North America Research Articles

A Case of Zoonotic Domestically Acquired Hansen Disease (Leprosy) in the State of Georgia

Introduction: Hansen Disease (HD) is an infection of the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae causing rash and anesthesia of the skin. It is endemic to many developing countries, where it is spread by direct contact. Zoonotic transmission through the 9-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) has been documented in North America. HD is rare in the state of Georgia and most cases are from individuals travelling from HD endemic regions. Case Report: The patient developed red, infiltrated, anesthetic plaques covering 20% of her body. Fite staining revealed mycobacterial organisms suggesting lepromatous HD. The patient had no relevant history of travel or personal health history. The patient gardened outdoors in Southern Georgia. She knew armadillos were present in the area, but she did not have direct contact with one. The suspected mode of transmission was through feces of an infected armadillo in the soil. The patient is being treated with a 2-year course of rifampin, clofazimine, and dapsone, and reports improvement. Discussion: Domestically acquired HD is generally seen in other Southern states with greater armadillo populations. The range of the 9-banded armadillo is expanding, which potentially puts a greater area of the country at risk for exposure to HD. Therefore, increasing resources for treatment of HD is important. Conclusion: This case report presents a case of HD with indirect zoonotic transmission.

Genetic differentiation and precolonial Indigenous cultivation of hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta , Betulaceae) in Western North America

Cultivation studies evaluating land-use histories and coevolutionary dynamics between humans and plants focus predominantly on domesticated species. Traditional anthropological divisions of “foragers” and “farmers” have shaped our understanding of ancient cultivation practices but have several limitations, including how people stewarded and managed nondomesticated species. To investigate the long-term effects of plant management in the Pacific Northwest, this study focuses on beaked hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta ) which has a long, precolonial history of management, transportation, and cultivation in British Columbia (BC, Canada). In particular, isolated hazelnut populations in northwestern BC are thought to be the result of historical transplanting and management. We sampled individual hazelnuts (n = 219) representing three distinct regions in and assessed 9,650 genome-wide SNPs identified with nextRAD genotyping-by-sequencing libraries to test for population genetic structure. We used linear measurements of individuals to assess morphological phenotypes and to identify variation between individuals and lineages. These data reveal shared genetic clusters in distant and disjunct northwestern and interior regions consistent with the movement of humans across the landscape. We also find several small genetically distinct populations in the northwestern region. The Genetic structure of hazelnut in the previously labeled “disjunct” region in Gitxsan, Ts’msyen, and Nis g a’a homelands is consistent with the enduring influence of people on the distribution of purportedly “wild” plant species. Our results support the hypothesis that hazelnut was likely transplanted long distances and also managed in situ. This study highlights the often-overlooked agency of Indigenous Peoples in shaping species range distributions in North America.

Long-Term Cumulative Effect of Management Decisions on Forest Structure and Biodiversity in Hemiboreal Forests

We evaluated the long-term impacts of various forest management practices on the structure and biodiversity of Estonian hemiboreal forests, a unique ecological transition zone between temperate and boreal forests, found primarily in regions with cold winters and moderately warm summers, such as the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The study examined 150 plots across stands of different ages (65–177 years), including commercial forests and Natura 2000 habitat 9010* “Western Taiga”. These plots varied in stand origin—multi-aged (trees of varying ages) versus even-aged (uniform tree ages), management history—historical (practices before the 1990s) and recent (post-1990s practices), and conservation status—protected forests (e.g., Natura 2000 areas) and commercial forests focused on timber production. Data on forest structure, including canopy tree diameters, deadwood volumes, and species richness, were collected alongside detailed field surveys of vascular plants and bryophytes. Management histories were assessed using historical maps and records. Statistical analyses, including General Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs), Multi-Response Permutation Procedures (MRPP), and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), were used to evaluate the effects of origin, management history, and conservation status on forest structure and species composition. Results indicated that multi-aged origin forests had significantly higher canopy tree diameters and deadwood volumes compared to even-aged origin stands, highlighting the benefits of varied-age management for structural diversity. Historically managed forests showed increased tree species richness, but lower deadwood volumes, suggesting a biodiversity–structure trade-off. Recent management, however, negatively impacted both deadwood volume and understory diversity, reflecting short-term forestry consequences. Protected areas exhibited higher deadwood volumes and bryophyte richness compared to commercial forests, indicating a small yet persistent effect of conservation strategies in sustaining forest complexity and biodiversity. Indicator species analysis identified specific vascular plants and bryophytes as markers of long-term management impacts. These findings highlight the ecological significance of integrating historical legacies and conservation priorities into modern management to support forest resilience and biodiversity.

Quantifying the association between PM2.5 air pollution and IQ loss in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background A growing body of epidemiologic and toxicologic literature indicates that fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution is neurotoxic and threatens children’s neurobehavioral development, resulting in reduced cognitive function. Understanding the magnitude of this effect is critical for establishing public health policies that will protect children’s health, preserve human capital, and support societal progress. Objective To quantify the association between ambient PM2.5 air pollution and loss of cognitive function in children, as measured by Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores, through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search across seven databases: Agricultural and Environmental Science, BIOSIS Citation Index, Embase, GreenFILE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify original scientific studies that investigated the impact of PM2.5 exposure during pre-and postnatal periods on IQ loss during childhood. Using data from studies included for final review, we conducted a meta-analysis, using a random effects model to compute a beta coefficient that quantifies the overall effect of PM2.5 exposure on Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ), Performance IQ (PIQ), and Verbal IQ (VIQ). Findings Of the 1,107 unique publications identified, six studies met the inclusion criteria for final review, representing 4,860 children across three continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). The mean PM2.5 concentration across all studies was 30.4 ± 24.4 µg/m3. Exposure timing ranged from the prenatal period to mid-childhood. Children were an average of 8.9 years old at the time of cognitive testing. We found that each 1 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration is associated with a -0.27 point change in FSIQ (p < 0.001), 0.39 point change in PIQ (p = 0.003), and -0.24 point change in VIQ (p = 0.021). Conclusion Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we identified a statistically significant relationship between increased exposure to PM2.5 air pollution and reduced cognitive function in children, with the most pronounced impact on PIQ. This analysis will enable estimation of the burden of adverse neurobehavioral development attributable to PM2.5 in pediatric populations and will inform local and global strategies for exposure prevention.

Allergens Causing Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Cosmetic Products: A Systematic Review

Background: The increasing use of cosmetics worldwide has led to a rise in allergic reactions, particularly due to inadequate risk assessment. Identifying common allergens in cosmetic products causing dermatitis is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. Objectives: This systematic review aims to determine the list of allergens that most commonly cause allergic contact dermatitis in cosmetic products and to find the patch test positivity rate for cosmetic products. Methods: This systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, investigated patch test results on cosmetic-induced contact dermatitis from January 2013 to September 2023 on PubMed, Cochrane, and Medline databases. Inclusion criteria comprised retrospective cohort and clinical trial studies reporting patch test positivity rates and positive allergens in cosmetics, with eligibility determined through independent screening, full-text evaluation, and data extraction. Exclusion criteria comprised abstract-only publications, non-English or Indonesian languages, review articles, and studies with incomplete text. Result: 13 studies were included out of 2,162 initially screened articles, involving 111,097 participants. The selected studies encompassed ten retrospective studies and three clinical trials conducted in various locations, including India, Brazil, North America, Korea, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. The patch test positivity rate ranged from 13% to 100%. The predominant allergens identified in cosmetics were nickel sulfate, fragrance mix I, cobalt chloride, para-phenylenediamine base, potassium dichromate, and balsam of Peru. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the diversity in patch test positivity rates and identifies key allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis in cosmetic products, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and awareness of cosmetic safety.

Bimekizumab Safe and Effective Self-administration Using 2 mL Devices by Patients with Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Results from Two Multicenter, Randomized, Open-label Studies

Introduction: Safe and effective self-injection of subcutaneous bimekizumab (BKZ) in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis using a 1­ mL safety syringe (sy) or auto-injector (AI) has previously been associated with an overall positive patient experience.1 Here, the ability of patients to safely and effectively self-administer subcutaneous BKZ using a 2 mL sy or AI is reported. Methods: DV0002 (North America) and DV0006 (Germany, Hungary and Poland) were sub-studies of the phase 3 open-label extension (OLE) study, BE BRIGHT.1,2 Included patients received BKZ 320 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) or Q8W based on treatment regimen and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) response at BE BRIGHT entry. Patients were randomized 1:1 to BKZ-sy-2 mL or BKZ-AI-2 mL, and performed self-injections (after training in the self-injection technique) at baseline and Wk8. Safe and effective self-injection defined as complete dose delivery of BKZ and absence of adverse events related to the device which led to study withdrawal. Primary and secondary objectives were to assess patients’ ability to safely and effectively self-administer BKZ at Wk8 and baseline, respectively. Other objectives included to evaluate patient experience of self-injection, using the injection site pain visual analog scale (VAS; 0 [no pain]–100 [worst possible pain]) and the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ; subscale scores ranged 0-10 [higher scores better]), and the post-use structural and mechanical integrity of each device. Data analyzed using two full analysis sets (BKZ-sy-2 mL and BKZ-AI-2 mL) and reported for the combined BKZ dose groups (BKZ Total) using observed cases. Results: In DV0002, 19 patients each were randomized to use BKZ-sy-2 mL and BKZ-AI-2 mL. All patients using BKZ-sy-2 mL (n=19) self-injected BKZ safely and effectively at baseline and Wk8. All (n=19) and 94.7% (n=18/19) of patients using BKZ-AI-2 mL self-injected BKZ safely and effectively at baseline and Wk8, respectively. In DV0006, 44 and 45 patients were randomized to use BKZ-sy-2 mL and BKZ-AI-2 mL, respectively. All patients using BKZ-sy-2 mL (n=44) and BKZ-AI-2 mL (n=45) safely and effectively self-injected BKZ at baseline and Wk8. In DV0002/6, median pre-injection and post-injection SIAQ scores were ≥7.5 across both devices, and >9.0 for feelings about injections, self-image, and injection-site reactions subscales. In DV0002/6, low median VAS scores across both devices indicate variable but generally low pain. All devices maintained their structural and functional integrity post-use. One device deficiency complaint was received. Conclusions: A positive self-administration experience was associated with the 2 mL devices, as reported with 1 mL devices,1 providing patients with an option to self-administer a single injection of BKZ.

Genetic architecture underlying the parallel evolution of leaf ecomorphs in Viburnum

Abstract In a neotropical lineage of the plant clade Viburnum (Adoxaceae) several leaf ecomorphs evolved independently and repeatedly as the group radiated through cloud forests of North and South America. Here, we focus on one pair of co-occurring sister species within this radiation with strongly contrasting leaf morphotypes and document the presence of phenotypically diverse and genetically admixed hybrid individuals in multiple hybrid swarms. Hybrid phenotypes are generally intermediate in form, but sometimes show parental or entirely novel and transgressive combinations of leaf traits, suggesting that parental leaf ecomorphs can be functionally and genetically dissociated. We used admixture mapping within hybrid swarms to investigate the genetic architecture of key traits comprising these leaf ecomorphs and uncovered loci proximal to known genes implicated in leaf development, including some that may alter multiple leaf traits simultaneously, potentially facilitating the emergence of leaf syndromes. We conclude that the shared genetic architecture underlying some traits, such as leaf size and marginal teeth, could promote the repeated evolution of these traits in concert, while low levels of genetic linkage between other leaf traits supports the hypothesis that selection promoted the repeated assembly of particular combinations of leaf traits as Viburnum radiated throughout the neotropics.

Processing cataphoric they amidst pronominal innovation

AbstractWhen they encounter a cataphoric pronoun during real-time sentence processing, the comprehender begins searching actively for a feature-matched noun that can supply its reference. The present study investigates individual variation in this active search procedure, leveraging an ongoing change in the pronoun system of North American English. The types of referents compatible with the they-series of pronouns is expanding, with an increasing number of speakers allowing definite singular referents: especially but not exclusively when referring to someone with a nonbinary gender identity. Sociolinguistic work shows that the speakers who most accept innovative usages of singular they tend to be younger, or to be non-cisgender (e.g. transgender, nonbinary). Recruiting participants representing diverse ages and gender identities, the present experiment tracked reading times of sentences involving cataphora. Results shows that cataphoric they is processed differently than cataphoric s/he, across the board. There is a significant processing cost to reading a plural noun that follows cataphoric s/he, indicating that singular cataphors evoke strong number expectations. However, the cost of reading a singular noun after they is smaller and emerges later; they seems to evoke weak number expectations. Individual differences show that those expectations are especially weak for younger participants, perhaps reflecting a higher baseline familiarity with singular they. On the other hand, course-grained gender identity (cis vs. non-cis) does not seem to be a reliable predictor of how cataphoric they is processed. Integrating insights from sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics, this study offers a novel view into ongoing language change and its manifestation in real-time processing measures.

Revisiting the Consistency of Financial Disclosure Reporting by Authors at Annual Spine Conferences Show Inconsistent Improvements After 14 Years

Study Design: Cross-sectional study of presenter disclosures from the 2022 North American Spine Society (NASS), Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), and Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) annual research conferences. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the consistency of financial disclosures for authors presenting at multiple 2022 spine conferences and compared results to those previously reported in 2008. Summary of Background Data: Transparent reporting of financial relationships between physicians and industry is seen as an important way to limit/address potential bias. Thus, many research conferences require authors to disclose such relationships. Despite these requirements, variability in the financial disclosure reporting for matched speakers at 2008 major spine conferences was previously reported. Since then, the Sunshine Act mandated public financial relationships, potentially furthering attention and leading to improvements in financial disclosures. Methods: Disclosures of authors presenting at >1 of the three 2022 spine conferences were compiled from conference websites, and discrepancies were determined based on conference disclosure policies. For comparisons where both conferences required disclosure of all relationships, the discrepancy was identified if there was not a match. For comparisons where 1 conference required paper-specific relationships, and the other required all relationships, discrepancy was identified if the first was not a subset of the other. Results were compared with those reported from 2008. Results: NASS and SRS both required disclosure of all relationships, had 208 overlapping authors, and had 36.5% discrepancies. SRS and CSRS required all and paper-specific disclosures, had 37 overlapping authors, and had 29.7% discrepancies. NASS and CSRS required all and paper-specific disclosures, had 81 overlapping authors, and had 29.6% discrepancies. Overall, the average discrepancy for pairs of conferences in 2008 was 26%, and for 2022 was 32%, indicating a lack of improvement. Compared with 2008, discrepancies decreased more when disclosure requirements were the same for both conferences being considered. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that significant variability remains in the reporting of financial conflicts of interest by authors presenting at 3 major spine conferences last year, despite previous scrutiny and the evolution of the Sunshine Act. These discrepancies may reflect the ambiguity caused by different disclosure policies and further attention is needed for this topic.

Propagations From Extreme Integrated Vapor Transport to Extreme Precipitation Events in North America

AbstractExtreme integrated vapor transport (IVT) is a crucial driving factor of extreme precipitation events (EPEs). This paper presents a complex network‐based characterization of propagations from extreme IVT to EPEs. Specifically, the propagations are tracked from extreme IVT to EPEs by event synchronization; and then the source zones of extreme IVT contributing to EPEs are identified by two‐layer complex network. A case study is devised for North America based on the daily NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis 1 from 1948 to 2021. Overall, eight communities of EPEs are identified: the west coast of United States (US) tend to receive substantial EPEs from the Pacific Ocean; the Gulf of Alaska tends to receive oceanic EPEs propagating inland; western Canada typically experiences large amount of out tendencies and the EPEs tend to accumulate in the Baffin Island and Labrador Peninsula; the southeastern US and the northern Great Plains tend to experience northward propagations from Mexico. Along the west coast of North America, the propagations from extreme IVT to EPEs typically originate from the eastern North Pacific between 160°W and 110°W, and make landfalls in 4 days. These propagations are influenced by anomalous cyclonic circulations developing over the Gulf of Alaska forced by eastward Rossby waves. The coincidence rate of these propagations with atmospheric rivers is, respectively, 85.31% in autumn, 91.35% in winter, 73.94% in spring, and 64.52% in summer. Overall, the observed propagations from extreme IVT to EPEs yield insights into the mechanism of atmospheric moisture transport and the predictability of precipitation.

Glofitamab plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) versus rituximab-GemOx for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (STARGLO): a global phase 3, randomised, open-label trial.

Glofitamab monotherapy induces durable remission in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more previous therapies, but has not previously been assessed as a second-line therapy. We investigated the efficacy and safety of glofitamab plus gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (Glofit-GemOx) versus rituximab (R)-GemOx in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The phase 3, randomised, open-label STARGLO trial was done at 62 centres in 13 countries in Asia and Australia, Europe, and North America. We recruited transplant-ineligible patients (aged ≥18 years) with histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after one or more previous therapies. Patients were randomly assigned in permuted blocks (block size of six) via an interactive voice or web response system (2:1; stratified by 1 vs ≥2 previous lines of therapy and relapsed vs refractory status) to Glofit-GemOx (intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 plus glofitamab step-up dosing to 30 mg; for a total of eight cycles, plus four additional cycles of glofitamab monotherapy) or R-GemOx (intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 plus rituximab 375 mg/m2; for a total of eight cycles). The trial independent review committee, which evaluated all response-based endpoints, was masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Efficacy analyses were by intention to treat in all randomly assigned patients. We present results from both the primary analysis (cutoff: March 29, 2023) and updated analysis after all patients had completed study therapy (cutoff: Feb 16, 2024). Safety analyses included all patients who received any study treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04408638, and is ongoing (closed to recruitment). From Feb 23, 2021, to March 14, 2023, 274 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive Glofit-GemOx (n=183) or R-GemOx (n=91). 158 (58%) patients were male and 116 (42%) were female; median age was 68 years (IQR 58-74). At the primary analysis after a median follow-up of 11·3 months (95% CI 9·6-12·7), overall survival was significantly improved with Glofit-GemOx versus R-GemOx (median not estimable [NE; 95% CI 13·8 months-NE] vs 9·0 months [7·3-14·4]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·59 [95% CI 0·40-0·89]; p=0·011). At the updated analysis after a median follow-up of 20·7 months (19·9-23·3), a consistent improvement in overall survival was observed with Glofit-GemOx versus R-GemOx (median 25·5 months [18·3-NE] vs 12·9 months [7·9-18·5]; HR 0·62 [0·43-0·88]). In the safety sets, 180 (100%) patients in the Glofit-GemOx group and 84 (96%) of 88 patients in the R-GemOx group had at least one adverse event during the study period. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 76 (44%) of 172 glofitamab-exposed patients and was predominantly low grade. Deaths related to glofitamab or rituximab occurred in five (3%) patients in the Glofit-GemOx group and in one (1%) patient in the R-GemOx group. Glofit-GemOx had a significant overall survival benefit compared with R-GemOx, supporting its use in transplant-ineligible patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after one or more previous lines of therapy. F Hoffmann-La Roche.

Prediction of CO2 emissions to achieve net-zero objectives in the iron and steel sectors of North America

ABSTRACT Predictive models are widely used to create effective plans for reducing CO2 emissions in manufacturing. The Iron and Steel (I&S) industries play a crucial role in meeting international commitments to achieve Net-zero emissions by 2050. The objective of this study is to forecast carbon dioxide emissions from the I&S industries in North America through the utilization of a Multi-Objective Mathematical model. The proposed data-driven approach is integrated with various machine learning algorithms capable of accurately predicting future values with a small dataset. Additionally, sensitivity analyses under different scenarios are conducted to evaluate the impact of implementing proposed solutions by the research community. Results show a significant improvement in accuracy through the employment of the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). Forecasts reveal a sustained increment of 0.7 MtCO2 every year spanning between 2022 and 2050. This study provides valuable information for stakeholders and policymakers as it allows a more precise evaluation to integrate new technologies to abate forthcoming CO2 emissions.

Unconventional philosophies and practices: Vietnamese family firm performance in multiple countries

ABSTRACT The diversity of business philosophies and practices across family firms suggests their performance is influenced by factors that can be hard to isolate or understand. Based on 215 observations of Vietnamese firms operating in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America, we use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis techniques to discern the configurational relationships underlying their performance pathways. Of the 64 possible configurations, three pathways with a high consistency (95 percent) for high performance are distinguishable. These three pathways are characterized by varying degrees of family labor involvement, social network-based labor sourcing, and capital contributions from partners. They reveal how cultural factors, spiritual beliefs and practices, as well as the strength of firm networks influence the way these firms perform. Taken together, these insights offer valuable contributions to the theoretical understanding of family firm performance with practical and policy relevance.

Testing the efficacy of Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) as a inundative biological control agent in Western Nebraska.

The western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) is a primary pest of corn and dry edible bean, for which control measures are often warranted. Inundative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae have been used to control lepidopterous pests, such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), in eastern North America (e.g., New York, Virginia). However, no prior field studies have assessed T. ostriniae as a biological control agent in the North American Great Plains. Objectives for this study were (i) to determine the suitability of S. albicosta as a host for T. ostriniae and (ii) to assess the feasibility of T. ostriniae as a biological control agent of S. albicosta in Nebraska corn and dry edible bean fields. Dispersal and parasitism were monitored with yellow sticky cards and sentinel egg masses (O. nubilalis, S. albicosta, and Ephestia kuehniella) at 36 locations surrounding a central release point. Trichogramma ostriniae adults tended to be concentrated near the point of release. However, egg parasitism was so low that the minimum rates of T. ostriniae needed for effective control could not be determined. Our evidence indicates that the low parasitism measured in this study may indicate low suitability of T. ostriniae to Western Nebraska and, possibly, the Great Plains.

Microfacies Characteristics of Late Pennsylvanian Cyclothems on the Carbonate Platform Margin in Guizhou, South China

Late Pennsylvanian cyclothems are documented from the carbonate platform margin in Guizhou, South China, providing a unique opportunity to study glacio-eustatic fluctuations and their impact on reef development. This paper focuses on a shallow-water, reef-bearing succession and a deep-water succession in the Houchang area of Guizhou. Fourteen microfacies, grouped into seven associations, represent distinct depositional environments. These microfacies associations exhibit vertical cyclicity, interpreted as cyclothems, similar to those observed globally, which are attributed to the waxing and waning of the Gondwana ice sheet. The cyclothems are primarily composed of sediments below the wave base within a shallow-water platform margin and deep-water settings. Those cyclothems show strong correlations with those observed in South China, Ukraine, and the North American Midcontinent, suggesting a potential connection to global glacio-eustatic processes. A brief and rapid sea-level rise during the late Kasimovian may correspond to a recently recognized global warming event. A microfacies analysis indicates that these cyclothems reflect glacial-type sea-level fluctuations ranging from 15 to 35 m. Notably, the reef-bearing cyclothems correspond to intermediate, major cyclothems identified in South China and the Midcontinent from the late Moscovian to early Kasimovian stages. The global cyclothem correlations and reef development patterns in South China suggest that intermediate, major cycles were the primary controls on reef growth and demise, while minor cycles influenced biostromes and community succession within the reefs. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) in shaping reef development in far-field regions during the Late Pennsylvanian.

A new blood parasite of the accentor birds: description, molecular characterization, phylogenetic relationships and distribution.

Haemoproteus bobricklefsi sp. nov. (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) was found in the dunnock Prunella modularis and represents the first blood parasite described in accentor birds of the Prunellidae. The description is based on the morphology of blood stages and includes information about a barcoding segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (lineage hDUNNO01) and the full mitochondrial genome, which can be used for identification and diagnosis of this infection. The new parasite can be readily distinguished from described species of haemoproteids parasitizing passeriform birds due to markedly variable position of nuclei in advanced and fully grown macrogametocytes. Illustrations of blood stages of the new species are given, and phylogenetic analyses based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences and the full mitochondrial genome identified the closely related lineages. DNA haplotype networks showed that transmission occurs in Europe and North America. This parasite was found in the dunnock in Europe and several species of the Passerellidae in North America. It is probably of Holarctic distribution, with the highest reported prevalence in the UK. The parasite distribution seems to be geographically patchy, with preference for areas of relatively cool climates. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that H. bobricklefsi sp. nov. belongs to the Parahaemoproteus subgenus and is probably transmitted by biting midges belonging to Culicoides (Ceratopogonidae). The available data on molecular occurrence indicate that this pathogen is prone to abortive development, so worth attention in regard of consequences for bird health.

Whether niche changes promote the evolution of species: a case study of Paeonia in Asia and North America

Ecological changes have been observed to promote rates of lineage diversification, yet the precise roles of ecological factors, species evolution, and environmental variability in driving species diversity remain research hot spots. The association between ecological change and lineage diversification, particularly with regard to the size of the time scale, remains poorly understood. To explore whether ecological change facilitates species evolution, we focused on the unique family Paeoniaceae, which encompasses both herbaceous and woody taxa, to investigate the evolutionary rates. As a unique family characterized by a single genus of angiosperms and comprising various climatic types, the ecological niche changes of Paeoniaceae are closely associated with the evolution, making it an ideal model for conducting association analysis. In this study, we integrated the molecular fragments and ecological factors to explore the relationship between species evolution and niche changes in Paeoniaceae. The phylogenetic tree revealed that Paeoniaceae forms a sister relationship with Penthoraceae, Haloragidaceae, Iteaceae, Crassulaceae, and Saxifragaceae, constituting an independent clade based on the positive selection of molecular fragments including two protein-coding genes and eight non-coding regions. The divergence time was estimated to be between 102 and 116 Mya (Million years ago). The phylogenetic tree within Paeonia revealed a clear division into three groups: sections of Paeonia, Moutan, and Onaepia with high support values for each branch based on the ten positive selection of molecular fragments. The rapid rate of evolution observed in Paeonia, about 0-5 Mya. In addition, ecological niche modeling showed that the potential distributions for Paeonia expanded from middle Asia to eastern Asia, and from central North America to the Northern part of North America during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to Mid Holocene (MID) period. This suggests that Paeonia continuously adapted to changing ecological environments over time. Compared to the rate of climatic niche divergence and lineage diversification, the ecological niche of Paeonia underwent significant changes during the period of 3-11 Mya, occurring 5 Mya earlier than the period of evolutionary rate change. These findings offer comprehensive insights into the relationship between niche change and the evolution of species, providing valuable perspectives for further ecological cultivation efforts.

Concrete Infrastructure: Recent Advancements and Needs with a Focus on North America

This letter provides an overview of the continent’s diversity in geography and climatic exposure and the impact of chlorides on reinforced concrete structures in North America. Several research needs are identified, including those that arise as specifications begin to change from prescriptive to performance-based approaches. Further, the widespread changes in material compositions or chloride exposures, require important changes to specifications, design practices, or maintenance procedures. Related to reducing carbon emissions, there is a need to reduce clinker content in concrete mixtures, increase the use of novel cementitious and supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), and to understand the durability of such concretes. The following research efforts from a North American context are warranted: (i) investigating the long-term durability of novel cement and SCM systems, including non-Portland cement-based materials and those made with CO2 mineralization used to meet carbon emission targets; (ii) understanding climate change impacts of temperature and sea levels, including flood impact, on chloride exposure and chloride-induced corrosion; (iii) developing rapid and reliable tests to estimate durability in practice, particularly for scaling, freeze-thaw, salt damage, and chloride-induced corrosion; and (v) developing better understanding of the short and long-term implications of changes in constituent materials and exposure.

Global Invasion of Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Across Three Continents Associated With Its One Haplotype

ABSTRACTThrips parvispinus (Karny) is an exotic pest that has invaded many regions around the world in the last three decades. It was first detected in Florida in 2020 on ornamental plants (Hoya and Anthurium) in greenhouses and subsequently on ornamental plants in residential landscapes (Gardenia) in 2021. However, its first report on open vegetable field crops (Capsicum) in Florida was in 2022. We conducted field surveys and genetic analysis to answer three questions: (1) Is the population of T. parvispinus that invaded Florida the same as the one that has spread globally in the last few decades? (2) Is the host expansion to Capsicum in Florida a new population or the extension of the existing population reported on ornamental plants? and (3) What are the native and invaded distribution ranges of T. parvispinus? We analysed the genetic variation in the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) to address these questions. The global genetic diversity analysis of T. parvispinus revealed 18 haplotypes (populations) worldwide based on available data, but only one population (Hap1) invaded three continents: Africa, Europe, and North America. Based on available data, the highest haplotype diversity was observed in India, suggesting India may be part of the presumed native range (South and Southeast Asian countries) of T. parvispinus. Our survey of retail plant stores across 10 Florida counties indicated that plant trade is the source of T. parvispinus in open vegetable field crops and ornamental landscape plants. The outcome of this study will assist with regulatory and management decisions of T. parvispinus in Florida and elsewhere.

Genetic connectivity of wolverines in western North America.

Wolverine distribution contracted along the southern periphery of its range in North America during the 19th and 20th centuries due primarily to human influences. This history, along with low densities, sensitivity to climate change, and concerns about connectivity among fragmented habitats spurred the recent US federal listing of threatened status and special concern status in Canada. To help inform large scale landscape connectivity, we collected 882 genetic samples genotyped at 19 microsatellite loci. We employed multiple statistical models to assess the landscape factors (terrain complexity, human disturbance, forest configuration, and climate) associated with wolverine genetic connectivity across 2.2million km2of southwestern Canada and the northwestern contiguous United States. Genetic similarity (positive spatial autocorrelation) of wolverines was detected up to 555km and a high-to-low gradient of genetic diversity occurred from north-to-south. Landscape genetics analyses confirmed that wolverine genetic connectivity has been negatively influenced by human disturbance at broad scales and positively influenced by forest cover and snow persistence at fine- and broad-scales, respectively. This information applied across large landscapes can be used to guide management actions with the goal of maintaining or restoring population connectivity.