Enhanced electrocatalytic activity in MOFs-derived 3D hollow NiCo-LDH nanocages decorated porous biochar for simultaneously ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensing of Cu2+ and Hg2.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted significant attention due to their compositional and structural flexibility. However, it is challenging but meaningful to design and fabricate hierarchical mixed-dimensional LDHs with synergistic effects to increase the electrical conductivity of LDHs and promote the intrinsic activity. Herein, 3D hollow NiCo-LDH nanocages decorated porous biochar (3D NiCo-LDH/PBC) has been synthesized by using ZIF-67 as precursor, which was utilized for constructing electrochemical sensing platform to realize simultaneous determination of Cu2+ and Hg2+. The 3D NiCo-LDH/PBC possessed the characteristics of hollow material and three-dimensional porous material, revealing a larger surface area, more exposed active sites, and faster electron transfer, which is beneficial to enhancing its electrochemical performance. Consequently, the developed sensor displayed good performance for simultaneously detecting Cu2+ and Hg2+ with ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 µg L-1 and 0.03 µg L-1, respectively. The proposed sensor also demonstrated excellent stability, repeatability and reproducibility. Furthermore, the sensor can be successfully used for the electrochemical analysis of Cu2+ and Hg2+ in lake water sample with satisfactory recovery, which is of great feasibility for practical application.

Unravelling the novel sex determination genotype with 'ZY' and a distinctive 2.15-2.95 Mb inversion among poplar species through haplotype-resolved genome assembly and comparative genomics analysis.

Populus tomentosa, an indigenous tree species, is widely distributed and cultivated over 1,000,000 km2 in China, contributing significantly to forest production, ecological conservation and urban-rural greening. Although a reference genome is available for P. tomentosa, the intricate interspecific hybrid origins, chromosome structural variations (SVs) and sex determination mechanisms remain confusion and unclear due to its broad and even overlapping geographical distribution, extensive morphological variations and cross infiltration among white poplar species. We conducted a haplotype-resolved de novo assembly of P. tomentosa elite individual GM107, which comprises subgenomes a and b with a total genome size of 714.9 Mb. We then analysed the formation of hybrid species and the phylogenetic evolution and sex differentiation across the entire genus. Phylogenomic analyses suggested that GM107 likely originated from a hybridisation event between P. alba (♀) and P. davidiana (♂) approximately 3.8 Mya. A total of 1551 chromosome SVs were identified between the two subgenomes. More noteworthily, a distinctive inversion structure spanning 2.15-2.95 Mb was unveiled among Populus, Tacamahaca, Turaga, Aigeiros poplar species and Salix, highlighting a unique evolutionary feature. Intriguingly, a novel sex genotype of the ZY type, which represents a crossover between XY and ZW systems, was identified and confirmed through both natural and artificial hybrids populations. These novel insights offer significant theoretical value for the study of the species' evolutionary origins and serve as a valuable resource for ecological genetics and forest biotechnology.

[Genetic diversity of SP1 population of space mutagenized Pueraria montana].

To explore the mutagenic effect of the space environment on Pueraria montana and select the elite germplasm with good growth conditions and high isoflavone content, this study observed the agronomic traits, determined the flower isoflavone content, and labeled amplified fragment length polymorphism(AFLP) fluorescent molecular markers of 79 P. montana plants exposed to space mutagenesis(SP1 group) and 10 control plants of P. montana(CK group). Excel 2019, SPSS 25.0, NTSYSpc-2.11F, and Popgen 32 were employed to analyze the genetic diversity and perform the cluster analysis. The results showed that the SP1 group presented changed leaf hairy attitude and flower structure and higher CV and H' of quantitative traits than the CK group. The cluster analysis screened out five plants in the SP1 group. Ten P. montana plants in the SP1 group had higher content of 6″-O-xylosyl-tectoridin and tectoridin in the flowers than the control group, with the total content of both exceeding 11%. After clustering, 9 plants in the SP1 group were separated. Nine pairs of polymorphic primers were screened out frrom 64 pairs of primers. A total of 1 620 polymorphic loci were detected, with the average percentage of polymorphic loci(PPL) of 83.33%. The average Nei's gene diversity index(H) and Shannon's information index(I) were 0.192 2 and 0.305 2, respectively. After clustering, 4 plants in the SP1 group were screened out. According to the above results, plants No. 30, No. 66, and No. 89 in the SP1 group were subjected to greater mutagenic effect by the space environment and presented better growth and higher flower isoflavone content. Moreover, plant No. 30 showed the flower structure variation and flower weight two times of that in the CK group. These plants can be used as key materials for the subsequent experiments.

Gender Determination Through Mandibular Features on Orthopantomograms: A Preliminary Study.

Introduction Determination of gender can be highly accurate with a complete adult skeleton, but in scenarios like mass disasters, only fragmented bones might be available. In such cases, identifying gender relies significantly on which parts of the skeleton are found. The mandible is a notably distinct bone in the skull and can be key in determining gender, especially when the entire skull is not available. The mandibular features provide clues that can help forensic experts determine the gender of an individual. Aim of the study This preliminary study aimed to determine the gender of an individual using mandibular parameters such as coronoid ramus height, condylar ramus height, projective ramus, minimum ramus breadth, and maximum ramus breadth. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the gender of an individual using various mandibular parameters, (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of these mandibular parameters in distinguishing between male and female individuals, and (iii) establish a reliable method for gender identification based on the measured mandibular parameters. Materials and methods Since it was a preliminary study, the sample size calculation was done using G*Power software (Version 3.1.9.4; Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany). The sample size was determined to guarantee a 95% statistical power at a significance level (alpha error probability) of 0.05. To ensure sufficient statistical power, a total of 100 samples were included, with a projected sample size of 92. A total of 100 samples, evenly split between 50 males and 50 females aged 20 to 30 years, were analyzed. Orthopantomograms (OPGs) showing pathologies, fractures, developmental disturbances of the mandible, and edentulous mandibles were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0 (Released 2007; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Additionally, an accuracy test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression, and discriminant analysis for gender were performed on individual data. Results In this study, five mandibular parameters were analyzed for gender such as coronoid ramus height, condylar ramus height, projective ramus, minimum ramus breadth, and maximum ramus breadth showed a positive correlation comparatively, and a novel formula was developed.  Conclusion According to the present study, panoramic radiography can be considered a valuable tool in sex determination (with an accuracy of 90%), and all parameters of the mandible exhibited sexual dimorphism, showing they are reliable parameters with a total accuracy of 90%. However, coronoid ramus height, projective ramus, and maximum ramus breadth played a significant role in identifying gender in this particular study.

Solving the Mystery: A Case Study on Treating a Mandibular First Premolar With Multiple Canals.

The mandibular first premolar, which is the anteriormost tooth in the mandibular arch, differs from other teeth in that it typically has two roots and two to four canals. The current case involves treating a mandibular first premolar with two canals through endodontic therapy. The 42-year-old male patient's left mandibular first premolar was diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. The lateral view X-ray depicted two canals. In the dental procedure, endodontic treatment involves working under an operating microscope and using magnification to treat the affected tooth. After canal shaping the tooth was treated with the crown after it had been cleaned and then adjusted for the bite. As aforementioned, no signs of periapical disease were observed when the tooth was rediscovered a year later. However, this case study indicates that any shift in the anatomy of the canal in premolars should be well monitored and controlled to improve endodontic treatment outcomes of such teeth as the mandibular first premolars.

Sex chromosome turnover plays an important role in the maintenance of barriers to post-speciation introgression in willows.

Almost all species in the genus Salix (willow) are dioecious and willows have variable sex-determining systems, the role of this variation in maintaining species barriers is relatively untested. We first analyzed the sex determination systems (SDS) of two species, Salix cardiophylla and Salix interior, whose positions in the Salix phylogeny make them important for understanding a sex chromosome turnover that has been detected in their relatives, and that changed the system from male (XX/XY) to female (ZW/ZZ) heterogamety. We show that both species have male heterogamety, with sex-linked regions (SLRs) on chromosome 15 (termed a 15XY system). The SLRs occupy 21.3% and 22.8% of the entire reference chromosome, respectively. By constructing phylogenetic trees, we determined the phylogenetic positions of all the species with known SDSs. Reconstruction of ancestral SDS character states revealed that the 15XY system is likely the ancestral state in willows. Turnovers of 15XY to 15ZW and 15XY to 7XY likely contributed to early speciation in Salix and gave rise to major groups of the Vetrix and Salix clades. Finally, we tested introgression among species in the phylogenetic trees based on both autosomes and SLRs separately. Frequent introgression was observed among species with 15XY, 15ZW, and 7XY on autosomes, in contrast to the SLR datasets, which showed less introgression, and in particular no gene flow between 15ZW and 7XY species. We argue that, although SDS turnovers in willow speciation may not create complete reproductive barriers, the evolution of SLRs plays important roles in preventing introgression and maintaining species boundaries.

Endoscopic techniques for early diagnosis of cloacal pathologies and sex determination in blue spotted tree monitor (Varanus macraei) and Cuming's water monitor (Varanus cumingi).

This article attempts to present, for the first time, the usefulness and feasibility of using endoscopic techniques in the cloacal region of Varanus cumingi and Varanus macraei. This method can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as well as offering an early approach to sex determination through the observation of the urodeum which in males ends in a blind end while in females it consists of two ostia which represent the outlets of the oviducts. In this context, commonly employed sex determination techniques, such as post-cloacal spur detection, have shown unreliability. The study involved the examination of ten specimens, approximately one year old, from a private breeding farm, following a complete clinical evaluation to confirm their general state of health. All subjects underwent sedation, which allowed the evaluation of anatomical structures, the health status of the cloaca and the determination of sex. This study and its findings may provide a critical basis for addressing population declines of these species, particularly for V. macraei, which has already been classified as 'endangered' by the IUCN.

Beyond Haldane's rule: Sex-biased hybrid dysfunction for all modes of sex determination.

Haldane's rule occupies a special place in biology as one of the few 'rules' of speciation, with empirical support from hundreds of species. And yet, its classic purview is restricted taxonomically to the subset of organisms with heteromorphic sex chromosomes. I propose explicit acknowledgement of generalized hypotheses about Haldane's rule that frame sex bias in hybrid dysfunction broadly and irrespective of the sexual system. The consensus view of classic Haldane's rule holds that sex-biased hybrid dysfunction across taxa is a composite phenomenon that requires explanations from multiple causes. Testing of the multiple alternative hypotheses for Haldane's rule is, in many cases, applicable to taxa with homomorphic sex chromosomes, environmental sex determination, haplodiploidy, and hermaphroditism. Integration of a variety of biological phenomena about hybrids across diverse sexual systems, beyond classic Haldane's rule, will help to derive a more general understanding of the contributing forces and mechanisms that lead to predictable sex biases in evolutionary divergence and speciation.

Analysis of total lip score system and total groove score for gender identification: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Endless ink and pixel space have been spent to validate the use of cheiloscopy classification systems in the field of identification. It is becoming evident that lip-print patterns may provide indications about an individual's gender, race, occupation, habits, blood type, and paternity. Over the course of time, much data have been collected on a substantial population in this field. In the present study, we strive to see how well a noble total lip scoring (TLS) system works in identifying a person's gender among the College of Dentistry students. We also quantified the total groove score (TGS) and compared it with each quadrant for better authentication of the set study design. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 60 dental students (30 males and 30 females), with an age range of 18-30 years. Lip prints were recorded using the writing pad method and subsequently digitalized by capturing the images using Adobe Photoshop CS 6 Extended Version, counted and summed up, quadrant-wise, in both upper and lower lips. The TLS and TGS between males and females were statistically calculated using the Jamovi project. Results: The mean value for TLS for males (n = 402; SD ± 92.1) is higher than that for females (n = 348; SD ± 86.1). The correlation matrix applying a non-parametric test for non-continuous data using Spearman's ratio inferred a statistically significant correlation (-0.354) with a P-value of 0.005 for TLS, whereas a correlation (-0.162) of TGS with gender was not so significant with a P-value of 0.217. Conclusion: Our study proved the uniqueness of applying TLS as a novel approach to gender identification. The study revealed that males had a statistically higher lip score than females. Clinical Significance/Future Implications: Being unique, our study inferred the importance of TLS, which needs to be explored in detail for applying, evaluating, and validating its accuracy in forensic research that can help for errorless investigations as full-proof evidence in court.

R2 should not be used to describe behavioral-economic discounting and demand models.

Literature concerning operant behavioral economics shows a strong preference for the coefficient of determination (R2) metric to (a) describe how well an applied model accounts for variance and (b) depict the quality of collected data. Yet R2 is incompatible with nonlinear modeling. In this report, we provide an updated discussion of the concerns with R2. We first review recent articles that have been published in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior that employ nonlinear models, noting recent trends in goodness-of-fit reporting, including the continued reliance on R2. We then examine the tendency for these metrics to bias against linear-like patterns via a positive correlation between goodness of fit and the primary outputs of behavioral-economic modeling. Mathematically, R2 is systematically more stringent for lower values for discounting parameters (e.g., k) in discounting studies and lower values for the elasticity parameter (α) in demand analysis. The study results suggest there may be heterogeneity in how this bias emerges in data sets of varied composition and origin. There are limitations when using any goodness-of-fit measure to assess the systematic nature of data in behavioral-economic studies, and to address those we recommend the use of algorithms that test fundamental expectations of the data.

Predictors of post-exercise affect: A self-determination theory approach considering physical, social, and psychological factors.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown increases in affect after acute exercise. However, the specific aspects of an exercise experience that predict or contribute to post-exercise affect remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to determine which physical (i.e., duration and intensity), contextual (i.e., social context and time of day), and psychological factors (i.e., motivation and need satisfaction) predicted post-exercise affect. METHODS: In 2021, 296 gym users self-reported affect before and immediately after exercising at a gym facility. Participants also reported situational motivation towards exercise, need satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), who they exercised with (social interaction), and the duration and perceived intensity of their exercise session. We first conducted a paired samples t-test to identify whether affect significantly increased from before to after exercise, and then a hierarchical regression model to determine which factors predicted post-exercise affect. RESULTS: Affect significantly increased from before to after exercise (t[291] = 8.116, p < .001). Autonomous motivation (ß = .23, p = <.001), autonomy satisfaction (ß = .15, p = <.05), and relatedness satisfaction (ß = .19, p = <.01) significantly predicted post-exercise affect, whereas duration, perceived intensity, social interaction, and time of day did not. CONCLUSIONS: People should be encouraged to engage in activities that satisfy their need for autonomy and relatedness during leisure-time (i.e., not during the workday). SO WHAT?: This approach to physical activity promotion may lead to better affective outcomes and increased adherence compared to focusing on how long, how intense, or with whom people exercise.

Exploring the link between parents' differentiation of self and children's externalizing behavior problems: the mediating role of need-supportive vs. need-frustrating parenting practices.

Objective: Externalizing behavior problems (EBPs) are common in children, with significant long-term impact on the child and family members. Parents, particularly mothers, of children with EBPs often experience heightened emotional distress. One crucial factor affecting parents' ability to manage this distress is their level of differentiation-of-self (DOS). Differentiated parents are more likely to engage in practices that meet their child's psychological needs, thus supporting the self-determination theory principles vital for a child's well-being. This study examined the impact of parental DOS on parenting practices and subsequently on the child's EBPs, exploring possible differences between mothers and fathers. Methods: Thirty-two mother-father dyads with children aged 6-14, diagnosed with EBPs participated. Parents completed the Differentiation of Self Inventory-Short Form, the Revised Parents as a Social Context Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire to assess parental DOS, practices, and child's EBPs, respectively. Adjusted parallel mediation models examined the mediating role of parental practices in the relationship between parental DOS and a child's EBPs. Results: While no direct link between parental DOS and child's symptoms was found, a complete mediation model indicated need-frustrating practices mediating between parental DOS and a child's EBPs, for both mothers and fathers. Additionally, fathers' need-supportive practices, but not mothers', were negatively associated with the child's symptoms. Discussion: These findings highlight the interaction between parental traits, need-frustrating practices, and a child's psychopathology. Notably, fathers' supportive behaviors emerged as potential protective factors against child's EBPs, suggesting promising directions for future research and interventions targeting fathers.

[Validation of method for estimation age of majority by the third molar maturity index on the sample of Ufa population]. / Validatsiya metoda opredeleniya vozrasta sovershennoletiya po indeksu zrelosti tret'ego molyara na vyborke naseleniya g. Ufy.

The assessment of majority age is important for determining legal responsibility. The definition of the 3rd molar maturity index (Im3) have proven to be a simple and effective method of majority age establishment, the accuracy of which has been tested in different populations. There is a clear lack of studies in this scientific area in Russia. OBJECTIVE: To test diagnostic accuracy of majority age assessment method by 3rd molar (Cameriere index) in the Ufa sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The number of orthopantomograms equal 120 from males and females aged from 14 to 23 years without apparent pathological changes of the pulp of teeth 38 and 48 was examined. The measures were conducted using the standard R. Cameriere method. The method of logistic regression, determination of predictive values of sensitivity and specificity were used. RESULTS: The Im3 cut-off point, that was equal 0.08, had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 95% in the male sample, accuracy of age group determination was 93%. In the female sample the method sensitivity was 93%, specificity - 97%, accuracy - 97%. CONCLUSION: The study results confirmed the absence of population variability of the Cameriere index value, that makes it possible to use the majority age determination method by 3rd molar for practical application in the examination of a living person at the territory of the Russian Federation.

[Forensic age diagnosis by assessment of sternum ossification processes]. / Sudebno-meditsinskaya diagnostika vozrasta posredstvom otsenki protsessov ossifikatsii grudiny.

OBJECTIVE: To study the sternum ossification processes that take place over time as well as the possibilities of sternum X-rays application to evaluate the age on the modern Russian population in forensic terms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sternum X-rays with fragments of ribs' chondral parts were obtained from 369 male and female corpses aged 12-96 years without pathological and traumatic changes. The X-rays were done in frontal projection. The set of examined parameters included: complete and partial synostosis of manubrium and body, induration along the synostosis (or on the articulated edges of manubrium and body), complete and partial synostosis of body segments, traces of body segments union, complete and partial synostosis of body and xiphoid process, induration along the synostosis (or on the articulated edges of manubrium and body), form of costal notches, induration of articular edges of body, presence of calcification foci in sternal edge of II-VII ribs' cartilages, depth of sternum notches, overgrowths on articular edges of body, presence of union between body's costal notches and calcification centers of ribs' cartilages. Mean values, standard deviation and correlation coefficient were determined. RESULTS: The maximal correlation with age was found in such parameters such: overgrowths on articular edges of body (r=0.6), presence of calcification foci in sternal edge of II-VII ribs (r=0.6), induration of body's articular edges (r=0.5), presence of union between costal notches and calcification centers of ribs cartilages (r=0.5), synostosis of body and xiphoid process (r=0.4). CONCLUSION: A subsequent construction of linear model for age diagnosis has its details when comparing the predicted age with the real.

Daily state of motivation as the effect of appreciation in a diary study.

BACKGROUND: Grounded in self-determination theory, the present study aimed to investigate whether daily changes in employee motivation depend on whether employees receive appreciation from various sources at work, using a 7-day diary design. Beyond general knowledge about the effects of appreciation as an important source of motivation, there is still a lack of knowledge about the intrapersonal effect of appreciation on different types of regulation/motivation in terms of self-determination theory over time. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: The sample consisted of 104 employees in full-time employment. More than half were women (72%) and the mean age was 43.25 years (SD = 10.53). They completed trait-level measures and then daily records, in which they reported their motivation and whether they received appreciation. Sources of appreciation were leaders, followers, and clients. RESULTS: Multilevel random coefficient modeling showed that employees reported higher levels of motivation on days when they received appreciation from different sources, independent of gender, trait-level motivation, and the Big Five. Furthermore, introjected regulation moderated the positive association between daily motivation and daily appreciation by the client, and appreciation did not have a lagged effect for subsequent days. CONCLUSIONS: The current study has both practical and theoretical implications. The results show that employee motivation can be supported through simple but effective steps through appreciation regardless of the source, although appreciation may be more important for employees with introjected regulation than for others.

Electrochemical real-time sensor for the detection of Pb(II) ions based on Ti3C2Tx MXene.

Lead ions are especially harmful to human health, causing significant developmental and behavioral abnormalities even at small concentrations. In real-life samples, lead ions are present in mixtures with other metal ions, creating a challenge to detect it selectively at low quantities. To address these challenges, we prepared an electrochemical sensor based on delaminated Ti3C2Tx MXene, which can selectively detect low concentrations of Pb2+ in a solution containing other common metal ions. Cyclic voltammetry was applied as an electrochemical detection method. The proposed reaction mechanism involves a reversible transition between Pb2+ ions and PbO at the MXene-based layer. The sensitivity of the sensor towards Pb2+ ions and a limit of detection were determined. The sensor, as prepared, had a linear response range within 0.15-1.0 µM, with a sensitivity of 26.7 µA/µM and LOD value of 48.7 nM, which meets the requirements set by the World Health Organization.

Uncovering the factors underlying collaboration outcomes in interprofessional education: A preliminary investigation involving healthcare students.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) incorporates healthcare students from various disciplines to learn with, about, and from one another, aiming to foster effective collaboration. However, the factors that promote these collaboration outcomes remain elusive. Recognizing this knowledge gap, this study utilizes self-determination theory applied in a ten-day IPE programme. The study aims are twofold: to clarify the potential influence of personal factors (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and environmental factors (clear goals and technology support) on collaboration outcomes (team goal achievement and team effectiveness) and to examine the effect of the IPE on these outcomes. METHODOLOGY: The study utilized an IPE programme that integrated asynchronous and synchronous learning methods across two institutions in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. This involved 147 students from diverse healthcare disciplines who were enrolled in the IPE programme. A pre- and post-test design was employed to examine programme effects. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing these outcomes, while paired samples t-tests were used to evaluate the effect of the IPE programme on collaboration outcomes. RESULTS: Among the personal factors, a sense of relatedness emerged as an important predictor of team effectiveness and goal achievement. Clear goals and technology support positively influenced collaboration outcomes. A paired samples t-test indicated significant improvements in collaboration outcomes after the IPE simulation. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of designing a large IPE programme that meets basic psychological needs (especially the sense of relatedness) and provides clear goals and adequate technology support in the IPE context. This study is helpful to understand how personal and environmental factors promote the collaboration outcomes in medical education and provide insights for future IPE curriculum development.

The Relationship between the Environment and Physical Activity-related Motivational Trajectories.

The study explores motivational profiles for physical activity, using self-determination theory's full continuum of motivational regulations, and examines their stability over three months. Furthermore, it investigates whether physical environment and community characteristics are associated with transitioning between profiles, as well as the sociodemographic differences in these motivational transition pathways. Data were collected from 305 U.S. residents at three time points. The three profiles-'low in motivation' (23.5% of the sample in wave 1), 'self-determined motivation' (41.4%), and 'ambivalent motivation' (35.0%)-were relatively stable. Staying in the low-in-motivation profile was negatively associated with being active in social settings, community support, perceived environmental restorativeness, and availability of physical activity opportunities. Having a higher education and income, being male, employed, married or in a partnership, and identifying as White were associated with being in a motivationally positive profile in the last wave of the study. These profiles reported higher activity and life satisfaction.

Psychological needs fulfillment and perinatal well-being among low-SES individuals: a mixed methods investigation.

Poor perinatal mental health is associated with deleterious effects and individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at elevated risk. Fortifying multi-level resources of low-SES pregnant individuals to boost their well-being is a crucial step toward achieving equity in perinatal health. The purpose of this project was to explore what patterns of resources supported well-being among low-SES pregnant individuals in Colorado. In a prospective mixed methods cohort study, 23 low-SES pregnant individuals completed surveys and interviews. Participants were separated into 3 subgroups based on their overall Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) score and interviewed to identify multi-level resources that supported their well-being. Our analysis was framed by Self-Determination Theory which contends that three universal basic psychological needs are required for individuals to function in a healthy manner: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. We extrapolated resources that promoted perinatal competence, autonomy, and relatedness from the high well-being group. Perinatal-related knowledge (construct related to competence); mindfulness and intended pregnancy (constructs related to autonomy); and emotional, informational, and friend support, social capital, and connection to nature (constructs related to relatedness) were identified as the resources more frequently endorsed in the high well-being group. Targeting interventions to fortify specific multi-level resources that support the autonomy, competence, and relatedness of pregnant individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantage is a crucial step toward achieving equity in perinatal health.

Evidence for feminized genetic males in a flea beetle using newly identified X-linked markers.

The equilibrium of sex ratios in sexually reproducing species is often disrupted by various environmental and genetic factors, including endosymbionts like Wolbachia. In this study, we explore the highly female-biased sex ratio observed in the flea beetle, Altica lythri, and its underlying mechanisms. Ancient hybridization events between Altica species have led to mitochondrial DNA introgression, resulting in distinct mitochondrial haplotypes that go along with different Wolbachia infections (HT1-wLytA1, HT1*- uninfected, HT2-wLytA2, and HT3-wLytB). Notably, beetles with some haplotypes exclusively produce female offspring, suggesting potential Wolbachia-induced phenomena such as feminization of genetic males. However, the observed female bias could also be a consequence of the ancient hybridization resulting in nuclear-cytoplasmic conflicts between introgressed mtDNA and nuclear genes. Through transcriptomic analysis and the program SEX-DETector, we established markers for genotypic sex differentiation for A. lythri, enabling genetic sexing via qPCR. Our findings suggest that feminization of genetic males is contributing to the skewed sex ratios, highlighting the intricate dynamics of sex determination and reproductive strategies in this flea beetle. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of genetic conflicts, endosymbionts, and sex ratios, revealing the novel phenomenon of genetic male feminization in the flea beetle A. lythri.