Environmental Variables Research Articles

On the impact of re-mating and residual fertility on the Sterile Insect Technique efficacy: Case study with the medfly, Ceratitis capitata.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) can be an efficient solution for reducing or eliminating certain insect pest populations. It is widely used in agriculture against fruit flies, including the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata. The re-mating tendency of medfly females and the fact that the released sterile males may have some residual fertility could be a challenge for the successful implementation of the SIT. Obtaining the right balance between sterility level and sterile male quality (competitiveness, longevity, etc) is the key to a cost-efficient program. Since field experimental approaches can be impacted by many environmental variables, it is difficult to get a clear understanding on how specific parameters, alone or in combination, may affect the SIT efficiency. The use of models not only helps to gather knowledge, but it allows the simulation of a wide range of scenarios and can be easily adapted to local populations and sterile male production. In this study, we consider single- and double-mated females. We first show that SIT can be successful only if the residual fertility is less than a threshold value that depends on the basic offspring number of the targeted pest population, the re-mating rates, and the parameters of double-mated females. Then, we show how the sterile male release rate is affected by the parameters of double-mated females and the male residual fertility. Different scenarios are explored with continuous and periodic sterile male releases, with and without ginger aromatherapy, which is known to enhance sterile male competitiveness, and also taking into account some biological parameters related to females that have been mated twice, either first by a wild (sterile) male and then a sterile (wild) male, or by two wild males only. Parameter values were chosen for peach as host fruit to reflect what could be expected in the Corsican context, where SIT against the medfly is under consideration. Our results suggest that ginger aromatherapy can be a decisive factor determining the success of SIT against medfly. We also emphasize the importance of estimating the duration of the refractory period between matings depending on whether a wild female has mated with a wild or sterile male. Further, we show the importance of parameters, like the (hatched) eggs deposit rate and the death-rate related to all fertile double-mated females. In general, re-mating is considered to be detrimental to SIT programs. However, our results show that, depending on the parameter values of double-mated females, re-mating may also be beneficial for SIT. Our model can be easily adapted to different contexts and species, for a broader understanding of release strategies and management options.

Predicting suitable habitat for the endangered tree Ormosia microphylla in China

Climate change has significantly influenced the growth and distribution of plant species, particularly those with a narrow ecological niche. Understanding climate change impacts on the distribution and spatial pattern of endangered species can improve conservation strategies. The MaxEnt model is widely applied to predict species distribution and environmental tolerance based on occurrence data. This study investigated the suitable habitats of the endangered Ormosia microphylla in China and evaluated the importance of bioclimatic factors in shaping its distribution. Occurrence data and environmental variables were gleaned to construct the MaxEnt model, and the resulting suitable habitat maps were evaluated for accuracy. The results showed that the MaxEnt model had an excellent simulation quality (AUC = 0.962). The major environmental factors predicting the current distribution of O. microphylla were the mean diurnal range (bio2) and precipitation of the driest month (bio14). The current core potential distribution areas were concentrated in Guangxi, Fujian, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Hunan provinces in south China, demonstrating significant differences in their distribution areas. Our findings contribute to developing effective conservation and management measures for O. microphylla, addressing the critical need for reliable prediction of unfavorable impacts on the potential suitable habitats of the endangered species.

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer cells: molecular mechanisms and involvement miRNAs.

A complex sequence of occurrences, including host genetic vulnerability, Helicobacter pylori infection, and other environmental variables, culminate in gastric cancer (GC). The development of several genetic and epigenetic changes in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes causes dysregulation of several signaling pathways, which upsets the cell cycle and the equilibrium between cell division and apoptosis, leading to GC. Developments in computational biology and RNA-seq technology enable quick detection and characterization of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have multiple roles in the development of gastric cancer. These lncRNAs interact with molecules of protein, RNA, DNA, and/or combinations. This review article explores several gastric cancer-associated lncRNAs, such as ADAMTS9-AS2, UCA1, XBP-1, and LINC00152. These various lncRNAs could change GC cell apoptosis, migration, and invasion features in the tumor microenvironment. This review provides an overview of the most recent research on lncRNAs and GC cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and drug resistance, focusing on studies conducted in cancer cells and healthy cells during differentiation.

The vegetation around the foothills of the Hijaz Mountains, Saudi Arabia

AbstractDespite Saudi Arabia being an interesting area from a floristic perspective, its vegetation is still relatively poorly studied. This certainly applies to the Hijaz Mountains and adjacent coastal zones. We aim to describe the flora and vegetation of the foothills of the Hijaz Mountains regarding the environmental conditions. Hijaz Mountains and adjacent coastal zones, Saudi Arabia. We studied the vegetation at the Hijaz Mountains’ foothills along two transects of vegetation surveys, one along the coast and one more inland. In addition, soil samples were taken and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, calcium carbonate and the concentration of the elements N, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were determined. We calculated the data clustering tendency (Hopkins’ test analysis) and its optimal number of clusters (Elbow method). We used modified TWINSPAN to cluster the data and validated the resulting communities using the Silhouette algorithm. Seven plant communities resulted, each one dominated by a different plant species, namely: Haloxylon salicornicum, Lycium shawii, Senegalia hamulosa, Vachellia tortilis, Zygophyllum coccineum, Vachellia flavaand Stipagrostis plumosa, and were described based on their floristic composition and could be further grouped into three vegetation clusters. The communities had varying ranges of occurrence in the study area, some dominating certain sections, with latitude and altitude being the biggest distinguishing environmental variables between the communities. We present a description of the vegetation of the Hijaz Mountains foothills. Our study is considered an important basis for decision-making of nature conservation and in-depth surveys of the area. Graphic abstract

PSI-7 Hourly flushing rates and temperature trends for electronically controlled grouped floor cooling pads trends during the summer heat stress in a boar stud

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the flushing management trends of the electronically controlled grouped floor cooling pads (ECP) during the summer heat stress in a boar stud at Scottsville, Kentucky. Four groups of 5 ECPs connected to each other were placed in 15 boar crates (2.06 x 0.66 m) in a 350 head evaporative cooled, tunnel ventilated barn. One set of ECP (Zone 1) had temperature sensors placed on the 5th pad which triggers flushing of 4.25 L cold water (over 80 sec interval) when sensors reached 27°C. The other two sets of ECP (Zones 2 and 5) had temperature sensors on the first pad and flushing the same cold-water volume when sensors reached 24°C (based on the first pad averaging 3°C lower temperature than the last pad) or every 4 min, whichever occurred first. Cold water for Zone 1 and 2 came from cooling tank 1 (Mean = 17.35°C) while Zone 5 cold water came from cooling tank 2 (Mean = 15.7°C). The water in both tanks was cooled using a 2 HP Hydro Frost Chiller. Daily ECP temperatures (PT), ECP flushing rate (FR), barn temperature (BT) barn relative humidity (RH) barn dewpoint (DP) and cooling tank temperature (TT) were collected every 10 min for the ECP variables and 30 mins for the environmental variables. Boars experienced varying natural summer heat stress (temperature and corresponding relative humidity and dewpoint: Mean = 25.3°C, 87.2%, 23.2°C; high: 29.0°C, 84.5%, 26.1°C), July 29, 2023. A mixed model was used for statistical analysis in SAS including fixed effects of zone and hour. FR and PT readings were affected by the zone, hour of day and all two- and three-way interactions (P < 0.001). All of the zones flushed more frequently late morning to afternoon (Mean: 64.6%) from 1100 to 1600 h and gradually the FR decreased in the evening (1900 h onwards). Zone 1 flushed more frequently (47.7%) than the 2 other zones (Zone 2 = 39.9%, Zone 5 = 33%). Zone 1 ECP temperature averaged 26.7°C (hourly mean range 26.1°C to 27.3°C). Zone 2 ECP temperatures averaged 22.1°C (hourly mean range 19.7°C to 24.1°C). Zone 5 ECP temperature patterns averaged 20.7°C (hourly mean range 19.1°C to 22.4). Zone 1 flushed less frequently (30.3%) at between 2100 to 0400 h. The following day and PT stayed cooler (Mean = 26.7°C) compared with the PT during the middle of the day (27.1°C).The set temperature (27°C; 24°C) or set time every 4 min kept the temperature of the ECP at desirable temperature, below 27°C for the last boar pad or below 24°C for the first of 5 pads (with approximate 3°C difference between the first and last of the of the 5 pads).

Do wolves control their own numbers? Understanding and updating the long debate

The population dynamics of animals involve a complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic regulation, characterized as population self‐regulation, encompasses mechanisms that moderate growth rates before reaching maximum food‐dependent densities. Conversely, extrinsically regulated populations are constrained by environmental variables such as food availability, predation, and disease. What regulates wolf populations has been debated for decades, with most publications concluding that wolves are extrinsically regulated, despite evidence of intrinsic mechanisms. This paper summarizes one perspective from a debate at the 'Wolves Across Borders' conference in Stockholm, Sweden in May 2023. Since this paper is a summary of a public debate, the paper is neither a review nor research paper, rather a research history and a recommendation on how the long‐term disagreement might be resolved. Wolf population regulation is likely an interplay between both intrinsic and extrinsic factors which is best studied longitudinally by monitoring one population through time.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Effect of Hormones, Associated Comorbidities and Recent Advances in Therapy

This study addresses the prevalent endocrine disorder, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), affecting women of reproductive age. The research aims to explore the epidemiology, etiology, genetic factors, transmission patterns, environmental influences, hormonal imbalances, and comorbidities associated with PCOS. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of literature, including studies on PCOS prevalence, diagnostic criteria, phenotype classification, neuroendocrine links, genetic markers, environmental and lifestyle factors, heavy metal exposure, oxidative stress, follicular ER stress, hormonal imbalances, gut hormones, and adipose tissue dysfunction in PCOS. Results point to PCOS having a multigenetic basis, being transmitted across generations, and being influenced by environmental variables. Hormonal imbalances, including androgen excess, insulin resistance, and dysregulation of gonadotropin hormones, are significant in PCOS pathophysiology. The study also discusses the impact of PCOS on infertility, psychological stress, thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, diabetes,and obesity. The implications of this research highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy to managing PCOS, considering genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, lifestyle modifications, and hormonal imbalances. It also discussed alternative therapies. such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, and discusses the current treatment options for PCOS, including meditative stress reduction, melatonin, and cryptotanshinone.

The Influence of Corporate Social Responsibility in the 2022 Desa Brilian Program on Bank Rakyat Indonesia's Brand Awareness [Case Study: Burai Village, Tanjung Batu District, Ogan Ilir Regency]

This study aimed to find out about the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) which consists of the variables of Human Resources (people), Profit (prosperity), and Environment (planet) on the company’s brand awareness in this study using the Desa Brilian 2022 Program in Burai Village, Tanjung Batu Subdistrict formed by PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia. The data used was primary data obtained from the distribution of questionnaires to 100 respondents using random sampling techniques and analyzed using the F-test, T-test, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study showed that there is a significant influence of the variables people, prosperity¸ and planet towards Bank Rakyat Indonesia’s brand awareness either simultaneously or partially and the dominant variable influencing brand awareness in this study is the Environment factor (planet). Keywords: CSR, brand awareness, bank rakyat indonesia

Predicting the current and future suitable distribution range of Trilocha varians (Walker, 1855) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) in China.

Trilocha varians is one of the major pests of Ficus spp. Based on 19 bioclimatic variables provided by the Worldclim, our study analysed the suitable distribution areas of T. varians under current and future climate changes (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) for two periods (the 2050s and 2090s) using the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) model. Key environmental variables affecting the geographic distribution of T. varians were also identified, and the changes in the area of suitable range under current and future climate changes were compared. The results showed that the key environmental variables affecting the distribution of T. varians were temperature and precipitation, comprising annual mean temperature (bio1), temperature seasonality (standard deviation × 100) (bio4), precipitation of driest month (bio14), and precipitation of driest quarter (bio17). Under the current climatic conditions, the suitable distribution area of T. varians is within the range of 92°13'E-122°08'E, 18°17'N-31°55'N. The current high, medium, and low suitable areas for T. varians predicted by the MaxEnt model are 14.00 × 104, 21.50 × 104, and 71.95 × 104 km2, of which the high suitable areas are mainly distributed in southern Guangdong, southwestern Guangxi, western Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Hainan. Under different future climatic conditions, some of the high, medium, and low suitability zones for T. varians increased and some decreased, but the mass centre did not migrate significantly. The Pearl River Basin is predicted to remain the main distribution area of T. varians.

Study of defensive behavior of a venomous snake as a new approach to understand snakebite

Snakebites affect millions of people worldwide. The majority of research and management about snakebites focus on venom and antivenom, with less attention given to snake ecology. The fundamental factor in snakebites is the snakes’ defensive biting behavior. Herein we examine the effects of environmental variables (temperature, time of day, and human stimulus) and biological variables (sex and body size) on the biting behavior of a medically significant pit viper species in Brazil, Bothrops jararaca (Viperidae), and associate it with the epidemiology of snakebites. Through experimental simulations of encounters between humans and snakes, we obtained behavioral models applicable to epidemiological situations in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. We found a significant overlap between behavioral, morphological, environmental, and epidemiological data. Variables that increase snakebites in epidemiological data also enhance the tendency of snakes to bite defensively, resulting in snakebites. We propose that snakebite incidents are influenced by environmental and morphological factors, affecting the behavior of snakes and the proportion of incidents. Thus, investigating behavior of snakes related to snakebite incidents is a valuable tool for a better understanding of the epidemiology of these events, helping the prediction and, thus, prevention of snakebites.

A Bayesian approach for exploring person × environment interaction within the environmental sensitivity meta-framework.

For investigating the individual-environment interplay and individual differences in response to environmental exposures as captured by models of environmental sensitivity including Diathesis-stress, Differential Susceptibility, and Vantage Sensitivity, over the last few years, a series of statistical guidelines have been proposed. However, available solutions suffer of computational problems especially relevant when sample size is not sufficiently large, a common condition in observational and clinical studies. In the current contribution, we propose a Bayesian solution for estimating interaction parameters via Monte Carlo Markov Chains (MCMC), adapting Widaman etal. (Psychological Methods, 17, 2012, 615) Nonlinear Least Squares (NLS) approach. Findings from an applied exemplification and a simulation study showed that with relatively big samples both MCMC and NLS estimates converged on the same results. Conversely, MCMC clearly outperformed NLS, resolving estimation problems and providing more accurate estimates, particularly with small samples and greater residual variance. As the body of research exploring the interplay between individual and environmental variables grows, enabling predictions regarding the form of interaction and the extent of effects, the Bayesian approach could emerge as a feasible and readily applicable solution to numerous computational challenges inherent in existing frequentist methods. This approach holds promise for enhancing the trustworthiness of research outcomes, thereby impacting clinical and applied understanding.

Analysis of the current risk of Leishmania infantum transmission for domestic dogs in Spain and Portugal and its future projection in climate change scenarios

Canine leishmaniosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, is a cosmopolitan vector-borne zoonosis, transmitted principally by Phlebotomus perniciosus in Spain and Portugal, where it is considered an endemic disease. Ecoinformatics tools such as ecological niche models (ENM) have been successfully tested to model the distribution of the risk of infection of different parasitosis as they take into account environmental variables vital for their survival. The risk map proposed in this study combines the potential distribution of Ph. perniciosus in the Iberian Peninsula and the calculation of the infection rate of the parasite in the vector to model the risk of contracting the disease in a more realistic way. In fact, this weighting strategy improves the predictive power of the resulting model (R2 = 0.42, p = < 0.01) compared to the Ph. perniciosus ENM model alone (R2 = 0.13, p > 0.05). The places with the highest risk of transmission are the southwest and central peninsular area, as well as the Mediterranean coast, the Balearic Islands and the Ebro basin, places where the ideal habitat of Ph. perniciosus and the infection rate is also high. In the case of future projections under climate change scenarios, an increase in the risk of infection by L. infantum can be observed in most of the territory (4.5% in 2040, 71.6% in 2060 and 63% in 2080), mainly in the northern part of the peninsula. The use of ENMs and their weighting with the infection rate in Ph. perniciosus is a useful tool in predicting the risk of infection for L. infantum in dogs for a given area. In this way, a more complete model can be obtained to facilitate prevention and control.

Whole-Body Sweat Rate Prediction: Outdoor Running and Cycling Exercise.

Our aim was to develop and validate separate whole-body sweat rate prediction equations for moderate to high intensity outdoor cycling and running, using simple measured or estimated activity and environmental inputs. Across two collection sites in Australia, 182 outdoor running trials, and 158 outdoor cycling trials were completed at a wet-bulb globe temperature ranging from ~15 to ~29˚C, with ~60-min whole-body sweat rates measured in each trial. Data were randomly separated into model development (running: 120; cycling: 100 trials) and validation groups (running: 62; cycling: 58 trials), enabling proprietary prediction models to be developed and then validated. Running and cycling models were also developed and tested when locally measured environmental conditions were substituted with participant subjective ratings for black globe temperature, wind speed, and humidity. The mean absolute error for predicted sweating rate was 0.03 and 0.02 L·h-1 for running and cycling models, respectively. The 95% confidence intervals for running (+0.44 and -0.38 L·h-1) and cycling (+0.45 and -0.42 L·h-1) were within acceptable limits for an equivalent change in total body mass over 3 h of ±2%. The individual variance in observed sweating described by the predictive models was 77% and 60% for running and cycling, respectively. Substituting measured environmental variables with subjective assessments of climatic characteristics reduced the variation in observed sweating described by the running model by up to ~25%, but only by ~2% for the cycling model. These prediction models are publicly accessible (https://sweatratecalculator.com) and can guide individualized hydration management in advance of outdoor running and cycling.

Glyphosate-environmental variables interaction: how does it affect the parasite Chordodes nobilii?

The worldwide used herbicide Glyphosate can interact with environmental variables, but there is limited information on the influence of environmental stressors on its toxicity. Environmental changes could modify glyphosate effects on non-target organisms, including parasites such as gordiids. The freshwater microscopic larvae of the gordiid Chordodes nobilii are sensitive to several pollutants and environmental variables, but their combined effect has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of temperature, pH and exposure time on the toxicity of Glyphosate to C. nobilii larvae. A protocol was followed to evaluate the infectivity of larvae treated with factorial combinations of concentration (0 and 0.067 mg/L), exposure time (24 and 48 h), temperature (18, 23 and 28°C), and pH (7, 8 and 9). The reference values were 23°C, pH 8 and 48 h. The interaction effect on the infectivity of gordiid larvae was assessed post-exposure using Aedes aegyptii larvae as host. Results were evaluated using GLMM, which does not require data transformation. The modeling results revealed three highly significant triple interactions. Glyphosate toxicity varied depending on the combination of variables, with a decrease being observed after 24 h-exposure at pH 7 and 23 ºC. Glyphosate and 28 ºC combination led to slightly reduced infectivity compared to temperature alone. This study is the first to report the combined effects of glyphosate, temperature, pH and time on a freshwater animal. It demonstrates that a specific combination of factors determines the effect of glyphosate on a non-target organism. The potential use of C. nobilli as a bioindicator is discussed. In the context of global warming and considering that the behavioral manipulation of terrestrial hosts by gordiids can shape community structure and the energy flow through food webs, our results raise concerns about possible negative effects of climate change on host-parasite dynamics.

Nestedness of benthic diatom metacommunity in relation to species niche width and environmental variables in a large near-natural catchment

Insight into the non-random distribution patterns of species in different regions is a foundational aim of research in community ecology and biogeography. The nestedness pattern, which investigates changes in species composition and abundance, has been widely used in numerous studies. However, studies on the nestedness of benthic diatoms are extremely rare, and consequently little has been mentioned of their assemblage mechanisms. To fill this gap, based on 168 benthic diatom species from 147 sampling sites in the Thousand Island Lake (TIL) catchment, we calculated their nestedness and niche width with the aim of i) analyzing the nestedness of benthic diatoms communities with different attachment abilities in TIL; ii) calculating niche width differences between nested and idiosyncratic species with different attachment abilities; iii) investigating the differences in alpha and beta diversity between nested and idiosyncratic sites; iv) examining whether environmental variables influencing the nestedness of benthic diatom communities are dependent on attachment ability. The results demonstrated a significant nestedness pattern in the benthic diatom metacommunity, and the sampling sites of low attachment species not only exhibited a nestedness pattern, but also with a lower nestedness value compared to the sampling sites of all species. Nested and idiosyncratic species differed in niche width, whereas differences between nested and idiosyncratic species of low attachment species were smaller. Additionally, significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed between nested and idiosyncratic sites. Furthermore, it was revealed that the nestedness of benthic diatom metacommunity in our study area were mostly influenced by local environmental variables. Our study contributes to the understanding of the significant nestedness observed in benthic diatom metacommunity in TIL, highlighting its relevance to biodiversity conservation efforts.

Removal of Exogenous Stimuli Reveals a Canalization of Circadian Physiology in a Vertically Migrating Copepod.

Diel rhythms are observed across taxa and are important for maintaining synchrony between the environment and organismal physiology. A striking example of this is the diel vertical migration undertaken by zooplankton, some of which, such as the 5 mm-long copepod Pleuromamma xiphias (P. xiphias), migrate hundreds of meters daily between the surface ocean and deeper waters. Some of the molecular pathways that underlie the expressed phenotype at different stages of this migration are entrained by environmental variables (e.g., day length and food availability), while others are regulated by internal clocks. We identified a series of proteomic biomarkers that vary across ocean DVM and applied them to copepods incubated in 24 h of darkness to assess circadian control. The dark-incubated copepods shared some proteomic similarities to the ocean-caught copepods (i.e., increased abundance of carbohydrate metabolism proteins at night). Shipboard-incubated copepods demonstrated a clearer distinction between night and day proteomic profiles, and more proteins were differentially abundant than in the in situ copepods, even in the absence of the photoperiod and other environmental cues. This pattern suggests that there is a canalization of rhythmic diel physiology in P. xiphias that reflects likely circadian clock control over diverse molecular pathways.

Structure and composition of microbial communities in the water column from Southern Gulf of Mexico and detection of putative hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms.

This study assessed the bacterioplankton community and its relationship with environmental variables, including total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration, in the Yucatan shelf area of the Southern Gulf of Mexico. Beta diversity analyses based on 16S rRNA sequences indicated variations in the bacterioplankton community structure among sampling sites. PERMANOVA indicated that these variations could be mainly related to changes in depth (5 to 180 m), dissolved oxygen concentration (2.06 to 5.93 mg L-1), and chlorophyll-a concentration (0.184 to 7.65 mg m3). Moreover, SIMPER and one-way ANOVA analyses showed that the shifts in the relative abundances of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus were related to changes in microbial community composition and chlorophyll-a values. Despite the low TPH content measured in the studied sites (0.01 to 0.86 μL L-1), putative hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria such as Alteromonas, Acinetobacter, Balneola, Erythrobacter, Oleibacter, Roseibacillus, and the MWH-UniP1 aquatic group were detected. The relatively high copy number of the alkB gene detected in the water column by qPCR and the enrichment of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria obtained during lab crude oil tests exhibited the potential of bacterioplankton communities from the Yucatan shelf to respond to potential hydrocarbon impacts in this important area of the Gulf Mexico.

Global patterns of nuclear and mitochondrial genetic diversity in marine fishes.

Genetic diversity is a fundamental component of biodiversity. Examination of global patterns of genetic diversity can help highlight mechanisms underlying species diversity, though a recurring challenge has been that patterns may vary by molecular marker. Here, we compiled 6862 observations of genetic diversity from 492 species of marine fish and tested among hypotheses for diversity gradients: the founder effect hypothesis, the kinetic energy hypothesis, and the productivity-diversity hypothesis. We fit generalized linear mixed effect models (GLMMs) and explored the extent to which various macroecological drivers (latitude, longitude, temperature (SST), and chlorophyll-a concentration) explained variation in genetic diversity. We found that mitochondrial genetic diversity followed geographic gradients similar to those of species diversity, being highest near the Equator, particularly in the Coral Triangle, while nuclear genetic diversity did not follow clear geographic patterns. Despite these differences, all genetic diversity metrics were correlated with chlorophyll-a concentration, while mitochondrial diversity was also positively associated with SST. Our results provide support for the kinetic energy hypothesis, which predicts that elevated mutation rates at higher temperatures increase mitochondrial but not necessarily nuclear diversity, and the productivity-diversity hypothesis, which posits that resource-rich regions support larger populations with greater genetic diversity. Overall, these findings reveal how environmental variables can influence mutation rates and genetic drift in the ocean, caution against using mitochondrial macrogenetic patterns as proxies for whole-genome diversity, and aid in defining global gradients of genetic diversity.

Gun violence revictimization in New York State: What increases the risk of being shot again?

While gun injuries are more likely to occur in in urban settings and affect people of color, factors associated with gun violence revictimization-suffering multiple incidents of gun violence-are unknown. We examined victim demographics and environmental factors associated with gun violence revictimization in New York state (NYS). The 2005-2020 NYS hospital discharge database was queried for patients aged 12-65 years with firearm-related hospital encounters. Patient and environmental variables were extracted. Patient home zip code was used to determine the Social Deprivation Index (SDI) for each patient's area of residence. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses among patients who suffered a single incident of gun violence or gun violence revictimization. We identified 38,974 gun violence victims among whom 2,243 (5.8%) suffered revictimization. The proportion of revictimization rose from 4% in 2008 to 8% in 2020 (p < 0.01). The median [IQR] time from first to second incident among those who suffered revictimization was 359 [81-1,167] days. Revictimization was more common among Blacks (75.0% vs 65.1%, p < 0.01), patients with Medicaid (54.9% vs 43.2%, p < 0.01), and in areas of higher deprivation (84.8 percentile vs 82.1 percentile, p < 0.01). Gun violence revictimization is on the rise. People of color and those residing in areas with high social deprivation are more likely to be re-injured. Our findings emphasize the importance of community-level over individual-level interventions for prevention of gun violence revictimization. Epidemiological, Level III.

A multidisciplinary approach to describe population structure of Solea solea in the Mediterranean Sea

Investigating marine species population structure in a multidisciplinary framework can reveal signatures of potential local adaptation and the consequences for management and conservation. In this study we delineate the population structure of common sole (Solea solea) in the Mediterranean Sea using genomic and otolith data, based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers, otolith shape and otolith trace element composition data. We correlated SNPs with environmental and spatial variables to evaluate the impact of the selected features on the actual population structure. Specifically, we used a seascape genetics approach with redundancy (RDA) and genetic-environmental association (GEA) analysis to identify loci potentially involved in local adaptation. Finally, putative functional annotation was investigated to detect genes associated with the detected patterns of neutral and adaptive genetic variation. Results from both genetic and otolith data suggested significant divergence among putative populations of common sole, confirming a clear separation between the Western and Eastern Mediterranean Sea, as well as a distinct genetic cluster corresponding to the Adriatic Sea. Evidence of fine-scale population structure in the Western Mediterranean Sea was observed at outlier loci level and further differentiation in the Adriatic. Longitude and salinity variation accounted for most of the wide and fine spatial structure. The GEA detected significant associated outlier loci potentially involved in local adaptation processes under highly structured differentiation. In the RDA both spatial distribution and environmental features could partially explain the genetic structure. Our study not only indicates that separation among Mediterranean sole population is led primarily by neutral processes because of low connectivity due to spatial segregation and limited dispersal, but it also suggests the presence of local adaptation. These results should be taken into account to support and optimize the assessment of stock units, including a review and possible redefinition of fishery management units.