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Torpor is a well-known energy conservation strategy in many mammal and bird species. It is often employed when environmental conditions are unfavourable to maximize survival probabilities. However, torpor often carries with it the physiological costs of a low body temperature and of rewarming in addition to potential missed opportunities for foraging. Therefore, we hypothesised that decision making regarding when to use torpor should reflect the most important environmental conditions for species distributions, and thus how they may be impacted by ongoing climate change. We investigated how weather conditions affect nightly torpor patterns in the nocturnal insectivorous Australian eastern long-eared bat (Nyctophilus bifax). By measuring the skin temperature of 37 free-ranging individuals, we confirmed that torpor was used more frequently during the winter and at subtropical compared to tropical locations. Using mixed-effect models we show that lower ambient temperatures were the main driver of individual torpor use, probably due to lower roost temperatures and prey availability. However, increased rain, wind and humidity, and decreasing barometric pressure, as well as brighter moonlight, also led to more time spent torpid per night. We suggest that bats evaluate multiple environmental cues to make decisions regarding torpor use versus active foraging based upon their expectations of the energetic benefits, prey availability and relative predation risk. Interactions between some of these effects and body mass (whilst controlling for forearm length) indicate that individual variation in body size and/or state-dependent effects of energy reserves also partly determined the use of nightly torpor in these bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction of deformity of a bone through use of a hexapod external fixator requires clear definition of the relationship between the bone and the frame. Achieving adequate orthogonal calibrated radiographs for this aim, with minimum X-ray exposure, can prove a challenge in the radiography suite. We describe a simple technique for obtaining adequate imaging, without the use of additional equipment. Introduction of the technique to our department has demonstrated an improvement in the adequacy of planning radiographs and a reduction in the requirement for repeat imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomeres, the nucleotide sequences that protect the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, shorten with each cell division and telomere loss may be influenced by environmental factors. Telomere length (TL) decreases with age in several species, but little is known about the sources of genetic and environmental variation in the change in TL (∆TL) in wild animals. In this study, we tracked changes in TL throughout the natural lifespan (from a few months to almost 9 years) of free-living house sparrows (Passerdomesticus) in two different island populations. TL was measured in nestlings and subsequently up to four times during their lifetime. TL generally decreased with age (senescence), but we also observed instances of telomere lengthening within individuals. We found some evidence for selective disappearance of individuals with shorter telomeres through life. Early-life TL positively predicted later-life TL, but the within-individual repeatability in TL was low (9.2%). Using genetic pedigrees, we found a moderate heritability of ∆TL (h2 = 0.21), which was higher than the heritabilities of early-life TL (h2 = 0.14) and later-life TL measurements (h2 = 0.15). Cohort effects explained considerable proportions of variation in early-life TL (60%), later-life TL (53%), and ∆TL (37%), which suggests persistent impacts of the early-life environment on lifelong telomere dynamics. Individual changes in TL were independent of early-life TL. Finally, there was weak evidence for population differences in ∆TL that may be linked to ecological differences in habitat types. Combined, our results show that individual telomere biology is highly dynamic and influenced by both genetic and environmental variation in natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare outcomes in patients that underwent bilateral anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) vs. aTSA/ reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for rotator cuff-intact glenohumeral osteoarthritis (RCI-GHOA) to further elucidate the role of rTSA in this patient population. Methods: A single-institution prospectively collected shoulder arthroplasty database was reviewed for patients undergoing bilateral total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for RCI-GHOA with a primary aTSA and subsequent contralateral aTSA or rTSA. Outcome scores (SPADI, SST, ASES, UCLA, Constant) and active range of motion (abduction, forward elevation [FE], external and internal rotation [ER and IR]) were evaluated. Clinically relevant benchmarks (minimal clinically important difference [MCID], substantial clinical benefit [SCB], and patient acceptable symptomatic state [PASS]) were evaluated against values in prior literature. Incidence of surgical complications and revision rates were examined in qualifying patients as well as those without .05). The 2nd TSAs between groups were similar preoperatively, but aTSA/rTSA had superior outcome scores, overhead motion, and active abduction compared to patients that underwent aTSA/aTSA. There were no differences in active ER and IR scores or complication rates between groups. Conclusion: Patients with RCI-GHOA have excellent clinical outcomes after either aTSA/aTSA or aTSA/rTSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primula vulgaris (primrose) exhibits heterostyly: plants produce self-incompatible pin- or thrum-form flowers, with anthers and stigma at reciprocal heights. Darwin concluded that this arrangement promotes insect-mediated cross-pollination; later studies revealed control by a cluster of genes, or supergene, known as the S (Style length) locus. The P. vulgaris S locus is absent from pin plants and hemizygous in thrum plants (thrum-specific); mutation of S locus genes produces self-fertile homostyle flowers with anthers and stigma at equal heights. Here, we present a 411 Mb P. vulgaris genome assembly of a homozygous inbred long homostyle, representing ~87% of the genome. We annotate over 24,000 P. vulgaris genes, and reveal more genes up-regulated in thrum than pin flowers. We show reduced genomic read coverage across the S locus in other Primula species, including P. veris, where we define the conserved structure and expression of the S locus genes in thrum. Further analysis reveals the S locus has elevated repeat content (64%) compared to the wider genome (37%). Our studies suggest conservation of S locus genetic architecture in Primula, and provide a platform for identification and evolutionary analysis of the S locus and downstream targets that regulate heterostyly in diverse heterostylous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We sought to define the risk of persistent shoulder dysfunction after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) beyond the early postoperative period and identify risk factors for persistent poor performance. Methods: We retrospectively identified 144 primary aTSAs performed for primary osteoarthritis with early poor performance and 2-year minimum follow-up. Early poor performance was defined as a postoperative ASES score below the 20th percentile at 3- or 6-months (62 and 72 points, respectively). Persistent poor performance at 2 years was defined as failing to achieve the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) [ASES = 81.7 points]. Results: At 2-year follow-up, 51% (n = 74) of patients with early poor performance at either 3- or 6-month follow-up had persistent poor performance. There was no difference in the rate of persistent poor performance if patients were poor performers at the 3-, 6-month follow-up, or both (50% vs. 49% vs. 56%, P =.795). Of aTSAs achieving the PASS at 2-year follow-up, a greater proportion exceeded the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) [Forward elevation, external rotation, and all outcome scores] and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) [external rotation and all outcome scores] compared to persistent poor performers. However, over half of persistent poor performers still exceeded the MCID for all outcome measures (56–85%). Independent predictors of persistent poor performance were hypertension (2.61 [1.01–6.72], P =.044) and diabetes (5.14 [1.00–26.4], P =.039). Conclusion: Over half of aTSAs with an ASES score < 20th percentile at early follow-up had continued poor shoulder function at 2-years postoperatively. Persistent poor performance was best projected by preoperative hypertension and diabetes. Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison using Large Database; Treatment Study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Texture and microstructure evolution in a ferritic/martensitic 9wt%Cr oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels during heat treatment after cold tube forming are studied via in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis. The initial textures of cold-formed ODS steel tubes present a well-known α-fiber (< 110 >//RD). During high-temperature heat treatment, this initial sharp fiber texture, inherited from cold forming, is transformed by the phase transition to austenite into a weak < 111 > fiber. During cooling, a texture memory effect is observed with a strong dependency of the fiber intensity on the cooling rate. After quenching into martensite, the < 110 > fiber becomes weaker than in the initial ferrite. By contrast, after slow cooling into ferrite, the < 110 > fiber develops and becomes stronger than initially. For many materials, texture memory effect can be explained by a variant selection phenomenon. Accordingly, experimental results are compared to the double Kurdjumov–Sachs (DKS) model. During heating, a limited texture heritage is exhibited with essentially a Kurdjumov–Sachs (K–S) relation between the two phases. During cooling the DKS relation correctly predicts the texture fiber components. However, the strong enhancement of texture during slow cooling remains not completely explained. A Williamson–Hall analysis of the size and strain evolutions during the heating cycle showed a remarkable stability of the crystallites size which is the same in ferrite, austenite and martensite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Accurate glenoid component placement in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) remains challenging even with preoperative planning, especially for variable glenoid erosion patterns in the coronal plane. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 170 primary TSAs in which preoperative planning software was used. After registration of intraoperative bony landmarks, surgeons were blinded to the navigation screen and attempted to implement their plan by simulating placement of a central-axis guide pin: 230 screenshots of simulated guide pin placement were included (aTSA = 66, rTSA = 164). Displacement, error in version and inclination, and overall malposition from the preoperatively-planned target point were stratified by the Favard classification describing superior-inferior glenoid wear: E0 (n = 89); E1 (n = 81); E2 (n = 29); E3(n = 29); E4(n = 2). Malposition was considered > 10° for version/inclination errors or > 4 mm displacement from the starting point. Results: Mean displacement error was 3.5 ± 2.7 mm (aTSA = 2.7 ± 2.3 mm, rTSA = 3.8 ± 2.9 mm), version error was 5.7 ± 4.7° (aTSA = 5.8 ± 4.4°, rTSA = 5.7 ± 4.8°), inclination error was 7.1 ± 5.6 (aTSA = 4.8 ± 4.8°, rTSA = 8.1 ± 5.7°), and malposition rate was 53% (aTSA = 38%, rTSA = 59%). When compared by Favard classification, there were no differences in any measure; when stratified by TSA type, version error differed for rTSAs (P =.038), with E1 having the greatest version error (6.9 ± 5.2°) and E3 the least (4.2 ± 3.4°). When comparing glenoids without wear (E0) and glenoids with superior wear (E2 and E3), the only difference was greater version error in glenoids without wear (6.0 ± 4.9° vs. 4.6 ± 3.7°, P =.041). Conclusions: Glenoid malposition did not differ based on coronal glenoid morphology. Although, malposition was relatively high, suggesting surgeons should consider alternate techniques beyond preoperative planning and standard instrumentation in TSA. Level of evidence III: Retrospective Cohort Study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Various fixation techniques have been described for midshaft clavicle fractures in the literature. We hypothesized that use of the Rockwood pin for fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures would result in favorable outcomes in a young active cohort. Methods: Patients aged 10–35 years who underwent Rockwood clavicle pin fixation at a single institution were identified. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed and assessed for fracture characteristics, postoperative alignment, and radiographic union. Postoperative outcome scores were obtained. Results: A total of 39 patients (age 17.3 ± 3.9 years) with clavicle fracture treated with Rockwood pin were identified. Radiographic review demonstrated that 88% of fractures were 100%, or more, displaced, and surgery achieved near-anatomic reduction in 92% of cases. Average time to radiographic union was 2.3 ± 0.8 months, and average time to clinical union was 2.5 ± 0.3 months. One patient required revision for nonunion (3%). Complete outcome responses were obtained for 24 patients, with an average 40 ± 27.7 months of follow-up. Mean Total Clavicle Functional score was 2.75 ± 3.6 for minor patients. For adult patients, Nottingham Clavicle score was 90.7 ± 10.7, mean American Shoulder and Elbow Society score was 92.4 ± 11.2, and mean Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation score was 88.8 ± 21.5. 77% of adults reported no long-term functional limitation; 54% reported a bump at the prior fracture site, but 100% reported satisfaction with shoulder appearance. Conclusions: In our cohort of young active patients, treatment with Rockwood pin allowed for anatomic reduction, healing with a low nonunion rate, and favorable patient reported outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing organismal complexity during the evolution of life has been attributed to the duplication of genes and entire genomes. More recently, theoretical models have been proposed that postulate the fate of duplicated genes, among them the duplication-degeneration-complementation (DDC) model. In the DDC model, the common fate of a duplicated gene is lost from the genome owing to nonfunctionalization. Duplicated genes are retained in the genome either by subfunctionalization, where the functions of the ancestral gene are sub-divided between the sister duplicate genes, or by neofunctionalization, where one of the duplicate genes acquires a new function. Both processes occur either by loss or gain of regulatory elements in the promoters of duplicated genes. Here, we review the genomic organization, evolution, and transcriptional regulation of the multigene family of intracellular lipid-binding protein ( iLBP) genes from teleost fishes. Teleost fishes possess many copies of iLBP genes owing to a whole genome duplication (WGD) early in the teleost fish radiation. Moreover, the retention of duplicated iLBP genes is substantially higher than the retention of all other genes duplicated in the teleost genome. The fatty acid-binding protein genes, a subfamily of the iLBP multigene family in zebrafish, are differentially regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms, which may account for the retention of iLBP genes in the zebrafish genome by the process of subfunctionalization of cis-acting regulatory elements in iLBP gene promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy (RC) is recommended in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, up to 50% of patients are cisplatin ineligible. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes after ≥ 3 cycles of preoperative gemcitabine–carboplatin (gem–carbo) versus gemcitabine–cisplatin (gem–cis). Methods: We identified 1865 patients treated at 19 centers between 2000 and 2013. Patients were included if they had received ≥ 3 cycles of neoadjuvant (cT2-4aN0M0) or induction (cTanyN + M0) gem–carbo or gem–cis followed by RC. Results: We included 747 patients treated with gem–carbo (n = 147) or gem–cis (n = 600). Patients treated with gem–carbo had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.016) and more clinically node-positive disease (32% versus 20%; p = 0.013). The complete pathological response (pCR; ypT0N0) rate did not significantly differ between gem–carbo and gem–cis (20.7% versus 22.1%; p = 0.73). Chemotherapeutic regimen was not significantly associated with pCR (OR 0.99 [95%CI 0.61–1.59]; p = 0.96), overall survival (OS) (HR 1.20 [95%CI 0.85–1.67]; p = 0.31), or cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 1.35 [95%CI 0.93–1.96]; p = 0.11). Median OS of patients treated with gem–carbo and gem–cis was 28.6 months (95%CI 18.1–39.1) and 45.1 months (95%CI 32.7–57.6) (p = 0.18), respectively. Median CSS of patients treated with gem–carbo and gem–cis was 28.8 months (95%CI 9.8–47.8) and 71.0 months (95%CI median not reached) (p = 0.02), respectively. Subanalyses of the neoadjuvant and induction setting did not show significant survival differences. Conclusion: Our results show that a subset of cisplatin-ineligible patients with MIBC achieve pCR on gem–carbo and that survival outcomes seem comparable to gem–cis provided patients are able to receive ≥ 3 cycles and undergo RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer is among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Currently, few bladder cancer models have undergone thorough characterization to assess their fidelity to patient tumors, especially upon propagation in the laboratory. Here, we establish and molecularly characterize CoCaB 1, an aggressive cisplatin-resistant muscle-invasive bladder cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and companion organoid system. CoCaB 1 was a subcutaneous PDX model reliably transplanted in vivo and demonstrated an acceleration in growth upon serial transplantation, which was reflected in organoid and 2D cell culture systems. Transcriptome analysis revealed progression towards an increasingly proliferative and stem-like expression profile. Gene expression differences between organoid and PDX models reflected expected differences in cellular composition, with organoids enriched in lipid biosynthesis and metabolism genes and deprived of extracellular components observed in PDXs. Both PDX and organoid models maintained the histological fidelity and mutational heterogeneity of their parental tumor. This study establishes the CoCaB 1 PDX and organoid system as companion representative tumor models for the development of novel bladder cancer therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]