Global Variations Research Articles

Global practice variation of suppressive antimicrobial treatment for prosthetic joint infections: A cross-sectional survey study

ObjectivesTo identify global differences in the use of suppressive antimicrobial therapy (SAT) in the management of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). MethodsAn online survey was designed to investigate clinician’s approach to SAT for PJI, including indications, preferred antimicrobial drugs, dosing, treatment duration and follow-up. The survey was distributed to members of four international (bone and joint) infection societies and study groups. ResultsRespondents comprised 330 physicians (204 infectious diseases specialists, 110 orthopedic surgeons, 23 clinical microbiologists) from 43 different countries (Europe, n=134, 41%; Oceania n=112, 34%; North America, n=51, 16%; other, n=33, 10%; total response rate 20%). After debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) or one-stage revision, SAT would be initiated often or almost always by 38% of respondents from North America, but only in 6% from Europe and 7% from Oceania. First choices of SAT for staphylococcal PJI were oral cephalosporins (39%) and tetracyclines (31%) in North America; tetracyclines (27%) and anti-staphylococcal penicillins (22%) in Europe; and anti-staphylococcal penicillins (55%) in Oceania. There was no global or regional preferred SAT regimen for Gram-negative PJI. Of all respondents, dosage of SAT was never lowered (n=126, 38%), lowered for specific antibiotics (n=125, 38%) or lowered for all antibiotics (n=79, 24%). SAT was prescribed for a lifelong duration (n=43, 13%), a fixed duration (range 6 months–3 years) (n=104, 32%) or for an undetermined duration (n=154, 47%). ConclusionsApproach to SAT in PJI is highly regional, with no consensus regarding the indication, selection, dose, or duration of SAT between physicians worldwide. This reflects the paucity of data and need for high quality studies to define the optimal use of SAT in the treatment of patients with PJI.

An Alternative Finite Element Formulation to Predict Ductile Fracture in Highly Deformable Materials

Abstract An alternative finite element formulation to predict ductile damage and fracture in highly deformable materials is presented. For this purpose, a finite-strain elastoplastic model based on the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) formulation is employed, in which the level of damage is described by the void volume fraction (or porosity). The model accounts for large strains, associative plasticity, and isotropic hardening, as well as void nucleation, coalescence, and material failure. To avoid severe damage localization, a nonlocal enrichment is adopted, resulting in a mixed finite element whose degrees-of-freedom are the current positions and nonlocal porosity at the nodes. In this work, 2D triangular elements of linear-order and plane-stress conditions are used. Two systems of equations have to be solved: the global variables system, involving the degrees-of-freedom; and the internal variables system, including the damage and plastic variables. To this end, a new numerical strategy has been developed, in which the change in material stiffness due to the evolution of internal variables is embedded in the consistent tangent operator regarding the global system. The performance of the proposed formulation is assessed by three numerical examples involving large elastoplastic strains and ductile fracture. Results confirm that the present formulation is capable of reproducing fracture initiation and evolution, as well as necking instability. Convergence analysis is also performed to evaluate the effect of mesh refinement on the mechanical response. In addition, it is demonstrated that the nonlocal parameter alleviates damage localization, providing smoother porosity fields.

Ocean-scale patterns of environment and climate changes driving global marine phytoplankton biomass dynamics.

Effects of marine environment and climate changes on phytoplankton dynamics in global oceans have received increasing attention but remain a mystery. This study used a comprehensive approach combining correlation and information flow to explore relationships among phytoplankton biomass, marine environment, and climate forcing based on global observations over the past multi-decadal period. Correlation and causality between phytoplankton biomass and environmental factors exhibit spatial asymmetry-regions where environmental factors directly drive biomass variations were concentrated in oceanic currents and subtropical circulations. Temperature, light, and mixed layer depth show pronounced influences on global phytoplankton interdecadal variations. Climate forcing over interdecadal timescales directly affects phytoplankton biomass in the equatorial Pacific, South Pacific, and Indian Oceans, with more uncertain biomass variability in the equatorial Pacific due to multiple climate events. Our findings revealed that environment and climate changes directly affect phytoplankton interdecadal variability only in specific regions at the oceanic scale.

Mapping the global variation in the efficiency of ocean alkalinity enhancement for carbon dioxide removal

Mapping the global variation in the efficiency of ocean alkalinity enhancement for carbon dioxide removal

Polygenic Risk Scores and Hearing Loss Phenotypes in Children

Monogenic causes of childhood hearing loss are well established, as are polygenic risk contributions to age-related hearing loss. However, an untested possibility is that polygenic risk scores (PRS) also contribute to childhood hearing loss of all severities, alongside environmental and/or monogenic causes. To examine the association between a PRS for adult hearing loss and childhood hearing loss phenotypes. This cross-sectional study used a unique population-based dataset spanning normal hearing to profound loss, combining 2 contemporaneous population cohorts in Australia. This included the Child Health CheckPoint, a national population-based cross-sectional study nested within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, and the Victorian Childhood Hearing Longitudinal Databank (VicCHILD), a statewide population-based longitudinal data bank open to every child with congenital hearing loss in Victoria, Australia. The analysis took place from March to August 2023. Genotype data were generated from saliva- or blood-derived DNA using global single-nucleotide variations arrays. Based on genotype data, PRS was computed using published UK Biobank genome-wide association study results for self-reported hearing difficulty in individuals aged 40 to 69 years. Hearing outcomes were classified by laterality (bilateral, unilateral), severity (mild, moderate, severe or worse) and types (sensorineural, conductive, mixed, auditory neuropathy, atresia). Analyses included multinominal logistic regressions of PRS with hearing outcomes. Overall, 1488 CheckPoint study children (49.8% boys, aged 11-12 years) and 527 VicCHILD study children (55.2% boys, aged 0-13 years) with hearing and genotype data were included. A 1-SD increment in PRS was associated with higher odds of mild (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6), moderate (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 3.2-8.1), and severe or worse (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 3.9-7.3) unilateral hearing loss compared with normal hearing. Similarly, the PRS was associated with increased odds of mild, moderate, and severe or worse bilateral hearing loss (per-SD ORs, 3.9-6.6) and all hearing loss types (per-SD ORs, 8.5-10.6). In this cross-sectional study, a PRS initially developed for adult hearing difficulty was associated with wide-ranging childhood hearing loss phenotypes, partly explaining hearing phenotype variations despite shared genetic and environmental factors (eg, preterm birth). Large-scale studies with objectively defined hearing phenotypes are crucial for refining PRS and predicting high-risk children.

Relationship between global warming and autism spectrum disorder from 1990 to 2019.

Despite mounting evidence linking neurological diseases with climate change, the link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and global warming has yet to be explored. To examine the relationship between the incidence of ASD and global warming from 1990 to 2019 and estimate the trajectory of ASD incidence from 2020 to 2100 globally. We extracted meteorological data from TerraClimate between 1990 and 2019. To estimate the association between global ASD incidence and temperature variation, we adopted a two-stage analysis strategy using a generalised additive regression model. Additionally, we projected future ASD incidence under four representative shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs: 126, 245, 370 and 585) by bootstrapping. Between 1990 and 2019, the global mean incidence of ASD in children under 5 years old was 96.9 per 100 000. The incidence was higher in males (147.5) than in females (46.3). A 1.0 °C increase in the temperature variation was associated with a 3.0% increased risk of ASD incidence. The association was stronger in boys and children living in a low/low-middle sociodemographic index region, as well as in low-latitude areas. According to the SSP585 scenario, by 2100, the children living in regions between 10 and 20° latitude, particularly in Africa, will experience a 68.6% increase in ASD incidence if the association remains. However, the SSP126 scenario is expected to mitigate this increase, with a less than 10% increase in incidence across all latitudes. Our study highlights the association between climate change and ASD incidence worldwide. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm the association.

The role of ocean circulation and regolith removal in triggering the Mid-Pleistocene Transition: Insights from authigenic Nd isotopes

Approximately 1,250,000 to 700,000 years ago, the pacing of glacial-interglacial cycles changed from 41,000 years to ∼100,000 years, a shift known as the ‘Mid-Pleistocene Transition’ (MPT). The cause – or causes – of this shift remain uncertain. However, changes in ocean circulation and removal of northern hemisphere regolith have both been proposed as potential triggers. Here, we present continuous, orbitally resolved reconstructions of deep ocean neodymium isotopes from three locations in the equatorial Atlantic, Indian and southwest Pacific oceans, spanning 1.7 million years from the Holocene to before the MPT, to test these two hypotheses. We find that global seawater neodymium isotope variability over glacial-interglacial cycles is controlled by changes in both neodymium input to the North Atlantic and deep ocean mixing. Using this neodymium isotope data, we show that enhanced northern hemisphere regolith removal began approximately 1.45 million years ago, ∼200,000 years prior to the onset of the MPT and ∼500,000 years prior to a major expansion in northern hemisphere ice sheets between ∼900,000 and 870,000 years ago. This ice sheet expansion was immediately preceded by an interval of reduced mixing of Atlantic-sourced waters into the deep southwest Pacific Ocean. We hypothesize that this circulation reorganization reflected increased stratification of the deep Southern Ocean interior, possibly in response to cooling and Antarctic sea ice expansion at this time. Taken together, these data suggest an expansion and/or thickening of northern hemisphere ice sheets during the MPT was facilitated by a combination of reduced northern hemisphere regolith cover alongside Southern Ocean circulation changes. Together, these shifts allowed the build up of larger northern hemisphere ice sheets that were more resistant to deglaciation, facilitating the longer glacial cycles of the post-MPT world.

Consumer style inventory (CSI) re-examined: The case of millennial decision-making style in a developing market

This study investigates the buying styles of young consumers, especially the millennials—Gen Y, and Gen Z whose idiosyncrasies and consumption peculiarities are quite different from the older generations. Besides Sproles and Kendall’s eight (8) consumer-style inventory dimensions, this study presents new dimensions and develops six constructs that define young consumers’ decision-style inventory in a developing market. The study population consisted of all younger consumers—Gen Y, and Gen Z in Lagos State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-five (125) respondents were selected randomly across all 20 Local Governments in Lagos State, Nigeria. Factor analyses through varimax rotation, latent root criterion (eigenvalue = 1), screen plot test and the percentage of variance were conducted to determine the significant factors to retain among the variables. The findings clearly showed that newly developed CSI constructs in this study (sexiness, trendiness, global branding, smartness, socialisation and entertainment) were strong and significant among young consumers’ decision-making styles. The six (6) constructs developed showed that the younger consumers’ consumption styles are evolving, becoming sophisticated and relatively dynamic, hence the reliance on Sproles and Kendall’s dimensions to measure the younger consumers’ consumption decision styles will be inadequate in business/behaviour strategy development. The dimensions of entertainment, sexy, social, trendy, smartness and global branding variables are mostly underpinned and dominate considerations in purchase decision styles and behaviours among young consumers.

Neotaphonomy of a rodent skeletal accumulation by Strigiformes in an Andean valley. Implications for taphonomy, archaeology and palaeontology

ABSTRACT Holocene accumulations of rodent bones digested by raptors have been found in El Bolsón, a high-altitude valley in Catamarca, Argentina. Yet, so far there were no relevant taphonomic frames of reference to account for them. We thus studied a modern accumulation in Los Viscos rockshelter from a taphonomic perspective. The rockshelter is used for roosting, and the surface is covered by rodent skeletal remains. The analysed sample (NISP = 421) is dominated by remains of Phyllotis vaccarum, and also comprises other cricetid species, cavids, ctenomids and abrocomids. The anatomical, breakage and digestion patterns were compared to data on different predators. The most probable predator related to this accumulation is a Strigiformes (Aves) species. Most variables, including digestion, suggest a low-intensity modifier, probably Tyto alba, an individual of which was spotted around. Although Athene cunicularia may produce similar bone breakage, the prey taxa are not compatible with its diet. Alternatively, intense fragmentation may relate to postdepositional processes such as trampling. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the formation of the zooarchaeological and palaeontological record in the area, as well as for helping assess the global variability of Tyto alba taphonomic signature.

EDIG-CHANGES

Context. The kinematic information of the extraplanar diffuse ionized gas (eDIG) around galaxies provides clues to the origin of the gas. Aims. The eDIG-CHANGES project studies the physical and kinematic properties of the eDIG around the CHANG-ES sample of nearby edge-on disk galaxies. Methods. We use a novel multi-slit narrow-band spectroscopy technique to obtain the spatial distribution of the spectral properties of the ionized gas around NGC 891, which is often regarded as an analogue of the Milky Way. We developed specific data reduction procedures for the multi-slit narrow-band spectroscopy data taken with the MDM 2.4 m telescope. The data presented in this paper cover the Hα and [N II]λλ6548, 6583 Å emission lines. Results. The eDIG traced by the Hα and [N II] lines shows an obvious asymmetric morphology, being brighter in the northeastern part of the galactic disk and extending a few kiloparsecs above and below the disk. Global variations in the [N II]/Hα line ratio suggest additional heating mechanisms for the eDIG at large heights beyond photoionization. We also construct position-velocity (PV) diagrams of the eDIG based on our optical multi-slit spectroscopy data and compare them to similar PV diagrams constructed with the H I data. The dynamics of the two gas phases are generally consistent with each other. Modelling the rotation curves at different heights from the galactic mid-plane suggests a vertical negative gradient in turnover radius and maximum rotation velocity, with magnitudes of approximately 3 kpc kpc−1 and 22 − 25 km s−1 kpc−1, respectively. Conclusions. Our measured vertical gradients of the rotation curve parameters suggest significant differential rotation of the ionized gas in the halo, often referred to as the lagging eDIG. Systematic study of the lagging eDIG, using the multi-slit narrow-band spectroscopy technique developed in our eDIG-CHANGES project, will help us to better understand the dynamics of the ionized gas in the halo.

Identification of metabolism related biomarkers in obesity based on adipose bioinformatics and machine learning

BackgroundObesity has emerged as a growing global public health concern over recent decades. Obesity prevalence exhibits substantial global variation, ranging from less than 5% in regions like China, Japan, and Africa to rates exceeding 75% in urban areas of Samoa.AimTo examine the involvement of metabolism-related genes.MethodsGene expression datasets GSE110729 and GSE205668 were accessed from the GEO database. DEGs between obese and lean groups were identified through DESeq2. Metabolism-related genes and pathways were detected using enrichment analysis, WGCNA, Random Forest, and XGBoost. The identified signature genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) in mouse models.ResultsA total of 389 genes exhibiting differential expression were discovered, showing significant enrichment in metabolic pathways, particularly in the propanoate metabolism pathway. The orangered4 module, which exhibited the highest correlation with propanoate metabolism, was identified using Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA). By integrating the DEGs, WGCNA results, and machine learning methods, the identification of two metabolism-related genes, Storkhead Box 1 (STOX1), NACHT and WD repeat domain-containing protein 2(NWD2) was achieved. These signature genes successfully distinguished between obese and lean individuals. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the downregulation of STOX1 and NWD2 in mouse models of obesity.ConclusionThis study has analyzed the available GEO dataset in order to identify novel factors associated with obesity metabolism and found that STOX1 and NWD2 may serve as diagnostic biomarkers.

A Case of a 65-year-old woman with Vitiligo and Diabetes Presenting with Severe Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease with diverse clinical presentations and significant global variation in prevalence. AIH predominantly affects females and commonly manifests with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and malaise, often accompanied by extrahepatic autoimmune disorders. Here, we present the case of a 65-year-old Hispanic woman with vitiligo, type II diabetes mellitus, and severe AIH. Despite extensive diagnostic workup, including serological testing, the cause of this patient’s hepatitis proved to be a challenge. Eventually, autoimmune testing revealed positive anti-smooth muscle antibodies and an elevated IgG, prompting percutaneous liver biopsy, which confirmed mild to moderate active hepatitis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Despite there not being a standardized diagnostic criterion for autoimmune hepatitis, the interdisciplinary hospital team agreed that the most likely diagnosis was autoimmune hepatitis, given her constellation of symptoms, serologic testing, and liver biopsy results. Treatment with prednisone was initiated, leading to clinical improvement. This case underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup in suspected AIH cases, especially in patients with concomitant autoimmune conditions, to facilitate timely management and improve patient outcomes. It also highlights the need for a consensus among diagnostic criteria for autoimmune hepatitis.

Oceanic geodiversity along back-arc spreading centers reveals analogies with mid-ocean ridges

Oceanic geodiversity provides essential information on the dynamics of the Earth. Here, we focus on the geodiversity of three oceanic back-arc spreading centers: the Mariana Spreading Center, the Central-Southern Lau Basin spreading centers, and the East Scotia Ridge. We defined a method to identify their axial zones, obtaining spreading center depths along the basins. Results improve global plate boundary models and morphology variations, revealing that the average depths along the Mariana, East Scotia, and Lau Basin spreading ridges are 4.5, 3.5, and 2 km, respectively. We also measured new spreading rates based on five magnetic profiles crossing the three back-arc spreading centers, contributing to plate kinematic models. Furthermore, we computed subduction rates, including hinge velocities along the Mariana, South Sandwich, and Tonga Subductions, to understand the existing interactions between the subducting slab hinge motion and the kinematics of their related back-arc spreading centers. Our bathymetric, magnetic, and kinematic data show several differences among the Mariana, the East Scotia, and the Lau spreading centers, stressing the oceanic geodiversity in a similar geodynamic context. Our results also suggest a strong correlation between axial depth and full spreading rates along the back-arc spreading centers, a geological correspondence that allows a similar description of these divergent plate boundaries within the mid-ocean ridge classification. Finally, we show how hinge kinematics affects the relationship between convergence along subduction zones and back-arc spreading rates. All our findings contribute to understand how the oceanic geodiversity is directly related to geodynamic processes, increasing the knowledge of global tectonics.

Differences in Changes of Mobility Patterns Across the Globe—Evidence From a Natural Experiment

ABSTRACTThe impact of population mobility and transportation choices on the environment is significant. Sustainable mobility policies require an understanding of evolving mobility patterns. This study examines global mobility variations across countries using COVID‐19 Community Mobility Reports. Employing the k‐medoids algorithm and Dynamic Time Warping, we analyzed mobility dynamics. Results reveal diverse changes in population mobility. Around 52 Global North countries exhibit approximately 10% reduction in professional activity‐related traffic post‐COVID‐19. Regarding urban green space mobility, only 29 countries exhibit strong seasonality, with summer traffic in the northern hemisphere peaking at about 150% higher than winter traffic. Three groups of countries are identified concerning public transport mobility: returning to pre‐pandemic levels, experiencing a 25% increase, and nearly doubling from pre‐pandemic levels. This underscores the key determinants for sustainable mobility policy implementation. Fifteen highly developed countries share similar mobility patterns across six areas studied, facilitating the exchange of sustainable mobility solutions and best practices. This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing evolving mobility patterns for effective environmental policy planning.

Material Technologies for Improved Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) Treatment: A Questionnaire Study of Healthcare Professionals’ Needs

Background/Objectives: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and severe complication of diabetic patients, with significant global prevalence and associated health burdens, including high recurrence rates, lower-limb amputations, and substantial associated economic costs. This study aimed to understand the user needs of healthcare professionals treating diabetic foot ulcers for newly developed material technologies. Methods: An open-ended questionnaire was used to identify user needs, identify the limitations of current treatments, and determine the specific requirements for ideal treatment. This information was used to develop a list of key considerations for creating innovative material technologies to improve diabetic wound treatment results. Results: Most respondents indicated that they followed published treatment guidelines for DFUs but noted that treatment often required a case-specific approach. Antibiotics and surgical debridement were commonly used for infection control. The participants showed a strong preference for wound dressings with lasting antibacterial properties. Respondents identified ideal properties for new products, including ease of use, enhanced antibacterial properties, affordability, and targeted biological activity. The respondents also highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to DFU management, integrating product development with comprehensive care strategies and patient education. Conclusions: This study highlights the complexity of DFU care, emphasizing that no single product can address all treatment needs. Future materials could focus on combination therapies and specific use cases. Additionally, understanding global variations in treatment practices and educating users on the proper application of newly developed material technologies is crucial for improving the management of DFUs and patient outcomes.

Global variations in coronary revascularisation and acute myocardial infarction mortality between 2006-2020: a longitudinal, population-level analysis of 16 high-income nations from the OECD database

Abstract Background Revascularisation options for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) includes either, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Whilst PCI remains the preferred choice in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)(1), several landmark trials have questioned its universal superiority (2,3), thus prompting re-evaluation of guidelines. A wide-scale contemporary overview of revascularisation trends is lacking. Purpose To examine the evolving pattern in PCI and CABG rates, alongside mortality from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) across a group of 16 high-income countries between 2006 and 2020. Methods Standardized PCI and CABG procedure rates alongside AMI age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) were obtained from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) database. Data from 2006-2020 was extracted for; Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom (UK). Together, these countries are commonly known as the European Union (EU) 15+ and represent a cluster of high-income nations with comparable levels of health expenditure. Procedural trends including the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) were evaluated using Joinpoint analysis whilst Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOESS) models was used to analysis trends in AMI mortality. Results Over 15 years, 14.0 million PCI and 2.8 million CABG procedures were recorded in total. PCI rates varied amongst nations (Figure 1), however showed an overall increase in 11 countries, led by Finland (+36.0%). The steepest increase was observed in France between 2012-2018 (EAPC 5.4, 95% CI: 4.8 – 6.1). The greatest overall decrease in PCI was observed in Luxemburg (-33.5%). The fastest decrease was seen during 2018-2020 in the UK (EAPC -7.2, 95% CI: -9.7 – -4.6). CABG rates declined overall in 15 countries (Figure 1), with Luxembourg (-71.3%), experiencing the largest fall and showing the steepest decline between 2014-2018 (EAPC -20.7, 95% CI: -28.3 – -12.3). Ireland was the only country to show an increase in CABG rate (+16.3%). Throughout the study period, the PCI-to-CABG ratio increased (Figure 2A), whilst AMI mortality decreased consistently across all countries (Figure 2B). Conclusion Despite evidence supporting CABG over PCI in specific scenarios, CABG rates have declined, and PCI rates have increased. This trend may be influenced by several factors including patient preference for less invasive procedures and advancements in interventional techniques. The varied use of PCI among these nations, alongside a sustained decline in AMI mortality rates, may be expected given the importance of optimal medical therapy in the management of IHD. The results further highlight the significance of factors beyond revascularisation in driving improved outcomes.PCI and CABG rates between 2006 and 2020PCI to CABG ratio and AMI mortality rate

Differential expression of hemolymph proteins in wild bumblebees provides insights into species‐specific impacts of heat stress

AbstractWildlife faces an increasing threat from extreme climatic events, such as heatwaves, which can have a severe impact on various species, including crucial pollinators like bumblebees. Bumblebees are cold‐adapted and heterothermic, possessing the ability to regulate their internal temperature. The impact of heat stress seems species specific in bumblebees. While most species are impacted, some bumblebee species manage to survive, potentially by employing physiological mechanisms, including the modulation of their protein profile (e.g. Heat Shock Proteins). However, there is limited understanding of how their protein profiles are associated with heat exposure. In this study, we examined the global variation in the protein profile of males from two bumblebee species sampled in the wild: the heat‐tolerant Bombus terrestris and the heat‐sensitive Bombus magnus. After subjecting them to heat stupor at 40°C in controlled condition, it was observed that nearly all B. terrestris survived the stress, while over 50% of B. magnus individuals succumbed to the heat exposure. Through off‐gel bottom‐up proteomics and LC–MS/MS analysis of the hemolymph proteome, we identified 164 proteins in both species with a large part of differentially expressed proteins after heat exposure. Additionally, quantitative analysis of fat bodies revealed that the relative mass was stable in B. terrestris, while it was significantly lower in B. magnus exposed to heat stress. Our data suggest that compared with B. magnus, B. terrestris displays a higher adaptability of its hemolymph proteome in response to heat stress. This adaptability could be a key factor contributing to the high physiological resistance of B. terrestris and its ability to adapt to new, stressful environments expected due to climate change. Understanding these mechanisms of protein regulation in bumblebees could provide valuable insights into their resilience and vulnerability facing environmental stresses.

The epidemiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus in older adults.

Although type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is traditionally viewed as a youth-onset disorder, the number of older adults being diagnosed with this disease is growing. Improvements in the average life expectancy of people with T1DM have also contributed to the growing number of older people living with this disease. We summarize the evidence regarding the epidemiology (incidence, prevalence and excess mortality) of T1DM in older adults (ages ≥60 years) as well as the genetics, immunology and diagnostic challenges. Several studies report an incidence peak of T1DM in older adults of a similar size to or exceeding that in children, and population prevalence generally increases with increasing age. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody positivity is frequently observed in adult-onset T1DM. Guidelines for differentiating T1DM from type 2 diabetes mellitus in older adults recommend measuring levels of C-peptide and autoantibodies, including glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies. However, there is no gold standard for differentiating T1DM from type 2 diabetes mellitus in people aged 60 years and over. As such, the global variation observed in T1DM epidemiology might be in part explained by misclassification, which increases with increasing age of diabetes mellitus onset. With a growing global population of older adults with T1DM, improved genetic and immunological evidence is needed to differentiate diabetes mellitus type at older ages so that a clear epidemiological picture can emerge.

Aboveground and belowground sizes are aligned in the unified spectrum of plant form and function

Understanding the global variation of plant strategies is essential for unravelling eco-evolutionary processes and ecosystem functions. Variation in ten fundamental aboveground and fine-root traits is summarised in four dimensions, the first of which relates to aboveground plant size. However, there is no consensus about how root size fits within this scheme. Here, we add rooting depth and lateral spread, compiling a set of twelve key traits that define the fundamental investments of plants in growth, reproduction, and survival. We examine whether the inclusion of root size alters the dimensionality and structure of trait correlations defining plant functional strategies. Our results show that including root size traits does not alter the fundamental structure and dimensionality of the plant functional space, regardless of trait completeness and phylogenetic relatedness. Plant size defines a single continuum of allometric investments at the global scale, independent from leaf and root economic strategies.

Compassion questionnaire for animals: Scale development and validation

ObjectivesNo measure of compassion for animals exists. Previous scales measured empathy or attitudes towards animals. In line with previous compassion questionnaires for self (CQS) and others (CQO), the proposed Compassion Questionnaire for Animals (CQA) aims to operationalize compassion for animals by grounding it in affective, cognitive, behavioral, and interrelatedness dimensions, each representing a set of skills that can be cultivated through training and practice. MethodsBased on the proposed theoretical approach, the CQA items were developed through consultations with a panel of eight graduate students. A large study was conducted to validate the CQA, investigate the relationship between empathy/compassion for other human beings and compassion for animals, and test the role of gender and age in compassion for animals. ResultsResults suggested the presence of three dimensions along with a global latent variable. Psychometric characteristics of the CQA and its subscales were robust. These findings were additionally supported by convergent and discriminate evidence; as such, the CQA presented strong associations with measures of empathy for animals and nature relatedness. In addition, empathy and compassion for other human beings and for animals were found to be moderately associated. Gender and age were found to be related to compassion for animals, with women and older individuals displaying higher levels of compassion. ConclusionsThe CQA is the first scale that operationalizes compassion for animals as a set of affective, cognitive, behavioral, and interrelatedness skills/abilities with important theoretical and practical implications. Limitations as well as theoretical and practical implications of the CQA are thoroughly discussed.