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Studies on a cycloisomerization reaction of 2‐prenylated‐2H‐pyrans towards cis‐fused tetrahydro‐6H‐benzo[c]chromene systems (reduced cis‐THC analogues) are reported. The transformation is catalyzed by iron chloride and proceeds with the formation of two new bonds and two stereocenters diastereoselectively. The same catalyst also promotes the formation of these products via a one‐pot tandem Knoevenagel condensation of 1,3‐cyclohexanediones and citral or farnesal aldehydes, followed by cycloisomerization establishing a direct assembly of this important scaffold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders evolved a distinctive sperm transfer system, with the male copulatory organs located on the tarsus of the pedipalps. In entelegyne spiders, these organs are usually very complex and consist of various sclerites that not only allow the transfer of the sperm themselves but also provide a mechanical interlock between the male and female genitalia. This interlocking can also involve elements that are not part of the copulatory organ such as the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA)—a characteristic of the most diverse group of spiders (RTA clade). The RTA is frequently used for primary locking i.e., the first mechanical engagement between male and female genitalia. Despite its functional importance, some diverse spider lineages have lost the RTA, but evolved an apophysis on the femur instead. It can be hypothesized that this femoral apophysis is a functional surrogate of the RTA during primary locking or possibly serves another function, such as self‐bracing, which involves mechanical interaction between male genital structures themselves to stabilize the inserted pedipalp. We tested these hypotheses using ghost spiders of the genus Josa (Anyphaenidae). Our micro‐computed tomography data of cryofixed mating pairs show that the primary locking occurs through elements of the copulatory organ itself and that the femoral apophysis does not contact the female genitalia, but hooks to a projection of the copulatory bulb, representing a newly documented self‐bracing mechanism for entelegyne spiders. Additionally, we show that the femoral self‐bracing apophysis is rather uniform within the genus Josa. This is in contrast to the male genital structures that interact with the female, indicating that the male genital structures of Josa are subject to different selective regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of People & Nature is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The ranges of many species are shifting poleward as global warming intensifies, but this process might be less intense in philopatric species, i.e. those with the tendency to reproduce at their natal sites. Marine turtles are highly philopatric and their vulnerability to global warming is exacerbated by a life history combining delayed sexual maturity, temperature‐dependent sex determination and low embryo survival at high incubation temperature. Detection of nesting events of loggerhead turtles in the Western Mediterranean Sea has increased largely during the first two decades of the 21st century, which could be a response to global warming or the result of increased sampling effort. The deployment of temperature data loggers at 52 beaches scattered along the Mediterranean coast of Spain demonstrated that sand temperature is currently high enough to allow the incubation of loggerhead turtles clutches in most Spanish beaches. However, the reconstruction of sand temperature from 1950 to 2019 revealed that thermal conditions suitable for the regular nesting of loggerhead turtles have existed in Spanish beaches only since 2010, although sporadic nesting was possible previously in exceptionally warm years. The future establishment of a self‐sustained population would probably require further increases in temperature, to ensure a female‐biased offspring production, but the process might be jeopardized by increased erosion and beach flooding resulting from sea level rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study conducted at the Melanoma Unit of the University Hospital Virgen Macarena in Spain compared the survival outcomes of patients with melanoma and low-burden lymph node metastases who underwent complete lymph node dissection (CLND) versus conservative nodal surgery (CNS). The study found that there was no statistically significant difference in nodal recurrence, progression, nodal recurrence-free survival (NRFS), progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS) between the two surgical approaches. These findings suggest that a less radical approach to nodal surgery may provide appropriate regional control without negatively impacting patient survival. However, further research is needed to confirm these results. The study was funded by a grant from the Health Institute Carlos III of the Spanish Health Ministry and the authors declare no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Geometric regularity of spider webs has been intensively studied in orb‐weaving spiders, although it is not exclusive of orb weavers. Here, we document the geometrically regular, repetitive elements in the webs of the non‐orb‐weaving groups Leptonetidae and Telemidae for the first time. Similar to orb weavers, we found areas with regularly spaced parallel lines in the webs of Calileptoneta helferi, Sulcia sp., and cf. Pinelema sp. Furthermore, we provide a detailed account of the regular webs of Ochyrocera (Ochyroceratidae). The sections of the web with regularly disposed parallel lines are built as U‐shaped modules reminiscent of orb webs. It has been suggested that the regularly spaced parallel lines in the webs of Ochyroceratidae and Psilodercidae may be produced in a single sweep of their posterior lateral spinnerets, which have regularly spaced aciniform gland spigots, perhaps involving expansion of the spinnerets. To test this hypothesis, we compared the spacing between parallel lines with the spacing between spigots, searched for expansible membranes in the spinnerets, and examined the junctions of regularly spaced lines. The distance between parallel lines was 10–20 times the distance between spigots, and we found no expansible membranes, and the intersection of parallel lines are cemented, which opposes the single sweep hypothesis. Furthermore, we found cues of viscid silk in the parallel lines of the psilodercid Althepus and broadened piriform gland spigots that may be responsible of its production. Finally, we evaluated the presence or absence of geometrically regular web elements across the spider tree of life. We found reports of regular webs in 31 spider families, including 20 families that are not orb weavers and hypothesize that the two basic aspects of regularity (parallel lines spaced at regular intervals, and radial lines spaced at regular angles) probably appeared many times in the evolution of spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the drivers of morphological convergence requires investigation into its relationship with behavior and niche space, and such investigations in turn provide insights into evolutionary dynamics, functional morphology, and life history. Mygalomorph spiders (trapdoor spiders and their kin) have long been associated with high levels of morphological homoplasy, and many convergent features can be intuitively associated with different behavioral niches. Using genus‐level phylogenies based on recent genomic studies and a newly assembled matrix of discrete behavioral and somatic morphological characters, we reconstruct the evolution of burrowing behavior in the Mygalomorphae, compare the influence of behavior and evolutionary history on somatic morphology, and test hypotheses of correlated evolution between specific morphological features and behavior. Our results reveal the simplicity of the mygalomorph adaptive landscape, with opportunistic, web‐building taxa at one end, and burrowing/nesting taxa with structurally modified burrow entrances (e.g., a trapdoor) at the other. Shifts in behavioral niche, in both directions, are common across the evolutionary history of the Mygalomorphae, and several major clades include taxa inhabiting both behavioral extremes. Somatic morphology is heavily influenced by behavior, with taxa inhabiting the same behavioral niche often more similar morphologically than more closely related but behaviorally divergent taxa, and we were able to identify a suite of 11 somatic features that show significant correlation with particular behaviors. We discuss these findings in light of the function of particular morphological features, niche dynamics within the Mygalomorphae, and constraints on the mygalomorph adaptive landscape relative to other spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Integrating the family of patients with kidney failure on comprehensive conservative care could benefit patients, families, and the health care system. However, there is a knowledge gap in this phenomenon since no systematic review has focused on the families' needs who care for individuals with kidney failure on comprehensive conservative care. Objectives: To understand the primary needs of families who care for people with kidney failure on comprehensive conservative care. Method: A systematic literature review of qualitative studies, followed by a content analysis was carried out. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were used to search for articles published in English and Spanish between 2010 and 2021. The ENTREQ guideline was used for reporting. Results: Five relevant studies were included in this study. The analysis has allowed identifying key aspects of knowledge, psychological, social and spiritual needs of family members of patients with kidney failure on comprehensive conservative care. Conclusions: This systematic review has revealed that families experience a lack of information and continuity of care by health care professionals. Added to this is the psychological burden they bear due to the feeling of indefinite care in time and uncertainty about the death of their loved one. All this, without the necessary support from their immediate family environment and social institutions. In light of these data, a paradigm shift in society and the health care received by these families is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filistatids, the crevice weavers, are an ancient family of cribellate spiders without extant close relatives. As one of the first lineages of araneomorph spiders, they present a complicated mixture of primitive and derived characters that make them a key taxon to elucidate the phylogeny of spiders, as well as the evolution of phenotypic characters in this group. Their moderate diversity (187 species in 19 genera) is distributed mainly in arid and semi‐arid subtropical zones of all continents, except Antarctica. The objective of this paper is to generate a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis for this family to advance the understanding of its morphological evolution and biogeography, as well as lay the basis for a natural classification scheme. By studying the morphology using optical and electronic microscopy techniques, we produced a matrix of 302 morphological characters coded for a sample of 103 species of filistatids chosen to represent the phylogenetic diversity of the family. In addition, we included sequences of four molecular markers (COI, 16S, H3 and 28S; 3787 aligned positions) of 70 filistatid species. The analysis of the data (morphological, molecular, and combined) consistently indicates the separation of the Filistatidae into two subfamilies, Prithinae and Filistatinae, in addition to supporting several groups of genera: Filistata, Zaitunia and an undescribed genus from Madagascar; Sahastata and Kukulcania; all Prithinae except Filistatinella and Microfilistata; Antilloides and Filistatoides; a large Old World group including Pritha, Tricalamus, Afrofilistata, Labahitha, Yardiella, Wandella and putative new genera; and a South American group formed by Lihuelistata, Pikelinia and Misionella. Pholcoides is transferred to Filistatinae and Microfilistata is transferred to Prithinae, and each represents the sister group to the remaining genera of its own subfamily. Most genera are valid, although Pikelinia is paraphyletic with respect to Misionella, so we consider the two genera as synonyms and propose a few new generic combinations. Considering the new phylogenetic hypothesis, we discuss the evolution of some morphological character systems and the biogeography of the family. The ages of divergence between clades were estimated using a total‐evidence tip‐dating approach by including fossils of Filistatidae and early spider clades; this approach resulted in younger age estimates than those obtained with traditional node‐dating. Filistatidae is an ancient family that started diversifying in the Mesozoic and most genera date to the Cretaceous. Clades displaying transcontinental distributions were most likely affected by continental drift, but at least one clade shows unequivocal signs of transoceanic long‐distance dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Methods in Ecology & Evolution is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims: The aim of the LAICA study was to evaluate the long‐term effectiveness and safety of intermittent levosimendan infusion in patients with advanced heart failure (AdHF). Methods and results: This was a multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of intermittent levosimendan 0.1 μg/kg/min as a continuous 24‐h intravenous infusion administered once monthly for 1 year in patients with AdHF. The primary endpoint [incidence of rehospitalization (admission to the emergency department or hospital ward for >12 h) for acute decompensated HF or clinical deterioration of the underlying HF] occurred in 23/70 (33%) of the levosimendan group (Group I) and 12/27 (44%) of the placebo group (Group II) (P = 0.286). The incidence of hospital readmissions for acute decompensated HF (Group I vs. Group II) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 4.2% vs. 18.2% (P = 0.036); 12.8% vs. 33.3% (P = 0.02); 25.7% vs. 40.7% (P = 0.147); 32.8% vs. 44.4% (P = 0.28), respectively. In a secondary pre‐specified time‐to‐event analysis no differences were observed in admission for acute decompensated HF between patients treated with levosimendan compared with placebo (hazard ratio 0.66; 95% CI, 0.32–1.32; P = 0.24). Cumulative incidence for the aggregated endpoint of acute decompensation of HF and/or death at 1 and 3 months were significatively lower in the levosimendan group than in placebo group [5.7% vs. 25.9% (P = 0.004) and 17.1% vs. 48.1% (P = 0.001), respectively], but not at 6 and 12 months [34.2% vs. 59.2% (P = 0.025); 41.4% vs. 66.6% (P = 0.022), respectively]. Survival probability was significantly higher in patients who received levosimendan compared with those who received placebo (log rank: 4.06; P = 0.044). There were no clinically relevant differences in tolerability between levosimendan and placebo and no new safety signals were observed. Conclusions: In our study, intermittent levosimendan in patients with AdHF produced a statistically non‐significant reduction in the incidence of hospital readmissions for acute decompensated HF, a significantly lower cumulative incidence of acute decompensation of HF and/or death at 1 and 3 month of treatment and a significant improvement in survival during 12 months of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Major floods of riparian and grassland habitats may lead to a shift in the availability of resources (e.g., food, space) that produces cascading effects on the organisms that rely on it. After flooding occurs, particularly in natural grasslands or agricultural fields, massive aggregative spider webs are occasionally observed. However, given it is an infrequent and unpredictable event, it is seldom reported in detail. 2. We characterise two instances of massive web aggregations that followed major floods in grasslands and agricultural fields in Argentina and Uruguay in 2015. In the Argentinean event, we compare the composition of spider assemblages on the webs, in grasses below the webs, and in grasses from nearby habitats, with samples taken in the same location but when the fields were not flooded. 3. The assemblage of spiders in the massive web aggregations largely consisted of immature Diapontia uruguayensis (Lycosidae). In the grass below the webs, we recorded an impressive density of 1007 specimens m−1 belonging to several spider species, 6–15 times the density of similar samples without aggregated webs, co‐occurring and showing low levels of aggression among them. 4. Our observations and review of the literature support the idea massive webs produced by lycosids are a byproduct of an unusually high density of spiders simultaneously attempting to disperse through the air via ballooning and escaping from floods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Fossil data may be crucial to infer biogeographical history, especially in taxa with tropical trans- Pacific distributions. Here, we use extinct and extant trochanteriid flattened spiders to test hypotheses that could explain its trans-Pacific disjunct distribution, including a Boreotropical origin with a North Atlantic dispersal, an African origin with South Atlantic dispersal and an Eurasian origin with Bering Bridge route. Location: World-wide. Taxon: Trochanteriidae, Plator-Doliomalus-Vectius (PDV) clade. Methods: MicroCT was used to collect morphological data from an undescribed Baltic amber fossil. These data were used with additional fossils and extant species in a total-evidence, tip-dated phylogenetic analysis. We tested different scenarios using constrained dispersal matrices in a Bayesian approach. An analysis with fossils pruned was also performed to explore how lack of fossil data might impact inferences of biogeographical process. Results: The phylogenetic analyses allowed us to place the new fossil in the genus Plator. Analyses without fossils suggest an African origin with a dispersal to Asia from India and a South Atlantic dispersal to South America. When fossils are included, hypothesis-testing rejects this scenario and equally supports a Boreotropical and an Afro-European origin with a South Atlantic route and a dispersal to Asia from Europe. Main conclusions: Biogeographical inferences of disjunctly distributed taxa should be interpreted with caution when fossils are not included. Although one alternative hypothesis was not completely rejected, results show that the Boreotropical hypothesis for the PDV clade could be a robust explanation for its actual distribution. This hypothesis is mostly overlooked in animal taxa and rigorous tests with other taxa with similar distributions may reveal that a Boreotropical origin is common. We discuss methodological approaches that could improve biogeographical tests using fossils as terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new biosurfactant was obtained from a moderately halophilic bacterium identified as Bacillus tequilensis ZSB10 that was isolated from a saline water pond located in Tehuacan-Cuicatlan valley, Mexico. A kinetic analysis of the bacterial growth of the ZSB10 strain showed a maximum growth at 24 h regardless of the initial pH (5, 7.4, and 9). The best results were found at pH = 7.4 in terms of bacterial growth, besides which the produced biosurfactant showed emulsifying and surfactant properties with an emulsification index (E24) and surface tension change (ΔST) of 54 ± 0% and 26 mN m-1, respectively. Extracted ZSB10 crude biosurfactant had a yield of 106 ± 6 mg L-1, an E24 = 58.4 ±0.2%, and a ΔST = 26 mN m-1 with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 44.82 mg L-1. Also, its structure was characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a surfactin, iturin A, and fengycin mixture whose main isoform was leu/ile-7 C15 surfactin [M + Na]+. Finally, the ZSB10 crude biosurfactant showed antifungal activity against Helminthosporium sp., with a 79.3% growth inhibition and an IC50 of 1.37 mg per disc. Therefore, this biosurfactant could be used as biopesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological boundaries between species of the maculatipes‐group in the ghost spider genus Sanogasta Mello‐Leitão are ambiguous, and the most widespread species, S. maculatipes, is unusually variable and may represent multiple cryptic species. To resolve these issues, we perform a geometric morphometric analysis on the female genitalia of the group, visualizing and testing for differences in shape between described species, and between putative cryptic species within S. maculatipes. We complement this with a multi‐locus phylogenetic analysis of the group, to place the morphological results in a phylogenetic context. Our study reveals that two species in the group, S. alticola and S. mandibularis, are morphologically and molecularly distinct lineages that can be objectively distinguished. However, we reveal that S. maculatipes actually consists of two widespread sister species which occur in sympatry throughout the grasslands of northern Argentina. We further discover a geographical cline in the shape of the female genitalia of one of these sister species, such that specimens from the east and west of the range display morphological differences comparable to those between species, despite being virtually identical at the COI locus. Our study demonstrates the strength of a geometric morphometric approach for delimiting species in species‐complexes where morphological differences are subtle and confounding factors such as overlapping ranges, allometry and high levels of intraspecific variation are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical signals play a decisive role in communication in many mammal species. In red deer (Cervus elaphus), the dark ventral patch has recently been described as a male chemical signal involved in intrasexual competition. Morphological specializations of the hair of this area might contribute to retaining the volatile compounds found here. In this study, we examined differences in the ultrastructure between hair associated with the dark ventral patch and hairs from the dorsolateral region of the body as a control. We obtained a gallery of images from a scanning electron microscope to study the possible variation in the detailed anatomy as well as the surface and pattern of cuticular scales of hairs of the two body regions examined. In addition, we used a 2D‐3D microscope to measure hair diameter (thickness) and the shape and size of the cuticular scales. We found that the hairs of the dark ventral patch were narrower than those from the dorsolateral region. We also found a different cuticular scale pattern of the dark ventral patch hairs, suggesting a possible specialization for the retention of compounds associated with this chemical signal. Moreover, some intersexual differences in hair morphology also support this idea. This study shows, for the first time, the differentiation of hairs related to the dark ventral patch, which contributes to our better understanding of this chemical communication in red deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD) involves a change in the diet of the individual, which may influence their quality of life and nutritional status. The present study aimed to determine whether nutrition education by a registered dietitian is able to improve eating habits and body composition in children with CD. Methods: Dietary, physical activity and body composition changes were analysed, comparing baseline assessments with those 1 year after receiving education on healthy eating. At both time points, a 3‐day dietary survey, a food frequency consumption questionnaire, an adherence to the Mediterranean diet test (Kidmed), duration of activity and an electrical bioimpedance study were conducted. Student's paired t‐test and the McNemar test were also employed. Results: Seventy‐two subjects (42 girls) with an mean (range) age of 10 (2–16) years were included. Before the intervention, an unbalanced diet was observed, rich in protein and fat, and deficient in complex carbohydrates. Only 14% consumed an adequate Mediterranean diet. After nutrition intervention, a significant increase in the consumption of plant‐based foods and a concomitant decrease in meat, dairy and processed food intake (P < 0.001) were observed. Moreover, 92% of the patients (P < 0.001) managed to consume an adequate Mediterranean diet. Similarly, an increase was observed in the duration of physical activity undertaken [mean (SD) 1.02 (1.79) h, P < 0.001] and improvements in body composition were recorded, with a 17% decrease in fat mass percentage (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Nutrition intervention focused on healthy eating is effective with respect to improving the nutritional status and diet quality in CD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture and development transform forest ecosystems to human‐modified landscapes. Decades of research in ecology have generated myriad concepts for the appropriate management of these landscapes. Yet, these concepts are often contradictory and apply at different spatial scales, making the design of biodiversity‐friendly landscapes challenging. Here, we combine concepts with empirical support to design optimal landscape scenarios for forest‐dwelling species. The supported concepts indicate that appropriately sized landscapes should contain ≥ 40% forest cover, although higher percentages are likely needed in the tropics. Forest cover should be configured with c. 10% in a very large forest patch, and the remaining 30% in many evenly dispersed smaller patches and semi‐natural treed elements (e.g. vegetation corridors). Importantly, the patches should be embedded in a high‐quality matrix. The proposed landscape scenarios represent an optimal compromise between delivery of goods and services to humans and preserving most forest wildlife, and can therefore guide forest preservation and restoration strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maintenance of optimal body temperatures has profound consequences on all aspects of ectotherms life history, like fitness and performance, and has been the subject of research for decades. In contrast, for reptiles, comparatively less is known on the potential effects of water balance on physiology, ecology and behaviour. In recent years, several recent studies are pointing out the importance of studying thermoregulation and water balance within the same framework. Here, we used a Mediterranean lizard, Psammodromus algirus, to investigate how field body temperature and water loss rates may vary among populations, between sexes and along an altitudinal gradient. We found little variation in field body temperatures among populations, while within each population, field body temperature may change daily, seasonally and differ between sexes. On the contrary, water loss rates decreased with elevation and showed no seasonal trend or difference between sexes. Microclimatic data indicated that highland lizards experienced more fluctuating conditions, a factor that may explain their lower water loss rates. Other factors, like inter‐population differences in ectoparasite intensity, might also contribute in explaining the observed patterns. We present here the first data for a lacertid lizard on the inter‐population variability and sexual difference in water loss rates and point out that water balance may play a fundamental role in regulating lizard activity during the hottest and driest period of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in evolutionary biology and biogeography increasingly rely on the estimation of dated phylogenetic trees using molecular clocks. In turn, the calibration of such clocks is critically dependent on external evidence (i.e. fossils) anchoring the ages of particular nodes to known absolute ages. In recent years, a plethora of new fossil spiders, especially from the Mesozoic, have been described, while the number of studies presenting dated spider phylogenies based on fossil calibrations increased sharply. We critically evaluate 44 of these studies, which collectively employed 67 unique fossils in 180 calibrations. Approximately 54% of these calibrations are problematic, particularly regarding unsupported assignment of fossils to extant clades (44%) and crown (rather than stem) dating (9%). Most of these cases result from an assumed equivalence between taxonomic placement of fossils and their phylogenetic position. To overcome this limitation, we extensively review the literature on fossil spiders, with a special focus on putative synapomorphies and the phylogenetic placement of fossil species with regard to their importance for calibrating higher taxa (families and above) in the spider tree of life. We provide a curated list including 41 key fossils intended to be a basis for future estimations of dated spider phylogenies. In a second step, we use a revised set of 23 calibrations to estimate a new dated spider tree of life based on transcriptomic data. The revised placement of key fossils and the new calibrated tree are used to resolve a long‐standing debate in spider evolution – we tested whether there has been a major turnover in the spider fauna between the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. At least 17 (out of 117) extant families have been recorded from the Cretaceous, implying that at least 41 spider lineages in the family level or above crossed the Cretaeous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary. The putative phylogenetic affinities of families known only from the Mesozoic suggest that at least seven Cretaceous families appear to have no close living relatives and might represent extinct lineages. There is no unambiguous fossil evidence of the retrolateral tibial apophysis clade (RTA‐clade) in the Mesozoic, although molecular clock analyses estimated the major lineages within this clade to be at least ∼100 million years old. Our review of the fossil record supports a major turnover showing that the spider faunas in the Mesozoic and the Cenozoic are very distinct at high taxonomic levels, with the Mesozoic dominated by Palpimanoidea and Synspermiata, while the Cenozoic is dominated by Araneoidea and RTA‐clade spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome size evolution and its relationship with pollen grain size has been investigated in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), an economically important crop which is closely related to diploid and tetraploid species, assessing the nuclear DNA content of 22 accessions from five Ipomoea species, ten sweet potato varieties and two outgroup taxa.Nuclear DNA amounts were determined using flow cytometry. Pollen grains were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy.2C DNA content of hexaploid I. batatas ranged between 3.12–3.29 pg; the mean monoploid genome size being 0.539 pg (527 Mbp), similar to the related diploid accessions. In tetraploid species I. trifida and I. tabascana, 2C DNA content was, respectively, 2.07 and 2.03 pg. In the diploid species closely related to sweet potato e.g. I. ×leucantha, I. tiliacea, I. trifida and I. triloba, 2C DNA content was 1.01–1.12 pg. However, two diploid outgroup species, I. setosa and I. purpurea, were clearly different from the other diploid species, with 2C of 1.47–1.49 pg; they also have larger chromosomes. The I. batatas genome presents 60.0% AT bases.DNA content and ploidy level were positively correlated within this complex. In I. batatas and the more closely related species I. trifida, the genome size and ploidy levels were correlated with pollen size. Our results allow us to propose alternative or complementary hypotheses to that currently proposed for the formation of hexaploid Ipomoea batatas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first attempt to measure reactive and proactive aggression in 1,203 youths aged between 11 and 20 from Hong Kong, mainland China, Spain, and Uruguay using the reactive‐proactive aggression questionnaire (RPQ). The two‐factor RPQ construct was found to exhibit an excellent model fit for all subsamples, and the measurement and structural invariance across the four regions was also revealed. After controlling for age, the youth in Uruguay exhibited the highest levels of general, reactive, and proactive aggression, followed by Spain, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Reactive, proactive, and general aggression increased with age in the total sample, but the effects differed among regions. Boys were found to exhibit higher levels of general, reactive, and proactive aggression than girls only in Uruguayan sample. These findings confirmed the cross‐cultural generalizability of the two‐factor RPQ model, and suggested culture, age, and gender to be significant determinants of youth aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ablation of Mg from meteoroids entering the Earth's atmosphere was studied experimentally using a Meteoric Ablation Simulator: micron‐sized particles of representative meteoritic material were flash heated to simulate atmospheric entry and the ablation rate of Mg with respect to Na measured by fast time‐resolved laser‐induced fluorescence. Over the range of particle diameters and entry velocities studied, Mg ablates 4.3 ± 2.1 times less efficiently than Na and 2.4 ± 0.8 times less efficiently than Fe. The resulting evaporation profiles indicate that Mg mostly ablates around 84 km in the atmosphere, compared with Fe at 88 km and Na at 95 km. The chemical ablation model Chemical Ablation Model predicts satisfactorily the measured peak ablation altitudes and relative ablated fractions of Mg, Na, Fe, and Ca but does not capture the breadth of the ablation profiles, probably due to the inhomogeneity of the minerals present in meteoroids combined with experimental limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little data are available on renal toxicity exerted by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in real life. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of direct-acting antivirals against hepatitis C virus infection currently used in Spain and Portugal on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in clinical practise. From an international, prospective multicohort study, patients treated with DAAs for at least 12 weeks and with eGFR ≥30 mL/min per 1.73 m2 at baseline were selected. eGFR was determined using the CKD-EPI formula. A total of 1131 patients were included; 658 (58%) were HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. Among the 901 patients treated for 12 weeks, median (interquartile range) eGFR was 100 (87-107) at baseline vs 97 (85-105) mL/min per 1.73 m2 at week 12 of follow-up (FU12) post-treatment (P < .001). For HIV-coinfected subjects who received tenofovir plus a ritonavir-boosted HIV protease inhibitor (PI/r), baseline vs FU12 eGFR were 104 (86-109) vs 104 (91-110) mL/min per 1.73 m2 (P = .913). Among subjects receiving ombitasvir/paritaprevir with or without dasabuvir, eGFR did not show any significant change. Of 1100 subjects with eGFR >60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 at baseline, 22 (2%) had eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 at FU12, but none presented with eGFR <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2. In conclusion, eGFR slightly declines during therapy with all-oral DAAs and this effect persists up to 12 weeks after stopping treatment in subjects with normal to moderately impaired renal function, regardless of HIV status. Concomitant use of tenofovir plus PI/r does not seem to have an impact on eGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostyly is a sex polymorphism that has challenged evolutionary biologists ever since Darwin. One of the lineages where heterostyly and related stylar conditions appear more frequently is Linum (Linaceae). This group is particularly suitable for testing competing hypotheses about ancestral and transitional stages on the evolutionary building up of heterostyly., We generated a phylogeny of Linum based on extensive sampling and plastid and nuclear DNA sequences, and used it to trace the evolution of character states of style polymorphism. We also revised available data on pollination, breeding systems, and polyploidy to analyse their associations., Our results supported former phylogenetic hypotheses: the paraphyly of Linum and the non-monophyly of current taxonomic sections. Heterostyly was common in the genus, but appeared concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin and the South African Cape. Ancestral character state reconstruction failed to determine a unique state as the most probable condition for style polymorphism in the genus. In contrast, approach herkogamy was resolved as ancestral state in some clades, giving support to recent hypotheses. Some traits putatively related to heterostyly, such as life history and polyploidy, did show marginal or non-significant phylogenetic correlation, respectively. Although pollinator data are limited, we suggest that beeflies are associated with specific cases of heterostyly., The consistent association between style polymorphism and heteromorphic incompatibility points to ecological factors as drivers of the multiple evolution of style polymorphism in Linum. Albeit based on limited evidence, we hypothesised that specialised pollinators and lack of mating opportunities drive evolution of style polymorphism and loss of the polymorphism, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most outstanding products of fuel cells is electrical power but, currently, there is a reduced number of publications that provide experimental data about the performance of fuel cells when used for supplying Alternating Current (AC) loads. Most of the existing publications provide experimental data only with direct current (DC) loads, or analyze the performance with AC loads using simulation models. For this reason, this paper analyses experimentally the behavior of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system when feeding different electrical loads. The system tested is constituted by a PEM fuel cell, a storage battery, electronic converters and electrical loads. In the tests, the fuel cell system supplies power to three different loads: DC, single-phase AC and three-phase AC. For these cases, voltage, current, power, power factor and efficiency data are shown, at different load levels. From those parameters, efficiency of the global system is estimated. Finally, as the power quality concept is a topic of increasing importance when supplying electricity, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the electric signals has also been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a phylogenetic analysis of spiders using a dataset of 932 spider species, representing 115 families (only the family Synaphridae is unrepresented), 700 known genera, and additional representatives of 26 unidentified or undescribed genera. Eleven genera of the orders Amblypygi, Palpigradi, Schizomida and Uropygi are included as outgroups. The dataset includes six markers from the mitochondrial (12S, 16S, COI) and nuclear (histone H3, 18S, 28S) genomes, and was analysed by multiple methods, including constrained analyses using a highly supported backbone tree from transcriptomic data. We recover most of the higher-level structure of the spider tree with good support, including Mesothelae, Opisthothelae, Mygalomorphae and Araneomorphae. Several of our analyses recover Hypochilidae and Filistatidae as sister groups, as suggested by previous transcriptomic analyses. The Synspermiata are robustly supported, and the families Trogloraptoridae and Caponiidae are found as sister to the Dysderoidea. Our results support the Lost Tracheae clade, including Pholcidae, Tetrablemmidae, Diguetidae, Plectreuridae and the family Pacullidae ( restored status) separate from Tetrablemmidae. The Scytodoidea include Ochyroceratidae along with Sicariidae, Scytodidae, Drymusidae and Periegopidae; our results are inconclusive about the separation of these last two families. We did not recover monophyletic Austrochiloidea and Leptonetidae, but our data suggest that both groups are more closely related to the Cylindrical Gland Spigot clade rather than to Synspermiata. Palpimanoidea is not recovered by our analyses, but also not strongly contradicted. We find support for Entelegynae and Oecobioidea (Oecobiidae plus Hersiliidae), and ambiguous placement of cribellate orb-weavers, compatible with their non-monophyly. Nicodamoidea (Nicodamidae plus Megadictynidae) and Araneoidea composition and relationships are consistent with recent analyses. We did not obtain resolution for the titanoecoids (Titanoecidae and Phyxelididae), but the Retrolateral Tibial Apophysis clade is well supported. Penestomidae, and probably Homalonychidae, are part of Zodarioidea, although the latter family was set apart by recent transcriptomic analyses. Our data support a large group that we call the marronoid clade (including the families Amaurobiidae, Desidae, Dictynidae, Hahniidae, Stiphidiidae, Agelenidae and Toxopidae). The circumscription of most marronoid families is redefined here. Amaurobiidae include the Amaurobiinae and provisionally Macrobuninae. We transfer Malenellinae ( Malenella, from Anyphaenidae), Chummidae ( Chumma) ( new syn.) and Tasmarubriinae ( Tasmarubrius, Tasmabrochus and Teeatta, from Amphinectidae) to Macrobuninae. Cybaeidae are redefined to include Calymmaria, Cryphoeca, Ethobuella and Willisius (transferred from Hahniidae), and Blabomma and Yorima (transferred from Dictynidae). Cycloctenidae are redefined to include Orepukia (transferred from Agelenidae) and Pakeha and Paravoca (transferred from Amaurobiidae). Desidae are redefined to include five subfamilies: Amphinectinae, with Amphinecta, Mamoea, Maniho, Paramamoea and Rangitata (transferred from Amphinectidae); Ischaleinae, with Bakala and Manjala (transferred from Amaurobiidae) and Ischalea (transferred from Stiphidiidae); Metaltellinae, with Austmusia, Buyina, Calacadia, Cunnawarra, Jalkaraburra, Keera, Magua, Metaltella, Penaoola and Quemusia; Porteriinae ( new rank), with Baiami, Cambridgea, Corasoides and Nanocambridgea (transferred from Stiphidiidae); and Desinae, with Desis, and provisionally Poaka (transferred from Amaurobiidae) and Barahna (transferred from Stiphidiidae). Argyroneta is transferred from Cybaeidae to Dictynidae. Cicurina is transferred from Dictynidae to Hahniidae. The genera Neoramia (from Agelenidae) and Aorangia, Marplesia and Neolana (from Amphinectidae) are transferred to Stiphidiidae. The family Toxopidae ( restored status) includes two subfamilies: Myroinae, with Gasparia, Gohia, Hulua, Neomyro, Myro, Ommatauxesis and Otagoa (transferred from Desidae); and Toxopinae, with Midgee and Jamara, formerly Midgeeinae, new syn. (transferred from Amaurobiidae) and Hapona, Laestrygones, Lamina, Toxops and Toxopsoides (transferred from Desidae). We obtain a monophyletic Oval Calamistrum clade and Dionycha; Sparassidae, however, are not dionychans, but probably the sister group of those two clades. The composition of the Oval Calamistrum clade is confirmed (including Zoropsidae, Udubidae, Ctenidae, Oxyopidae, Senoculidae, Pisauridae, Trechaleidae, Lycosidae, Psechridae and Thomisidae), affirming previous findings on the uncertain relationships of the 'ctenids' Ancylometes and Cupiennius, although a core group of Ctenidae are well supported. Our data were ambiguous as to the monophyly of Oxyopidae. In Dionycha, we found a first split of core Prodidomidae, excluding the Australian Molycriinae, which fall distantly from core prodidomids, among gnaphosoids. The rest of the dionychans form two main groups, Dionycha part A and part B. The former includes much of the Oblique Median Tapetum clade (Trochanteriidae, Gnaphosidae, Gallieniellidae, Phrurolithidae, Trachelidae, Gnaphosidae, Ammoxenidae, Lamponidae and the Molycriinae), and also Anyphaenidae and Clubionidae. Orthobula is transferred from Phrurolithidae to Trachelidae. Our data did not allow for complete resolution for the gnaphosoid families. Dionycha part B includes the families Salticidae, Eutichuridae, Miturgidae, Philodromidae, Viridasiidae, Selenopidae, Corinnidae and Xenoctenidae (new fam., including Xenoctenus, Paravulsor and Odo, transferred from Miturgidae, as well as Incasoctenus from Ctenidae). We confirm the inclusion of Zora (formerly Zoridae) within Miturgidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents A controlled field trial was conducted to assess the potential influence of practitioner inexperience during early pregnancy diagnosis with ultrasound ( PD- US) on the risk of pregnancy loss. A veterinarian with more than 10 years' experience in PD- US (Vet-A) and a veterinarian with fewer than 12 months' experience at the start of the study (Vet-B) visited the same dairy farm once a week for 33 and 26 weeks, respectively. The two veterinarians did not interact with each other at any time during the study, nor did they know that their data would later be used in this study. Using the same farm scanner, they performed PD- US at 28-34 day after breeding, together diagnosing 915 pregnancies. All cows were re-checked at 49-56 day after artificial insemination, and cows no longer pregnant were recorded as having suffered pregnancy loss. Although Vet-A and Vet-B diagnosed a similar proportion of pregnancies (58.44 ± 16% vs 56.96 ± 18%, p > .05), the rate of pregnancy loss was significantly higher among cows diagnosed by Vet-B (10.41 ± 11.2% vs 4.87 ± 9.0, p = .029). In addition, among cows diagnosed by Vet-B, the rate of pregnancy loss was significantly higher among cows diagnosed, while he had fewer than 12 months' PD- US experience (11.17 ± 12.14%) than among cows that he diagnosed later (7.14 ± 11.01%, p = .038); in fact, this latter loss rate was comparable to that among cows diagnosed by Vet-A during the same period (3.51 ± 9.83%, p = .620). These results suggest that inexperience with PD- US during the late embryonic period can increase risk of early pregnancy loss, supporting the need for proper training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied the use of thermography to cognitive neuropsychology, particularly as an objective marker of subjective experiences, in the context of lying. We conducted three experiments: (a) An important lie was invented by the participants in 3 min, and it was recounted by phone to a significant person while they were recorded by the thermographic camera, obtaining a face and hands map of the lie. (b) A similar methodology was carried out, but adding the Cold Stress Test (CST) of the dominant hand during the phone call, obtaining a second physiologic marker (the percentage of thermal recovery) to detect the lie. Further, it established a control condition where it generated anxiety in the participants using IAPS images with negative valence and high arousal, which were described by phone to a loved one. We obtained results that showed significant correlations between changes in body temperature and mental set. Of particular interest was the temperature of the nose and hand, which tended to decrease during lying (Experiment 1). The participants also showed a lower recovery of the temperature after the CST when they were lying (Experiment 2). (c) Experiment 3 is a replication of Experiment 2 but with a different type of lie (a more ecological task) in a different scenario (following the ACID interview, with the use of the phone eliminated and participants motivated to lie well). The main pattern of results was replicated. We obtained an accuracy of 85% in detection of deception with 25% of false alarms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simultaneous masting of two abundant species in the temperate forests of North-West Argentinean Patagonia occurred in 2013 for the first time ever recorded: the semelparous bamboo grass Chusquea culeou (colihue), dominating the understory, flowered and set seed across 1100 km2 while pehuén ( Araucaria araucana), an endemic conifer co-dominating the tree layer had the highest regionally synchronized mast event in the last 30 years. Strong trophic effects were expected as a consequence of this extraordinary amount of seed, such as rodent outbreaks ( ratadas) that followed previous Chusquea spp. mast events and included Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, the main reservoir of the Andes virus causing the Hantavirus Pulmonar Syndrome. From March 2013 to May 2014, we sampled relative abundance and activity of seed-eaters and carnivores at four study sites with different proportions of both masting species. Surprisingly, total rodent capture rates never exceeded 14% in wild habitats and 8% in peridomestic areas showing low overall density in spite of some heavy O. longicaudatus males extending their reproductive activity into winter. Total abundance and relative proportion of granivorous birds peaked at the four sites in winter or spring, when they are usually scarce. Other surveyed organisms (native and exotic seed-eaters, ungulates and carnivores) showed moderate responses at most, probably through aggregation from surrounding areas rather than reproduction. Seed removal from experimental seed stations varied in time and space though never peaked. The clearest pattern of community responses, though much subtler than expected, occurred at the site where colihue was abundant and pehuén scarce. This is the first systematic study that reports such a simultaneous double masting and our surveys revealed no widespread community consequences. We propose that either contingent events, such as an unprecedented drought, or permanent environmental features or contextual characteristics may explain the lack of a rodent outbreak in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olefin metathesis constitutes a seemingly endless area of research that has had an enormous impact on several branches of chemistry, both in industry and in academia. Once the potential of this reaction as a carbon-carbon bond-forming tool was widely recognized, its adaptation to solid-phase chemistry naturally followed. This review documents the applications and possibilities that polymer-bound alkenes have provided in the challenging cross-version of olefin metathesis, through efforts that are far from exhausted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limbless animals that burrow head-first are often considered to be evolutionarily constrained in the development of a large head, due to limitations imposed while penetrating the soil. Whilst animals with a small head experience less resistance when digging, they are believed to have a weak bite, hence restricting their potential dietary spectrum to soft prey. Yet, recent findings established molluscivory in the fossorial worm lizard Trogonophis wiegmanni (Amphisbaenia), suggesting a high bite capacity for this burrowing species necessary to crush snail shells. To tackle this burrow/crush dilemma, we examined the relationship between head morphology, bite force and gastropod diet in T. wiegmanni males and females. In vivo bite force analyses and shell hardness measurements were used to assess the potential dietary spectrum of the amphisbaenians. In addition, phylogenetic analyses were performed to put T. wiegmanni's head size and bite force into an interspecific comparative context. Our results show a strong positive relation between head size and bite force, and we found no evidence for sexual dimorphism. In sharp contrast to other durophagous lizards, T. wiegmanni combines a relatively small body and a (disproportionally) small head with relatively high biting forces. In fact, T. wiegmanni is able to crush a wide array of the most abundant gastropod shells in their environment. However, the head size of the strongest biters imposes a limitation towards a common alternative snail-feeding strategy: entering the opening of the gastropod shell. This study shows that head size, and consequently bite force, increases the number and variety of gastropods that can be consumed by 'shell-crushing', but reduces the number and variety of snails that can be consumed by 'shell-entering', and vice versa. The cranial design of (durophagous) limbless burrowers may therefore not only evolve under constraints for efficient soil penetration, but also through selection for diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central High Atlas (Morocco) constitutes a diapiric province that hosts a complex array of elongated diapirs and minibasins that formed during the Lower Jurassic rift of the Atlas Basin. This paper aims to study the structure and growth evolution of the Tazoult diapiric wall, located in the central High Atlas, by means of structural and sedimentological fieldwork integrated with remote sensing mapping. The Tazoult salt wall is a 20 km long × 3 km wide NE-SW trending ridge that exposes Upper Triassic red beds and basalts along its core. The succession flanking the salt wall ranges from Hettangian to Bajocian ages displaying spectacular sedimentary wedges in the SE and NW flanks. The Hettangian-early Sinemurian carbonates mainly crop out as blocks embedded in the core rocks. The ~1 km thick Pliensbachian platform carbonates display large subvertical flap structures along the flanks of the Tazoult salt wall with unconformities bounding tapered composite halokinetic sequences. In contrast, the ~2.5 km thick late Pliensbachian-Aalenian mixed deposits form tabular composite halokinetic sequences displaying small-scale hook halokinetic sequences. Passive diapirism resulted in the lateral extrusion of the evaporite-bearing rocks to form an allochthonous salt sheet toward the adjacent SE Amezraï minibasin. The Bajocian platform carbonates partially fossilized the Tazoult salt wall and thus constitute a key horizon to constrain the timing of diapir growth and discriminate diapirism from Alpine shortening. The Pliensbachian carbonate platform evolved as a long flap structure during the early growth of the Tazoult salt wall, well before the onset of the Alpine shortening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: One of the planet's most imposing geomorphological features, the Andes, played an important role in the evolution of South America's flora and fauna. The bothriurid scorpion genus Brachistosternus Pocock, 1893 comprises more than 40 species with high diversity and endemism in the Andes. The present contribution investigates the biogeographical history of this genus using molecular phylogenetics and dating, to determine the role of Andean uplift on the distribution and diversification of its species. Location: South America. Methods: A dated species tree was obtained for 55 putative species based on two nuclear and three mitochondrial gene loci. Ancestral ranges and biogeographical events were estimated on the species tree, diversification rates and rate shifts calculated, and areas with high phylogenetic diversity (PD) and evolutionary distinctiveness identified. Results: Brachistosternus diversified at a steady rate during the main Andean uplift. The central Andean and western slope/Pacific coastal biogeographical provinces played important roles as ancestral areas. Coastal areas of central Chile and southern Peru exhibit high levels of PD in Brachistosternus, suggesting they experienced a relatively long period of ecological stability, while the Andes continued to rise. Main conclusions: Andean uplift created new habitats and climate regimes, favouring speciation in genera such as Brachistosternus. Coastal areas to the west of the Andes continued to harbour older lineages while accommodating more recently diverged lineages from the nearby Andes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety regulations require the control of the presence of protozoa in meats destined for human consumption. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat may constitute a source of zoonoses. A 23.8% (688/2881) seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and 72.2% (662/910) Sarcocystis sarcocysts prevalence were detected among wild boars hunted in Southwestern areas of Spain. Identity of Sarcocystis spp. was performed by RFLP-PCR and sequencing, detecting S. miescheriana (7/8) and the zoonotic S. suihominis (1/8). Risk assessment studies of these coccidian in meats destined to human consumption are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis are responsible for tuberculosis in humans and animals, respectively. Both species are closely related and belong to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). M. tuberculosis is the most ancient species from which M. bovis and other members of the MTC evolved. The genome of M. bovis is over >99.95% identical to that of M. tuberculosis but with seven deletions ranging in size from 1 to 12.7 kb. In addition, 1200 single nucleotide mutations in coding regions distinguish M. bovis from M. tuberculosis. In the present study, we assessed 75 M. tuberculosis genomes and 23 M. bovis genomes to identify non-synonymous mutations in 202 coding sequences of regulatory genes between both species. We identified species-specific variants in 20 regulatory proteins and confirmed differential expression of hypoxia-related genes between M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dutch elm disease ( DED) spread across Europe and North America in the 20th century killing most natural elm populations. Today, breeding programmes aim at identifying, propagating and studying elm clones resistant to DED. Here, we have compared the physiology and biochemistry of six genotypes of Ulmus minor of variable DED resistance. Leaf gas exchange, water potential, stem hydraulic conductivity and biochemical status were studied in 5-year-old trees of AB- AM2.4, M- DV2.3, M- DV2 × M- CC1.5 and M- DV1 and 6-year-old trees of VA- AP38 and BU- FL7 before and after inoculation with Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. Leaf water potential and net photosynthesis rates declined, while the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity ( PLC) increased after the inoculation in susceptible trees. By the 21st day, leaf predawn and midday water potential, stomatal conductance to water vapour and net photosynthesis rates were lower, and PLC was higher in trees of susceptible (S) genotypes inoculated with the pathogen than in control trees inoculated with water, whereas no significant treatment effect was observed on these variables in the resistant (R) genotypes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed a different biochemical profile for branches of R and S clones. R clones showed higher absorption peaks that could be assigned to phenolic compounds, saturated hydrocarbons, cellulose and hemicellulose than S clones. The differences were more marked at the end of the experiment than at the beginning, suggesting that R and S clones responded differently to the inevitable wounding from inoculation and repeated sampling over the experimental course. We hypothesize that a weak activation of the defence system in response to experimental wounding can contribute to the susceptibility of some genotypes to O. novo-ulmi. In turn, the decline in shoot hydraulic conductivity and leaf carbon uptake caused by the infection further exacerbates tree susceptibility to the fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow aspirate smear showing multiple small and spherical bodies within histiocytes. Bone marrow aspirate smear showing extracellular multiple small and spherical bodies. A 52-year-old woman was referred to the hematology clinic due to pancytopenia and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. [Extracted from the article]