A global test of Allen’s rule in rodents Alhajeri, Bader H.; Fourcade, Yoan; Upham, Nathan S. ...
Global ecology and biogeography,
December 2020, 2020-12-00, 20201201, 2020-12, Volume:
29, Issue:
12
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
Aim
We test whether geographical variation in the length of appendages in rodent species follows predictions of Allen's rule (a positive relationship between appendage length and temperature) at a ...broad taxonomic scale (order Rodentia). We also test whether the applicability of this rule varies based on the unit of analysis (species or assemblage), the appendage examined (tail, hind foot, ear), body size, occupied habitat, geographical range size, life mode and saltatorial ability.
Location
World‐wide.
Time period
Current.
Major taxa studied
Rodents (order Rodentia).
Methods
We assembled data on the morphology, ecology and phylogeny for ≤ 2,212 rodent species, representing c. 86% of all the described rodent species and c. 95% of the described genera. We tested the predicted Allen's rule associations among size‐corrected appendage lengths and both latitudinal and climatic variables (temperature and precipitation). We applied a cross‐species approach based on phylogenetic regressions and a cross‐assemblage approach based on spatial regressions in equal‐area 1.5° grid cells.
Results
Support for Allen's rule was greatest for the tail and was stronger across assemblages than across species. We detected a negative relationship between tail length and (absolute) latitude, which was accounted for by a positive association between tail length and temperature of the coldest month. This association was greatest in desert species. In addition, we observed a negative relationship between ear length and precipitation.
Main conclusions
In rodents, Allen's rule is confirmed only for tails, and this association seems to be driven by adaptation to the cold, rather than warm temperatures. Habitat type seems to influence conformity to this rule. Conformity to Allen's rule is likely to be the result of complex evolutionary trade‐offs between temperature regulation and other essential species traits.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused turmoil in every aspect of life and may be prevalent for years. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the pandemic reflects oil prices in China. We ...utilized a model to simulate and examine the energy, economic, and environmental effects of COVID-19, which affects a wide range of industries and households. The impact of the pandemic is considered in terms of customer expectations and factor input changes. Based on these changes, we find that factor input changes are the primary cause of the economic recession. We further find a parallel relationship between CO2 emissions and economic downturn. In addition, a reduction in transportation has significantly influenced the Gross Domestic product (GDP), which plunged during the pandemic period by 0.49%. Transportation negatively influences industrial production, railway sector, and air transportation by 10.17%, 1.76%, and 1.53%, respectively. Based on these findings, this study proposes important policy implications.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Background
Previous designs of internal bone lengthening devices have been fraught with imprecise distraction, resulting in nerve injuries, joint contractures, nonunions, and other complications. ...Recently, a magnet-operated PRECICE
®
nail (Ellipse Technologies, Inc, Irvine, CA, USA) was approved by the FDA; however, its clinical efficacy is unknown.
Questions/purposes
We evaluated this nail in terms of (1) accuracy and precision of distraction, (2) effects on bone alignment, (3) effects on adjacent-joint ROM, and (4) frequency of implant-related and non-implant-related complications.
Methods
We reviewed medical and radiographic records of 24 patients who underwent femoral and/or tibial lengthening procedures using the PRECICE
®
nail from August 2012 to July 2013 for conditions of varied etiology, the most common being congenital limb length discrepancy, posttraumatic growth arrest, and fracture malunion. This group represented 29% of patients (24 of 82) who underwent a limb lengthening procedure for a similar diagnosis during the review period. At each postoperative visit, the accuracy and precision of distraction, bone alignment, joint ROM, and any complications were recorded by the senior surgeon (SRR). Accuracy reflected how close the measured lengthening was to the prescribed distraction at each postoperative visit, while precision reflected how close the repeated measurements were to each other over the course of total lengthening period. No patients were lost to followup. Minimum followup from surgery was 3 weeks (mean, 14 weeks; range, 3–29 weeks).
Results
Mean total lengthening was 35 mm (range, 14–65 mm), with an accuracy of 96% and precision of 86%. All patients achieved target lengthening with minimal unintentional effects on bone alignment. The knee and ankle ROM were minimally affected. Of the complications requiring return to the operating room for an additional surgical procedure, there was one (4%) implant failure caused by a nonfunctional distraction mechanism and six (24%) non-implant-related complications, including premature consolidation in one patient (4%), delayed bone healing in two (8%), delayed equinus contracture in two (8%), and toe clawing in one (4%).
Conclusions
We conclude that this internal lengthening nail is a valid option to achieve accurate and precise limb lengthening to treat a variety of conditions with limb shortening or length discrepancy. Randomized, larger-sample, long-term studies are required to further confirm clinical efficacy of these devices, monitor for any late failures and complications, and compare with other internal lengthening devices with different mechanisms of operation.
Level of Evidence
Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The Connectivity Augmentation Problem (CAP) together with a well-known special case thereof known as the Tree Augmentation Problem (TAP) are among the most basic Network Design problems. There has ...been a surge of interest recently to find approximation algorithms with guarantees below 2 for both TAP and CAP, culminating in the currently best approximation factor for both problems of 1.393 through quite sophisticated techniques. We present a new and arguably simple matching-based method for the well-known special case of leaf-to-leaf instances. Combining our work with prior techniques, we readily obtain a
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-approximation for Leaf-to-Leaf CAP by returning the better of our solution and one of an existing method. Prior to our work, a
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-guarantee was only known for Leaf-to-Leaf TAP instances on trees of height 2. Moreover, when combining our technique with a recently introduced stack analysis approach, which is part of the above-mentioned 1.393-approximation, we can further improve the approximation factor to 1.29, obtaining for the first time a factor below
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for a nontrivial class of TAP/CAP instances.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
•72/88 MS patients developed an immune response to vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.•The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines varies depending on treatment type.•Patients should not stop their MS ...treatment in hope of increasing vaccine effectiveness. In patients treated with ocrelizumab, DMF and Figolimod, a careful risk/benefit assessment should be conducted.
We analyzed immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination by measuring specific IgG titers and T-cell reactivity to different SARS-CoV-2 peptides in multiple sclerosis patients taking different disease-modifying treatments. Of the 88 patients included, 72 developed any kind of immune response after vaccination. Although DMTs such as fingolimod and anti-CD20+ treatments prevented patients from developing a robust humoral response to the vaccine, most of them were still able to develop a cellular response, which could be crucial for long-term immunity. It is probably advisable that all MS patients take additional/booster doses to increase their humoral and/or cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
There are clear advantages to internet-delivered interventions for depression. Users' perspectives on the acceptability, satisfaction, and efficacy of an internet-delivered treatment for depression ...can inform future developments in the area.
Respondents (n=281) were participants in an 8week supported internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy treatment for depressive symptoms. Self-report online questionnaires gathered quantitative and qualitative data on the user experience.
Most respondents were satisfied with the programme (n=191), felt supported (n=203), reported positive gains and impact resulting from use of the programme, and perceived these to be likely to be lasting effects (n=149). Flexibility and accessibility were the most liked aspects. A small number of respondents felt their needs were not met by the intervention (n=64); for this group suggestions for improvements centred on the programme's structure and how supporter feedback is delivered.
Results will deepen the understanding of users' experience and inform the development and implementation of evidence-based internet-delivered interventions.
•Similar to previous research on internet-delivery the majority of respondents reported satisfaction (68%) with their intervention.•Respondents reported efficacy and empowerment and domains including key CBT techniques, strategies and lifestyle changes.•Similar to previous research, flexibility and accessibility help to overcome barriers, accommodate individual needs and increase autonomy.•Digital access and computer literacy are barriers for underrepresented groups including older adults and those of low socio-economic status.•Support is important, but more tailored feedback may be helpful. Implications include supporter training and governance issues.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
► First direct probe AFM imaging of single molecules of E180G mutant tropomyosin. ► E180G mutation markedly reduces persistence length, implying increased flexibility. ► Mutant persistence length is ...less than the length of a tropomyosin molecule. ► Flexibility implies spatial gradient of partial activation within one regulatory unit. ► Increased flexibility explains many aspects of altered cardiac dysfunction.
α-Tropomyosin (αTm) is central to Ca2+-regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. The familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation αTm E180G enhances Ca2+-sensitivity in functional assays. To investigate the molecular basis, we imaged single molecules of human cardiac αTm E180G by direct probe atomic force microscopy. Analyses of tangent angles along molecular contours yielded persistence length corresponding to ∼35% increase in flexibility compared to wild-type. Increased flexibility of the mutant was confirmed by fitting end-to-end length distributions to the worm-like chain model. This marked increase in flexibility can significantly impact systolic and possibly diastolic phases of cardiac contraction, ultimately leading to hypertrophy.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study is the first to record Pacific saury’s length–length relationships for converting various body length measurements from various fishing countries in the North Pacific Fisheries Commission. ...Also, we determined the length–weight relationship of the 2021 saury to compare with historical data. Neither age nor sex has a significant effect on the length–length and length–weight relationships. The length–length relationships were: fork length = 0.292 + 0.998 knob length (
R
2
= 0.999) and standard length = – 0.464 + 0.970 knob length (
R
2
= 0.986). The length–weight relationship was: body weight = 3.020 × 10
–4
knob length
3.788
(
R
2
= 0.894). The length–weight relationship comparison results indicate that saury has gotten thinner from 2004 to 2021.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Leg length inequalities are a frequent condition in every population. It is common clinical practice to consider LLIs of 2 cm and more as relevant and to treat those. However, the amount of LLIs that ...need treatment is not clearly defined in literature and the effect of real LLIs on the musculoskeletal system above and below 2 cm have not been studied biomechanically before.
By using surface topography, we evaluated 32 patients (10 females, 22 male) with real LLIs of ≥ 2 cm (mean: 2.72 cm; n = 10) and compared their pelvic position and spinal posture to patients with LLIs < 2 cm (mean: 1.24 cm; n = 22) while standing and walking. All patients were measured with a surface topography system during standing and while walking on a treadmill. To compare patient groups, we used Student t-tests for independent samples.
Pelvic obliquity was significantly higher in patients with LLI ≥ 2 cm during the standing trial (p = 0.045) and during the midstance phase of the longer leg (p = 0.023) while walking. Further measurements did not reveal any significant differences (p = 0.06-0.706).
The results of our study suggest that relevant LLIs of ≥ 2 cm mostly affect pelvic obliquity and do not lead to significant alterations in the spinal posture during a standing trial. Additionally, we demonstrated that LLIs are better compensated when walking, showing almost no significant differences in pelvic and spinal posture between patients with LLIs smaller and greater than 2 cm. This study shows that LLIs ≥ 2 cm can still be compensated; however, we do not know if the compensation mechanisms may lead to long-term clinical pathologies.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Studies show that reducing the length of hospital stay (LOS) for surgical patients leads to cost savings. We hypothesize that LOS has a nonlinear relationship to cost of care and reduction ...may not have a meaningful impact on it. We have attempted to define the relationship of LOS to cost of care. We utilized the itemized bill, generated in real time, for hospital services.
Materials
Adult patients admitted under General, Neuro, and Orthopedic surgery over a 3‐month period, with an LOS between 4 and 14 days, were the study population. Itemized bill details were analyzed. Charges in Pakistani rupees were converted to US dollar. Ethical exemption for study was obtained.
Results
Of the 853 patients, 38% were admitted to General Surgery, 27% to Neurosurgery, and 35% to Orthopedics. A total of 64% of the patients had an LOS between 4 and 6 days; 36% had an LOS between 7 and 14 days. Operated and conservatively managed constituted 82% and 18%, respectively. Mean total charge for operated patients was higher $3387 versus $1347 for non‐operated ones. LOS was seen to have a nonlinear relationship to in‐hospital cost of care. The bulk of cost was centered on the day of surgery. This was consistent across all services. The last day of stay contributed 2.4%–3.2% of total charge.
Conclusions
For surgical patients, the cost implications rapidly taper in the postoperative period. The contribution of the last day of stay cost to total cost is small. For meaningful cost containment, focus needs to be on the immediate perioperative period.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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