Range Of Variation Research Articles

Alcohol use in Early Midlife: Findings from the Age 37 Follow-Up Assessment of the FinnTwin12 Cohort.

This paper provides an overview of the most recent assessment, collected in early midlife, of the FinnTwin12 cohort, a population-based study of Finnish twins born in 1983-1987. The twins were invited to complete an online survey assessing a range of variables, including physical and mental health, alcohol use and problems, other substance use, and early midlife environments (e.g., parenthood). In total, 2,085 individuals (~ 40% of the original sample) completed the survey (551 complete twin pairs, 58.7% female, 37.3% monozygotic, Mage = 37.2 years, SD = 1.47 years, age range = 34-39 years). Individuals who participated were more likely to be female, monozygotic, and have higher parental education and less hyperactivity/impulsivity and aggression at age 12 when compared to individuals who were invited but did not participate. Parental alcohol misuse and the twins' alcohol use and misuse at age 14 were not related to study retention. Alcohol misuse in early midlife was positively associated with nicotine dependence, lifetime use of cannabis and other drugs, trauma exposure, and depressive symptoms, and negatively associated with physical health and having biological children. These new data expand upon the wealth of measures collected as part of previous assessments, expanding the scope of work on the etiology and correlates of alcohol misuse within a longitudinal, genetically-informed framework. In addition to these new survey measures, we are planning an in-person assessment to collect physiological measurements and conduct additional in-depth phenotyping on a subset of twins who have been more intensively studied over the years.

CAPI-detect: machine learning in capillaroscopy reveals new variables influencing diagnosis.

Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) is the gold standard for diagnosing systemic sclerosis (SSc) and differentiating primary from secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. The CAPI-Score algorithm, designed for simplicity, classifies capillaroscopy scleroderma patterns (CSPs) using a limited number of capillary variables. This study aims to develop a more advanced machine learning (ML) model to improve CSP identification by integrating a broader range of statistical variables while minimising examiner-related bias. A total of 1,780 capillaroscopies were randomly and blindly analysed by 3-4 trained observers. Consensus was defined as agreement among all but one observer (partial consensus) or unanimous agreement (full consensus). Capillaroscopies with at least partial consensus were used to train ML-based classification models using CatBoost software, incorporating 24 capillary architecture-related variables extracted via automated NVC analysis. Validation sets were employed to assess model performance. Of the 1,490 capillaroscopies classified with consensus, 515 achieved full consensus. The model, evaluated on partial and full consensus datasets, achieved 0.912, 0.812, and 0.746 accuracy for distinguishing SSc from non-SSc, among SSc patterns, and between normal and non-specific patterns, respectively. When evaluated on full consensus only, accuracy improved to 0.910, 0.925, and 0.933. CAPI-Detect outperformed CAPI-Score, revealing novel capillary variables critical to ML-based classification. CAPI-Detect, an ML-based model, provides an unbiased, quantitative analysis of capillary structure, shape, size, and density, significantly improving capillaroscopic pattern identification.

Coupling of magnetism and transport properties to the lattice degrees of freedom inNdBaCo2O5+δ (δ ∼ 0.65).

We have studied the origin of zero volume expansion below the Curie temperature (Tc), variable range hopping (VRH) behaviour using structural, magnetic, transport and thermal studies on the oxygen deficient double perovskite NdBaCo2O5+del (del= 0.65). The valence state of Co ions and the possible properties exhibited by such compound were studied using electronic structure calculations for del= 0.75. Careful investigation of structure shows that the compound stabilizes in tetragonal structure (P4/mmm) having 2apx2apx2ap (222) superstructure, where ap is the cubic perovskite lattice parameter. The compound exhibits a minimum in resistivity, ferromagnetic (FM) and ferrimagnetic (FeM) transitions around 375 K, 120 K (Tc) and 60 K, respectively with signature of Griffiths phase above Tc. Our detailed structural analysis suggests signature of the onset of the above magnetic transitions at temperatures well above its stabilisation at long range level thereby leading to VRH behaviour. The observed zero thermal expansion in volume below Tc appears to be due to competing magnetic interactions within and between the magnetic sublattices. Our electronic structure calculations in FM and FeM configurations show (a) Co ions stabilize in intermediate spin (IS) state, having oxidation state less than +3 (b) half metallicity, (c) the behaviour of the density of states is in line with the resistivity results, and (d) unusually high orbital angular moment in Co ions with inclusion of spin orbit coupling (soc). Our results show the possibility of coupling between magnetism and ferroelectricity. We believe that our results especially on the valence state of the Co ion, zero thermal expansion in volume, short range magnetic orderings and the connection between different degrees of freedom will be helpful in clearing the ambiguities existing in literature on the nature of magnetism and thereby aiding in designing new functionalities by maneuvering the strength of soc.

Intersecting Paths to Health: A Factor Analysis Approach to Socioeconomic and Environmental Determinants in Indiana

Public health is the basis of society’s well-being and the nation’s development. Despite the importance of this factor and huge investments in the health sector in the United States, public health is facing enormous challenges due to the unknown nature of the influential variables in this sector. This research aims to investigate the influential variables on public health from different sources including the demographic features, built environment, socioeconomic variables, and environmental factors impact on 30 major health issues. To achieve this goal, this study utilizes exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression methods on the data obtained from the state of Indiana. The results indicated that health issues and influential factors can be divided into five main factors. This study identifies Health Burdens and Socioeconomic Disparities as a key factor, encompassing a wide range of health issues and socioeconomic variables, highlighting a significant association between socioeconomic disparities, poor health outcomes, and environmental exposures. The analysis underscores the intricate relationship between socioeconomic status, health behaviors, chronic diseases, and environmental factors, suggesting that effective interventions must address healthcare access, quality, and broader determinants of health to improve outcomes in affected communities. The results of this study can be helpful to public health policymakers, urban planners, and future public health researchers.

Angular distribution of fractal temporal correlations supports adaptive responses to wobble board instability.

Contemporary dynamical models of human postural control propose an intermittent controller regulating the postural centre of pressure (CoP) about a stable saddle-shaped manifold along anatomical anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) axes, releasing CoP in an outwards spiral when inactive. Experimental manipulations can evoke this saddle-type topology in fractal temporal correlations along the AP axis and reducing correlations along the ML axis. However, true effects of task demands may often manifest within angular space between anatomical AP and ML axes-a space not typically modelled explicitly. We tested how instability and attentional load influence postural control across the full angular range of fractal variability along the two-dimensional (2D) support surface. Forty-eight healthy young adults performed a suprapostural Trail Making Test (TMT) while standing on a wobble board, inducing continuous perturbations along the ML axis. Stable, quiet standing exhibited classic saddle-like topology, with stronger fractal temporal correlations in CoP displacements along AP axes. The attentional demand of the TMT did not affect angular variation or strength of fractal temporal correlations across the 2Dsupport surface. However, maintaining upright balance on the wobble board reshaped and reoriented the angular distribution of fractal temporal correlations, accentuating saddle-like angular variation and rotating the strongest fractal temporal correlations predominantly along the ML axis. Stabilizing posture in the face of wobble board instability prompted the saddle-type angular distribution of fractal temporal correlations. These findings challenge the traditional dependence of postural control theories exclusively on external force-plate axes and underscore the significance of multifractality in defining control parameters that govern postural stability across the full angular range of the 2D support surface.

Variable Range Measure: a new range measure for super-efficiency model based on DDF in presence of nonpositive data

Variable Range Measure: a new range measure for super-efficiency model based on DDF in presence of nonpositive data

Taxus tree-ring chronologies from southern England reveal western European hydroclimate changes over the past three centuries

Heatwaves and summer droughts across Europe are likely to intensify under anthropogenic global warming thereby affecting ecological and societal systems. To place modern trends and extremes in the context of past natural variability, annually resolved and absolutely dated climate reconstructions are needed. Here, we present a network of 153 yew (Taxus baccata L.) tree-ring width (TRW) series from 22 sites in southern England that cover the past 310 years. Significant positive correlations were found between TRW chronologies and both April–July precipitation totals (r > 0.7) and July drought indices (r > 0.59) back to 1901 CE (p < 0.05). We used a suite of residual and standard TRW chronologies to reconstruct interannual to multi-decadal spring–summer precipitation and mid-summer drought variability over western Europe, respectively. Our yew hydroclimate reconstructions capture the majority of reported summer droughts and pluvials back to 1710 CE. Clusters of severe drought spells occurred in the second half of the 18th and mid-twentieth century. Our study suggests that the frequency and intensity of recent hydroclimate extremes over western Europe are likely still within the range of past natural variability.

P-1008. Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Screening in the Newborn Nursery: Areas for Improvement in the Absence of Standardized Guidelines

Abstract Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral cause of congenital defects in the U.S. Early identification of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection allows for optimal antiviral treatment which reduces progression of sensorineural hearing loss and improves neurodevelopmental outcomes. There is varying guidance from expert consensus groups ranging from universal screening to selective screening based on clinical features. With conflicting data, many hospitals have no standardized protocol for cCMV screening. This study aims to detail clinical characteristics and outcomes of infants with cCMV in a tertiary medical center prior to implementation of standardized guidelines. Methods This was a retrospective case study of newborns who screened positive for CMV between June 2017-July 2022 at Rainbow Babies &amp; Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. 1900 newborns less than 21 days old were tested for CMV during this period, and newborns who screened positive for CMV were included (n=18). Clinical characteristics of the patients were described using median and interquartile range for continuous variables and frequency and percentages for categorical variables. Results The prevalence rate of cCMV at our center is 9.5 per 1000 live births. The most common associated clinical features were small for gestational age (SGA; n=12), microcephaly (n=9), abnormal neuroimaging findings (n=6), and failed newborn hearing screen (n=4). Two patients had isolated SGA, and neither received treatment nor had clinical sequelae. Saliva PCR tests were used for screening with no confirmatory urine testing. 11 patients received oral valganciclovir with documented side effects of transient neutropenia and transaminitis. 33% of newborns had no infectious disease or audiology follow-up. Conclusion Targeted screening practices for cCMV infection in our institution varies between providers. Our center has a prevalence rate slightly above the national average; however, the yield of screening isolated SGA is shown to be low. This study highlights gaps in current cCMV screening including lack of confirmatory urine CMV testing, and infants lost to follow up. System-level interventions including creation of standardized guidelines and provider education are necessary to improve follow-up and outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Construct validity and responsiveness of clinical upper limb measures and sensor-based arm use within the first year after stroke: a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundConstruct validity and responsiveness of upper limb outcome measures are essential to interpret motor recovery poststroke. Evaluating the associations between clinical upper limb measures and sensor-based arm use (AU) fosters a coherent understanding of motor recovery. Defining sensor-based AU metrics for intentional upper limb movements could be crucial in mitigating bias from walking-related activities. Here, we investigate the measurement properties of a comprehensive set of clinical measures and sensor-based AU metrics when gait and non-functional upper limb movements are excluded.MethodsIn this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, individuals with motor impairment were measured at days 3 ± 2 (D3), 10 ± 2 (D10), 28 ± 4 (D28), 90 ± 7 (D90), and 365 ± 14 (D365) after their first stroke. Using clinical measures, upper limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), capacity (Action Research Arm Test, Box & Block Test), and perceived performance (14-item Motor Activity Log) were assessed. Additionally, individuals wore five movement sensors (trunk, wrists, and ankles) for three days. Thirteen AU metrics were computed based on functional movements during non-walking periods. Construct validity across clinical measures and AU metrics was determined by Spearman’s rank correlations for each time point. Criterion responsiveness was examined by correlating patient-reported Global Rating of Perceived Change (GRPC) scores and observed change in upper limb measures and AU metrics. Optimal cut-off values for minimal important change (MIC) were estimated by ROC curve analysis.ResultsNinety-three individuals participated. At D3 and D10, correlations between clinical measures and AU metrics showed variability (range rs: 0.44–0.90). All following time points showed moderate-to-high positive correlations between clinical measures and affected AU metrics (range rs: 0.57–0.88). Unilateral nonaffected AU duration was negatively correlated with clinical measures (range rs: -0.48 to -0.77). Responsiveness across outcomes was highest between D10-D28 within moderate to strong relations between GRPC and clinical measures (rs: range 0.60–0.73), whereas relations were weaker for AU metrics (range rs: 0.28–0.43) Eight MIC values were estimated for clinical measures and nine for AU metrics, showing moderate to good accuracy (66–87%).ConclusionsWe present reference data on the construct validity and responsiveness of clinical upper limb measures and specified sensor-based AU metrics within the first year after stroke. The MIC values can be used as a benchmark for clinical stroke rehabilitation.Trial registrationThis trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov; registration number NCT03522519.

Photocatalytic Performance of Cementitious Composites Modified with Second-Generation Nano-TiO2 Dispersions: Influence of Composition and Granulation on NOx Purification Efficiency

This study investigated the influence of the composition of photocatalytic dispersions made with second-generation nano-TiO2 on the air purification performance of photocatalytic cementitious composites. Nine mortar series were prepared, incorporating photocatalytic dispersions of variable content of nano-TiO2, dispersing agent (superplasticizer), and hydrophobic admixture. The total mass content of nano-TiO2 in investigated mortars was kept at the same level. For investigated composites, photocatalytic removal of NOx was evaluated under simulated laboratory conditions mimicking polish autumn/winter irradiation conditions. The results indicate that within the tested range of variability, the dispersion composition significantly influenced the granulation of the dispersed nano-TiO2 particles, which in turn affected the air purification performance of the composites. A predictive model was developed to account for environmental factors potentially influencing photocatalytic performance in urban environments. The model estimated that, depending on environmental conditions and photocatalytic dispersion composition, the composite’s photocatalytic layer could remove up to 1.067 g/m2 of NO2 per year in favorable environmental conditions. Photocatalytic cementitious composites can act as environmentally beneficial composites, contributing to carbon-negative construction practices and improving urban air quality. This highlights the dual benefits of offsetting embedded carbon emissions and enhancing air purification efficiency in sustainable urban infrastructure.

P-1029. Victory in Battle, Defeat in War: Navigating Isavuconazole Implementation at an Argentinian Tertiary Centre

Abstract Background Isavuconazole, a second-generation triazole, has emerged as a potent antifungal agent with broad spectrum activity against moulds, including aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Its favourable safety profile contributes to enhanced patient compliance and improved treatment outcomes. Methods Data on patients receiving isavuconazole treatment from June 2019 to December 2023 were collected consecutively from an Argentinian tertiary care centre. A comprehensive range of variables was documented, including demographic details, underlying conditions, imaging findings, treatment specifics, and outcomes. Patients were categorized based on the EORTC/MSG criteria for invasive fungal infections. Results In our study of 45 cases, we observed a prevalence of malignancies (60.0%), with 27 cases showing active malignancy. Imaging findings revealed common indicators of invasive fungal infection (IFI), notably pulmonary nodules (66.7%) and ground-glass opacity (62.2%). Breakthrough IFI occurred in 12 cases (26.7%). Isavuconazole was predominantly initiated as first-line treatment (68.9%), with a median duration of 59 days. Patients receiving first-line isavuconazole treatment were significantly older (51 vs. 32 years old, p=0.001) than those on subsequent lines. At 30 days, treatment response was observed in 20.0% of cases, with a mortality rate of 15.6%. Pulmonary nodules were significantly more frequent in patients on first-line isavuconazole treatment compared to subsequent lines (77.4% vs. 42.9%, p=0.039). Additionally, the presence of pulmonary nodules was significantly higher in patients with active IFI at day 30 compared to those with treatment response (84.0% vs. 44.4%, p=0.034). Conclusion Our findings shed light on the complexities surrounding the use of isavuconazole in clinical practice and underscore the need for further research to optimize its application in managing invasive fungal infections. Mortality in isavuconazole-treated patients primarily stemmed from underlying disease progression rather than the fungal infection itself, emphasizing the necessity for a broad-spectrum antifungal with fewer contraindications. Disclosures Oliver A. Cornely, Prof. Dr., Abbott: Honoraria|Abbvie: Advisor/Consultant|Abbvie: Honoraria|AiCuris: Advisor/Consultant|Akademie fur Infektionmedizin: Honoraria|Al-Jazeera Pharmaceuticals/Hikma: Honoraria|amedes: Honoraria|AstraZeneca: Honoraria|Basilea: Advisor/Consultant|Biocon: Advisor/Consultant|BMBF: Grant/Research Support|Boston Strategic Partners: Advisor/Consultant|CIdara: Advisor/Consultant|CIdara: Expert Testimony|CIdara: Grant/Research Support|CIdara: Participation on a DRC or DSMB|CoRe Consulting: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company)|Deutscher Arzteverlag: Honoraria|DZIF: Grant/Research Support|EasyRadiology: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company)|EU-DG RTD: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Honoraria|Grupo Biotoscana/United Medical/Knight: Honoraria|GSK: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Honoraria|IQVIA: Advisor/Consultant|IQVIA: Participation on a DRC or DSMB|Janssen: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Participation on a DRC or DSMB|Matinas: Advisor/Consultant|MedPace: Advisor/Consultant|MedPace: Grant/Research Support|MedPace: Participation on a DRC or DSMB|Medscape/WebMD: Honoraria|MedUpdate: Honoraria|Menarini: Advisor/Consultant|Moderna: Honoraria|Molecular Partners: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Grant/Research Support|MSD: Honoraria|MSG-ERC: Advisor/Consultant|Mundipharma: Advisor/Consultant|Mundipharma: Grant/Research Support|Mundipharma: Honoraria|Noscendo: Honoraria|Noxxon: Advisor/Consultant|Octapharma: Advisor/Consultant|Octapharma: Grant/Research Support|Pardes: Advisor/Consultant|Partner Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|Patent: US18/562644|Paul-Martini-Stiftung: Honoraria|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Honoraria|PSI: Advisor/Consultant|PSI: Participation on a DRC or DSMB|Pulmocide: Participation on a DRC or DSMB|Sandoz: Honoraria|Scynexis: Advisor/Consultant|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support|Seqirus: Advisor/Consultant|Seqirus: Honoraria|Seres: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Honoraria|streamedup!: Honoraria|The Prime Meridian Group: Advisor/Consultant|Touch Independent: Honoraria|Vitis: Honoraria

Advanced Detection and Classification of Kelp Habitats Using Multibeam Echosounder Water Column Point Cloud Data

Kelps are important habitat-forming species in shallow marine environments, providing critical habitat, structure, and productivity for temperate reef ecosystems worldwide. Many kelp species are currently endangered by myriad pressures, including changing water temperatures, invasive species, and anthropogenic threats. This situation necessitates advanced methods to detect kelp density, which would allow tracking density changes, understanding ecosystem dynamics, and informing evidence-based management strategies. This study introduces an innovative approach to detect kelp density with multibeam echosounder water column data. First, these data are filtered into a point cloud. Then, a range of variables are derived from these point cloud data, including average acoustic energy, volume, and point density. Finally, these variables are used as input to a Random Forest model in combination with bathymetric variables to classify sand, bare rock, sparse kelp, and dense kelp habitats. At 5 m resolution, we achieved an overall accuracy of 72.5% with an overall Area Under the Curve of 0.874. Notably, our method achieved high accuracy across the entire multibeam swath, with only a 1 percent point decrease in model accuracy for data falling within the part of the multibeam water column data impacted by sidelobe artefact noise, which significantly expands the potential of this data type for wide-scale monitoring of threatened kelp ecosystems.

Religious fundamentalism and radicalization: how nationalist-Islamist party politics polarizes Turkey—and how polarization can be reduced

Abstract The reactivity hypothesis posits that individuals who are, or perceive themselves to be, deprived tend to develop a fundamentalist worldview and/or are more likely to (further) radicalize. In the present study, however, we predicted that individuals who feel less deprived would exhibit a stronger fundamentalist worldview and/or radicalized attitudes in a political context characterized by polarization driven by leaders or institutions such as governments. Using Turkey as an example, we found partial support for our hypothesis in a Muslim sample (N = 736), which was representative of age, gender, education level, ethnic affiliations, and urbanity. Individuals who felt less disadvantaged—thus more privileged—were found to be more fundamentalist, even when controlling for a range of other variables previously associated with fundamentalism, including conspiracy beliefs, personality traits, and socio-demographic variables. In contrast, deprivation was unrelated to radicalization (acceptance of active and reactive violence). Interestingly, supporters of the nationalist-Islamist government (AKP-MHP) scored on average higher on fundamentalism and radicalization than supporters of other parties. However, we also note that there are substantial similarities between both groups and that most participants scored low on both radicalization measures. Finally, we discuss possible strategies drawn from various studies aimed at reducing polarization and radicalization.

Impact of risk factors in craniofacial mucormycosis.

Craniofacial mucormycosis is a highly lethal infectious disease. This study aims to assess and analyze multiple variables, including clinical, socioeconomic, and biochemical markers, to identify and examine risk factors for mortality associated with this mycotic infection. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients who sought medical attention at the Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Division of a tertiary-level hospital in Monterrey, Mexico. A broad range of variables was analyzed: clinical features, including the extent of mucormycosis infection; socioeconomic factors such as monthly income, marital status, geographical residence, educational level, and insurance status; as well as biochemical markers, including glucose levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immune cell counts, specifically neutrophils (NEU) and lymphocytes (LYM). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v26. Risk factors for mortality were evaluated using Cox regression. Overall survival (OS) was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. The Fisher's exact test and the Chi-square test were used for categorical variables. For median comparisons, the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were applied; with normality assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Mucormycosis was associated with higher mortality in men (p=0.032). The disease primarily affected the paranasal sinuses (p=0.021) and was associated with increased mortality when involving the orbit (p=0.035). Additionally, compromised lymphocyte counts (LYM) (p=0.034) and lower educational levels (p=0.009) were associated with higher mortality. Individuals residing in rural areas also exhibited an elevated risk of mortality (p =0.023). Prevention strategies should focus on high-risk groups to reduce the mortality rate of craniofacial mucormycosis, particularly targeting men and individuals residing in rural areas. Special emphasis should be placed on those without education or health insurance. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.

Stress and anxiety in schools: a multilevel analysis of individual and class-level effects of achievement and competitiveness

Stress and anxiety are commonly experienced by students in schools. Both phenomena are mutually dependent and associated with various negative outcomes. A range of variables have been addressed when explaining the development of stress and anxiety and the need to consider classroom-level effects becomes clear. So far, the effects of individual as well as classroom-level competitiveness on stress and anxiety have not been focused. This study aims to address this research gap and examines associations between achievement, competitiveness, stress and anxiety. Therefore, cross-sectional self-reports of 591 students from 10 secondary schools in Germany were collected using a paper-pencil-questionnaire in regular classrooms and analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. The results highlight the relevance of achievement and competitiveness for the experience of anxiety and stress of students. Academic achievement on individual and class level were related to individual and classroom levels of stress and anxiety. Similarly, competitiveness on both levels was positively associated with the experiences of stress and anxiety. Consequently, the study highlights the relevance of achievement and competitiveness for the experience of anxiety and stress of students and emphasizes a need for adequate educational support.

NONAN GaitPrint: An IMU gait database of healthy older adults

The continued effort to study gait kinematics and the increased interest in identifying individuals based on their gait patterns could be strengthened by the inclusion of data from older groups. To address this need and complement our previous database on healthy young adults, we present an addition to the Nonlinear Analysis Core (NONAN) GaitPrint database. We offer full-body inertial measurement data during self-paced overground walking on a 200 m indoor track of 41 older adults (56 + years old; 20 men and 21 women; age: 64.7 ± 7.5 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; body mass: 81.1 ± 17.8 kg) across 18 four-minute trials conducted over two days. The multiple recordings are supported by a range of pre-calculated spatiotemporal variables, a list of each subject’s anthropometrics, notes for each walking trial, and template scripts for easier application of our data to classroom assignments or laboratory research. In addition, a preliminary Bayesian analysis found a range of evidence supporting age-related gait changes between this database and our database on young adults.

Aerial urination suggests undescribed sensory modality and social function in river dolphins.

Scent marking through urine spraying is known to aid mate selection, territory marking and chemical communication in terrestrial, but not in aquatic mammals. We quantify an unusual aerial urination behaviour in botos (Inia geoffrensis) and discuss its potential functions. Between 2014 and 2018, we conducted land-based behavioural surveys on wild botos in central Brazil, recording the sequence, duration and social context of aerial urination. Aerial urination starts with a boto slowly positioning itself upside down, exposing its penis above water, and ejecting a stream of urine into the air. When a 'receiver' male is present, it either approaches the urine stream with its rostrum (sometimes pursuing it) or stays where the stream contacts the water. We recorded 36 aerial urination events during 218.9 observation hours, with 67% occurring in the presence of receivers. The events were short (11.6±9.6SDseconds), highly variable (range 1- 41seconds) and involved only males-urinators and receivers. We hypothesize that the bristles on botos' rostrums can serve a chemical sensory role (haptosense) in detecting urine streams and that aerial urination, often occurring in the presence of other males, serves social or communicative functions beyond the physiological need for waste elimination.

An integrative machine learning approach to understanding South Pacific Ocean albacore tuna habitat features

Abstract This study employs a random forest model combined with interpretable machine learning techniques to analyze the habitat preferences of South Pacific albacore tuna, incorporating a broad range of marine environmental variables. Among these, several factors derived from mesoscale eddy structures, including eddy polarity, eddy radius, and eddy kinetic energy, are integrated to further enhance the characterization of mesoscale eddy features. Interpretable methods were applied to provide intuitive visualizations of albacore tuna habitat preferences, with a focus on the most influential factors, including seawater temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and normalized mesoscale eddy radius. Seawater temperature and oxygen concentration are directly linked to the physiological needs of albacore tuna, while mesoscale eddy characteristics influence foraging and behavior by altering water column properties. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the characteristics of albacore tuna habitat and the mechanisms driving its oceanographic variables, providing valuable insights for developing location-based, practical science-based management strategies for fishery resources.

Factors Relating to Sprint Swimming Performance: A Systematic Review.

Swimming performance depends on a wide variety of factors; however, the interaction between these factors and their importance varies between events. In sprint events, the characterized pacing underlines its specific development, as swimmers must achieve the highest possible speed while sustaining it to the greatest extent possible. The aim of this review was to identify the key factors underlying sprint swimming performance and to provide in-depth and practical evidence-based information to optimize performance. The review protocol was not registered. PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched up to October 31, 2023. Studies involving competitive swimmers and investigating sprint swimming performance were included, while studies conducted with young or masters' swimmers, triathletes or waterpolo players or not investigating sprint swimming performance were excluded. The Downs and Black Quality Assessment Checklist was performed on the included articles to assess the methodological quality. After applying the PICOS framework, 39 of the 1330 articles initially identified were included according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included records focused mainly on dry-land strength and in-water forces of both upper and lower limbs. A wide range of kinematic variables were also examined, together with the importance of anthropometric and various physiological parameters. This review highlights the importance of developing muscular strength and effectively transferring it to performance in the water. The evidence suggests that muscular development should prioritize enhancing velocity and effective displacement, rather than merely increasing force and performance in loaded tests. However, further research is needed to confirm this. While in-water forces have been well studied, there is a notable lack of analysis regarding drag. The optimal balance between stroke rate and stroke length should be determined individually, with a primary focus on achieving a high stroke length from a high stroke rate. Although anthropometry may play an important role in performance, the interaction of these traits appears to be complex, suggesting that other factors may be more important in determining performance outcomes. From a physiological perspective, the results indicate that the lactate peak and rate of accumulation should be thoroughly developed. Notwithstanding, this review shows the lack of a solid body of knowledge on the importance of anaerobic and especially aerobic factors. Finally, the absence of a list of potential confounders, together with the lack of high-quality studies involving elite swimmers (level 1 and 2), complicates the interpretation of the results.

Treatment, prognosis, and outcome of dogs treated for rectal plasmacytoma: a multicentric retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to report the outcome and prognosis of canine patients treated medically or surgically for rectal plasmacytomas and to identify factors associated with recurrence, mortality, or progression to multiple myeloma. The databases of 7 referral hospitals were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to determine the association of a range of variables with recurrence and progression-free interval for the surgically treated patients. 20 dogs were included. Nineteen cases were treated surgically, and 1 case was treated conservatively (analgesia and monitoring). Metastatic lesions were detected in 2 of 20 dogs (10%). Four of 19 dogs (21%) treated surgically developed postoperative complications, 1 major (1 of 19 [5.2%]) and 3 minor (3 of 19 [15.8%]). Tumor recurrence was identified in 6 of 19 dogs (31.5%). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 95%, 72%, and 66%, respectively. None of the variables tested were associated with occurrence of complications. Increased distance from the anus, incomplete surgical margins, and decreasing surgeon experience were associated with an increased risk of recurrence. No progression to multiple myeloma was seen in any of the cases. Surgical treatment of rectal plasmacytomas is associated with a low major complication rate and long survival. Metastasis and recurrence rates are significantly higher than previously reported. Conservative surgery leads to long-term survival, but recurrence is common. Future studies should focus on the benefits of adjuvant treatments.