predictor of social emotional competence in girls or boys. Multiple relationships between the various factors associated with school achievement and social emotional competence are discussed as well as their implications in promoting child development and school success.}, } @article {pmid28857604, year = {2017}, author = {Schwing, R and Weber, S and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Kea (Nestor notabilis) decide early when to wait in food exchange task.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {131}, number = {4}, pages = {269-276}, doi = {10.1037/com0000086}, pmid = {28857604}, issn = {1939-2087}, support = {//Austrian Science Fund (FWF)/ ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Delay Discounting/*physiology ; Female ; Food ; Male ; Psittaciformes/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The ability to forego an immediate reward in favor of a bigger or better one at a later point has been linked with advanced cognitive skills, such as impulse control and forward-planning, and can be assessed by the classic food exchange paradigm. While the ability to perform in such tasks has long been regarded as an exclusive trait of humans and some mammals, that is, primates and dogs, in recent years some bird species have been found to perform similarly as primates. Here we test 10 captive kea (Nestor notabilis), using a food exchange paradigm standardized in earlier experiments, but adding the use of a container to hold the initial item. The subjects reached waiting times of up to 160 s. They also showed significantly different results depending on the difference in the preference level for the presented food items, as well as clearly nonrandom waiting times, displaying forward-planning and economic evaluation of the situation at hand. As in most other species, results were markedly better when exchanging for quality as opposed to quantity. These results provide further evidence for temporal discounting in birds and fit in with the data gained on corvids and parrots in recent years. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid28857332, year = {2017}, author = {Crossley, MS and Chen, YH and Groves, RL and Schoville, SD}, title = {Landscape genomics of Colorado potato beetle provides evidence of polygenic adaptation to insecticides.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {26}, number = {22}, pages = {6284-6300}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14339}, pmid = {28857332}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Coleoptera/*genetics ; Genes, Insect ; *Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; Genotype ; Insecticide Resistance/*genetics ; *Multifactorial Inheritance ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Spatial Analysis ; Wisconsin ; }, abstract = {The ability of insect pests to rapidly and repeatedly adapt to insecticides has long challenged entomologists and evolutionary biologists. Since Crow's seminal paper on insecticide resistance in 1957, new data and insights continue to emerge that are relevant to the old questions about how insecticide resistance evolves: such as whether it is predominantly mono- or polygenic, and evolving from standing vs. de novo genetic variation. Many studies support the monogenic hypothesis, and current management recommendations assume single- or two-locus models. But inferences could be improved by integrating data from a broader sample of pest populations and genomes. Here, we generate evidence relevant to these questions by applying a landscape genomics framework to the study of insecticide resistance in a major agricultural pest, Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). Genome-environment association tests using genomic variation from 16 populations spanning gradients of landscape variables associated with insecticide exposure over time revealed 42 strong candidate insecticide resistance genes, with potentially overlapping roles in multiple resistance mechanisms. Measurements of resistance to a widely used insecticide, imidacloprid, among 47 L. decemlineata populations revealed heterogeneity at a small (2 km) scale and no spatial signature of origin or spread throughout the landscape. Analysis of nucleotide diversity suggested candidate resistance loci have undergone varying degrees of selective sweeps, often maintaining similar levels of nucleotide diversity to neutral loci. This study suggests that many genes are involved in insecticide resistance in L. decemlineata and that resistance likely evolves from both de novo and standing genetic variation.}, } @article {pmid28847742, year = {2017}, author = {Fausto, F and Cuevas, E and Valdivia, A and González, A}, title = {A global optimization algorithm inspired in the behavior of selfish herds.}, journal = {Bio Systems}, volume = {160}, number = {}, pages = {39-55}, doi = {10.1016/j.biosystems.2017.07.010}, pmid = {28847742}, issn = {1872-8324}, mesh = {*Algorithms ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/physiology ; Insecta/physiology ; *Mass Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {In this paper, a novel swarm optimization algorithm called the Selfish Herd Optimizer (SHO) is proposed for solving global optimization problems. SHO is based on the simulation of the widely observed selfish herd behavior manifested by individuals within a herd of animals subjected to some form of predation risk. In SHO, individuals emulate the predatory interactions between groups of prey and predators by two types of search agents: the members of a selfish herd (the prey) and a pack of hungry predators. Depending on their classification as either a prey or a predator, each individual is conducted by a set of unique evolutionary operators inspired by such prey-predator relationship. These unique traits allow SHO to improve the balance between exploration and exploitation without altering the population size. To illustrate the proficiency and robustness of the proposed method, it is compared to other well-known evolutionary optimization approaches such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Firefly Algorithm (FA), Differential Evolution (DE), Genetic Algorithms (GA), Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), Dragonfly Algorithm (DA), Moth-flame Optimization Algorithm (MOA) and Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA). The comparison examines several standard benchmark functions, commonly considered within the literature of evolutionary algorithms. The experimental results show the remarkable performance of our proposed approach against those of the other compared methods, and as such SHO is proven to be an excellent alternative to solve global optimization problems.}, } @article {pmid28845548, year = {2018}, author = {Mazzarello, V and Ferrari, M and Bulla, A and Piu, G and Montella, A}, title = {Antiwrinkle effect of topical adhesive pads on crow's feet: How long does the effect last for?.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {17}, number = {3}, pages = {484-490}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12395}, pmid = {28845548}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Adhesives ; Adult ; *Elasticity ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; Single-Blind Method ; *Skin Aging ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adhesive pads should reduce the action of the local muscle contraction on the skin leading to a decrease in the depth of existing wrinkles and the formation of new dynamic wrinkles.

AIM OF THE WORK: This study aims at assessing the antiwrinkles action of adhesive pads during time, and the temporary improvement of facial skin appearance by reducing the vision of linear wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects participated to a placebo-controlled study. In the short-term test, the measurements were taken 15, 30, and 60 minutes following 30 minutes application of the product; in the long-term test, the measurements were taken after wearing pads every night for 4 weeks. The roughness parameter of the skin surface was calculated by using a profilometry software 3D MEX[®] .

RESULTS: In the short- and long-term tests, analyzing the average of the elastomeric measurements, no significant change was observed in any of the parameters analyzed after 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The adhesive pad decreased significantly all roughness skin parameters 15 minutes after short-term application and until 60 minutes after long-term application. These changes did not occur in the contralateral untreated zone.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of topical adhesive pads improves wrinkles in the crow's feet area in the first hour after use. However, patient self-evaluation indicated that the use of topical adhesive pads for 3 weeks may offer subjective improvement in crow's feet zone over a 2 hour period. Topical adhesive pads are safe to use and tolerable for most users.}, } @article {pmid28828271, year = {2017}, author = {Meijer, HJM and Awe Due, R and Sutikna, T and Saptomo, W and Jatmiko, and Wasisto, S and Tocheri, MW and Mayr, G}, title = {Late Pleistocene songbirds of Liang Bua (Flores, Indonesia); the first fossil passerine fauna described from Wallacea.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {5}, number = {}, pages = {e3676}, pmid = {28828271}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Passerines (Aves: Passeriformes) dominate modern terrestrial bird communities yet their fossil record is limited. Liang Bua is a large cave on the Indonesian island of Flores that preserves Late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits (∼190 ka to present day). Birds are the most diverse faunal group at Liang Bua and are present throughout the stratigraphic sequence.

METHODS: We examined avian remains from the Late Pleistocene deposits of Sector XII, a 2 × 2 m area excavated to about 8.5 m depth. Although postcranial passerine remains are typically challenging to identify, we found several humeral characters particularly useful in discriminating between groups, and identified 89 skeletal elements of passerines.

RESULTS: At least eight species from eight families are represented, including the Large-billed Crow (Corvus cf. macrorhynchos), the Australasian Bushlark (Mirafra javanica), a friarbird (Philemon sp.), and the Pechora Pipit (Anthus cf. gustavi).

DISCUSSION: These remains constitute the first sample of fossil passerines described in Wallacea. Two of the taxa no longer occur on Flores today; a large sturnid (cf. Acridotheres) and a grassbird (Megalurus sp.). Palaeoecologically, the songbird assemblage suggests open grassland and tall forests, which is consistent with conditions inferred from the non-passerine fauna at the site. Corvus cf. macrorhynchos, found in the Homo floresiensis-bearing layers, was likely part of a scavenging guild that fed on carcasses of Stegodon florensis insularis alongside vultures (Trigonoceps sp.), giant storks (Leptoptilos robustus), komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), and probably H. floresiensis as well.}, } @article {pmid28821812, year = {2017}, author = {Balakhonov, D and Rose, J}, title = {Crows Rival Monkeys in Cognitive Capacity.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {8809}, pmid = {28821812}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; *Crows ; Fixation, Ocular ; *Haplorhini ; Macaca mulatta ; }, abstract = {The present study compares the 'bandwidth of cognition' between crows and primates. Working memory is the ability to maintain and manipulate information over short periods of time - a core component of cognition. The capacity of working memory is tightly limited, in humans correlated with individual intelligence and commonly used synonymously with cognitive capacity. Crows have remarkable cognitive skills and while birds and mammals share neural principles of working memory, its capacity has not been tested in crows. Here we report the performance of two carrion crows on a working memory paradigm adapted from a recent experiment in rhesus monkeys. Capacity of crows is remarkably similar to monkeys and estimated at about four items. In both species, the visual hemifields show largely independent capacity. These results show that crows, like primates evolved a high-capacity working memory that reflects the result of convergent evolution of higher cognitive abilities in both species.}, } @article {pmid28813080, year = {2017}, author = {Luz, CL and Moura, MCDS and Becker, KK and Teixeira, RAA and Voos, MC and Hasue, RH}, title = {The relationship between motor function, cognition, independence and quality of life in myelomeningocele patients.}, journal = {Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria}, volume = {75}, number = {8}, pages = {509-514}, doi = {10.1590/0004-282X20170088}, pmid = {28813080}, issn = {1678-4227}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cognition Disorders/*psychology ; Disability Evaluation ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus/*complications ; Independent Living ; Male ; Meningomyelocele/*psychology ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Motor function, cognition, functional independence and quality of life have been described in myelomeningocele patients, but no study has investigated their relationships. We aimed to investigate the relationships between motor function, cognition, functional independence, quality of life, age, and lesion level in myelomeningocele patients, and investigate the influence of hydrocephalus on these variables. We assessed 47 patients with the Gross Motor Function Measure (motor function), Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (cognition), Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (functional independence) and the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de vie Enfant Imagé (quality of life). Spearman's correlation tests determined relationships between the variables. The Friedman ANOVAs determined the influence of hydrocephalus. Motor function was strongly related to mobility and lesion level, and moderately related to cognition, self-care and social function. Cognition and quality of life were moderately related to functional independence. Age correlated moderately with functional independence and quality of life. Hydrocephalus resulted in poorer motor/cognitive outcomes and lower functional independence.}, } @article {pmid28810480, year = {2019}, author = {Troncone, A and Chianese, A and Zanfardino, A and Cascella, C and Confetto, S and Perrone, L and Iafusco, D}, title = {Nonverbal intelligence and scholastic performance in children with type 1 diabetes.}, journal = {Journal of health psychology}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {229-239}, doi = {10.1177/1359105317715093}, pmid = {28810480}, issn = {1461-7277}, mesh = {*Achievement ; Adolescent ; Blood Glucose/metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood/*psychology/therapy ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Italy ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; }, abstract = {This study examined nonverbal intelligence and scholastic achievement in children with type 1 diabetes. In a retrospective case-control study, 69 children (35 males) ages 5-10 years with type 1 diabetes and 69 healthy controls matched to patients by age, gender and socioeconomic status were compared according to their performance on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and their scholastic grades. No differences in nonverbal intelligence and grades were observed between children with type 1 diabetes and healthy control subjects. Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices scores inversely correlated with duration of illness both in children with early onset of type 1 diabetes and poor metabolic control. Possible explanations of the results and implications are discussed.}, } @article {pmid28808192, year = {2017}, author = {Zhang, J and Hou, W and Feng, S and Chen, X and Wang, H}, title = {Classification of facial wrinkles among Chinese women.}, journal = {Journal of biomedical research}, volume = {31}, number = {2}, pages = {108-115}, pmid = {28808192}, issn = {1674-8301}, abstract = {It is generally recognized that Caucasians and Asians have different skin aging features. The aim of this study was to develop a facial wrinkle grading scale for Chinese women. Standard photographs were taken of 242 Chinese women. Six sets of 0 to 9 wrinkle scales with reference photographs and descriptions were selected, including grading scales for resting and hyperkinetic crow's feet, frontalis lines, glabellar frown lines, and nasolabial folds. To identify the scale by objective quantitative measurement, skin surface measurements from the Visioscan[®] VC98 were used. To test the reliability and validity of our wrinkle scale, a multi-rater consensus method was used. A double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled 12-week study was conducted to use this clinical photo-score to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Centella triterpenes cream[®] in treating crow's feet. A newly developed 10-point photographic and descriptive scale emerged from this study. The final atlas of these photographs contained a total of 6 sets with 10 pictures each. From 0 to 9, surface evaluation of smoothness (SEsm) parametric measurements decreased progressively, indicating that the scale increased inversely. Weighted kappa coefficients for intra-assessor were between 0.75-0.87. The overall Kendall's coefficient is 0.86 on the first rating and 0.87 on the second rating. Thirty-six volunteers were recruited and 35 subjects completed a 12-week trial. Clinical photo-score by investigator showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between the treatment side and control side after 4 weeks. Use of these scales in clinical settings to evaluate facial wrinkles in Asians individuals is recommended.}, } @article {pmid28804468, year = {2017}, author = {Maes, E and Vanderoost, E and D'Hooge, R and De Houwer, J and Beckers, T}, title = {Individual Difference Factors in the Learning and Transfer of Patterning Discriminations.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {1262}, pmid = {28804468}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {In an associative patterning task, some people seem to focus more on learning an overarching rule, whereas others seem to focus on acquiring specific relations between the stimuli and outcomes involved. Building on earlier work, we further investigated which cognitive factors are involved in feature- vs. rule-based learning and generalization. To this end, we measured participants' tendency to generalize according to the rule of opposites after training on negative and positive patterning problems (i.e., A+/B+/AB- and C-/D-/CD+), their tendency to attend to global aspects or local details of stimuli, their systemizing disposition and their score on the Raven intelligence test. Our results suggest that while intelligence might have some influence on patterning learning and generalization, visual processing style and systemizing disposition do not. We discuss our findings in the light of previous observations on patterning.}, } @article {pmid28783933, year = {2017}, author = {Yoshino, Y and Mori, T and Yoshida, T and Toyota, Y and Shimizu, H and Iga, JI and Nishitani, S and Ueno, SI}, title = {Improvement of Visuo-spatial Function Assessed by Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices in Dementia with Lewy Bodies by Donepezil Treatment.}, journal = {Clinical psychopharmacology and neuroscience : the official scientific journal of the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology}, volume = {15}, number = {3}, pages = {243-247}, pmid = {28783933}, issn = {1738-1088}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Donepezil is used to improve cognitive impairment of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Visuo-spatial dysfunction is a well-known symptom of DLB. Non-verbal Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) were used to assess both visual perception and reasoning ability in DLB subjects treated with donepezil.

METHODS: Twenty-one DLB patients (mean age, 78.7±4.5 years) were enrolled. RCPM assessment was performed at the time of starting donepezil and within one year after starting donepezil.

RESULTS: There were significant improvements of RCPM in the total scores between one year donepezil treatment (p=0.013), in both Set A score (p=0.002) and Set AB score (p=0.015), but trend in the Set B score (p=0.083).

CONCLUSION: Donepezil is useful for improving visuo-spatial impairment in DLB, but not for problem-solving impairment.}, } @article {pmid28782396, year = {2018}, author = {Kociszewska-Najman, B and Szpotanska-Sikorska, M and Mazanowska, N and Wielgos, M and Pietrzak, B}, title = {The comparison of intelligence levels of children born to kidney or liver transplant women with children of healthy mothers.}, journal = {The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians}, volume = {31}, number = {23}, pages = {3160-3165}, doi = {10.1080/14767058.2017.1365131}, pmid = {28782396}, issn = {1476-4954}, mesh = {Case-Control Studies ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects ; Infant ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; *Kidney Transplantation/statistics & numerical data ; *Liver Transplantation/statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Risk Assessment ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pregnancy after transplantation is associated with high risk of complications and prenatal exposure to immunosuppressants. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the intellectual development of children born to women after organ transplantation.

AIMS: A comparison of intelligence levels in 78 children of kidney or liver transplant women of 78 children born to healthy mothers. The assessment of intellectual level in children was conducted by psychologists and evaluated using age-adjusted intelligence tests (Psyche Cattell Infant Intelligence Scale, Terman-Merril Intelligence Scale or the Scales of Raven's Progressive Matrices).

RESULTS: No significant differences in the distribution of the quotient of intelligence between children born to kidney and liver transplant women were noted (Chi[2] = 5.037; p = .284). Also no differences in the distribution of intelligence levels were noted between the children of transplanted and healthy mothers in infants and toddlers (Chi[2] = 3.125; p = .537); preschool (Chi[2] = 1.440; p = .692), and school age children (Chi[2] = 4.079; p = .395).

CONCLUSIONS: The intellectual development of children of post-transplant women is similar to the general population. These results provide information on the low risk of intellectual disability in children of transplanted mothers and may improve counseling on the planning of pregnancy in this group of women.}, } @article {pmid28778500, year = {2017}, author = {Fogli, A}, title = {[Temporal rejuvenation].}, journal = {Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique}, volume = {62}, number = {5}, pages = {449-460}, doi = {10.1016/j.anplas.2017.05.007}, pmid = {28778500}, issn = {1768-319X}, mesh = {Aging ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Face/anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Rejuvenation ; Rhytidoplasty/*methods ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {The temporal region has imprecise limits in the young patient. During the aging process, it becomes individualized with the appearance of a temporal fossa, the temporal, orbital and zygomatic bone margins, the ptosis of the lateral part of the brow and the appearance of the wrinkles of the crow's foot. As this area frame the look, it should be taken into consideration during the clinical examination as well as the facial and cervical stages. The rejuvenation techniques are numerous, nuanced and gradual. As long as the eyebrow ptosis is not evident and the distance of the eyebrows unaltered, the volumizing techniques and the botulinum toxin can respond effectively and harmoniously to the patients' demand. Then the surgical techniques of temporal and brow liftings must be considered and coupled with the techniques of lipostructure that are more and more practiced. It should be noted that the demand for temporal rejuvenation is increasing and precedes the demand of cervicofacial rejuvenation. This underlines the importance of this region both in terms of preventing or at least slowing down the process than in terms of curing the stigma of aging.}, } @article {pmid28777941, year = {2017}, author = {Alison, MR}, title = {Cholangiocytes: No Longer Cinderellas to the Hepatic Regenerative Response.}, journal = {Cell stem cell}, volume = {21}, number = {2}, pages = {159-160}, doi = {10.1016/j.stem.2017.07.002}, pmid = {28777941}, issn = {1875-9777}, mesh = {Hepatocytes ; Humans ; Liver ; *Liver Diseases ; *Liver Regeneration ; Stem Cells ; }, abstract = {Biliary ductal cells proliferate from the portal areas of chronically damaged livers, but their significance to regeneration has been controversial. A recent article in Nature by Raven et al. (2017) now shows that blocking hepatocyte replication is essential for the hepatic differentiation of ductular cells after liver damage.}, } @article {pmid28776480, year = {2018}, author = {Spaccavento, S and Cafforio, E and Cellamare, F and Colucci, A and Di Palma, A and Falcone, R and Craca, A and Loverre, A and Nardulli, R and Glueckauf, RL}, title = {Italian adaptation of the functional outcome questionnaire - aphasia: initial psychometric evaluation.}, journal = {Disability and rehabilitation}, volume = {40}, number = {24}, pages = {2925-2930}, doi = {10.1080/09638288.2017.1362042}, pmid = {28776480}, issn = {1464-5165}, mesh = {Adult ; *Aphasia/diagnosis/psychology/rehabilitation ; Caregivers/psychology ; Communication ; Female ; Humans ; Italy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care/*methods ; Psychometrics/*methods ; *Quality of Life ; Reproducibility of Results ; Stroke/*psychology ; Stroke Rehabilitation/*methods ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Translations ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia.

METHODS: Two hundred and five persons with stroke-related aphasia and right hemiparesis who received ongoing assistance from a family caregiver were assessed using the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia, Aachener Aphasie Test, Token Test, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Functional Assessment Measure (FAM), and Quality of Life Questionnaire for Aphasics (QLQA). The Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia was translated into the Italian language using a translation and back-translation method. Reliability and construct validity of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia were evaluated.

RESULTS: The Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the overall scale (α = 0.98; ICC = 0.95) and subscales (α = 0.89 for the communicating basic needs (CBN), α = 0.92 for the making routine requests (MRR), α = 0.96 for the communicating new information (CNI), α = 0.93 for the attention/other communication skills (AO); ICC = 0.95 for CBN, ICC = 0.96 for MRR, ICC = 0.97 for CNI and ICC = 0.92 for AO). Significant correlations were found between the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia and Token Test, QLQA, Aachener Aphasie Test scores, and FAM linguistic scores, indicating good convergent validity. Low correlations were found between Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia and Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and FIM motor scores, showing good discriminant validity.

CONCLUSIONS: The overall findings of this study supported the reliability and construct validity of the Italian version of the Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia. This measure holds considerable promise in assessing the functional outcomes of aphasia rehabilitation in Italian-speaking persons with aphasia. Implications for Rehabilitation Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia is a reliable and valid questionnaire in assessing functional communication of Italian-speaking people with aphasia. This measure provides critical information about people with aphasia's functional and pragmatic communication in home and community settings, contributing significantly to overall quality of life. Since the use of measures of functional communication is recommended in the clinical evaluation of language disease, the Italian version of Functional Outcome Questionnaire - Aphasia may be effective in tailoring rehabilitation treatment to the presenting communication problems of people with aphasia and their caregivers.}, } @article {pmid28771477, year = {2017}, author = {Aguillon, SM and Fitzpatrick, JW and Bowman, R and Schoech, SJ and Clark, AG and Coop, G and Chen, N}, title = {Deconstructing isolation-by-distance: The genomic consequences of limited dispersal.}, journal = {PLoS genetics}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e1006911}, pmid = {28771477}, issn = {1553-7404}, support = {R01 GM108779/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; Genotype ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats/*genetics ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; *Population Density ; Reproductive Isolation ; }, abstract = {Geographically limited dispersal can shape genetic population structure and result in a correlation between genetic and geographic distance, commonly called isolation-by-distance. Despite the prevalence of isolation-by-distance in nature, to date few studies have empirically demonstrated the processes that generate this pattern, largely because few populations have direct measures of individual dispersal and pedigree information. Intensive, long-term demographic studies and exhaustive genomic surveys in the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) provide an excellent opportunity to investigate the influence of dispersal on genetic structure. Here, we used a panel of genome-wide SNPs and extensive pedigree information to explore the role of limited dispersal in shaping patterns of isolation-by-distance in both sexes, and at an exceedingly fine spatial scale (within ~10 km). Isolation-by-distance patterns were stronger in male-male and male-female comparisons than in female-female comparisons, consistent with observed differences in dispersal propensity between the sexes. Using the pedigree, we demonstrated how various genealogical relationships contribute to fine-scale isolation-by-distance. Simulations using field-observed distributions of male and female natal dispersal distances showed good agreement with the distribution of geographic distances between breeding individuals of different pedigree relationship classes. Furthermore, we built coalescent simulations parameterized by the observed dispersal curve, population density, and immigration rate, and showed how incorporating these extensions to Malécot's theory of isolation-by-distance allows us to accurately reconstruct observed sex-specific isolation-by-distance patterns in autosomal and Z-linked SNPs. Therefore, patterns of fine-scale isolation-by-distance in the Florida Scrub-Jay can be well understood as a result of limited dispersal over contemporary timescales.}, } @article {pmid28767009, year = {2018}, author = {Costello, KA}, title = {A no-man's-land of sex: Reading Stephen Gordon and "her" critics.}, journal = {Journal of lesbian studies}, volume = {22}, number = {2}, pages = {165-184}, doi = {10.1080/10894160.2017.1342457}, pmid = {28767009}, issn = {1540-3548}, mesh = {Female ; *Gender Identity ; History, 20th Century ; Homosexuality, Female/history/*psychology ; Humans ; *Literature, Modern ; Psychological Theory ; }, abstract = {One of the most read novels of lesbian, transgender, and queer criticism, Radclyffe Hall's novel The Well of Loneliness (1928) has given rise to numerous and contradictory interpretations of the protagonist Stephen Gordon's complex relationship to her body. Some have argued that she is a historically specific example of female masculinity, others that she is a lesbian who wishes she were more feminine, and others still that she is a prototypical transsexual character. Focusing on the exemplary essays by Jack Halberstam, Teresa de Lauretis, and Jay Prosser, I argue that the coexistence of mutually exclusive interpretations of Stephen Gordon's relationship to her femaleness suggests that the novel is, in fact, a demand to readers to unmoor identity from sex and to recognize what I call "sexual indeterminacy." Lesbian, transgender, and queer theory's tendency to elide the literariness of literary objects and their reliance on critique as the primary mode of reading and argumentation have made it impossible for critics to see that the novel is explicitly about what cannot be settled.}, } @article {pmid28762195, year = {2017}, author = {Kraft, FL and Forštová, T and Utku Urhan, A and Exnerová, A and Brodin, A}, title = {No evidence for self-recognition in a small passerine, the great tit (Parus major) judged from the mark/mirror test.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {6}, pages = {1049-1057}, pmid = {28762195}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Cognition ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Recognition, Psychology ; Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Self-recognition is a trait presumed to be associated with high levels of cognition and something previously considered to be exclusive to humans and possibly apes. The most common test of self-recognition is the mark/mirror test of whether an animal can understand that it sees its own reflection in a mirror. The usual design is that an animal is marked with a colour spot somewhere on the body where the spot can only be seen by the animal by using a mirror. Very few species have passed this test, and among birds, only magpies have been affirmatively demonstrated to pass it. In this study, we tested great tits (Parus major), small passerines, that are known for their innovative foraging skills and good problem-solving abilities, in the mirror self-recognition test. We found no indication that they have any ability of this kind and believe that they are unlikely to be capable of this type of self-recognition.}, } @article {pmid28761365, year = {2017}, author = {Oe, M and Sakai, S and Yoshida, H and Okado, N and Kaneda, H and Masuda, Y and Urushibata, O}, title = {Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {267-273}, pmid = {28761365}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan (HA) has critical moisturizing property and high water retention capacity especially for human skin. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral intake of HA.

METHODS: The mean molecular weight (MW) of HA is 2 k and 300 k. Sixty Japanese male and female subjects aged 22-59 years who presented with crow's feet wrinkles were randomly assigned to the HA 2 k or HA 300 k at 120 mg/day or the placebo group. The subjects were administered HA at a rate of 120 mg/day or a placebo for 12 weeks. The skin wrinkles were evaluated by image analysis of skin wrinkle replicas, and their skin condition was evaluated using a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS: During the study period, the HA groups showed better level of the whole sulcus volume ratio, wrinkle area ratio, and wrinkle volume ratio than the placebo group. After 8 weeks of ingestion, the HA 300 k group showed significantly diminished wrinkles compared with the placebo group. Skin luster and suppleness significantly improved after 12 weeks in all groups compared with the baseline.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that oral HA (both HA 2 k and HA 300 k) inhibits skin wrinkles and improves skin condition.}, } @article {pmid28756236, year = {2017}, author = {Tamba, M and Caminiti, A and Prosperi, A and Desprès, P and Lelli, D and Galletti, G and Moreno, A and Paternoster, G and Santi, A and Licata, E and Lecollinet, S and Gelmini, L and Rugna, G and Procopio, A and Lavazza, A}, title = {Accuracy estimation of an indirect ELISA for the detection of West Nile Virus antibodies in wild birds using a latent class model.}, journal = {Journal of virological methods}, volume = {248}, number = {}, pages = {202-206}, doi = {10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.07.010}, pmid = {28756236}, issn = {1879-0984}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild ; Antibodies, Viral/*blood ; Antigens, Viral/immunology ; Bayes Theorem ; Bird Diseases/*diagnosis/immunology/virology ; Birds/virology ; Cross Reactions ; Culicidae/virology ; Encephalitis Viruses, Japanese/immunology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods/*veterinary ; Flavivirus/immunology ; Neutralization Tests/methods/*veterinary ; West Nile Fever/diagnosis/immunology/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*immunology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), genus Flavivirus, are members of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex, and are maintained primarily in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes and birds. WNV is zoonotic, and poses a threat to public health, especially in relation to blood transfusion. Serosurveillance of wild birds is suitable for early detection of WNV circulation, although concerns remain to be addressed as regards i) the type of test used, whether ELISA, virus neutralization test (VNT), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), ii) the reagents (antigens, revealing antibodies), iii) the different bird species involved, and iv) potential cross-reactions with other Flaviviruses, such as USUV. The authors developed an indirect IgG ELISA with pan-avian specificity using EDIII protein as antigen and a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1A3) with broad reactivity for avian IgG. A total of 140 serum samples were collected from juvenile European magpies (Pica pica) in areas where both WNV and USUV were co-circulating. The samples were then tested using this in-house ELISA and VNT in parallel. Estimation of test accuracy was performed using different Bayesian two latent class models. At a cut-off set at an optical density percentage (OD%) of 15, the ELISA showed a posterior median of diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) of 88% (95%PCI: 73-99%) and a diagnostic specificity (DSp) of 86% (95%PCI: 68-99%). At this cut-off, ELISA and VNT (cut-off 1/10) performances were comparable: DSe=91% (95%PCI: 79-99%), and DSp=77% (95%PCI: 59-98%). With the cut-off increased to 30 OD%, the ELISA DSe dropped to 78% (95%PCI: 52-99%), and the DSp rose to 94% (95%PCI: 83-100%). In field conditions, the cut-off that yields the best accuracy for the ELISA appears to correspond to 15 OD%. In areas where other Flaviviruses are circulating, however, it might be appropriate to raise the cut-off to 30 OD% in order to achieve higher specificity and reduce the detection of seropositive birds infected by other Flaviviruses, such as USUV.}, } @article {pmid28750832, year = {2017}, author = {Clark, CM and Lawlor-Savage, L and Goghari, VM}, title = {Functional brain activation associated with working memory training and transfer.}, journal = {Behavioural brain research}, volume = {334}, number = {}, pages = {34-49}, doi = {10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.030}, pmid = {28750832}, issn = {1872-7549}, support = {//CIHR/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/physiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reaction Time ; Transfer, Psychology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {While behavioural trials of working memory (WM) training have received much attention in recent years, a lesser explored parallel approach is functional neuroimaging. A small literature has suggested a complex time course for functional activation pattern changes following WM training (i.e. not simply increasing or decreasing due to training); however, no study to date has examined such neuroplastic effects in both the training task (dual n-back) and the fluid intelligence transfer task to which the training is purported to transfer (Raven's Matrices). This study investigated neural correlates of WM training in healthy young adults randomized to six weeks of WM training, or an active control condition (processing speed training) with a pre- and post-training fMRI design. Results indicated significant reductions in activation for the WM trained group in key WM-task related areas for trained WM tasks after training compared to the processing speed active control group. The same pattern of training related decreases in activation for the WM trained group was not observed for the transfer task, which is consistent with null results for all cognitive outcomes of the present trial. The observed pattern of results suggests that repetitive practice with a complex task does indeed lead to neuroplastic processes that very likely represent the reduced demand for attentional control while sub-components of the task become more routinized with practice. We suggest that future research investigate neural correlates of WM training in populations for which WM itself is impaired and/or behavioural trials of WM training have returned more promising results.}, } @article {pmid28746271, year = {2017}, author = {de Maio, M and Swift, A and Signorini, M and Fagien, S and , }, title = {Facial Assessment and Injection Guide for Botulinum Toxin and Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Focus on the Upper Face.}, journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery}, volume = {140}, number = {2}, pages = {265e-276e}, doi = {10.1097/PRS.0000000000003544}, pmid = {28746271}, issn = {1529-4242}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Dermal Fillers/*administration & dosage ; Eyebrows/anatomy & histology ; Face/*anatomy & histology ; Forehead/anatomy & histology ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Injections ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; }, abstract = {Techniques for the administration of injectable fillers and neuromodulators for facial aesthetic rejuvenation and enhancement continue to evolve. As the number of physicians with limited experience in providing aesthetic treatments expands, the need for guidance and training from more experienced injectors has become apparent. The use of a slow, careful, and methodical injection technique is imperative in all treatment settings and for all facial areas. Constant attention to local anatomy, particularly arteries, veins, and nerve bundles, is critical for minimizing complications. This first article of a three-part series addresses techniques and recommendations for aesthetic treatment of the upper face. Traditionally, the upper face has been considered a basic area for treatment with neuromodulators but an advanced area for treatment with fillers. Injectable fillers may be used for temple volumization, eyebrow shaping, and forehead contouring. Neuromodulators are well suited for diminishing the appearance of dynamic facial lines such as forehead, glabellar, and crow's feet lines, and eyebrow lifting and eye-aperture widening. These techniques may be used independently or together, sequentially or concurrently, to address rejuvenation of individual or multiple facial regions. Overall, this series provides a practical framework of techniques for physicians who desire to perform safe and effective aesthetic treatments using a multimodal approach.}, } @article {pmid28736607, year = {2017}, author = {Chiodo, L and Majerus, S and Mottron, L}, title = {Typical versus delayed speech onset influences verbal reporting of autistic interests.}, journal = {Molecular autism}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {35}, pmid = {28736607}, issn = {2040-2392}, support = {//CIHR/Canada ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; *Asperger Syndrome/diagnosis/physiopathology/psychology ; *Autistic Disorder/diagnosis/physiopathology/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; *Language Development Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology/psychology ; Male ; *Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The distinction between autism and Asperger syndrome has been abandoned in the DSM-5. However, this clinical categorization largely overlaps with the presence or absence of a speech onset delay which is associated with clinical, cognitive, and neural differences. It is unknown whether these different speech development pathways and associated cognitive differences are involved in the heterogeneity of the restricted interests that characterize autistic adults.

METHOD: This study tested the hypothesis that speech onset delay, or conversely, early mastery of speech, orients the nature and verbal reporting of adult autistic interests. The occurrence of a priori defined descriptors for perceptual and thematic dimensions were determined, as well as the perceived function and benefits, in the response of autistic people to a semi-structured interview on their intense interests. The number of words, grammatical categories, and proportion of perceptual/thematic descriptors were computed and compared between groups by variance analyses. The participants comprised 40 autistic adults grouped according to the presence (N = 20) or absence (N = 20) of speech onset delay, as well as 20 non-autistic adults, also with intense interests, matched for non-verbal intelligence using Raven's Progressive Matrices.

RESULTS: The overall nature, function, and benefit of intense interests were similar across autistic subgroups, and between autistic and non-autistic groups. However, autistic participants with a history of speech onset delay used more perceptual than thematic descriptors when talking about their interests, whereas the opposite was true for autistic individuals without speech onset delay. This finding remained significant after controlling for linguistic differences observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Verbal reporting, but not the nature or positive function, of intense interests differed between adult autistic individuals depending on their speech acquisition history: oral reporting of intense interests was characterized by perceptual dominance for autistic individuals with delayed speech onset and thematic dominance for those without. This may contribute to the heterogeneous presentation observed among autistic adults of normal intelligence.}, } @article {pmid28733999, year = {2017}, author = {Hawkins, S and Adamus, J and Chiang, CY and Covell, E and O'Leary, J and Lee, JM}, title = {Retinyl propionate and climbazole combination demonstrates clinical improvement to the appearance of hyperpigmentation and deep wrinkling with minimal irritation.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {39}, number = {6}, pages = {589-599}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12412}, pmid = {28733999}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adult ; Diterpenes ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation/*drug therapy ; Imidazoles/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retinyl Esters ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; Vitamin A/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*analogs & derivatives ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a combination of retinyl propionate and climbazole (RPC) compared to 0.1% retinol for its efficacy, tolerance and ageing appearance.

METHOD: Forty-five healthy Caucasian females, ages 40-70, with moderately photodamaged facial skin, were recruited for a 16-week randomized, double-blind, IRB-approved facial study. The efficacy of RPC treatment was compared to 0.1% retinol, in the same product base formulation, with twice daily, split-face product application. Changes in overall photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and irritation were visually evaluated and measured by instrumentation. Subjective appraisal of efficacy was self-assessed from images where subjects were blinded to treatment and time point. Irritancy potential was also evaluated in a 5-day randomized, double-blind, IRB-approved patch study.

RESULTS: Treatment with RPC resulted in significant (P < 0.05) improvement in ageing attributes compared to 0.1% retinol treatment, with minimal irritation. More than 50% of subjects showed improvement to deep wrinkles in the crow's feet area after 5 weeks of product application, and continued improvement to deep wrinkles was observed throughout the course of the study. Similarly, improvement was observed for the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the nasolabial fold (NLF) and for mottled hyperpigmentation. The results from subjective self-assessment confirmed in vivo clinical assessments. In a separate patch study, significantly less irritation was observed with the RPC product as compared to the 0.1% retinol control product.

CONCLUSION: RPC delivered significant skin anti-ageing benefits comparable or greater than 0.1% retinol, with minimal irritation.}, } @article {pmid28733805, year = {2017}, author = {Harii, K and Kawashima, M and Furuyama, N and Lei, X and Hopfinger, R and Lee, E}, title = {OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) in the Treatment of Crow's Feet Lines in Japanese Subjects.}, journal = {Aesthetic plastic surgery}, volume = {41}, number = {5}, pages = {1186-1197}, pmid = {28733805}, issn = {1432-5241}, mesh = {Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Esthetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Injections, Intralesional ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Japan ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage ; Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data ; Reference Values ; Rejuvenation/*physiology ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/physiology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in Japanese subjects with crow's feet lines (CFL).

METHODS: This phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized study included 2 treatment periods: 6-month placebo-controlled period followed by a 7-month open-label period. In period 1, subjects with moderate to severe CFL received onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U (n = 104) or 12 U (n = 99), or placebo (n = 97). In period 2, placebo subjects switched to onabotulinumtoxinA 24 U or 12 U (double-blind dose). Up to 5 total treatments were permitted for subjects meeting re-treatment criteria. The primary efficacy measure was the proportion of investigator-assessed responders (achieving CFL severity of none or mild at maximum smile using the Facial Wrinkle Scale with Asian Photonumeric Guide [FWS-A] at day 30 of treatment 1). Additional endpoints included other responders (achieving at least 1-grade improvement at maximum smile and at rest using the FWS-A at day 30), responders at other time points, duration of effect, subject-reported outcomes, and safety.

RESULTS: All efficacy endpoints were met. At day 30, the proportion of subjects achieving none or mild severity at maximum smile was significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the onabotulinumtoxinA 24 and 12 U groups (68.3 and 56.6%, respectively) compared with the placebo group (8.2%). Efficacy results were consistent over repeated treatments, and subjects' self-assessed outcomes were similar to investigator-assessed results.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA 24 and 12 U improved the appearance of CFL in Japanese subjects and was well tolerated, with no new safety findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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 {pmid28725378, year = {2016}, author = {Inger, R and Cox, DTC and Per, E and Norton, BA and Gaston, KJ}, title = {Ecological role of vertebrate scavengers in urban ecosystems in the UK.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {6}, number = {19}, pages = {7015-7023}, pmid = {28725378}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Recent research has demonstrated how scavenging, the act of consuming dead animals, plays a key role in ecosystem structure, functioning, and stability. A growing number of studies suggest that vertebrate scavengers also provide key ecosystem services, the benefits humans gain from the natural world, particularly in the removal of carcasses from the environment. An increasing proportion of the human population is now residing in cities and towns, many of which, despite being highly altered environments, contain significant wildlife populations, and so animal carcasses. Indeed, non-predation fatalities may be higher within urban than natural environments. Despite this, the fate of carcasses in urban environments and the role vertebrate scavengers play in their removal have not been determined. In this study, we quantify the role of vertebrate scavengers in urban environments in three towns in the UK. Using experimentally deployed rat carcasses and rapid fire motion-triggered cameras, we determined which species were scavenging and how removal of carcass biomass was partitioned between them. Of the 63 experimental carcasses deployed, vertebrate scavenger activity was detected at 67%. There was a significantly greater depletion in carcass biomass in the presence (mean loss of 194 g) than absence (mean loss of 14 g) of scavengers. Scavenger activity was restricted to three species, Carrion crows Corvus corone, Eurasian magpies Pica pica, and European red foxes Vulpes vulpes. From behavioral analysis, we estimated that a maximum of 73% of the carcass biomass was removed by vertebrate scavengers. Despite having low species richness, the urban scavenger community in our urban study system removed a similar proportion of carcasses to those reported in more pristine environments. Vertebrate scavengers are providing a key urban ecosystem service in terms of carcass removal. This service is, however, often overlooked, and the species that provide it are among some of the most disliked and persecuted.}, } @article {pmid28724689, year = {2017}, author = {Kelley, LA and Clayton, NS}, title = {California scrub-jays reduce visual cues available to potential pilferers by matching food colour to caching substrate.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {13}, number = {7}, pages = {}, pmid = {28724689}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; California ; Color ; Cues ; Feeding Behavior ; *Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Some animals hide food to consume later; however, these caches are susceptible to theft by conspecifics and heterospecifics. Caching animals can use protective strategies to minimize sensory cues available to potential pilferers, such as caching in shaded areas and in quiet substrate. Background matching (where object patterning matches the visual background) is commonly seen in prey animals to reduce conspicuousness, and caching animals may also use this tactic to hide caches, for example, by hiding coloured food in a similar coloured substrate. We tested whether California scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) camouflage their food in this way by offering them caching substrates that either matched or did not match the colour of food available for caching. We also determined whether this caching behaviour was sensitive to social context by allowing the birds to cache when a conspecific potential pilferer could be both heard and seen (acoustic and visual cues present), or unseen (acoustic cues only). When caching events could be both heard and seen by a potential pilferer, birds cached randomly in matching and non-matching substrates. However, they preferentially hid food in the substrate that matched the food colour when only acoustic cues were present. This is a novel cache protection strategy that also appears to be sensitive to social context. We conclude that studies of cache protection strategies should consider the perceptual capabilities of the cacher and potential pilferers.}, } @article {pmid28724626, year = {2017}, author = {Serrano, FJ and Chiappe, LM}, title = {Aerodynamic modelling of a Cretaceous bird reveals thermal soaring capabilities during early avian evolution.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {14}, number = {132}, pages = {}, pmid = {28724626}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Birds/*anatomy & histology/*physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Fossils ; *Models, Biological ; }, abstract = {Several flight modes are thought to have evolved during the early evolution of birds. Here, we use a combination of computational modelling and morphofunctional analyses to infer the flight properties of the raven-sized, Early Cretaceous bird Sapeornis chaoyangensis-a likely candidate to have evolved soaring capabilities. Specifically, drawing information from (i) mechanical inferences of the deltopectoral crest of the humerus, (ii) wing shape (i.e. aspect ratio), (iii) estimations of power margin (i.e. difference between power required for flight and available power from muscles), (iv) gliding behaviour (i.e. forward speed and sinking speed), and (v) palaeobiological evidence, we conclude that S. chaoyangensis was a thermal soarer with an ecology similar to that of living South American screamers. Our results indicate that as early as 125 Ma, some birds evolved the morphological and aerodynamic requirements for soaring on continental thermals, a conclusion that highlights the degree of ecological, functional and behavioural diversity that resulted from the first major evolutionary radiation of birds.}, } @article {pmid28717324, year = {2017}, author = {Fadel, HM and Afifi, R}, title = {Investigation of avian influenza infection in wild birds in Ismailia and Damietta cities, Egypt.}, journal = {Veterinary world}, volume = {10}, number = {6}, pages = {695-701}, pmid = {28717324}, issn = {0972-8988}, abstract = {AIM: This study was carried out to monitor avian influenza (AI) infection in wild birds in Egypt.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 135 wild birds were examined for the presence of H5, H7, and H9 hemagglutination inhibition antibodies. Organs and swab samples of 75 birds were screened by multiplex real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) to detect AI subtypes H5, H7, and H9 matrix genes.

RESULTS: The highest seropositive result was recorded in cattle egrets (90.9%) followed by crows (88.6%), semi-captive pigeons (44.8%), and moorhens (39.1%). In cattle egrets, semi-captive pigeons and moorhens, H5 antibodies predominated. In crows, H9 antibodies predominated. Multiple infections with two or three virus subtypes were highest in crows (6/39, 15.4%) followed by cattle egrets (3/30, 10%) and moorhens' (1/9, 11.1%) positive samples. Multiplex RRT-PCR results revealed two positive samples in cattle egrets and moorhens.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated high seropositive rates against AI virus subtypes H5 and H9 in the examined wild birds. Multiple infections with more than one AI virus (AIV) subtypes were detected in some birds. This requires a collaboration of efforts to monitor AIV infection in wild birds and implement suitable early intervention measures.}, } @article {pmid28707087, year = {2017}, author = {Kaefer, M}, title = {Jay Grosfeld, MD, FACS, FAAP, FRCS, FRCPS, FRSH (1935-2016).}, journal = {World journal of surgery}, volume = {41}, number = {9}, pages = {2185-2186}, doi = {10.1007/s00268-017-4099-z}, pmid = {28707087}, issn = {1432-2323}, } @article {pmid28706072, year = {2017}, author = {Kabadayi, C and Osvath, M}, title = {Ravens parallel great apes in flexible planning for tool-use and bartering.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {357}, number = {6347}, pages = {202-204}, doi = {10.1126/science.aam8138}, pmid = {28706072}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Crows ; Female ; Hominidae/*psychology ; Male ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The ability to flexibly plan for events outside of the current sensory scope is at the core of being human and is crucial to our everyday lives and society. Studies on apes have shaped a belief that this ability evolved within the hominid lineage. Corvids, however, have shown evidence of planning their food hoarding, although this has been suggested to reflect a specific caching adaptation rather than domain-general planning. Here, we show that ravens plan for events unrelated to caching-tool-use and bartering-with delays of up to 17 hours, exert self-control, and consider temporal distance to future events. Their performance parallels that seen in apes and suggests that planning evolved independently in corvids, which opens new avenues for the study of cognitive evolution.}, } @article {pmid28706023, year = {2017}, author = {Boeckle, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {A raven's memories are for the future.}, journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)}, volume = {357}, number = {6347}, pages = {126-127}, doi = {10.1126/science.aan8802}, pmid = {28706023}, issn = {1095-9203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Crows ; *Memory ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, } @article {pmid28705691, year = {2017}, author = {Godwin, CA and Hunter, MA and Bezdek, MA and Lieberman, G and Elkin-Frankston, S and Romero, VL and Witkiewitz, K and Clark, VP and Schumacher, EH}, title = {Functional connectivity within and between intrinsic brain networks correlates with trait mind wandering.}, journal = {Neuropsychologia}, volume = {103}, number = {}, pages = {140-153}, doi = {10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.07.006}, pmid = {28705691}, issn = {1873-3514}, mesh = {Adult ; Attention/*physiology ; Brain/diagnostic imaging/*physiology ; Brain Mapping ; Creativity ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neural Pathways/diagnostic imaging/physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Personality/*physiology ; Rest ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Individual differences across a variety of cognitive processes are functionally associated with individual differences in intrinsic networks such as the default mode network (DMN). The extent to which these networks correlate or anticorrelate has been associated with performance in a variety of circumstances. Despite the established role of the DMN in mind wandering processes, little research has investigated how large-scale brain networks at rest relate to mind wandering tendencies outside the laboratory. Here we examine the extent to which the DMN, along with the dorsal attention network (DAN) and frontoparietal control network (FPCN) correlate with the tendency to mind wander in daily life. Participants completed the Mind Wandering Questionnaire and a 5-min resting state fMRI scan. In addition, participants completed measures of executive function, fluid intelligence, and creativity. We observed significant positive correlations between trait mind wandering and 1) increased DMN connectivity at rest and 2) increased connectivity between the DMN and FPCN at rest. Lastly, we found significant positive correlations between trait mind wandering and fluid intelligence (Ravens) and creativity (Remote Associates Task). We interpret these findings within the context of current theories of mind wandering and executive function and discuss the possibility that certain instances of mind wandering may not be inherently harmful. Due to the controversial nature of global signal regression (GSReg) in functional connectivity analyses, we performed our analyses with and without GSReg and contrast the results from each set of analyses.}, } @article {pmid28698508, year = {2017}, author = {Lehnert, MS and Kramer, VR and Rawlins, JE and Verdecia, V and Daniels, JC}, title = {Jamaica's Critically Endangered Butterfly: A Review of the Biology and Conservation Status of the Homerus Swallowtail (Papilio (Pterourus) homerus Fabricius).}, journal = {Insects}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {}, pmid = {28698508}, issn = {2075-4450}, abstract = {The Homerus swallowtail, Papilio (Pterourus) homerus Fabricius, is listed as an endangered species and is endemic to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere, P. homerus once inhabited seven of Jamaica's 14 parishes and consisted of at least three populations; however, now only two stronghold populations remain, a western population in the rugged Cockpit Country and an eastern population in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Despite numerous studies of its life history, much about the population biology, including estimates of total numbers of individuals in each population, remains unknown. In addition, a breeding program is needed to establish an experimental population, which could be used to augment wild populations and ensure the continued survival of the species. Here, we present a review of the biology of P. homerus and recommendations for a conservation plan.}, } @article {pmid28695387, year = {2017}, author = {Mitra, S and Karmakar, A and Mukherjee, A and Barik, A}, title = {The Role of Leaf Volatiles of Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven in the Attraction of Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).}, journal = {Journal of chemical ecology}, volume = {43}, number = {7}, pages = {679-692}, pmid = {28695387}, issn = {1573-1561}, support = {F. No. - 43-578/2014(SR) from UGC, Govt. of India//University Grants Commission/ ; }, mesh = {Acyclic Monoterpenes ; Animals ; Bicyclic Monoterpenes ; Coleoptera/*physiology ; Female ; *Herbivory ; Monoterpenes/analysis/metabolism ; Olfactometry ; Onagraceae/chemistry/*physiology ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Pheromones/analysis/*metabolism ; Plant Leaves/chemistry/*physiology ; Plant Weeds/chemistry/*physiology ; Terpenes/analysis/metabolism ; Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {Larvae and adults of Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feed on the rice-field weed Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven (Onagraceae), commonly known as willow primrose, which is considered a biocontrol agent of the weed. Volatile organic compounds from undamaged plants, plants after 4, 12, and 36 h of continuous feeding by A. cyanea larvae or adult females and after mechanical damaging were identified by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses. Twenty nine compounds were identified from undamaged plants. 2Z-Penten-1-ol, geraniol, and 1-tridecanol were present in all plants damaged by larvae. In contrast, feeding by adults caused the release of 2Z-penten-1-ol only after 12 and 36 h; whereas geraniol and 1-tridecanol appeared only after 36 h. Farnesyl acetone was detected after 12 and 36 h of feeding by larvae and after 36 h of feeding by adults. Farnesene was detected after 36 h of feeding by larvae and adults. Linalool was unique after 36 h of feeding by larvae. In Y-shaped glass tube olfactometer bioassays, A. cyanea females were attracted to volatiles after 36 h of feeding by larvae or adults compared to volatiles released by undamaged plants. The insects were attracted to five synthetic compounds: 3-hexanol, α-pinene, linalool oxide, geraniol, and phytol. Synthetic blends were more attractive than individual compounds. Compared to undamaged plants, volatiles released by plants, damaged by conspecific individuals, were more attractive to A. cyanea females, due to elevated emissions of 3-hexanol, α-pinene, linalool oxide, geraniol, and phytol.}, } @article {pmid28694614, year = {2017}, author = {Manju, R and Hegde, AM and Parlees, P and Keshan, A}, title = {Environmental Arsenic Contamination and Its Effect on Intelligence Quotient of School Children in a Historic Gold Mining Area Hutti, North Karnataka, India: A Pilot Study.}, journal = {Journal of neurosciences in rural practice}, volume = {8}, number = {3}, pages = {364-367}, pmid = {28694614}, issn = {0976-3147}, abstract = {CONTEXT: Arsenic is a rare crystal element that naturally occurs in all environmental media. A combination of regional and site-specific biogeochemical and hydrological factors governs its dispersion in the environment. It has far reaching consequences on human health. Exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been associated with a decline in intellectual function in children.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between exposure to arsenic by drinking water and children's intelligence in Karnataka state, India.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Twenty school children of age 10-14 years from Sandur, Bellary, Karnataka, and from Hutti, Raichur, Karnataka, were categorized as control and study group, respectively.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Water samples were collected from both the villages for the analysis of arsenic and fluoride levels. Hair and nail samples were collected from the participants, and the arsenic levels were determined. Intelligence quotient (IQ) assessment was done using the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the arsenic content in the hair and nail samples of children in the study group. The mean IQ tests score in the control group and study group was 30.55 and 17.95, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Chronic arsenic exposure could be a possible cause for the reduced IQ scores seen in children residing in Hutti, Raichur District, North Karnataka.}, } @article {pmid28691148, year = {2017}, author = {Bugelli, V and Papi, L and Fornaro, S and Stefanelli, F and Chericoni, S and Giusiani, M and Vanin, S and Campobasso, CP}, title = {Entomotoxicology in burnt bodies: a case of maternal filicide-suicide by fire.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {131}, number = {5}, pages = {1299-1306}, pmid = {28691148}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Automobiles ; Burns/*pathology ; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ; Carboxyhemoglobin/analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Diazepam/analysis ; *Diptera ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Fires ; Gasoline ; *Homicide ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives/analysis ; Kidney/chemistry ; Larva ; Liver/chemistry ; Male ; Nordazepam/analysis ; Oxazepam/analysis ; *Postmortem Changes ; *Suicide ; }, abstract = {One of the most common methods of maternal filicide is by fire. In this case study, a 40-year-old female and her children were found completely burned in a burnt out car. All bodies showed a degree of destruction by fire consisting to a level 3 of the Crow-Glassman Scale (CGS) and early stage of insect activity. Toxicological analyses were performed on soft tissues and body fluids still available. The results were positive for diazepam and its metabolites only for children with blood concentrations consistent with therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines. Home video surveillance cameras confirmed sedation prior to death recording the mother while administering some drops of sedative drugs in a soft drink to the children just a couple of hours before setting fire to the car. Based on autopsy findings, all victims were still alive at the time of fire. The cause of death was determined as carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal thermal injuries by fire. This case study has a special focus on the entomotoxicology and the potential role of insects in death investigations of burnt bodies, supposed to be an inadequate substratum for insect colonization. It demonstrates that in burnt bodies, arthropod colonization can be quite immediate after fire is extinguished. Toxicological analyses performed on larvae actively feeding on the children's bodies were positive for diazepam and its metabolites in small amount compared with blood concentrations, whereas the larvae collected from the mother's body were totally negative. These data, according to the autopsy findings and the toxicological results from the victim's blood and tissues, supported the suspect of a non-lethal sedation prior to death, which is a common behaviour in maternal filicide.}, } @article {pmid28689262, year = {2017}, author = {West, EH and Peery, MZ}, title = {Behavioral mechanisms leading to improved fitness in a subsidized predator.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {184}, number = {4}, pages = {787-798}, pmid = {28689262}, issn = {1432-1939}, support = {MSN150028//Save the Redwoods League (US)/International ; MSN160820//Save the Redwoods League (US)/International ; MSN164905//University of Wisconsin Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor Research and Graduate Education/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; *Genetic Fitness ; Human Activities ; Humans ; Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; *Songbirds ; }, abstract = {General mechanisms underlying the distribution and fitness of synanthropic predators in human-influenced landscapes remain unclear. Under the consumer resource-matching hypothesis, synanthropes are expected to distribute themselves among habitats according to resource availability, such that densities are greater in human-subsidized habitats, but mean individual fitness is equal among habitats because of negative density dependence. However, "under-matching" to human food resources can occur, because dominant individuals exclude subordinates from subsidized habitats and realize relatively high fitness. We integrated physiological, behavioral, and demographic information to test resource-matching hypotheses in Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri), a synanthropic nest predator, to understand how behavior and social systems can influence how synanthropes respond to food subsidies. Jays consumed more human foods at subsidized (park campground) sites than jays at unsubsidized (interior forest) sites based on stable isotope analyses. Jays that occurred at higher densities were in better body condition (based on feather growth bars and lipid analyses), and had greater reproductive output at subsidized than unsubsidized sites. Jays with breeding territories in subsidized sites maintained relatively small home ranges that overlapped with multiple conspecifics, and exhibited a social system where dominant individuals typically won contests over food. Thus, jays appeared to be under-matched to prevalent resource subsidies despite high densities and behaviors expected to lead to resource matching. Our results also indicate that local resource subsidies within protected areas can result in source habitats for synanthropes, potentially impacting sensitive species over broader spatial scales.}, } @article {pmid28688117, year = {2018}, author = {Lim, SM and Geervliet, M and Verhagen, JH and Müskens, GJDM and Majoor, FA and Osterhaus, ADME and Martina, BEE}, title = {Serologic evidence of West Nile virus and Usutu virus infections in Eurasian coots in the Netherlands.}, journal = {Zoonoses and public health}, volume = {65}, number = {1}, pages = {96-102}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12375}, pmid = {28688117}, issn = {1863-2378}, mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Bird Diseases/blood/epidemiology/*virology ; Birds ; Cell Line ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods/veterinary ; *Flavivirus ; Flavivirus Infections/epidemiology/*veterinary/virology ; Netherlands ; Population Surveillance ; *West Nile virus ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are arboviruses that are maintained in enzootic transmission cycles between mosquitoes and birds and are occasionally transmitted to mammals. As arboviruses are currently expanding their geographic range and emerging in often unpredictable locations, surveillance is considered an important element of preparedness. To determine whether sera collected from resident and migratory birds in the Netherlands as part of avian influenza surveillance would also represent an effective source for proactive arbovirus surveillance, a random selection of such sera was screened for WNV antibodies using a commercial ELISA. In addition, sera of jackdaws and carrion crows captured for previous experimental infection studies were added to the selection. Of the 265 screened serum samples, 27 were found to be WNV-antibody-positive, and subsequent cross-neutralization experiments using WNV and USUV confirmed that five serum samples were positive for only WNV-neutralizing antibodies and seven for only USUV. The positive birds consisted of four Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) and one carrion crow (Corvus corone) for WNV, of which the latter may suggest local presence of the virus, and only Eurasian coots for USUV. As a result, the screening of a small selection of serum samples originally collected for avian influenza surveillance demonstrated a seroprevalence of 1.6% for WNV and 2.8% for USUV, suggesting that this sustained infrastructure could serve as a useful source for future surveillance of arboviruses such as WNV and USUV in the Netherlands.}, } @article {pmid28684773, year = {2017}, author = {O'Hara, M and Mioduszewska, B and von Bayern, A and Auersperg, A and Bugnyar, T and Wilkinson, A and Huber, L and Gajdon, GK}, title = {The temporal dependence of exploration on neotic style in birds.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {4742}, pmid = {28684773}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P 29075/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Age Factors ; Animals ; Choice Behavior/*physiology ; Exploratory Behavior/*physiology ; Female ; Likelihood Functions ; Male ; Parrots/*physiology ; Pattern Recognition, Visual/physiology ; Songbirds/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Exploration (interacting with objects to gain information) and neophobia (avoiding novelty) are considered independent traits shaped by the socio-ecology of a given species. However, in the literature it is often assumed that neophobia inhibits exploration. Here, we investigate how different approaches to novelty (fast or slow) determine the time at which exploration is likely to occur across a number of species. We presented four corvid and five parrot species with a touchscreen discrimination task in which novel stimuli were occasionally interspersed within the familiar training stimuli. We investigated the likelihood that an animal would choose novelty at different stages of its training and found evidence for a shift in the pattern of exploration, depending on neotic style. The findings suggest that faster approaching individuals explored earlier, whilst animals with long initial approach latencies showed similar amounts of exploration but did so later in training. Age rather than species might have influenced the amount of total exploration, with juveniles exploring more than adults. Neotic style varied consistently only for one species and seems to involve a strong individual component, rather than being a purely species-specific trait. This suggests that variation in behavioural phenotypes within a species may be adaptive.}, } @article {pmid28676793, year = {2017}, author = {Gao, S and Kang, Y and Yuan, R and Ma, H and Xiang, B and Wang, Z and Dai, X and Wang, F and Xiao, J and Liao, M and Ren, T}, title = {Immune Responses of Chickens Infected with Wild Bird-Origin H5N6 Avian Influenza Virus.}, journal = {Frontiers in microbiology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {1081}, pmid = {28676793}, issn = {1664-302X}, abstract = {Since April 2014, new infections of H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) in humans and domestic poultry have caused considerable economic losses in the poultry industry and posed an enormous threat to human health worldwide. In previous research using gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, we reported that H5N6 AIV isolated in February 2015 (ZH283) in Pallas's sandgrouse was highly similar to that isolated in a human in December 2015 (A/Guangdong/ZQ874/2015), whereas a virus (i.e., SW8) isolated in oriental magpie-robin in 2014 was highly similar to that of A/chicken/Dongguan/2690/2013 (H5N6). However, the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and host immune-related response of chickens infected by those wild bird-origin H5N6 AIVs remain unknown. In response, we examined the viral distribution and mRNA expression profiles of immune-related genes in chickens infected with both viruses. Results showed that the H5N6 AIVs were highly pathogenic to chickens and caused not only systemic infection in multiple tissues, but also 100% mortality within 3-5 days post-infection. Additionally, ZH283 efficiently replicated in all tested tissues and transmitted among chickens more rapidly than SW8. Moreover, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that following infection with H5N6, AIVs immune-related genes remained active in a tissue-dependent manner, as well as that ZH283 induced mRNA expression profiles such as TLR3, TLR7, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-8, and MHC-II to a greater extent than SW8 in the tested tissues of infected chickens. Altogether, our findings help to illuminate the pathogenesis and immunologic mechanisms of H5N6 AIVs in chickens.}, } @article {pmid28666833, year = {2017}, author = {Lin, WS and Lo, JH and Yang, JH and Wang, HW and Fan, SZ and Yen, JH and Wang, PY}, title = {Ludwigia octovalvis extract improves glycemic control and memory performance in diabetic mice.}, journal = {Journal of ethnopharmacology}, volume = {207}, number = {}, pages = {211-219}, doi = {10.1016/j.jep.2017.06.044}, pmid = {28666833}, issn = {1872-7573}, mesh = {AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism ; Animals ; Blood Glucose/drug effects ; Cell Line ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/*drug therapy/physiopathology ; Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects ; Glucose/metabolism ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/isolation & purification/*pharmacology ; Male ; Memory/drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Onagraceae/*chemistry ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology ; Streptozocin ; }, abstract = {Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven (Onagraceae) extracts have historically been consumed as a healthful drink for treating various conditions, including edema, nephritis, hypotension and diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We have previously shown that Ludwigia octovalvis extract (LOE) can significantly extend lifespan and improve age-related memory deficits in Drosophila melanogaster through activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Since AMPK has become a critical target for treating diabetes, we herein investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of LOE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Differentiated C2C12 muscle cells, HepG2 hepatocellular cells, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and high fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice were used to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic potential of LOE. The open field test and novel object recognition test were used to evaluate spontaneous motor activity and memory performance of HFD-induced diabetic mice.

RESULTS: In differentiated C2C12 muscle cells and HepG2 hepatocellular cells, treatments with LOE and its active component (β-sitosterol) induced significant AMPK phosphorylation. LOE also enhanced uptake of a fluorescent glucose derivative (2-NBDG) and inhibited glucose production in these cells. The beneficial effects of LOE were completely abolished when an AMPK inhibitor, dorsomorphin, was added to the culture system, suggesting that LOE requires AMPK activation for its action in vitro. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, we found that both LOE and β-sitosterol induced an anti-hyperglycemic effect comparable to that of metformin, a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat diabetes. Moreover, LOE also improved glycemic control and memory performance of mice fed a HFD.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that LOE is a potent anti-diabetic intervention that may have potential for future clinical applications.}, } @article {pmid28664998, year = {2017}, author = {Termignoni-García, F and Jaramillo-Correa, JP and Chablé-Santos, J and Liu, M and Shultz, AJ and Edwards, SV and Escalante-Pliego, P}, title = {Genomic footprints of adaptation in a cooperatively breeding tropical bird across a vegetation gradient.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {26}, number = {17}, pages = {4483-4496}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14224}, pmid = {28664998}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological/*genetics ; Animals ; Breeding ; *Ecosystem ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; Mexico ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; }, abstract = {Identifying the genetic basis of phenotypic variation and its relationship with the environment is key to understanding how local adaptations evolve. Such patterns are especially interesting among populations distributed across habitat gradients, where genetic structure can be driven by isolation by distance (IBD) and/or isolation by environment (IBE). Here, we used variation in ~1,600 high-quality SNPs derived from paired-end sequencing of double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD-Seq) to test hypotheses related to IBD and IBE in the Yucatan jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus), a tropical bird endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula. This peninsula is characterized by a precipitation and vegetation gradient-from dry to evergreen tropical forests-that is associated with morphological variation in this species. We found a moderate level of nucleotide diversity (π = .008) and little evidence for genetic differentiation among vegetation types. Analyses of neutral and putatively adaptive SNPs (identified by complementary genome-scan approaches) indicate that IBD is the most reliable explanation to account for frequency distribution of the former, while IBE has to be invoked to explain those of the later. These results suggest that selective factors acting along a vegetation gradient can promote local adaptation in the presence of gene flow in a vagile, nonmigratory and geographically restricted species. The putative candidate SNPs identified here are located within or linked to a variety of genes that represent ideal targets for future genomic surveys.}, } @article {pmid28661714, year = {2017}, author = {Chooi, WT and Mohd Zaharim, N and Desrosiers, A and Ahmad, I and Yasin, MAM and Syed Jaapar, SZ and Schottenfeld, RS and Vicknasingam, BK and Chawarski, MC}, title = {Early Initiation of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS) Use Associated with Lowered Cognitive Performance among Individuals with Co-Occurring Opioid and ATS Use Disorders in Malaysia.}, journal = {Journal of psychoactive drugs}, volume = {49}, number = {4}, pages = {326-332}, pmid = {28661714}, issn = {2159-9777}, support = {R01 DA014718/DA/NIDA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Amphetamine/*adverse effects ; Amphetamine-Related Disorders/*etiology ; Analgesics, Opioid/*adverse effects ; Central Nervous System Stimulants/*adverse effects ; Cognition/*drug effects ; Humans ; Malaysia ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use is increasingly prevalent in Malaysia, including among individuals who also use opioids. We evaluated cognitive functioning profiles among individuals with co-occurring opioid and ATS dependence and their lifetime patterns of drug use. Participants (N = 50) enrolling in a clinical trial of buprenorphine/naloxone treatment with or without atomoxetine completed the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Digit Span, Trail Making and Symbol Digit Substitution tasks. Multidimensional scaling and a K-means cluster analyses were conducted to classify participants into lower versus higher cognitive performance groups. Subsequently, analyses of variance procedures were conducted to evaluate between group differences on drug use history and demographics. Two clusters of individuals with distinct profiles of cognitive performance were identified. The age of ATS use initiation, controlling for the overall duration of drug use, was significantly earlier in the lower than in the higher cognitive performance cluster: 20.9 (95% CI: 18.0-23.8) versus 25.2 (95% CI: 22.4-28.0, p = 0.038). While adverse effects of ATS use on cognitive functioning can be particularly pronounced with younger age, potentially related to greater vulnerability of the developing brain to stimulant and/or neurotoxic effects of these drugs, the current study findings cannot preclude lowered cognitive performance before initiation of ATS use.}, } @article {pmid28659699, year = {2016}, author = {Makharia, A and Nagarajan, A and Mishra, A and Peddisetty, S and Chahal, D and Singh, Y}, title = {Effect of environmental factors on intelligence quotient of children.}, journal = {Industrial psychiatry journal}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {189-194}, pmid = {28659699}, issn = {0972-6748}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: A child's intelligence quotient (IQ) is determined by both genetic and environmental factors that start from the prenatal period itself. There is a lack of data on the factors which influence IQ in Indian children; therefore, we conducted a multicenter questionnaire-based study to determine the environmental factors which influence IQ in Indian children.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we recruited 1065 schoolchildren between the age of 12 and 16 years from 2 government and 13 private schools in 5 towns, 6 cities, and 2 villages across India. All the children were administered a questionnaire consisting of various environmental factors such as parents' education, occupation, income, and the physical activity of the students. IQ scores were assessed using Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices. An approximate IQ score was calculated using the score on the Ravens test. IQ scores were divided into three groups: below normal IQ (0-79), normal IQ (80-119), and high IQ (above 120). The data were analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: In this study, it was observed that the environmental factors such as place of residence, physical activity, family income, parental education, and occupation of the father had an impact on the IQ of the children. Children living in cities (P = 0.001), children having physical activity more than 5 h/weeks (P = 0.001), children with parents having a postgraduate or graduate level of education (P = 0.001), children whose father having a professional job (P = 0.001), and those with a higher family income (P = 0.001) were more likely to have high IQ.

CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we found that various environmental factors such as place of residence, physical exercise, family income, parents' occupation and education influence the IQ of a child to a great extent. Hence, a child must be provided with an optimal environment to be able to develop to his/her full genetic potential.}, } @article {pmid28658287, year = {2017}, author = {Expósito-Granados, M and Parejo, D and Martínez, JG and Sánchez-Tójar, A and Precioso, M and Molina-Morales, M and Avilés, JM}, title = {An experimental test of host's life history traits modulation in response to cuckoo parasitism risk.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {6}, pages = {e0179206}, pmid = {28658287}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; }, abstract = {Hosts can counteract parasites through defences based on resistance and/or tolerance. The mechanistic basis of tolerance, which involve defensive mechanisms minimizing parasite damage after a successful parasitic attack, remains poorly explored in the study of cuckoo-host interactions. Here, we experimentally explore the possibility that the risk of great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius parasitism may induce tolerance defences in magpie Pica pica hosts through plasticity in life-history traits. We predict that magpies exposed to auditory cues indicating high parasitism risk will more likely exhibit resistance and/or modify their life-history traits to minimize parasitism costs (i.e. tolerance) compared to magpies under low parasitism risk. We found that manipulating the perceived parasitism risk did not affect host resistance (i.e. rejection of parasitic eggs) nor host life-history traits. Unexpectedly, host's egg volume increased over the season in nests exposed to auditory cues of control non-harmful hoopoes Upupa epops. Our results do not provide support for inducible defences (either based on resistance or tolerance) in response to risk of parasitism in magpie hosts. Even so, we encourage studying plastic expression of breeding strategies in response to risk of cuckoo parasitism to achieve a better understanding of the mechanistic basis of tolerance defences.}, } @article {pmid28653410, year = {2017}, author = {Wakefield, ED and Owen, E and Baer, J and Carroll, MJ and Daunt, F and Dodd, SG and Green, JA and Guilford, T and Mavor, RA and Miller, PI and Newell, MA and Newton, SF and Robertson, GS and Shoji, A and Soanes, LM and Votier, SC and Wanless, S and Bolton, M}, title = {Breeding density, fine-scale tracking, and large-scale modeling reveal the regional distribution of four seabird species.}, journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America}, volume = {27}, number = {7}, pages = {2074-2091}, doi = {10.1002/eap.1591}, pmid = {28653410}, issn = {1051-0761}, mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Birds/*physiology ; Charadriiformes/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Ireland ; Models, Biological ; *Nesting Behavior ; Population Density ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Population-level estimates of species' distributions can reveal fundamental ecological processes and facilitate conservation. However, these may be difficult to obtain for mobile species, especially colonial central-place foragers (CCPFs; e.g., bats, corvids, social insects), because it is often impractical to determine the provenance of individuals observed beyond breeding sites. Moreover, some CCPFs, especially in the marine realm (e.g., pinnipeds, turtles, and seabirds) are difficult to observe because they range tens to ten thousands of kilometers from their colonies. It is hypothesized that the distribution of CCPFs depends largely on habitat availability and intraspecific competition. Modeling these effects may therefore allow distributions to be estimated from samples of individual spatial usage. Such data can be obtained for an increasing number of species using tracking technology. However, techniques for estimating population-level distributions using the telemetry data are poorly developed. This is of concern because many marine CCPFs, such as seabirds, are threatened by anthropogenic activities. Here, we aim to estimate the distribution at sea of four seabird species, foraging from approximately 5,500 breeding sites in Britain and Ireland. To do so, we GPS-tracked a sample of 230 European Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis, 464 Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla, 178 Common Murres Uria aalge, and 281 Razorbills Alca torda from 13, 20, 12, and 14 colonies, respectively. Using Poisson point process habitat use models, we show that distribution at sea is dependent on (1) density-dependent competition among sympatric conspecifics (all species) and parapatric conspecifics (Kittiwakes and Murres); (2) habitat accessibility and coastal geometry, such that birds travel further from colonies with limited access to the sea; and (3) regional habitat availability. Using these models, we predict space use by birds from unobserved colonies and thereby map the distribution at sea of each species at both the colony and regional level. Space use by all four species' British breeding populations is concentrated in the coastal waters of Scotland, highlighting the need for robust conservation measures in this area. The techniques we present are applicable to any CCPF.}, } @article {pmid28635158, year = {2018}, author = {Widen, EM and Kahn, LG and Cirillo, P and Cohn, B and Kezios, KL and Factor-Litvak, P}, title = {Prepregnancy overweight and obesity are associated with impaired child neurodevelopment.}, journal = {Maternal & child nutrition}, volume = {14}, number = {1}, pages = {}, pmid = {28635158}, issn = {1740-8709}, support = {P2C HD042849/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 DK007559/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R00 HD086304/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 ES023772/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES009089/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; K99 HD086304/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adult ; Body Mass Index ; California/epidemiology ; Child ; Child Development ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; *Fetal Development ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; *Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders/epidemiology/*etiology ; *Neurogenesis ; Obesity/*physiopathology ; Overweight/*physiopathology ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/*physiopathology ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Recognition, Psychology ; Thinness/physiopathology ; Verbal Learning ; Weight Gain ; }, abstract = {The authors examined the relationship of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with child neurodevelopment. Mother-child dyads were a subgroup (n = 2,084) of the Child Health and Development Studies from the Oakland, California, area enrolled during pregnancy from 1959 to 1966 and followed at child age 9 years. Linear regression was used to examine associations between prepregnancy BMI, GWG, and standardized Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Raven Progressive Matrices scores and to evaluate effect modification of GWG by prepregnancy BMI. Before pregnancy, 77% of women were normal weight, 8% were underweight, 11% were overweight, and 3% were obese. Associations between GWG and child outcomes did not vary by prepregnancy BMI, suggesting no evidence for interaction. In multivariable models, compared to normal prepregnancy BMI, prepregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with lower Peabody scores (b: -1.29; 95% CI [-2.6, -0.04] and b: -2.7; 95% CI [-5.0, -0.32], respectively). GWG was not associated with child Peabody score [b: -0.03 (95% CI: -0.13, 0.07)]. Maternal BMI and GWG were not associated with child Raven score (all P >0.05). Maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with lower scores for verbal recognition in mid-childhood. These results contribute to evidence linking maternal BMI with child neurodevelopment. Future research should examine the role of higher prepregnancy BMI values and the pattern of pregnancy weight gain in child cognitive outcomes.}, } @article {pmid28631321, year = {2017}, author = {}, title = {John A. Raven.}, journal = {The New phytologist}, volume = {215}, number = {2}, pages = {514-515}, doi = {10.1111/nph.14651}, pmid = {28631321}, issn = {1469-8137}, mesh = {*Botany ; Career Choice ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Research ; United Kingdom ; }, } @article {pmid28624899, year = {2017}, author = {Fasfous, AF and Al-Joudi, HF and Puente, AE and Pérez-García, M}, title = {Neuropsychological Measures in the Arab World: A Systematic Review.}, journal = {Neuropsychology review}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {158-173}, pmid = {28624899}, issn = {1573-6660}, mesh = {Africa, Northern ; Arab World ; Humans ; Middle East ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; *Neuropsychology/instrumentation/methods ; }, abstract = {Although Arabic is one of the most widely used languages in the world, little is known on the availability of standardized neuropsychological tests in Arabic. We review the literature published before 2016, using the keywords Arab*, cogniti*, and neuropsycholo*, as well as keywords for each Arab country. PubMed, PsycINFO, Education Source, Academic Search Complete, Education Resources Information Center, Shamaa, and Arabpsynet databases were searched, in addition to a selected number of Arabic medical and educational journals. After excluding case reports, studies conducted on Arab groups residing outside the Arab world or Israel, and studies that employed intelligence scales or cognitive screens without standardization, 384 studies were eventually reviewed. Tests with most extensive use, adaptation, validation and norming were identified. The Raven Matrices, with its variants, was the most normed cognitive test for Arab individuals (normed in 16 countries). The rate of neuropsychology publications from the Arab countries combined, per year, was less than half of that of each American journal (top 10 journals pertaining to cognition). Nonetheless, the rate in Arab countries has increased after 2010. Publications were mostly from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but the ratio of test adaptation-to-publication was the largest in Jordan and Lebanon. Approximately half of these publications did not employ cognitive tests that were developed, translated, adapted, or standardized according to international guidelines of psychological measurement. We provide recommendations on improving clinical neuropsychology to better serve Arab patients.}, } @article {pmid28620679, year = {2017}, author = {Hassan, MM and Hoque, MA and Debnath, NC and Yamage, M and Klaassen, M}, title = {Are Poultry or Wild Birds the Main Reservoirs for Avian Influenza in Bangladesh?.}, journal = {EcoHealth}, volume = {14}, number = {3}, pages = {490-500}, pmid = {28620679}, issn = {1612-9210}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*virology ; Bangladesh/epidemiology ; Birds/*virology ; Disease Outbreaks/*veterinary ; Disease Reservoirs/*virology ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/*isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds/epidemiology ; Poultry/*virology ; Prevalence ; }, abstract = {Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are of great socioeconomic and health concern, notably in Southeast Asia where highly pathogenic strains, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and other H5 and H7 AIVs, continue to occur. Wild bird migrants are often implicated in the maintenance and spread of AIV. However, little systematic surveillance of wild birds has been conducted in Southeast Asia to evaluate whether the prevalence of AIV in wild birds is higher than in other parts of the world where HPAI outbreaks occur less frequently. Across Bangladesh, we randomly sampled a total of 3585 wild and domestic birds to assess the prevalence of AIV and antibodies against AIV and compared these with prevalence levels found in other endemic and non-endemic countries. Our study showed that both resident and migratory wild birds in Bangladesh do not have a particularly elevated AIV prevalence and AIV sero-prevalence compared to wild birds from regions in the world where H5N1 is not endemic and fewer AIV outbreaks in poultry occur. Like elsewhere, notably wild birds of the orders Anseriformes were identified as the main wild bird reservoir, although we found exceptionally high sero-prevalence in one representative of the order Passeriformes, the house crow (Corvus splendens), importantly living on offal from live bird markets. This finding, together with high sero- and viral prevalence levels of AIV in domestic birds, suggests that wild birds are not at the base of the perpetuation of AIV problems in the local poultry sector, but may easily become victim to AIV spill back from poultry into some species of wild birds, potentially assisting in further spread of the virus.}, } @article {pmid28619108, year = {2017}, author = {Gomo, G and Mattisson, J and Hagen, BR and Moa, PF and Willebrand, T}, title = {Scavenging on a pulsed resource: quality matters for corvids but density for mammals.}, journal = {BMC ecology}, volume = {17}, number = {1}, pages = {22}, pmid = {28619108}, issn = {1472-6785}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/physiology ; Deer/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Food Chain ; Male ; Norway ; Predatory Behavior ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human food subsidies can provide predictable food sources in large quantities for wildlife species worldwide. In the boreal forest of Fennoscandia, gut piles from moose (Alces alces) harvest provide a potentially important food source for a range of opportunistically scavenging predators. Increased populations of predators can negatively affect threatened or important game species. As a response to this, restrictions on field dressing of moose are under consideration in parts of Norway. However, there is a lack of research to how this resource is utilized. In this study, we used camera-trap data from 50 gut piles during 1043 monitoring days. We estimated depletion of gut piles separately for parts with high and low energy content, and used these results to scale up gut pile density in the study area. We identified scavenger species and analyzed the influences of gut pile quality and density on scavenging behavior of mammals and corvids (family Corvidae).

RESULTS: Main scavengers were corvids and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Parts with high energy content were rapidly consumed, mainly by corvids that were present at all gut piles shortly after the remains were left at the kill site. Corvid presence declined with days since harvest, reflecting reduction in gut pile quality over time independent of gut pile density. Mammals arrived 7-8 days later at the gut piles than corvids, and their presence depended only on gut pile density with a peak at intermediate densities. The decline at high gut pile densities suggest a saturation effect, which could explain accumulation of gut pile parts with low energy content.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that remains from moose harvest can potentially be an important food resource for scavengers, as it was utilized to a high degree by many species. This study gives novel insight into how energy content and density of resources affect scavenging patterns among functional groups of scavengers.}, } @article {pmid28615758, year = {2017}, author = {Anil Kumar, BN and Malhotra, S and Bhattacharya, A and Grover, S and Batra, YK}, title = {Regional Cerebral Glucose Metabolism and its Association with Phenotype and Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Autism.}, journal = {Indian journal of psychological medicine}, volume = {39}, number = {3}, pages = {262-270}, pmid = {28615758}, issn = {0253-7176}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In spite of three decades of neuroimaging, we are unable to find consistent and coherent anatomical or pathophysiological basis for autism as changes are subtle and there are no studies from India.

AIM: To study the regional cerebral glucose metabolism in children with autism using positron emission tomography (PET) scan and to study the behavior and cognitive functioning among them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten subjects (8-19 years) meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for autism were evaluated on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), trail making test (TMT) A and B, Wisconsin card sorting test, Raven's progressive matrices, and PET scan. A control group of 15 matched subjects without any brain pathology or neurological disorder was similarly studied.

RESULTS: Four out of the ten patients with autism had abnormal PET scan findings, and in contrast, none of the patients in the control group had abnormal PET scan. Of the four patients with abnormality in the PET scan, two patients had findings suggestive of hypometabolism in cerebellum bilaterally; one patient showed bilateral hypometabolism in anterior temporal cortices and cerebellum, and the fourth patient had hypermetabolism in the bilateral frontal cortices and medial occipital cortices. Subjects with autism performed poorly on neuropsychological testing. Patients with abnormal PET scan findings had significantly higher scores on the "body use" domain of CARS indicating more stereotypy.

CONCLUSION: Findings of this study support the view of altered brain functioning in subjects with autism.}, } @article {pmid28610033, year = {2017}, author = {Hernández-Triana, LM and Brugman, VA and Prosser, SWJ and Weland, C and Nikolova, N and Thorne, L and Marco, MF and Fooks, AR and Johnson, N}, title = {Molecular approaches for blood meal analysis and species identification of mosquitoes (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae) in rural locations in southern England, United Kingdom.}, journal = {Zootaxa}, volume = {4250}, number = {1}, pages = {67-76}, doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4250.1.5}, pmid = {28610033}, issn = {1175-5334}, mesh = {Animals ; Anopheles ; Cattle ; Culex ; *Culicidae ; Dogs ; England ; Female ; Humans ; Insect Vectors ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; United Kingdom ; West Nile virus ; }, abstract = {Thirty-four species of Culicidae are present in the UK, of which 15 have been implicated as potential vectors of arthropod-borne viruses such as West Nile virus. Identification of mosquito feeding preferences is paramount to the understanding of vector-host-pathogen interactions which, in turn, would assist in the control of disease outbreaks. Results are presented on the application of DNA barcoding for vertebrate species identification in blood-fed female mosquitoes in rural locations. Blood-fed females (n = 134) were collected in southern England from rural sites and identified based on morphological criteria. Blood meals from 59 specimens (44%) were identified as feeding on eight hosts: European rabbit, cow, human, barn swallow, dog, great tit, magpie and blackbird. Analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mtDNA barcoding region and the internal transcribed spacer 2 rDNA region of the specimens morphologically identified as Anopheles maculipennis s.l. revealed the presence of An. atroparvus and An. messeae. A similar analysis of specimens morphologically identified as Culex pipiens/Cx. torrentium showed all specimens to be Cx. pipiens (typical form). This study demonstrates the importance of using molecular techniques to support species-level identification in blood-fed mosquitoes to maximize the information obtained in studies investigating host feeding patterns.}, } @article {pmid28597718, year = {2018}, author = {Chen, X and Ye, M and Chang, L and Chen, W and Zhou, R}, title = {Effect of Working Memory Updating Training on Retrieving Symptoms of Children With Learning Disabilities.}, journal = {Journal of learning disabilities}, volume = {51}, number = {5}, pages = {507-519}, doi = {10.1177/0022219417712015}, pmid = {28597718}, issn = {1538-4780}, mesh = {Academic Performance ; Child ; Cognitive Remediation/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence/physiology ; Learning Disabilities/physiopathology/*rehabilitation ; Male ; Mathematics ; *Memory, Short-Term/physiology ; }, abstract = {Working memory (WM) deficiency is a primary reason for the poor academic performance of children with learning disabilities (LDs). Studies have shown that the WM of typical children could be improved through training, and WM training contributes to improving their fluid intelligence and academic achievement. However, few studies have investigated WM training for children with LDs, and results have been inconsistent. The present study examined the long-term effects of WM updating training and whether it can mitigate LD symptoms. Fifty-four children with LDs were recruited and divided randomly into a training or control group. The training group underwent adaptive running WM training for 20 days. Before and after training, the 2 groups completed a 2-back task, a digit span task (forward and backward), Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test, and a scholastic attainment test (Chinese and math). The tests were repeated 6 months later. The results showed that, as compared with the controls, the training group exhibited significant improvements in the digit backward span task, 2-back task, and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. The math scores of the training group improved significantly by 6 months after the training. The results of this study suggest that WM updating training could mitigate the cognitive deficits of LDs and improve the WM capacity, fluid intelligence, and math scores of children with LDs. Moreover, the training effects could be maintained for at least 6 months.}, } @article {pmid28595250, year = {2017}, author = {Trevidic, P and Andre, P and Benadiba, L and Deutsch, JJ and Galatoire, O and Garcia, P and Grand-Vincent, A and Boisnic, S and Kerihuel, JC and Salomon, C}, title = {Prospective, Split-Face, Randomized, Long-Term Blinded Objective Comparison of the Performance and Tolerability of Two New Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {43}, number = {12}, pages = {1448-1457}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001193}, pmid = {28595250}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Cosmetic Techniques ; Dermal Fillers/*administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Eye ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid/*administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nasolabial Fold ; Prospective Studies ; Single-Blind Method ; Skin ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There are requirements for long-term, objective comparisons of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and tolerability of ART FILLER Universal (AFU) and ART FILLER Fine lines (AFFL) with the existing HA fillers for the treatment of nasolabial folds and crow's feet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomized, rater- and patient-blind, split-face comparison of AFU with JUVEDERM Ultra 3 (JUV) and AFFL with FIRST LINES PureSense (FLPS). The severity of nasolabial folds and crow's feet was assessed by independent blinded evaluators using the Lemperle scale at baseline, day (D) 30/D45, D90, and D180. Tolerability, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), wrinkle volumes, and skin thickness and density were also measured at D30/D45, D90, and D180.

RESULTS: At D30 and D180 respectively, 61 and 57 patients were assessed. Scores for nasolabial folds and crow's feet showed statistically significant improvements at D30, D90, and D180. AFU and AFFL were noninferior to JUV and FLPS, respectively. Most patients showed GAIS improvements, maintained until at least D180 and significant increases of collagen synthesis in crow's feet and nasolabial folds. Treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: AFU and AFFL are noninferior to comparators. The methodology used represents a novel approach to augment existing clinical assessment of HA fillers.}, } @article {pmid28589845, year = {2017}, author = {Kryukov, AP and Spiridonova, LN and Mori, S and Arkhipov, VY and Red'kin, YA and Goroshko, OA and Lobkov, EG and Haring, E}, title = {Deep Phylogeographic Breaks in Magpie Pica pica Across the Holarctic: Concordance with Bioacoustics and Phenotypes.}, journal = {Zoological science}, volume = {34}, number = {3}, pages = {185-200}, doi = {10.2108/zs160119}, pmid = {28589845}, issn = {0289-0003}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Haplotypes ; Passeriformes/*genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; }, abstract = {We examined sequences of the mitochondrial control region in magpies (Pica pica) from the entire distribution range and found deep genetic splits into four major lineages: (1) group West (Europe-Siberia), (2) group East (southern Far East), (3) P. p. mauritanica (North Africa), and (4) P. p. hudsonia (North America). These lineages show a geographic pattern corresponding to known subspecies or subspecies groups. Genetic variation within the widely-distributed group West is low and neutrality tests supported a recent expansion scenario. The haplotypes from Kamchatka, representing a separated sublineage with clear affinity to the European-Siberian group, are almost identical, implying a recent bottleneck. Group East contained two subclades without clear geographic pattern, presumably due to admixing of populations that had diverged in Pleistocene refuges. The homogeneity of the Kyushu population supports historical reports of introduction of the species from Korea. In contrast, the high variation in the recently established Hokkaido population may reflect an ongoing invasion from several populations of the Far Eastern mainland. Bioacoustic data based on chatter call differentiate groups of subspecies and reflect phylogeographic patterns, i.e., mitochondrial lineages. Furthermore, we report the fast spreading of P. p. jankowskii towards the west along the upper Amur River, and a slower shifting of P. p. leucoptera in the opposite direction thus yielding a new contact zone. Overall, our data support a scenario of divergence in geographic isolation, but the ongoing expansion of distribution ranges may lead to major changes in phylogeographic patterns.}, } @article {pmid28570966, year = {2017}, author = {O'Donnell, LA and Axelson, DA and Kowatch, RA and Schneck, CD and Sugar, CA and Miklowitz, DJ}, title = {Enhancing quality of life among adolescents with bipolar disorder: A randomized trial of two psychosocial interventions.}, journal = {Journal of affective disorders}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {201-208}, pmid = {28570966}, issn = {1573-2517}, support = {R01 MH073871/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 MH093676/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; R21 MH097007/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Bipolar Disorder/psychology/*therapy ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Communication ; Family Relations ; Family Therapy/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Patient Education as Topic/*methods ; Quality of Life/*psychology ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) report lower quality of life (QoL) than adolescents with other psychiatric disorders. This study compared the efficacy of family-focused therapy for adolescents (FFT-A) plus pharmacotherapy to brief psychoeducation (enhanced care, or EC) plus pharmacotherapy on self-rated QoL in adolescents with BD over 2 years.

METHODS: Participants were 141 adolescents (mean age: 15.6±1.4yr) with BD I or II who had a mood episode in the previous 3 months. Adolescents and parents were randomly assigned to (1) FFT-A, given in 21 sessions in 9 months of psychoeducation, communication enhancement training, and problem-solving skills training, or (2) EC, given in 3 family psychoeducation sessions. Study psychiatrists provided patient participants with protocol-based pharmacotherapy for the duration of the study. QoL was assessed with The KINDL[R]Questionnaire (Ravens-Sieberer and Bullinger, 1998) during active treatment (baseline to 9 months) and during a post-treatment follow-up (9-24 months).

RESULTS: The two treatment groups did not differ in overall QoL scores over 24 months. However, adolescents in FFT-A had greater improvements in quality of family relationships and physical well-being than participants in EC. For quality of friendships, the trajectory during active treatment favored EC, whereas the trajectory during post-treatment favored FFT-A.

LIMITATIONS: We were unable to standardize medication use or adherence over time. Quality of life was based on self-report rather than on observable functioning.

CONCLUSIONS: A short course of family psychoeducation and skills training may enhance relational functioning and health in adolescents with BD. The effects of different psychosocial interventions on peer relationships deserves further study.}, } @article {pmid28560573, year = {2017}, author = {Chen, X and Wen, T and Hu, J and Liu, T and Esch, GW and Liang, Y and Li, H and Huang, S}, title = {Sarcocystis dehongensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in China.}, journal = {Parasitology research}, volume = {116}, number = {8}, pages = {2145-2150}, pmid = {28560573}, issn = {1432-1955}, mesh = {Animals ; Buffaloes/*parasitology ; China ; DNA, Mitochondrial/chemistry ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemical synthesis/genetics ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/veterinary ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Sarcocystis/*classification/genetics/isolation & purification/ultrastructure ; Sarcocystosis/parasitology/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is the intermediate host for at least four species of Sarcocystis: S. fusiformis, S. buffalonis, S. levinei, and S. sinensis/S. dubeyi. Here, a new species, Sarcocystis dehongensis, is reported in 51 of 756 (6.7%) water buffaloes in China. By light microscopy, the cysts of S. dehongensis were macroscopic, up to 18.5 mm long and 95 μm in diameter; 4.9-11.9 μm villous protrusions extended beyond the sarcocyst wall. Using transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall had lancet- or leaf-like protrusions in longitudinal section, but the cross section showed that the protrusions appeared as mushroom-like in shape with a core of tightly packed microtubules, similar to "type 24." BLAST searches revealed that S. dehongensis shared the most similarities with the 18S rDNA sequence of S. hardangeri (92.4%) and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequence of S. ovalis (81.0%), whereas no sequences in GenBank were found to be significantly similar to the ITS-1 region of S. dehongensis. A phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences suggested that S. dehongensis was closely related to Sarcocystis species from cervids that employ corvids as definitive hosts.}, } @article {pmid28557688, year = {2017}, author = {Veit, L and Pidpruzhnykova, G and Nieder, A}, title = {Learning Recruits Neurons Representing Previously Established Associations in the Corvid Endbrain.}, journal = {Journal of cognitive neuroscience}, volume = {29}, number = {10}, pages = {1712-1724}, doi = {10.1162/jocn_a_01152}, pmid = {28557688}, issn = {1530-8898}, mesh = {Action Potentials ; Analysis of Variance ; Animals ; Association Learning/*physiology ; Attention/physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Electrodes, Implanted ; Feedback, Psychological/physiology ; Neuronal Plasticity/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/physiology ; }, abstract = {Crows quickly learn arbitrary associations. As a neuronal correlate of this behavior, single neurons in the corvid endbrain area nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) change their response properties during association learning. In crows performing a delayed association task that required them to map both familiar and novel sample pictures to the same two choice pictures, NCL neurons established a common, prospective code for associations. Here, we report that neuronal tuning changes during learning were not distributed equally in the recorded population of NCL neurons. Instead, such learning-related changes relied almost exclusively on neurons which were already encoding familiar associations. Only in such neurons did behavioral improvements during learning of novel associations coincide with increasing selectivity over the learning process. The size and direction of selectivity for familiar and newly learned associations were highly correlated. These increases in selectivity for novel associations occurred only late in the delay period. Moreover, NCL neurons discriminated correct from erroneous trial outcome based on feedback signals at the end of the trial, particularly in newly learned associations. Our results indicate that task-relevant changes during association learning are not distributed within the population of corvid NCL neurons but rather are restricted to a specific group of association-selective neurons. Such association neurons in the multimodal cognitive integration area NCL likely play an important role during highly flexible behavior in corvids.}, } @article {pmid28553216, year = {2017}, author = {Brown, AC and Crewther, DP}, title = {Autistic Children Show a Surprising Relationship between Global Visual Perception, Non-Verbal Intelligence and Visual Parvocellular Function, Not Seen in Typically Developing Children.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {11}, number = {}, pages = {239}, pmid = {28553216}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Despite much current research into the visual processing style of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), understanding of the neural mechanisms is lagging, especially with respect to the contributions of the overlapping dichotomies of magnocellular/parvocellular (afferent neural pathways), global/local (perception) and dorsal/ventral (cortical streams). Here, we addressed this deficiency by measuring inspection times (ITs) for novel global/local stimuli as well as recording nonlinear visually evoked potentials (VEPs), in particular, magnocellular and parvocellular temporal efficiencies. The study was conducted on a group of male ASD children and a typically developing (TD) group matched for mean age and mean non-verbal intelligence, as measured by the Raven's Progressive Matrices. The IT results did not differ between groups, however a negative correlation between global IT and Raven's score was found in the ASD group, that was not evident in the TD group. Nonlinear VEP showed the ASD group had smaller amplitude parvocellular-generated second order responses compared to the TD group. This is a sign of improved temporal responsiveness in ASD vs. TD groups. Principal Component Analysis linked global IT, non-verbal intelligence scores and VEP parvocellular efficiency in a single factor for the ASD but not the TD group. The results are suggestive of a constraint on pathways available for cognitive response in the ASD group, with temporal processing for those with ASD becoming more reliant on the parvocellular pathway.}, } @article {pmid28545237, year = {2017}, author = {Pochon, R and Touchet, C and Ibernon, L}, title = {Emotion Recognition in Adolescents with Down Syndrome: A Nonverbal Approach.}, journal = {Brain sciences}, volume = {7}, number = {6}, pages = {}, pmid = {28545237}, issn = {2076-3425}, abstract = {Several studies have reported that persons with Down syndrome (DS) have difficulties recognizing emotions; however, there is insufficient research to prove that a deficit of emotional knowledge exists in DS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recognition of emotional facial expressions without making use of emotional vocabulary, given the language problems known to be associated with this syndrome. The ability to recognize six emotions was assessed in 24 adolescents with DS. Their performance was compared to that of 24 typically developing children with the same nonverbal-developmental age, as assessed by Raven's Progressive Matrices. Analysis of the results revealed no global difference; only marginal differences in the recognition of different emotions appeared. Study of the developmental trajectories revealed a developmental difference: the nonverbal reasoning level assessed by Raven's matrices did not predict success on the experimental tasks in the DS group, contrary to the typically developing group. These results do not corroborate the hypothesis that there is an emotional knowledge deficit in DS and emphasize the importance of using dynamic, strictly nonverbal tasks in populations with language disorders.}, } @article {pmid28539482, year = {2017}, author = {KleinHeerenbrink, M and Johansson, LC and Hedenström, A}, title = {Multi-cored vortices support function of slotted wing tips of birds in gliding and flapping flight.}, journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface}, volume = {14}, number = {130}, pages = {}, pmid = {28539482}, issn = {1742-5662}, mesh = {*Air Movements ; Animals ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Crows/*anatomy & histology/*physiology ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; Wings, Animal/*anatomy & histology/physiology ; }, abstract = {Slotted wing tips of birds are commonly considered an adaptation to improve soaring performance, despite their presence in species that neither soar nor glide. We used particle image velocimetry to measure the airflow around the slotted wing tip of a jackdaw (Corvus monedula) as well as in its wake during unrestrained flight in a wind tunnel. The separated primary feathers produce individual wakes, confirming a multi-slotted function, in both gliding and flapping flight. The resulting multi-cored wingtip vortex represents a spreading of vorticity, which has previously been suggested as indicative of increased aerodynamic efficiency. Considering benefits of the slotted wing tips that are specific to flapping flight combined with the wide phylogenetic occurrence of this configuration, we propose the hypothesis that slotted wings evolved initially to improve performance in powered flight.}, } @article {pmid28537801, year = {2017}, author = {Panev, AS and Tserne, TA and Polugrudov, AS and Bakutova, LA and Petrova, NB and Tatarinova, OV and Kolosova, ON and Borisenkov, MF}, title = {Association of chronotype and social jetlag with human non-verbal intelligence.}, journal = {Chronobiology international}, volume = {34}, number = {7}, pages = {977-980}, doi = {10.1080/07420528.2017.1324473}, pmid = {28537801}, issn = {1525-6073}, mesh = {*Activity Cycles ; Adolescent ; Adult ; *Circadian Rhythm ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Phenotype ; *Social Behavior ; Time Factors ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chronotype and social jetlag (SJL) on intelligence. Subjects were aged 14-25 years (n = 1008). A significant effect of intelligence on academic performance, as measured by the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices test, was found (F2,917 = 11.75, P < 0.0001, η[2] = 0.03). When SJL was less than 2 hours, the intelligence of people with late chronotype was found to be higher than that of subjects with early and intermediate chronotypes (F2,305 = 3.12, P < 0.05, η[2] = 0.02). A negative effect of SJL on the results of intelligence testing was noted only in subjects with late chronotype (F2,536 = 2.61, P < 0.05, η[2] = 0.02). Our data suggest that people with late chronotype have a higher level of intelligence, but these advantages disappear when SJL ≥2 hours.}, } @article {pmid28535928, year = {2017}, author = {Luef, EM and Ter Maat, A and Pika, S}, title = {Vocal similarity in long-distance and short-distance vocalizations in raven pairs (Corvus corax) in captivity.}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {142}, number = {}, pages = {1-7}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2017.05.013}, pmid = {28535928}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Acoustics ; Animals ; Communication ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Pair Bond ; Vocalization, Animal/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Vocal interactions in many birds are characterized by imitation or the matching of vocalizations whereby one individual makes its vocalizations more similar to those of a conspecific. This behaviour is aided by vocal learning, which allows birds to change the vocalizations already in their repertoires, or to add new ones. The majority of studies on vocal similarity have been focussing on the songs of birds rather than their calls, with evidence for vocal similarity in calls being rather scarce. Here, we investigated whether ravens make their calls acoustically similar to one another by analysing the extent to which short- and long-distance calls of their vocal repertoires exhibited vocal similarity. Our results showed that long-distance calls, but not short-distance calls, are highly similar between pair partners. This effect may be explained by the different functions underlying short- and long-distance communication in ravens, with vocal similarity possibly being scaffolded by specific social matrices such as pair-bonds and/or strong social relationships.}, } @article {pmid28534720, year = {2017}, author = {Gutierrez, JC and Chigerwe, M and Ilkiw, JE and Youngblood, P and Holladay, SD and Srivastava, S}, title = {Spatial and Visual Reasoning: Do These Abilities Improve in First-Year Veterinary Medical Students Exposed to an Integrated Curriculum?.}, journal = {Journal of veterinary medical education}, volume = {44}, number = {4}, pages = {669-675}, doi = {10.3138/jvme.0915-158R3}, pmid = {28534720}, issn = {0748-321X}, mesh = {Curriculum ; Education, Veterinary/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; Program Evaluation ; *Space Perception ; Students, Medical/*psychology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Spatial visualization ability refers to the human cognitive ability to form, retrieve, and manipulate mental models of spatial nature. Visual reasoning ability has been linked to spatial ability. There is currently limited information about how entry-level spatial and visual reasoning abilities may predict veterinary anatomy performance or may be enhanced with progression through the veterinary anatomy content in an integrated curriculum. The present study made use of two tests that measure spatial ability and one test that measures visual reasoning ability in veterinary students: Guay's Visualization of Views Test, adapted version (GVVT), the Mental Rotations Test (MRT), and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test, short form (RavenT). The tests were given to the entering class of veterinary students during their orientation week and at week 32 in the veterinary medical curriculum. Mean score on the MRT significantly increased from 15.2 to 20.1, and on the RavenT significantly increased from 7.5 to 8.8. When females only were evaluated, results were similar to the total class outcome; however, all three tests showed significant increases in mean scores. A positive correlation between the pre- and post-test scores was found for all three tests. The present results should be considered preliminary at best for associating anatomic learning in an integrated curriculum with spatial and visual reasoning abilities. Other components of the curriculum, for instance histology or physiology, could also influence the improved spatial visualization and visual reasoning test scores at week 32.}, } @article {pmid28534028, year = {2017}, author = {Embleton, ND and Berrington, JE and Dorling, J and Ewer, AK and Juszczak, E and Kirby, JA and Lamb, CA and Lanyon, CV and McGuire, W and Probert, CS and Rushton, SP and Shirley, MD and Stewart, CJ and Cummings, SP}, title = {Mechanisms Affecting the Gut of Preterm Infants in Enteral Feeding Trials.}, journal = {Frontiers in nutrition}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {14}, pmid = {28534028}, issn = {2296-861X}, support = {EME/13/122/02/DH_/Department of Health/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in preterm infants offer unique opportunities for mechanistic evaluation of the risk factors leading to serious diseases, as well as the actions of interventions designed to prevent them. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) a serious inflammatory gut condition and late-onset sepsis (LOS) are common feeding and nutrition-related problems that may cause death or serious long-term morbidity and are key outcomes in two current UK National Institutes for Health Research (NIHR) trials. Speed of increasing milk feeds trial (SIFT) randomized preterm infants to different rates of increases in milk feeds with a primary outcome of survival without disability at 2 years corrected age. Enteral lactoferrin in neonates (ELFIN) randomizes infants to supplemental enteral lactoferrin or placebo with a primary outcome of LOS. This is a protocol for the mechanisms affecting the gut of preterm infants in enteral feeding trials (MAGPIE) study and is funded by the UK NIHR Efficacy and Mechanistic Evaluation programme. MAGPIE will recruit ~480 preterm infants who were enrolled in SIFT or ELFIN. Participation in MAGPIE does not change the main trial protocols and uses non-invasive sampling of stool and urine, along with any residual resected gut tissue if infants required surgery. Trial interventions may involve effects on gut microbes, metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), and aspects of host immune function. Current hypotheses suggest that NEC and/or LOS are due to a dysregulated immune system in the context of gut dysbiosis, but mechanisms have not been systematically studied within large RCTs. Microbiomic analysis will use next-generation sequencing, and metabolites will be assessed by mass spectrometry to detect volatile organic and other compounds produced by microbes or the host. We will explore differences between disease cases and controls, as well as exploring the actions of trial interventions. Impacts of this research are multiple: translation of knowledge of mechanisms promoting gut health may explain outcomes or suggest alternate strategies to improve health. Results may identify new non-invasive diagnostic or monitoring techniques, preventative or treatment strategies for NEC or LOS, or provide data useful for risk stratification in future studies. Mechanistic evaluation might be especially informative where there are not clear effects on the primary outcome (ISRCTN 12554594).}, } @article {pmid28527091, year = {2017}, author = {Viticchi, G and Falsetti, L and Bartolini, M and Buratti, L and Pistelli, L and Provinciali, L and Silvestrini, M}, title = {Raven coloured progressive matrices in migraine without aura patients.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {38}, number = {Suppl 1}, pages = {177-179}, pmid = {28527091}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {Adult ; Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis/psychology ; Executive Function/physiology ; Female ; Frontal Lobe/pathology/physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Migraine without Aura/*diagnosis/*psychology ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Conflicting results emerged from studies investigating cognitive performances in migraine patients. Based on clinical and neuroradiological aspects, the possible involvement of executive functions has been especially taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a population of subjects affected by migraine without aura (MwoA), frontal lobe cognitive functions. We enrolled all the consecutive patients affected by MwoA referred to our headache centre for a first evaluation. Each patient underwent a neuropsychological evaluation including Raven coloured progressive matrices (CPM). We collected variables as age, education, years of migraine, frequency of attacks and CPM scores. Relationship between continuous variables was explored with multiple regression lines, selecting the best-fitting trendline for each relationship. We obtained a final sample of 36 subjects (females: 62.5%; mean age: 42.25 ± 10.21 years). Patients had mean length of migraine history of 12.25 ± 11.00 years and a mean frequency of attacks of 8.06 ± 7.15 per month. Linear regression underlines a progressive decrease of CPM score with the increase of the migraine history's length (R [2] = 0.8871; p < 0.001), and the frequency of migraine attacks (R [2] = 0.3122; p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that pathological CPM scores can be associated with the severity of migraine. These data seem to confirm the hypothesis of an impairment of executive functions in MwoA. Different hypotheses to explain cognitive impairment in migraine have been postulated including the impact of the typical white matter lesions and a long history of drug abuse. The possible relevant clinical consequence of a full comprehension of this particular aspect related to migraine deserves further attention and consideration.}, } @article {pmid28512148, year = {2017}, author = {}, title = {Erratum for the Research Article: "Reactive oxygen species induce virus-independent MAVS oligomerization in systemic lupus erythematosus" by I. A. Buskiewicz, T. Montgomery, E. C. Yasewicz, S. A. Huber, M. P. Murphy, R. C. Hartley, R. Kelly, M. K. Crow, A. Perl, R. C. Budd, A. Koenig.}, journal = {Science signaling}, volume = {10}, number = {479}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1126/scisignal.aan5765}, pmid = {28512148}, issn = {1937-9145}, } @article {pmid28510577, year = {2017}, author = {Baragli, P and Demuru, E and Scopa, C and Palagi, E}, title = {Are horses capable of mirror self-recognition? A pilot study.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {5}, pages = {e0176717}, pmid = {28510577}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Horses ; Pilot Projects ; *Recognition, Psychology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Mirror Self-Recognition (MSR) unveils complex cognitive, social and emotional skills and it has been found only in humans and few other species, such as great apes, dolphins, elephants and magpies. In this pilot study, we tested if horses show the capacity of MSR. Four subjects living socially under naturalistic conditions were selected for the experiment. We adopted the classical mark test, which consists in placing a coloured mark on an out-of-view body part, visible only through mirror inspection. If the animal considers the image as its own, it will use its reflection to detect the mark and will try to explore it. We enhanced the classical paradigm by introducing a double-check control. Only in the presence of the reflecting surface, animals performed tactile and olfactory exploration of the mirror and looked behind it. These behaviors suggest that subjects were trying to associate multiple sensory cues (visual, tactile and olfactory) to the image in the mirror. The lack of correspondence between the collected stimuli in front of the mirror and the response to the colored mark lead us to affirm that horses are able to perceive that the reflected image is incongruent when compared with the memorized information of a real horse. However, without replication of data, the self-directed behavior towards the colored marks showed by our horses cannot be sufficient per se to affirm that horses are capable of self-recognition.}, } @article {pmid28499162, year = {2017}, author = {Jaam, M and Ibrahim, MIM and Kheir, N and Awaisu, A}, title = {Factors associated with medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa region: A systematic mixed studies review.}, journal = {Diabetes research and clinical practice}, volume = {129}, number = {}, pages = {1-15}, doi = {10.1016/j.diabres.2017.04.015}, pmid = {28499162}, issn = {1872-8227}, mesh = {Africa, Northern ; Diabetes Mellitus/*drug therapy/psychology ; Drug Therapy, Combination/psychology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Medication Adherence/*psychology ; Middle East ; Treatment Outcome ; }, abstract = {Multiple systematic reviews were conducted investigating factors associated with medication adherence worldwide. However, investigations from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were largely underrepresented in those reviews. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to identify the factors influencing medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the MENA region. A systematic literature search was conducted through Cochrane Library, EBSCO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and ProQuest. Studies were included if they determined factors associated with medication adherence among patients with diabetes within the MENA region. Quality was assessed using Crow Critical Appraisal Tool. Thirty primary studies from 10 MENA countries were included. The factors associated with medication adherence were categorized into demographics-related; disease- and medication-related; perception, attitude and psychological feelings-related; and societal-related factors. Positively associated factors included knowledge about the disease and medications, regular follow-up visits, and patients' positive beliefs about effectiveness and motivations about medications, while negatively associated factors included forgetfulness, side effects, and polypharmacy. Factors associated with medication adherence among patients with diabetes in the MENA region are highly diverse. The identified factors can serve as potential targets for culturally-relevant interventions to improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes.}, } @article {pmid28499128, year = {2017}, author = {Zarrintab, M and Mirzaei, R}, title = {Stress induced by heavy metals on breeding of magpie (Pica pica) from central Iran.}, journal = {Ecotoxicology and environmental safety}, volume = {143}, number = {}, pages = {28-37}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.047}, pmid = {28499128}, issn = {1090-2414}, mesh = {Animals ; Clutch Size/drug effects ; Ecosystem ; Egg Shell/chemistry ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/*toxicity ; Feathers/chemistry ; Iran ; Metals, Heavy/analysis/*toxicity ; Ovum/chemistry ; Passeriformes/*metabolism/physiology ; Pica ; Random Allocation ; Reproduction/*drug effects ; Stress, Physiological/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {The aim of this study was to address the impacts of some heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cu) contamination on laying behavior, egg quality and breeding performance of Pica pica in north of Isfahan Province, Iran. During the breeding season of 2013, magpie's egg content and eggshell as well as nestling excrements and feathers were collected and total concentrations of heavy metals were measured by ICP-OES. Except for Zn in nestling feathers, the significantly higher concentrations of heavy metals were observed in nestling excrements than other samples. Also, comparison of heavy metals concentrations in egg content and eggshell showed that egg content had significantly higher concentrations of Zn and Pb, instead eggshell had significantly higher amount of Cu and Cd. Except for Cu, all heavy metals concentrations in eggshell had a negative relationship with morphological characters; and also concentration of Cu in egg content showed a significantly negative correlation with egg weight and volume. The most of heavy metals in nestling feathers and excrements had strongly positive correlations with each other. Also all heavy metals levels in eggshell and egg content had significantly positive correlations (except for Cu). Unhatched eggs had significantly lower weight but also greater levels of Zn, Cd, and Pb, than randomly collected eggs. No significant differences were observed for morphometric measurements of eggs between different sites, however, a decreased gradient was observed in egg volume toward the brick kiln site. Samples collected in brick kiln site accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals than other sites. Although numbers of clutch size in brick kiln site were significantly higher than other sites, however, other breeding variable were lower than other sites. It can be suggested that ecosystem contamination may be caused to decrease the reproduction rate of Pica pica in brick kiln, probably by laying more poor quality eggs per clutch and nestling mortality.}, } @article {pmid28494226, year = {2017}, author = {Whalley, CL and Cutting, N and Beck, SR}, title = {The effect of prior experience on children's tool innovation.}, journal = {Journal of experimental child psychology}, volume = {161}, number = {}, pages = {81-94}, doi = {10.1016/j.jecp.2017.03.009}, pmid = {28494226}, issn = {1096-0457}, mesh = {Child ; Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; *Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *Problem Solving ; }, abstract = {Spontaneous tool innovation to solve physical problems is difficult for young children. In three studies, we explored the effect of prior experience with tools on tool innovation in children aged 4-7years (N=299). We also gave children an experience more consistent with that experienced by corvids in similar studies to enable fairer cross-species comparisons. Children who had the opportunity to use a premade target tool in the task context during a warm-up phase were significantly more likely to innovate a tool to solve the problem on the test trial compared with children who had no such warm-up experience. Older children benefited from either using or merely seeing a premade target tool prior to a test trial requiring innovation. Younger children were helped by using a premade target tool. Seeing the tool helped younger children in some conditions. We conclude that spontaneous innovation of tools to solve physical problems is difficult for children. However, children from 4years of age can innovate the means to solve the problem when they have had experience with the solution (visual or haptic exploration). Directions for future research are discussed.}, } @article {pmid28480002, year = {2017}, author = {Whelan, S and Strickland, D and Morand-Ferron, J and Norris, DR}, title = {Reduced reproductive performance associated with warmer ambient temperatures during incubation in a winter-breeding, food-storing passerine.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {9}, pages = {3029-3036}, pmid = {28480002}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Timing of reproduction can influence individual fitness whereby early breeders tend to have higher reproductive success than late breeders. However, the fitness consequences of timing of breeding may also be influenced by environmental conditions after the commencement of breeding. We tested whether ambient temperatures during the incubation and early nestling periods modulated the effect of laying date on brood size and dominant juvenile survival in gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis), a sedentary boreal species whose late winter nesting depends, in part, on caches of perishable food. Previous evidence has suggested that warmer temperatures degrade the quality of these food hoards, and we asked whether warmer ambient temperatures during the incubation and early nestling periods would be associated with smaller brood sizes and lower summer survival of dominant juveniles. We used 38 years of data from a range-edge population of gray jays in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, where the population has declined over 50% since the study began. Consistent with the "hoard-rot" hypothesis, we found that cold temperatures during incubation were associated with larger brood sizes in later breeding attempts, but temperatures had little effect on brood size for females breeding early in the season. This is the first evidence that laying date and temperature during incubation interactively influence brood size in any bird species. We did not find evidence that ambient temperatures during the incubation period or early part of the nestling period influenced summer survival of dominant juveniles. Our findings provide evidence that warming temperatures are associated with some aspects of reduced reproductive performance in a species that is reliant on cold temperatures to store perishable food caches, some of which are later consumed during the reproductive period.}, } @article {pmid28479980, year = {2017}, author = {Clayton, N and Wilkins, C}, title = {Memory, mental time travel and The Moustachio Quartet.}, journal = {Interface focus}, volume = {7}, number = {3}, pages = {20160112}, pmid = {28479980}, issn = {2042-8898}, abstract = {Mental time travel allows us to revisit our memories and imagine future scenarios, and this is why memories are not only about the past, but they are also prospective. These episodic memories are not a fixed store of what happened, however, they are reassessed each time they are revisited and depend on the sequence in which events unfold. In this paper, we shall explore the complex relationships between memory and human experience, including through a series of novels 'The Moustachio Quartet' that can be read in any order. To do so, we shall integrate evidences from science and the arts to explore the subjective nature of memory and mental time travel, and argue that it has evolved primarily for prospection as opposed to retrospection. Furthermore, we shall question the notion that mental time travel is a uniquely human construct, and argue that some of the best evidence for the evolution of mental time travel comes from our distantly related cousins, the corvids, that cache food for the future and rely on long-lasting and highly accurate memories of what, where and when they stored their stashes of food.}, } @article {pmid28472919, year = {2017}, author = {Sun, L and Zhu, Y and Mahmood, ASMA and Tudor, CO and Ren, J and Vijay-Shanker, K and Chen, J and Schmidt, CJ}, title = {WebGIVI: a web-based gene enrichment analysis and visualization tool.}, journal = {BMC bioinformatics}, volume = {18}, number = {1}, pages = {237}, pmid = {28472919}, issn = {1471-2105}, mesh = {Data Mining/*methods ; *Genes ; Genomics/*methods ; Internet ; *Software ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: A major challenge of high throughput transcriptome studies is presenting the data to researchers in an interpretable format. In many cases, the outputs of such studies are gene lists which are then examined for enriched biological concepts. One approach to help the researcher interpret large gene datasets is to associate genes and informative terms (iTerm) that are obtained from the biomedical literature using the eGIFT text-mining system. However, examining large lists of iTerm and gene pairs is a daunting task.

RESULTS: We have developed WebGIVI, an interactive web-based visualization tool (http://raven.anr.udel.edu/webgivi/) to explore gene:iTerm pairs. WebGIVI was built via Cytoscape and Data Driven Document JavaScript libraries and can be used to relate genes to iTerms and then visualize gene and iTerm pairs. WebGIVI can accept a gene list that is used to retrieve the gene symbols and corresponding iTerm list. This list can be submitted to visualize the gene iTerm pairs using two distinct methods: a Concept Map or a Cytoscape Network Map. In addition, WebGIVI also supports uploading and visualization of any two-column tab separated data.

CONCLUSIONS: WebGIVI provides an interactive and integrated network graph of gene and iTerms that allows filtering, sorting, and grouping, which can aid biologists in developing hypothesis based on the input gene lists. In addition, WebGIVI can visualize hundreds of nodes and generate a high-resolution image that is important for most of research publications. The source code can be freely downloaded at https://github.com/sunliang3361/WebGIVI . The WebGIVI tutorial is available at http://raven.anr.udel.edu/webgivi/tutorial.php .}, } @article {pmid28468913, year = {2017}, author = {Boonekamp, JJ and Bauch, C and Mulder, E and Verhulst, S}, title = {Does oxidative stress shorten telomeres?.}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {13}, number = {5}, pages = {}, pmid = {28468913}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomarkers ; *Oxidative Stress ; Telomere ; Telomere Shortening ; }, abstract = {Oxidative stress shortens telomeres in cell culture, but whether oxidative stress explains variation in telomere shortening in vivo at physiological oxidative stress levels is not well known. We therefore tested for correlations between six oxidative stress markers and telomere attrition in nestling birds (jackdaws Corvus monedula) that show a high rate of telomere attrition in early life. Telomere attrition was measured between ages 5 and 30 days, and was highly variable (average telomere loss: 323 bp, CV = 45%). Oxidative stress markers were measured in blood at age 20 days and included markers of oxidative damage (TBARS, dROMs and GSSG) and markers of antioxidant protection (GSH, redox state, uric acid). Variation in telomere attrition was not significantly related to these oxidative stress markers (|r| ≤ 0.08, n = 87). This finding raises the question whether oxidative stress accelerates telomere attrition in vivo The accumulation of telomere attrition over time depends both on the number of cell divisions and on the number of base pairs lost per DNA replication and, based on our findings, we suggest that in a growing animal cell proliferation, dynamics may be more important for explaining variation in telomere attrition than oxidative stress.}, } @article {pmid28447768, year = {2017}, author = {Iwata, M and Teshima, M and Seki, T and Yoshioka, S and Takeoka, Y}, title = {Bio-Inspired Bright Structurally Colored Colloidal Amorphous Array Enhanced by Controlling Thickness and Black Background.}, journal = {Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)}, volume = {29}, number = {26}, pages = {}, doi = {10.1002/adma.201605050}, pmid = {28447768}, issn = {1521-4095}, abstract = {Inspired by Steller's jay, which displays angle-independent structural colors, angle-independent structurally colored materials are created, which are composed of amorphous arrays of submicrometer-sized fine spherical silica colloidal particles. When the colloidal amorphous arrays are thick, they do not appear colorful but almost white. However, the saturation of the structural color can be increased by (i) appropriately controlling the thickness of the array and (ii) placing the black background substrate. This is similar in the case of the blue feather of Steller's jay. Based on the knowledge gained through the biomimicry of structural colored materials, colloidal amorphous arrays on the surface of a black particle as the core particle are also prepared as colorful photonic pigments. Moreover, a structural color on-off system is successfully built by controlling the background brightness of the colloidal amorphous arrays.}, } @article {pmid28422953, year = {2017}, author = {Soler, M and de Neve, L and Roldán, M and Pérez-Contreras, T and Soler, JJ}, title = {Great spotted cuckoo nestlings have no antipredatory effect on magpie or carrion crow host nests in southern Spain.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {4}, pages = {e0173080}, pmid = {28422953}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Crows/parasitology/*physiology ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Predatory Behavior/*physiology ; Spain ; Symbiosis/physiology ; }, abstract = {Host defences against cuckoo parasitism and cuckoo trickeries to overcome them are a classic example of antagonistic coevolution. Recently it has been reported that this relationship may turn to be mutualistic in the case of the carrion crow (Corvus corone) and its brood parasite, the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius), given that experimentally and naturally parasitized nests were depredated at a lower rate than non-parasitized nests. This result was interpreted as a consequence of the antipredatory properties of a fetid cloacal secretion produced by cuckoo nestlings, which presumably deters predators from parasitized host nests. This potential defensive mechanism would therefore explain the detected higher fledgling success of parasitized nests during breeding seasons with high predation risk. Here, in a different study population, we explored the expected benefits in terms of reduced nest predation in naturally and experimentally parasitized nests of two different host species, carrion crows and magpies (Pica pica). During the incubation phase non-parasitized nests were depredated more frequently than parasitized nests. However, during the nestling phase, parasitized nests were not depredated at a lower rate than non-parasitized nests, neither in magpie nor in carrion crow nests, and experimental translocation of great spotted cuckoo hatchlings did not reveal causal effects between parasitism state and predation rate of host nests. Therefore, our results do not fit expectations and, thus, do not support the fascinating possibility that great spotted cuckoo nestlings could have an antipredatory effect for host nestlings, at least in our study area. We also discuss different possibilities that may conciliate these with previous results, but also several alternative explanations, including the lack of generalizability of the previously documented mutualistic association.}, } @article {pmid28417984, year = {2017}, author = {Mullard, A}, title = {An audience with Jay Bradner.}, journal = {Nature reviews. Drug discovery}, volume = {16}, number = {5}, pages = {367}, pmid = {28417984}, issn = {1474-1784}, } @article {pmid28415177, year = {2017}, author = {Espinosa, G and Rodríguez, R and Gil, JM and Suzuki-Vidal, F and Lebedev, SV and Ciardi, A and Rubiano, JG and Martel, P}, title = {Influence of atomic kinetics in the simulation of plasma microscopic properties and thermal instabilities for radiative bow shock experiments.}, journal = {Physical review. E}, volume = {95}, number = {3-1}, pages = {033201}, doi = {10.1103/PhysRevE.95.033201}, pmid = {28415177}, issn = {2470-0053}, abstract = {Numerical simulations of laboratory astrophysics experiments on plasma flows require plasma microscopic properties that are obtained by means of an atomic kinetic model. This fact implies a careful choice of the most suitable model for the experiment under analysis. Otherwise, the calculations could lead to inaccurate results and inappropriate conclusions. First, a study of the validity of the local thermodynamic equilibrium in the calculation of the average ionization, mean radiative properties, and cooling times of argon plasmas in a range of plasma conditions of interest in laboratory astrophysics experiments on radiative shocks is performed in this work. In the second part, we have made an analysis of the influence of the atomic kinetic model used to calculate plasma microscopic properties of experiments carried out on magpie on radiative bow shocks propagating in argon. The models considered were developed assuming both local and nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium and, for the latter situation, we have considered in the kinetic model different effects such as external radiation field and plasma mixture. The microscopic properties studied were the average ionization, the charge state distributions, the monochromatic opacities and emissivities, the Planck mean opacity, and the radiative power loss. The microscopic study was made as a postprocess of a radiative-hydrodynamic simulation of the experiment. We have also performed a theoretical analysis of the influence of these atomic kinetic models in the criteria for the onset possibility of thermal instabilities due to radiative cooling in those experiments in which small structures were experimentally observed in the bow shock that could be due to this kind of instability.}, } @article {pmid28412529, year = {2017}, author = {Manrique, HM and Molina, AC and Posada, S and Colell, M}, title = {Vertical string-pulling in green jays (Cyanocorax yncas).}, journal = {Behavioural processes}, volume = {140}, number = {}, pages = {74-80}, doi = {10.1016/j.beproc.2017.04.004}, pmid = {28412529}, issn = {1872-8308}, mesh = {Animals ; Choice Behavior ; Cognition/*physiology ; Conditioning, Operant ; Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Psychomotor Performance/physiology ; Reinforcement, Psychology ; }, abstract = {The cognition of green jays (Cyanocorax yncas), a non Corvus corvid species, was investigated by using the string-pulling paradigm. Five adult green jays performed a vertical string-pulling task in which they had to retrieve a worm attached to the end of a vertical hanging string while sitting on their perch. In the first experiment, three of the subjects managed to retrieve the worm by pulling on the string with their beaks and stepping on the resulting loop, and thereafter repeating this sequence until the worm was accessible. When subjects were given a choice between two strings in subsequent experiments 2-4, they chose at random between the string connected to the worm and the one connected to a slice of a wooden dowel. In experiment 5, subjects that had failed the previous discrimination series were able, nevertheless, to solve a more stringent vertical string array in which they had to pull up the whole length of the string without any visual access to the worm at the end. We discuss green jays' performance in comparison with other corvid species in which cognition has been more extensively investigated.}, } @article {pmid28407723, year = {2018}, author = {Huang, Z and Ruan, R}, title = {DNA barcodes and insights into the phylogenetic relationships of Corvidae (Aves: Passeriformes).}, journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part A, DNA mapping, sequencing, and analysis}, volume = {29}, number = {4}, pages = {529-534}, doi = {10.1080/24701394.2017.1315569}, pmid = {28407723}, issn = {2470-1408}, mesh = {Animals ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Electron Transport Complex IV/*genetics ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Mitochondria/*enzymology ; Passeriformes/*classification/*genetics ; *Phylogeny ; }, abstract = {DNA barcoding has become a promising tool for species identification and phylogeny in a wide range of animal taxa using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). The Corvidae (Aves: Passeriformes) is a species rich and morphologically diverse family. In the present study, we analyzed the COI barcodes of 39 species from 12 genera of Corvidae. COI gene was also used to examine phylogenetic relationships of Corvidae. Every species possessed a barcode distinct from that of other species. Kimura two-parameter distances were calculated between species barcodes. The average genetic distance between the species was 22 times higher compared to the average genetic distance within species. Maximum likelihood method was used to construct a phylogenetic tree. All the species could be discriminated by their distinct clades in the phylogenetic tree. COI gene data provided good evidence for the monophyly of the Corvidae. Members of Cyanopica and Pyrrhocorax were the first to split from the Corvidae lineage. Analysis of COI genes supported the others genera fell into two clades. DNA barcoding is an effective molecular tool for Corvidae species identification and phylogenetic inference.}, } @article {pmid28406672, year = {2018}, author = {Felez-Nobrega, M and Foster, JL and Puig-Ribera, A and Draheim, C and Hillman, CH}, title = {Measuring working memory in the Spanish population: Validation of a multiple shortened complex span task.}, journal = {Psychological assessment}, volume = {30}, number = {2}, pages = {274-279}, doi = {10.1037/pas0000484}, pmid = {28406672}, issn = {1939-134X}, support = {//FI-AGAUR Predoctoral Research/International ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; *Memory, Short-Term ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Reproducibility of Results ; Spain ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Working memory plays a key role in cognition as it is a major predictor of a wide range of higher order abilities and behaviors typical to daily life. Shorter versions of the complex span tasks (CSTs) have been recently developed, allowing for the reduction of test administration time without affecting validity and reliability in the measurement of working memory capacity (WMC). However, these short versions have not been validated for the Spanish-speaking population. The present work aimed to validate an English version of the shortened CSTs into Spanish in a sample of 325 university students (40% female; mean age = 21.04; SD = 2.80). Cronbach's coefficient alpha was computed for each complex span task as an index of internal consistency. Validity evidence was evaluated by comparing participants' scores on the three shortened complex span tasks (operation span, symmetry span, and rotation span) with two measures of reasoning ability (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices and Number Series) and using confirmatory factor analysis. Results indicated that the short version of the Spanish complex span has satisfying qualities for assessing WMC in a sample of university students, which is an initial step toward providing a valid and standardized method for assessing WMC in the Peninsular Spanish-speaking population. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid28401527, year = {2017}, author = {Liberato, D and Granato, S and Grimaldi, D and Rossi, FM and Tahani, N and Gianfrilli, D and Anzuini, A and Lenzi, A and Cavaggioni, G and Radicioni, AF}, title = {Fluid intelligence, traits of personality and personality disorders in a cohort of adult KS patients with the classic 47, XXY karyotype.}, journal = {Journal of endocrinological investigation}, volume = {40}, number = {11}, pages = {1191-1199}, pmid = {28401527}, issn = {1720-8386}, mesh = {Adult ; *Chromosomes, Human, X ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Karyotype ; Klinefelter Syndrome/*complications/genetics ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; *Personality ; Personality Disorders/*etiology ; Phenotype ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is associated with specific neurobehavioral features and personality traits. The aim of our study was to investigate fluid intelligence, personality traits and personality disorders (PD) and possible correlations with testosterone in a cohort of adult KS patients.

METHODS: We analyzed 58 adult KS patients with the classic 47, XXY karyotype. The Structured Clinical Interview for axis II disorders was used to assess DSM IV personality disorders. Personality traits were assessed using MMPI-2. Fluid intelligence was tested by using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) Test. Testosterone blood concentration was measured by CMIA.

RESULTS: PD prevalence was 31%. Four altered MMPI scales (Social Responsibility, Dominance, Ego Strength and Repression) were found in more than 40% of patients. Overcontrolled hostility and MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale-Revised scales were altered in the PD- group only. Biz-Odd Thinking and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder scale were associated with the presence of personality disorder. The raw SPM score was 44 ± 10.8 without any significant correlation with testosterone. No significant difference in mean age, SPM raw score and MMPI score was observed between eugonadal, hypogonadal and treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Most KS patients had average fluid intelligence. PD prevalence was higher than in the general population. Testosterone was not correlated with fluid intelligence, personality traits or PD, but a reduction in marital distress was observed in treated patients. This could suggest that testosterone therapy can improve physical symptoms and this effect could also improve relationship abilities and wellness awareness.}, } @article {pmid28397327, year = {2018}, author = {Goodman, GJ and Armour, KS and Kolodziejczyk, JK and Santangelo, S and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Comparison of self-reported signs of facial ageing among Caucasian women in Australia versus those in the USA, the UK and Canada.}, journal = {The Australasian journal of dermatology}, volume = {59}, number = {2}, pages = {108-117}, pmid = {28397327}, issn = {1440-0960}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Australia ; Canada ; Face ; Female ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Self Report ; *Skin Aging ; United Kingdom ; United States ; White People/*statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Australians are more exposed to higher solar UV radiation levels that accelerate signs of facial ageing than individuals who live in temperate northern countries. The severity and course of self-reported facial ageing among fair-skinned Australian women were compared with those living in Canada, the UK and the USA.

METHODS: Women voluntarily recruited into a proprietary opt-in survey panel completed an internet-based questionnaire about their facial ageing. Participants aged 18-75 years compared their features against photonumeric rating scales depicting degrees of severity for forehead, crow's feet and glabellar lines, tear troughs, midface volume loss, nasolabial folds, oral commissures and perioral lines. Data from Caucasian and Asian women with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III were analysed by linear regression for the impact of country (Australia versus Canada, the UK and the USA) on ageing severity for each feature, after controlling for age and race.

RESULTS: Among 1472 women, Australians reported higher rates of change and significantly more severe facial lines (P ≤ 0.040) and volume-related features like tear troughs and nasolabial folds (P ≤ 0.03) than women from the other countries. More Australians also reported moderate to severe ageing for all features one to two decades earlier than US women.

CONCLUSIONS: Australian women reported more severe signs of facial ageing sooner than other women and volume-related changes up to 20 years earlier than those in the USA, which may suggest that environmental factors also impact volume-related ageing. These findings have implications for managing their facial aesthetic concerns.}, } @article {pmid28386435, year = {2017}, author = {Matsui, H and Izawa, EI}, title = {Flexible motor adjustment of pecking with an artificially extended bill in crows but not in pigeons.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {4}, number = {2}, pages = {160796}, pmid = {28386435}, issn = {2054-5703}, abstract = {The dextrous foraging skills of primates, including humans, are underpinned by flexible vision-guided control of the arms/hands and even tools as body-part extensions. This capacity involves a visuomotor conversion process that transfers the locations of the hands/arms and a target in retinal coordinates into body coordinates to generate a reaching/grasping movement and to correct online. Similar capacities have evolved in birds, such as tool use in corvids and finches, which represents the flexible motor control of extended body parts. However, the flexibility of avian head-reaching and bill-grasping with body-part extensions remains poorly understood. This study comparatively investigated the flexibility of pecking with an artificially extended bill in crows and pigeons. Pecking performance and kinematics were examined when the bill extension was attached, and after its removal. The bill extension deteriorated pecking in pigeons in both performance and kinematics over 10 days. After the bill removal, pigeons started bill-grasping earlier, indicating motor adaptation to the bill extension. Contrastingly, pecking in crows was deteriorated transiently with the bill extension, but was recovered by adjusting pecking at closer distances, suggesting a quick adjustment to the bill extension. These results indicate flexible visuomotor control to extended body parts in crows but not in pigeons.}, } @article {pmid28379045, year = {2017}, author = {Davie, C and Clark, AB}, title = {Self-Rehabilitation of a Captive American Crow at Binghamton Zoo.}, journal = {Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS}, volume = {20}, number = {3}, pages = {273-279}, doi = {10.1080/10888705.2017.1307747}, pmid = {28379045}, issn = {1532-7604}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo ; *Crows ; Female ; Flight, Animal/*physiology ; United States ; }, abstract = {The behavioral transition from an entirely unflighted-to-flighted, female yearling American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) in captivity in a specially designed exhibit was documented at the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park in Binghamton, NY. Upon arrival, the focal crow had no complete primary feathers or retrices and had been in captivity since fledging. She apparently had never flown successfully and was using her legs and an abnormal body orientation to cushion her landing on the ground. In a social and physical environment with 3 flying companion crows and staggered perches, she developed and appeared to "practice" routines that ultimately resulted in her recovering normal body posture and flight ability. The crow's practice routine was recorded during daily observations using an ethogram of social and locomotor behaviors. Both enclosure design and the social environment may have provided an ideal setting for the self-motivation of practice and this recovery. Attention to the potential for such practice could facilitate rehabilitation in individuals for whom rehabilitation was not thought possible.}, } @article {pmid28364366, year = {2017}, author = {Uomini, N and Hunt, G}, title = {A new tool-using bird to crow about.}, journal = {Learning & behavior}, volume = {45}, number = {3}, pages = {205-206}, pmid = {28364366}, issn = {1543-4508}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Crows ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {The Hawaiian crow has been revealed as a skilled tool user, confirmed by testing the last members of this endangered species that survive in captivity. The finding suggests its behavior is tantalizingly similar to that of the famous tool-using New Caledonian crow and has implications for the evolution of tool use and intelligence in birds.}, } @article {pmid28360231, year = {2017}, author = {Weissensteiner, MH and Pang, AWC and Bunikis, I and Höijer, I and Vinnere-Petterson, O and Suh, A and Wolf, JBW}, title = {Combination of short-read, long-read, and optical mapping assemblies reveals large-scale tandem repeat arrays with population genetic implications.}, journal = {Genome research}, volume = {27}, number = {5}, pages = {697-708}, pmid = {28360231}, issn = {1549-5469}, mesh = {Animals ; Chromatin/genetics/metabolism ; Contig Mapping/methods/*standards ; Crows/genetics ; *Genome ; Homologous Recombination ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods/standards ; *Tandem Repeat Sequences ; }, abstract = {Accurate and contiguous genome assembly is key to a comprehensive understanding of the processes shaping genomic diversity and evolution. Yet, it is frequently constrained by constitutive heterochromatin, usually characterized by highly repetitive DNA. As a key feature of genome architecture associated with centromeric and subtelomeric regions, it locally influences meiotic recombination. In this study, we assess the impact of large tandem repeat arrays on the recombination rate landscape in an avian speciation model, the Eurasian crow. We assembled two high-quality genome references using single-molecule real-time sequencing (long-read assembly [LR]) and single-molecule optical maps (optical map assembly [OM]). A three-way comparison including the published short-read assembly (SR) constructed for the same individual allowed assessing assembly properties and pinpointing misassemblies. By combining information from all three assemblies, we characterized 36 previously unidentified large repetitive regions in the proximity of sequence assembly breakpoints, the majority of which contained complex arrays of a 14-kb satellite repeat or its 1.2-kb subunit. Using whole-genome population resequencing data, we estimated the population-scaled recombination rate (ρ) and found it to be significantly reduced in these regions. These findings are consistent with an effect of low recombination in regions adjacent to centromeric or subtelomeric heterochromatin and add to our understanding of the processes generating widespread heterogeneity in genetic diversity and differentiation along the genome. By combining three different technologies, our results highlight the importance of adding a layer of information on genome structure that is inaccessible to each approach independently.}, } @article {pmid28357814, year = {2017}, author = {Dresow, MW}, title = {Before hierarchy: the rise and fall of Stephen Jay Gould's first macroevolutionary synthesis.}, journal = {History and philosophy of the life sciences}, volume = {39}, number = {2}, pages = {6}, doi = {10.1007/s40656-017-0133-6}, pmid = {28357814}, issn = {0391-9714}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Biology/*history ; Fossils/anatomy & histology ; History, 20th Century ; Philosophy/*history ; United States ; }, abstract = {Few of Stephen Jay Gould's accomplishments in evolutionary biology have received more attention than his hierarchical theory of evolution, which postulates a causal discontinuity between micro- and macroevolutionary events. But Gould's hierarchical theory was his second attempt to supply a theoretical framework for macroevolutionary studies-and one he did not inaugurate until the mid-1970s. In this paper, I examine Gould's first attempt: a proposed fusion of theoretical morphology, multivariate biometry and the experimental study of adaptation in fossils. This early "macroevolutionary synthesis" was predicated on the notion that parallelism and convergence dominate the history of higher taxa, and moreover, that they can be explained in terms of adaptation leading to mechanical improvement. In this paper, I explore the origins and contents of Gould's first macroevolutionary synthesis, as well as the reasons for its downfall. In addition, I consider how various developments during the mid-1970s led Gould to identify hierarchy and constraint as the leading themes of macroevolutionary studies-and adaptation as a macroevolutionary red herring.}, } @article {pmid28356589, year = {2017}, author = {}, title = {Jay Bradner.}, journal = {Nature reviews. Drug discovery}, volume = {16}, number = {4}, pages = {232-233}, doi = {10.1038/nrd.2017.50}, pmid = {28356589}, issn = {1474-1784}, mesh = {Drug Delivery Systems/*trends ; Drug Discovery/methods/*trends ; Drug Industry/methods/*trends ; Hematology/methods/trends ; Humans ; }, } @article {pmid28355292, year = {2017}, author = {Majkić, A and Evans, S and Stepanchuk, V and Tsvelykh, A and d'Errico, F}, title = {A decorated raven bone from the Zaskalnaya VI (Kolosovskaya) Neanderthal site, Crimea.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {e0173435}, pmid = {28355292}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Archaeology/methods ; Bone and Bones/*anatomy & histology ; Crows/anatomy & histology ; *Fossils ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Microscopy ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neanderthals/*psychology ; Paleontology/methods ; Russia ; }, abstract = {We analyze a radius bone fragment of a raven (Corvus corax) from Zaskalnaya VI rock shelter, Crimea. The object bears seven notches and comes from an archaeological level attributed to a Micoquian industry dated to between 38 and 43 cal kyr BP. Our study aims to examine the degree of regularity and intentionality of this set of notches through their technological and morphometric analysis, complemented by comparative experimental work. Microscopic analysis of the notches indicate that they were produced by the to-and-fro movement of a lithic cutting edge and that two notches were added to fill in the gap left between previously cut notches, probably to increase the visual consistency of the pattern. Multivariate analysis of morphometric data recorded on the archaeological notches and sets of notches cut by nine modern experimenters on radii of domestic turkeys shows that the variations recorded on the Zaskalnaya set are comparable to experimental sets made with the aim of producing similar, parallel, equidistant notches. Identification of the Weber Fraction, the constant that accounts for error in human perception, for equidistant notches cut on bone rods and its application to the Zaskalnaya set of notches and thirty-six sets of notches incised on seventeen Upper Palaeolithic bone objects from seven sites indicate that the Zaskalnaya set falls within the range of variation of regularly spaced experimental and Upper Palaeolithic sets of notches. This suggests that even if the production of the notches may have had a utilitarian reason the notches were made with the goal of producing a visually consistent pattern. This object represents the first instance of a bird bone from a Neanderthal site bearing modifications that cannot be explained as the result of butchery activities and for which a symbolic argument can be built on direct rather than circumstantial evidence.}, } @article {pmid28350846, year = {2017}, author = {Szymańska-Czerwińska, M and Mitura, A and Niemczuk, K and Zaręba, K and Jodełko, A and Pluta, A and Scharf, S and Vitek, B and Aaziz, R and Vorimore, F and Laroucau, K and Schnee, C}, title = {Dissemination and genetic diversity of chlamydial agents in Polish wildfowl: Isolation and molecular characterisation of avian Chlamydia abortus strains.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {e0174599}, pmid = {28350846}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*microbiology ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*microbiology/transmission ; Birds/*microbiology ; Chlamydia/classification/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology/*microbiology/transmission ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Geography ; Phylogeny ; Poland/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Wild birds are considered as a reservoir for avian chlamydiosis posing a potential infectious threat to domestic poultry and humans. Analysis of 894 cloacal or fecal swabs from free-living birds in Poland revealed an overall Chlamydiaceae prevalence of 14.8% (n = 132) with the highest prevalence noted in Anatidae (19.7%) and Corvidae (13.4%). Further testing conducted with species-specific real-time PCR showed that 65 samples (49.2%) were positive for C. psittaci whereas only one was positive for C. avium. To classify the non-identified chlamydial agents and to genotype the C. psittaci and C. avium-positive samples, specimens were subjected to ompA-PCR and sequencing (n = 83). The ompA-based NJ dendrogram revealed that only 23 out of 83 sequences were assigned to C. psittaci, in particular to four clades representing the previously described C. psittaci genotypes B, C, Mat116 and 1V. Whereas the 59 remaining sequences were assigned to two new clades named G1 and G2, each one including sequences recently obtained from chlamydiae detected in Swedish wetland birds. G1 (18 samples from Anatidae and Rallidae) grouped closely together with genotype 1V and in relative proximity to several C. abortus isolates, and G2 (41 samples from Anatidae and Corvidae) grouped closely to C. psittaci strains of the classical ABE cluster, Matt116 and M56. Finally, deep molecular analysis of four representative isolates of genotypes 1V, G1 and G2 based on 16S rRNA, IGS and partial 23S rRNA sequences as well as MLST clearly classify these isolates within the C. abortus species. Consequently, we propose an expansion of the C. abortus species to include not only the classical isolates of mammalian origin, but also avian isolates so far referred to as atypical C. psittaci or C. psittaci/C. abortus intermediates.}, } @article {pmid28343746, year = {2018}, author = {Freeto, T and Mitchell, SJ and Bogie, KM}, title = {Preliminary development of an advanced modular pressure relief cushion: Testing and user evaluation.}, journal = {Journal of tissue viability}, volume = {27}, number = {1}, pages = {2-9}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtv.2017.03.001}, pmid = {28343746}, issn = {0965-206X}, mesh = {Equipment Design/standards ; Humans ; *Industrial Development ; Materials Testing/*methods ; Pressure/adverse effects ; Pressure Ulcer/prevention & control ; Self-Help Devices/*standards/trends ; Wheelchairs/*standards ; World Health Organization/organization & administration ; }, abstract = {STUDY AIM: Effective pressure relief cushions are identified as a core assistive technology need by the World Health Organization Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology. High quality affordable wheelchair cushions could provide effective pressure relief for many individuals with limited access to advanced assistive technology.

MATERIALS: Value driven engineering (VdE) principles were employed to develop a prototype modular cushion. Low cost dynamically responsive gel balls were arranged in a close packed array and seated in bilayer foam for containment and support. Two modular cushions, one with high compliance balls and one with moderate compliance balls were compared with High Profile and Low Profile Roho[®] and Jay[®] Medical 2 cushions.

METHODS: ISO 16480-2 biomechanical standardized tests were applied to assess cushion performance. A preliminary materials cost analysis was carried out. A prototype modular cushion was evaluated by 12 participants who reported satisfaction using a questionnaire based on the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) instrument.

RESULTS: Overall the modular cushions performed better than, or on par with, the most widely prescribed commercially available cushions under ISO 16480-2 testing. Users rated the modular cushion highly for overall appearance, size and dimensions, comfort, safety, stability, ease of adjustment and general ease of use. Cost-analysis indicated that every modular cushion component a could be replaced several times and still maintain cost-efficacy over the complete cushion lifecycle.

CONCLUSION: A VdE modular cushion has the potential provide effective pressure relief for many users at a low lifetime cost.}, } @article {pmid28336913, year = {2017}, author = {Loretto, MC and Schuster, R and Itty, C and Marchand, P and Genero, F and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Fission-fusion dynamics over large distances in raven non-breeders.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {380}, pmid = {28336913}, issn = {2045-2322}, support = {P 29705/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; *Crows ; Europe ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {The influence of fission-fusion dynamics, i.e., temporal variation in group size and composition, on social complexity has been studied in large-brained mammals that rely on social bonds. Little is known about birds, even though some species like ravens have recently received attention for their socio-cognitive skills and use of social bonds. While raven breeders defend territories year-round, non-breeders roam through large areas and form groups at food sources or night roosts. We here examined the fission-fusion patterns of non-breeding ravens over years, investigating whether birds meet repeatedly either at the same or at different locations. We combined four large datasets: presence-absence observations from two study sites (Austria, Italy) and GPS-tracking of ravens across two study areas (Austria, France). As expected, we found a highly dynamic system in which individuals with long phases of temporary settlement had a high probability of meeting others. Although GPS-tagged ravens spread out over thousands of square kilometres, we found repeated associations between almost half of the possible combinations at different locations. Such a system makes repeated interactions between individuals at different sites possible and likely. High fission-fusion dynamics may thus not hinder but shape the social complexity of ravens and, possibly, other long-term bonded birds.}, } @article {pmid28334859, year = {2017}, author = {Iloh, KK and Emodi, IJ and Ibeziako, NS and Ikefuna, AN and Ubesie, AC and Iloh, ON and Ilechukwu, GC and Ayuk, AC}, title = {Neurocognitive Function of School-aged HIV-infected Children in Enugu, Nigeria.}, journal = {Journal of tropical pediatrics}, volume = {63}, number = {6}, pages = {425-430}, doi = {10.1093/tropej/fmx006}, pmid = {28334859}, issn = {1465-3664}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown neurocognitive problems often exist among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. There are limited data for children in Nigeria.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 100 school-aged perinatally HIV-infected children seen in the paediatric HIV clinic and age/sex-matched controls from the general paediatric clinic. Neuro-cognitive functioning was assessed using the Raven's progressive matrices (RPM) that has been adapted for the Nigerian population.

RESULTS: The mean RPM score of subjects was 22.97 ± 11.35 compared with 32.93 ± 15.71 among controls (p < 0.001). Twenty-two percent of subjects in the HIV-infected group vs. 56% of controls were in the above-average intelligence group on the RPM. Thirty-four percent had average scores, while 22% were in the below-average scoring range. Neuro-cognitive functioning of the subjects was significantly affected by immunologic staging and socio-economic status.

CONCLUSIONS: Neurocognitive functioning of the HIV-infected children was significantly lower than those of their un-infected counterparts. Neurodevelopmental evaluation should be part of standard care in HIV-infected children in Nigerian setting.}, } @article {pmid28327578, year = {2017}, author = {Langin, KM and Sillett, TS and Funk, WC and Morrison, SA and Ghalambor, CK}, title = {Partial support for the central-marginal hypothesis within a population: reduced genetic diversity but not increased differentiation at the range edge of an island endemic bird.}, journal = {Heredity}, volume = {119}, number = {1}, pages = {8-15}, pmid = {28327578}, issn = {1365-2540}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; California ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Drift ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Islands ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Population Density ; Spatial Analysis ; }, abstract = {Large-scale population comparisons have contributed to our understanding of the evolution of geographic range limits and species boundaries, as well as the conservation value of populations at range margins. The central-marginal hypothesis (CMH) predicts a decline in genetic diversity and an increase in genetic differentiation toward the periphery of species' ranges due to spatial variation in genetic drift and gene flow. Empirical studies on a diverse array of taxa have demonstrated support for the CMH. However, nearly all such studies come from widely distributed species, and have not considered if the same processes can be scaled down to single populations. Here, we test the CMH on a species composed of a single population: the Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis), endemic to a 250 km[2] island. We examined microsatellite data from a quarter of the total population and found that homozygosity increased toward the island's periphery. However, peripheral portions of the island did not exhibit higher genetic differentiation. Simulations revealed that highly localized dispersal and small total population size, but not spatial variation in population density, were critical for generating fine-scale variation in homozygosity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that microevolutionary processes driving spatial variation in genetic diversity among populations can also be important for generating spatial variation in genetic diversity within populations.}, } @article {pmid28324206, year = {2017}, author = {Kobayashi, A and Miura, S and Kozaki, A}, title = {INDETERMINATE DOMAIN PROTEIN binding sequences in the 5'-untranslated region and promoter of the SCARECROW gene play crucial and distinct roles in regulating SCARECROW expression in roots and leaves.}, journal = {Plant molecular biology}, volume = {94}, number = {1-2}, pages = {1-13}, pmid = {28324206}, issn = {1573-5028}, mesh = {Arabidopsis/cytology/genetics/*metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Carrier Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/physiology ; Mutation ; Plant Leaves/*metabolism ; Plant Roots/*metabolism ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Protein Binding ; Transcription Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; }, abstract = {SCARECROW (SCR) and SHORT-ROOT (SHR), which belong to the GRAS transcription factor family, are key regulators of root and leaf growth and development. Despite the importance of SCR expression for proper plant development, the mechanism of SCR regulation has not been clarified. A previous study showed that an INDETERMINATE DOMAIN transcription factor, JACKDAW (JKD), is essential for the expression of SCR in combination with SCR and SHR. In this study, we characterized possible binding sequences of INDETERMINATE DOMAIN PROTEIN in the 1.5 kb upstream region of SCR. Mutation in a binding sequence 340 bp upstream of the ATG increased transcriptional activation by JKD in transient assays using Arabidopsis cultured cells. However, the activity was not enhanced by SCR/SHR. Histochemical analysis of promoter activity in transgenic Arabidopsis plants carrying a fusion of the promoter and the β-glucronidase reporter gene showed that mutation of the -340 bp sequence eliminated most of the promoter activity, indicating that this sequence was indispensable for SCR expression. Promoter deletion of downstream sequences from -280 bp lost the enhanced activity by SCR/SHR in transient assays and activity in root tips and the bundle sheath (BS) in plants. Conversely, mutation at -480 bp did not significantly influence transcriptional activity in transient assays. However, most of SCR expression was lost except for the root tip in plants. The sequences around -1 kb appeared to regulate SCR expression negatively in plants. Together, these INDETERMINATE DOMAIN PROTEIN binding sequences have crucial and distinct functions in regulating SCR expression.}, } @article {pmid28323477, year = {2017}, author = {Adler, JL}, title = {"The Service I Rendered Was Just as True": African American Soldiers and Veterans as Activist Patients.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {107}, number = {5}, pages = {675-683}, pmid = {28323477}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {Black or African American/*history ; Health Policy/history ; History, 20th Century ; Hospitals, Military/*history ; Humans ; Male ; Military Personnel/*history ; Patient Advocacy/*history ; Prejudice/*history ; United States ; Veterans/*history ; World War I ; }, abstract = {In this article, I examine how African American soldiers and veterans experienced and shaped federally sponsored health care during and after World War I. Building on studies of the struggles of Black leaders and health care providers to win professional and public health advancement in the 1920s and 1930s, and of advocates to mobilize for health care rights in the mid-20th century, I focus primarily on the experiences and activism of patients in the interwar years. Private and government correspondence, congressional testimony, and reports from Black newspapers reveal that African American soldiers and veterans communicated directly with policymakers and bureaucrats regarding unequal treatment, assuming roles as "policy actors" who viewed health and medical care as "politics by other means." In the process, they drew attention to the paradoxes inherent in expanding government entitlements in the era of Jim Crow, and helped shape a veterans' health system that emerged in the 1920s and remained in place for the following century. They also laid the groundwork for the system's precedent-setting desegregation, referred to by advocates of the time as "a shining example to the rest of the country."}, } @article {pmid28322130, year = {2017}, author = {Ginex, V and Veronelli, L and Vanacore, N and Lacorte, E and Monti, A and Corbo, M}, title = {Motor recovery in post-stroke patients with aphasia: the role of specific linguistic abilities.}, journal = {Topics in stroke rehabilitation}, volume = {24}, number = {6}, pages = {428-434}, doi = {10.1080/10749357.2017.1305654}, pmid = {28322130}, issn = {1945-5119}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aphasia/classification/*etiology/*rehabilitation ; Cognition Disorders/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; *Linguistics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Recovery of Function/*physiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Speech Therapy/methods ; Stroke/*complications ; *Stroke Rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aphasia is a serious consequence of stroke but aphasics patients have been routinely excluded from participation in some areas of stroke research.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of specific linguistic and non-verbal cognitive abilities on the short-term motor recovery of patients with aphasia due to first-ever stroke to the left hemisphere after an intensive rehabilitation treatment.

METHODS: 48 post-acute aphasic patients, who underwent physiotherapy and speech language therapy, were enrolled for this retrospective cohort-study. Four types of possible predictive factors were taken into account: clinical variables, functional status, language and non-verbal cognitive abilities. The motor FIM at discharge was used as the main dependent variable.

RESULTS: Patients were classified as follows: 6 amnestic, 9 Broca's, 7 Wernicke's, and 26 global aphasics. Motor FIM at admission (p = 0.003) and at discharge (p = 0.042), all linguistic subtests of Aachener AphasieTest (p = 0.001), and non-verbal reasoning abilities (Raven's CPM, p = 0.006) resulted significantly different across different types of aphasia. Post-hoc analyses showed differences only between global aphasia and the other groups. A Multiple Linear Regression shows that admission motor FIM (p = 0.001) and Token test (p = 0.040), adjusted for clinical, language, and non-verbal reasoning variables, resulted as independent predictors of motor FIM scores at discharge, while Raven's CPM resulted close to statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Motor function at admission resulted as the variable that most affects the motor recovery of post-stroke patients with aphasia after rehabilitation. A linguistic test requiring also non-linguistic abilities, including attention and working memory (i.e. Token test) is an independent predictor as well.}, } @article {pmid28314903, year = {2017}, author = {Fucci, N and Campobasso, CP and Mastrogiuseppe, L and Puccinelli, C and Marcheggiani, S and Mancini, L and Marino, L and Pascali, VL}, title = {Diatoms in drowning cases in forensic veterinary context: a preliminary study.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {131}, number = {6}, pages = {1573-1580}, pmid = {28314903}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Animals ; Birds ; Bone Marrow/pathology ; Brain/pathology ; Deer ; Diatoms/*isolation & purification ; Drowning/*veterinary ; Forensic Pathology/*methods ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Kidney/pathology ; Liver/pathology ; Lung/pathology ; Myocardium/pathology ; Otters ; Spleen/pathology ; }, abstract = {In this preliminary study, a digestive method used in forensic context to extract diatoms has been applied in organs taken from ten wildlife animals belonging three species of mammals (a deer, a roe and five otters) and one species of birds (two magpies). Only four carcasses were recovered from aquatic environments (bath trough for animals, bathtub irrigation, river) and only in three cases out of ten that the cause of death was ruled out as drowning. In seven cases, the death was due to other causes: gunshot injuries for one otter, blunt trauma for a magpie, and traumatic injuries followed by motor vehicle collision in other four otters and a roe. Post-mortem examination was performed in all carcasses. The diatom test protocol was performed according to the Italian guidelines for analysis of benthic diatoms for ecological status assessment of inland waters. Five grams of lung, liver, and kidney was taken from all the animal carcasses. In some cases, additional tissue samples were also available among which brain, heart, spleen, and bone marrow. In all four cases found in water, the drowning medium was also available. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) digestion was performed, and identification of 21 genera of diatoms was obtained. The method proved to be suitable for the identification of diatoms in the organs of the animals drowned supporting the final diagnosis of drowning. Only in otters, all died for causes other than drowning, diatoms did not prove to be suitable for the diagnosis of drowning since their presence in the internal organs was mainly related to their main diet based on fishmeal. The authors believe that this first trial is very promising, and the results suggest that diatom test can be easily applied in forensic veterinary context.}, } @article {pmid28303393, year = {2017}, author = {Castro, J and Molina-Morales, M and Leverkus, AB and Martínez-Baroja, L and Pérez-Camacho, L and Villar-Salvador, P and Rebollo, S and Rey-Benayas, JM}, title = {Effective nut dispersal by magpies (Pica pica L.) in a Mediterranean agroecosystem.}, journal = {Oecologia}, volume = {184}, number = {1}, pages = {183-192}, pmid = {28303393}, issn = {1432-1939}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; *Nuts ; *Pica ; Rodentia ; Seed Dispersal ; Seeds ; }, abstract = {Scatter-hoarding animals such as corvids play a crucial role in the dispersal of nut-producing tree species. This interaction is well known for some corvids, but remains elusive for other species such as the magpie (Pica pica), an abundant corvid in agroecosystems and open landscapes of the Palearctic region. In addition, the establishment of the individual dispersed seeds-a prerequisite for determining seed-dispersal effectiveness-has never before been documented for the interaction between corvids and nut-producing trees. We analyzed walnut dispersal by magpies in an agroecosystem in southern Spain. We used several complementary approaches, including video recording nut removal from feeders, measuring dispersal distance using radio tracking (with radio transmitters placed inside nuts), and monitoring the fate of dispersed nuts to the time of seedling emergence. Magpies were shown to be highly active nut dispersers. The dispersal distance averaged 39.6 ± 4.5 m and ranged from 4.1 to 158.5 m. Some 90% of the removed walnuts were cached later, and most of these (98%) were buried in the soil or hidden under plant material. By the time of seedling emergence, ca. 33% of nuts remained at the caching location. Finally, 12% of the cached nuts germinated and 4% yielded an emerged seedling, facilitating the transition to the next regeneration stage. The results demonstrate for the first time that magpies can be an effective scatter-hoarding disperser of a nut-producing tree species, suggesting that this bird species may play a key role in the regeneration and expansion of broadleaf forests in Eurasia.}, } @article {pmid28295411, year = {2017}, author = {Flament, F and Pierre, J and Delhommeau, K and Adam, AS}, title = {How a working day-induced-tiredness may alter some facial signs in differently-aged Caucasian women.}, journal = {International journal of cosmetic science}, volume = {39}, number = {5}, pages = {467-475}, doi = {10.1111/ics.12398}, pmid = {28295411}, issn = {1468-2494}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Face ; *Fatigue ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Paris ; *Self Concept ; *Skin Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; White People ; *Work ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To assess the alterations of some facial clinical signs after a working day in French Caucasian women.

METHODS: Standardized photographs of full faces of 111 women of two different age classes were taken before and after a working day. Photos were submitted in blind (morning or evening) to a panel of 10 experts for scoring the severity of eight different facial signs using specific scales as established by previously published referential skin atlases. A panel of 60 naïve women gave their assessment of the overall look (more or less tired, aged, dull) from paired (morning/evening) photos given in blind. Subjects under study were asked to fill a questionnaire about their perceived state of tiredness before and after a normal working day.

RESULTS: All subjects felt a little more tired at evening although, surprisingly a little less in the older group (55-65 year) than their younger counterparts (25-35 year). Both groups were judged slightly less 'young' and 'more tired' at evening by the assessment panel, whereas the dull aspect remained unaltered. Four facial signs, among the 8 scored, showed subtle but significant changes, according to age class. Among older women, eye bags improved at evening as compared to morning, whereas glabellar wrinkles were found slightly accentuated. In younger subjects, nasolabial fold and crow's feet wrinkles were found of an aggravated severity score.

CONCLUSION: A normal working day induces, in the studied women, slight but detectable changes in some facial signs that vary (location, intensity) according to age.}, } @article {pmid28287785, year = {2017}, author = {Thorvaldsson, V and Skoog, I and Johansson, B}, title = {IQ as moderator of terminal decline in perceptual and motor speed, spatial, and verbal ability: Testing the cognitive reserve hypothesis in a population-based sample followed from age 70 until death.}, journal = {Psychology and aging}, volume = {32}, number = {2}, pages = {148-157}, doi = {10.1037/pag0000150}, pmid = {28287785}, issn = {1939-1498}, support = {P01 AG043362/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging/*physiology/psychology ; Cognition Disorders/diagnosis/epidemiology/psychology ; Cognitive Reserve/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Motor Skills/*physiology ; Perception/physiology ; Population Surveillance/methods ; Registries ; Spatial Behavior/*physiology ; Sweden/epidemiology ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Terminal decline (TD) refers to acceleration in within-person cognitive decline prior to death. The cognitive reserve hypothesis postulates that individuals with higher IQ are able to better tolerate age-related increase in brain pathologies. On average, they will exhibit a later onset of TD, but once they start to decline, their trajectory is steeper relative to those with lower IQ. We tested these predictions using data from initially nondemented individuals (n = 179) in the H70-study repeatedly measured at ages 70, 75, 79, 81, 85, 88, 90, 92, 95, 97, 99, and 100, or until death, on cognitive tests of perceptual-and-motor-speed and spatial and verbal ability. We quantified IQ using the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test administrated at age 70. We fitted random change point TD models to the data, within a Bayesian framework, conditioned on IQ, age of death, education, and sex. In line with predictions, we found that 1 additional standard deviation on the IQ scale was associated with a delay in onset of TD by 1.87 (95% highest density interval [HDI; 0.20, 4.08]) years on speed, 1.96 (95% HDI [0.15, 3.54]) years on verbal ability, but only 0.88 (95% HDI [-0.93, 3.49]) year on spatial ability. Higher IQ was associated with steeper rate of decline within the TD phase on measures of speed and verbal ability, whereas results on spatial ability were nonconclusive. Our findings provide partial support for the cognitive reserve hypothesis and demonstrate that IQ can be a significant moderator of cognitive change trajectories in old age. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid28285083, year = {2017}, author = {Boucher, SC}, title = {Gould on species, metaphysics and macroevolution: A critical appraisal.}, journal = {Studies in history and philosophy of biological and biomedical sciences}, volume = {62}, number = {}, pages = {25-34}, doi = {10.1016/j.shpsc.2017.02.004}, pmid = {28285083}, issn = {1879-2499}, mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; *Metaphysics ; Paleontology ; Philosophy ; United States ; }, abstract = {Stephen Jay Gould's views on the ontology of species were an important plank of his revisionist program in evolutionary theory. In this paper I cast a critical eye over those views. I focus on three central aspects of Gould's views on species: the relation between the Darwinian and the metaphysical notions of individuality, the relation between the ontology of species and macroevolution, and the issue of contextualism and conventionalism about the metaphysics of species.}, } @article {pmid28278304, year = {2017}, author = {Jamnadass, ES and Keelan, JA and Russell-Smith, SN and Hickey, M and Maybery, MT and Whitehouse, AJ}, title = {Umbilical cord androgens and estrogens in relation to verbal and nonverbal abilities at age 10 in the general population.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {3}, pages = {e0173493}, pmid = {28278304}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Adult ; Androgens/*metabolism ; Child ; Estrogens/*metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Nonverbal Communication/*physiology ; Pregnancy ; Sex Characteristics ; Umbilical Cord/*metabolism ; Verbal Behavior/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Sex differences in verbal and nonverbal abilities are a contentious area of research. Prenatal steroids have been shown to have masculinizing effects on the brain that may affect the development of nonverbal and verbal abilities in later life. The current study examined a wide range of biologically active sex steroids (both androgens and estrogens) in umbilical cord blood at birth in a large pregnancy cohort in relation to performance on nonverbal (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices) and verbal (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-3 and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III) measures at age 10 years. Overall, Androgen and Estrogen composites in cord blood were not found to be predictive of performance on verbal and nonverbal measures at age 10. These data suggest that late gestation sex steroids do not exert a major effect on nonverbal and verbal abilities in middle childhood.}, } @article {pmid28276133, year = {2017}, author = {Jamborova, I and Dolejska, M and Zurek, L and Townsend, AK and Clark, AB and Ellis, JC and Papousek, I and Cizek, A and Literak, I}, title = {Plasmid-mediated resistance to cephalosporins and quinolones in Escherichia coli from American crows in the USA.}, journal = {Environmental microbiology}, volume = {19}, number = {5}, pages = {2025-2036}, doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.13722}, pmid = {28276133}, issn = {1462-2920}, mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics ; Bird Diseases/microbiology ; Cefotaxime/*pharmacology ; Ciprofloxacin/*pharmacology ; Crows/*microbiology ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Escherichia coli/*drug effects/*genetics ; Escherichia coli Infections ; Escherichia coli Proteins/*genetics ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Plasmids/genetics ; United States ; beta-Lactamases/*genetics ; }, abstract = {American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) faeces were tested for Escherichia coli with plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC beta-lactamases. A total of 590 faecal samples were collected at four roosting sites in the USA and cultivated on selective media. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to assess clonality. Transferability of resistance genes was studied using conjugation and transformation bioassays. In total, 78 (13%, n = 590) cefotaxime-resistant isolates were obtained, of which 66 and 12 displayed AmpC and ESBL phenotypes, respectively. Fifty-four AmpC-producing isolates carried blaCMY-2 . Isolates producing ESBLs contained genes blaCTX-M-27 (5 isolates), blaCTX-M-15 (4), blaCTX-M-14 (2) and blaCTX-M-1 (1). Ninety isolates (15%, n = 590) with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin were obtained, among which 14 harboured PMQR genes aac(6')-Ib-cr (4 isolates), qnrB19 (3), qnrS1 (2), qnrA1 (2), qnrB2 (1), qnrB6 (1) and qnrD3 (1). High genetic diversity was revealed by PFGE and MLST. Epidemiologically important E. coli clones (e.g., ST131, ST405) were identified. Plasmids carrying blaCMY-2 were assigned predominantly to IncA/C (8 plasmids), IncI1/ST23 (5) and IncI1/ST12 (3). The study demonstrates a widespread occurrence of E. coli with ESBL, AmpC and PMQR genes associated with clinically important multidrug-resistant clones and epidemic plasmids, in American crows.}, } @article {pmid28275208, year = {2017}, author = {Fox, JW and Gutiérrez, JM}, title = {Understanding the Snake Venom Metalloproteinases: An Interview with Jay Fox and José María Gutiérrez.}, journal = {Toxins}, volume = {9}, number = {1}, pages = {}, doi = {10.3390/toxins9010033}, pmid = {28275208}, issn = {2072-6651}, mesh = {*Biomedical Research/history ; Career Choice ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Metalloproteases/history/*metabolism ; Reptilian Proteins/history/*metabolism ; Snake Bites/*enzymology/history ; Snake Venoms/*enzymology/history ; }, abstract = {Jay W. Fox and José María Gutiérrez recently finished editing a Special Issue on the topic "Snake Venom Metalloproteinases" in Toxins. The Special Issue covers a wide range of topics, including the molecular evolution and structure of snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), the mechanisms involved in the generation of diversity of SVMPs, the mechanism of action of SVMPs, and their role in the pathophysiology of envenomings, with implications for improving the therapy of envenomings. In this interview, we discussed with Jay W. Fox and José María Gutiérrez their research on the SVMPs and their perspectives on the future trends and challenges for studying snake venoms.}, } @article {pmid28266742, year = {2017}, author = {Houser, T and Zerweck, C and Grove, G and Wickett, R}, title = {Shadow analysis via the C+K Visioline: A technical note.}, journal = {Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)}, volume = {23}, number = {4}, pages = {447-451}, doi = {10.1111/srt.12354}, pmid = {28266742}, issn = {1600-0846}, mesh = {Dermoscopy/*instrumentation ; Equipment Design ; Face/*pathology ; Humans ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Skin Aging/*pathology ; Surface Properties ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This research investigated the ability of shadow analysis (via the Courage + Khazaka Visioline and Image Pro Premiere 9.0 software) to accurately assess the differences in skin topography associated with photo aging.

METHODS: Analyses were performed on impressions collected from a microfinish comparator scale (GAR Electroforming) as well a series of impressions collected from the crow's feet region of 9 women who represent each point on the Zerweck Crow's Feet classification scale. Analyses were performed using a Courage + Khazaka Visioline VL 650 as well as Image Pro Premiere 9.0 software.

RESULTS: Shadow analysis showed an ability to accurately measure the groove depth when measuring impressions collected from grooves of known depth. Several shadow analysis parameters showed a correlation with the expert grader ratings of crow's feet when averaging measurements taken from the North and South directions. The Max Depth parameter in particular showed a strong correlation with the expert grader's ratings which improved when a more sophisticated analysis was performed using Image Pro Premiere.

CONCLUSION: When used properly, shadow analysis is effective at accurately measuring skin surface impressions for differences in skin topography. Shadow analysis is shown to accurately assess the differences across a range of crow's feet severity correlating to a 0-8 grader scale. The Visioline VL 650 is a good tool for this measurement, with room for improvement in analysis which can be achieved through third party image analysis software.}, } @article {pmid28263620, year = {2017}, author = {Marhounová, L and Frynta, D and Fuchs, R and Landová, E}, title = {Object permanence in the food-storing coal tit (Periparus ater) and the non-storing great tit (Parus major): Is the mental representation required?.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {131}, number = {2}, pages = {115-127}, doi = {10.1037/com0000061}, pmid = {28263620}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; Coal ; Cognition/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior/*physiology ; *Food ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Object permanence is a cognitive ability that enables animals to mentally represent the continuous existence of temporarily hidden objects. Generally, it develops gradually through six qualitative stages, the evolution of which may be connected with some specific ecological and behavioral factors. In birds, the advanced object permanence skills were reported in several storing species of the Corvidae family. In order to test the association between food-storing and achieved performance within the stages, we compared food-storing coal tits (Periparus ater) and nonstoring great tits (Parus major) using an adapted version of Uzgiris & Hunt's Scale 1 tasks. The coal tits significantly outperformed the great tits in searching for completely hidden objects. Most of the great tits could not solve the task when the object disappeared completely. However, the upper limit for both species is likely to be Stage 4. The coal tits could solve problems with simply hidden objects, but they used alternative strategies rather than mental representation when searching for completely hidden objects, especially if choosing between two locations. Our results also suggest that neophobia did not affect the overall performance in the object permanence tasks. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid28261449, year = {2017}, author = {Meyrier, E and Jenni, L and Bötsch, Y and Strebel, S and Erne, B and Tablado, Z}, title = {Happy to breed in the city? Urban food resources limit reproductive output in Western Jackdaws.}, journal = {Ecology and evolution}, volume = {7}, number = {5}, pages = {1363-1374}, pmid = {28261449}, issn = {2045-7758}, abstract = {Urban areas expand worldwide, transforming landscapes and creating new challenging habitats. Some bird species, mainly omnivorous feeding on human waste and cavity nesters, commonly breed in these habitats and are, therefore, regarded as urban-adapted. Although urban areas may provide new nesting sites and abundant human waste, the low breeding success found in some of these species suggests that the poor protein content in human waste might limit breeding parameters. We investigated whether the breeding success of a cavity nester and omnivorous species commonly breeding in urban areas, the Western Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), depended on the availability of good-quality non-urban food. We approached the objective by combining a literature review and experiments in the field. With the literature review, we compared jackdaw populations in different habitats across Europe and found that clutch size and number of fledglings per pair decreased with distance to non-urban foraging grounds, even after controlling for the effect of colony size, latitude, and climate. In two experiments, we tested whether the breeding success of urban pairs could be increased by supplementing high-quality food, first only during egg formation and second also until chick fledging. Food supplementation during egg formation led to larger eggs and higher hatching success than in urban control nests, but this did not result in higher chick survival. However, when food supplementation was prolonged until fledging in the second experiment, we observed a significant increase of nestling survival. These findings highlight that research and management actions should not only focus on species displaced by urbanization, but also on "urban-adapted" species, as they might be suffering from a mismatch between availability of nesting sites in buildings and adequate non-urban food resources. In these cases, nest sites should be provided in or close to adequate food resources.}, } @article {pmid28261131, year = {2017}, author = {Li, CH and He, X and Wang, YJ and Hu, Z and Guo, CY}, title = {Visual Working Memory Capacity Can Be Increased by Training on Distractor Filtering Efficiency.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {8}, number = {}, pages = {196}, pmid = {28261131}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {It is generally considered that working memory (WM) capacity is limited and that WM capacity affects cognitive processes. Distractor filtering efficiency has been suggested to be an important factor in determining the visual working memory (VWM) capacity of individuals. In the present study, we investigated whether training in visual filtering efficiency (FE) could improve VWM capacity, as measured by performance on the change detection task (CDT) and changes of contralateral delay activity (CDA) (contralateral delay activity) of different conditions, and evaluated the transfer effect of visual FE training on verbal WM and fluid intelligence, as indexed by performance on the verbal WM span task and Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) test, respectively. Participants were divided into high- and low-capacity groups based on their performance in a CDT designed to test VWM capacity, and then the low-capacity individuals received 20 days of FE training. The training significantly improved the group's performance in the CDT, and their CDA models of different conditions became more similar with high capacity group, and the effect generalized to improve verbal WM span. These gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up test. Participants' RSPM scores were not changed by the training. These findings support the notion that WM capacity is determined, at least in part, by distractor FE and can be enhanced through training.}, } @article {pmid28260371, year = {2017}, author = {Olšovská, J and Matoulková, D and Dušek, M and Felsberg, J and Jelínková, M and Čejka, P and Štěrba, K}, title = {Analysis of 100-Year-Old Beer Originated from the Czech Republic.}, journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry}, volume = {65}, number = {16}, pages = {3341-3350}, doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05706}, pmid = {28260371}, issn = {1520-5118}, mesh = {Acids/analysis ; Beer/*analysis/microbiology ; Czech Republic ; Dekkera/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Fatty Acids/analysis ; Fermentation ; Flavoring Agents/analysis ; Food Handling ; Humans ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Three bottles of different beers were found in 2015 during a reconstruction of the brewery of the Raven Trading s.r.o. company in Záhlinice, Czech Republic. Thanks to good storage conditions, it was possible to analyze their original characteristics. All three bottles contained most probably lager type beer. One beer had sulfuric and fecal off-flavors; it was bright with the original extract of 10.3° Plato. The second beer, with an original extract of 7.6° Plato, was dark and very acidic, resembling Lambic. DNA analysis proved the presence of Dekkera bruxellensis, which corresponded to its chemical profile (total acidity, FAN, ethyl acetate, total esters). The third beer contained traces of carbon dioxide bubbles, was light brown and slightly bitter, with an original extract 10.4° Plato. Because it obviously underwent a natural aging process, sweetness, honey, and fruity off-flavors were detected and transformation products of iso-α-acids were found.}, } @article {pmid28255565, year = {2017}, author = {Stone, AV and Mannava, S and Patel, A and Marquez-Lara, A and Freehill, MT}, title = {Defining the Long-Toss: A Professional Baseball Epidemiological Study.}, journal = {Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine}, volume = {5}, number = {2}, pages = {2325967116686773}, pmid = {28255565}, issn = {2325-9671}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite widespread use of long-toss throwing in baseball as a component of arm conditioning, interval throwing programs, and rehabilitation, long-toss distance and throwing mechanics remain controversial.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the perceived definition of long-toss throwing through a survey of professional pitchers, pitching coaches (PCs), and certified athletic trainers (ATCs) associated with Major League Baseball.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS: Pitchers, PCs, and ATCs associated with 5 Major League Baseball organizations completed an anonymous survey that collected demographic data, personal use of long-toss throwing, and their perception of the distance and throwing mechanics that comprised long-toss.

RESULTS: A total of 321 surveys were completed by 271 pitchers, 19 PCs, and 31 ATCs. For all respondents, the mean distance considered as long-toss was 175 ft (95% CI, 170-181 ft). Respondents categorized the throwing mechanics of long-toss, with 36% reporting throwing "on a line" and 70% reporting long-toss as "not on a line." Of those throwing "on a line," 28% reported using crow-hop footwork while 60% used crow-hop footwork when throwing "not on a line." Interpretation of long-toss distance significantly varied by position: pitchers, 177 ft (95% CI, 171-183 ft); PCs, 177 ft (95% CI, 155-200 ft); and ATCs, 157 ft (95% CI, 144-169 ft) (P = .048). When asked when long-toss throwing is used, pitchers reported using it more frequently in preseason (P = .007), during the season (P = .015), and in the off-season (P = .002) compared with that by ATCs. Functional goals for long-toss throwing demonstrated that pitchers and PCs use long-toss for shoulder stretching more frequently than ATCs (P < .001 and P = .026, respectively). ATCs used long-toss more than pitchers for interval throwing programs (P < .001).

CONCLUSION: The definition varies for long-toss throwing distance and throwing mechanics. Pitchers and PCs believe that long-toss comprised longer distances than ATCs and employed long-toss differently for strength conditioning, training, stretching, and rehabilitation. This discrepancy highlights a potential lost opportunity for protecting the shoulder. While long-toss is an important tool, a more scientific definition is warranted to better elucidate its role in enhancing throwing performance and rehabilitation.}, } @article {pmid28250990, year = {2017}, author = {Shakeel, MK and Goghari, VM}, title = {Measuring Fluid Intelligence in Healthy Older Adults.}, journal = {Journal of aging research}, volume = {2017}, number = {}, pages = {8514582}, pmid = {28250990}, issn = {2090-2204}, abstract = {The present study evaluated subjective and objective cognitive measures as predictors of fluid intelligence in healthy older adults. We hypothesized that objective cognitive measures would predict fluid intelligence to a greater degree than self-reported cognitive functioning. Ninety-three healthy older (>65 years old) community-dwelling adults participated. Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) were used to measure fluid intelligence, Digit Span Sequencing (DSS) was used to measure working memory, Trail Making Test (TMT) was used to measure cognitive flexibility, Design Fluency Test (DFT) was used to measure creativity, and Tower Test (TT) was used to measure planning. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) was used to measure subjective perceptions of cognitive functioning. RAPM was correlated with DSS, TT, and DFT. When CFQ was the only predictor, the regression model predicting fluid intelligence was not significant. When DSS, TMT, DFT, and TT were included in the model, there was a significant change in the model and the final model was also significant, with DFT as the only significant predictor. The model accounted for approximately 20% of the variability in fluid intelligence. Our findings suggest that the most reliable means of assessing fluid intelligence is to assess it directly.}, } @article {pmid28241283, year = {2017}, author = {Neumann, S and Salm, S and Rietz, C and Stenneken, P}, title = {The German Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-G): Reliability and Validity of a Novel Assessment of Communicative Participation.}, journal = {Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHR}, volume = {60}, number = {3}, pages = {675-681}, doi = {10.1044/2016_JSLHR-L-15-0219}, pmid = {28241283}, issn = {1558-9102}, mesh = {Child Behavior/psychology ; Child, Preschool ; *Communication ; Female ; Humans ; Language Development Disorders/*diagnosis ; Male ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: Our purpose was to explore the validity and reliability of the German Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-G; Thomas-Stonell, Oddson, Robertson, & Rosenbaum, 2010, 2012), which is an authorized adaptation of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (Thomas-Stonell et al., 2010) tool, which measures communicative participation in preschool children.

METHOD: Parents of typically developing children (TDC) and of children with speech impairment (CSI) completed the FOCUS-G and the Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children (KiddyKINDL; Ravens-Sieberer & Bullinger, 2000). To determine test-retest reliability, the FOCUS-G was readministered to a subsample of parents 1 week later.

RESULTS: The FOCUS-G had high values for internal consistency (α = .959, Ω = .941), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .974), and split-half reliability (r = .832). Total scores on the FOCUS-G and KiddyKINDL demonstrated significant associations. FOCUS-G total scores and subdomain scores for both samples showed significant correlations, indicating good construct validity. The discriminatory ability of the FOCUS-G was indicated by significantly higher mean scores for TDC (M = 6.03, SD = 0.65) than CSI (M = 5.47, SD = 1.02).

CONCLUSION: The overall good psychometric properties of this novel assessment of communicative participation support its use by speech-language pathologists for clinical and research purposes with German-speaking children.}, } @article {pmid28239221, year = {2017}, author = {Munteanu, AM and Stocker, M and Stöwe, M and Massen, JJ and Bugnyar, T}, title = {Behavioural and Hormonal Stress Responses to Social Separation in Ravens, Corvus corax.}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {123}, number = {2}, pages = {123-135}, pmid = {28239221}, issn = {0179-1613}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, abstract = {Social life is profitable, but it facilitates conflicts over resources and creates interdependence between individuals. Separating highly social animals triggers intense reactions aimed at re-establishing lost connections. Less is known, however, about behavioural and physiological responses to separation in socially facultative species, where individuals temporarily form groups and may subsequently leave them. Non-breeding common ravens (Corvus corax) gather in large numbers at feeding and roosting sites, but otherwise spend time seemingly solitary or in small subgroups. We here studied how ravens cope with being socially isolated, and investigated the life characteristics that might explain potential individual differences. For this, we individually separated captive subadult ravens (n = 25) and housed them in physical and visual isolation from their group members across 4 d. During the separation period, we collected behavioural data and measured the amount of immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites from bird droppings to assess the ravens' physiological stress response. We found behavioural indicators of stress at the start of the separation, when ravens showed higher levels of tension than of comfort - a pattern that reversed at the end of the separation. Furthermore, we found that the upbringing of ravens affected their behaviour during separation. Hand-raised birds produced more vocalisations in the beginning of the separation, and were less active at the end, while the reverse pattern occurred with parent-raised ravens. Contrary to our predictions, we did not find differences in hormonal responses between the beginning and end of the separation period or any link between hormonal responses and behaviours. Ravens' behavioural responses to social separation stress seem to be dependent on their arousal states, although possible links with hormonal reactions remain unclear. Our results show that behavioural reactions are not always linked with hormonal responses to stress, and further emphasise the importance of investigating effects of early-life experiences.}, } @article {pmid28233773, year = {2017}, author = {Davidson, G and Miller, R and Loissel, E and Cheke, LG and Clayton, NS}, title = {Erratum: The development of support intuitions and object causality in juvenile Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {42936}, doi = {10.1038/srep42936}, pmid = {28233773}, issn = {2045-2322}, } @article {pmid28222237, year = {2017}, author = {Morinha, F and Dávila, JA and Bastos, E and Cabral, JA and Frías, Ó and González, JL and Travassos, P and Carvalho, D and Milá, B and Blanco, G}, title = {Extreme genetic structure in a social bird species despite high dispersal capacity.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {26}, number = {10}, pages = {2812-2825}, doi = {10.1111/mec.14069}, pmid = {28222237}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Gene Flow ; Genetic Drift ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; *Social Behavior ; Spain ; }, abstract = {Social barriers have been shown to reduce gene flow and contribute to genetic structure among populations in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies, such as cetaceans, apes and humans. In birds, high dispersal capacity is thought to prevent population divergence unless major geographical or habitat barriers induce isolation patterns by dispersal, colonization or adaptation limitation. We report that Iberian populations of the red-billed chough, a social, gregarious corvid with high dispersal capacity, show a striking degree of genetic structure composed of at least 15 distinct genetic units. Monitoring of marked individuals over 30 years revealed that long-distance movements over hundreds of kilometres are common, yet recruitment into breeding populations is infrequent and highly philopatric. Genetic differentiation is weakly related to geographical distance, and habitat types used are overall qualitatively similar among regions and regularly shared by individuals of different populations, so that genetic structure is unlikely to be due solely to isolation by distance or isolation by adaptation. Moreover, most population nuclei showed relatively high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting a limited role for genetic drift in significantly differentiating populations. We propose that social mechanisms may underlie this unprecedented level of genetic structure in birds through a pattern of isolation by social barriers not yet described, which may have driven this remarkable population divergence in the absence of geographical and environmental barriers.}, } @article {pmid28220657, year = {2017}, author = {Thomas-Bachli, AL and Pearl, DL and Berke, O and Parmley, EJ and Barker, IK}, title = {A geographic study of West Nile virus in humans, dead corvids and mosquitoes in Ontario using spatial scan statistics with a survival time application.}, journal = {Zoonoses and public health}, volume = {64}, number = {7}, pages = {e81-e89}, doi = {10.1111/zph.12350}, pmid = {28220657}, issn = {1863-2378}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases ; Crows/*virology ; Culicidae/*virology ; Epidemiological Monitoring ; Geographic Mapping ; Humans ; Ontario/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/virology ; West Nile virus/*isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {Surveillance of West Nile virus (WNv) in Ontario has included passive reporting of human cases and testing of trapped mosquitoes and dead birds found by the public. The dead bird surveillance programme was limited to testing within a public health unit (PHU) until a small number of birds test positive. These dead corvid and mosquito surveillance programmes have not been compared for their ability to provide early warning in geographic areas where human cases occur each year. Spatial scan statistics were applied to time-to-event survival data based on first cases of WNv in found dead corvids, mosquitoes and humans. Clusters identified using raw data were compared to clusters based on model-adjusted survival times to evaluate whether geographic and sociodemographic factors influenced their distribution. Statistically significant (p < .05) space-time clusters of PHUs with faster time to detection were found using each surveillance data stream. During 2002-2004, the corvid surveillance programme outperformed the mosquito programme in terms of time to WNv detection, while the clusters of first-positive mosquito pools were more spatially similar to first human cases. In 2006, a cluster of first-positive dead corvids was located in northern PHUs and preceded a cluster of early human cases that was identified after controlling for the influence of geographic region and sociodemographic profile.}, } @article {pmid28217543, year = {2016}, author = {Aravind, A and Dhanya, RS and Narayan, A and Sam, G and Adarsh, VJ and Kiran, M}, title = {Effect of fluoridated water on intelligence in 10-12-year-old school children.}, journal = {Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry}, volume = {6}, number = {Suppl 3}, pages = {S237-S242}, pmid = {28217543}, issn = {2231-0762}, abstract = {AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of drinking water fluoride levels with children's intelligence quotient (IQ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water was collected from initially identified endemic fluoride regions according to the geological research of Government of India. Fluoride concentration of the water was assessed by utilizing fluoride ion selective electrode, Orion 9609BN, and categorized on the basis of fluoride concentration into low, medium, and high-fluoride regions, i.e., Virajpet (low fluoride level < 1.2 ppm), Banavara (Medium fluoride level 1.2-2 ppm), and Mastihalli (High fluoride levels > 3 ppm). Government school from all three villages were selected randomly and IQ levels were assessed by using Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. This test was conducted on each child in the study sample.

RESULTS: A significant inverse relationship was found between the fluoride concentration in drinking water and IQ (r value = -0.204; P < 0.000). It was observed that IQ level was negatively correlated with fluoride concentration in drinking water.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that IQ level was negatively correlated with fluoride level in drinking water. Factors that might affect children's IQ need to be considered, and it is necessary to devise solutions for preventing the harmful effects of excessive intake of fluoride ion to the body.}, } @article {pmid28214810, year = {2016}, author = {Пятакова, ГВ and Лебедева, ЕИ and Потявина, ВВ and Церфус, ДН}, title = {[Age specific and individual psychological factors of post--traumatic stress (PTS) development of children with after-effects of physical damages indicating medical rehabilitation].}, journal = {Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)}, volume = {69}, number = {6}, pages = {750-757}, pmid = {28214810}, issn = {0043-5147}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Parents ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/*etiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Wounds and Injuries/complications/*psychology ; }, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: children and teenagers having received hard physical damages face a difficult life situation which includes events accompanied by feeling of intensive fear and helplessness. Every child's individual psychological features play an important role in coping with negative psychological after-effects of his/her physical trauma.

AIM: learning PTS manifestations among children and teenagers with hard physical damages indicating medical rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: patients of the traumatological department of children's surgery clinic took part in the research: 31 preadolescent children and their parents, 45 teengaers and their parents. Physical damages were received by children clinic's patients in accidents and out of negligence. A survey containing clinical and historical method elements, medical documents; semi-structured interviews for identification of signs of children's post-traumatic stress, a survey for parents for identification of children's traumatic experience, colour matrices and J. Raven black-and-white matrices, S. Rosenzweig frustration tolerance methods (children's and adult version) were used as certain research methods.

RESULTS: it was shown that intellectual productivity showings and stable ways of emotional reaction can act as individual psychological factos of PTS development. Age specifics of embeddedness of intellectual features and stable ways of emotional reaction to PTS symptoms development among children and teenagers with hard physical damages.

CONCLUSIONS: the received results can be used as a base for developing specific approaches for psychological support of children and teenagers having the experience of physical damage and difficult medical rehabilitation.}, } @article {pmid28211915, year = {2017}, author = {Hirano, Y and Nakagawa, M and Suyama, T and Murase, K and Shirakawa, M and Takayama, S and Sun, TP and Hakoshima, T}, title = {Structure of the SHR-SCR heterodimer bound to the BIRD/IDD transcriptional factor JKD.}, journal = {Nature plants}, volume = {3}, number = {}, pages = {17010}, pmid = {28211915}, issn = {2055-0278}, support = {R01 GM100051/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Arabidopsis/*genetics/metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Carrier Proteins/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; }, abstract = {The plant-specific GAI, RGA and SCR (GRAS) family proteins play critical roles in plant development and signalling. Two GRAS proteins, SHORT-ROOT (SHR) and SCARECROW (SCR), cooperatively direct asymmetric cell division and the patterning of root cell types by transcriptional control in conjunction with BIRD/INDETERMINATE DOMAIN (IDD) transcription factors, although precise details of these specific interactions and actions remain unknown. Here, we present the crystal structures of the SHR-SCR binary and JACKDAW (JKD)/IDD10-SHR-SCR ternary complexes. Each GRAS domain comprises one α/β core subdomain with an α-helical cap that mediates heterodimerization by forming an intermolecular helix bundle. The α/β core subdomain of SHR forms the BIRD binding groove, which specifically recognizes the zinc fingers of JKD. We identified a conserved SHR-binding motif in 13 BIRD/IDD transcription factors. Our results establish a structural basis for GRAS-GRAS and GRAS-BIRD interactions and provide valuable clues towards our understanding of these regulators, which are involved in plant-specific signalling networks.}, } @article {pmid28203099, year = {2017}, author = {Rouvrais, C and Bacqueville, D and Bogdanowicz, P and Haure, MJ and Duprat, L and Coutanceau, C and Castex-Rizzi, N and Duplan, H and Mengeaud, V and Bessou-Touya, S}, title = {A new dermocosmetic containing retinaldehyde, delta-tocopherol glucoside and glycylglycine oleamide for managing naturally aged skin: results from in vitro to clinical studies.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {35-42}, pmid = {28203099}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Natural aging of skin tissues, the addition of the cumulative action of the time and radiation exposure result in skin atrophy, wrinkles and degeneration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of the study was to investigate the beneficial effect of a combination containing retinaldehyde (RAL), delta-tocopherol glucoside (delta-TC) and glycylglycine ole-amide (GGO) and of a dermocosmetic containing the combination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The protective effect of the combination was assessed through in vitro gene expression of ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated fibroblasts. A skin aging assay using UV light on ex vivo skin samples and a clinical study conducted in 36 women aged from 35 to 55 years with a minimum of level 4 to a maximum of level 6 on the crow's feet photoscale assessed the antiaging effect of the dermocosmetic.

RESULTS: When added to UV-irradiated fibroblasts, the combination substantially improved the ECM in activating the elastin fiber production (fibrillin 2, fibulin 1 and 5 and lysyl oxidase-like 2) as well as that of proteins involved in the cellular ECM interactions (integrin b1, paxillin and actin a2). An ex vivo photodamaged human skin model showed that the dermocosmetic formulation containing the combination of the active ingredients protected the elastic network against UV-induced alterations including both elastin and fibrillin-rich fibers in the dermis. A daily application of the dermocosmetic for 2 months on naturally aged skin resulted in a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) of visible signs of aging comprising crow's feet, wrinkles and periocular fine lines. Finally, the formulation was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION: The dermocosmetic containing RAL, delta-TC and GGO provides a substantial benefit in the daily care of naturally aged skin in women aged 35-55 years.}, } @article {pmid28202815, year = {2017}, author = {Dutoit, L and Vijay, N and Mugal, CF and Bossu, CM and Burri, R and Wolf, J and Ellegren, H}, title = {Covariation in levels of nucleotide diversity in homologous regions of the avian genome long after completion of lineage sorting.}, journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences}, volume = {284}, number = {1849}, pages = {}, pmid = {28202815}, issn = {1471-2954}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome ; Karyotype ; Nucleotides/*genetics ; Recombination, Genetic ; Songbirds/*genetics ; Synteny ; }, abstract = {Closely related species may show similar levels of genetic diversity in homologous regions of the genome owing to shared ancestral variation still segregating in the extant species. However, after completion of lineage sorting, such covariation is not necessarily expected. On the other hand, if the processes that govern genetic diversity are conserved, diversity may potentially covary even among distantly related species. We mapped regions of conserved synteny between the genomes of two divergent bird species-collared flycatcher and hooded crow-and identified more than 600 Mb of homologous regions (66% of the genome). From analyses of whole-genome resequencing data in large population samples of both species we found nucleotide diversity in 200 kb windows to be well correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.407). The correlation remained highly similar after excluding coding sequences. To explain this covariation, we suggest that a stable avian karyotype and a conserved landscape of recombination rate variation render the diversity-reducing effects of linked selection similar in divergent bird lineages. Principal component regression analysis of several potential explanatory variables driving heterogeneity in flycatcher diversity levels revealed the strongest effects from recombination rate variation and density of coding sequence targets for selection, consistent with linked selection. It is also possible that a stable karyotype is associated with a conserved genomic mutation environment contributing to covariation in diversity levels between lineages. Our observations imply that genetic diversity is to some extent predictable.}, } @article {pmid28199765, year = {2017}, author = {Perec-Matysiak, A and Wesołowska, M and Leśniańska, K and Buńkowska-Gawlik, K and Hildebrand, J and Kicia, M}, title = {Survey for Zoonotic Microsporidian Pathogens in Wild Living Urban Rooks (Corvus frugilegus).}, journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology}, volume = {64}, number = {5}, pages = {721-724}, doi = {10.1111/jeu.12402}, pmid = {28199765}, issn = {1550-7408}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*microbiology ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/*genetics ; Feces/microbiology ; Genotype ; Microsporidia/*classification/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Poland ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, abstract = {Microsporidia are opportunistic pathogens in nature infecting all animal phyla. There is a potential risk of microsporidian spores transmission from urban rooks inhabiting some metropolitan cities to people through casual interactions. The aim of this study was to identify microsporidia species in the droppings of rooks in Wroclaw, Poland. A total of 15 collective sets of droppings were examined using nested-PCR method. Amplification of ITS rRNA gene revealed the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi D, Peru 6, and Encephalitozoon hellem 1A genotypes. This study indicates that excreta of urban rooks can be an important source of human infection with these pathogens.}, } @article {pmid28192043, year = {2017}, author = {West, E and Hofmeister, E and Peery, MZ}, title = {Serosurvey for West Nile Virus Antibodies in Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) Captured in Coastal California, USA.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {53}, number = {3}, pages = {582-585}, doi = {10.7589/2016-06-139}, pmid = {28192043}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases ; Birds/*virology ; California ; Canada ; Mexico ; New York ; West Nile Fever/*veterinary ; West Nile virus/*isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in New York in 1999 and, during its expansion across the continental US, southern Canada, and Mexico, members of the Corvidae (ravens, crows, magpies, and jays) were frequently infected and highly susceptible to the virus. As part of a behavioral study of Steller's Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) conducted from 2011-14 in the coastal California counties of San Mateo and Santa Cruz, 380 Steller's Jays were captured and tested for antibodies to WNV. Using the wild bird immunoglobulin G enzyme linked immunoassay, we failed to detect antibodies to WNV, indicating either that there was no previous exposure to the virus or that exposed birds had died.}, } @article {pmid28189590, year = {2017}, author = {Small, TW and Bebus, SE and Bridge, ES and Elderbrock, EK and Ferguson, SM and Jones, BC and Schoech, SJ}, title = {Stress-responsiveness influences baseline glucocorticoid levels: Revisiting the under 3min sampling rule.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {247}, number = {}, pages = {152-165}, doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.01.028}, pmid = {28189590}, issn = {1095-6840}, mesh = {Animals ; Corticosterone/blood ; Female ; Glucocorticoids/*pharmacology ; Linear Models ; Male ; *Models, Biological ; Passeriformes/blood/*physiology ; Phenotype ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Stress, Physiological/*drug effects/physiology ; }, abstract = {Plasma glucocorticoid (CORT) levels collected within 3min of capture are commonly believed to reflect pre-stressor, baseline CORT levels. Differences in these "baseline" values are often interpreted as reflecting differences in health, or the amount of social and environmental stress recently experienced by an individual. When interpreting "baseline" values it is generally assumed that any effect of capture-and-handling during the initial sampling period is small enough and consistent enough among individuals to not obscure pre-capture differences in CORT levels. However, plasma CORT increases in less than 3min post-capture in many free-living, endothermic species in which timing has been assessed. In addition, the rate of CORT secretion and the maximum level attained (i.e., the degree of stress-responsiveness) during a severe stressor often differs among individuals of the same species. In Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), an individual's stress-responsiveness during a 30min post-capture stressor is correlated with CORT levels in samples collected within 1.5min of capture, suggesting there is an intrinsic connection between stress-responsiveness and pre-capture CORT levels. Although differences in stress-responsiveness accounted for just 11% of the variance in these samples, on average, higher stress-responsive jays (top third of individuals) had baseline values twice that of lower stress-responsive jays (bottom third). Further, plasma CORT levels begin to increase around 2min post-capture in this species, but the rate of increase between 2 and 3min differs markedly with CORT increasing more rapidly in jays with higher stress-responsiveness. Together, these data indicate that baseline CORT values can be influenced by an individual's stress response phenotype and the differences due to stress-responsiveness can be exaggerated during sample collection. In some cases, the effects of differences in stress-responsiveness and the increase in CORT during sample collection could obscure, or supersede, differences in pre-capture plasma CORT levels that are caused by extrinsic factors.}, } @article {pmid28163873, year = {2017}, author = {KleinHeerenbrink, M and Hedenström, A}, title = {Wake analysis of drag components in gliding flight of a jackdaw (Corvus monedula) during moult.}, journal = {Interface focus}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, pages = {20160081}, pmid = {28163873}, issn = {2042-8898}, abstract = {To maintain the quality of the feathers, birds regularly undergo moult. It is widely accepted that moult affects flight performance, but the specific aerodynamic consequences have received relatively little attention. Here we measured the components of aerodynamic drag from the wake behind a gliding jackdaw (Corvus monedula) at different stages of its natural wing moult. We found that span efficiency was reduced (lift induced drag increased) and the wing profile drag coefficient was increased. Both effects best correlated with the corresponding reduction in spanwise camber. The negative effects are partially mitigated by adjustments of wing posture to minimize gaps in the wing, and by weight loss to reduce wing loading. By studying the aerodynamic consequences of moult, we can refine our understanding of the emergence of various moulting strategies found among birds.}, } @article {pmid28163676, year = {2016}, author = {Qazi, EU and Hussain, M and Aboalsamh, H and Malik, AS and Amin, HU and Bamatraf, S}, title = {Single Trial EEG Patterns for the Prediction of Individual Differences in Fluid Intelligence.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {687}, pmid = {28163676}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Assessing a person's intelligence level is required in many situations, such as career counseling and clinical applications. EEG evoked potentials in oddball task and fluid intelligence score are correlated because both reflect the cognitive processing and attention. A system for prediction of an individual's fluid intelligence level using single trial Electroencephalography (EEG) signals has been proposed. For this purpose, we employed 2D and 3D contents and 34 subjects each for 2D and 3D, which were divided into low-ability (LA) and high-ability (HA) groups using Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) test. Using visual oddball cognitive task, neural activity of each group was measured and analyzed over three midline electrodes (Fz, Cz, and Pz). To predict whether an individual belongs to LA or HA group, features were extracted using wavelet decomposition of EEG signals recorded in visual oddball task and support vector machine (SVM) was used as a classifier. Two different types of Haar wavelet transform based features have been extracted from the band (0.3 to 30 Hz) of EEG signals. Statistical wavelet features and wavelet coefficient features from the frequency bands 0.0-1.875 Hz (delta low) and 1.875-3.75 Hz (delta high), resulted in the 100 and 98% prediction accuracies, respectively, both for 2D and 3D contents. The analysis of these frequency bands showed clear difference between LA and HA groups. Further, discriminative values of the features have been validated using statistical significance tests and inter-class and intra-class variation analysis. Also, statistical test showed that there was no effect of 2D and 3D content on the assessment of fluid intelligence level. Comparisons with state-of-the-art techniques showed the superiority of the proposed system.}, } @article {pmid28151701, year = {2017}, author = {Wright, AA and Magnotti, JF and Katz, JS and Leonard, K and Vernouillet, A and Kelly, DM}, title = {Corvids Outperform Pigeons and Primates in Learning a Basic Concept.}, journal = {Psychological science}, volume = {28}, number = {4}, pages = {437-444}, doi = {10.1177/0956797616685871}, pmid = {28151701}, issn = {1467-9280}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Concept Formation/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Species Specificity ; }, abstract = {Corvids (birds of the family Corvidae) display intelligent behavior previously ascribed only to primates, but such feats are not directly comparable across species. To make direct species comparisons, we used a same/different task in the laboratory to assess abstract-concept learning in black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia). Concept learning was tested with novel pictures after training. Concept learning improved with training-set size, and test accuracy eventually matched training accuracy-full concept learning-with a 128-picture set; this magpie performance was equivalent to that of Clark's nutcrackers (a species of corvid) and monkeys (rhesus, capuchin) and better than that of pigeons. Even with an initial 8-item picture set, both corvid species showed partial concept learning, outperforming both monkeys and pigeons. Similar corvid performance refutes the hypothesis that nutcrackers' prolific cache-location memory accounts for their superior concept learning, because magpies rely less on caching. That corvids with "primitive" neural architectures evolved to equal primates in full concept learning and even to outperform them on the initial 8-item picture test is a testament to the shared (convergent) survival importance of abstract-concept learning.}, } @article {pmid28145581, year = {2017}, author = {Laiolo, P}, title = {Phenotypic similarity in sympatric crow species: Evidence of social convergence?.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {71}, number = {4}, pages = {1051-1060}, doi = {10.1111/evo.13195}, pmid = {28145581}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {*Animal Communication ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Crows/*anatomy & histology/*physiology ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; Social Behavior ; *Sympatry ; }, abstract = {Crows, rooks, and ravens (Corvus spp.) display marked morphological and voice similarities that have been hypothesized to stem from competitive interactions, as a case of nonaposematic mimicry. Here, I test predictions of the mimicry hypothesis at the macrovolutionary scale, examining whether species morphological and acoustic traits covary with those of coexisting congeners, and whether phenotypic similarity has facilitated the coexistence of related species after secondary contact. Body size and the temporal patterns of the commonest call display high levels of similarity among sympatric species, even after controlling for the effect of shared climate and habitat, and phylogenetic constraints in the production of variation. When sister species differed in these acoustic and morphological traits, their transition to secondary sympatry was delayed relative to those with more similar traits. No similarity was found in the sexual call of crows, suggesting that convergence occurs only when function does not favour maintenance of species-specific traits. Crow similarities in morphological and acoustic features may therefore be associated with coevolving interactions with congeners, in line with a broad array of studies documenting convergence among species that interact aggressively or forage communally.}, } @article {pmid28135017, year = {2017}, author = {Griesser, M and Wagner, GF and Drobniak, SM and Ekman, J}, title = {Reproductive trade-offs in a long-lived bird species: condition-dependent reproductive allocation maintains female survival and offspring quality.}, journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {782-795}, doi = {10.1111/jeb.13046}, pmid = {28135017}, issn = {1420-9101}, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; *Clutch Size ; Female ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {Life history theory is an essential framework to understand the evolution of reproductive allocation. It predicts that individuals of long-lived species favour their own survival over current reproduction, leading individuals to refrain from reproducing under harsh conditions. Here we test this prediction in a long-lived bird species, the Siberian jay Perisoreus infaustus. Long-term data revealed that females rarely refrain from breeding, but lay smaller clutches in unfavourable years. Neither offspring body size, female survival nor offspring survival until the next year was influenced by annual condition, habitat quality, clutch size, female age or female phenotype. Given that many nests failed due to nest predation, the variance in the number of fledglings was higher than the variance in the number of eggs and female survival. An experimental challenge with a novel pathogen before egg laying largely replicated these patterns in two consecutive years with contrasting conditions. Challenged females refrained from breeding only in the unfavourable year, but no downstream effects were found in either year. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that condition-dependent reproductive allocation may serve to maintain female survival and offspring quality, supporting patterns found in long-lived mammals. We discuss avenues to develop life history theory concerning strategies to offset reproductive costs.}, } @article {pmid28132659, year = {2017}, author = {Mitra, S and Sarkar, N and Barik, A}, title = {Long-chain alkanes and fatty acids from Ludwigia octovalvis weed leaf surface waxes as short-range attractant and ovipositional stimulant to Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).}, journal = {Bulletin of entomological research}, volume = {107}, number = {3}, pages = {391-400}, doi = {10.1017/S0007485316001012}, pmid = {28132659}, issn = {1475-2670}, mesh = {Alkanes/*pharmacology ; Animals ; *Chemotaxis ; Coleoptera/*physiology ; Fatty Acids/*pharmacology ; Female ; Olfactometry ; Onagraceae/*chemistry ; Oviposition/*drug effects ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Weed Control ; }, abstract = {The importance of leaf surface wax compounds from the rice-field weed Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven (Onagraceae) was determined in the flea beetle Altica cyanea (Weber) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Extraction, thin layer chromatography and GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of surface waxes of young, mature and senescent leaves revealed 20, 19 and 19 n-alkanes between n-C15 and n-C35, respectively; whereas 14, 14 and 12 free fatty acids between C12:0 and C22:0 fatty acids were identified in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. Tricosane was predominant n-alkane in young and mature leaves, whilst eicosane predominated in senescent leaves. Heneicosanoic acid, palmitic acid and docosanoic acid were the most abundant free fatty acids in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. A. cyanea females showed attraction to 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes compared with young or senescent leaves in a short glass Y-tube olfactometer bioassay. The insects were attracted to a synthetic blend of 0.90, 1.86, 1.83, 1.95, 0.50 and 0.18 µg ml-1 petroleum ether of hexadecane, octadecane, eicosane, tricosane, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively, comparable with the proportions as present in 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes. A. cyanea also laid eggs on a filter paper moistened with 0.25 mature leaf equivalent surface waxes or a synthetic blend of 0.90, 1.86, 1.83, 1.95, 0.50 and 0.18 µg ml-1 petroleum ether of hexadecane, octadecane, eicosane, tricosane, palmitic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively. This finding could provide a basis for monitoring of the potential biocontrol agent in the field.}, } @article {pmid28130669, year = {2017}, author = {Mutafchiev, Y and Mariaux, J and Georgiev, BB}, title = {Description of Acuaria europaea n. sp. (Spirurida: Acuariidae) from Dendrocopos syriacus (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) and Oriolus oriolus (L.) (Aves) in Europe, with results of re-examination of related European species of Acuaria Bremser, 1811.}, journal = {Systematic parasitology}, volume = {94}, number = {2}, pages = {201-214}, pmid = {28130669}, issn = {1573-5192}, mesh = {Animals ; Europe ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*parasitology ; Species Specificity ; Spirurida/anatomy & histology/*classification ; }, abstract = {Acuaria europaea n. sp. is described from one Dendrocopos syriacus (Hemprich & Ehrenberg) (Piciformes: Picidae) (type-host) and three Oriolus oriolus (L.) (Passeriformes: Oriolidae) in Bulgaria (type-locality) and France. The new species is characterised by cordons extending slightly beyond the level of the anterior end of the glandular oesophagus, left spicule 297 µm long, right spicule 155 µm long, protruding vulvar region and strongly ventrally curved female tail. The male (holotype) and the female (allotype) of A. parorioli Chabaud & Petter, 1961 from O. oriolus are regarded as not being conspecific based on the differing morphology of their cordons; the female is identified as A. europaea n. sp. The type-material of Acuaria attenuata (Rudolphi, 1819) is redescribed. The species is characterised by a small and delicate body, cordons extending beyond the oesophago-intestinal junction and similar spicules in size and shape, 140 µm long. The only type-material of Acuaria anthuris (Rudolphi, 1819) available for examination consists of a male and a female (syntypes) from O. oriolus. The two specimens differ from one another by the relative lengths of their cordons and we consider them as belonging to two species. However, both type-specimens differ in their much shorter cordons from the species of Acuaria parasitising Corvidae. The present study reveals that the original description of A. anthuris has been based on heterogeneous material.}, } @article {pmid28123676, year = {2016}, author = {Yang, Z and Li, X and Liao, H and Hu, L and Zhang, Z and Zhao, B and Huang, X and Bao, Z}, title = {Physical mapping of immune-related genes in Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) using fluorescent in situ hybridization.}, journal = {Comparative cytogenetics}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {529-541}, pmid = {28123676}, issn = {1993-0771}, abstract = {The innate immune system plays a pivotal role in defending invasion of microorganisms for scallops. Previous studies on immune-related genes in the Yesso scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) have mainly focused on characterization and expression pattern in response to bacterial challenge, no research has been carried out on the cytogenetic level yet. In the present study, eight fosmid clones containing the sequences of key immune-related genes (PyNFkB, PyTRAF2, PyTRAF4, PyTRAF7, PyMyd88-1, PyMyd88-3, PyMKK-7 and PyTNFR) were isolated and seven of them were successfully mapped on chromosomes of Patinopecten yessoensis utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization. Wherein, PyMyd88-1, PyMyd88-3 and PyMKK-7 located on the same chromosome pair with adjacent positions and the other genes were mapped on four non-homologous chromosome pairs, showing a similar distribution to another five model species. The isolation and mapping of such genes of the Yesso scallop will lay a foundation for studies such as assignment of interested genes to chromosomes, construction cytogenetic maps and so on.}, } @article {pmid28120800, year = {2016}, author = {Horn, L and Scheer, C and Bugnyar, T and Massen, JJ}, title = {Proactive prosociality in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana).}, journal = {Biology letters}, volume = {12}, number = {10}, pages = {}, pmid = {28120800}, issn = {1744-957X}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Cooperative Behavior ; Motivation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {One of the contemporary hypotheses concerning the evolution of human altruism is the cooperative breeding hypothesis (CBH) which has recently been tested in non-human primates. Using a similar paradigm, we investigated prosociality in a cooperatively breeding corvid, the azure-winged magpie. We found that the magpies delivered food to their group members at high rates, and unlike other corvids, they did so without any cues provided by others. In two control conditions, the magpies stopped participating over time, indicating that they learned to discriminate prosocial tests from controls. Azure-winged magpies are thus the first birds that experimentally show proactive prosociality. Our findings are in line with the CBH; however, additional corvid species need to be tested in this promising paradigm.}, } @article {pmid28118584, year = {2017}, author = {Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Brecht, KF and Lange, F and Deininger, C and Mendl, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Current desires of conspecific observers affect cache-protection strategies in California scrub-jays and Eurasian jays.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {R51-R53}, pmid = {28118584}, issn = {1879-0445}, mesh = {Animals ; *Feeding Behavior ; Mental Recall ; *Motivation ; Passeriformes/classification/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; }, abstract = {Many corvid species accurately remember the locations where they have seen others cache food, allowing them to pilfer these caches efficiently once the cachers have left the scene [1]. To protect their caches, corvids employ a suite of different cache-protection strategies that limit the observers' visual or acoustic access to the cache site [2,3]. In cases where an observer's sensory access cannot be reduced it has been suggested that cachers might be able to minimise the risk of pilfering if they avoid caching food the observer is most motivated to pilfer [4]. In the wild, corvids have been reported to pilfer others' caches as soon as possible after the caching event [5], such that the cacher might benefit from adjusting its caching behaviour according to the observer's current desire. In the current study, observers pilfered according to their current desire: they preferentially pilfered food that they were not sated on. Cachers adjusted their caching behaviour accordingly: they protected their caches by selectively caching food that observers were not motivated to pilfer. The same cache-protection behaviour was found when cachers could not see on which food the observers were sated. Thus, the cachers' ability to respond to the observer's desire might have been driven by the observer's behaviour at the time of caching.}, } @article {pmid28107074, year = {2016}, author = {Hassanpour, H and Dehkordi, HA and Khosravi, M and Soltani, S and Nasiri, L}, title = {Analysis of the Normal Electrocardiogram in Wild Rooks (Corvus frugilegus).}, journal = {Journal of avian medicine and surgery}, volume = {30}, number = {4}, pages = {329-334}, doi = {10.1647/2015-079}, pmid = {28107074}, issn = {1082-6742}, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/*physiology ; Electrocardiography/*veterinary ; Female ; Male ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {To describe the normal electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns and values in unanesthetized rooks (Corvus frugilegus), standard bipolar (I, II, and III) and augmented unipolar limb (aVR, aVL, and aVF) lead ECGs were recorded from 10 clinically healthy wild rooks. Wave forms were analyzed in all leads at 50 mm/s and at 10 mm = 1 mV to determine PR, QRS, ST, and QT durations; the net QRS complex; and P and T amplitudes. The polarity of each waveform was tabulated in all leads. The mean electrical axis (MEA) for the frontal plane was counted by using leads II and III. The mean heart rate was 340 ± 18 beats/min. The P wave was mainly positive in the most leads. The dominant pattern of waveforms of the QRS complexes was QS in leads II, III, and aVF, whereas in leads aVR and aVL, the patterns were rS and R, respectively. The T wave was positive in leads II, III, aVF, and aVL and negative in lead aVR. The mean of the heart MEA was -93 ± 2.2. Interpretation of the ECG values and patterns in rooks may facilitate a better realization of ECG changes of abnormalities in this species.}, } @article {pmid28099075, year = {2017}, author = {Ziegler, L and Palau-Ribes, FM and Schmidt, L and Lierz, M}, title = {OCCURRENCE AND RELEVANCE OF MYCOPLASMA STURNI IN FREE-RANGING CORVIDS IN GERMANY.}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {53}, number = {2}, pages = {228-234}, doi = {10.7589/2015-12-350}, pmid = {28099075}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bird Diseases ; Birds/*virology ; Germany ; Mycoplasma/*isolation & purification ; Mycoplasma Infections ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; }, abstract = {Several Mycoplasma spp. are well-known pathogens in poultry. In birds of prey, White Storks (Ciconia ciconia), and some waterfowl (Anatidae, Pelecanidae) species, mycoplasmas occur commonly and seem to be apathogenic or commensal and most likely belong to the physiologic microbial flora of the respiratory tract. In other bird species, such as Common Nightingales (Luscinia megarhynchos) and tits (Paridae), Mycoplasma spp. are absent in healthy birds. In corvids, the prevalence and role of Mycoplasma spp. in disease remains unclear. In previous studies, Mycoplasma sturni was detected in diseased corvids; however, those studies included only a limited sample size or preselected individuals. We collected tracheal swabs of 97 free-ranging Corvidae, including 68 randomly selected individuals from hunting bags and 29 birds that had been admitted to a veterinary clinic. Tracheal swabs were examined for Mycoplasma spp. using culture and genus-specific PCR. If Mycoplasma spp. were detected, the species were identified by sequencing the 16S ribosomal (r) RNA gene and 16-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region. Five of 68 (7%) of the hunted birds and nine of 29 (31%) of the birds admitted to the veterinary clinic were PCR positive. In 13 of 14 PCR-positive samples, mycoplasmas were cultured and M. sturni was the only mycoplasmal species identified. None of the positive corvids from the hunting bags had clinical signs, whereas five of nine birds admitted to the veterinary clinic showed apathy, lameness, injuries, or fractures, which may not be associated with mycoplasmal infections. These data support the notion that M. sturni is the Mycoplasma sp. most frequently found in corvids, though its prevalence and ability to cause disease may involve interaction with other aspects of bird health.}, } @article {pmid28093026, year = {2017}, author = {Salter, PS and Kelley, NJ and Molina, LE and Thai, LT}, title = {Out of sight, out of mind: racial retrieval cues increase the accessibility of social justice concepts.}, journal = {Memory (Hove, England)}, volume = {25}, number = {8}, pages = {1139-1147}, doi = {10.1080/09658211.2016.1274037}, pmid = {28093026}, issn = {1464-0686}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Attention/*physiology ; Cues ; Eye Movements/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Recall/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Racism/*psychology ; *Social Justice ; Visual Perception/physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Photographs provide critical retrieval cues for personal remembering, but few studies have considered this phenomenon at the collective level. In this research, we examined the psychological consequences of visual attention to the presence (or absence) of racially charged retrieval cues within American racial segregation photographs. We hypothesised that attention to racial retrieval cues embedded in historical photographs would increase social justice concept accessibility. In Study 1, we recorded gaze patterns with an eye-tracker among participants viewing images that contained racial retrieval cues or were digitally manipulated to remove them. In Study 2, we manipulated participants' gaze behaviour by either directing visual attention toward racial retrieval cues, away from racial retrieval cues, or directing attention within photographs where racial retrieval cues were missing. Across Studies 1 and 2, visual attention to racial retrieval cues in photographs documenting historical segregation predicted social justice concept accessibility.}, } @article {pmid28067549, year = {2018}, author = {Trojano, L and Siciliano, M and Cristinzio, C and Grossi, D}, title = {Exploring visuospatial abilities and their contribution to constructional abilities and nonverbal intelligence.}, journal = {Applied neuropsychology. Adult}, volume = {25}, number = {2}, pages = {166-173}, doi = {10.1080/23279095.2016.1269009}, pmid = {28067549}, issn = {2327-9109}, mesh = {Adult ; Aptitude/*physiology ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests/standards ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuropsychological Tests/*standards ; Psychomotor Performance ; Space Perception/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The present study aimed at exploring relationships among the visuospatial tasks included in the Battery for Visuospatial Abilities (BVA), and at assessing the relative contribution of different facets of visuospatial processing on tests tapping constructional abilities and nonverbal abstract reasoning. One hundred forty-four healthy subjects with a normal score on Mini Mental State Examination completed the BVA plus Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices and Constructional Apraxia test. We used Principal Axis Factoring and Parallel Analysis to investigate relationships among the BVA visuospatial tasks, and performed regression analyses to assess the visuospatial contribution to constructional abilities and nonverbal abstract reasoning. Principal Axis Factoring and Parallel Analysis revealed two eigenvalues exceeding 1, accounting for about 60% of the variance. A 2-factor model provided the best fit. Factor 1 included sub-tests exploring "complex" visuospatial skills, whereas Factor 2 included two subtests tapping "simple" visuospatial skills. Regression analyses revealed that both Factor 1 and Factor 2 significantly affected performance on Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, whereas only the Factor 1 affected performance on Constructional Apraxia test. Our results supported functional segregation proposed by De Renzi, suggesting clinical caution to utilize a single test to assess visuospatial domain, and qualified the visuospatial contribution in drawing and non-verbal intelligence test.}, } @article {pmid28057405, year = {2017}, author = {Gao, W and Tan, J and Hüls, A and Ding, A and Liu, Y and Matsui, MS and Vierkötter, A and Krutmann, J and Schikowski, T and Jin, L and Wang, S}, title = {Genetic variants associated with skin aging in the Chinese Han population.}, journal = {Journal of dermatological science}, volume = {86}, number = {1}, pages = {21-29}, doi = {10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.12.017}, pmid = {28057405}, issn = {1873-569X}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asian People/genetics ; Female ; *Genetic Association Studies ; *Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Skin Aging/*genetics ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The progression and manifestation of human skin aging has a strong genetic basis; however, most of the supporting evidence has been gathered in Caucasian populations. The genetic contribution to the variation in skin aging in non-Caucasian populations is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic risk factors of relevance for skin aging in East Asians, we conducted the first candidate gene study for signs of skin aging in Han Chinese.

METHODS: We collected skin aging and genotype data in 502 female Han Chinese from the Taizhou cohort. We evaluated skin aging by the validated skin aging score SCINEXA™. Confounding factors were assessed through a questionnaire. We obtained the genotype data for 21 candidate SNPs and for a further 509 SNPs from 16 related candidate genes. Associations were tested by linear and logistic regression analyses and adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS: Our candidate study found a significant association between SNP rs2066853 in exon 10 of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene AHR and crow's feet. In addition, we found a significant association between SNP rs10733310 in intron 5 of BNC2 and pigment spots on the arms, and between SNP rs11979919, 3kb downstream of COL1A2, and laxity of eyelids.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results identified genetic risk factors for signs of skin aging (pigmentation, wrinkles or laxity) in Han Chinese. We also found that the manifestation of skin aging is further modified by anatomical site. Together with previous work, our results also suggest that different genetic variants could be responsible for distinct skin aging signs characteristic of Caucasians compared to East Asians.}, } @article {pmid28053306, year = {2017}, author = {Davidson, G and Miller, R and Loissel, E and Cheke, LG and Clayton, NS}, title = {The development of support intuitions and object causality in juvenile Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius).}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {40062}, pmid = {28053306}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Brain/*physiology ; *Causality ; *Cognition ; *Intuition ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Visual Perception ; }, abstract = {Knowledge about the causal relationship between objects has been studied extensively in human infants, and more recently in adult animals using differential looking time experiments. How knowledge about object support develops in non-human animals has yet to be explored. Here, we studied the ontogeny of support relations in Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius), a bird species known for its sophisticated cognitive abilities. Using an expectancy violation paradigm, we measured looking time responses to possible and impossible video and image stimuli. We also controlled for experience with different support types to determine whether the emergence of support intuitions is dependent upon specific interactions with objects, or if reasoning develops independently. At age 9 months, birds looked more at a tool moving a piece of cheese that was not in contact than one that was in direct contact. By the age of 6 months, birds that had not experienced string as a support to hold up objects looked more at impossible images with string hanging from below (unsupported), rather than above (supported). The development of support intuitions may be independent of direct experience with specific support, or knowledge gained from interactions with other objects may be generalised across contexts.}, } @article {pmid28050326, year = {2016}, author = {Başar, E and Arıcı, C}, title = {Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Ophthalmology.}, journal = {Turkish journal of ophthalmology}, volume = {46}, number = {6}, pages = {282-290}, pmid = {28050326}, issn = {2149-8695}, abstract = {Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the first biological toxin used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases and to decrease skin wrinkles as an aesthetic agent. When used appropriately, it weakens the force of muscular contraction and/or inhibits glandular secretion. The most common areas for botulinum toxin treatment are the upper face, including the glabella, forehead, brows, and lateral canthal lines, or crow's feet. By relaxing the muscles causing wrinkles, non-permanent results may be achieved with its use. BoNT has gained widespread use in a variety of ophthalmic diseases. The effect of BoNT is temporary, but the therapeutic benefit is usually maintained even after repeated injections. Treatment is usually well tolerated. Complications and side effects associated with the treatment are rare and temporary. Complications occur due to weakness (chemodenervation) of adjacent muscle groups, immunological mechanisms and injection technique. Current therapeutic indications, doses, complications and contraindications of BoNT use in the following disorders related to ophthalmology were investigated: aesthetic use, strabismus, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, eyelid retraction, entropion, lacrimal hypersecretion syndrome, and facial paralysis.}, } @article {pmid28045891, year = {2017}, author = {Hofmeister, EK and Lund, M and Shearn-Bochsler, V and Balakrishnan, CN}, title = {Susceptibility and Antibody Response of the Laboratory Model Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) to West Nile Virus.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {12}, number = {1}, pages = {e0167876}, pmid = {28045891}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; *Antibody Formation ; Australia ; Bird Diseases/*immunology/virology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Disease Susceptibility ; Finches/*virology ; Indonesia ; Male ; Regression Analysis ; Species Specificity ; Viremia/*immunology ; West Nile Fever/*immunology ; West Nile virus/immunology ; }, abstract = {Since the introduction of West Nile virus (WNV) into North America in 1999 a number of passerine bird species have been found to play a role in the amplification of the virus. Arbovirus surveillance, observational studies and experimental studies have implicated passerine birds (songbirds, e.g., crows, American robins, house sparrows, and house finches) as significant reservoirs of WNV in North America, yet we lack a tractable passerine animal model for controlled studies of the virus. The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) serves as a model system across a diversity of fields, and here we develop the zebra finch a songbird model for WNV. Like many natural hosts of WNV, we found that zebra finches developed sufficient viremia to serve as a competent host, yet in general resisted mortality from infection. In the Australian zebra finch (AZF) T. g. castanotis, we detected WNV in the majority of sampled tissues by 4 days post injection (dpi). However, WNV was not detected in tissues of sacrificed birds at 14 dpi, shortly after the development of detectable anti-WNV antibodies in the majority of birds indicating successful viral clearance. We compared susceptibility between the two zebra finch subspecies AZF and Timor zebra finch (TZF) T. g. guttata. Compared to AZF, WNV RNA was detected in a larger proportion of challenged TZF and molecular detection of virus in the serum of TZF was significantly higher than in AZF. Given the observed moderate host competence and disease susceptibility, we suggest that zebra finches are appropriate as models for the study of WNV and although underutilized in this respect, may be ideal models for the study of the many diseases carried and transmitted by songbirds.}, } @article {pmid28039662, year = {2017}, author = {Kubricht, JR and Lu, H and Holyoak, KJ}, title = {Individual differences in spontaneous analogical transfer.}, journal = {Memory & cognition}, volume = {45}, number = {4}, pages = {576-588}, pmid = {28039662}, issn = {1532-5946}, mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Transfer, Psychology/*physiology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Research on analogical problem solving has shown that people often fail to spontaneously notice the relevance of a semantically remote source analog when solving a target problem, although they are able to form mappings and derive inferences when given a hint to recall the source. Relatively little work has investigated possible individual differences that predict spontaneous transfer, or how such differences may interact with interventions that facilitate transfer. In this study, fluid intelligence was measured for participants in an analogical problem-solving task, using an abridged version of the Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) test. In two experiments, we systematically compared the effect of augmenting verbal descriptions of the source with animations or static diagrams. Solution rates to Duncker's radiation problem were measured across varying source presentation conditions, and participants' understanding of the relevant source material was assessed. The pattern of transfer was best fit by a moderated mediation model: the positive impact of fluid intelligence on spontaneous transfer was mediated by its influence on source comprehension; however, this path was in turn modulated by provision of a supplemental animation via its influence on comprehension of the source. Animated source depictions were most beneficial in facilitating spontaneous transfer for those participants with low scores on the fluid intelligence measure.}, } @article {pmid28035889, year = {2017}, author = {Griesser, M and Suzuki, TN}, title = {Naive Juveniles Are More Likely to Become Breeders after Witnessing Predator Mobbing.}, journal = {The American naturalist}, volume = {189}, number = {1}, pages = {58-66}, doi = {10.1086/689477}, pmid = {28035889}, issn = {1537-5323}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Genetic Fitness ; *Passeriformes ; Predatory Behavior ; *Reproduction ; }, abstract = {Responding appropriately during the first predatory attack in life is often critical for survival. In many social species, naive juveniles acquire this skill from conspecifics, but its fitness consequences remain virtually unknown. Here we experimentally demonstrate how naive juvenile Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus) derive a long-term fitness benefit from witnessing knowledgeable adults mobbing their principal predator, the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Siberian jays live in family groups of two to six individuals that also can include unrelated nonbreeders. Field observations showed that Siberian jays encounter predators only rarely, and, indeed, naive juveniles do not respond to predator models when on their own but do when observing other individuals mobbing them. Predator exposure experiments demonstrated that naive juveniles had a substantially higher first-winter survival after observing knowledgeable group members mobbing a goshawk model, increasing their likelihood of acquiring a breeding position later in life. Previous research showed that naive individuals may learn from others how to respond to predators, care for offspring, or choose mates, generally assuming that social learning has long-term fitness consequences without empirical evidence. Our results demonstrate a long-term fitness benefit of vertical social learning for naive individuals in the wild, emphasizing its evolutionary importance in animals, including humans.}, } @article {pmid28009045, year = {2017}, author = {Little, BB and Peña Reyes, ME and Malina, RM}, title = {Natural selection and type 2 diabetes-associated mortality in an isolated indigenous community in the valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico.}, journal = {American journal of physical anthropology}, volume = {162}, number = {3}, pages = {561-572}, doi = {10.1002/ajpa.23139}, pmid = {28009045}, issn = {1096-8644}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/*ethnology/*mortality ; Female ; Fertility/*physiology ; Humans ; Indians, Central American/*ethnology/*statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Mexico/ethnology ; Middle Aged ; Rural Population ; *Selection, Genetic ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study tests the hypothesis that natural selection is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated mortality and fertility in a rural isolated Zapotec community in the Valley of Oaxaca, southern Mexico.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Mortality data and related demographic and genealogic information were linked with data for fertility, prereproductive mortality and family history of mortality attributed to T2D. Physician verified T2D mortality (n = 27) between 1980 and 2009 and imputed T2D (n = 70) from cardiovascular mortality (68% random sample) and renal failure (44% random sample). Bootstrapping was used to obtain a robust variance estimate in survival analysis and multivariate analysis of variance.

RESULTS: Estimated maximum natural selection by Crow's Index occurred circa 1930 and was relaxed after this time in the study population. Cox-regression survival analysis of T2D mortality with covariates (family history of T2D, cardiovascular disease, renal failure) indicated a significant hazard ratio (HR = 5.95, 95% CI: 1.38-25.67, p < .008) for the increase in T2D in 2000 to 2009. Survival analysis of imputed T2D resulted in a significant HR of 2.03 (95% CI: 1.08-3.85, p = .01) for the increase in T2D in the 2000 to 2009 cohort (reference group: 1980-1989). Mean number of live born offspring was lower among T2D (n = 27, 4.04 ± 3.85 SD) compared to non-T2D (n = 199, 5.30 ± 3.48) groups (p < .08). Mean number of live born offspring was lower (p = .003) among imputed T2D compared to non-T2D groups (4.10 ± 3.44 vs. 5.62 + 3.50).

DISCUSSION: T2D-associated mortality increased in frequency as natural selection decreased, and favored offspring survival of non-T2D descedants. The results indicated statistically significant directional selection against T2D and imputed T2D to this population isolate.}, } @article {pmid28004959, year = {2017}, author = {Lovett, A and Forbus, K}, title = {Modeling visual problem solving as analogical reasoning.}, journal = {Psychological review}, volume = {124}, number = {1}, pages = {60-90}, doi = {10.1037/rev0000039}, pmid = {28004959}, issn = {1939-1471}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Female ; Humans ; *Logic ; Male ; Models, Psychological ; *Problem Solving ; *Thinking ; *Visual Perception ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {We present a computational model of visual problem solving, designed to solve problems from the Raven's Progressive Matrices intelligence test. The model builds on the claim that analogical reasoning lies at the heart of visual problem solving, and intelligence more broadly. Images are compared via structure mapping, aligning the common relational structure in 2 images to identify commonalities and differences. These commonalities or differences can themselves be reified and used as the input for future comparisons. When images fail to align, the model dynamically rerepresents them to facilitate the comparison. In our analysis, we find that the model matches adult human performance on the Standard Progressive Matrices test, and that problems which are difficult for the model are also difficult for people. Furthermore, we show that model operations involving abstraction and rerepresentation are particularly difficult for people, suggesting that these operations may be critical for performing visual problem solving, and reasoning more generally, at the highest level. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid27988896, year = {2017}, author = {Krieger, N and Jahn, JL and Waterman, PD}, title = {Jim Crow and estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer: US-born black and white non-Hispanic women, 1992-2012.}, journal = {Cancer causes & control : CCC}, volume = {28}, number = {1}, pages = {49-59}, doi = {10.1007/s10552-016-0834-2}, pmid = {27988896}, issn = {1573-7225}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Black People ; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism/*pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; *Racism ; Receptors, Estrogen/*metabolism ; Risk Factors ; SEER Program ; Socioeconomic Factors ; United States ; White People ; Black or African American ; }, abstract = {PURPOSE: It is unknown whether Jim Crow-i.e., legal racial discrimination practiced by 21 US states and the District of Columbia and outlawed by the US Civil Rights Act in 1964-affects US cancer outcomes. We hypothesized that Jim Crow birthplace would be associated with higher risk of estrogen-receptor-negative (ER-) breast tumors among US black, but not white, women and also a higher black versus white risk for ER- tumors.

METHODS: We analyzed data from the SEER 13 registry group (excluding Alaska) for 47,157 US-born black non-Hispanic and 348,514 US-born white non-Hispanic women, aged 25-84 inclusive, diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer between 1 January 1992 and 31 December 2012.

RESULTS: Jim Crow birthplace was associated with increased odds of ER- breast cancer only among the black, not white women, with the effect strongest for women born before 1965. Among black women, the odds ratio (OR) for an ER- tumor, comparing women born in a Jim Crow versus not Jim Crow state, equaled 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06, 1.13), on par with the OR comparing women in the worst versus best census tract socioeconomic quintiles (1.15; 95% CI 1.07, 1.23). The black versus white OR for ER- was higher among women born in Jim Crow versus non-Jim Crow states (1.41 [95% CI 1.13, 1.46] vs. 1.27 [95% CI 1.24, 1.31]).

CONCLUSIONS: The unique Jim Crow effect for US black women for breast cancer ER status underscores why analysis of racial/ethnic inequities must be historically contextualized.}, } @article {pmid27979010, year = {2016}, author = {Gillum, RF and Dodd, KD}, title = {Soul Mates: Religion, Sex, Love, and Marriage among African Americans and Latinos.}, journal = {Journal of the National Medical Association}, volume = {108}, number = {4}, pages = {244-245}, doi = {10.1016/j.jnma.2016.08.007}, pmid = {27979010}, issn = {0027-9684}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This book review analyzes the complex and profound impact active religious participation has on relationships and family outcomes among African Americans and Latinos. In Soul Mates, Wilcox and Wolfinger discuss the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws and the resulting devastating effects on African American and Latino families despite their high religious involvement. The authors make the case that many African American men are unlikely candidates for marriage or stable relationships due to trends of family instability driven by the declining income-power of working-class men as well as entry of more women into the labor force, government penalties for low-income couples, revolt against traditional values, increased access to birth control and abortion, and the persistence of discrimination and incarceration of minority men.

METHODS: The authors examine data from six national surveys as well as additional data from interviews, focus groups, ethnographic field work, and an extensive literature review.

RESULTS: Wilcox and Wolfinger find evidence that when African American couples actively participate in Christian churches, the men are more likely to adhere to a "code of decency" which decreases street behaviors, such as binge drinking, having multiple sex partners, and having multi-partner fertility, which are known to inhibit family stability.

CONCLUSIONS: This book will be helpful for health providers who would like to better understand and serve their African American and Latino patients. The findings suggest that health care providers can promote a healthy emotional environment for families by encouraging minority men to renew or maintain church involvement.}, } @article {pmid27973610, year = {2016}, author = {Neilands, PD and Jelbert, SA and Breen, AJ and Schiestl, M and Taylor, AH}, title = {How Insightful Is 'Insight'? New Caledonian Crows Do Not Attend to Object Weight during Spontaneous Stone Dropping.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {e0167419}, pmid = {27973610}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*physiology ; Tool Use Behavior/physiology ; }, abstract = {It is highly difficult to pinpoint what is going through an animal's mind when it appears to solve a problem by 'insight'. Here, we searched for an information processing error during the emergence of seemingly insightful stone dropping in New Caledonian crows. We presented these birds with the platform apparatus, where a heavy object needs to be dropped down a tube and onto a platform in order to trigger the release of food. Our results show New Caledonian crows exhibit a weight inattention error: they do not attend to the weight of an object when innovating stone dropping. This suggests that these crows do not use an understanding of force when solving the platform task in a seemingly insightful manner. Our findings showcase the power of the signature-testing approach, where experiments search for information processing biases, errors and limits, in order to make strong inferences about the functioning of animal minds.}, } @article {pmid27936242, year = {2016}, author = {Miller, R and Jelbert, SA and Taylor, AH and Cheke, LG and Gray, RD and Loissel, E and Clayton, NS}, title = {Performance in Object-Choice Aesop's Fable Tasks Are Influenced by Object Biases in New Caledonian Crows but not in Human Children.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, pages = {e0168056}, pmid = {27936242}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Choice Behavior ; Crows/*physiology ; Humans ; }, abstract = {The ability to reason about causality underlies key aspects of human cognition, but the extent to which non-humans understand causality is still largely unknown. The Aesop's Fable paradigm, where objects are inserted into water-filled tubes to obtain out-of-reach rewards, has been used to test casual reasoning in birds and children. However, success on these tasks may be influenced by other factors, specifically, object preferences present prior to testing or arising during pre-test stone-dropping training. Here, we assessed this 'object-bias' hypothesis by giving New Caledonian crows and 5-10 year old children two object-choice Aesop's Fable experiments: sinking vs. floating objects, and solid vs. hollow objects. Before each test, we assessed subjects' object preferences and/or trained them to prefer the alternative object. Both crows and children showed pre-test object preferences, suggesting that birds in previous Aesop's Fable studies may also have had initial preferences for objects that proved to be functional on test. After training to prefer the non-functional object, crows, but not children, performed more poorly on these two object-choice Aesop's Fable tasks than subjects in previous studies. Crows dropped the non-functional objects into the tube on their first trials, indicating that, unlike many children, they do not appear to have an a priori understanding of water displacement. Alternatively, issues with inhibition could explain their performance. The crows did, however, learn to solve the tasks over time. We tested crows further to determine whether their eventual success was based on learning about the functional properties of the objects, or associating dropping the functional object with reward. Crows inserted significantly more rewarded, non-functional objects than non-rewarded, functional objects. These findings suggest that the ability of New Caledonian crows to produce performances rivaling those of young children on object-choice Aesop's Fable tasks is partly due to pre-existing object preferences.}, } @article {pmid27933285, year = {2016}, author = {Cardona, F and Valente, F and Miraglia, D and D'Ardia, C and Baglioni, V and Chiarotti, F}, title = {Developmental Profile and Diagnoses in Children Presenting with Motor Stereotypies.}, journal = {Frontiers in pediatrics}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {126}, pmid = {27933285}, issn = {2296-2360}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Motor stereotypies represent a typical example of the difficulty in distinguishing non-clinical behaviors (physiological and transient) from symptoms or among different disorders ["primary stereotypies," associated with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities, genetic syndromes, and sensory impairment]. The aim of this study was to obtain an accurate assessment on the relationship between stereotypies and neurodevelopmental disorders.

METHODS: We studied 23 children (3 girls), aged 36-95 months, who requested a consultation due to the persistence or increased severity of motor stereotypies. None of the patients had a previous diagnosis of ASD. The assessment included the Motor Severity Stereotypy Scale (MSSS), the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices, the Child Behavior CheckList for ages 1½-5 or 4-18 (CBCL), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-second edition (ADOS 2).

RESULTS: All patients were showing motor stereotypies for periods of time varying from 6 to 77 months. The MSSS showed that each child had a limited number of stereotypies; their frequency and intensity were mild. The interference of stereotypies was variable; the impairment in daily life was mild. The RBS-R scores were positive for the subscale of "stereotypic behaviors" in all children. Moreover, several children presented other repetitive behaviors, mainly "ritualistic behavior" and "sameness behavior." All patients showed a normal cognitive level. The CBCL evidenced behavioral problems in 22% of the children: internalizing problems, attention, and withdrawn were the main complaints. On the SRS, all but one of the tested patients obtained clinical scores in the clinical range for at least one area. On the ADOS 2, 4 patients obtained scores indicating a moderate level of ASD symptoms, 4 had a mild level, and 15 showed no or minimal signs of ASD.

DISCUSSION: Motor stereotypies in children with normal cognitive level represent a challenging diagnostic issue for which a finely tailored assessment is mandatory in order to define a precise developmental profile. Thus, careful and cautious use of standardized tests is warranted to avoid misdiagnosis. Furthermore, it is hard to consider motor stereotypies, even the primary ones, exclusively as a movement disorder.}, } @article {pmid27929345, year = {2016}, author = {Ruiz, MJ and Paolieri, D and Colzato, LS and Bajo, MT}, title = {Directed forgetting of memories in cocaine users.}, journal = {Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology}, volume = {24}, number = {6}, pages = {423-435}, doi = {10.1037/pha0000100}, pmid = {27929345}, issn = {1936-2293}, mesh = {Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Cocaine/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Cocaine-Related Disorders/*psychology/rehabilitation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Memory/*drug effects ; Mental Recall/*drug effects ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Memory retrieval requires an effective recruitment of inhibitory control to successfully reject unnecessary memories. The use of cocaine is associated with poor cognitive control processes, but little is known about the impact of chronic and recreational use of cocaine on inhibitory control during intentional forgetting. We studied whether chronic and recreational users of cocaine show impairments on the mechanism responsible for intentional forgetting of memories. Two experiments were carried out on chronic cocaine users in rehabilitation (Experiment 1) and recreational cocaine polydrug users (Experiment 2) performing a directed forgetting (DF) task, an index of memory suppression. Participants were matched for sex, age, and intelligence (Raven's standard progressive matrices) with cocaine-free controls and compared on their performance on a DF procedure. Chronic cocaine users in rehabilitation and recreational cocaine polydrug users, as compared with controls, were not able to intentionally suppress the required information and they did not show a reliable DF effect. The consumption of cocaine appears to alter the control processes implicated in intentional suppression of nonrelevant memories in episodic memory. The use of cocaine, even for recreational purposes, seems to be associated with poor performance in effectively triggering this control mechanism. The inability to suppress interference in declarative memory may have repercussion for daily activities. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid27928244, year = {2016}, author = {Zarrabipoor, H and Tehrani-Doost, M and Shahrivar, Z}, title = {Theory of Mind in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder in Euthymic Phase: ‎Using the Strange Stories Test.}, journal = {Iranian journal of psychiatry}, volume = {11}, number = {3}, pages = {133-139}, pmid = {27928244}, issn = {1735-4587}, abstract = {Objective: This study evaluated the theory of mind (ToM) in adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder ‎‎(BD) during their euthymic period compared to a typically developing (TD) group.‎ Method: The BD group consisted of thirty 11-18 year old inpatients in euthymic phase. The TD ‎group included 30 age, gender, and IQ matched volunteer students. To assess the diagnosis and ‎comorbid disorders, we performed the semi-structured interview of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders ‎and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) for the BD adolescents. To ‎evaluate the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mania, Conner's ‎Parent Rating Scale-Revised version (CPRS-R), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were ‎used, respectively. Ravens Progressive Matrices was conducted to evaluate intellectual ability in ‎the both groups. Happe Strange Stories test was performed to assess ToM in the participants. Data were ‎analyzed using the independent t-test, analysis of covariance, and Pearson Correlation analysis.‎ Results: The two groups did not show any differences in comprehending the stories; however, the BD ‎group's mentalizing scores were significantly weaker than the TD group (p<0.05).‎‎ Conclusion: The ToM impairments in adolescents with BD may be explained as a trait marker which may lead ‎to continuation of social problems even during remission‏.‏.}, } @article {pmid27922802, year = {2017}, author = {Sándor, AD and Kalmár, Z and Matei, I and Ionică, AM and Mărcuţan, ID}, title = {Urban Breeding Corvids as Disseminators of Ticks and Emerging Tick-Borne Pathogens.}, journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)}, volume = {17}, number = {2}, pages = {152-154}, doi = {10.1089/vbz.2016.2054}, pmid = {27922802}, issn = {1557-7759}, mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/epidemiology/*parasitology ; Cities ; *Crows ; Humans ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; Tick-Borne Diseases/transmission/*veterinary ; Ticks/*microbiology ; Zoonoses ; }, abstract = {Crows (Corvidae) are common city dwellers worldwide and are increasingly important subjects of epidemiology studies. Although their importance as hosts and transmitters of a number of zoonotic parasites and pathogens is well known, there are no studies on their importance as tick hosts. After mosquitoes, ticks are the most important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, especially for those causing emerging zoonotic diseases. Pathogenic bacteria, especially Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp., vectored by ticks, are the cause for most vector-borne diseases in Europe. Here we report on ticks and tick-borne pathogens harbored by urban breeding crows. A total of 36 birds (33.33%, n = 108) hosted ticks, with 91 individual ticks belonging to 6 species (Haemaphysalis concinna, Haemaphysalis parva, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma marginatum, Ixodes arboricola, and Ixodes ricinus). Rickettsia spp. DNA was found in 6.6% of ticks and 1.9% of bird tissues, whereas Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 5.9% of ticks and 0.9% of birds. Two rickettsial genospecies were located, Rickettsia helvetica and Rickettsia monacensis. This is the first study to determine such a diverse tick spectrum feeding on urban corvids, while highlighting their importance as tick hosts and raising concerns about their potential risk to human health.}, } @article {pmid27920957, year = {2016}, author = {Miller, R and Logan, CJ and Lister, K and Clayton, NS}, title = {Eurasian jays do not copy the choices of conspecifics, but they do show evidence of stimulus enhancement.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {e2746}, pmid = {27920957}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Corvids (birds in the crow family) are hypothesised to have a general cognitive tool-kit because they show a wide range of transferrable skills across social, physical and temporal tasks, despite differences in socioecology. However, it is unknown whether relatively asocial corvids differ from social corvids in their use of social information in the context of copying the choices of others, because only one such test has been conducted in a relatively asocial corvid. We investigated whether relatively asocial Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) use social information (i.e., information made available by others). Previous studies have indicated that jays attend to social context in their caching and mate provisioning behaviour; however, it is unknown whether jays copy the choices of others. We tested the jays in two different tasks varying in difficulty, where social corvid species have demonstrated social information use in both tasks. Firstly, an object-dropping task was conducted requiring objects to be dropped down a tube to release a food reward from a collapsible platform, which corvids can learn through explicit training. Only one rook and one New Caledonian crow have learned the task using social information from a demonstrator. Secondly, we tested the birds on a simple colour discrimination task, which should be easy to solve, because it has been shown that corvids can make colour discriminations. Using the same colour discrimination task in a previous study, all common ravens and carrion crows copied the demonstrator. After observing a conspecific demonstrator, none of the jays solved the object-dropping task, though all jays were subsequently able to learn to solve the task in a non-social situation through explicit training, and jays chose the demonstrated colour at chance levels. Our results suggest that social and relatively asocial corvids differ in social information use, indicating that relatively asocial species may have secondarily lost this ability due to lack of selection pressure from an asocial environment.}, } @article {pmid27920750, year = {2016}, author = {Zajenkowski, M and Stolarski, M and Witowska, J and Maciantowicz, O and Łowicki, P}, title = {Fluid Intelligence as a Mediator of the Relationship between Executive Control and Balanced Time Perspective.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1844}, pmid = {27920750}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {This study examined the cognitive foundations of the balanced time perspective (BTP) proposed by Zimbardo and Boyd (1999). Although BTP is defined as the mental ability to switch effectively between different temporal perspectives, its connection with cognitive functioning has not yet been established. We addressed this by exploring the relationships between time perspectives and both fluid intelligence (measured with Raven's and Cattell's tests) and executive control (Go/No-go and anti-saccade tasks). An investigation conducted among Polish adults (N = 233) revealed that more balanced TP profile was associated with higher fluid intelligence, and higher executive control. Moreover, we found that the relationship between executive control and BTP was completely mediated by fluid intelligence with the effect size (the ratio of the indirect effect to the total effect) of 0.75, which suggests that cognitive abilities play an important role in adoption of temporal balance. The findings have relevance to time perspective theory as they provide valuable insight into the mechanisms involved in assigning human experience to certain time frames.}, } @article {pmid27917748, year = {2016}, author = {Pahor, A and Jaušovec, N}, title = {Making Brains run Faster: are they Becoming Smarter?.}, journal = {The Spanish journal of psychology}, volume = {19}, number = {}, pages = {E88}, doi = {10.1017/sjp.2016.83}, pmid = {27917748}, issn = {1988-2904}, mesh = {Adult ; Alpha Rhythm/*physiology ; Attention/*physiology ; Brain/*physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {A brief overview of structural and functional brain characteristics related to g is presented in the light of major neurobiological theories of intelligence: Neural Efficiency, P-FIT and Multiple-Demand system. These theories provide a framework to discuss the main objective of the paper: what is the relationship between individual alpha frequency (IAF) and g? Three studies were conducted in order to investigate this relationship: two correlational studies and a third study in which we experimentally induced changes in IAF by means of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). (1) In a large scale study (n = 417), no significant correlations between IAF and IQ were observed. However, in males IAF positively correlated with mental rotation and shape manipulation and with an attentional focus on detail. (2) The second study showed sex-specific correlations between IAF (obtained during task performance) and scope of attention in males and between IAF and reaction time in females. (3) In the third study, individuals' IAF was increased with tACS. The induced changes in IAF had a disrupting effect on male performance on Raven's matrices, whereas a mild positive effect was observed for females. Neuro-electric activity after verum tACS showed increased desynchronization in the upper alpha band and dissociation between fronto-parietal and right temporal brain areas during performance on Raven's matrices. The results are discussed in the light of gender differences in brain structure and activity.}, } @article {pmid27917117, year = {2016}, author = {Maraver, MJ and Bajo, MT and Gomez-Ariza, CJ}, title = {Training on Working Memory and Inhibitory Control in Young Adults.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {588}, pmid = {27917117}, issn = {1662-5161}, abstract = {Different types of interventions have focused on trying to improve Executive Functions (EFs) due to their essential role in human cognition and behavior regulation. Although EFs are thought to be diverse, most training studies have targeted cognitive processes related to working memory (WM), and fewer have focused on training other control mechanisms, such as inhibitory control (IC). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the differential impact of training WM and IC as compared with control conditions performing non-executive control activities. Young adults were divided into two training (WM/IC) and two (active/passive) control conditions. Over six sessions, the training groups engaged in three different computer-based adaptive activities (WM or IC), whereas the active control group completed a program with low control-demanding activities that mainly involved processing speed. In addition, motivation and engagement were monitored through the training. The WM-training activities required maintenance, updating and memory search processes, while those from the IC group engaged response inhibition and interference control. All participants were pre- and post-tested in criterion tasks (n-back and Stroop), near transfer measures of WM (Operation Span) and IC (Stop-Signal). Non-trained far transfer outcome measures included an abstract reasoning test (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices) and a well-validated experimental task (AX-CPT) that provides indices of cognitive flexibility considering proactive/reactive control. Training results revealed that strongly motivated participants reached higher levels of training improvements. Regarding transfer effects, results showed specific patterns of near transfer effects depending on the type of training. Interestingly, it was only the IC training group that showed far transfer to reasoning. Finally, all trained participants showed a shift toward a more proactive mode of cognitive control, highlighting a general effect of training on cognitive flexibility. The present results reveal specific and general modulations of executive control mechanisms after brief training intervention targeting either WM or IC.}, } @article {pmid27893249, year = {2016}, author = {Ujma, PP and Sándor, P and Szakadát, S and Gombos, F and Bódizs, R}, title = {Sleep spindles and intelligence in early childhood-developmental and trait-dependent aspects.}, journal = {Developmental psychology}, volume = {52}, number = {12}, pages = {2118-2129}, doi = {10.1037/dev0000233}, pmid = {27893249}, issn = {1939-0599}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Brain Mapping ; Child ; *Child Development ; Child, Preschool ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; *Individuality ; Intelligence/*physiology ; Intelligence Tests ; Male ; Polysomnography ; *Sex Characteristics ; Sleep/*physiology ; Spectrum Analysis ; }, abstract = {Sleep spindles act as a powerful marker of individual differences in cognitive ability. Sleep spindle parameters correlate with both age-related changes in cognitive abilities and with the age-independent concept of IQ. While some studies have specifically demonstrated the relationship between sleep spindles and intelligence in young children, our previous work in older subjects revealed sex differences in the sleep spindle correlates of IQ, which was never investigated in small children before. We investigated the relationship between age, Raven Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) scores and sleep spindles in 28 young children (age 4-8 years, 15 girls). We specifically investigated sex differences in the psychometric correlates of sleep spindles. We also aimed to separate the correlates of sleep spindles that are because of age-related maturation from other effects that reflect an age-independent relationship between sleep spindles and general intelligence. Our results revealed a modest positive correlation between fast spindle amplitude and age. Raven CPM scores positively correlated with both slow and fast spindle amplitude, but this effect remained a tendency in males and vanished after correcting for the effects of age. Age-corrected correlations between Raven CPM scores and both slow and fast spindle amplitude were only significant in females. Overall, our results show that in male children sleep spindles are a maturational marker, but in female children they indicate trait-like intelligence, in line with previous studies in adolescent and adult subjects. Thalamocortical white matter connectivity may be the underlying mechanism behind both higher spindle amplitude and higher intelligence in female, but not male subjects. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid27890937, year = {2016}, author = {Greggor, AL and Jolles, JW and Thornton, A and Clayton, NS}, title = {Seasonal changes in neophobia and its consistency in rooks: the effect of novelty type and dominance position.}, journal = {Animal behaviour}, volume = {121}, number = {}, pages = {11-20}, pmid = {27890937}, issn = {0003-3472}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Neophobia, or the fear of novelty, may offer benefits to animals by limiting their exposure to unknown danger, but can also impose costs by preventing the exploration of potential resources. The costs and benefits of neophobia may vary throughout the year if predation pressure, resource distribution or conspecific competition changes seasonally. Despite such variation, neophobia levels are often assumed to be temporally and individually stable. Whether or not neophobia expression changes seasonally and fluctuates equally for all individuals is crucial to understanding the drivers, consequences and plasticity of novelty avoidance. We investigated seasonal differences and individual consistency in the motivation and novelty responses of a captive group of rooks, Corvus frugilegus, a seasonally breeding, colonial species of corvid that is known for being neophobic. We tested the group around novel objects and novel people to determine whether responses generalized across novelty types, and considered whether differences in dominance could influence the social risk of approaching unknown stimuli. We found that the group's level of object neophobia was stable year-round, but individuals were not consistent between seasons, despite being consistent within seasons. In contrast, the group's avoidance of novel people decreased during the breeding season, and individuals were consistent year-round. Additionally, although subordinate birds were more likely to challenge dominants during the breeding season, this social risk taking did not translate to greater novelty approach. Since seasonal variation and individual consistency varied differently towards each novelty type, responses towards novel objects and people seem to be governed by different mechanisms. Such a degree of fluctuation has consequences for other individually consistent behaviours often measured within the nonhuman personality literature.}, } @article {pmid27888998, year = {2016}, author = {Romero, R and Nygaard, I}, title = {Jay D. Iams, MD, AJOG Editor.}, journal = {American journal of obstetrics and gynecology}, volume = {215}, number = {6}, pages = {679-681}, pmid = {27888998}, issn = {1097-6868}, support = {Z99 HD999999//Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Editorial Policies ; *Gynecology/history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; *Obstetrics/history ; Pediatrics/history ; Perinatology/history ; *Periodicals as Topic/history ; Premature Birth/prevention & control ; United States ; }, } @article {pmid27884400, year = {2016}, author = {Sheldon, M}, title = {Stephen Jay Gould and the Value of Neutrality of Science During the Cold War.}, journal = {Endeavour}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {248-255}, doi = {10.1016/j.endeavour.2016.10.003}, pmid = {27884400}, issn = {1873-1929}, abstract = {Stephen Jay Gould was a paleontologist and scientific celebrity at the close of the twentieth century, most famous for his popular writings on evolution and his role in the American creationist controversies of that era. In the early 1980s, Gould was drawn into the "nuclear winter" episode through his friendship with Carl Sagan, an astronomer and popular science celebrity. Sagan helped develop the theory of nuclear winter and subsequently used the theory as evidence to petition the United States government to scale back its nuclear armament. The theory of nuclear winter claimed that even a small nuclear exchange could result in a atmospheric blackening akin to the extinction event of the late Cretaceous. Gould was not a climate scientist but he testified before the U.S. House of Representatives as an expert on historical extinction events. Gould's insistence on the value-neutrality of nuclear winter reveals much about the moral politics of science in late Cold War America. Coming at the heels of leftist scientific activism of the 1980s, the nuclear winter episode demonstrates how value-neutrality emerged the salient feature of scientific involvement in American politics in this period.}, } @article {pmid27884065, year = {2017}, author = {Wanitphakdeedecha, R and Ungaksornpairote, C and Kaewkes, A and Sathaworawong, A and Lektrakul, N and Manuskiatti, W}, title = {The efficacy of two formulations of botulinum toxin type A for masseter reduction: a split-face comparison study.}, journal = {The Journal of dermatological treatment}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {443-446}, doi = {10.1080/09546634.2016.1263382}, pmid = {27884065}, issn = {1471-1753}, mesh = {Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors/*administration & dosage ; Adult ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; Drug Compounding ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy/diagnostic imaging/*drug therapy ; Masseter Muscle/*abnormalities/diagnostic imaging ; Middle Aged ; Patient Satisfaction ; Republic of Korea ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) is now extensively used to address cosmetic concerns. OnabotulinumtoxinA (ONA, Botox; Allergan Inc., Irvine, CA) received FDA approval for upper face rejuvenation, including glabella frown lines and crow's-feet lines. The other off-label uses for lower face conditions have been utilized for contouring purposes, especially masseter hypertrophy. Recently, a new Daewoong BTA, (NABOTA[®], NBT, Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Seoul, Korea), was recently introduced.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety of ONA and NBT for masseter reduction.

METHODS: Thirty-five subjects with masseter hypertrophy were randomly injected with 25 units of ONA on one side and 25 units of NBT on the other side into masseter. Standardized photographic documentation was obtained at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. The mean volume of masseter was acquired by using three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) at baseline, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits. In addition, patients' satisfaction and side effects were also record at every follow-up visits.

RESULTS: The mean masseter volume on the sides treated with ONA and NBT at baseline were 21.20 ± 4.23 cm[3] and 21.26 ± 4.58 cm[3], respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean volume of both sides (p= 0.827). The mean masseter volume at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits reduced significantly on both ONA and NBT sides (p< 0.001 and p< 0.001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in mean masseter volume when comparing between ONA and NBT sides at 3 and 6 months after treatment (p= 0.769 and p = 0.346, respectively). There was also no statistically significant difference in masseter reduction when compared between ONA and NBT sides evaluated by physicians and patients at each follow-up visit. No side effect on both sides was reported after injection.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that ONA and NBT provided comparable efficacy and safety for masseter reduction.}, } @article {pmid27881787, year = {2016}, author = {Ditz, HM and Nieder, A}, title = {Sensory and Working Memory Representations of Small and Large Numerosities in the Crow Endbrain.}, journal = {The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience}, volume = {36}, number = {47}, pages = {12044-12052}, pmid = {27881787}, issn = {1529-2401}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Male ; Mathematical Concepts ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Nerve Net/*physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {UNLABELLED: Neurons in the avian nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), an endbrain structure that originated independently from the mammalian neocortex, process visual numerosities. To clarify the code for number in this anatomically distinct endbrain area in birds, neuronal responses to a broad range of numerosities were analyzed. We recorded single-neuron activity from the NCL of crows performing a delayed match-to-sample task with visual numerosities as discriminanda. The responses of >20% of randomly selected neurons were modulated significantly by numerosities ranging from one to 30 items. Numerosity-selective neurons showed bell-shaped tuning curves with one of the presented numerosities as preferred numerosity regardless of the physical appearance of the items. The resulting labeled-line code exhibited logarithmic compression obeying the Weber-Fechner law for magnitudes. Comparable proportions of selective neurons were found, not only during stimulus presentation, but also in the delay phase, indicating a dominant role of the NCL in numerical working memory. Both during sensory encoding and memorization of numerosities in working memory, NCL activity predicted the crows' number discrimination performance. These neuronal data reveal striking similarities across vertebrate taxa in their code for number despite convergently evolved and anatomically distinct endbrain structures.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Birds are known for their capabilities to process numerical quantity. However, birds lack a six-layered neocortex that enables primates with numerical competence. We aimed to decipher the neuronal code for numerical quantity in the independently and distinctly evolved endbrain of birds. We recorded the activity of neurons in an endbrain association area termed nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) from crows that assessed and briefly memorized numerosities from one to 30 dots. We report a neuronal code for sensory representation and working memory of numerosities in the crow NCL exhibiting several characteristics that are surprisingly similar to the ones found in primates. Our data suggest a common code for number in two different vertebrate taxa that has evolved based on convergent evolution.}, } @article {pmid27876975, year = {2016}, author = {Mirzaghavami, M and Sadraei, J and Forouzandeh, M}, title = {Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in free ranging animals of Tehran, Iran.}, journal = {Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, pages = {1528-1531}, pmid = {27876975}, issn = {0971-7196}, abstract = {Cryptosporidium is a world widely distributed parasite which comparatively has a high prevalence in developing countries. The zoonotic potential of some Cryptosporidium species has made the cryptosporidiosis a significant concern to physicians and veterinarians. The occurrence and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium species in probable reservoir hosts for man infections was determined by examining faeces of symptomatic and asymptomatic animals. The aim of this study is to screen the presence of Cryptosporidium in fecal sample of free ranging animals in Tehran using Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. The findings indicate that Cryptosporidium are present in 9/50 (18 %) stray cat (Felis catus), 12/50 (24 %) hooded crows (Corvus cornix), 23/180 (12.7 %) rat (Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus) and 1/40 (2.5 %) pigeons (Columba livia). This investigation confirms the potential role of rats, cats, crows and pigeons for zoonotic transmission of human cryptosporidiosis and they must be considered as reservoir hosts which can endanger public health.}, } @article {pmid27875321, year = {2017}, author = {Vondrova, D and Kapsdorfer, D and Argalasova, L and Hirosova, K and Samohyl, M and Sevcikova, L}, title = {The impact of selected environmental, behavioral and psychosocial factors on schoolchildren's somatic and mental health.}, journal = {Reviews on environmental health}, volume = {32}, number = {1-2}, pages = {189-192}, doi = {10.1515/reveh-2016-0034}, pmid = {27875321}, issn = {2191-0308}, support = {R13 ES026036/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Anthropometry ; Child ; *Child Health/statistics & numerical data ; Czech Republic ; Female ; *Health Status ; Humans ; Male ; *Mental Health/statistics & numerical data ; Students ; }, abstract = {Children develop rapidly and many exogenous determinants of health significantly affect their somatic and mental development. There is a subjective perception of cognitive load associated with the educational process. The aim of the study is to assess individual environmental, behavioral and psychosocial factors influencing physical health and to investigate the amount of mental load in children. We investigated 87 schoolchildren (47 girls and 40 boys) aged 10-12 years, who were attending primary school in Bratislava. To assess values of selected factors we used a questionnaire form and personality characteristics were estimated by standardized psycho-diagnostic and IQ tests [range of classic fear, social-situation anxiety and jitters [skala Klasickeho strachu a Socialno-situacnej (in Slovak)] (KSAT), Eyesenck Personality Questionnaire for children (EPQ), Raven's IQ test]. Self-reported perception of mental load was assessed by questionnaire of subjective feelings and states (SFS). Children's body parameters were assessed using anthropometric measurements [height, weight, chest, abdominal and hip girth, Rohrer's index (RI), body mass index (BMI)] and a body fat measurement method (skinfold thickness). The results confirmed a significant relationship between higher parameters of overweight and obesity and irregular breakfast eating (p<0.05), absence of family dining (p<0.05), exposure to tobacco smoke in the family environment (p<0.01) and mother's level of education (p<0.05). Almost 60% of children reported high mental effort and cognitive load associated with the educational process. We note a close relationship between the higher mental load and the score of neuroticism (p<0.01). The physical and mental health of schoolchildren is significantly affected by exogenous factors. Therefore, in terms of protection and promotion of children's health, it is important to evaluate and monitor environmental risk factors and to form their healthy habits.}, } @article {pmid27872403, year = {2017}, author = {Fleisig, GS and Diffendaffer, AZ and Aune, KT and Ivey, B and Laughlin, WA}, title = {Biomechanical Analysis of Weighted-Ball Exercises for Baseball Pitchers.}, journal = {Sports health}, volume = {9}, number = {3}, pages = {210-215}, pmid = {27872403}, issn = {1941-0921}, mesh = {Arm/physiology ; Baseball/injuries/*physiology ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Elbow/physiology ; Electromyography ; Foot/physiology ; Humans ; Knee/physiology ; Lower Extremity/*physiology ; Pelvis/physiology ; Risk Factors ; Shoulder/physiology ; Time and Motion Studies ; Torso/physiology ; Upper Extremity/*physiology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Weighted-ball throwing programs are commonly used in training baseball pitchers to increase ball velocity. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics and kinetics among weighted-ball exercises with values from standard pitching (ie, pitching standard 5-oz baseballs from a mound).

HYPOTHESIS: Ball and arm velocities would be greater with lighter balls and joint kinetics would be greater with heavier balls.

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS: Twenty-five high school and collegiate baseball pitchers experienced with weighted-ball throwing were tested with an automated motion capture system. Each participant performed 3 trials of 10 different exercises: pitching 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-oz baseballs from a mound; flat-ground crow hop throws with 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-oz baseballs; and flat-ground hold exercises with 14- and 32-oz balls. Twenty-six biomechanical parameters were computed for each trial. Data among the 10 exercises were compared with repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc paired t tests against the standard pitching data.

RESULTS: Ball velocity increased as ball mass decreased. There were no differences in arm and trunk velocities between throwing a standard baseball and an underweight baseball (4 oz), while arm and trunk velocities steadily decreased as ball weight increased from 5 to 32 oz. Compared with values pitching from a mound, velocities of the pelvis, shoulder, and ball were increased for flat-ground throws. In general, as ball mass increased arm torques and forces decreased; the exception was elbow flexion torque, which was significantly greater for the flat-ground holds. There were significant differences in body positions when pitching on the mound, flat-ground throws, and holds.

CONCLUSIONS: While ball velocity was greatest throwing underweight baseballs, results from the study did not support the rest of the hypothesis. Kinematics and kinetics were similar between underweight and standard baseballs, while overweight balls correlated with decreased arm forces, torques, and velocities. Increased ball velocity and joint velocities were produced with crow hop throws, likely because of running forward while throwing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As pitching slightly underweight and overweight baseballs produces variations in kinematics without increased arm kinetics, these exercises seem reasonable for training pitchers. As flat-ground throwing produces increased shoulder internal rotation velocity and elbow varus torque, these exercises may be beneficial but may also be stressful and risky. Flat-ground holds with heavy balls should not be viewed as enhancing pitching biomechanics, but rather as hybrid exercises between throwing and resistance training.}, } @article {pmid27871752, year = {2017}, author = {Liordos, V and Kontsiotis, VJ and Georgari, M and Baltzi, K and Baltzi, I}, title = {Public acceptance of management methods under different human-wildlife conflict scenarios.}, journal = {The Science of the total environment}, volume = {579}, number = {}, pages = {685-693}, doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.040}, pmid = {27871752}, issn = {1879-1026}, mesh = {Animals ; Attitude ; Conservation of Natural Resources/*methods ; Crops, Agricultural ; Farmers ; Greece ; Humans ; *Public Opinion ; }, abstract = {Wildlife management seeks to minimise public controversy for successful application of wildlife control methods. Human dimensions research in wildlife seeks a better understanding of public preferences for effective human-wildlife conflict resolution. In face to face interviews, 630 adults in Greece were asked to rate on a 5-point Likert-like scale their acceptance of 3 management methods, i.e., do nothing, non-lethal control, and lethal control, in the context of 5 human-wildlife conflict scenarios: 1) corvids damage crops; 2) starlings damage crops; 3) starlings foul urban structures; 4) coypus damage crops; and 5) coypus transfer disease. Univariate GLMs determined occupation, hunting membership and their interaction as the stronger predictors of public acceptance, generating 4 stakeholder groups: the general public, farmers, hunters, and farmers-hunters. Differences in acceptance and consensus among stakeholder groups were assessed using the Potential for Conflict Index2 (PCI2). All 4 stakeholder groups agreed that doing nothing was unacceptable and non-lethal control acceptable in all 5 scenarios, with generally high consensus within and between groups. The lethal control method was more controversial and became increasingly more acceptable as the severity of scenarios was increased and between non-native and native species. Lethal control was unacceptable for the general public in all scenarios. Farmers accepted lethal methods in the corvids and starlings scenarios, were neutral in the coypus damage crops scenario, whereas they accepted lethal control when coypus transfer disease. Hunters' opinion was neutral in the corvids, starlings and coypus damage crops and starlings foul urban structures scenarios, but they accepted lethal methods in the coypus transfer disease scenario. Farmers-hunters considered lethal control acceptable in all 5 scenarios. Implications from this study could be used for designing a socio-ecological approach which incorporates wildlife management with public interests. The studied species have a wide distribution, therefore present findings might also prove useful elsewhere.}, } @article {pmid27870033, year = {2016}, author = {Marquis, RJ and Salazar, D and Baer, C and Reinhardt, J and Priest, G and Barnett, K}, title = {Ode to Ehrlich and Raven or how herbivorous insects might drive plant speciation.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {97}, number = {11}, pages = {2939-2951}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.1534}, pmid = {27870033}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Animals ; *Genetic Speciation ; Herbivory/*physiology ; Insecta/*physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Plant Physiological Phenomena ; Plants/*genetics ; Pollination/genetics/physiology ; }, abstract = {Fifty years ago, Ehrlich and Raven proposed that insect herbivores have driven much of plant speciation, particularly at tropical latitudes. There have been no explicit tests of their hypotheses. Indeed there were no proposed mechanisms either at the time or since by which herbivores might generate new plant species. Here we outline two main classes of mechanisms, prezygotic and postzygotic, with a number of scenarios in each by which herbivore-driven changes in host plant secondary chemistry might lead to new plant lineage production. The former apply mainly to a sympatric model of speciation while the latter apply to a parapatric or allopatric model. Our review suggests that the steps of each mechanism are known to occur individually in many different systems, but no scenario has been thoroughly investigated in any one system. Nevertheless, studies of Dalechampia and its herbivores and pollinators, and patterns of defense tradeoffs in trees on different soil types in the Peruvian Amazon provide evidence consistent with the original hypotheses of Ehrlich and Raven. For herbivores to drive sympatric speciation, our findings suggest that interactions with both their herbivores and their pollinators should be considered. In contrast, herbivores may drive speciation allopatrically without any influence by pollinators. Finally, there is evidence that these mechanisms are more likely to occur at low latitudes and thus more likely to produce new species in the tropics. The mechanisms we outline provide a predictive framework for further study of the general role that herbivores play in diversification of their host plants.}, } @article {pmid27867222, year = {2016}, author = {St Clair, JJ and Klump, BC and van der Wal, JE and Sugasawa, S and Rutz, C}, title = {Strong between-site variation in New Caledonian crows' use of hook-tool-making materials.}, journal = {Biological journal of the Linnean Society. Linnean Society of London}, volume = {118}, number = {2}, pages = {226-232}, pmid = {27867222}, issn = {0024-4066}, abstract = {Functional tool use requires the selection of appropriate raw materials. New Caledonian crows Corvus moneduloides are known for their extraordinary tool-making behaviour, including the crafting of hooked stick tools from branched vegetation. We describe a surprisingly strong between-site difference in the plant materials used by wild crows to manufacture these tools: crows at one study site use branches of the non-native shrub Desmanthus virgatus, whereas only approximately 7 km away, birds apparently ignore this material in favour of the terminal twigs of an as-yet-unidentified tree species. Although it is likely that differences in local plant communities drive this striking pattern, it remains to be determined how and why crows develop such strong site-specific preferences for certain raw materials.}, } @article {pmid27864599, year = {2017}, author = {Coran, AG}, title = {In Memory of Jay L. Grosfeld, M.D.}, journal = {Pediatric surgery international}, volume = {33}, number = {1}, pages = {1-2}, doi = {10.1007/s00383-016-4023-x}, pmid = {27864599}, issn = {1437-9813}, mesh = {Animals ; General Surgery/*history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Male ; Pediatrics/*history ; United States ; }, } @article {pmid27864088, year = {2017}, author = {Moll, FW and Nieder, A}, title = {Modality-invariant audio-visual association coding in crow endbrain neurons.}, journal = {Neurobiology of learning and memory}, volume = {137}, number = {}, pages = {65-76}, doi = {10.1016/j.nlm.2016.11.011}, pmid = {27864088}, issn = {1095-9564}, mesh = {Acoustic Stimulation ; Animals ; Auditory Perception/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Crows ; Learning/physiology ; Male ; Neurons/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation ; Prefrontal Cortex/physiology ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; Visual Perception/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Single neuron activity in the corvid nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), the supposed avian functional analog of the prefrontal cortex, represents associations of auditory with visual stimuli. This is of high adaptive value for songbirds that need to rely on audio-visual associations to communicate, find a mate or escape predators. However, it remains unclear whether NCL neurons can represent cross-modal associations in a modality invariant, abstract fashion. To dissociate between modality-dependent and modality-invariant NCL activity, we trained two crows to match auditory sample cues with visual test stimuli, and vice versa, across a temporal memory delay. During sample presentation, NCL activity selectively encoded associations in a modality invariant fashion. During the delay, we observed subject specific, population-level coding biases in NCL activity. Despite of these biases, task relevant information could be decoded equally well from either subject's neuronal delay activity. Decoding success was facilitated by many mixed selectivity neurons, which mediated high dimensional representations of task variables on the NCL population level. These results parallel findings from the mammalian PFC, suggesting common mechanisms responsible for the adaptability of multimodal association areas across taxa.}, } @article {pmid27859134, year = {2016}, author = {Leverkus, AB and Rey Benayas, JM and Castro, J}, title = {Shifting demographic conflicts across recruitment cohorts in a dynamic post-disturbance landscape.}, journal = {Ecology}, volume = {97}, number = {10}, pages = {2628-2639}, doi = {10.1002/ecy.1527}, pmid = {27859134}, issn = {0012-9658}, mesh = {Animals ; Demography ; *Ecosystem ; *Quercus ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seedlings ; Seeds ; Spain ; }, abstract = {Seed dispersal effectiveness, which measures the number of adult plant individuals produced by seed dispersal, is the product of the number of seeds dispersed and the probability a seed produces an adult. Directed dispersal to certain habitat types may enhance some stages of recruitment but disfavor others, generating demographic conflicts in plant ontogeny. We asked whether temporal changes in habitat features may affect the distribution of seedlings recruited from dispersed acorns, and whether this could induce shifts in the life-stage conflicts experienced by successive cohorts of naturally recruited plants. As early successional habitats are characterized by rapid change, we used a burnt pine stand in southern Spain to monitor the recruitment and performance of a major tree species (Quercus ilex) across 7 yr in four types of post-fire habitats. These differed in structure and included patches of unburnt forest and three management alternatives of burnt trees: logging, partial cutting, and nonintervention. Young oaks that resprouted after the fire were mainly located near acorn sources, while new seedlings initially emerged mostly in habitats with standing snags due to habitat selection by European jays, Garrulus glandarius, for dispersal. The dead pines gradually collapsed and attracted less dispersal, so subsequent seedling cohorts mainly recruited within patches of unburnt pines. These live pines enhanced the survival of the oaks located beneath their canopy but greatly reduced their growth as compared to the other post-fire habitats, thus representing a demographic conflict that was absent elsewhere. As a consequence of the directional shift in the habitat where seedlings recruited, successive seedling cohorts experienced a gradual improvement in their likelihood of survival but a reduction in growth. The progressive intensification of this life-stage conflict hinged on the reduction of vertical structures in the habitat with standing burnt pines. Recruitment success thus involved temporal variation in the habitat where recruitment occurred, likely resulting from changes in the direction of seed dispersal, and spatial variation in habitat suitability for seedling establishment and growth. Temporal changes in habitat structure can indirectly change the environment in which recruitment occurs, and consequently seed dispersal effectiveness, by shifting the direction of seed dispersal.}, } @article {pmid27853622, year = {2016}, author = {Rutz, C and Sugasawa, S and van der Wal, JE and Klump, BC and St Clair, JJ}, title = {Tool bending in New Caledonian crows.}, journal = {Royal Society open science}, volume = {3}, number = {8}, pages = {160439}, pmid = {27853622}, issn = {2054-5703}, support = {BB/G023913/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {'Betty' the New Caledonian crow astonished the world when she 'spontaneously' bent straight pieces of garden wire into hooked foraging tools. Recent field experiments have revealed that tool bending is part of the species' natural behavioural repertoire, providing important context for interpreting Betty's iconic wire-bending feat. More generally, this discovery provides a compelling illustration of how natural history observations can inform laboratory-based research into the cognitive capacities of non-human animals.}, } @article {pmid27849243, year = {2016}, author = {Lamônica, DA and Ribeiro, CD and Ferraz, PM and Tabaquim, ML}, title = {Moyamoya disease: impact on the performance of oral and written language.}, journal = {CoDAS}, volume = {28}, number = {5}, pages = {661-665}, doi = {10.1590/2317-1782/20162016010}, pmid = {27849243}, issn = {2317-1782}, mesh = {Child ; Cognition Disorders/*etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Language Tests ; Learning ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Moyamoya Disease/*complications/diagnosis ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; }, abstract = {Moyamoya disease is an unusual form of occlusive, cerebrovascular disorder that affects the arteries of the central nervous system, causing acquired language alterations and learning difficulties. The study aim was to describe the oral/written language and cognitive skills in a seven-year-and-seven-month-old girl diagnosed with Moyamoya disease. The assessment consisted of interviews with her parents and application of the following instruments: Observation of Communicative Behavior, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Academic Performance Test, Profile of Phonological Awareness, Raven's Progressive Matrices Test, Special Scale, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Two episodes of stroke in the left and right temporal-parietal and left frontal areas occurred until the age of six years and five months. Revascularization surgery and medication treatment were conducted. The audiologic and ophthalmologic assessments indicated normality. At the time of the study, the girl was attending the second grade of elementary school. She presented changes in oral and written language (syllabic-alphabetic), non-naming of all graphemes, low arithmetic and writing means, reading skill below first grade level and psycholinguistic delay, and pre-school level phonological processing skills. The psychological evaluation indicated satisfactory intellectual level; however, it also showed cognitive performance impairment in verbal and execution tasks and limitations on graphic-perceptual-motor skills and sequential logic organization. The stroke episodes influenced the performance of learning processes, affecting the analysis, integration, and interpretation of relevant visual and auditory information.}, } @article {pmid27840464, year = {2016}, author = {Deventer, SA and Uhl, F and Bugnyar, T and Miller, R and Fitch, WT and Schiestl, M and Ringler, M and Schwab, C}, title = {Behavioural Type Affects Space Use in a Wild Population of Crows (Corvus corone).}, journal = {Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie}, volume = {122}, number = {11}, pages = {881-891}, pmid = {27840464}, issn = {0179-1613}, abstract = {While personality-dependent dispersal is well studied, local space use has received surprisingly little attention in this context, despite the multiple consequences on survival and fitness. Regarding the coping style of individuals, recent studies on personality-dependent space use within a habitat indicate that 'proactive' individuals are wider ranging than 'reactive' ones. However, such studies are still scarce and cover limited taxonomic diversity, and thus, more research is needed to explore whether this pattern generalises across species. We examined the link between coping style and space use in a population of crows (Corvus corone) freely inhabiting the urban zoo of Vienna, Austria. We used a binary docility rating (struggle during handling vs. no struggle) and a tonic immobility test to quantify individual coping style. Individual space use was quantified as the number of different sites at which each crow was observed, and we controlled for different number of sightings per individual by creating a space use index. Only the binary docility rating showed repeatability over time, and significantly predicted space use. In contrast to previous studies, we found that reactive crows (no struggle during handling) showed wider ranging space use within the study site than proactive individuals (who struggled during handling). The discrepancy from previous results suggests that the relationship between behavioural type and space use may vary between species, potentially reflecting differences in socioecology.}, } @article {pmid27838379, year = {2017}, author = {Greggor, AL and Spencer, KA and Clayton, NS and Thornton, A}, title = {Wild jackdaws' reproductive success and their offspring's stress hormones are connected to provisioning rate and brood size, not to parental neophobia.}, journal = {General and comparative endocrinology}, volume = {243}, number = {}, pages = {70-77}, pmid = {27838379}, issn = {1095-6840}, support = {BB/H021817/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/L002264/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Breeding ; Corticosterone/*metabolism ; Crows/*physiology ; Female ; Nesting Behavior/*physiology ; Phobic Disorders/*physiopathology ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Siblings ; *Social Behavior ; *Stress, Physiological ; }, abstract = {Many species show individual variation in neophobia and stress hormones, but the causes and consequences of this variation in the wild are unclear. Variation in neophobia levels could affect the number of offspring animals produce, and more subtly influence the rearing environment and offspring development. Nutritional deficits during development can elevate levels of stress hormones that trigger long-term effects on learning, memory, and survival. Therefore measuring offspring stress hormone levels, such as corticosterone (CORT), helps determine if parental neophobia influences the condition and developmental trajectory of young. As a highly neophobic species, jackdaws (Corvus monedula) are excellent for exploring the potential effects of parental neophobia on developing offspring. We investigated if neophobic responses, alongside known drivers of fitness, influence nest success and offspring hormone responses in wild breeding jackdaws. Despite its consistency across the breeding season, and suggestions in the literature that it should have importance for reproductive fitness, parental neophobia did not predict nest success, provisioning rates or offspring hormone levels. Instead, sibling competition and poor parental care contributed to natural variation in stress responses. Parents with lower provisioning rates fledged fewer chicks, chicks from larger broods had elevated baseline CORT levels, and chicks with later hatching dates showed higher stress-induced CORT levels. Since CORT levels may influence the expression of adult neophobia, variation in juvenile stress responses could explain the development and maintenance of neophobic variation within the adult population.}, } @article {pmid27829758, year = {2016}, author = {Saisadan, D and Manimaran, P and Meenapriya, PK}, title = {In vitro comparative evaluation of mechanical properties of temporary restorative materials used in fixed partial denture.}, journal = {Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences}, volume = {8}, number = {Suppl 1}, pages = {S105-S109}, pmid = {27829758}, issn = {0976-4879}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Materials used to fabricate provisional restorations can be classified as acrylics or resin composites. Provisional crows can be either prefabricated or custom made.

ACRYLICS: These materials have been used to fabricate provisional restorations since the 1930s and usually available as powder and liquid. They are the most commonly used materials today for both single-unit and multiple-unit restorations. In general, their popularity is due to their low cost, acceptable esthetics, and versatility.

COMPOSITES: Composite provisional materials use bis-acryl resin, a hydrophobic material that is similar to bis-GMA. Composites are available as auto-polymerized, dualpolymerized and visible light polymerized.

PREFORMED CROWNS: Preformed provisional crowns or matrices usually consist of tooth-shaped shells of plastic, cellulose acetate or metal. They are commercially available in various tooth sizes and are usually selected for a particular tooth anatomy. They are commonly relined with acrylic resin to provide a more custom fit before cementation, but the plastic and metal crown shells can also be cemented directly onto prepared teeth.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to choose a material to serve as a better interim prosthesis and to compare three different properties - flexural strength, compressive strength, and color stability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were made with three different provisional materials (Revotek LC, Protemp 4, TemSpan).

RESULT: It was inferred from the study that no one material was superior in all three tested parameters.}, } @article {pmid27829553, year = {2017}, author = {Zhan, F and Liao, X and Gao, F and Qiu, W and Wang, Q}, title = {Electroactive crown ester-Cu[2+] complex with in-situ modification at molecular beacon probe serving as a facile electrochemical DNA biosensor for the detection of CaMV 35s.}, journal = {Biosensors & bioelectronics}, volume = {92}, number = {}, pages = {589-595}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2016.10.055}, pmid = {27829553}, issn = {1873-4235}, mesh = {Biosensing Techniques/*methods ; Caulimovirus/*isolation & purification ; Coordination Complexes/*chemistry ; Copper/*chemistry ; Crown Ethers/*chemistry ; DNA, Viral/*analysis ; Electrochemical Techniques/methods ; Electrodes ; Gold/chemistry ; Limit of Detection ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization/methods ; Plant Diseases/*virology ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; Glycine max/virology ; }, abstract = {A novel electrochemical DNA biosensor has been facilely constructed by in-situ assembly of electroactive 4'-aminobenzo-18-crown-6-copper(II) complex (AbC-Cu[2+]) on the free terminal of the hairpin-structured molecule beacon. The 3'-SH modified molecule beacon probe was first immobilized on the gold electrode (AuE) surface through self-assembly chemistry of Au-S bond. Then the crow ester of AbC was covalently coupled with 5'-COOH on the molecule beacon, and served as a platform to attach the Cu[2+] by coordination with ether bond (-O-) of the crown cycle. Thus, an electroactive molecule beacon-based biosensing interface was constructed. In comparison with conventional methods for preparation of electroactive molecule beacon, the approach presented in this work is much simpler, reagent- and labor-saving. Selectivity study shows that the in-situ fabricated electroactive molecule beacon remains excellent recognition ability of pristine molecule beacon probe to well differentiate various DNA fragments. The target DNA can be quantatively determined over the range from 0.10pM to 0.50nM. The detection limit of 0.060pM was estimated based on signal-to-noise ratio of 3. When the biosensor was applied for the detection cauliflower mosaic virus 35s (CaMV 35s) in soybean extraction samples, satisfactory results are achieved. This work opens a new strategy for facilely fabricating electrochemical sensing interface, which also shows great potential in aptasensor and immurosensor fabrication.}, } @article {pmid27826273, year = {2016}, author = {Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Clark's Nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) Flexibly Adapt Caching Behavior to a Cooperative Context.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1643}, pmid = {27826273}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Corvids recognize when their caches are at risk of being stolen by others and have developed strategies to protect these caches from pilferage. For instance, Clark's nutcrackers will suppress the number of caches they make if being observed by a potential thief. However, cache protection has most often been studied using competitive contexts, so it is unclear whether corvids can adjust their caching in beneficial ways to accommodate non-competitive situations. Therefore, we examined whether Clark's nutcrackers, a non-social corvid, would flexibly adapt their caching behaviors to a cooperative context. To do so, birds were given a caching task during which caches made by one individual were reciprocally exchanged for the caches of a partner bird over repeated trials. In this scenario, if caching behaviors can be flexibly deployed, then the birds should recognize the cooperative nature of the task and maintain or increase caching levels over time. However, if cache protection strategies are applied independent of social context and simply in response to cache theft, then cache suppression should occur. In the current experiment, we found that the birds maintained caching throughout the experiment. We report that males increased caching in response to a manipulation in which caches were artificially added, suggesting the birds could adapt to the cooperative nature of the task. Additionally, we show that caching decisions were not solely due to motivational factors, instead showing an additional influence attributed to the behavior of the partner bird.}, } @article {pmid27826268, year = {2016}, author = {Corgnet, B and Espín, AM and Hernán-González, R}, title = {Creativity and Cognitive Skills among Millennials: Thinking Too Much and Creating Too Little.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1626}, pmid = {27826268}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Organizations crucially need the creative talent of millennials but are reluctant to hire them because of their supposed lack of diligence. Recent studies have shown that hiring diligent millennials requires selecting those who score high on the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) and thus rely on effortful thinking rather than intuition. A central question is to assess whether the push for recruiting diligent millennials using criteria such as cognitive reflection can ultimately hamper the recruitment of creative workers. To answer this question, we study the relationship between millennials' creativity and their performance on fluid intelligence (Raven) and cognitive reflection (CRT) tests. The good news for recruiters is that we report, in line with previous research, evidence of a positive relationship of fluid intelligence, and to a lesser extent cognitive reflection, with convergent creative thinking. In addition, we observe a positive effect of fluid intelligence on originality and elaboration measures of divergent creative thinking. The bad news for recruiters is the inverted U-shape relationship between cognitive reflection and fluency and flexibility measures of divergent creative thinking. This suggests that thinking too much may hinder important dimensions of creative thinking. Diligent and creative workers may thus be a rare find.}, } @article {pmid27824400, year = {2016}, author = {Holcomb, GW and Ure, B}, title = {Jay L. Grosfeld, MD (1935-2016).}, journal = {European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift fur Kinderchirurgie}, volume = {26}, number = {6}, pages = {542}, doi = {10.1055/s-0036-1594233}, pmid = {27824400}, issn = {1439-359X}, mesh = {General Surgery/*history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Pediatrics/*history ; United States ; }, } @article {pmid27815492, year = {2017}, author = {Wang, Z and Jay, CM and Evans, C and Kumar, P and Phalon, C and Rao, DD and Senzer, N and Nemunaitis, J}, title = {Preclinical Biodistribution and Safety Evaluation of a pbi-shRNA STMN1 Lipoplex after Subcutaneous Delivery.}, journal = {Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology}, volume = {155}, number = {2}, pages = {400-408}, doi = {10.1093/toxsci/kfw223}, pmid = {27815492}, issn = {1096-0929}, mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Interleukin-6/blood ; Male ; Neoplasms/metabolism/therapy ; *RNA Interference ; RNA, Small Interfering/*administration & dosage/genetics/pharmacokinetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stathmin/administration & dosage/*antagonists & inhibitors/*genetics/metabolism ; Tissue Distribution ; }, abstract = {Stathmin-1 (STMN1) is a microtubule-destabilizing protein which is overexpressed in cancer. Its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and also serves as a predictive marker to taxane therapy. We have developed a proprietary bi-functional shRNA (bi-shRNA) platform to execute RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing and a liposome-carrier complex to systemically deliver the pbi-shRNA plasmids. In vitro and in vivo testing demonstrated efficacy and specificity of pbi-shRNA plasmid in targeting STMN1 (Phadke, A. P., Jay, C. M., Wang, Z., Chen, S., Liu, S., Haddock, C., Kumar, P., Pappen, B. O., Rao, D. D., Templeton, N. S., et al. (2011). In vivo safety and antitumor efficacy of bifunctional small hairpin RNAs specific for the human Stathmin 1 oncoprotein. DNA Cell Biol. 30, 715-726.). Biodistribution and toxicology studies in bio-relevant Sprague Dawley rats with pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex revealed that the plasmid DNA was delivered to a broad distribution of organs after a single subcutaneous injection. Specifically, plasmid was detected within the first week using QPCR (threshold 50 copies plasmid/1 µg genomic DNA) at the injection site, lung, spleen, blood, skin, ovary (limited), lymph nodes, and liver. It was not detected in the heart, testis or bone marrow. No plasmid was detected from any organ 30 days after injection. Treatment was well tolerated. Minimal inflammation/erythema was observed at the injection site. Circulating cytokine response was also examined by ELISA. The IL-6 levels were induced within 6 h then declined to the vehicle control level 72 h after the injection. TNFα induction was transiently observed 4 days after the DNA lipoplex treatment. In summary, the pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex was well tolerated and displayed broad distribution after a single subcutaneous injection. The pre-clinical data has been filed to FDA and the pbi-shRNA STMN1 lipoplex is being investigated in a phase I clinical study.}, } @article {pmid27814545, year = {2016}, author = {Orłowski, G and Siebielec, G and Kasprzykowski, Z and Dobicki, W and Pokorny, P and Wuczyński, A and Polechoński, R and Mazgajski, TD}, title = {Effect of spatial resolution of soil data on predictions of eggshell trace element levels in the Rook Corvus frugilegus.}, journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)}, volume = {219}, number = {}, pages = {288-295}, doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.048}, pmid = {27814545}, issn = {1873-6424}, mesh = {*Agriculture ; Animals ; Cadmium/analysis ; Copper/analysis ; Egg Shell/*chemistry ; Environment ; Environmental Monitoring ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis ; Nickel/analysis ; *Passeriformes ; Poland ; Soil/*chemistry ; Soil Pollutants/*analysis ; Trace Elements/*analysis ; Zinc/analysis ; }, abstract = {Although a considerable research effort has gone into studying the dietary pathways of metals to the bodies of laying female birds and their eggs in recent years, no detailed investigations have yet been carried out relating the properties of the biogeochemical environment at large spatial scales to eggshell trace element levels in typical soil-invertebrate feeding birds under natural conditions. We used data from a large-scale nationwide monitoring survey of soil quality in Poland (3724 sampling points from the 43 792 available) to predict levels of five trace elements (copper [Cu], cadmium [Cd], nickel [Ni], zinc [Zn] and lead [Pb]) in Rook Corvus frugilegus eggshells from 42 breeding colonies. Our major aim was to test whether differences exist in the explanatory power of soil data (acidity, content of elements and organic matter, and particle size) used as a correlate of concentrations of eggshell trace elements among four different distances (5, 10, 15 and 20 km) around rookeries. Over all four distances around the rookeries only the concentrations of Cu and Cd in eggshells were positively correlated with those in soil, while eggshell Pb was correlated with the soil Pb level at the two longest distances (15 and 20 km) around the rookeries. The physical properties of soil (primarily the increase in pH) adversely affected eggshell Cd and Pb concentrations. The patterns and factors governing metal bioaccumulation in soil invertebrates and eggshells appear to be coincident, which strongly suggests a general similarity in the biochemical pathways of elements at different levels of the food web. The increasing acidification of arable soil as a result of excessive fertilisation and over-nitrification can enhance the bioavailability of toxic elements to laying females and their eggs.}, } @article {pmid27811974, year = {2016}, author = {Clary, D and Kelly, DM}, title = {Graded Mirror Self-Recognition by Clark's Nutcrackers.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {36459}, pmid = {27811974}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; Male ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; Recognition, Psychology/*physiology ; }, abstract = {The traditional 'mark test' has shown some large-brained species are capable of mirror self-recognition. During this test a mark is inconspicuously placed on an animal's body where it can only be seen with the aid of a mirror. If the animal increases the number of actions directed to the mark region when presented with a mirror, the animal is presumed to have recognized the mirror image as its reflection. However, the pass/fail nature of the mark test presupposes self-recognition exists in entirety or not at all. We developed a novel mirror-recognition task, to supplement the mark test, which revealed gradation in the self-recognition of Clark's nutcrackers, a large-brained corvid. To do so, nutcrackers cached food alone, observed by another nutcracker, or with a regular or blurry mirror. The nutcrackers suppressed caching with a regular mirror, a behavioural response to prevent cache theft by conspecifics, but did not suppress caching with a blurry mirror. Likewise, during the mark test, most nutcrackers made more self-directed actions to the mark with a blurry mirror than a regular mirror. Both results suggest self-recognition was more readily achieved with the blurry mirror and that self-recognition may be more broadly present among animals than currently thought.}, } @article {pmid27811148, year = {2016}, author = {Tüngler, V and König, N and Günther, C and Engel, K and Fiehn, C and Smitka, M and von der Hagen, M and Berner, R and Lee-Kirsch, MA}, title = {Response to: 'JAK inhibition in STING-associated interferonopathy' by Crow et al.}, journal = {Annals of the rheumatic diseases}, volume = {75}, number = {12}, pages = {e76}, doi = {10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210565}, pmid = {27811148}, issn = {1468-2060}, mesh = {Chilblains/*metabolism ; Humans ; Interferons ; Janus Kinases/*metabolism ; Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/*metabolism ; Membrane Proteins/*metabolism ; *Signal Transduction ; }, } @article {pmid27808198, year = {2016}, author = {}, title = {Animal behaviour: Magpies behave cooperatively.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {539}, number = {7627}, pages = {9}, doi = {10.1038/539009e}, pmid = {27808198}, issn = {1476-4687}, } @article {pmid27503511, year = {2016}, author = {Levine, RS and Mead, DG and Hamer, GL and Brosi, BJ and Hedeen, DL and Hedeen, MW and McMillan, JR and Bisanzio, D and Kitron, UD}, title = {Supersuppression: Reservoir Competency and Timing of Mosquito Host Shifts Combine to Reduce Spillover of West Nile Virus.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {95}, number = {5}, pages = {1174-1184}, pmid = {27503511}, issn = {1476-1645}, support = {T32 AI055404/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Culex/virology ; Culicidae/*virology ; Female ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Insect Vectors/virology ; Passeriformes/virology ; Seasons ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; United States/epidemiology ; West Nile Fever/*epidemiology/veterinary ; West Nile virus/*isolation & purification ; }, abstract = {In the eastern United States, human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) result from spillover from urban epizootic transmission between passerine birds and Culex mosquitoes. In Atlanta, GA, substantial WNV presence in hosts and vectors has not resulted in the human disease burden observed in cities with similar infection pressure. Our study goal was to investigate extrinsic ecological conditions that potentially contribute to these reduced transmission rates. We conducted WNV surveillance among hosts and vectors in urban Atlanta and recorded an overall avian seroprevalence of nearly 30%, which was significantly higher among northern cardinals, blue jays, and members of the mimid family, and notably low among American robins. Examination of temporal Culex feeding patterns showed a marked feeding shift from American robins in the early season to northern cardinals in the late season. We therefore rule out American robins as superspreaders in the Atlanta area and suggest instead that northern cardinals and mimids act as WNV "supersuppressor" species, which slow WNV transmission by drawing many infectious bites during the critical virus amplification period, yet failing to amplify transmission due to low host competencies. Of particular interest, urban forest patches provide spillover protection by increasing the WNV amplification fraction on supersuppressor species.}, } @article {pmid26602225, year = {2016}, author = {Kazemeini, T and Fadardi, JS}, title = {Executive Function: Comparing Bilingual and Monolingual Iranian University Students.}, journal = {Journal of psycholinguistic research}, volume = {45}, number = {6}, pages = {1315-1326}, pmid = {26602225}, issn = {1573-6555}, mesh = {Adult ; Executive Function/*physiology ; Humans ; *Inhibition, Psychological ; Iran ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; *Multilingualism ; Universities ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {The study aimed to examine whether Kurdish-Persian early Bilingual university students (EBL) and Persian Monolingual university students (ML) differ on tasks of executive function (EF). Thirty male EBL and 30 male ML students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad completed a Persian Stroop Color-Word task (SCWT), Backward Digit Span Test (BDST), Raven Standard Progressive Matrices, and a demographic questionnaire. The results of an analysis of variance showed EBL students responded faster on the SCWT compared with ML students, suggesting an inhibition advantage for EBL students. Moreover, mean scores of BDST showed better performance of EBL students in working memory than ML students. These results provided evidence of advantaged EF among EBL and were consistent with the possibility that individuals who began speaking a second language (L2) earlier in childhood have greater advantages, due either to effects of acquiring an L2 earlier or to a longer duration of bilingual experience.}, } @article {pmid27801957, year = {2016}, author = {Dawson, DA and Dos Remedios, N and Horsburgh, GJ}, title = {A new marker based on the avian spindlin gene that is able to sex most birds, including species problematic to sex with CHD markers.}, journal = {Zoo biology}, volume = {35}, number = {6}, pages = {533-545}, doi = {10.1002/zoo.21326}, pmid = {27801957}, issn = {1098-2361}, mesh = {Animal Husbandry/*methods ; Animals ; Animals, Zoo/*genetics ; Birds/*genetics ; Cell Cycle Proteins/*genetics ; Female ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/*genetics ; Phosphoproteins/*genetics ; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid ; Sex Chromosomes/genetics ; Sex Determination Analysis/*methods ; }, abstract = {We have developed a new marker (Z43B) that can be successfully used to identify the sex of most birds (69%), including species difficult or impossible to sex with other markers. We utilized the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata EST microsatellite sequence (CK309496) which displays sequence homology to the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of the avian spindlin gene. This gene is known to be present on the Z and W chromosomes. To maximize cross-species utility, the primer set was designed from a consensus sequence created from homologs of CK309496 that were isolated from multiple distantly related species. Both the forward and reverse primer sequences were 100% identical to 14 avian species, including the Z chromosome of eight species and the chicken Gallus gallus W chromosome, as well as the saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. The Z43B primer set was assessed by genotyping individuals of known sex belonging to 61 non-ratite species and a single ratite. The Z and W amplicons differed in size making it possible to distinguish between males (ZZ) and females (ZW) for the majority (69%) of non-ratite species tested, comprising 10 orders of birds. We predict that this marker will be useful for obtaining sex-typing data for ca 6,869 species of birds (69% of non-ratites but not galliforms). A wide range of species could be sex-typed including passerines, shorebirds, eagles, falcons, bee-eaters, cranes, shags, parrots, penguins, ducks, and a ratite species, the brown kiwi, Apteryx australis. Those species sexed include species impossible or problematic to sex-type with other markers (magpie, albatross, petrel, eagle, falcon, crane, and penguin species). Zoo Biol. 35:533-545, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Zoo Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.}, } @article {pmid27796660, year = {2017}, author = {Bílá, K and Beránková, J and Veselý, P and Bugnyar, T and Schwab, C}, title = {Responses of urban crows to con- and hetero-specific alarm calls in predator and non-predator zoo enclosures.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {20}, number = {1}, pages = {43-51}, doi = {10.1007/s10071-016-1047-5}, pmid = {27796660}, issn = {1435-9456}, support = {Y 366/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Zoo ; Birds ; Cities ; *Crows ; *Vocalization, Animal ; }, abstract = {Urban animals and birds in particular are able to cope with diverse novel threats in a city environment such as avoiding novel, unfamiliar predators. Predator avoidance often includes alarm signals that can be used also by hetero-specifics, which is mainly the case in mixed-species flocks. It can also occur when species do not form flocks but co-occur together. In this study we tested whether urban crows use alarm calls of conspecifics and hetero-specifics (jackdaws, Corvus monedula) differently in a predator and a non-predator context with partly novel and unfamiliar zoo animal species. Birds were tested at the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in the city of Vienna by playing back con- and hetero-specific alarm calls and control stimuli (great tit song and no stimuli) at predator (wolf, polar bear) and non-predator (eland antelope and cranes, peccaries) enclosures. We recorded responses of crows as the percentage of birds flying away after hearing the playback (out of those present before the playback) and as the number of vocalizations given by the present birds. A significantly higher percentage of crows flew away after hearing either con- or hetero-specific alarm calls, but it did not significantly differ between the predator and the non-predator context. Crows treated jackdaw calls just as crow calls, indicating that they make proper use of hetero-specific alarm calls. Responding similarly in both contexts may suggest that the crows were uncertain about the threat a particular zoo animal represents and were generally cautious. In the predator context, however, a high percentage of crows also flew away upon hearing the great tit control song which suggests that they may still evaluate those species which occasionally killed crows as more dangerous and respond to any conspicuous sound.}, } @article {pmid27796282, year = {2016}, author = {Vijay, N and Bossu, CM and Poelstra, JW and Weissensteiner, MH and Suh, A and Kryukov, AP and Wolf, JB}, title = {Evolution of heterogeneous genome differentiation across multiple contact zones in a crow species complex.}, journal = {Nature communications}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {13195}, pmid = {27796282}, issn = {2041-1723}, support = {//European Research Council/International ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Crows/*genetics ; Female ; *Gene Flow ; Genetic Speciation ; *Genome ; Geography ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Male ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Phenotype ; Pigmentation ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Population Dynamics ; *Reproductive Isolation ; }, abstract = {Uncovering the genetic basis of species diversification is a central goal in evolutionary biology. Yet, the link between the accumulation of genomic changes during population divergence and the evolutionary forces promoting reproductive isolation is poorly understood. Here, we analysed 124 genomes of crow populations with various degrees of genome-wide differentiation, with parallelism of a sexually selected plumage phenotype, and ongoing hybridization. Overall, heterogeneity in genetic differentiation along the genome was best explained by linked selection exposed on a shared genome architecture. Superimposed on this common background, we identified genomic regions with signatures of selection specific to independent phenotypic contact zones. Candidate pigmentation genes with evidence for divergent selection were only partly shared, suggesting context-dependent selection on a multigenic trait architecture and parallelism by pathway rather than by repeated single-gene effects. This study provides insight into how various forms of selection shape genome-wide patterns of genomic differentiation as populations diverge.}, } @article {pmid27736787, year = {2016}, author = {Weis, AM and Storey, DB and Taff, CC and Townsend, AK and Huang, BC and Kong, NT and Clothier, KA and Spinner, A and Byrne, BA and Weimer, BC}, title = {Genomic Comparison of Campylobacter spp. and Their Potential for Zoonotic Transmission between Birds, Primates, and Livestock.}, journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, volume = {82}, number = {24}, pages = {7165-7175}, pmid = {27736787}, issn = {1098-5336}, support = {U01 FD003572/FD/FDA HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; Bird Diseases/*microbiology/transmission ; Birds/microbiology ; Campylobacter/classification/*genetics/isolation & purification/physiology ; Campylobacter Infections/*microbiology/transmission/*veterinary ; Cattle ; Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Livestock/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Primate Diseases/*microbiology/transmission ; Primates/microbiology ; Sheep ; Zoonoses/*microbiology/transmission ; }, abstract = {Campylobacter is the leading cause of human gastroenteritis worldwide. Wild birds, including American crows, are abundant in urban, suburban, and agricultural settings and are likely zoonotic vectors of Campylobacter Their proximity to humans and livestock increases the potential spreading of Campylobacter via crows between the environment, livestock, and humans. However, no studies have definitively demonstrated that crows are a vector for pathogenic Campylobacter We used genomics to evaluate the zoonotic and pathogenic potential of Campylobacter from crows to other animals with 184 isolates obtained from crows, chickens, cows, sheep, goats, humans, and nonhuman primates. Whole-genome analysis uncovered two distinct clades of Campylobacter jejuni genotypes; the first contained genotypes found only in crows, while a second genotype contained "generalist" genomes that were isolated from multiple host species, including isolates implicated in human disease, primate gastroenteritis, and livestock abortion. Two major β-lactamase genes were observed frequently in these genomes (oxa-184, 55%, and oxa-61, 29%), where oxa-184 was associated only with crows and oxa-61 was associated with generalists. Mutations in gyrA, indicative of fluoroquinolone resistance, were observed in 14% of the isolates. Tetracycline resistance (tetO) was present in 22% of the isolates, yet it occurred in 91% of the abortion isolates. Virulence genes were distributed throughout the genomes; however, cdtC alleles recapitulated the crow-only and generalist clades. A specific cdtC allele was associated with abortion in livestock and was concomitant with tetO These findings indicate that crows harboring a generalist C. jejuni genotype may act as a vector for the zoonotic transmission of Campylobacter IMPORTANCE: This study examined the link between public health and the genomic variation of Campylobacter in relation to disease in humans, primates, and livestock. Use of large-scale whole-genome sequencing enabled population-level assessment to find new genes that are linked to livestock disease. With 184 Campylobacter genomes, we assessed virulence traits, antibiotic resistance susceptibility, and the potential for zoonotic transfer to observe that there is a "generalist" genotype that may move between host species.}, } @article {pmid27534728, year = {2016}, author = {Suzuki, K and Edelson, A and Iversen, LL and Hausmann, L and Schulz, JB and Turner, AJ}, title = {A Learned Society's Perspective on Publishing.}, journal = {Journal of neurochemistry}, volume = {139 Suppl 2}, number = {}, pages = {17-23}, doi = {10.1111/jnc.13674}, pmid = {27534728}, issn = {1471-4159}, mesh = {*Editorial Policies ; Humans ; Learning ; Neurochemistry/methods/*trends ; Peer Review/methods/trends ; Periodicals as Topic/*trends ; Publishing/trends ; Societies, Scientific/*trends ; }, abstract = {Scientific journals that are owned by a learned society, like the Journal of Neurochemistry (JNC), which is owned by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), benefit the scientific community in that a large proportion of the income is returned to support the scientific mission of the Society. The income generated by the JNC enables the ISN to organize conferences as a platform for members and non-members alike to share their research, supporting researchers particularly in developing countries by travel grants and other funds, and promoting education in student schools. These direct benefits and initiatives for ISN members and non-members distinguish a society journal from pure commerce. However, the world of scholarly publishing is changing rapidly. Open access models have challenged the business model of traditional journal subscription and hence provided free access to publicly funded scientific research. In these models, the manuscript authors pay a publication cost after peer review and acceptance of the manuscript. Over the last decade, numerous new open access journals have been launched and traditional subscription journals have started to offer open access (hybrid journals). However, open access journals follow the general scheme that, of all participating parties, the publisher receives the highest financial benefit. The income is generated by researchers whose positions and research are mostly financed by taxpayers' or funders' money, and by reviewers and editors, who frequently are not reimbursed. Last but not least, the authors pay for the publication of their work after a rigorous and sometimes painful review process. JNC itself has an open access option, at a significantly reduced cost for Society members as an additional benefit. This article provides first-hand insights from two former Editors-in-Chief, Kunihiko Suzuki and Leslie Iversen, about the history of JNC's ownership and about the difficulties and battles fought along the way to its current success and reputation. Scientific journals that are owned by a learned society, like the Journal of Neurochemistry (JNC) which is owned by the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), benefit the scientific community in that a large proportion of the income is returned to support the scientific mission of the Society. The income generated by the JNC enables the ISN to organize conferences as a platform for members and non-members alike to share their research, supporting researchers particularly in developing countries by travel grants and other funds, and to promote education in student schools. These direct benefits and initiatives for ISN members and non-members distinguish a society journal from pure commerce. However, the world of scholarly publishing is changing rapidly. Open access models have challenged the business model of traditional journal subscription and hence provide free access to publicly funded scientific research. In these models, the manuscript authors pay a publication cost after peer review and acceptance of the manuscript. Over the last decade, numerous new open access journals have been launched and traditional subscription journals have started to offer open access (hybrid journals). However, open access journals pertain to the general scheme that, of all participating parties, the publisher receives the highest financial benefit. The income is generated by researchers whose positions and research are mostly financed by tax payers' or funders' money, reviewers and editors, who frequently are not reimbursed. Last but not least, the authors pay for the publication of their work after a rigorous and sometimes painful review process. JNC itself has an open access option, at a significantly reduced cost for Society members as an additional benefit. This article provides first-hand insights from a long-standing Editor-in-Chief, Kunihiko Suzuki, about the history of JNC's ownership and about difficulties and battles fought on the way to its current success and reputation today. This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.}, } @article {pmid27790103, year = {2016}, author = {Casanova, R and Wang, X and Reyes, J and Akita, Y and Serre, ML and Vizuete, W and Chui, HC and Driscoll, I and Resnick, SM and Espeland, MA and Chen, JC}, title = {A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study Reveals Local Brain Structural Alterations Associated with Ambient Fine Particles in Older Women.}, journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience}, volume = {10}, number = {}, pages = {495}, pmid = {27790103}, issn = {1662-5161}, support = {P30 ES007048/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 ES010126/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; P50 AG005142/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AG051113/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001420/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {Objective: Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5: PM with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm) has been linked with cognitive deficits in older adults. Using fine-grained voxel-wise analyses, we examined whether PM2.5 exposure also affects brain structure. Methods: Brain MRI data were obtained from 1365 women (aged 71-89) in the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study and local brain volumes were estimated using RAVENS (regional analysis of volumes in normalized space). Based on geocoded residential locations and air monitoring data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we employed a spatiotemporal model to estimate long-term (3-year average) exposure to ambient PM2.5 preceding MRI scans. Voxel-wise linear regression models were fit separately to gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) maps to analyze associations between brain structure and PM2.5 exposure, with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: Increased PM2.5 exposure was associated with smaller volumes in both cortical GM and subcortical WM areas. For GM, associations were clustered in the bilateral superior, middle, and medial frontal gyri. For WM, the largest clusters were in the frontal lobe, with smaller clusters in the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. No statistically significant associations were observed between PM2.5 exposure and hippocampal volumes. Conclusions: Long-term PM2.5 exposures may accelerate loss of both GM and WM in older women. While our previous work linked smaller WM volumes to PM2.5, this is the first neuroimaging study reporting associations between air pollution exposure and smaller volumes of cortical GM. Our data support the hypothesized synaptic neurotoxicity of airborne particles.}, } @article {pmid27789968, year = {2016}, author = {Jensen, GS and Shah, B and Holtz, R and Patel, A and Lo, DC}, title = {Reduction of facial wrinkles by hydrolyzed water-soluble egg membrane associated with reduction of free radical stress and support of matrix production by dermal fibroblasts.}, journal = {Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {357-366}, pmid = {27789968}, issn = {1178-7015}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water-soluble egg membrane (WSEM) on wrinkle reduction in a clinical pilot study and to elucidate specific mechanisms of action using primary human immune and dermal cell-based bioassays.

METHODS: To evaluate the effects of topical application of WSEM (8%) on human skin, an open-label 8-week study was performed involving 20 healthy females between the age of 45 years and 65 years. High-resolution photography and digital analysis were used to evaluate the wrinkle depth in the facial skin areas beside the eye (crow's feet). WSEM was tested for total antioxidant capacity and effects on the formation of reactive oxygen species by human polymorphonuclear cells. Human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were used for quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the antioxidant response element genes Nqo1, Gclm, Gclc, and Hmox1. Evaluation of effects on human primary dermal fibroblasts in vitro included cellular viability and production of the matrix components collagen and elastin.

RESULTS: Topical use of a WSEM-containing facial cream for 8 weeks resulted in a significant reduction of wrinkle depth (P<0.05). WSEM contained antioxidants and reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species by inflammatory cells in vitro. Despite lack of a quantifiable effect on Nrf2, WSEM induced the gene expression of downstream Nqo1, Gclm, Gclc, and Hmox1 in human keratinocytes. Human dermal fibroblasts treated with WSEM produced more collagen and elastin than untreated cells or cells treated with dbcAMP control. The increase in collagen production was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The topical use of WSEM on facial skin significantly reduced the wrinkle depth. The underlying mechanisms of this effect may be related to protection from free radical damage at the cellular level and induction of several antioxidant response elements, combined with stimulation of human dermal fibroblasts to secrete high levels of matrix components.}, } @article {pmid27789089, year = {2016}, author = {Dunn, JC and Gruar, D and Stoate, C and Szczur, J and Peach, WJ}, title = {Can hedgerow management mitigate the impacts of predation on songbird nest survival?.}, journal = {Journal of environmental management}, volume = {184}, number = {Pt 3}, pages = {535-544}, doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.10.028}, pmid = {27789089}, issn = {1095-8630}, mesh = {Agriculture/*methods ; Animals ; Ecosystem ; England ; *Nesting Behavior ; *Predatory Behavior ; Reproduction ; Songbirds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Nest predators can have significant impacts on songbird reproductive success. These impacts may be amplified by habitat simplification and here we test whether sympathetic management of farmland hedgerows can reduce nest depredation, especially by corvids. We test whether songbirds select nest sites according to structural features of hedgerows (including nest visibility and accessibility), and whether these features influence nest predation risk. Songbirds selected nesting sites affording higher vegetation cover above the nest, increased visibility on the nest-side of the hedgerow and reduced visibility on the far side of the hedge. Nest survival was unrelated to corvid abundance and only weakly related (at the egg stage) to corvid nest proximity. Nest survival at the chick stage was higher where vegetation structure restricted access to corvid-sized predators (averaging 0.78 vs. 0.53), and at nests close to potential vantage points. Overall nest survival was sensitive to hedgerow structure (accessibility) particularly at low exposure to corvid predation, while the overall impact of corvid exposure was dependent on the relationship involving proximity to vantage points. Nest survival over the chick stage was much higher (0.67) in stock-proof, trimmed and mechanically cut hedgerows, (which tended to provide lower side visibility and accessibility) than in recently laid, remnant or leggy hedgerows (0.18). Long-term reductions in the management of British hedgerows may therefore be exposing nesting songbirds to increased predation risk. We recommend regular rotational cutting of hedgerows to maintain a dense woody structure and thereby reduce songbird nest predation.}, } @article {pmid27785947, year = {2016}, author = {Manna, C and Officioso, A and Trojsi, F and Tedeschi, G and Leoncini, S and Signorini, C and Ciccoli, L and De Felice, C}, title = {Increased non-protein bound iron in Down syndrome: contribution to lipid peroxidation and cognitive decline.}, journal = {Free radical research}, volume = {50}, number = {12}, pages = {1422-1431}, doi = {10.1080/10715762.2016.1253833}, pmid = {27785947}, issn = {1029-2470}, mesh = {Cognitive Dysfunction/*genetics/*metabolism ; Down Syndrome/*complications ; Humans ; Iron/*metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation/*genetics ; Oxidative Stress ; }, abstract = {Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21) is the leading cause of chromosomal-related intellectual disability. At an early age, adults with DS develop with the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, associated with a chronic oxidative stress. To investigate if non-protein bound iron (NPBI) can contribute to building up a pro-oxidative microenvironment, we evaluated NPBI in both plasma and erythrocytes from DS and age-matched controls, together with in vivo markers of lipid peroxidation (F2-isoprostanes, F2-dihomo-isoprostanes, F4-neuroprostanes) and in vitro reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in erythrocytes. The serum iron panel and uric acid were also measured. Second, we explored possible correlation between NPBI, lipid peroxidation and cognitive performance. Here, we report NPBI increase in DS, which correlates with increased serum ferritin and uric acid. High levels of lipid peroxidation markers and intraerythrocyte ROS formations were also reported. Furthermore, the scores of Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, performed as a measure of current cognitive function, are inversely related to NPBI, serum uric acid, and ferritin. Likewise, ROS production, F2-isoprostanes, and F4-neuroprostanes were also inversely related to cognitive performance, whereas serum transferrin positively correlated to RCPM scores. Our data reveal that increased availability of free redox-active iron, associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation, may be involved in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in DS. In this respect, we propose chelation therapy as a potential preventive/therapeutic tool in DS.}, } @article {pmid27709968, year = {2016}, author = {Ostojić, L and Legg, EW and Dits, A and Williams, N and Brecht, KF and Mendl, M and Clayton, NS}, title = {Experimenter expectancy bias does not explain Eurasian jays' (Garrulus glandarius) performance in a desire-state attribution task.}, journal = {Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)}, volume = {130}, number = {4}, pages = {407-410}, doi = {10.1037/com0000043}, pmid = {27709968}, issn = {1939-2087}, mesh = {Animals ; *Bias ; *Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Food ; Male ; *Motivation ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Social Behavior ; Social Perception ; }, abstract = {Male Eurasian jays have been found to adjust the type of food they share with their female partner after seeing her eat 1 type of food to satiety. One interpretation of this behavior is that the male encoded the female's decreased desire for the food she was sated on, and adjusted his behavior accordingly. However, in these studies, the male's actions were scored by experimenters who knew on which food the female was sated. Thus, it is possible that the experimenters' expectations (subconsciously) affected their behavior during tests that, in turn, inadvertently could have influenced the males' actions. Here, we repeated the original test with an experimenter who was blind to the food on which the female was sated. This procedure yielded the same results as the original studies: The male shared food with the female that was in line with her current desire. Thus, our results rule out the possibility that the Eurasian jay males' actions in the food sharing task could be explained by the effects of an experimenter expectancy bias. (PsycINFO Database Record}, } @article {pmid27781155, year = {2016}, author = {Lees, JJ and Dimitriadis, G and Nudds, RL}, title = {The influence of flight style on the aerodynamic properties of avian wings as fixed lifting surfaces.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {e2495}, pmid = {27781155}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {The diversity of wing morphologies in birds reflects their variety of flight styles and the associated aerodynamic and inertial requirements. Although the aerodynamics underlying wing morphology can be informed by aeronautical research, important differences exist between planes and birds. In particular, birds operate at lower, transitional Reynolds numbers than do most aircraft. To date, few quantitative studies have investigated the aerodynamic performance of avian wings as fixed lifting surfaces and none have focused upon the differences between wings from different flight style groups. Dried wings from 10 bird species representing three distinct flight style groups were mounted on a force/torque sensor within a wind tunnel in order to test the hypothesis that wing morphologies associated with different flight styles exhibit different aerodynamic properties. Morphological differences manifested primarily as differences in drag rather than lift. Maximum lift coefficients did not differ between groups, whereas minimum drag coefficients were lowest in undulating flyers (Corvids). The lift to drag ratios were lower than in conventional aerofoils and data from free-flying soaring species; particularly in high frequency, flapping flyers (Anseriformes), which do not rely heavily on glide performance. The results illustrate important aerodynamic differences between the wings of different flight style groups that cannot be explained solely by simple wing-shape measures. Taken at face value, the results also suggest that wing-shape is linked principally to changes in aerodynamic drag, but, of course, it is aerodynamics during flapping and not gliding that is likely to be the primary driver.}, } @article {pmid27779445, year = {2017}, author = {Hirst, RB and Teague, AM and Sodos, LM and Wickham, RE and Whittington, LT and Mills, BM and Earleywine, M}, title = {Determining Cannabis Use Status From a Photograph: An Assessment of the "Jay-dar" in Neuropsychologists.}, journal = {Substance use & misuse}, volume = {52}, number = {3}, pages = {401-410}, doi = {10.1080/10826084.2016.1233564}, pmid = {27779445}, issn = {1532-2491}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Humans ; Male ; Marijuana Abuse/*diagnosis/psychology ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychology ; Photography ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Few studies examining the cognitive effects of chronic cannabis use utilize research designs where examiners are blind to user status. Even in those that do, researchers may be able to guess the user status of participants, leaving these studies vulnerable to the expectancy effect confound.

OBJECTIVES: The present study examined the ability of neuropsychologists (those who would conduct research on the cognitive effects of cannabis) to differentiate cannabis users and nonusers based on physical appearance from photographs.

METHOD: We recruited 84 participants from an international neuropsychology listserv. The sample was 59.5% female and 95.2% Caucasian, with a mean age of 41.39 years (range 26-65). Each neuropsychologist rated 25 target faces (12 cannabis users, 13 nonusers) on a Marijuana Use Likelihood Index based upon individuals' photographs.

RESULTS: Results indicate a main effect of user group, as neuropsychologists ascribed higher ratings to cannabis users on the Marijuana Use Likelihood Index, suggesting they perceive them as more likely to be users, relative to nonusers. Results also demonstrated a main effect of gender, as males received higher user ratings than females, and a significant main effect of rater gender, as female raters were more likely to rate individuals as cannabis users relative to male raters. Conclusions/Importance: The results demonstrate the importance of assessing researchers' expectations when studying the effects of chronic cannabis use, as even those designs that keep examiners blind to participant user status may be vulnerable to expectancy effects if examiners are able to guess user status based upon appearance alone.}, } @article {pmid27776017, year = {2016}, author = {Sheynkin, Y and Baron, P and Schulsinger, D}, title = {Levi Jay Hammond and the First Human Organ Transplantations in 1911.}, journal = {Transplantation}, volume = {100}, number = {11}, pages = {2241-2243}, doi = {10.1097/TP.0000000000001499}, pmid = {27776017}, issn = {1534-6080}, mesh = {Animals ; Biomedical Research/*history ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; Organ Transplantation/*history ; United States ; }, } @article {pmid27718536, year = {2017}, author = {Wagener, L and Nieder, A}, title = {Encoding of global visual motion in the nidopallium caudolaterale of behaving crows.}, journal = {The European journal of neuroscience}, volume = {45}, number = {2}, pages = {267-277}, doi = {10.1111/ejn.13430}, pmid = {27718536}, issn = {1460-9568}, mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; Brain/physiology ; Cognition/*physiology ; Crows ; *Motion ; Motion Perception/*physiology ; Neurons/*physiology ; Photic Stimulation/methods ; Songbirds ; Telencephalon/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Songbirds possess acute vision. How higher brain centres represent basic and parameterised visual stimuli to process sensory signals according to their behavioural importance has not been studied in a systematic way. We therefore examined how carrion crows (Corvus corone) and their nidopallial visual neurons process global visual motion information in dynamic random-dot displays during a delayed match-to-sample (DMS) task. The behavioural data show that moderately fast motion speeds (16° of visual angle/s) result in superior direction discrimination performance. To characterise how neurons encode and maintain task-relevant visual motion information, we recorded the single-unit activity in the telencephalic association area 'nidopallium caudolaterale' (NCL) of behaving crows. The NCL is considered to be the avian analogue of the mammalian prefrontal cortex. Almost a third (28%) of randomly selected NCL neurons responded selectively to the motion direction of the sample stimulus, mostly to downward motions. Only few NCL neurons (7.5%) responded consistently to specific motion directions during the delay period. In error trials, when the crows chose the wrong motion direction, the encoding of motion direction was significantly reduced. This indicates that sensory representations of NCL neurons are relevant to the birds' behaviour. These data suggest that the corvid NCL, even though operating at the apex of the telencephalic processing hierarchy, constitutes a telencephalic site for global motion integration.}, } @article {pmid27669429, year = {2016}, author = {Kiel, JM}, title = {Using Organizational Development for Electronic Medical Record Transformation.}, journal = {The health care manager}, volume = {35}, number = {4}, pages = {305-311}, doi = {10.1097/HCM.0000000000000131}, pmid = {27669429}, issn = {1550-512X}, mesh = {Delivery of Health Care ; Electronic Health Records/*organization & administration ; Humans ; *Models, Organizational ; *Organizational Innovation ; }, abstract = {With mandates requiring the transition from paper medical records to the use of electronic medical records, organizations are embarking on a change process. To engender this process, organizational development models and interventions based predominantly on the theories of Chris Argyris, Warren Bennis, and the team of Paul Lawrence and Jay Lorsch are explored. Interventions are subdivided into behavioral and structural as organizations benefit by recognizing a need for change and, perhaps, a cultural shift in addition to refocusing their mission. To support these interventions, a champion or super user is recommended to maintain the momentum of the transformation and enculturation. With so many changes in the internal and external environments, organizations must respond systematically for, in health care, lives depend on it.}, } @article {pmid26537631, year = {2016}, author = {Kail, RV and Lervåg, A and Hulme, C}, title = {Longitudinal evidence linking processing speed to the development of reasoning.}, journal = {Developmental science}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, pages = {1067-1074}, pmid = {26537631}, issn = {1467-7687}, support = {R01 HD046927/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Child ; Cognition/*physiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Longitudinal Studies ; Memory, Short-Term/*physiology ; Problem Solving/*physiology ; Time Factors ; }, abstract = {Age-related change in processing speed has been linked directly to increases in reasoning as well as indirectly via increases in the capacity of working memory (WM). Most of the evidence linking change in speed to reasoning has come from cross-sectional research; in this article we present the findings from a 2½-year longitudinal study of 277 6- to-13-year-olds. On three occasions, speed of information processing was assessed with Visual Matching and Cross Out; WM was assessed with reading, listening, backward digit, alphabet, and operation span tasks; and nonverbal reasoning was assessed with Raven's progressive matrices. The results provided consistent evidence of direct links from processing speed to reasoning but inconsistent evidence for indirect links from speed to WM to reasoning. These findings suggest that variations in processing speed may constrain the development of reasoning, directly and perhaps indirectly. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/nc0VlFdi468.}, } @article {pmid27757574, year = {2017}, author = {McIntosh, CS and Dadour, IR and Voss, SC}, title = {A comparison of carcass decomposition and associated insect succession onto burnt and unburnt pig carcasses.}, journal = {International journal of legal medicine}, volume = {131}, number = {3}, pages = {835-845}, pmid = {27757574}, issn = {1437-1596}, mesh = {Animals ; Case-Control Studies ; *Coleoptera ; *Cremation ; *Diptera ; Entomology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Forensic Sciences ; *Postmortem Changes ; Swine ; Western Australia ; }, abstract = {The rate of decomposition and insect succession onto decomposing pig carcasses were investigated following burning of carcasses. Ten pig carcasses (40-45 kg) were exposed to insect activity during autumn (March-April) in Western Australia. Five replicates were burnt to a degree described by the Crow-Glassman Scale (CGS) level #2, while five carcasses were left unburnt as controls. Burning carcasses greatly accelerated decomposition in contrast to unburnt carcasses. Physical modifications following burning such as skin discolouration, splitting of abdominal tissue and leathery consolidation of skin eliminated evidence of bloat and altered microambient temperatures associated with carcasses throughout decomposition. Insect species identified on carcasses were consistent between treatment groups; however, a statistically significant difference in insect succession onto remains was evident between treatments (PERMANOVA F (1, 224) = 14.23, p < 0.01) during an 8-day period that corresponds with the wet stage of decomposition. Differences were noted in the arrival time of late colonisers (Coleoptera) and the development of colonising insects between treatment groups. Differences in the duration of decomposition stages and insect assemblages indicate that burning has an effect on both rate of decomposition and insect succession. The findings presented here provide baseline data for entomological casework involving burnt remains criminal investigations.}, } @article {pmid27288106, year = {2016}, author = {Friedman, SG}, title = {Credit where due.}, journal = {Journal of vascular surgery}, volume = {64}, number = {2}, pages = {530-533}, doi = {10.1016/j.jvs.2016.04.033}, pmid = {27288106}, issn = {1097-6809}, mesh = {Biomedical Research/*history ; *Cooperative Behavior ; Correspondence as Topic/history ; History, 20th Century ; Humans ; *Nobel Prize ; Periodicals as Topic/history ; Personality ; Recognition, Psychology ; Vascular Surgical Procedures/*history ; }, abstract = {The history of medicine is filled with stories of tireless researchers who failed to get credit for their hard work. Examples of this include Rosalind Franklin, who helped to elucidate the structure of DNA; Frederick Banting, who helped to discover insulin; and Jay McLean, who discovered heparin. The founding of the field of vascular surgery provides one of the most vivid examples of uncredited work. Even though Alexis Carrel was an unpaid, untitled assistant in Charles Guthrie's laboratory, it was Carrel alone who received a Nobel Prize for their work. In an attempt to give credit where due, the reasons for this injustice are described.}, } @article {pmid27746026, year = {2016}, author = {Chen, N and Cosgrove, EJ and Bowman, R and Fitzpatrick, JW and Clark, AG}, title = {Genomic Consequences of Population Decline in the Endangered Florida Scrub-Jay.}, journal = {Current biology : CB}, volume = {26}, number = {21}, pages = {2974-2979}, pmid = {27746026}, issn = {1879-0445}, support = {R01 GM108779/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Endangered Species ; Florida ; *Gene Flow ; *Genetic Fitness ; *Genome ; *Inbreeding ; Life History Traits ; Phenotype ; Population Dynamics ; Songbirds/*genetics ; }, abstract = {Understanding the population genetic consequences of declining population size is important for conserving the many species worldwide facing severe decline [1]. Thorough empirical studies on the impacts of population reduction at a genome-wide scale in the wild are scarce because they demand huge field and laboratory investments [1, 2]. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of gene flow in introducing genetic variation to small populations [3], but few have documented both genetic and fitness consequences of decreased immigration through time in a natural population [4-6]. Here we assess temporal variation in gene flow, inbreeding, and fitness using longitudinal genomic, demographic, and phenotypic data from a long-studied population of federally Threatened Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens). We exhaustively sampled and genotyped the study population over two decades, providing one of the most detailed longitudinal investigations of genetics in a wild animal population to date. Immigrants were less heterozygous than residents but still introduced genetic variation into our study population. Owing to regional population declines, immigration into the study population declined from 1995-2013, resulting in increased levels of inbreeding and reduced fitness via inbreeding depression, even as the population remained demographically stable. Our results show that, contrary to conventional wisdom, small peripheral populations that already have undergone a genetic bottleneck may play a vital role in preserving genetic diversity of larger and seemingly stable populations. These findings underscore the importance of investing in the persistence of small populations and maintaining population connectivity in conservation of fragmented species.}, } @article {pmid27745723, year = {2018}, author = {Guillod, L and Habersaat, S and Suter, M and Jeanneret, T and Bertoni, C and Stéphan, P and Urben, S}, title = {[Psychological processes of stress management and neuroendocrine regulation in incarcerated adolescent offenders: A pilot study].}, journal = {L'Encephale}, volume = {44}, number = {2}, pages = {111-117}, doi = {10.1016/j.encep.2016.08.012}, pmid = {27745723}, issn = {0013-7006}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Aggression/psychology ; Antisocial Personality Disorder/psychology ; Child ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone/metabolism ; Juvenile Delinquency/*psychology ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Neurosecretory Systems/*metabolism ; Pilot Projects ; Prisoners/*psychology ; *Prisons ; Stress, Psychological/*metabolism/*psychology ; Substance-Related Disorders/complications/psychology ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a stressful period where important biological, psychological and social changes occur. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable during this developmental period and can use various strategies to deal with daily stress, such as substance use or externalizing behaviors. In previous studies, stress in adolescents with externalizing behaviors was often linked to ineffective cognitive coping strategies (i.e., constructive thinking) and overlooking the biological aspects involved in stress management such as neuroendocrine regulation. Indeed, repeated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in chronic stress situations may have long-term effects on subsequent cortisol regulation and lead to psychological difficulties. It was also shown that basal cortisol levels are lower in adolescents with externalizing behaviors. This study aims to assess the links between constructive thinking and neuroendocrine regulation in adolescent offenders and their association with externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression, delinquency, psychopathic traits, substance use). Identifying particular biopsychological patterns can help to better understand stress management in youth with externalizing behaviors and to improve clinical treatments.

METHOD: Sixteen adolescent males aged from 12 to 18 years were recruited in an institution for juvenile offenders. Exclusion criteria were insufficient reasoning abilities assessed using the Raven Matrices Test. Regarding psychological dimensions, constructive thinking was assessed through the Constructive thinking inventory (CTI), psychopathic traits through the Youth psychopathic traits inventory (YPI), externalizing behaviors through 30 items (out of 113) and 2 subscales (aggressive behavior and delinquency problems) from the Child behavior checklist-youth self-report (CBCL), and substance use through the Dep-ado. Regarding biological dimensions, cortisol daily secretion and regulation were assessed through saliva samples that were collected during 3 consecutive days (4 samples per day: directly after awakening, at 10 a.m., at 4 a.m., and before going to bed).

RESULTS: Adolescent offenders presented maladaptative thinking styles and a particular neuroendocrine regulation in their daily management with stress. In particular, their level of cortisol in the morning was higher than those expected in a general population (20.34 nmol/L while the norm is around 10 nmol/L). They also showed more agressive and delinquent behaviors (CBCL) as well as more psychopathic traits (YPI) than the general population. Moreover, constructive thinking style was associated with personality and behavioral dimensions. Indeed, results indicated positive and significant correlations between categorical thinking style (CTI), psychopathic traits (YPI) (r=0.57, P=0.021) and externalizing behaviors (CBCL) (r=0.55, P=0.028). In other words, the more adolescent offenders used categorical thinking, the more they presented psychopathic traits and externalizing behaviors. With respect to the association between psychological and biological dimensions in stress management, we observed a significant and positive correlation between cortisol regulation and esoteric thinking (r=0.57, P=0.028) and a trend with superstitious thinking (r=0.47, P=0.075). The more adolescent offenders used esoteric and superstitious thinking, the poorer was their cortisol regulation. We also observed a trend between the life style scale of the YPI (i.e., impulsive, irresponsible) and the daily secretion of cortisol (r=0.51; P=0.052) as well as cortisol regulation (r=0.49, P=0.065). The more adolescent offenders presented psychopathic traits, the higher tended to be their daily secretion of cortisol and the poorer their cortisol regulation. Finally, cortisol regulation (r=0.54, P=0.038) and secretion (r=0.73, P=0.002) were significantly correlated with the DEP-Ado score. In other words, a poor cortisol regulation and a high secretion of cortisol seem to be associated with substance use.

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent offenders face an important amount of daily stress and do not always have the appropriate skills to deal with it. Indeed, we know from clinical experience that they often report a sense of hopelessness toward their lack of professional perspectives as well as familial conflicts which can be important stressors in addition to the incarceration in itself. Therefore, treatment aiming to improve psychic elaboration can help these adolescents to make their thinking styles more flexible and use more appropriate ways of coping with stress instead of externalizing behaviors and substance use. Moreover, considering the complex cases of these adolescents and the many changes of caregivers and institutions where they have lived, which can be important stressors as well, professionals working with these youth should be aware of their emotional reactions toward them and try to encourage continuity of care.}, } @article {pmid27738852, year = {2019}, author = {Hansen, JA}, title = {Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Hansen Research Services Matrix Adaptive Test: A Measure of Nonverbal IQ.}, journal = {Journal of autism and developmental disorders}, volume = {49}, number = {7}, pages = {2721-2732}, pmid = {27738852}, issn = {1573-3432}, support = {239534//Simons Foundation/ ; }, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence Tests/*standards ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psychometrics/standards ; Reproducibility of Results ; }, abstract = {Assessment of individuals on the autism spectrum often includes a measure of nonverbal IQ. One such measure is the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM). For large research studies with participants distributed nationally it is desirable for assessments to be available online. Because time is a premium, it is ideal that the measure produces accurate scores quickly. The Hansen Research Services Matrix Adaptive Test (HRS-MAT) addresses these needs and with similar psychometric properties of the RSPM. Scores based on the HRS-MAT correlated at r = .81 with those of the RSPM. In adult-child pairs, HRS-MAT scores correlated at approximately r = .50. Details from respondents in a national sample and psychometric properties including reliability and validity are discussed.}, } @article {pmid27738611, year = {2016}, author = {Soleimanifar, S and Jafari, Z and Motasaddi Zarandy, M and Asadi, H and Haghani, H}, title = {Relationship between Intelligence Quotient and Musical Ability in Children with Cochlear Implantation.}, journal = {Iranian journal of otorhinolaryngology}, volume = {28}, number = {88}, pages = {345-352}, pmid = {27738611}, issn = {2251-7251}, abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Children with cochlear implants (CIs) may experience few opportunities for positive musical experiences, and musical perception is therefore often not sufficiently developed. This paper investigates and discusses the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and musical ability in children with CIs compared with children with normal hearing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a comparative analytical study conducted in 48 children with unilateral CI and 48 normal-hearing children, 6-8 years of age, with 'normal' IQ and no formal music training. The average IQ score in the experimental and control groups were 105.41 and 106.31, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected between Raven's IQ scores in both groups. Data were collected by administering Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices IQ Tests and the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Musical Abilities (MBEMA) Test, consisting of scale, contour, interval, rhythm, and memory sections.

RESULTS: Mean total MBEMA score in the experimental and control groups was 58.93 and 72.16 (out of 100), respectively. Significant differences were evident between scores of children with CIs in comparison with their normal-hearing peers (P≤0.001). A remarkable direct correlation between IQ and musical scores in both the control (r≥0.38) and experimental (r≥0.37) groups was observed.

CONCLUSION: IQ has a noticeable effect on music processing and facilitates the perception of various musical elements. With regard to the mutual relationship between IQ and musical skills, this study illustrates the advantage of determining music perception scores and highlights the importance of appropriate musical intervention in order to enhance auditory neural plasticity, especially in children with cochlear implantation.}, } @article {pmid27738383, year = {2016}, author = {Królikowska, N and Szymkowiak, J and Laidlaw, RA and Kuczyński, L}, title = {Threat-sensitive anti-predator defence in precocial wader, the northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus.}, journal = {Acta ethologica}, volume = {19}, number = {3}, pages = {163-171}, pmid = {27738383}, issn = {0873-9749}, abstract = {Birds exhibit various forms of anti-predator behaviours to avoid reproductive failure, with mobbing-observation, approach and usually harassment of a predator-being one of the most commonly observed. Here, we investigate patterns of temporal variation in the mobbing response exhibited by a precocial species, the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). We test whether brood age and self-reliance, or the perceived risk posed by various predators, affect mobbing response of lapwings. We quantified aggressive interactions between lapwings and their natural avian predators and used generalized additive models to test how timing and predator species identity are related to the mobbing response of lapwings. Lapwings diversified mobbing response within the breeding season and depending on predator species. Raven Corvus corax, hooded crow Corvus cornix and harriers evoked the strongest response, while common buzzard Buteo buteo, white stork Ciconia ciconia, black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus and rook Corvus frugilegus were less frequently attacked. Lapwings increased their mobbing response against raven, common buzzard, white stork and rook throughout the breeding season, while defence against hooded crow, harriers and black-headed gull did not exhibit clear temporal patterns. Mobbing behaviour of lapwings apparently constitutes a flexible anti-predator strategy. The anti-predator response depends on predator species, which may suggest that lapwings distinguish between predator types and match mobbing response to the perceived hazard at different stages of the breeding cycle. We conclude that a single species may exhibit various patterns of temporal variation in anti-predator defence, which may correspond with various hypotheses derived from parental investment theory.}, } @article {pmid27736663, year = {2016}, author = {Peviani, V and Scarpa, P and Toraldo, A and Bottini, G}, title = {Accounting for ethnic-cultural and linguistic diversity in neuropsychological assessment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: A retrospective study.}, journal = {Epilepsy & behavior : E&B}, volume = {64}, number = {Pt A}, pages = {94-101}, doi = {10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.09.011}, pmid = {27736663}, issn = {1525-5069}, mesh = {*Acculturation ; Adult ; Cognitive Dysfunction/*diagnosis/*ethnology/etiology ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/complications/*ethnology ; *Emigrants and Immigrants ; Female ; Humans ; Italy/ethnology ; Language Tests/*standards ; Male ; *Multilingualism ; Neuropsychological Tests/*standards ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {Neuropsychological assessment is critical in both diagnosis and prognosis of patients with epilepsy. Beyond electrophysiological and anatomical alterations, other factors including different ethnic-cultural and linguistic backgrounds might affect neuropsychological performance. Only a few studies considered migration and acculturation effects and they typically concerned nonclinical samples. The current study aimed at investigating the influence of ethnic background and time spent in Italy on a full neuropsychological battery administered to both Italian and foreign-born patients and at providing a brief interview for obtaining relevant information on each patient's transcultural and language-related history. Clinical reports from 43 foreign-born patients with drug-resistant epilepsy were collected from the archives of Milan Niguarda Hospital. Epileptogenic zone, age, education, profession, illness duration, seizure frequency, handedness, and gender were considered in selecting 43 Italian controls. Ethnicity (Italian/foreign-born) and years spent in Italy were analyzed as main predictors on 21 neuropsychological scales by means of General(ized) Linear Models. An additional analysis studied two composite scores of overall verbal and nonverbal abilities. Ethnicity significantly affected the following: the verbal overall score, Verbal Fluency, Naming, Token-test, Digit Span, Attentional Matrices, Trail-Making-Test, Line-Orientation-Test, and Raven matrices; no effects were found on the nonverbal overall score, Word Pairs Learning, Episodic Memory, reading accuracy, visual span, Bells test, Rey Figure, and face memory and recognition. No significant effects of years spent in Italy emerged. While years spent in Italy does not predict neuropsychological performance, linguistic background had a strong impact on it. With respect to Italian-speaking patients, those who were foreign-born showed large task-related variability, with an especially low performance on language-related tests. Hence, language tests should not be considered as valid measures of neuropsychological impairment in this population, not even in foreign-born patients with good Italian fluency. Clinicians should consider such asymmetries in order to improve the accuracy of neuropsychological assessment of foreign-born patients.}, } @article {pmid27721395, year = {2016}, author = {Saakian, DB and Yakushkina, T and Hu, CK}, title = {The rich phase structure of a mutator model.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {34840}, pmid = {27721395}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {*Evolution, Molecular ; *Models, Genetic ; *Mutation ; Mutation Rate ; Selection, Genetic ; }, abstract = {We propose a modification of the Crow-Kimura and Eigen models of biological molecular evolution to include a mutator gene that causes both an increase in the mutation rate and a change in the fitness landscape. This mutator effect relates to a wide range of biomedical problems. There are three possible phases: mutator phase, mixed phase and non-selective phase. We calculate the phase structure, the mean fitness and the fraction of the mutator allele in the population, which can be applied to describe cancer development and RNA viruses. We find that depending on the genome length, either the normal or the mutator allele dominates in the mixed phase. We analytically solve the model for a general fitness function. We conclude that the random fitness landscape is an appropriate choice for describing the observed mutator phenomenon in the case of a small fraction of mutators. It is shown that the increase in the mutation rates in the regular and the mutator parts of the genome should be set independently; only some combinations of these increases can push the complex biomedical system to the non-selective phase, potentially related to the eradication of tumors.}, } @article {pmid27709603, year = {2017}, author = {Kennedy, JD and Borregaard, MK and Jønsson, KA and Holt, B and Fjeldså, J and Rahbek, C}, title = {Does the colonization of new biogeographic regions influence the diversification and accumulation of clade richness among the Corvides (Aves: Passeriformes)?.}, journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution}, volume = {71}, number = {1}, pages = {38-50}, doi = {10.1111/evo.13080}, pmid = {27709603}, issn = {1558-5646}, mesh = {Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Biological Evolution ; *Genetic Speciation ; Phylogeny ; Songbirds/classification/genetics/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Regional variation in clade richness can be vast, reflecting differences in the dynamics of historical dispersal and diversification among lineages. Although it has been proposed that dispersal into new biogeographic regions may facilitate diversification, to date there has been limited assessment of the importance of this process in the generation, and maintenance, of broad-scale biodiversity gradients. To address this issue, we analytically derive biogeographic regions for a global radiation of passerine birds (the Corvides, c. 790 species) that are highly variable in the geographic and taxonomic distribution of species. Subsequently, we determine rates of historical dispersal between regions, the dynamics of diversification following regional colonization, and spatial variation in the distribution of species that differ in their rates of lineage diversification. The results of these analyses reveal spatiotemporal differences in the build-up of lineages across regions. The number of regions occupied and the rate of transition between regions both predict family richness well, indicating that the accumulation of high clade richness is associated with repeated expansion into new geographic areas. However, only the largest family (the Corvidae) had significantly heightened rates of both speciation and regional transition, implying that repeated regional colonization is not a general mechanism promoting lineage diversification among the Corvides.}, } @article {pmid27699964, year = {2016}, author = {Sharova, AA}, title = {Comparison of different consensuses of BTXA in different countries.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {15}, number = {4}, pages = {540-548}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12287}, pmid = {27699964}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*administration & dosage ; Consensus ; Europe ; Face ; Humans ; Neuromuscular Agents/*administration & dosage ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Russia ; *Skin Aging ; United States ; }, abstract = {The most international dosing guidelines on the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) drugs support a 1:1 dose relationship between OnaBTXA and IncoBTXA and 1:2.5 between OnaBTXA and AboBTXA. However, different facial zones demonstrate different doses conversion ratios. The comparative analysis of nine consensuses on the use of Abo-, Ona-, and IncoBTXA in the United States, Russia, and Europe has been performed. We conducted a review of publications adopting the key words "botulinum toxin consensus," "botulinum toxin guideline." Information search has been carried out primarily in specialized databases (DB). To find the relevant RCTs and guidelines/consensuses, the following databases were used: PubMed and Medline that were screened up to May 2008. Results regarding dose ratios for OnaBTXA:AboBTXA and IncoBTXA:AboBTXA showed that in most cases it is characterized both by increase and by decrease compared to the ratio of 1:2.5. The mean value of dose ratios OnaBTXA:AboBTXA adopted in the United States is 1:2.8. The ratio IncoBTXA:AboBTXA according to international and Russian data is 1:1.9. There are some differences in clinical approach of BTXA use in certain countries. In Russia, low doses are recommended for "crow's feet" and forehead. The US consensus recommends a higher dosage to correct perioral wrinkles. Despite many years of experience in using BTXA, there is no strict international uniformity of clinical guidelines. The recommended doses for the individual areas of the face may differ in different countries. Therefore, physicians in their practice should be guided not by international consensuses, but prefer a national guidelines.}, } @article {pmid27690192, year = {2017}, author = {Mete, A and Rogers, K and Houston, R}, title = {Systemic Collyriclum faba (Trematoda: Collyriclidae) Infection in a Wild Common Raven (Corvus corax).}, journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases}, volume = {53}, number = {1}, pages = {193-196}, doi = {10.7589/2016-02-032}, pmid = {27690192}, issn = {1943-3700}, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases ; California ; Crows/*parasitology ; Trematoda/*isolation & purification ; Trematode Infections/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {A hatch-year Common Raven (Corvus corax) with subcutaneous and internal pseudocysts, filled with fluid, containing a pair of adult trematodes and numerous eggs consistent with Collyriclum faba, died near a riverbank in California, US. While C. faba is incidental in many Passeriformes, this case was a fatal systemic infection.}, } @article {pmid27688847, year = {2016}, author = {Rahman, NA and Ali, Z and Zuharah, WF and Fadzly, N}, title = {Counting with Colours? Effect of Colours on the Numerical Abilities of House Crows (Corvus splendens) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis).}, journal = {Tropical life sciences research}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {1-12}, pmid = {27688847}, issn = {1985-3718}, abstract = {UNLABELLED: We conducted several aviary experiments to investigate the influence of colours in quantity judgments of two species of birds; house crow (Corvus splendens) and common myna (Acridotheres tristis). Different quantity (in seven different food proportions) of mealworms were presented nonsequentially to all birds using artificially coloured red mealworms, for experiment 1, and using artificially coloured green mealworms, for experiment 2. Both red and green coloured mealworms have no significant effect on house crow's quantity judgments (red:

ANOVA: F6,30 = 1.748, p = 0.144; and green:

ANOVA: F6,30= 1.085, p = 0.394). Common myna, however, showed a strong influence of red colour in their quantity judgment (

ANOVA: F6,30 = 2.922, p = 0.023) as they succeeded in choosing the largest amount of food between two cups, but not when offered food using green coloured mealworms (

ANOVA: F6,30 = 1.183, p = 0.342). In the next experiment, we hypothesised that both house crow and common myna will prefer red coloured food items over green coloured food items, when factors such as the amount of food is equal. We chose to test red and green colours because both colours play an important role in most avian food selections. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the selection of red or green coloured mealworms for both house crows (

ANOVA: F6,30 = 2.310, p = 0.06) and common myna (

ANOVA: F6,30 = 0.823, p = 0.561).}, } @article {pmid27682557, year = {2016}, author = {Bates, J}, title = {Animal magic in tending the sick.}, journal = {Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)}, volume = {31}, number = {5}, pages = {31}, doi = {10.7748/ns.31.5.31.s33}, pmid = {27682557}, issn = {2047-9018}, mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; Humans ; *Magic ; Pets/*psychology ; United Kingdom ; }, abstract = {Most people are given grapes or flowers when they are ill. My friend got a dead magpie from her moggie Fergus.}, } @article {pmid27680089, year = {2017}, author = {Cassimiro, L and Fuentes, D and Nitrini, R and Yassuda, MS}, title = {Decision-making in Cognitively Unimpaired Illiterate and Low-educated Older Women: Results on the Iowa Gambling Task.}, journal = {Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists}, volume = {32}, number = {1}, pages = {71-80}, doi = {10.1093/arclin/acw080}, pmid = {27680089}, issn = {1873-5843}, mesh = {Aged ; Aging/*psychology ; Brazil ; Cognition ; *Decision Making ; *Educational Status ; Female ; Gambling/psychology ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; *Neuropsychological Tests ; Portugal/ethnology ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the pattern of decision-making (DM) on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in a sample of Portuguese speaking healthy older women in Brazil with limited education: illiterate, 1-2 years, and 3-4 years of schooling.

METHODS: Around 164 non-demented community-dwelling women participated in the study. Among them 60 were illiterate, 52 had 1-2 years of schooling and 52 had 3-4 years of schooling. Participants completed the instruments: Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal Fluency Test (animal category), Clock Drawing Test, Geriatric Depression Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Digit Span Forward and Backward, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and IGT.

RESULTS: The three education groups were equivalent as to age, number of diseases, medications taken daily, depression, and anxiety symptoms. In the IGT the literate older adults made more advantageous choices than the illiterate and IGT performance improved linearly with higher levels of education. IGT performance correlated significantly with all cognitive test scores with the exception of the memorization of the pictures on the BCSB.

CONCLUSION: The results suggested that education influences IGT performance, with worse scores among the illiterate. Results may be used by clinicians to interpret IGT performance among seniors with low literacy levels.}, } @article {pmid27677399, year = {2017}, author = {Scofield, RP and Mitchell, KJ and Wood, JR and De Pietri, VL and Jarvie, S and Llamas, B and Cooper, A}, title = {The origin and phylogenetic relationships of the New Zealand ravens.}, journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution}, volume = {106}, number = {}, pages = {136-143}, doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2016.09.022}, pmid = {27677399}, issn = {1095-9513}, mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Biological Evolution ; Crows/*classification/genetics ; Cytochromes b/classification/genetics/metabolism ; DNA/chemistry/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Fossils ; New Zealand ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Skull/anatomy & histology ; }, abstract = {The relationships of the extinct New Zealand ravens (Corvus spp.) are poorly understood. We sequenced the mitogenomes of the two currently recognised species and found they were sister-taxa to a clade comprising the Australian raven, little raven, and forest raven (C.coronoides, C. mellori and C. tasmanicus respectively). The divergence between the New Zealand ravens and Australian raven clade occurred in the latest Pliocene, which coincides with the onset of glacial deforestation. We also found that the divergence between the two putative New Zealand species C. antipodum and C. moriorum probably occurred in the late Pleistocene making their separation as species untenable. Consequently, we consider Corax antipodum (Forbes, 1893) to be a subspecies of Corvus moriorum Forbes, 1892. We re-examine the osteological evidence that led 19th century researchers to assign the New Zealand taxa to a separate genus, and re-assess these features in light of our new phylogenetic hypotheses. Like previous researchers, we conclude that the morphology of the palate of C. moriorum is unique among the genus Corvus, and suggest this may be an adaptation for a specialist diet.}, } @article {pmid27672510, year = {2016}, author = {Maslo, B and Schlacher, TA and Weston, MA and Huijbers, CM and Anderson, C and Gilby, BL and Olds, AD and Connolly, RM and Schoeman, DS}, title = {Regional drivers of clutch loss reveal important trade-offs for beach-nesting birds.}, journal = {PeerJ}, volume = {4}, number = {}, pages = {e2460}, pmid = {27672510}, issn = {2167-8359}, abstract = {Coastal birds are critical ecosystem constituents on sandy shores, yet are threatened by depressed reproductive success resulting from direct and indirect anthropogenic and natural pressures. Few studies examine clutch fate across the wide range of environments experienced by birds; instead, most focus at the small site scale. We examine survival of model shorebird clutches as an index of true clutch survival at a regional scale (∼200 km), encompassing a variety of geomorphologies, predator communities, and human use regimes in southeast Queensland, Australia. Of the 132 model nests deployed and monitored with cameras, 45 (34%) survived the experimental exposure period. Thirty-five (27%) were lost to flooding, 32 (24%) were depredated, nine (7%) buried by sand, seven (5%) destroyed by people, three (2%) failed by unknown causes, and one (1%) was destroyed by a dog. Clutch fate differed substantially among regions, particularly with respect to losses from flooding and predation. 'Topographic' exposure was the main driver of mortality of nests placed close to the drift line near the base of dunes, which were lost to waves (particularly during storms) and to a lesser extent depredation. Predators determined the fate of clutches not lost to waves, with the depredation probability largely influenced by region. Depredation probability declined as nests were backed by higher dunes and were placed closer to vegetation. This study emphasizes the scale at which clutch fate and survival varies within a regional context, the prominence of corvids as egg predators, the significant role of flooding as a source of nest loss, and the multiple trade-offs faced by beach-nesting birds and those that manage them.}, } @article {pmid27668272, year = {2016}, author = {McKay, HS and Bream, JH and Margolick, JB and Martínez-Maza, O and Magpantay, LI and Phair, JP and Rinaldo, CR and Abraham, AG and Jacobson, LP}, title = {Data on serologic inflammatory biomarkers assessed using multiplex assays and host characteristics in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS).}, journal = {Data in brief}, volume = {9}, number = {}, pages = {262-270}, pmid = {27668272}, issn = {2352-3409}, support = {U01 AI035042/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI035041/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI035043/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI035043/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI068613/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI035040/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI035039/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, abstract = {This article contains data on the associations between fixed and modifiable host characteristics and twenty-three biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation measured longitudinally in a cohort of 250 HIV-uninfected men from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (1984-2009) after adjusting for age, study site, and blood draw time of day using generalized gamma regression. This article also presents associations between each biomarker and each host characteristic in a sample restricted to 2001-2009. These data are supplemental to our original research article entitled "Host factors associated with serologic inflammatory markers assessed using multiplex assays" (McKay, S. Heather, Bream, H. Jay, Margolick, B. Joseph, Martínez-Maza, Otoniel, Phair, P. John, Rinaldo, R. Charles, Abraham, G. Alison, L.P. Jacobson, 2016) [1].}, } @article {pmid27661428, year = {2016}, author = {Jagdeo, J and Keaney, T and Narurkar, V and Kolodziejczyk, J and Gallagher, CJ}, title = {Facial Treatment Preferences Among Aesthetically Oriented Men.}, journal = {Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]}, volume = {42}, number = {10}, pages = {1155-1163}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000000876}, pmid = {27661428}, issn = {1524-4725}, mesh = {Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Choice Behavior ; *Cosmetic Techniques ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; *Esthetics ; *Face ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rejuvenation ; *Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data describing male attitudes toward age-related changes to their facial features and associated preferences for prioritizing treatment.

METHODS: Injectable-naive but aesthetically oriented men aged 30 to 65 participated in an online study (N = 600). Respondents indicated how concerned they were by the appearance of 15 age-related facial features, and the Maximum Difference scaling system was used to explore which features were most likely to be prioritized for treatment. The correlation between the features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority was assessed. Other aspects regarding the male perspective on aesthetic procedures, such as awareness, motivating factors, and barriers, also were explored.

RESULTS: Crow's feet and tear troughs were rated as the most likely to be treated first (80% of first preferences) followed by forehead lines (74%), double chin (70%), and glabellar lines (60%). The areas of most concern in order were tear troughs, double chin, crow's feet, and forehead lines. There was a strong correlation between the features of most concern and the areas of treatment priority (r = 0.81).

CONCLUSION: The periorbital areas, in particular crow's feet and tear troughs, are of most concern and likely to be prioritized for treatment among aesthetically oriented men.}, } @article {pmid27658204, year = {2016}, author = {Eimes, JA and Lee, SI and Townsend, AK and Jablonski, P and Nishiumi, I and Satta, Y}, title = {Early Duplication of a Single MHC IIB Locus Prior to the Passerine Radiations.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {9}, pages = {e0163456}, pmid = {27658204}, issn = {1932-6203}, abstract = {A key characteristic of MHC genes is the persistence of allelic lineages over macroevolutionary periods, often through multiple speciation events. This phenomenon, known as trans-species polymorphism (TSP), is well documented in several major taxonomic groups, but has less frequently been observed in birds. The order Passeriformes is arguably the most successful terrestrial vertebrate order in terms of diversity of species and ecological range, but the reasons for this success remain unclear. Passerines exhibit the most highly duplicated MHC genes of any major vertebrate taxonomic group, which may generate increased immune response relative to other avian orders with fewer MHC loci. Here, we describe phylogenetic patterns of the MHC IIB in the passerine family Corvidae. Our results indicate wide-spread TSP within this family, with at least four supported MHC IIB allelic lineages that predate speciation by many millions of years. Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations indicate that divergence of these lineages occurred near the time of the divergence of the Passeriformes and other avian orders. We suggest that the current MHC diversity observed in passerines is due in part to the multiple duplication of a single MHC locus, DAB1, early in passerine evolution and that subsequent duplications of these paralogues have contributed to the enormous success of this order by increasing their ability to recognize and mount immune responses to novel pathogens.}, } @article {pmid27655157, year = {2017}, author = {De Carolis, A and Cipollini, V and Donato, N and Sepe-Monti, M and Orzi, F and Giubilei, F}, title = {Cognitive profiles in degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology and small vessel vascular dementia.}, journal = {Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology}, volume = {38}, number = {1}, pages = {101-107}, pmid = {27655157}, issn = {1590-3478}, mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cognition/*physiology ; Dementia/pathology/*psychology ; Dementia, Vascular/pathology/*psychology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/pathology/*psychology ; Neuropsychological Tests ; }, abstract = {Although a large number of studies have examined possible differences in cognitive performance between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), the data in the literature are conflicting. The aims of this study were to analyze the neuropsychological pattern of subjects affected by degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology (DD) and small vessel VaD subjects in the early stages and to investigate differences in the progression of cognitive impairment. Seventy-five patients with probable VaD and 75 patients with probable DD were included. All the subjects underwent a standard neuropsychological evaluation, including the following test: Visual Search, Attentional matrices, Story Recall, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, Phonological and Semantic Verbal Fluency, Token, and Copying Drawings. The severity of cognitive impairment was stratified according to the MMSE score. Fifteen subjects with probable DD and 10 subjects with probable VaD underwent a 12-month cognitive re-evaluation. No significant difference was found between DD and VaD subjects in any of the neuropsychological tests except Story Recall in the mild cognitive impairment (P < 0.001). The re-test value was significantly worse than the baseline value in the MMSE (P = 0.037), Corsi (P = 0.041), Story Recall (P = 0.032), Phonological Verbal Fluency (P = 0.02), and Copying Drawings (P = 0.043) in DD patients and in the Visual Search test (P = 0.036) in VaD subjects. These results suggest that a neuropsychological evaluation might help to differentiate degenerative dementia without evidence of small vessel pathology from small vessel VaD in the early stages of these diseases.}, } @article {pmid27644481, year = {2016}, author = {Haapala, EA and Viitasalo, A and Venäläinen, T and Eloranta, AM and Ågren, J and Lindi, V and Lakka, TA}, title = {Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids are directly associated with cognition in overweight children but not in normal weight children.}, journal = {Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)}, volume = {105}, number = {12}, pages = {1502-1507}, doi = {10.1111/apa.13596}, pmid = {27644481}, issn = {1651-2227}, mesh = {Case-Control Studies ; Child ; *Cognition ; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/*blood ; Humans ; Overweight/*blood/psychology ; }, abstract = {AIM: Polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential nutrients for the normal development of the brain. We investigated the associations between plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognition in normal weight and overweight children.

METHODS: The study recruited 386 normal weight children and 58 overweight children aged six to eight years and blood samples were drawn after a 12-hour fast. We assessed plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids using gas chromatography, cognition using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, and overweight and obesity using the age-specific and sex-specific cut-offs from the International Obesity Task Force. The data were analysed by linear regression analyses adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS: Higher proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid in plasma triacylglycerols (β = 0.311, p = 0.020, p = 0.029 for interaction) and docosahexaenoic acid in plasma triacylglycerols (β = 0.281, p = 0.038, p = 0.049 for interaction) were both associated with higher Raven's scores in overweight children but not in normal weight children. Higher eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratios in triacylglycerols (β = 0.317, p = 0.019) and phospholipids (β = 0.273, p = 0.046) were directly associated with the Raven's score in overweight children but not in normal weight children.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that increasing the consumption of fish and other sources of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid may improve cognition among overweight children.}, } @article {pmid27639565, year = {2016}, author = {van Horik, JO and Emery, NJ}, title = {Transfer of physical understanding in a non-tool-using parrot.}, journal = {Animal cognition}, volume = {19}, number = {6}, pages = {1195-1203}, pmid = {27639565}, issn = {1435-9456}, mesh = {Animals ; Cognition ; *Comprehension ; Cues ; *Parrots ; Passeriformes ; }, abstract = {Physical cognition has generally been assessed in tool-using species that possess a relatively large brain size, such as corvids and apes. Parrots, like corvids and apes, also have large relative brain sizes, yet although parrots rarely use tools in the wild, growing evidence suggests comparable performances on physical cognition tasks. It is, however, unclear whether success on such tasks is facilitated by previous experience and training procedures. We therefore investigated physical comprehension of object relationships in two non-tool-using species of captive neotropical parrots on a new means-end paradigm, the Trap-Gaps task, using unfamiliar materials and modified training procedures that precluded procedural cues. Red-shouldered macaws (Diopsittaca nobilis) and black-headed caiques (Pionites melanocephala) were presented with an initial task that required them to discriminate between pulling food trays through gaps while attending to the respective width of the gaps and size of the trays. Subjects were then presented with a novel, but functionally equivalent, transfer task. Six of eight birds solved the initial task through trial-and-error learning. Four of these six birds solved the transfer task, with one caique demonstrating spontaneous comprehension. These findings suggest that non-tool-using parrots may possess capacities for sophisticated physical cognition by generalising previously learned rules across novel problems.}, } @article {pmid27637722, year = {2017}, author = {Ogino, T and Hanafusa, K and Morooka, T and Takeuchi, A and Oka, M and Ohtsuka, Y}, title = {Predicting the reading skill of Japanese children.}, journal = {Brain & development}, volume = {39}, number = {2}, pages = {112-121}, doi = {10.1016/j.braindev.2016.08.006}, pmid = {27637722}, issn = {1872-7131}, mesh = {Child ; *Child Language ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Japan ; Language Tests ; Male ; Memory, Short-Term ; *Reading ; Speech Perception ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To clarify cognitive processes underlining the development of reading in children speaking Japanese as their first language, we examined relationships between performances of cognitive tasks in the preschool period and later reading abilities.

METHODS: Ninety-one normally developing preschoolers (41 girls and 50 boys; 5years 4months to 6years 4months, mean 5years 10months) participated as subjects. We conducted seven cognitive tasks including phonological awareness tasks, naming tasks, and working memory tasks in the preschool period. In terms of reading tasks, the hiragana naming task was administered in the preschool period; the reading times, which is a composite score of the monomoraic syllable reading task, the word and the non-word reading tasks, and the single sentence reading task, was evaluated in first and second grade; and the kanji reading task (naming task) was tested in second grade. Raven's colored progressive matrices and picture vocabulary test revised were also conducted in first grade. Correlation analyses between task scores and stepwise multiple regression analyses were implemented.

RESULTS: Tasks tapping phonological awareness, lexical access, and verbal working memory showed significant correlations with reading tasks. In the multiple regression analyses the performances in the verbal working memory task played a key role in predicting character naming task scores (the hiragana naming task and the kanji reading task) while the digit naming task was an important predictor of reading times. Unexpectedly, the role of phonological (mora) awareness was modest among children speaking Japanese.

CONCLUSION: Cognitive functions including phonological awareness, digit naming, and verbal working memory (especially the latter two) were involved in the development of reading skills of children speaking Japanese.}, } @article {pmid27637174, year = {2017}, author = {Phothong, W and Wanitphakdeedecha, R and Keskool, P and Manuskiatti, W}, title = {A case of dysphagia following botulinum toxin injection for neck rejuvenation.}, journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology}, volume = {16}, number = {1}, pages = {15-17}, doi = {10.1111/jocd.12288}, pmid = {27637174}, issn = {1473-2165}, mesh = {Botulinum Toxins, Type A/*adverse effects ; Deglutition Disorders/*chemically induced ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; Neuromuscular Agents/*adverse effects ; Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging ; }, abstract = {Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is now extensively employed for cosmetic concerns. Upper face rejuvenation, including glabella frown lines and crow's feet lines, received FDA approval for cosmetic uses. However, other off-label uses for lower face conditions have been employed for texture and contouring purposes, including masseter hypertrophy and vertical banding of the neck. BTX-A for rejuvenation of the aging neck is an effective and popular treatment with high patient satisfaction rates. Alleviating the aging appearance of the neck by BTX-A is the result of denervation of hyperkinetic platysma. Concerning an extensive area of treatment and the relationship of treated muscles with other nearby muscles, dermatologists should be aware of potential adverse effects of the BTX-A injection. We herein present a case of dysphagia following botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of platysma bands.}, } @article {pmid27631734, year = {2016}, author = {Furtado, K and Banks, KH}, title = {A Research Agenda for Racial Equity: Applications of the Ferguson Commission Report to Public Health.}, journal = {American journal of public health}, volume = {106}, number = {11}, pages = {1926-1931}, pmid = {27631734}, issn = {1541-0048}, mesh = {*Health Policy ; Health Status Disparities ; Human Rights ; Humans ; Law Enforcement/methods ; *Public Health ; *Racism ; *Residence Characteristics ; Schools/organization & administration ; *Social Justice ; }, abstract = {The Ferguson Commission was an independent body of 16 commissioners in operation from November 2014 to December 2015 and appointed by Missouri governor Jay Nixon to examine the root causes underlying the death of Michael Brown Jr. Its report, "Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity," raises many issues on racial equity that public health is well suited to address, such as trends in police use of force, the health implications of the school-based discipline gap, and the health benefits of a coordinated housing strategy. Public health can also learn from the principles the commission adopted, including being unflinching in the questions asked and conclusions drawn, applying a racial equity lens to public health work, and moving beyond programmatic solutions to policy solutions.}, } @article {pmid27629645, year = {2016}, author = {Rutz, C and Klump, BC and Komarczyk, L and Leighton, R and Kramer, J and Wischnewski, S and Sugasawa, S and Morrissey, MB and James, R and St Clair, JJ and Switzer, RA and Masuda, BM}, title = {Discovery of species-wide tool use in the Hawaiian crow.}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {537}, number = {7620}, pages = {403-407}, pmid = {27629645}, issn = {1476-4687}, mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Animals, Zoo/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Cognition ; Crows/classification/*physiology ; Female ; Hawaii ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; *Tool Use Behavior ; }, abstract = {Only a handful of bird species are known to use foraging tools in the wild. Amongst them, the New Caledonian crow (Corvus moneduloides) stands out with its sophisticated tool-making skills. Despite considerable speculation, the evolutionary origins of this species' remarkable tool behaviour remain largely unknown, not least because no naturally tool-using congeners have yet been identified that would enable informative comparisons. Here we show that another tropical corvid, the 'Alalā (C. hawaiiensis; Hawaiian crow), is a highly dexterous tool user. Although the 'Alalā became extinct in the wild in the early 2000s, and currently survives only in captivity, at least two lines of evidence suggest that tool use is part of the species' natural behavioural repertoire: juveniles develop functional tool use without training, or social input from adults; and proficient tool use is a species-wide capacity. 'Alalā and New Caledonian crows evolved in similar environments on remote tropical islands, yet are only distantly related, suggesting that their technical abilities arose convergently. This supports the idea that avian foraging tool use is facilitated by ecological conditions typical of islands, such as reduced competition for embedded prey and low predation risk. Our discovery creates exciting opportunities for comparative research on multiple tool-using and non-tool-using corvid species. Such work will in turn pave the way for replicated cross-taxonomic comparisons with the primate lineage, enabling valuable insights into the evolutionary origins of tool-using behaviour.}, } @article {pmid27602972, year = {2016}, author = {Draelos, ZD and Kononov, T and Fox, T}, title = {An Open Label Clinical Trial of a Peptide Treatment Serum and Supporting Regimen Designed to Improve the Appearance of Aging Facial Skin.}, journal = {Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD}, volume = {15}, number = {9}, pages = {1100-1106}, pmid = {27602972}, issn = {1545-9616}, mesh = {Administration, Topical ; Adult ; *Face/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Peptide Fragments/*administration & dosage ; *Self-Assessment ; Skin Aging/*drug effects/pathology ; Skin Cream/*administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/*administration & dosage ; }, abstract = {A 14-week single-center clinical usage study was conducted to test the efficacy of a peptide treatment serum and supporting skincare regimen in 29 women with mild to moderately photodamaged facial skin. The peptide treatment serum contained gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and various peptides with neurotransmitter inhibiting and cell signaling properties. It was hypothesized that the peptide treatment serum would ameliorate eye and facial expression lines including crow's feet and forehead lines. The efficacy of the supporting skincare regimen was also evaluated. An expert investigator examined the subjects at rest and at maximum smile. Additionally, the subjects completed self-assessment questionnaires. At week 14, the expert investigator found a statistically significant improvement in facial lines, facial wrinkles, eye lines, and eye wrinkles at rest when compared to baseline results. The expert investigator also found statistically significant improvement at week 14 in facial lines, eye lines, and eye wrinkles when compared to baseline results at maximum smile. In addition, there was continued highly statistically significant improvement in smoothness, softness, firmness, radiance, luminosity, and overall appearance at rest when compared to baseline results at the 14-week time point. The test regimen was well perceived by the subjects for efficacy and product attributes. The products were well tolerated with no adverse events.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(9):1100-1106.}, } @article {pmid27584142, year = {2017}, author = {de Oliveira, RT and Felippe, LA and Bucken Gobbi, LT and Barbieri, FA and Christofoletti, G}, title = {Benefits of Exercise on the Executive Functions in People with Parkinson Disease: A Controlled Clinical Trial.}, journal = {American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation}, volume = {96}, number = {5}, pages = {301-306}, doi = {10.1097/PHM.0000000000000612}, pmid = {27584142}, issn = {1537-7385}, mesh = {Aged ; *Executive Function ; *Exercise ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease/*rehabilitation ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: We have made a 3-arm trial (group vs. individual exercise vs. no treatment) to test the effects of a 6-month exercise program upon the executive functions in participants with Parkinson disease.

METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated in 3 groups and undertook individualized exercises (G1, n = 8), group exercises (G2, n = 8), or monitoring (G3, n = 8). Executive functions were evaluated by means of the Wisconsin card sorting test and the Raven colored matrices, both assessed at the beginning of the program and after 6 months. The statistical analyses consisted of the application of repeated measurement tests, with a significant level of 5%.

RESULTS: The findings showed similar behavior of groups in terms of the Wisconsin card sorting test (P = 0.792), reporting no benefit of the program on such instrument. Differently, Raven colored matrices evidenced a significant benefit provided by the intervention (P = 0.032). Compared with the control group, individuals from G1 had a substantial improvement on executive functions (P = 0.031) and from G2 had a trend of significance (P = 0.072).

CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show that 6 months of exercise improved some aspects of executive functions when compared with control peers. Individual therapy seems to have a more prominent improvement than group therapy.}, } @article {pmid27573634, year = {2016}, author = {Kuong, K and Fiorentino, M and Perignon, M and Chamnan, C and Berger, J and Sinuon, M and Molyden, V and Burja, K and Parker, M and Ly, SC and Friis, H and Roos, N and Wieringa, FT}, title = {Cognitive Performance and Iron Status are Negatively Associated with Hookworm Infection in Cambodian Schoolchildren.}, journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene}, volume = {95}, number = {4}, pages = {856-863}, pmid = {27573634}, issn = {1476-1645}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/complications/metabolism/*psychology ; Ascariasis/complications/metabolism/psychology ; Cambodia ; Child ; *Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/complications/metabolism/*psychology ; Coinfection ; Female ; Ferritins/*metabolism ; Hemoglobins/metabolism ; Hookworm Infections/complications/metabolism/*psychology ; Humans ; Iron/*metabolism ; Iron Deficiencies ; Linear Models ; Male ; Receptors, Transferrin/*metabolism ; Severity of Illness Index ; Social Class ; Taeniasis/complications/metabolism/psychology ; Trichuriasis/complications/metabolism/psychology ; Vitamin A/metabolism ; Zinc/metabolism ; }, abstract = {Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection has been associated with lower cognitive performance of schoolchildren. To identify pathways through which STH infection might affect school performance, baseline data from a large rice-fortification trial in Cambodian schoolchildren were used to investigate associations between STH infection, micronutrient status, anemia, and cognitive performance. Complete data on anthropometry, cognitive performance, and micronutrient status were available for 1,760 schoolchildren, 6-16 years of age. STH infection was identified using Kato-Katz, whereas cognitive performance was assessed using Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), block design, and picture completion. STH infection was found in 18% of the children; almost exclusively hookwork infection. After adjusting for age and gender, raw cognitive test scores were significantly lower in hookworm-infected children (-0.65; -0.78; -2.03 points for picture completion, RCPM, and block design, respectively; P < 0.05 for all). Hookworm infection was associated with iron status (total body iron), but not with vitamin A and zinc status, nor with inflammation or anthropometry. Body iron was negatively associated with increased intensity of hookworm infection (R = 0.22, P < 0.001). Hookworm infection in Cambodian schoolchildren was associated with lower cognitive performance, an effect most likely mediated through lower body iron. Interventions that are more effective against hookworm infection are needed to contribute to better health and improvement of cognitive performance.}, } @article {pmid27559324, year = {2016}, author = {Hanaki, N and Jacquemet, N and Luchini, S and Zylbersztejn, A}, title = {Fluid Intelligence and Cognitive Reflection in a Strategic Environment: Evidence from Dominance-Solvable Games.}, journal = {Frontiers in psychology}, volume = {7}, number = {}, pages = {1188}, pmid = {27559324}, issn = {1664-1078}, abstract = {Dominance solvability is one of the most straightforward solution concepts in game theory. It is based on two principles: dominance (according to which players always use their dominant strategy) and iterated dominance (according to which players always act as if others apply the principle of dominance). However, existing experimental evidence questions the empirical accuracy of dominance solvability. In this study, we study the relationships between the key facets of dominance solvability and two cognitive skills, cognitive reflection, and fluid intelligence. We provide evidence that the behaviors in accordance with dominance and one-step iterated dominance are both predicted by one's fluid intelligence rather than cognitive reflection. Individual cognitive skills, however, only explain a small fraction of the observed failure of dominance solvability. The accuracy of theoretical predictions on strategic decision making thus not only depends on individual cognitive characteristics, but also, perhaps more importantly, on the decision making environment itself.}, } @article {pmid27558865, year = {2017}, author = {Dolar Bilge, A and Sadigov, F and Salar-Gomceli, S}, title = {Sixth nerve palsy following botulinum toxin injection for facial rejuvenation.}, journal = {Cutaneous and ocular toxicology}, volume = {36}, number = {2}, pages = {193-194}, doi = {10.1080/15569527.2016.1227989}, pmid = {27558865}, issn = {1556-9535}, mesh = {Abducens Nerve Diseases/*chemically induced ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage/*adverse effects ; Cosmetic Techniques/*adverse effects ; Face/innervation ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intramuscular/adverse effects ; Injections, Subcutaneous ; Medication Errors/*adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Neuromuscular Agents/administration & dosage/*adverse effects ; Prospective Studies ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *Rejuvenation ; Skin Aging/*drug effects ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin A (BTX) has been widely used for a variety of facial esthetic procedures within the last couple of decades. Efficacy and safety of BTX for facial rejuvenation has been extensively studied in multiple randomized prospective controlled trials. Focal weakness is among the most commonly reported adverse effects. Adverse reactions tend to occur most commonly due to errors in dosing formulation and errors with the techniques of the application. No serious long-term complications have been reported.

MAIN OBSERVATION: We present the case of a 52-year-old female presenting with diplopia one week following the injection of BTX for facial rejuvenation at glabella, forehead and crow's feet areas.

CONCLUSIONS: Injection of BTX adjacent to periorbital area may be associated with extra-ocular muscle paralysis.}, } @article {pmid27548738, year = {2016}, author = {Dietrich, EA and Langevin, SA and Huang, CY and Maharaj, PD and Delorey, MJ and Bowen, RA and Kinney, RM and Brault, AC}, title = {West Nile Virus Temperature Sensitivity and Avian Virulence Are Modulated by NS1-2B Polymorphisms.}, journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases}, volume = {10}, number = {8}, pages = {e0004938}, pmid = {27548738}, issn = {1935-2735}, support = {R01 AI061822/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CI000235/CI/NCPDCID CDC HHS/United States ; U54 AI065359/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; }, mesh = {Animals ; Bird Diseases/virology ; Birds/*virology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Mutation ; North America/epidemiology ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Temperature ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/*genetics ; Viremia ; Virulence/genetics ; Virus Replication ; West Nile Fever/epidemiology/virology ; West Nile virus/*genetics/*pathogenicity/physiology ; }, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV) replicates in a wide variety of avian species, which serve as reservoir and amplification hosts. WNV strains isolated in North America, such as the prototype strain NY99, elicit a highly pathogenic response in certain avian species, notably American crows (AMCRs; Corvus brachyrhynchos). In contrast, a closely related strain, KN3829, isolated in Kenya, exhibits a low viremic response with limited mortality in AMCRs. Previous work has associated the difference in pathogenicity primarily with a single amino acid mutation at position 249 in the helicase domain of the NS3 protein. The NY99 strain encodes a proline residue at this position, while KN3829 encodes a threonine. Introduction of an NS3-T249P mutation in the KN3829 genetic background significantly increased virulence and mortality; however, peak viremia and mortality were lower than those of NY99. In order to elucidate the viral genetic basis for phenotype variations exclusive of the NS3-249 polymorphism, chimeric NY99/KN3829 viruses were created. We show herein that differences in the NS1-2B region contribute to avian pathogenicity in a manner that is independent of and additive with the NS3-249 mutation. Additionally, NS1-2B residues were found to alter temperature sensitivity when grown in avian cells.}, } @article {pmid27546698, year = {2016}, author = {Furdova, A and Horkovicova, K and Justusova, P and Sramka, M}, title = {Is it sufficient to repeat LINEAR accelerator stereotactic radiosurgery in choroidal melanoma?.}, journal = {Bratislavske lekarske listy}, volume = {117}, number = {8}, pages = {456-462}, doi = {10.4149/bll_2016_089}, pmid = {27546698}, issn = {0006-9248}, mesh = {Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Choroid Neoplasms/pathology/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Melanoma/pathology/*surgery ; Middle Aged ; Optic Nerve ; *Particle Accelerators ; Radiosurgery/*methods ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Burden ; Uveal Neoplasms/pathology/*surgery ; Uveal Melanoma ; }, abstract = {OBJECTIVES: One day session LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) at LINAC accelerator is a method of "conservative" attitude to treat the intraocular malignant uveal melanoma.

METHODS: We used model Clinac 600 C/D Varian (system Aria, planning system Corvus version 6.2 verification IMRT OmniPro) with 6 MeV X by rigid immobilization of the eye to the Leibinger frame. The stereotactic treatment planning after fusion of CT and MRI was optimized according to the critical structures (lens, optic nerve, also lens and optic nerve at the contralateral side, chiasm). The first plan was compared and the best plan was applied for therapy at C LINAC accelerator. The planned therapeutic dose was 35.0 Gy by 99 % of DVH (dose volume histogram).

RESULTS: In our clinical study in the group of 125 patients with posterior uveal melanoma treated with SRS, in 2 patients (1.6 %) was repeated SRS indicated. Patient age of the whole group ranged from 25 to 81 years with a median of 54 TD was 35.0 Gy. In 2 patients after 5 year interval after stereotactic radiosurgery for uveal melanoma stage T1, the tumor volume increased to 50 % of the primary tumor volume and repeated SRS was necessary.

CONCLUSION: To find out the changes in melanoma characteristics after SRS in long term interval after irradiation is necessary to follow up the patient by an ophthalmologist regularly. One step LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery with a single dose 35.0 Gy is one of treatment options to treat T1 to T3 stage posterior uveal melanoma and to preserve the eye globe. In some cases it is possible to repeat the SRS after more than 5 year interval (Fig. 8, Ref. 23).}, } @article {pmid27546381, year = {2016}, author = {Tella, JL and Dénes, FV and Zulian, V and Prestes, NP and Martínez, J and Blanco, G and Hiraldo, F}, title = {Endangered plant-parrot mutualisms: seed tolerance to predation makes parrots pervasive dispersers of the Parana pine.}, journal = {Scientific reports}, volume = {6}, number = {}, pages = {31709}, pmid = {27546381}, issn = {2045-2322}, mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Ecosystem ; Endangered Species ; Feeding Behavior/physiology ; Geography ; Parrots/*physiology ; Pinus/*physiology ; *Seed Dispersal ; Seeds/*physiology ; }, abstract = {Parrots are largely considered plant antagonists as they usually destroy the seeds they feed on. However, there is evidence that parrots may also act as seed dispersers. We evaluated the dual role of parrots as predators and dispersers of the Critically Endangered Parana pine (Araucaria angustifolia). Eight of nine parrot species predated seeds from 48% of 526 Parana pines surveyed. Observations of the commonest parrot indicated that 22.5% of the picked seeds were dispersed by carrying them in their beaks. Another five parrot species dispersed seeds, at an estimated average distance of c. 250 m. Dispersal distances did not differ from those observed in jays, considered the main avian dispersers. Contrary to jays, parrots often dropped partially eaten seeds. Most of these seeds were handled by parrots, and the proportion of partially eaten seeds that germinated was higher than that of undamaged seeds. This may be explained by a predator satiation effect, suggesting that the large seeds of the Parana pine evolved to attract consumers for dispersal. This represents a thus far overlooked key plant-parrot mutualism, in which both components are threatened with extinction. The interaction is becoming locally extinct long before the global extinction of the species involved.}, } @article {pmid27545961, year = {2016}, author = {Heiz, J and Barisnikov, K}, title = {Visual-motor integration, visual perception and motor coordination in a population with Williams syndrome and in typically developing children.}, journal = {Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDR}, volume = {60}, number = {10}, pages = {945-955}, doi = {10.1111/jir.12328}, pmid = {27545961}, issn = {1365-2788}, mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child Development/*physiology ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology ; Williams Syndrome/*physiopathology ; Young Adult ; }, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Williams syndrome (WS) is characterised by severe deficits in visual-spatial abilities in contrast to relatively well-developed language abilities. There is very limited knowledge about visual-motor integration (VMI) in people with WS.

METHOD: Twenty-six participants with WS aged 6 to 41 years were assessed with all three tests of the Beery-VMI test, namely the VMI test, the visual perception test (VP) and the motor coordination test (MC). Their results were compared with those of 154 typically developing children (TD) aged 4 to 12.

RESULTS: No influence of age on the three tested abilities was found amongst the participants with WS in comparison with the TD children. The participants with WS scored similarly to the 5-year-old TD children in all three tasks; their scores on the VMI correlated with the results on the VP and MC tests, which were similar to those of the TD children. Finally, the scores on the non-verbal intelligence test (Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices) were highly predictive of the scores in the VMI and VP tests and partially explain the variance in the MC scores.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to use all three tasks of the Beery-VMI test. For the TD children, the performances on the three subtests did not show the same developmental trajectory. In contrast, the participants with WS did not show the same developmental trajectory. The participants with WS exhibited poor performances on all tasks with scores comparable with the 5-year-old TD children. As high correlations between these abilities were observed, improving VP and MC could help the development of VMI, which in turn could improve visual-spatial abilities in individuals with WS.}, } @article {pmid27543758, year = {2016}, author = {Zarza, E and Faircloth, BC and Tsai, WL and Bryson, RW and Klicka, J and McCormack, JE}, title = {Hidden histories of gene flow in highland birds revealed with genomic markers.}, journal = {Molecular ecology}, volume = {25}, number = {20}, pages = {5144-5157}, doi = {10.1111/mec.13813}, pmid = {27543758}, issn = {1365-294X}, mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Gene Flow ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; Mexico ; Models, Genetic ; Passeriformes/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; }, abstract = {Genomic studies are revealing that divergence and speciation are marked by gene flow, but it is not clear whether gene flow has played a prominent role during the generation of biodiversity in species-rich regions of the world where vicariance is assumed to be the principal mode by which new species form. We revisit a well-studied organismal system in the Mexican Highlands, Aphelocoma jays, to test for gene flow among Mexican sierras. Prior results from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) largely conformed to the standard model of allopatric divergence, although there was also evidence for more obscure histories of gene flow in a small sample of nuclear markers. We tested for these 'hidden histories' using genomic markers known as ultraconserved elements (UCEs) in concert with phylogenies, clustering algorithms and newer introgression tests specifically designed to detect ancient gene flow (e.g. ABBA/BABA tests). Results based on 4303 UCE loci and 2500 informative SNPs are consistent with varying degrees of gene flow among highland areas. In some cases, gene flow has been extensive and recent (although perhaps not ongoing today), whereas in other cases there is only a trace signature of ancient gene flow among species that diverged as long as 5 million years ago. These results show how a species complex thought to be a model for vicariance can reveal a more reticulate history when a broader portion of the genome is queried. As more organisms are studied with genomic data, we predict that speciation-with-bouts-of-gene-flow will turn out to be a common mode of speciation.}, } @article {pmid27541152, year = {2016}, author = {Janaydeh, M and Ismail, A and Zulkifli, SZ and Bejo, MH and Aziz, NA and Taneenah, A}, title = {The use of feather as an indicator for heavy metal contamination in house crow (Corvus splendens) in the Klang area, Selangor, Malaysia.}, journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international}, volume = {23}, number = {21}, pages = {22059-22071}, pmid = {27541152}, issn = {1614-7499}, mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Crows/*metabolism ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Environmental Pollutants/*analysis ; Feathers/*chemistry ; Female ; Malaysia ; Male ; Metals, Heavy/*analysis ; Sex Factors ; Spectrophotometry, Atomic ; }, abstract = {The Klang area of Peninsular Malaysia has experienced rapid industrial growth with intense activities, which can increase the concentration of pollutants in the environment that significantly impact on habitats and the human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, and Pb) in the heart, lung, brain, liver, kidney, muscle tissues, and feathers of house crow, Corvus splendens, in Klang, Peninsular Malaysia. House crow samples were collected from the Klang area through the Department of Public Health at Majlis Perbandaran Klang. Quantitative determination of heavy metals was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result shows the presence of heavy metals in all biological samples of house crows. For heavy metals in all the house crow tissues analyzed, Fe concentrations were the highest, followed by those of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni. The feathers and kidney accumulated high concentrations of Pb, whereas the liver accumulated high concentrations of essential heavy metals (Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni). Significant variations were also detected in the concentrations of Pb among adult and juvenile and male and female bird samples. The results also revealed significant positive correlations between Pb metal concentration in the breast feathers and all internal organs. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals in feathers reflected storing and elimination processes, while the accumulation of toxic heavy metals in the kidney can be consequential to chronic exposure. The present study clearly shows the usefulness of house crow breast feather as a suitable indicator for heavy metal accumulation in the internal organs of house crows in the Klang area.}, } @article {pmid27540060, year = {2016}, author = {Nelson, RL and Castro, MA and Katti, M and Eisen, JA and Van Laar, TA}, title = {Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Strain of Bacillus pumilus, CB01, Isolated from the Feces of an American Crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos.}, journal = {Genome announcements}, volume = {4}, number = {4}, pages = {}, pmid = {27540060}, issn = {2169-8287}, abstract = {Avian species have the potential to serve as important reservoirs for the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Here, we report the genome sequence of a drug-resistant strain of Bacillus pumilus, CB01, isolated from the feces of an American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos.}, } @article {pmid27535065, year = {2017}, author = {ErEl, H and Meiran, N}, title = {A drop in performance on a fluid intelligence test due to instructed-rule mindset.}, journal = {Psychological research}, volume = {81}, number = {5}, pages = {901-909}, pmid = {27535065}, issn = {1430-2772}, mesh = {Educational Measurement/*methods ; Humans ; *Intelligence ; Intelligence Tests/*statistics & numerical data ; }, abstract = {A 'mindset' is a configuration of processing resources that are made available for the task at hand as well as their suitable tuning for carrying it out. Of special interest, remote-relation abstract mindsets are introduced by activities sharing only general control processes with the task. To test the effect of a remote-relation mindset on performance on a Fluid Intelligence test (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices, RAPM), we induced a mindset associated with little usage of executive processing by requiring participants to execute a well-defined classification rule 12 times, a manipulation known from previous work to drastically impair rule-generation performance and associated cognitive processes. In Experiment 1, this manipulation led to a drop in RAPM performance equivalent to 10.1 IQ points. No drop was observed in a General Knowledge task. In Experiment 2, a similar drop in RAPM performance was observed (equivalent to 7.9 and 9.2 IQ points) regardless if participants were pre-informed about the upcoming RAPM test. These results indicate strong (most likely, transient) adverse effects of a remote-relation mindset on test performance. They imply that although the trait of Fluid Intelligence has probably not changed, mindsets can severely distort estimates of this trait.}, } @article {pmid27533282, year = {2016}, author = {Audet, JN and Ducatez, S and Lefebvre, L}, title = {Bajan Birds Pull Strings: Two Wild Antillean Species Enter the Select Club of String-Pullers.}, journal = {PloS one}, volume = {11}, number = {8}, pages = {e0156112}, pmid = {27533282}, issn = {1932-6203}, mesh = {Animals ; Barbados ; Behavior, Animal/*physiology ; *Cognition ; Passeriformes/*physiology ; *Problem Solving ; Reward ; }, abstract = {String-pulling is one of the most popular tests in animal cognition because of its apparent complexity, and of its potential to be applied to very different taxa. In birds, the basic procedure involves a food reward, suspended from a perch by a string, which can be reached by a series of coordinated pulling actions with the beak and holding actions of the pulled lengths of string with the foot. The taxonomic distribution of species that pass the test includes several corvids, parrots and parids, but in other families, data are much spottier and the number of individuals per species that succeed is often low. To date, the association between string-pulling ability and other cognitive traits was never tested. It is generally assumed that string-pulling is a complex form of problem-solving, suggesting that performance on string-pulling and other problem-solving tasks should be correlated. Here, we show that individuals of two innovative species from Barbados, the bullfinch Loxigilla barbadensis and the Carib grackle Quiscalus lugubris fortirostris, pass the string-pulling test. Eighteen of the 42 bullfinches tested succeeded, allowing us to correlate performance on this test to that on several other behavioral measurements. Surprisingly, string-pulling in bullfinches was unrelated to shyness, neophobia, problem-solving, discrimination and reversal learning performance. Only two of 31 grackles tested succeeded, precluding correlational analyses with other measures but still, the two successful birds largely differed in their other behavioral traits.}, } @article {pmid27529809, year = {2016}, author = {Jay, J and Buse, K and Hart, M and Wilson, D and Marten, R and Kellerman, S and Odetoyinbo, M and Quick, JD and Evans, T and Piot, P and Dybul, M and Binagwaho, A}, title = {Building from the HIV Response toward Universal Health Coverage.}, journal = {PLoS medicine}, volume = {13}, number = {8}, pages = {e1002083}, pmid = {27529809}, issn = {1549-1676}, mesh = {Developing Countries ; Global Health ; HIV Infections/*therapy ; Health Expenditures ; Health Policy ; Health Priorities ; Healthcare Financing ; Human Rights ; Humans ; Politics ; Rwanda ; Social Determinants of Health ; *Universal Health Insurance ; }, abstract = {Jonathan Jay and colleagues draw lessons from the the global HIV response that could help guide the universal health coverage movement.}, } @article {pmid27524823, year = {2016}, author = {Durden, LA and Beckmen, KB and Gerlach, RF}, title = {New Records of Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) From Dogs, Cats, Humans, and Some Wild Vertebrates in Alaska: Invasion Potential.}, journal = {Journal of medical entomology}, volume = {53}, number = {6}, pages = {1391-1395}, doi = {10.1093/jme/tjw128}, pmid = {27524823}, issn = {1938-2928}, mesh = {Alaska ; *Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Bird Diseases/parasitology ; *Birds ; Cat Diseases/parasitology ; Cats ; Dog Diseases/parasitology ; Dogs ; Female ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; Ixodidae/growth & development/*physiology ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; Male ; *Mammals ; Nymph/growth & development/physiology ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; }, abstract = {During 2010-2016, tick specimens were solicited from veterinarians, biologists, and members of the public in Alaska. Eight species of ticks were recorded from domestic dogs. Some ticks were collected from dogs with recent travel histories to other countries or other U.S. states, which appears to explain records of ticks not native to Alaska such as Amblyomma americanum (L.) (lone star tick), Ixodes scapularis (Say) (blacklegged tick), and Ixodes ricinus (L.). However, we recorded Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (American dog tick) from dogs (and humans) both with and without travel history, suggesting that this nonindigenous tick could be establishing populations in Alaska. Other ticks commonly recorded from dogs included the indigenous Ixodes angustus Neumann and the invasive Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) (brown dog tick). Domestic cats were only parasitized by one tick species, the native I. angustus Six species of ticks were recorded from humans: A. americanum (with and without travel history), Dermacentor andersoni Stiles (Rocky Mountain wood tick; travel associated), D. variabilis (with and without travel history), Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard) (rabbit tick, native to Alaska), I. angustus, and R. sanguineus. Ixodes angustus predominated among tick collections from native mammals. Also, Ixodes texanus Banks (first record from Alaska) was collected from an American marten, Martes americana (Turton), H. leporispalustris was recorded from a snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus Erxleben, and Ixodes auritulus Neumann was collected from a Northwestern crow, Corvus caurinus Baird. The establishment of D. variabilis, D. andersoni, A. americanum, and/or I. scapularis in Alaska would have strong implications for animal and human health.}, } @article {pmid27503195, year = {2017}, author = {Magnotti, JF and Wright, AA and Leonard, K and Katz, JS and Kelly, DM}, title = {Abstract-concept learning in Black-billed magpies (Pica hudsonia).}, journal = {Psychonomic bulletin & review}, volume = {24}, number = {2}, pages = {431-435}, pmid = {27503195}, issn = {1531-5320}, mesh = {Animals ; Appetitive Behavior ; *Birds ; *Concept Formation ; *Conditioning, Psychological ; *Discrimination Learning ; Female ; Male ; *Pattern Recognition, Visual ; Transfer, Psychology ; }, abstract = {relational concepts depend upon relationships between stimuli (e.g., same vs. different) and transcend features of the training stimuli. Recent evidence shows that learning abstract concepts is shared across a variety species including birds. Our recent work with a highly-skilled food-storing bird, Clark's nutcracker, revealed superior same/different abstract-concept learning compared to rhesus monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and pigeons. Here we test a more social, but less reliant on food-storing, corvid species, the Black-billed magpie