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Many species of birds breeding on ocean beaches and in coastal dunes are of global conservation concern. Most of these species rely on invertebrates (e.g. insects, small crustaceans) as an irreplaceable food source, foraging primarily around the strandline on the upper beach near the dunes. Sandy beaches are also prime sites for human recreation, which impacts these food resources via negative trampling effects. We quantified acute trampling impacts on assemblages of upper shore invertebrates in a controlled experiment over a range of foot traffic intensities (up to 56 steps per square metre) on a temperate beach in Victoria, Australia. Trampling significantly altered assemblage structure (species composition and density) and was correlated with significant declines in invertebrate abundance and species richness. Trampling effects were strongest for rare species. In heavily trafficked plots the abundance of sand hoppers (Amphipoda), a principal prey item of threatened Hooded Plovers breeding on this beach, was halved. In contrast to the consistently strong effects of trampling, natural habitat attributes (e.g. sediment grain size, compactness) were much less influential predictors. If acute suppression of invertebrates caused by trampling, as demonstrated here, is more widespread on beaches it may constitute a significant threat to endangered vertebrates reliant on these invertebrates. This calls for a re-thinking of conservation actions by considering active management of food resources, possibly through enhancement of wrack or direct augmentation of prey items to breeding territories.

Ornamentation of parents poses a high risk for offspring because it reduces cryptic nest defence. Over a century ago, Wallace proposed that sexual dichromatism enhances crypsis of open-nesting females although subsequent studies found that dichromatism per se is not necessarily adaptive. We tested whether reduced female ornamentation in a sexually dichromatic species reduces the risk of clutch depredation and leads to adaptive parental roles in the red-capped plover Charadrius ruficapillus, a species with biparental incubation. Males had significantly brighter and redder head coloration than females. During daytime, when visually foraging predators are active, colour-matched model males incurred a higher risk of clutch depredation than females, whereas at night there was no difference in depredation risk between sexes. In turn, red-capped plovers maintained a strongly diurnal/nocturnal division of parental care during incubation, with males attending the nest largely at night when visual predators were inactive and females incubating during the day. We found support for Wallace's conclusion that reduced female ornamentation provides a selective advantage when reproductive success is threatened by visually foraging predators. We conclude that predators may alter their prey's parental care patterns and therefore may affect parental cooperation during care.

Abstract This study showcases 121 new genomes of spore-forming Bacillales from strains collected globally from a variety of habitats, assembled using Oxford Nanopore long-read and MGI short-read sequences. Bacilli are renowned for their capacity to produce diverse secondary metabolites with use in agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. These secondary metabolites are encoded within biosynthetic gene clusters (smBGCs). smBGCs have significant research interest due to their potential as sources of new bioactivate compounds. Our dataset includes 62 complete genomes, 2 at chromosome level, and 57 at contig level, covering a genomic size range from 3.50 Mb to 7.15 Mb. Phylotaxonomic analysis revealed that these genomes span 16 genera, with 69 of them belonging to Bacillus. A total of 1,176 predicted BGCs were identified by in silico genome mining. We anticipate that the open-access data presented here will expand the reported genomic information of spore-forming Bacillales and facilitate a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of Bacillales’ potential for secondary metabolite production.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide issue with a high prevalence rate seen in Asia. Aims and Objectives: To plan and implement preventive measures, it is important to understand the characteristics, background, and medico-legal significance, especially from the perspective of perpetrators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a questionnaire-based retrospective study conducted among perpetrators of IPV who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. Results: Out of 325 subjects, 97.2% were males and 64.0% were aged 26–45 years. Most (80.9%) perpetrators were older than the victimized partner, with a mean age gap of 4.3 years. Only 2.8% had achieved higher education and 78.5% had been married to the victim for more than5 years. Alcohol and/or other substances were abused by 75.4% and 11.1% of them were diagnosed with a psychiatric illness. Perpetrators have been exposed to child abuse (CA) as minors (50.1%), with physical CA being the most common, whereas 42.5% had witnessed IPV during their childhood. Ill-treatment by the spouse (odds ratio [OR] = 24 [95% confidence interval (CI):5.6, 99.9]) and substance use (OR =22 [95% CI: 5.1, 91.5]) were significantly associated with perpetrating emotional violence. A victim having an extramarital affair was 5.1 times more likely to be subjected to sexual IPV, whereas previous IPV, parental deprivation, and affairs of perpetrator were proved to be protective factors. IPV had negatively affected the economy of 71.3% of families. Legal procedures were expected by 22.4%, whereas 60% wanted to negotiate with their spouses. Conclusion: Families having low income and alcohol/substance abuse should be targeted to plan preventive programs at the community level. Proper counseling and follow-up of victims of CA can be used as a primary preventive measure of IPV.

Objectives: The mitochondrial enzyme L-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (L2HGDH) regulates the abundance of L-2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2HG), a potent signaling metabolite capable of influencing chromatin architecture, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell fate decisions. Loss of L2hgdh activity in humans induces ectopic L-2HG accumulation, resulting in neurodevelopmental defects, altered immune cell function, and enhanced growth of clear cell renal cell carcinomas. To better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie these disease pathologies, we used the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to investigate the endogenous functions of L2hgdh. Methods: L2hgdh mutant adult male flies were analyzed under normoxic and hypoxic conditions using a combination of semi-targeted metabolomics and RNA-seq. These multi-omic analyses were complemented by tissue-specific genetic studies that examined the effects of L2hgdh mutations on the Drosophila renal system (Malpighian tubules; MTs). Results: Our studies revealed that while L2hgdh is not essential for growth or viability under standard culture conditions, L2hgdh mutants are hypersensitive to hypoxia and expire during the reoxygenation phase with severe disruptions of mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, we find that the fly renal system is a key site of L2hgdh activity, as L2hgdh mutants that express a rescuing transgene within the MTs survive hypoxia treatment and exhibit normal levels of mitochondrial metabolites. We also demonstrate that even under normoxic conditions, L2hgdh mutant MTs experience significant metabolic stress and are sensitized to aberrant growth upon Egfr activation. Conclusions: These findings present a model in which renal L2hgdh activity limits systemic L-2HG accumulation, thus indirectly regulating the balance between glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism, enabling successful recovery from hypoxia exposure, and ensuring renal tissue integrity.

A native Australian corvid, Little Raven Corvus mellori, has emerged as a dominant and problematic predator of an ecologically and economically important seabird, the Little Penguin Eudyptula minor. In 2013, ravens successfully preyed upon clutches/broods of the burrow-nesting penguin, especially those in shallower, more accessible burrows. Individual raven size might mediate which ravens attack penguins; smaller ravens may be able to enter burrows more easily; alternatively, larger ravens may be more capable of overcoming penguin parental defence. Here, we consider the predator-prey interactions to assess whether associations with burrow characteristics persisted and examine whether raven size mediated propensity to prey upon penguin eggs. We compared data from the 2013 and 2015 penguin breeding seasons at Phillip Island (Victoria, Australia) for differences in clutch survival and burrow characteristics. We also examined raven morphometrics to determine if any physical differences existed between known burrow-predators (“culprits”) and other birds. During the 2013 breeding season, penguins suffered clutch losses of 61.1% compared with 33.9% in 2015. Burrow characteristics changed between seasons—most noticeably, burrows were deeper in 2015 and ravens no longer discriminated between burrow characteristics. Culprits were heavier and larger. While we could not eliminate inter-annual variability as a possible contributing factor, our results were consistent with rapid adaptation of prey and predator to intense emergent depredation. Penguins may now construct deeper burrows, and ravens evidently no longer select more vulnerable burrows. Larger ravens may be more capable of approaching and attacking penguin burrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids driven by distributed energy resources are gaining prominence as decentralized power systems offering advantages in energy sustainability and resilience. However, optimizing microgrid operation faces challenges from the intermittent nature of renewable sources, dynamic energy demand, and varying grid electricity prices. This paper presents an AI-driven day-ahead optimal scheduling approach for a grid-connected AC microgrid with a solar panel and a battery energy storage system. Genetic Algorithm generates demand response strategies and optimizes battery dispatch, while LightGBM forecasts solar power generation and building load consumption. The approach aims to minimize operational costs and ensure microgrid sustainability, using a battery degradation cost function to extend its lifespan. Simulation results conducted in the University of Moratuwa microgrid show a significant 14.22% decrease in electricity costs under Sri Lanka’s current tariff structure, attributed to intelligent energy dispatch scheduling. Proactive demand response management has the potential to minimize costs further. This research contributes to microgrid optimization knowledge, promoting the adoption of intelligent and sustainable energy systems.

Abstract The blood proteome holds great promise for precision medicine but poses substantial challenges due to the low abundance of most plasma proteins and the vast dynamic range of the plasma proteome. Here we address these challenges with NUcleic acid Linked Immuno-Sandwich Assay (NULISA™), which improves the sensitivity of traditional proximity ligation assays by ~10,000-fold to attomolar level, by suppressing assay background via a dual capture and release mechanism built into oligonucleotide-conjugated antibodies. Highly multiplexed quantification of both low- and high-abundance proteins spanning a wide dynamic range is achieved by attenuating signals from abundant targets with unconjugated antibodies and next-generation sequencing of barcoded reporter DNA. A 200-plex NULISA containing 124 cytokines and chemokines and other proteins demonstrates superior sensitivity to a proximity extension assay in detecting biologically important low-abundance biomarkers in patients with autoimmune diseases and COVID-19. Fully automated NULISA makes broad and in-depth proteomic analysis easily accessible for research and diagnostic applications.

Egg predation is a major cause of reproductive failure among birds, and can compromise the viability of affected populations. Some egg predators aggregate near colonially breeding birds to exploit the seasonal increase of prey resources. We investigated spatial and temporal variations in the abundance of an egg predator (little raven C orvus mellori; Corvidae) to identify whether ravens aggregate spatially or temporally to coincide with any of three potential prey species: burrow-nesting little penguin ( E udyptula minor; Spheniscidae), short-tailed shearwater ( A rdenna tenuirostris; Procellariidae), and surface-nesting silver gull ( C hroicocephalus novaehollandiae; Laridae). We derived spatially explicit density estimates of little ravens using distance sampling along line transects throughout a calendar year, which encompassed little penguin, short-tailed shearwater and silver gull breeding and non-breeding seasons. High raven abundance coincided temporally with penguin and gull egg laying periods but not with that of shearwaters. The spatial distribution of raven density corresponded with the little penguin colony but not with shearwater or gull colonies. Thus, the presence of little penguin eggs in burrows correlated strongly with little raven activity, and this implies that little ravens may have learnt to exploit the plentiful subsurface food resource of little penguin eggs. Corvid management may be required to maintain the viability of this socially and economically important penguin colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) is one of the key factors in influencing the dispersion of the air pollutants in the troposphere and, hence, the air pollutant concentration on ground level. For this reason, accurate air pollutant concentration depends on the performance of PBLH prediction. Recently, ceilometers, a lidar instrument to measure cloud base height, have been used by atmospheric scientists and air pollution control authorities to determine the mixing level height (MLH) in improving forecasting and understanding the evolution of aerosol layers above ground at a site. In this study, ceilometer data at an urban (Lidcombe) and a rural (Merriwa) location in New South Wales, Australia, were used to investigate the relationship of air pollutant surface concentrations and surface meteorological variables with MLH, to validate the PBLH prediction from two air quality models (CCAM-CTM and WRF-CMAQ), as well as to understand the aerosol transport from sources to the receptor point at Merriwa for the three case studies where high PM10 concentration was detected in each of the three days. The results showed that surface ozone and temperature had a positive correlation with MLH, while relative humidity had negative correlation. For other pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2), no clear results were obtained, and the correlation depended on the site and regional emission characteristics. The results also showed that the PBLH prediction by the two air quality models corresponded reasonably well with the observed ceilometer data and the cause and source of high PM10 concentration at Merriwa can be found by using ceilometer MLH data to corroborate back trajectory analysis of the transport of aerosols to the receptor point at Merriwa. Of the three case studies, one had aerosol sources from the north and north west of Merriwa in remote NSW, where windblown dust is the main source, and the other two had sources from the south and south east of Merriwa, where anthropogenic sources dominate.

Summary: Although the intrinsic mechanisms that control whether stem cells divide symmetrically or asymmetrically underlie tissue growth and homeostasis, they remain poorly defined. We report that the RNA-binding protein fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) limits the symmetric division, and resulting expansion, of the stem cell population during adaptive intestinal growth in Drosophila. The elevated insulin sensitivity that FMRP-deficient progenitor cells display contributes to their accelerated expansion, which is suppressed by the depletion of insulin-signaling components. This FMRP activity is mediated solely via a second conserved RNA-binding protein, LIN-28, known to boost insulin signaling in stem cells. Via LIN-28, FMRP controls progenitor cell behavior by post-transcriptionally repressing the level of insulin receptor (InR). This study identifies the stem cell-based mechanism by which FMRP controls tissue adaptation, and it raises the possibility that defective adaptive growth underlies the accelerated growth, gastrointestinal, and other symptoms that affect fragile X syndrome patients. : Luhur et al. report that FMRP acts via LIN-28 in progenitor cells to dampen the adaptive expansion of intestinal tissue in the fruit fly, raising the possibility that defective LIN28-mediated adaptive growth underlies some of the symptoms that affect fragile X syndrome patients. Keywords: FMRP, fmr1, LIN-28, insulin receptor, IIS, adaptive growth, tissue resizing, intestinal stem cell, insulin sensitivity

Periods of unfavorable storing conditions can lead to changes in the quality of fish feeds, as well as the development of relevant mycotoxins. In the present study, a commercial fish feed was stored under defined conditions for four weeks. The main findings indicate that even storing fish feeds under unsuitable conditions for a short duration leads to a deterioration in quality. Mycotoxin and fungal contamination were subsequently analyzed. These investigations confirmed that different storage conditions can influence the presence of fungi and mycotoxins on fish feed. Notably, ochratoxin A (OTA) was found in samples after warm (25 °C) and humid (>60% relative humidity) treatment. This confirms the importance of this compound as a typical contaminant of fish feed and reveals how fast this mycotoxin can be formed in fish feed during storage.

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma is a variant of adenocarcinoma which is extremely rare, associated with poor prognosis and generally found to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report a case of primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder which was successfully treated with partial cystectomy. A 71-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease presented with painless haematuria for 2 months’ duration. The abdominal ultrasonography showed a localised polypoidal vesical growth arising from the bladder dome. Cystoscopy revealed an exophytic solid tumour in the anterior fundal wall. A deep transurethral resection of bladder tumour was done and histology revealed an adenocarcinoma composed of mucinous and signet-ring cell components. Later, considering the patient’s age and the poor general condition, a partial cystectomy was done. Follow-up cystoscopy and ultrasonography were done at 12 months and there was no evidence of tumour recurrence and the patient is currently symptom-free. Partial cystectomy may be considered in patients with localised tumour without evidence of metastasis and poor general condition. Regular cystoscopies and ultrasound imaging are necessary for follow-up and early identification of recurrences.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant a multisystem genetic disorder that primarily involves the skin and the nervous system. The incidence of the disease is 1:3000-4000 live-born children, equally in both sexes. The diagnosis of NF1 is determined individually with any two of the following clinical features: café-au-lait spots, intertriginous freckling, Lisch nodules, neurofibromas, optic glioma, distinctive bone lesions and first-degree family relative with NF1. NF1 is a disease most commonly diagnosed and treated by neuropediatricians., Results: Cognitive and behavioral disorders affect between 50-80% of all children with NF1. Children with NF1 show impairments in attention, visual perception, language, executive function, academic skills, and behavior. This requires a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment s as seen in the case we present. Furthermore, NF1 is often associated with psychiatric disorders, which are more frequent in this disease than in general population, according to some studies even up to 33% patients. Psychiatric disorders are more frequent in NF1 than in the general population, particularly in children. They include dysthymia, depressive mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. Bipolar mood disorders or schizophrenia are rather rare. The majority of studies have focused on physical health and neurocognitive function in NF1, whereas psychiatric disorders associated with this disease remain unclear and poorly documented., Conclusions: We present a case of an eight-year-old boy with behavioural and learning disabilities referred for psychological and psychiatric evaluation as well as an overview of NF-related psychiatric illnesses described in the literature.