Search

A new species of leptostracan of the genus Nebalia, N. holothurophila, is described from southern California. The new species appears closely associated with the warty sea cucumber, Apostichopus parvimensis (H. L. Clark, 1913), although the exact nature of the relationship is unclear. The leptostracans were found in "transfer tubs" after the sea cucumbers were removed from artificial tidepools and placed in fresh seawater within these tubs. The new species differs from other leptostracans in southern California in having a combination of features not shared by any other species., Leptostracans are small (usually 3 to 12 mm) crustaceans characterized by a large, bivalved carapace that covers nearly all of the thorax and the eight thoracic appendages, a short movable [...]

Positive interactions are underrepresented in marine ecology but have a substantial impact on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Here, we showcase a previously undescribed commensal relationship between two temperate rocky reef fishes in sandy bottom habitats: the rock wrasse (Halichoeres semicinctus) and round stingray (Urobatis halleri). Using snorkel surveys in Big Fisherman's Cove on Santa Catalina Island, we showed that rock wrasse abundances were positively associated with the presence of round stingrays and that round stingrays significantly altered rock wrasse behavior. Specifically, rock wrasse within a 1 m radius of a feeding round stingray spent approximately 40% and 35% more time feeding compared to rock wrasse in proximity of a resting round stingray or a sandy bottom control, respectively. The positive effect of feeding round stingrays on rock wrasse feeding behavior is in response to stingrays disturbing sand as they eat, uncovering small invertebrates for the wrasses to prey on. As round stingrays are one of the most common fishes in southern California, they may impact the fitness of rock wrasses., Interspecific interactions can shape food webs, habitats, and structure marine communities (May 1972; Wootton and Emmerson 2005). Historically, ecological studies have focused primarily on antagonistic interspecific relationships such as predation, [...]

Recent progress in therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has spurred development and imbued the field of ALS with hope for more breakthroughs, yet substantial scientific gaps persist. This unmet need remains a stark reminder that innovative paradigms are needed to invigorate ALS research. To move toward more informative, targeted, and personalized drug development, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established a national ALS clinical research consortium called Access for ALL in ALS (ALL ALS). This new consortium is a multi‐institutional effort that aims to organize the ALS clinical research landscape in the United States. ALL ALS is operating in partnership with several stakeholders to operationalize the recommendations of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS) Public Private Partnership. ALL ALS will provide a large‐scale, centralized, and readily accessible infrastructure for the collection and storage of a wide range of data from people living with ALS (symptomatic cohort) or who may be at risk of developing ALS (asymptomatic ALS gene carriers). Importantly, ALL ALS is designed to encourage community engagement, equity, and inclusion. The consortium is prioritizing the enrollment of geographically, ethnoculturally, and socioeconomically diverse participants. Collected data include longitudinal clinical data and biofluids, genomic, and digital biomarkers that will be harmonized and linked to the central Accelerating Medicines Partnership for ALS (AMP ALS) portal for sharing with the research community. The aim of ALL ALS is to deliver a comprehensive, inclusive, open‐science dataset to help researchers answer important scientific questions of clinical relevance in ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims Methods Results Discussion Studies have demonstrated that certain genotypes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have milder or more severe phenotypes. These studies included individuals treated and not treated with corticosteroids and multiple sites with potentially varying standards of care. We aimed to assess genotype–phenotype correlations for age at loss of ambulation (LoA) in a large cohort of individuals with DMD treated with corticosteroids at one center.In this retrospective review of medical records, encounters were included for individuals diagnosed with DMD if prescribed corticosteroids, defined as daily deflazacort or prednisone or high‐dose weekend prednisone, for 12 consecutive months. Encounters were excluded if the participants were taking disease‐modifying therapy. Data were analyzed using survival analysis for LoA and Fisher's exact tests to assess the percentage of late ambulatory (>14 years old) individuals for selected genotypes.Overall, 3948 encounters from 555 individuals were included. Survival analysis showed later age at LoA for exon 44 skip amenable (p = .004), deletion exons 3–7 (p < .001) and duplication exon 2 (p = .043) cohorts and earlier age at LoA for the exon 51 skip amenable cohort (p < .001) when compared with the rest of the cohort. Individuals with deletions of exons 3–7 had significantly more late ambulatory individuals than other cohorts (75%), while those with exon 51 skip amenable deletions had significantly fewer (11.9%) compared with other cohorts.This confirms previous observations of genotype–phenotype correlations in DMD and enhances information for trial design and clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt conducted an expedition through the American continent, alongside Aimé Bonpland, from 1799 to 1804. Before finally returning to Europe, they decided to take a side trip to the USA between May 20 and July 7, 1804. Humboldt's most detailed account of his time in the USA consists of a manuscript entitled "Plantae des États-Unis" (1804), containing information on useful plants and timber of the country. The aim of this paper is to retrieve, for the first time, ethnobotanical information regarding North American plants and their uses inside this Humboldt's manuscript as well as to highlight the erasure and invisibilization of North American Indigenous knowledge within historical documents and bibliography, mainly during the nineteenth century. Methods: "Plantae des États-Unis" (digitized version and its transcription) was carefully analyzed, and information on plant species mentioned in the manuscript (including botanical and vernacular names, traditional uses, and general observations) was retrieved. Traditional uses were correlated with ethnobotanical data from the Native American Ethnobotany Database and encyclopedic literature on North American plants from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, as well as recent pharmacological studies searched in scientific papers. Results: In the manuscript are mentioned 28 species distributed in 15 botanical families, with Fagaceae (9 Quercus species) being the most representative. All species are USA natives, except for one undetermined species (only the genus was mentioned, Corylus). Four species were directly mentioned as medicinal (Toxicodendron radicans, Liriodendron tulipifera, Actaea racemosa, and Gillenia stipulata), while other four were described as tanning agents (astringent) (Cornus florida, Diospyros virginiana, Quercus rubra, and Quercus velutina). Two species were described as bitter (Xanthorhiza simplicissima and A. racemosa). Nine Quercus species were described, but five were reported as the most useful oaks for cultivation in Europe (Quercus bicolor, Quercus castanea, Quercus virginiana, Quercus michauxii, and Quercus alba); three of them were used for ship construction (Q. virginiana, Q. michauxii, and Q. alba), two as astringent (Q. rubra and Q. stellata), and one had wood of poor quality (Quercus phellos). One species was described as a yellow dye (Hydrastis canadensis), and the other was mentioned as toxic (Aesculus pavia). Ten species did not have any useful applications listed. Conclusions: Although "Plantae des États-Unis" is a brief collection of annotations, these data reveal a historical scenario of outstanding plants with social and economic interest in the USA at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The data highlight a clear process of suppression of the traditional knowledge of Native North American Indigenous peoples in past historical records and literature, due to the lack of acknowledgment by white European settlers and American-born explorers. This ethnobotanical inventory may help us understand the relationship between plants and Native North American Indigenous peoples, as well as European naturalists and settlers, and USA-born people in the past, and reflect on the importance of Indigenous traditional knowledge, bioeconomy, sustainable management, and conservation of biodiversity in the present and future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a descriptive label for an obstructive inflammatory disease in the lower airways manifesting with symptoms including breathlessness, cough, difficulty in breathing, and wheezing. From a clinician's point of view, asthma symptoms can commence at any age, although most patients with asthma—regardless of their age of onset—seem to have had some form of airway problems during childhood. Asthma inception and related pathophysiologic processes are therefore very likely to occur early in life, further evidenced by recent lung physiologic and mechanistic research. Herein, we present state-of-the-art updates on the role of genetics and epigenetics, early viral and bacterial infections, immune response, and pathophysiology, as well as lifestyle and environmental exposures, in asthma across the life course. We conclude that early environmental insults in genetically vulnerable individuals inducing abnormal, pre-asthmatic airway responses are key events in asthma inception, and we highlight disease heterogeneity across ages and the potential shortsightedness of treating all patients with asthma using the same treatments. Although there are no interventions that, at present, can modify long-term outcomes, a precision-medicine approach should be implemented to optimize treatment and tailor follow-up for all patients with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Patients and methods Results Conclusions Parastomal hernias are a challenging complication of digestive ostomies. Ileal‐conduit parastomal hernias after cystectomy have specific aspects. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and natural history of ileal‐conduit parastomal hernias in order to guide their management, as well as to identify risk factors to prevent them.All consecutive patients undergoing cystectomy with a Bricker's ileal conduit in 3 academic centers were retrospectively identified. Data were collected regarding their medical history prior to cystectomy, the operation, the postoperative period, imaging results within 5 years of follow‐up, and the onset and timing of clinically or radiologically diagnosed ICPH.Among 577 patients included in the study, 115 (20.6%) developed an ICPH during the study period. Most patients did not present any symptom and the diagnosis was made at imaging in 74.8% of them. Most hernias were detected between 1 and 2 years after the cystectomy, with a mean time to diagnosis of 12.4 months. At multivariate analysis, overweight and obesity were independent risk factors for developing an ICPH (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.96; p = 0.046), while a trans‐rectus position of the ostomy was a significant protective factor (aHR 0.45; p = 0.011).A PH develops in almost 20% of patients after ileal conduit urinary diversion, with a mean time of onset of 12.4 months. It is often a subclinical condition detected at medical imaging. Obesity increases the risk, while passing the ileal‐conduit through the rectus muscle can help to prevent it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The partnership between corals and their intracellular algal symbionts has long been a textbook example of a mutually beneficial association. Here I argue that this view has been made obsolete by a steady accumulation of evidence over the past three decades. The coral–algal relationship is perhaps better viewed as one of domestication — think of it like a cattle farm, in which the coral is the farmer and the algae are the cows. I synthesize old and new evidence in support of this updated view and highlight remaining knowledge gaps, the largest of which continues to be the natural history of algal symbionts. The partnership between corals and their intracellular algal symbionts has long been a textbook example of mutually beneficial association. In this essay, Mikhail Matz argues for an updated view in which the coral acts more as a farmer of algal cells to support its own growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined a natural history of opioid overdose deaths from 1999-2021 in the United States to describe state-level spatio-temporal heterogeneity in the waves of the epidemic. We obtained overdose death counts by state from 1999-2021, categorized as involving prescription opioids, heroin, synthetic opioids, or unspecified drugs. We developed a Bayesian multivariate multiple change point model to flexibly estimate the timing and magnitude of state-specific changes in death rates involving each drug type. We found substantial variability around the timing and severity of each wave across states. The first wave of prescription-involved deaths started between 1999 and 2005, the second wave of heroin-involved deaths started between 2010 and 2014, and the third wave of synthetic opioid-involved deaths started between 2014 and 2021. The severity of the second and third waves was greater in states in the eastern half of the country. Our study highlights state-level variation in the timing and severity of the waves of the opioid epidemic by presenting a 23-year natural history of opioid overdose mortality in the United States. While reinforcing the general notion of three waves, we find that states did not uniformly experience the impacts of each wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The natural history in unselected cohorts of patients with pheochromocytoma/ paraganglioma (PPGL) followed for a period >10 years remains limited. We aimed to describe baseline characteristics and outcome of a large cohort and to identify predictors of shorter survival. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 303 patients with newly diagnosed PPGL from 1968 to December 31, 2023, in 199 prospectively supplemented since July 2020. Mean follow-up was 11.4 (range 0.3-50) years, germline genetic analyses were available in 92.1%. The main outcome measures were overall (OAS), disease-specific (DSS), recurrence-free (RFS) survival and predictors of shorter survival evaluated in patients with metastases at first diagnosis (n=12), metastatic (n=24) and nonmetastatic (n=33) recurrences and without evidence of PPGL after first surgery (n=234). Results: Age at study begin was 49.4 ± 16.3 years. There were 72 (23.8%) deaths, 15 (5.0%), 29 (9.6%) and 28 (9.2%) due to PPGL, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and malignant or other diseases, respectively. Median OAS, DSS1 (tumor-related) and DSS2 (DSS1 and death caused by CVD) were 4.8, 5.9 and 5.2 years (patients with metastases at first diagnosis), 21.2, 21.2 and 19.9 years, and 38.0, undefined and 38.0 years (patients with metastatic and with nonmetastatic recurrences, respectively). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) preceded the first diagnosis in 15% (n=44). Shorter DSS2 correlated with older age (P ≤ 0.001), male sex (P ≤0.02), MACE (P ≤ 0.01) and primary metastases (P<0.0001, also for DSS1). Conclusion: The clinical course of unselected patients with PPGL is rather benign. Survival rates remain high for decades, unless there are MACE before diagnosis or metastatic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Documenting floristic diversity, its natural history traits and habitat affiliation offers crucial insights for developing conservation strategies and management plans for regional biodiversity. In this study, we employed random sampling technique to investigate the floristic composition, natural history trait diversity and habitat distribution among 12 major forest types spread across an elevational gradient of 350–3450 m a.s.l. in the western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir. We recorded 451 species belonging to 90 families in the study region, with herbaceous growth form, perennial life span and therophyte categories dominant. We observed a steady increase in species richness from 800 to 2000 m a.s.l., with highest at 1750 m a.s.l. in the Himalayan dry temperate forest type and then a decreasing trend with elevation. In terms of species turnover, the lowest dissimilarity of 36.8% was found between the Himalayan dry temperate and Fir forests. Whereas, considering species replacement (βsne), the highest similarity of 17.3% was found between the lower western Himalayan and Himalayan dry temperate forests. This shows that beta‐diversity patterns between different forest types are mostly driven by species replacement. Multivariate analysis revealed three major groups in the entire forest species pool. Habitat‐wise, 34% species were recorded in the natural habitats, while the remaining 66% were found in human‐modified habitats (roadsides, piospheres). Our findings will improve scientific understanding of the forest vegetation of this Himalayan region and help in guiding forest policy and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a data report on gene expression after hepatic portal vein ligation (PVL) in rats. It discusses the increasing incidence of primary liver cancer and the surgical interventions available. The report focuses on the technique of portal vein ligation in rats and its comparison to portal vein embolization. It also discusses the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, in liver biology and the potential for therapeutic targeting in liver diseases and surgical interventions. The document provides sequencing statistics for small RNA samples obtained from a study on hepatic perfusion and function in healthy and venous-ligated livers. The dataset is valuable for understanding the relationship between hepatic perfusion and gene expression, particularly for non-coding RNAs. The animal study was conducted ethically and the research was funded by the DFG within the Research Unit Programme FOR 5151 QuaLiPerF. The authors declare no conflicts of interest, except for one author who was employed by Oncgnostics GmbH. The claims expressed in the article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent their affiliated organizations or the publisher. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: Although corticosteroids and other treatments for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) have been described, understanding its prognosis without intervention provides valuable information for patient management. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive, quantitative statistical analysis of the natural history of untreated idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Study Type and Design: A systematic review and meta‐analyses. Methods: Two independent searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 30, 2022, were performed. Adults with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss who received placebo or were untreated and had audiometric outcome measures in all study types were reviewed. These data indicative of the natural history of ISSNHL were analyzed, as were study characteristics related to risk of bias. Heterogeneity as assessed via I2 and random effects analyses were performed. Results: Six studies meeting the inclusion criteria yielded 319 untreated patients whose natural history could be assessed. Heterogeneity among studies was moderate, with a variety of reported outcomes. A hearing improvement of at least 30 dB HL was observed in 36% (95% CI 0.28–0.44) of untreated patients, and of at least 10 dB HL was observed in 70% (95% CI 0.57–0.82) of untreated patients at 3 months. The mean hearing gain among untreated patients was 24.0 dB HL (95% CI 2.65–45.37) at 2–3 months. Conclusions: The observed natural history of ISSNHL suggests that patients can regain some hearing without active treatment. In the absence of future studies collecting prospective natural history data from untreated or placebo‐treated ISSNHL patients, the data presented here provide the best available historical control data for reconsideration of results in past ISSNHL studies, as well as a roadmap for design and interpretation of future ISSNHL treatment clinical trials. Furthermore, knowing there is a statistically significant mean hearing gain of 24.0 dB HL in the untreated/placebo group provides an ethical basis for future placebo study of ISSNHL. The current status on ISSNHL management calls for a multi‐institutional, randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial with validated outcome measures to provide science‐based treatment guidance. Laryngoscope, 134:S1–S15, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: It is unknown whether concomitant esophageal involvement or anatomic location of eosinophilic infiltration affects the natural history of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the University of North Carolina EGID Clinicopathologic Database. Patients were adults and children with a prior EGID diagnosis based on clinicopathologic features. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment information, and procedural data were extracted from medical records. Clinical course and flare history were characterized. RESULTS: Among 97 patients, 43% had EGID + esophageal involvement and 57% had EGID only. Patients with esophageal involvement had a longer diagnostic delay preceding diagnosis (36.6 vs 11.6 months, P = 0.001), more dysphagia (50% vs 18%; P = 0.001), required more chronic therapy (77% vs 52%, P = 0.016), and exhibited more progressive disease (25% vs 6%, P = 0.027). A continuous disease course was most common in eosinophilic gastritis (78%) while patients with eosinophilic gastritis + eosinophilic enteritis (29%) and eosinophilic enteritis + eosinophilic colitis (50%) had the highest proportion of progressive and relapsing disease, respectively (P = 0.045). A continuous disease course occurred more frequently in children (71%, P = 0.03) and those with single organ involvement (65%), whereas adults had more relapsing (39%) or progressive disease (18%). DISCUSSION: EGIDs with and without esophageal involvement display many similarities, although patients with esophageal involvement more frequently had dysphagia, had progressive disease courses, and required more chronic therapy. Location of involvement and age of onset affected the natural history with higher proportions of relapsing or progressive disease seen in adults and patients with small bowel or multiorgan involvement while a continuous disease course was more common in children and patients with gastric-only involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Crocodiles are one of nature's most successful predators. Their prey varies according to their size. Adults are known to consume different types of vertebrates; juveniles have a similar diet, although their prey is smaller. However, hatchlings have a diet based mainly on insects. This study aimed to know the diet of hatchling Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) at a growth stage corresponding to their transition to the juvenile stage. Therefore, it is important to know which vertebrate prey are beginning to appear during this developmental change in crocodiles. To find out, we captured and washed the stomachs of 31 hatchling crocodiles in the Laguna de las Ilusiones in Tabasco, Mexico. Our results showed that crocodiles have a generalist diet, with prey ranging from invertebrates (mainly coleoptera and hemipterans) to some vertebrates (mostly fish and birds). It is important to know these changes in the diet of crocodilians as they develop to help us better interpret their natural history and propose better strategies for their study. The relationship between diet and behavior is essential to understanding an animal's strategies to obtain food, considering ontogenical changes. In reptiles, there is a relationship between the length of the individual and the size of the prey it consumes. Studies have focused on the ontogenetic changes in reptile diets from hatchling to adult, but only a few studies have focused on the transition from hatchling to juvenile. We aimed to describe and analyze the composition, variation, diversity, and overlap in the diet of hatchling Morelet's crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) for three size intervals during the hatchling–juvenile transition. We captured 31 hatchling Morelet's crocodiles in an urbanized lagoon in Tabasco. We performed stomach-flushing to determine the diet. Additionally, we estimated the volume, frequency of occurrence, and relative importance of diet items and analyzed the relationship between prey type and the total length of the individuals. The diversity of the hatchling prey suggests a generalist diet. We observed two items not previously described in the diet of hatchling crocodiles. In addition, we found differences in diet between the initial and final size intervals, as increases in the length of prey appeared that they did not consume when they were hatchlings. Our results contribute new information to the dietary changes that occur during the hatchling–juvenile transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the restoration of bedrock vernal pools in Central California for the threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp. Vernal pool creation and restoration have been ongoing in California for over 40 years, but the success of these projects has been inconsistent. The goal of this restoration project was to increase the number and volume of vernal pools for potential colonization by the fairy shrimp. The researchers surveyed 29 pools in the Kellogg Creek Vernal Pool Complex and found that restoration efforts resulted in an increase in the number of pools occupied by fairy shrimp. The article concludes that restoration of rock outcrop pool habitat within a complex may be valuable, but continued monitoring and management are necessary to sustain these pools. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides a collection of abstracts from various scientific journals and publications related to ecological restoration. The abstracts cover a range of topics, including climate change, coastal and marine communities, ecological design, economics and ecosystem services, grasslands, invasive and pest species, lakes, rivers, and streams, and monitoring and adaptive management. Each abstract summarizes a specific study or research project, providing key findings and implications for ecological restoration practices. These abstracts serve as valuable resources for library patrons conducting research on these specific topics. The given text consists of summaries of various research articles related to different topics. The first article discusses the applicability of MarECAT, a marine system assessment tool developed for Australia, to marine systems worldwide. The second article explores the potential for restoring biodiversity in karstic mining regions using small-scale mining sites in Croatia. The third article compares the response of red spruce plantings on legacy coal mines and old-field restoration sites in West Virginia. The fourth article focuses on the importance of habitat networks for endangered butterflies in anthropogenic landscapes. The fifth article discusses the underutilization of biotelemetry for fisheries management in European waters. The sixth article highlights the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a molecular tool for the conservation and restoration of riverine diversity. The seventh article examines the transition from shifting cultivation to indigenous agroforestry as a nature-based solution for land restoration in the Indian Eastern Himalayas. The eighth article investigates the rapid responses of bees, butterflies, and birds [Extracted from the article]

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a prevalent condition among patients with cardiovascular risk factors, leading to a reduced quality of life and an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Novel invasive techniques have emerged to more accurately diagnose CMD. However, CMD's natural history remains poorly understood due to limited data. To address this knowledge gap, the Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry (CMDR) was established with the primary aim of standardizing comprehensive coronary functional testing and understanding of CMD. CMDR is a prospective, multicenter registry enrolling an unlimited number of consecutive subjects who undergo comprehensive invasive hemodynamic assessment of the entire coronary arterial vasculature. Patients undergoing acetylcholine provocation test for coronary vasospasm will also be included. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 30 days and annually for up to 5 years. The primary endpoint is Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina grade over time. Secondary endpoints, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalizations, medication changes, and subsequent coronary interventions, will be analyzed to establish long-term safety and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing invasive CMD assessment. CMDR aims to characterize the clinical and physiologic profile of patients undergoing comprehensive invasive coronary functional testing, simultaneously providing crucial longitudinal information on the natural history and outcomes of these patients. This will shed light on CMD's course and clinical implications, which, in turn, holds the potential to significantly improve diagnostic and treatment strategies for CMD patients, ultimately leading to the enhancement of their overall prognosis and quality of life. clinicaltrials.gov , NCT05960474 • CMD leads to reduced quality of life and increased risk of MACE. • CMD's natural history remains poorly understood due to limited data. • Coronary Microvascular Disease Registry aims to standardize CMD understanding. • CMDR will characterize CMD patients' clinical and physiologic profiles. • This holds the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of CMD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyposmia in Parkinson's disease (PD) had been studied before but had not been detailed by its temporal progression. This study observed how each olfactory subtype evolved in terms of motor symptoms, cardiac sympathetic innervation, and cognition. Methods: Two hundred and three early PD patients were classified as normosmia, hyposmia-converter (hypo-converter), and hyposmia. Their presynaptic monoamine availability at the time of diagnosis was assessed by positron emission tomography imaging using 18F-N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2beta-carbon ethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane and compared across the subtypes. Motor symptoms were evaluated in all patients, cardiac denervation was examined in 183 patients, and cognition in 195 patients were assessed using a neuropsychological battery. The domains were re-assessed 2–4 times, and the longitudinal data were analyzed to discern the natural course of each subtype. Results: Twenty-nine (14.3%) patients belonged to the normosmia group, 34 (16.7%) to the hypo-converter group, and the rest to the hyposmia (69.0%) group. 85.7% of the total population became hyposmic during an average 3 years of follow-up. The baseline motor symptoms, cardiac denervation, and cognition were comparable across the olfactory subtypes. Across the subtypes, a decline in the presynaptic monoamine densities of the caudate, especially the ventral-anterior subdivisions, correlated inversely with olfaction dysfunction. Over time, motor and cardiac denervation burdens worsened regardless of olfactory subtypes, but hypo-converters experienced faster cognitive deterioration than the other two groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that the olfactory subtypes have differential significance along the disease course, which might reflect the involvement of different neuro-biochemical circuitries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: Vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs) are known to have a poor natural history with high rates of re-bleeding and mortality. There is a strong relation between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and cerebrovascular disease; we perform a retrospective study within the male of Chinese Han population to explore the association between HHcy and VBDAs. Methods: Eighty-eight male patients with VBDA and Eighty-one male control subjects were evaluated for their serum total homocysteine levels. With multiple logistic regression analysis, the association between HHcy and the risk of VBDAs was estimated. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to age, BMI, smoking status, drinking status, and chronic disease histories. The two-piecewise linear regression model examined the threshold effect. Results: The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between HHcy and VBDAs (odds ratio (OR) = 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–6.71) after adjusting for classical vascular risk factors. The relationship was stable in all subgroup analysis. The interactive role was not found in the association between HHcy and VBDAs for the potential risk factor. Conclusions: In summary, our study provides evidence that HHcy can increases the risk of VBDAs in the male Han Chinese population. Further researches with appropriate study designs including sex differences and aneurysm types are needed to verify this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the events and developments in the field of micromounting in 2023. It discusses the incorporation of Zoom components into physical micromount events and the potential for a permanent Zoom component in the future. The article also acknowledges the deaths of prominent figures in the micromounting community and their contributions to the field. It highlights various micromounting events and symposia that took place throughout the year, showcasing the global nature of the hobby and the camaraderie among enthusiasts. The text emphasizes the importance of preserving micromounting traditions and providing educational opportunities for students. It concludes by mentioning other small organizations and providing contact information for further information. [Extracted from the article]

Among phytophagous insects, life history often evolves as a strategy to cope with seasonality in host plant availability. Whereas specialization often leads to dormancy, aestivation, or longevity, polyphagous species bridge between periods of host availability by exploiting alternative host plants. The aim of the present work was to characterize the life histories of four species of specialist and generalist uni‐ and multivoltine frugivorous fruit flies – Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, Anastrepha fraterculus Wiedemann, Rhagoletis blanchardi Aczel, and Rhagoletotrypeta pastranai Aczel (all Diptera: Tephritidae) – inhabiting in sympatry in Las Yungas phytogeographical province in Tucumán (northwestern Argentina). For this purpose, infested host plant fruits were sequentially collected during two consecutive years, and flies recovered from these fruits were subjected to demographic experiments to establish longevity and overwintering mechanisms. The results indicated that life cycles were tightly related to host fruit availability, where multivoltine species sequentially exploit different host plants over the year, whereas univoltine species must undergo pupal dormancy to reach the next host fructification period and may extend the duration of dormancy when climatic conditions are acyclic and unpredictable. The present study may broaden knowledge about diapausing Tephritidae in subtropical regions and may contribute to an increased conceptual basis for the improvement of pest control strategies, such as the sterile insect technique (SIT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeatable macroevolutionary patterns provide hope for rules in biology, especially when we can decipher the underlying mechanisms. Here we synthesize natural history, genetic adaptations, and toxin sequestration in herbivorous insects that specialize on plants with cardiac glycoside defenses. Work on the monarch butterfly provided a model for evolution of the "sequestering specialist syndrome," where specific amino acid substitutions in the insect's Na+/K+-ATPase are associated with (1) high toxin resistance (target site insensitivity [TSI]), (2) sequestration of toxins, and (3) aposematic coloration. We evaluate convergence for these traits within and between Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera, encompassing hundreds of toxin-adapted species. Using new and existing data on ∼28 origins of specialization, we show that the monarch model evolved independently in five taxonomic orders (but not Diptera). An additional syndrome occurs in five orders (all but Hymenoptera): aposematic sequesterers with modest to medium TSI. Indeed, all sequestering species were aposematic, and all but one had at least modest TSI. Additionally, several species were aposematic nonsequesterers (potential Batesian mimics), and this combination evolved in species with a range of TSI levels. Finally, we identified some biases among these strategies within taxonomic orders. Biodiversity in this microcosm of life evolved repeatedly with a high degree of similarity across six taxonomic orders, yet we identified alternative trait combinations as well as lineage-specific outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LAMA2‐related dystrophies (LAMA2‐RD) constitute a rare neuromuscular disorder with a broad spectrum of phenotypic severity. Our understanding of the genotype–phenotype correlations in this condition remains incomplete, and reliable clinical data for clinical trial readiness is limited. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the genetic data and medical records of 114 LAMA2‐RD patients enrolled at seven research centers in Brazil. We identified 58 different pathogenic variants, including 21 novel ones. Six variants were more prevalent and were present in 81.5% of the patients. Notably, the c.1255del, c.2049_2050del, c.3976 C>T, c.5234+1G>A, and c.4739dup variants were found in patients unable to walk and without cortical malformation. In contrast, the c.2461A>C variant was present in patients who could walk unassisted. Among ambulatory patients, missense variants were more prevalent (p < 0.0001). Although no specific hotspot regions existed in the LAMA2, 51% of point mutations were in the LN domain, and 88% of the missense variants were found within this domain. Functional analysis was performed in one intronic variant (c.4960‐17C>A) and revealed an out‐of‐frame transcript, indicating that the variant creates a cryptic splicing site (AG). Our study has shed light on crucial phenotype–genotype correlations and provided valuable insights, particularly regarding the Latin American population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth has >8 billion people. Scholarly publications number nearly 7 million annually with >1 million in the life and biomedical sciences, and ≥52 professional journals specializing in conservation, ecology, or related disciplines. The challenges of applying ecological data to conservation and wildlife management can easily become overwhelming. Herein we offer reflective perspectives about the changing face of applied knowledge and engagement from our personal employment histories as ecologists working in agency, university, and non‐governmental organization (NGO) biologist positions. We suggest natural history will always be nature's glue, but knowledge steeped mostly in muddy boots and field biology are no longer the soup du jour of our profession. In many ways, new technologies have changed data collection and the scientific questions asked. Arguably, such change is not welcomed by all, but a change in overlap across decades is needed to sustain and improve upon how the planet's biological diversity can coexist with increasingly difficult human conditions. Given that 80% of the people in the United States live in urban areas, with similar numbers internationally, a future possibility may be an even greater divide between wild nature, ecological services, and enjoyment in the field. This is disturbing. Despite fundamental scientific insights that help understand critical components of the natural world, once society loses touch with nature, what will remain? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insular evolution on archipelagos generates a significant proportion of global biodiversity, yet islands are among the ecosystems most sensitive to accelerating anthropogenic disturbance, introductions of non‐native species, and emerging pathogens, among other conservation challenges. The Alexander and Haida Gwaii archipelagos along North America's North Pacific Coast support a disproportionate number of endemic taxa compared to other high‐latitude terrestrial ecosystems. In this region, endemics in Canada are explicitly protected, but in the United States, endemics have been operationally ignored. We reviewed regional research on terrestrial mammals and endemics from 2000–2022 to guide wildlife management. Elevated regional endemism is due to a combination of deep and shallow temporal processes (i.e., long‐term refugial isolation vs. recent colonization). With adequate sampling, genomic analyses are well‐suited to identifying nuanced patterns of divergence and endemism, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of regional diversity. We identified 18 mammalian endemics in Southeast Alaska, USA, at varying taxonomic scales, but research effort has significant taxonomic biases and sampling infrastructure remains inadequate. Of the 66 terrestrial and aquatic mammal species in Southeast Alaska, only 55% are represented by ≥10 archived samples over the last 2 decades. Across taxa, major spatial and temporal sampling gaps limit interpretations of wildlife responses to changing environmental conditions. The Tongass National Forest is spread across an island archipelago, and climate change is projected to have disproportionate impacts on island endemics worldwide. In this case, the United States Forest Service is not closely monitoring endemic taxa, as was required by the Tongass Land Management Plan in 1997. Our review underscores a need for increased consideration of how endemism can be incorporated into land and wildlife management across the Alexander Archipelago. Moving forward, we encourage state and federal agencies, Indigenous communities, and international collaborators to continue to partner with natural history biorepositories to ensure strategic wildlife sampling infrastructure is built and made accessible to the broader scientific community as part of the land management process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Flow-related aneurysms (FRAs) associated with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) pose a significant therapeutic challenge. Both their natural history and management strategy are still unclear and underreported. FRAs generally increase the risk of brain hemorrhage. However, following AVM obliteration these vascular lesions are expected to disappear or remain stable. Methods We present two cases where growth of FRAs was detected following complete obliteration of an unruptured AVM. Results The first patient presented with proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm growth after spontaneous and asymptomatic thrombosis of the AVM. In our second case, a very small aneurysmal-like dilation located at the basilar apex enlarged to a saccular aneurysm following complete endovascular and radiosurgical obliteration of the AVM. Conclusion The natural history of flow-related aneurysms is unpredictable. In the cases where these lesions are not managed first, there should be close follow-up. When aneurysm growth is evident, active management strategy seems mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete study of semiaquatic ectothermic animals is often limited by the researchers' ability to detect them in their nonbreeding habitat. This is particularly challenging for semiaquatic amphibians whose detectability is greatest during the breeding season as they engage in visual and or auditory reproductive behaviors within specific aquatic microhabitats. Our collective ability to obtain information on the nonbreeding terrestrial habitat use and occupancy of postmetamorphic hylid treefrogs is markedly difficult because they are typically highly cryptic and vertically mobile, and it is often unfeasible to outfit smaller individuals with radiotelemetry devices. Because amphibians represent one of the most at-risk group of vertebrates, there is a great urgency to better understand both the breeding and nonbreeding natural history parameters of postmetamorphic individuals to inform species-specific and ecosystem-level management and conservation strategies. Therefore, in this study, we attempted the nearly year-round detection and capture of postmetamorphic treefrogs and their distinct age–sex groups in a previously unstudied remnant swamp wetland complex in southern Illinois, USA. We used 70 artificial refugia made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes mounted to trees within the upland aquatic-terrestrial ecotone of a single pond site to examine the factors influencing their nonbreeding occupancy and detection. Our artificial refugia allowed us to detect and capture the various age–sex groups of three Hyla species over an 8-mo period from April to November 2022. Using single-season Bayesian occupancy models, we found that the overall probability of occupancy among Cope's Gray Treefrogs (Hyla chrysoscelis) was primarily influenced by the relative ratio of an occupied refugia being consecutively occupied (i.e., the probability of a refugium being occupied was influenced by its previous occupancy state) and the probability of their detection was most influenced by the survey temperature. Importantly, we found nontrivial variation in the influence of both site-and-survey–specific occupancy and detection covariates among the different H. chrysoscelis age–sex groups, indicating at least partial differentiation in nonbreeding refuge preferences and requirements. Overall, our findings validate the use of tree-mounted artificial PVC refugia to detect and gather otherwise unattainable, nearly year-round, population-level information on the various age–sex groups of terrestrial, postmetamorphic, nonbreeding treefrogs in a remnant southern Illinois swamp wetland complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZC4H2 -associated rare disorder (ZARD) is caused by pathogenic variations in the ZC4H2 gene on the X chromosome. This gene codes for a zinc finger protein involved in neural development. ZARD is characterized by highly variable symptoms, potentially influenced by the sex of the individual. The ZC4H2 -Associated Rare Disorder Natural History Study is a prospective natural history study conducted among individuals with ZARD that consists of standardized interviews, developmental assessments, and neurological examinations conducted every six months for two years. In this article, we present data from baseline visits with 40 participants, the largest ZARD cohort studied thus far, focusing on genotype-phenotype correlations and sex differences. Fisher exact, maximum likelihood χ 2, and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized. Males tended to have maternally inherited ZC4H2 pathogenic variations, whereas females tended to have de novo variations (P < 0.001). Female participants were more likely to have contractures at birth (P < 0.01), arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (P < 0.001), spasticity on examination (P < 0.1), and lower limb muscle atrophy (P < 0.05). Male participants were more likely to have seizures (P < 0.1), intermittent pain (P < 0.01), severe vision impairment (P < 0.05), dysphagia for solids (P < 0.01), and generalized muscle atrophy (P < 0.05). Our study suggests there is significant overlap in severity and range of symptoms between males and females, although several symptoms are more common in one sex than the other. Further analysis is needed to better understand how pathogenic variation type affects phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the book "Wonders and Rarities: The Marvelous Book That Traveled the World and Mapped the Cosmos" by Travis Zadeh. The book explores the concept of wonders and rarities and provides examples of things considered wondrous and rare. It focuses on the life and work of ʿImād al-Dīn Zakariyyāʾ al-Kammūnī al-Qazwīnī, particularly his natural history book "ʿAjāʾib al-makhlūqāt wa-gharāʾib al-mawjūdāt" (Wonders of Things Created and Rarities of Matters Existent). The book is divided into three parts, discussing Qazwīnī's influences, his study of natural philosophy, and the dissemination of his work in manuscript and print. The article also touches on the transformation and reception of Qazwīnī's work in the modern era. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Peritoneal infiltrating and fibrotic endometriosis, also known as deep endometriosis, is the most severe manifestation of the disease that can cause severe complications including bowel and ureteral stenosis. The natural history of these lesions and the possible effect of hormonal treatments on their progression are undefined. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate whether and how frequently deep endometriosis progresses over time without or with ovarian suppression. This could inform management decisions in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients. Material and Methods: For this pre‐registered systematic review (CRD42023463518), the PubMed and Embase databases were screened, and studies published between 2000 and 2023 that serially evaluated the size of deep endometriotic lesions without or with hormonal treatment were selected. Data on the progression, stability, or regression of deep endometriotic lesions were recorded as absolute frequencies or mean volume variations. Estimates of the overall percentage of progression and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random‐effect model. When studies reported lesion progression as pre‐ and post‐treatment volume means, the delta of the two‐volume means was calculated and analyzed using the inverse variance method. Results: A total of 29 studies were identified, of which 19 studies with 285 untreated and 730 treated patients were ultimately selected for meta‐analysis. The overall estimate of the percentage of lesion progression in untreated individuals was 21.4% (95% CI, 6.8–40.8%; I2 = 90.5%), whereas it was 12.4% during various hormonal treatments (95% CI, 9.0–16.1%; I2 = 0%). Based on the overall meta‐analysis estimates, the odds ratio of progression in treated vs untreated patients was 0.52 (95% CI, 0.41–0.66). During hormonal suppression, the mean volume of deep endometriotic lesions decreased significantly by 0.87 cm3 (95% CI, 0.19–1.56 cm3; I2 = 0%), representing −28.5% of the baseline volume. Conclusions: Untreated deep endometriotic lesions progressed in about one in five patients. Medical therapy reduced but did not eliminate this risk. Given the organ function failure potentially caused by these lesions, the decision whether to use hormonal treatments in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic women should always be shared, carefully weighing the potential benefits and harms of the two alternatives after extensive counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioma resection is associated with prolonged survival, but neuro-oncological trials have frequently refrained from quantifying the extent of resection. The Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) resect group is an international, multidisciplinary group that aims to standardise research practice by delineating the oncological role of surgery in diffuse adult-type gliomas as defined per WHO 2021 classification. Favourable survival effects of more extensive resection unfold over months to decades depending on the molecular tumour profile. In tumours with a more aggressive natural history, supramaximal resection might correlate with additional survival benefit. Weighing the expected survival benefits of resection as dictated by molecular tumour profiles against clinical factors, including the introduction of neurological deficits, we propose an algorithm to estimate the oncological effects of surgery for newly diagnosed gliomas. The algorithm serves to select patients who might benefit most from extensive resection and to emphasise the relevance of quantifying the extent of resection in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the development of Scandinavian exercise physiology, with a focus on the years between 1910 and 1920 and the subsequent establishment of the Rockefeller Institute in Copenhagen in 1928. Three scientists, Erik Hohwü Christensen, Marius Nielsen, and Erling Asmussen, played key roles in advancing the field during this time. Their research centered on the adaptative resetting of homeostasis across organ systems during exercise. The article also mentions the League of Nations' Health Organization's support for a research program investigating physiological responses to maximum muscular effort, which further bolstered the work of Hohwü and Nielsen. The text goes on to discuss the collaborative efforts of Hohwü, Nielsen, and Asmussen in the 1930s and 1940s, where they conducted experiments to understand the mechanisms behind the increase in cardiac output during exercise. Their studies revealed that cardiovascular function, ventilation, and thermoregulation are tightly regulated during exercise, with feedback mechanisms originating within the working skeletal muscle. Additionally, they identified a neural feedback mechanism related to the volume of involved musculature that triggers these responses. Overall, the collaboration between these three scientists led to significant advancements in the understanding of exercise physiology. [Extracted from the article]

The evolutionary dynamics of the ecoregions of southern South America and the species that inhabit them have been poorly studied, and few biogeographic hypotheses have been proposed and tested. Quaternary climatic oscillations are among the most important processes that have led to the current distribution of genetic variation in different regions of the world. In this work, we studied the evolutionary history and distribution of the Córdoba vesper mouse (Calomys venustus), a characteristic rodent of the region of which little is known about its natural history. Since the population dynamics of this species are influenced by climatic factors, this rodent is a suitable model to study the effects of Quaternary climatic oscillations in central Argentina. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was sequenced to analyze the phylogeography of C. venustus, and ecological niche modeling tools were used to map its potential distributions. The results of these approaches were combined to provide additional spatially explicit information about this species' past. Our results suggest that the Espinal was the area of origin of this species, which expanded demographically and spatially during the last glacial period. A close relationship was found between the Espinal and the Mountain Chaco. These results are consistent with previous studies and emphasize the role of the Espinal in the biogeographic history of southern South America as an area of origin of several species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the nesting behavior of Burmese pythons in a modified landscape in Thailand. Two adult female pythons were observed, and it was found that they chose nesting sites in areas that may pose risks. Despite the lack of protection measures, the nests successfully hatched. The study suggests that the pythons may have selected these sites based on prey availability or suitable microhabitats. The findings emphasize the adaptability of Burmese pythons in disturbed environments and the need for more research on their reproductive patterns and conservation challenges. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Kant-Studien is the property of De Gruyter 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.)

This article provides valuable information on the keeping, breeding, and rearing of North American Wood Turtles. It describes their appearance, habitat, feeding habits, and mating system. The author shares personal experiences in caring for these turtles, including information on their husbandry and feeding. The article also includes data on the size and weight of Wood Turtles in various settings, which can be useful for researchers studying their biology and conservation. [Extracted from the article]

Acute, high-dose radiation exposure results in life-threatening acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and debilitating delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE). The DEARE are a set of chronic multi-organ illnesses that can result in early death due to malignancy and other diseases. Animal models have proven essential in understanding the natural history of ARS and DEARE and licensure of medical countermeasures (MCM) according to the FDA Animal Rule. Our lab has developed models of hematopoietic (H)-ARS and DEARE in inbred C57BL/6J and Jackson Diversity Outbred (JDO) mice of both sexes and various ages and have used these models to identify mechanisms of radiation damage and effective MCMs. Herein, aggregate data from studies conducted over decades in our lab, consisting of 3,250 total-body lethally irradiated C57BL/6J young adult mice and 1,188 H-ARS survivors from these studies, along with smaller datasets in C57BL/6J pediatric and geriatric mice and JDO mice, were examined for lifespan and development of thymic lymphoma in survivors up to 3 years of age. Lifespan was found to be significantly shortened in H-ARS survivors compared to age-matched nonirradiated controls in all four models. Males and females exhibited similar lifespans except in the young adult C57BL/ 6J model where males survived longer than females after 16 months of age. The incidence of thymic lymphoma was increased in H-ARS survivors from the young adult and pediatric C57BL/ 6J models. Consistent with our findings in H-ARS, geriatric mice appeared more radioresistant than other models, with a lifespan and thymic lymphoma incidence more similar to nonirradiated controls than other models. Increased levels of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines in DEARE bone marrow and serum correlated with shortened lifespan and malignancy, consistent with other animal models and human data. Of interest, G-CSF levels in bone marrow and serum 8-11 months after irradiation were significantly increased in females. Importantly, treatment with granulopoietic cytokine MCM for radiomitigation of H-ARS did not influence the long-term survival rate or incidence of thymic lymphoma in any model. Taken together, these findings indicate that the lifespan of H-ARS survivors was significantly decreased regardless of age at time of exposure or genetic diversity, and was unaffected by earlier treatment with granulopoietic cytokines for radiomitigation of H-ARS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) can be a valuable source of information about species' biology and their conservation, especially for threatened and poorly known species, such as the Brazilian three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus). Here, we gathered information about the natural history and human–fauna relationships of T. tricinctus based on the LEK of residents from a rural community in northeast Brazil, where a population of T. tricinctus has been recently discovered. To understand LEK, we used participatory transect walks, semi-structured interviews, and a member-checking workshop. T. tricinctus was considered a locally abundant and widespread species, primarily nocturnal, highly popular, and not among the most hunted species. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of T. tricinctus biology and conservation. First, they show that, although T. tricinctus is highly threatened by hunting, there are still localities where it is not among the most hunted species, where it may still be common. Second, as T. tricinctus is a locally common and popular species, research and participatory science projects may be feasible in the area. Moreover, to increase sampling effectiveness, research projects can consider aspects of T. tricinctus biology identified in this study. In conclusion, our findings reinforce the importance of ethnobiology assessments to improve knowledge about species' biology and inform local research and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Georeferencing is a key process in the digitization of natural history collections as it assigns spatial coordinates to preserved specimen collecting locations, facilitating their use in ecological, evolutionary and conservation research. Georeference data in public repositories such as GBIF is often missing or incomplete, jeopardising their use in research and limiting the return on investment made by public institutions. Despite the existence of guidelines for best practices for georeferencing and widely accepted standards for biodiversity data, there is a lack of a simple yet effective software tool that offers the implementation of both concepts. We present GeoPick with the aim to offer the collections community a standards‐compliant tool that eases the georeferencing process, making it more cost‐effective, and which, by applying best practices, contributes to the betterment of the occurrence data in public repositories. GeoPick also offers the possibility of collaboration between users and institutions through the sharing of georeferences. The tool is hosted by GBIF at https://geopick.gbif.org, and is open source. Its code is available at a public GitHub repository (https://github.com/rtdeb/GeoPick).Keywords: Darwin Core, georeferencing, natural history collections, point‐radius method, web application, Well Known Text Format, WKT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims Methods Results Discussion Phrenic neuropathy (PhN) impairs diaphragm muscle function, causing a spectrum of breathing disability. PhN etiologies and their natural history are ill‐defined. This knowledge gap hinders informed prognosis and management decisions. This study aims to help fill this knowledge gap on PhN etiologies, outcomes, and recovery patterns, especially in the context of nonsurgical clinical practice.This was a retrospective study from two interdisciplinary clinics, physiatry and neurology based. Patients were included if PhN was identified, and other causes of hemi‐diaphragm muscle dysfunction excluded. Patients were followed serially at the discretion of the neuromuscular‐trained neurologist or physiatrist. Recovery was assessed using pulmonary function tests (PFTs), diaphragm muscle ultrasound (US) thickening ratio, and patient‐reported outcomes in patients presenting within 2 years of PhN onset.We identified 151 patients with PhN. The most common etiologies were idiopathic (27%), associated with cardiothoracic procedure (24%), and intensive care unit (17%). Of these patients, 117 (77%) were evaluated within 2 years of PhN onset. Of patients included in outcome analyses, 64% saw improvement on serial US, 50% on serial PFTs and 79% reported symptomatic improvement at an average of 15, 16, and 17 months, respectively.A clear majority of PhN patients show improvement in diaphragm muscle function, but on average, improvements took 15–17 months depending on the assessment type. These insights are vital for developing tailored treatments and can guide physicians in prognosis and decision‐making, especially if more invasive interventions are being considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mouse‐like rodents often take cover in natural shelters or burrow underground where they build simple nests. A few species build extensive shelters above ground, called lodges, mounds or houses. Here, we present the first phylogenetically controlled comparative study on the ecological factors of habitat heterogeneity, environmental aridity and fire risk related to nesting habits in mouse‐like rodents (Myomorpha, 326 genera). Twenty species from seven genera were found to build lodges, and they mainly occur in arid environments with low fire risk. Most lodge‐building species (14 out of 20) belong to the pack rats (genus Neotoma), which in phylogeny only represent one event of evolution of lodge building and therefore limit the statistical power of the phylogenetically controlled analysis. The Bayesian phylogenetic mixed‐effects models show a phylogenetic signal of 0.43 for 515 Myomorpha species. Under this moderate to strong phylogenetic relatedness, we did not find specific factors being associated to the evolution of sheltering habit in Myomorpha. We suggest studying the importance of aridity combined with low fire risk for lodge building on the species level, for example, by studying the limits of species distribution ranges depending on these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the molecular characteristics and growth patterns of meningiomas in patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN). The study involved 11 patients with NF2-SWN and a total of 23 resected meningiomas. The researchers used various techniques, including whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation analysis, and immunohistochemistry, to assess the clinical and molecular characteristics of the tumors. The findings suggest that epigenetic mechanisms, particularly methylation clustering and immune activity, may play a role in the growth patterns of meningiomas in NF2-SWN patients. The study also highlights the presence of macrophage infiltration and immune response in these tumors. [Extracted from the article]

The quality assurance provided by preimplantation biopsy quantification of chronic damage may allow greater use of kidneys from expanded criteria donors, and thereby expand the deceased donor pool. Preimplantation biopsy may, however, identify additional acute or chronic pathologies not considered in the scoring of chronic damage, and these may influence the decision to implant or discard the kidney. This single-centre retrospective cohort study of a contemporary UK donor population systematically characterised the nature of additional findings in 1,046 preimplantation and implantation biopsies over an eight-year period. A diverse range of findings were identified in 111/1,046 (11%) organs; most frequently diabetic glomerulopathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, (micro)thrombi, neutrophil casts, and immunoglobulin/ complement staining. Seventy (63%) of these were transplanted, with subsequent biopsy in 41 (58%) cases confirming that 80% of the initial acute changes had spontaneously resolved, while there was no progression of diabetic glomerulopathy, and the lesions of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis were not identified. Over 75% of assessable grafts with additional histological findings at the time of transplant showed adequate function at one-year following transplant. In conclusion, most histological abnormalities that may be identified in addition to chronic scarring in preimplantation kidney biopsies would not preclude transplantation nor predict poor graft function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the behavior of freshwater macroinvertebrates, specifically the midge Axarus, burrowing into rock and hard substrates in aquatic ecosystems. The study focuses on observations of Axarus populations in Lake McMurtry, Oklahoma, where the midges were found to create burrows in clay and sandstone habitats. The article discusses the ecology and life history of Axarus larvae, as well as the potential impacts of burrow construction. It also mentions the discovery of a small parasitic wasp within clay burrows, suggesting a possible infection of Axarus larvae. The rarity of rock-boring traits among aquatic insects is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of studying rock-boring macroinvertebrates in understanding bioerosion and habitat complexity. The authors hope that their findings will encourage further research on Axarus and other freshwater borers. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder. The patients usually show heterogeneous and nonspecific symptoms, resulting in diagnosis challenges using conventional approaches. Here, the clinical presentation and genetic features of 20 Chinese patients were examined and reported in order to clarify the natural history and prognosis of NKH in China. Methods: The Human Gene Mutation Database and literature regarding NKH in China were reviewed. Age of onset, clinical characteristics, genetic analysis, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) examinations, and outcome of the patients were analyzed. Natural history experiences and follow-up assays for five patients who were followed in our center were described. Results: Among all 20 NKH patients, 17 (85%) had the neonatal type and 3 (15%) had the infantile type, no late-onset cases were detected. Patients showed up for admission with a history of seizures (15/20), lethargy (14/20), hypotonia (11/20), apnea (9/20), and feeble sobbing (4/20). Brain MRI findings included abnormal signals in the internal capsule, cerebellum, or brainstem (6/14), dysplasia of the corpus callosum (5/14), and white matter abnormalities (3/14). EEG evaluations showed anomalies such as burst suppression (4/8) and hypsarrhythmia and/ or epileptic activity (6/8). Median values of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glycine levels, plasma glycine levels and CSF/plasma glycine ratios were135.2 (range, 6.3-546.3) μmol/L, 998.2 (range,75-3,084) μmol/L, 0.16 (range, 0.03-0.60) respectively. Genetic analyses revealed four new variations and GLDC, AMT gene abnormalities in 13 (65%), 7 (35%) case, respectively. Prognosis information was available for 18 cases: nine patients died, eight in the neonatal period. Among the nine survivors, varying developmental disorders were observed. Discussion: Different disease processes and outcomes were found in Chinese NKH patients, according to this study. The initial clinical presentations, CSF glycine levels and CSF to plasma glycine ratios do not reliably predict prognosis, while MRI and EEG abnormalities may indicate a poor outlook. NKH diagnosis should be considered for neonates presenting specific symptoms. The present survey provides clinical data that support the development of a standardized protocol for diagnosing and treating NKH in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An increasing number of clinical trials for new therapeutic strategies are underway or being considered for dystrophinopathy. Having detailed data on the natural progression of this condition is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of new drugs. However, there's a lack of data regarding the long-term data on the natural course and how it's managed in China. In this study, we offer a comprehensive overview of clinical and molecular findings, as well as treatment outcomes in the Chinese population. Methods: Institutional data on all patients with dystrophinopathy from August 2011 to August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The data included geographic distribution, age at diagnosis, molecular findings, and treatment options, such as corticosteroids, cardiac interventions, and clinical outcomes. Results: In total, 2097 patients with dystrophinopathy, including 1703 cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), 311 cases of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), 46 cases of intermediate muscular dystrophy (IMD), and 37 cases categorized as "pending" (individuals with an undetermined phenotype), were registered in the Children's Hospital of Fudan University database for dystrophinopathy from August 2011 to August 2021. The spectrum of identified variants included exonic deletions (66.6%), exonic duplications (10.7%), nonsense variants (10.3%), splice-site variants (4.5%), small deletions (3.5%), small insertions/duplications (1.8%), and missense variants (0.9%). Four deep intronic variants and two inversion variants were identified. Regarding treatment, glucocorticoids were administered to 54.4% of DMD patients and 39.1% of IMD patients. The median age at loss of ambulation was 2.5 years later in DMD patients who received glucocorticoid treatment. Overall, one cardiac medicine at least was prescribed to 7.4% of DMD patients, 8.3% of IMD patients, and 2.6% of BMD patients. Additionally, ventilator support was required by four DMD patients. Eligibility for exon skipping therapy was found in 55.3% of DMD patients, with 12.9%, 10%, and 9.6% of these patients being eligible for skipping exons 51, 53, and 45, respectively. Conclusions: This is one of the largest studies to have evaluated the natural history of dystrophinopathy in China, which is particularly conducive to the recruitment of eligible patients for clinical trials and the provision of real-world data to support drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]