Anthropogenic forces have resulted in staggering losses of biodiversity and population declines in many species over the past two centuries. Associated with these declines are potential adverse effects linked to small population sizes, including loss of genetic diversity and increased levels of inbreeding. Here, we leverage DNA sequencing from museum specimens to examine genetic variation between historic and contemporary populations of four species of warblers (Aves, Setophaga) that vary with respect to degree of population changes over this period. To explore the genetic impacts of varying population declines, we gathered polymorphism data at 157 PCR-amplified loci in 341 individuals sampled in two time periods-historic (1789-1955) vs contemporary (2001-2020). For all four species, we observed decreases in nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity in contemporary data sets compared to historic data sets. In three species, this loss was accompanied by a corresponding increase in inbreeding coefficient FIS. We find that these genetic diversity declines correspond to declining contemporary effective population sizes (Ne) over deeper time scales, as well as fluctuations in contemporary estimates of Ne. Our findings suggest that loss of genetic diversity resulting from historic population declines persists over time (50-100years), even when population trajectories later stabilize. Our results highlight the utility of long-term genetic temporal comparisons to reveal hidden genetic diversity loss and reveal important considerations for managing genetic diversity loss.

BackgroundVolleyball is an under-researched sport, particularly in relation to risk factors for head impacts and sports-related concussion (SRC). This study aimed to estimate the self-reported lifetime prevalence of SRC, post-injury help-seeking behaviour, and associations between SRC and age, sex at birth, playing experience, playing league, and playing position.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to examine lifetime prevlaance and associations between SRC and personal and sport-related factors. The questionnaire collected demographic information, SRC history, and help-seeking behaviour. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate SRC prevalence and help-seeking behaviours among players with a history of SRC. A mixed-effect binary logistic model was conducted at a univariable and multivariable level to assess associations between SRC with playing experience, league, position, age, and gender.ResultsA total of 74 volleyball players, 44 females and 30 males, completed the questionnaire. The estimated self-reported lifetime prevalence of SRC was 35% (males 33%, females 36%). Medical support was limited both during and following a SRC. Only 39% of players reporting a SRC were diagnosed, with just 23–27% seeking medical help. Older and more experienced athletes had higher odds of reporting SRC. Those aged 28 years and above showed greater odds (OR=4.58–8.91) of reporting a SRC compared to those aged 16–21, and those with more than 13 years of experience showed greater odds (OR=4.04–9.51) than those with 1–3 years’ experience. Professional players showed reduced odds (OR=0.05) compared to high school and university players in the multivariable model.ConclusionsSRC occur in volleyball with a lifetime prevalence of 35%, yet many incidents go undiagnosed and unmanaged. Older, more experienced players had greater odds of reporting a SRC, while professional-level athletes showed reduced odds when all factors are considered. Increased awareness and appropriate guidance are needed across all levels in volleyball.

ABSTRACTRuns of homozygosity (ROH) are increasingly being analysed using whole genome sequences in non‐model species as a measure of inbreeding and to assess demographic history, thus providing useful information for conservation. However, most studies have used Plink for ROH inference which performs poorly when sequencing depth is below 10×, often underestimating ROH. This can lead to erroneous status assessment and poor management decisions. We assessed the performance of ROHan, a program developed for ROH and heterozygosity estimation using lower coverage sequences that have so far only been optimised for human data. Using high coverage whole genomes from 22 caribou, a non‐model species at risk presenting varying levels of inbreeding, we assessed the effects of sequencing depth (1–15×), the input parameter ‘rohmu’ that determines the heterozygosity rate that is tolerated within ROH regions, and demographic history on the ROH inference and heterozygosity. Accurate estimation of the percentage of the genome and lengths of ROH could be achieved at depths as low as 3–5×. However, the rohmu parameter and individual demographic history had a significant effect on the results. Heterozygosity was also overestimated at low depth. Using our optimised rohmu parameter, we re‐analysed low coverage sequences from a small and isolated caribou population and demonstrated high inbreeding levels that had previously been missed. We provide recommendations for optimisation of the rohmu parameter and demonstrate the need for careful interpretation of outputs to enable robust ROH inference using low coverage whole genome sequences in wildlife species.

Phlebotomus argentipes sensu lato Annandale & Brunetti, 1908 is the primary vector of Leishmania donovani MON 37, the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka. Effective vector control is essential for managing leishmaniasis. Although numerous taxonomic studies have been conducted on P. argentipes s.l., population genetics remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated the demographic history and population genetic structure of P. argentipes s.l. in Sri Lanka using sequence data obtained from the earlier investigation of two mitochondrial markers, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4). For the genetic analysis, 159 individuals from five leishmaniasis endemic sites were examined. In addition to the individual analyses of COI and ND4 genes, a concatenated dataset combining both mitochondrial fragments was constructed to evaluate overall genetic structure and demographic history. The population structure and demographic history of P. argentipes s.l. were assessed using FST estimates, AMOVA, structure analysis, Mantel test, PCoA, Bayesian inference and coalescent analysis. The highest FST value was 0.0271, indicating low genetic differentiation, with over 98% variation occurring within populations. Mantel tests showed weak, non-significant correlations between genetic and geographic distance, indicating no evidence of isolation by distance, suggesting potential gene flow and no distinct clustering within the Sri Lankan P. argentipes s.l. population. Negative and significant neutrality statistics, together with unimodal mismatch distributions, support historical population expansion, further corroborated by Bayesian skyline plots indicating two distinct demographic events, an ancient expansion around 50,000 years ago (COI) and a more recent one approximately 10,000-13,000 years ago (ND4). Additionally, the mismatch distribution analyses revealed a multimodal expansion pattern at the Medirigiriya and Hambantota sites, which are hot spots for leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. The present study demonstrates a demographic expansion and genetic homogeneity of P. argentipes s.l. populations in Sri Lanka, supporting the species' ability to colonize new areas and possibly enhance leishmaniasis transmission. This connectivity may facilitate the spread of adaptive traits such as insecticide resistance, even in the absence of local selection pressure, posing a potential challenge for future vector control efforts in Sri Lanka.

Phlebotomus argentipes sensu lato Annandale & Brunetti, 1908 is the primary vector of Leishmania donovani MON 37, the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sri Lanka. Effective vector control is essential for managing leishmaniasis. Although numerous taxonomic studies have been conducted on P. argentipes s.l., population genetics remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated the demographic history and population genetic structure of P. argentipes s.l. in Sri Lanka using sequence data obtained from the earlier investigation of two mitochondrial markers, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4). For the genetic analysis, 159 individuals from five leishmaniasis endemic sites were examined. In addition to the individual analyses of COI and ND4 genes, a concatenated dataset combining both mitochondrial fragments was constructed to evaluate overall genetic structure and demographic history. The population structure and demographic history of P. argentipes s.l. were assessed using FST estimates, AMOVA, structure analysis, Mantel test, PCoA, Bayesian inference and coalescent analysis. The highest FST value was 0.0271, indicating low genetic differentiation, with over 98% variation occurring within populations. Mantel tests showed weak, non-significant correlations between genetic and geographic distance, indicating no evidence of isolation by distance, suggesting potential gene flow and no distinct clustering within the Sri Lankan P. argentipes s.l. population. Negative and significant neutrality statistics, together with unimodal mismatch distributions, support historical population expansion, further corroborated by Bayesian skyline plots indicating two distinct demographic events, an ancient expansion around 50,000 years ago (COI) and a more recent one approximately 10,000–13,000 years ago (ND4). Additionally, the mismatch distribution analyses revealed a multimodal expansion pattern at the Medirigiriya and Hambantota sites, which are hot spots for leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. The present study demonstrates a demographic expansion and genetic homogeneity of P. argentipes s.l. populations in Sri Lanka, supporting the species’ ability to colonize new areas and possibly enhance leishmaniasis transmission. This connectivity may facilitate the spread of adaptive traits such as insecticide resistance, even in the absence of local selection pressure, posing a potential challenge for future vector control efforts in Sri Lanka.

BackgroundHallucinogen use for both recreational and medical purposes is rapidly increasing globally, raising concerns about potential adverse effects. This study examined the risk of incident mania or bipolar disorder (BD) diagnosis associated with having an emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization involving hallucinogens.Methods and findingsWe used a population-based cohort study of all individuals aged 14–65 years with no baseline history of BD and registered in the Ontario Health Insurance Plan in Ontario, Canada, between 2008–2022. Incident mania (primary outcome) and incident BD (secondary outcome) were compared between individuals with acute care (an ED visit or hospitalization) involving hallucinogens and the general population using overlap propensity score weighted Cox proportional hazard models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, rural residence, income quintile, recent documentation of homelessness, and healthcare encounters for mental health or other substance use in the past five years. The study included 9,311,844 individuals of which 7,285 (0.08%) had acute care involving hallucinogens. Within 3-years of acute care involving hallucinogens, 1.43% (n = 104) of individuals had an incident episode of mania requiring acute care compared to 0.06% (n = 41) of individuals in the age-sex matched general population, a 25-fold increase in risk. After weighting, acute care for hallucinogens was associated with a 6-fold (weighted Hazard Ratio [HR] 5.97, 95% CI 3.29, 10.82) increase in risk of incident mania relative to individuals without hallucinogen acute care who had otherwise similar demographic and mental health histories. Associated increases were also observed for risk of an incident diagnosis of BD (HR 3.75 95%CI 2.49, 5.65, absolute proportion 2.50% versus 0.11%). The main limitation of the study is the risk associated with the exposure examined in this study may not generalize to the majority of people who use hallucinogens who do not require acute care.ConclusionsThese findings suggest the need for ongoing caution regarding hallucinogen use in individuals at risk of bipolar disorder. They also have potential implications for clinical practice, research, and public health policy, including substance regulation and targeted education for high-risk groups in the context of rising hallucinogen use.

Diversification and differentiation of Stipa species shed light on the regional evolutionary history of the eastern Eurasian steppe.

Geographic isolation, ecological adaptation, and hybridization influenced fast divergence of a Solanaceae plant group from subtropical highland grasslands.

Why do we observe some plant phenotypes but not others? The multivariate phenotypic space occupied by individuals or species often reveals both limits and phenotypes strikingly deviating from main syndromes. These observations are usually thought to indicate, respectively, inviable trait combinations and unique phenotypes adapted to specific environments. However, the evolutionary drivers underlying trait covariations often remain unclear. Here, we characterized the phenotypic space of Arabidopsis thaliana by comparing 713 wild accessions collected across the globe with 2,544 artificially-created recombinant individuals. This, combined with the detection of adaptive processes operating within species, allowed us to elucidate the roles of natural selection as a driver of phenotypic (co)variations within A. thaliana. We found that the phenotypic space of this species is constrained and driven by varying levels of divergent and stabilizing selection across different traits. Moreover, at the margins of the European geographic range, strong directional selection favored outlier phenotypes characterized by very late flowering and variation in a WRKY transcription factor gene. Genome analyses revealed that these extreme phenotypes may be explained by hybridization between ancestral and modern lineages of A. thaliana. Our findings demonstrate how interplays between population history and natural selection shape phenotypic diversity in a plant species.

BackgroundHajj, one of the largest annual religious gatherings, attracts millions of Muslim pilgrims globally, with a significant proportion being older adults. Cognitive impairment, encompassing mild cognitive decline to dementia, is a prevalent condition among older adults and can significantly affect their ability to participate in the physically and mentally demanding rituals of Hajj. Despite its implications, data on the prevalence and associated factors of cognitive impairment among pilgrims remain limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults Hajj pilgrims and to explore its associations with demographic, linguistic, and medical history variables.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted during the 1445 Hijri Calander (2024 AD) Hajj season in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 3,111 pilgrims aged 60 years and older were recruited using multistage sampling. Data were collected through bilingual (Arabic and English) face-to-face interviews, employing the validated Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) screening tool. Additional data included demographic characteristics, health conditions, medication use, and cognitive challenges. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and descriptive summaries to determine significant predictors of cognitive impairment.ResultsThe prevalence of positive cognitive screening impairment was 64.0%, with a mean AD8 score of 3.09 ± 2.68. Participants aged 80 years and above exhibited the highest prevalence (78.5%), followed by those aged 70–79 years (67.2%) and 60–69 years (58.4%) (p < 0.001). Urdu-speaking individuals (OR: 2.132, 95% CI: 1.018–4.468), Nigerian nationality (OR: 7.594, 95% CI: 1.951–29.555), and Southeast Asia clusters (p = 0.033, OR: 2.086, 95% CI: 1.059–4.108) had a significantly higher prevalence of cognitive impairment by screening. Chronic conditions such as diabetes (OR: 1.839, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR: 2.420, p < 0.001), and hyperlipidemia (OR: 1.446, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with cognitive impairment positive screening along with prior cognitive impairment disorders diagnosis (OR: 2.367, p = 0.038). Participants who reported difficulties with remembering appointments (40.3%) and managing finances (34.6%) were more likely to exhibit cognitive impairment positive screening.ConclusionProbable cognitive impairment positive screening among older adults Hajj pilgrims was significantly associated with clinical factors including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, prior diagnosis of cognitive impairment disorders, and informant-based reporting. These findings underscore the importance of pre-travel cognitive assessments, targeted health interventions, and culturally sensitive support services to ensure safe and inclusive participation. This study provides crucial evidence to guide future healthcare policies and interventions aimed at supporting older adults’ pilgrims.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-025-06690-2.

ABSTRACT Introduction Asthma still represents a crucial public health challenge with significant health consequences. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of physician-diagnosed self-reported asthma in Greece and to unravel comorbid conditions and risk factors. Research design and methods The HYDRIA survey was the first national project on the health of the population in Greece. Data regarding demographic, lifestyle characteristics, and medical history were recorded through personal interviews from June 2013 to December 2014. Weighting factors were applied to ensure national representativeness of results. Results The study includes 4011 men and women. The estimated prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.5–9.8%). The most frequent comorbidity was allergic rhinitis, reaching a prevalence of 47.3%. Individuals with asthma reported a significantly higher percentage of perceived restrictions in daily activities (p-value < 0.001). They presented double the risk of having restrictions [2.04 (95% CI: 1.52–2.74); p-value < 0.001]. Age and atopy were significant predictors, however, an interaction indicated that the effect of atopy decreases with age (p for interaction = 0.037). Conclusions The estimated prevalence of self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma in Greece is 8.6%. Atopy, especially in young age, and age represent risk factors for asthma. Patients with asthma experience double the risk of having restrictions on daily activities compared to individuals without asthma.

Pregnancy psychological distress: A concept analysis.

Impact of statin treatment on postoperative atrial fibrillation in surgical aortic valve replacement.

Genetic diversity and stress resistance evaluation of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) genetic resources in the Yangtze River estuary.

ABSTRACTWe here present high‐quality, population‐level sequencing data from the X chromosome of the highly‐endangered aye‐aye, Daubentonia madagascariensis. Using both polymorphism‐ and divergence‐based inference approaches, we quantify fine‐scale mutation and recombination rate maps, study the demographic and selective processes additionally shaping variation on the X chromosome, and compare these estimates to those recently inferred from the autosomes in this species. Results suggest that an equal sex ratio is most consistent with observed patterns of variation, and that no sex‐specific demographic patterns are needed to fit the empirical site frequency spectrum. Further, reduced rates of recombination were observed relative to the autosomes as would be expected, whereas mutation rates were inferred to be similar. Utilizing the estimated population history together with the mutation and recombination rate maps, we evaluated evidence for both recent and recurrent selective sweeps as well as balancing selection across the X chromosome, finding no significant evidence supporting the action of these episodic processes. Overall, these analyses provide new insights into the evolution of the X chromosome in this species, which represents one of the earliest splits in the primate clade.

Ancient DNA and archaeological studies indicate the Central Plain's pivotal role in the cultural and genetic evolution of ancient China. However, limited genome-wide data have constrained our understanding of this region's population history during the Bronze Age Shang Dynasty (around 1600-1046 BCE). Here, we present genome-wide data from 11 individuals from the Xisima Cemetery in Central Plain, a site exhibiting clear burial evidence of social stratification dating to the late Shang Dynasty (around 1300 to 1046 BCE). Genetic analyses reveal that all Xisima individuals can be modelled as direct, unadmixed descendants of Late Neolithic Central Plain-related people. We found no systematic genetic differentiation between individuals buried in high-grade (south-to-north) and low-grade (east-to-west) tombs, indicating genetic homogeneity across social strata. These results demonstrate that social stratification at Xisima occurred without corresponding genetic distinction, supporting the decoupling of social hierarchy from significant genetic differentiation in this Shang community.

Utility-scale solar energy (USSE) development is driving the projected growth in global renewable energy capacity but comes with environmental tradeoffs. New, alternative construction methods are promoted to minimize impacts to soils, vegetation, and hydrology; however, the disturbance created by these methods requires further investigation. We evaluated the population of a rare annual species, threecorner milkvetch ( Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus ), at the Gemini Solar Project in the Mojave Desert, USA, two years after construction. Gemini was required to minimize disturbance in the threecorner milkvetch habitat, providing a unique opportunity to study the plant population and life history characteristics of a rare plant species under novel construction methods. Our objectives were to compare plant population characteristics of threecorner milkvetch inside and outside the Gemini footprint and in different photovoltaic (PV) panel microsites (interspace, panel dripline, under panel). We hypothesized that 1) threecorner milkvetch would have lower survival, reproduction, and growth, and a later phenology, inside compared to outside the facility, and 2) that these negative effects on plant demography and phenology would intensify with increasing proximity to photovoltaic panels in the solar array due to an increasing effect of disturbance and reduction of light and water availability. The results of this 1-year study during a favorable year of rainfall demonstrate the persistence of a rare Mojave annual plant species within an altered environment at a USSE facility. We found that threecorner milkvetch had an earlier phenology, grew larger, and had a higher fecundity at Gemini compared to plants off-site. Survivorship between the two populations, however, was not significantly different. Although growth and reproductive metrics were not correlated with distance to panel, minimal threecorner milkvetch emergence occurred directly under the PV panels and along their driplines, indicating a potential loss of suitable habitat if this pattern becomes more widespread in space or through time. Novel construction techniques for USSE could be considered moving forward to minimize impact on aboveground vegetation and maintain viable seed banks. The results of this study can assist land managers in making decisions about USSE development as the demand grows.

Genomes contain the mutational footprint of an organism's evolutionary history, shaped by diverse forces including ecological factors, selective pressures, and life history traits. The sequentially Markovian coalescent (SMC) is a versatile and tractable model for the genetic genealogy of a sample of genomes, which captures this shared history. Methods that utilize the SMC, such as PSMC and MSMC, have been widely used in evolution and ecology to infer demographic histories. However, these methods ignore common biological features, such as gene flow events and structural variation. Recently, there have been several advancements that widen the applicability of SMC-based methods: inclusion of an isolation with migration model, integration with the multi-species coalescent, incorporation of ecological life history traits (such as selfing and dormancy), and many computational advances in applying these models to data. We give an overview of the SMC model and its various recent extensions, discuss examples of biological discoveries through SMC-based inference, and comment on the assumptions, benefits and drawbacks of various methods.

ABSTRACTSpecies are the constituent units of ecosystems, and even species that have severe conflicts with humans play irreplaceable and important roles in maintaining ecosystem stability. Spermophilus dauricus has long been considered a harmful animal because of its ability to damage grasslands and agriculture, as well as its status as a primary host of Yersinia pestis. Consequently, it has been subject to eradication areas in human activity areas, which may lead to a reduction in its genetic diversity. Genetic diversity is the core foundation for maintaining species continuity, yet this is precisely the aspect lacking in research on S. dauricus. In this study, we performed mitochondrial genome sequencing of 73 individuals sampled across an extensive geographic region of S. dauricus and conducted population genetic and species distribution model analyses. The results revealed that S. dauricus is primarily distributed in three fragmented yet connected regions: the Northeast China Plain distribution area, the Hulunbuir Plateau distribution area, and the Bashang Plateau distribution area. Populations across these three present regions exhibit genetic differences but do not display subspecific relationships. The populations in the Hulunbuir Plateau and Bashang Plateau likely originated from the population in the Northeast Plain. Furthermore, all three populations of S. dauricus have experienced a continuous population decline in the past few thousand years, which we hypothesize may be related to the development of human rice cultivation and nomadism over the past few thousand years. This study highlights the role of human production activities in the decline of the effective population of rodents.

Allochronic divergence is a key evolutionary mechanism that can frequently lead to incipient speciation. Although theoretical models suggest that such divergence is notably facilitated by small population size and genetic polymorphisms influencing reproductive timing, though constrained by genetic load, empirical validation remains limited. We investigated these predictions by re-analysing a case of allochronic differentiation between two sympatric populations of pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in Portugal, using whole genome resequencing (IndSeq and PoolSeq) of those two populations and eight allopatric ones. We inferred the demographic history of those populations, assessed their genetic load and searched for genomic regions associated with life cycle differences. Our analyses revealed a recent split between the sympatric allochronic populations, accompanied by a strong reduction in gene flow, bottlenecks, inbreeding and accumulation of deleterious variants. Genome scans identified several loci associated with life cycle variation, including genes putatively involved in circadian rhythm regulation, predominantly located on the Z chromosome. We discuss how these empirical genomic findings support theoretical expectations that assortative mating driven by differences in reproductive timing, underpinned by polymorphisms in circadian genes, along with genetic drift and purge of genetic load at high-impact sites, can promote the onset and persistence of allochronic divergence.