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BMC Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024Male courtship investment may evolve in response to the male's expectation of future mating opportunities or the degree of female control during mating interactions. We... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Does female control and male mating system predict courtship investment and mating outcomes? A comparative study in five widow spider species (genus Latrodectus) tested under similar laboratory conditions.
BACKGROUND
Male courtship investment may evolve in response to the male's expectation of future mating opportunities or the degree of female control during mating interactions. We used a comparative approach to test this hypotheses by assessing the courtship and mating behaviors of five widow spider species (genus Latrodectus) under common laboratory conditions. We predicted male investment in courtship would be higher in species where males mate only once because of high cannibalism rates (monogyny, L. geometricus, L. hasselti, L. mirabilis), compared to species with rare cannibalism (L. mactans, L. hesperus) in which males should reserve energy for future mating opportunities. Increased male investment, measured as courtship duration, might also evolve with increased female control over mating outcomes if females prefer longer courtships. We tested this by assessing the frequency of copulations, timing of sexual cannibalism, and the degree of female-biased size dimorphism, which is expected to be negatively correlated with the energetic cost of rebuffing male mating attempts.
RESULTS
Copulation frequency was consistently lower in species with extreme female-skewed size dimorphism, and where sexual cannibalism was more prevalent, suggesting the importance of female control for mating outcomes. We confirmed significant interspecific variation in average courtship duration, but contrary to predictions, it was not predicted by male mating system, and there was no consistent link between courtship duration and sexual size dimorphism.
CONCLUSION
We show that the degree of sexual dimorphism is not only correlated with sexual cannibalism, but also with mating success since restriction of male copulation frequency by female Latrodectus affects paternity. However, predictions about male mating system or female control affecting courtship duration were not supported. We propose that the form of female control over mating and cannibalism, and male responses, might be more informative for understanding the evolution of courtship duration. For example, male tactics to avoid female aggression may drive lower courtship duration in species like L. mirabilis. Nonetheless, our results differ from inferences based on published studies of each species in isolation, illuminating the need for standardized data collection for behavioural comparative studies.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Spiders; Cannibalism; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Courtship; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 38937685
DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02272-9 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Poisoning by widow-spider (genus ) bites occurs worldwide. The illness, termed latrodectism, can cause severe and persistent pain and can lead to muscle rigidity,...
Poisoning by widow-spider (genus ) bites occurs worldwide. The illness, termed latrodectism, can cause severe and persistent pain and can lead to muscle rigidity, respiratory complications, and cardiac problems. It is a global health challenge especially in developing countries. Equine serum-derived polyclonal anti-sera are commercially available as a medication for patients with latrodectism, but the use of sera imposes potential inherent risks related to its animal origin. The treatment may cause allergic reactions in humans (serum sickness), including anaphylactic shock. Furthermore, equine-derived antivenom is observed to have batch-to-batch variability and poor specificity, as it is always an undefined mix of antibodies. Because latrodectism can be extremely painful but is rarely fatal, the use of antivenom is controversial and only a small fraction of patients is treated. In this work, recombinant human antibodies were selected against alpha-latrotoxin of the European black widow () by phage display from a naïve antibody gene library. Alpha-Latrotoxin (α-LTX) binding scFv were recloned and produced as fully human IgG. A novel alamarBlue assay for venom neutralization was developed and used to select neutralizing IgGs. The human antibodies showed neutralization efficacy both as single antibodies and antibody combinations. This was also confirmed by electrophysiological measurements of neuronal activity in cell culture. The best neutralizing antibodies showed nanomolar affinities. Antibody MRU44-4-A1 showed outstanding neutralization efficacy and affinity to α-LTX. Interestingly, only two of the neutralizing antibodies showed cross-neutralization of the venom of the Southern black widow (). This was unexpected, because in the current literature the alpha-latrotoxins are described as highly conserved. The here-engineered antibodies are candidates for future development as potential therapeutics and diagnostic tools, as they for the first time would provide unlimited supply of a chemically completely defined drug of constant quality and efficacy, which is also made without the use of animals.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Black Widow Spider; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Spider Venoms; Antivenins; Single-Chain Antibodies; Spider Bites; Immunoglobulin G
PubMed: 38933276
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407398 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Jun 2024Persistent uncontrolled hyperglycemia is recognized as one of the risk factors for cognitive disorders. Accordingly, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may predispose...
BACKGROUND
Persistent uncontrolled hyperglycemia is recognized as one of the risk factors for cognitive disorders. Accordingly, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may predispose individuals to cognitive impairment, particularly in cases where glycemic control is insufficient. The objective of this comprehensive study is to separately assess cognitive dysfunctions in diabetic and non-diabetic older adults.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study is part of phase 2 of the Bushehr elderly health program (BEHP). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-cog and categorical verbal fluency tests (CFTs). Patients were classified as non-diabetics, pre-diabetics, or diabetics based on the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus (DM). To compare the means of the two groups, we utilized the t-test or the Mann-Whitney test. Additionally Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between pre-diabetes or DM and cognitive impairment.
RESULTS
Out of 1533 participants, 693 (45.2%) were identified as having cognitive impairment. The average hemoglobin A1C was higher in participants with cognitive impairment compared to those without cognitive impairment. (5.8 ± 1.6% vs. 5.5 ± 1.4%, = 0.004). Furthermore, the mean blood glucose levels were found to be more elevated in cases of cognitive impairment (108.0 ± 47.4 mg/dL vs. 102.1 ± 0.35 mg/dL, = 0.002). After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, amount of physical activity, and smoking, the multivariable logistic regression model, declared an association between diabetes and cognitive impairment (OR = 1.48, = 0.003). In addition, older patients, females, widows, and individuals with elevated LDL-Cs and those with high blood pressure were found to be more vulnerable to cognitive impairment.
CONCLUSION
The Bushehr Elderly Health Program (BEHP) study revealed that individuals affected with cognitive impairment may exhibit higher levels of HbA1c. This suggests a positive correlation between elevated HbA1c and cognitive impairment.
PubMed: 38932839
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01325-y -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024We aim to investigate the relationships between the population characteristics of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and their Healthcare Utilization (HU) during the...
We aim to investigate the relationships between the population characteristics of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and their Healthcare Utilization (HU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic health records (EHRs) were utilized. The study sample comprised those with ICD-10 codes G30.0, G30.1, G30.8, and G30.9 between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021. Pearson's correlation and multiple regression were used. The analysis utilized 1537 patient records with an average age of 82.20 years (SD = 7.71); 62.3% were female. Patients had an average of 1.64 hospitalizations (SD = 1.18) with an average length of stay (ALOS) of 7.45 days (SD = 9.13). Discharge dispositions were primarily home (55.1%) and nursing facilities (32.4%). Among patients with multiple hospitalizations, a negative correlation was observed between age and both ALOS (r = -0.1264, = 0.0030) and number of hospitalizations (r = -0.1499, = 0.0004). Predictors of longer ALOS included male gender ( = 0.0227), divorced or widowed ( = 0.0056), and the use of Medicare Advantage and other private insurance ( = 0.0178). Male gender ( = 0.0050) and Black race ( = 0.0069) were associated with a higher hospitalization frequency. We recommend future studies including the co-morbidities of AD patients, larger samples, and longitudinal data.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Male; Alzheimer Disease; Hospitalization; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; SARS-CoV-2; Electronic Health Records; Length of Stay; Pandemics; Data Analysis; United States; Secondary Data Analysis
PubMed: 38928949
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060703 -
Aging & Mental Health Jun 2024The first aim of the study is to compare loneliness levels between widowed and non-widowed older adults. The second aim is to identify distinct loneliness patterns among...
OBJECTIVES
The first aim of the study is to compare loneliness levels between widowed and non-widowed older adults. The second aim is to identify distinct loneliness patterns among widowed individuals and explore the impact of pre-spousal loss social support on loneliness during and after bereavement.
METHOD
Data from the Health and Retirement Study were utilized to compare loneliness levels between widowed ( = 137) and non-widowed ( = 2361) older adults ( = 69.01). -tests and latent growth curve models were conducted to compare loneliness levels between the two groups. Growth mixture models were computed to identify distinct loneliness patterns among the widowed individuals. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine how pre-widowhood social support was associated with the obtained classes.
RESULTS
The results revealed that widowed individuals reported significantly higher levels of loneliness at T2. Among widowed individuals, three distinct loneliness patterns were identified: Increased Loneliness (IL) group ( = 32); Low and Stable Loneliness (LSL) group ( = 88); and Decreased Loneliness (DL) group ( = 17). The IL and DL group were less likely to receive social support from spouse, children, and friends compared to the LSL group.
CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence of the protective effect of pre-widowhood social support on the psychological well-being of older adults after spousal loss.
PubMed: 38919075
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2367045 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024Fine particulate matter (PM) has been implicated in various health concerns. However, a comprehensive understanding of the specific PM components affecting depression...
BACKGROUND
Fine particulate matter (PM) has been implicated in various health concerns. However, a comprehensive understanding of the specific PM components affecting depression remains limited.
METHODS
This study conducted a Cox proportional-hazards model to assess the effect of PM components on the incidence of depression based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants with Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) score of 10 or higher were classified as exhibiting depression.
RESULTS
Our findings demonstrated a significant positive correlation between long-term exposure to black carbon (BC), sulfate (SO), and organic matter (OM) components of PM and the prevalence of depression. Per 1 Interquartile Range (IQR) increment in 3-year average concentrations of BC, OM, and SO were associated with the hazard ratio (HR) of 1.54 (95 % confidence intervals (CI): 1.44, 1.64), 1.24 (95%CI: 1.16, 1.34) and 1.25 (95%CI: 1.16, 1.35). Notably, females, younger individuals, those with lower educational levels, urban residents, individuals who were single, widowed, or divorced, and those living in multi-story houses exhibited heightened vulnerability to the adverse effects of PM components on depression.
LIMITATIONS
Firstly, pollutant data is confined to subjects' fixed addresses, overlooking travel and international residence history. Secondly, the analysis only incorporates five fine particulate components, leaving room for further investigation into the remaining fine particulate components in future studies.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides robust evidence supporting the detrimental impact of PM components on depression. The identification of specific vulnerable populations contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in the relationship between PM components and depression.
PubMed: 38917887
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.066 -
Journal of Prevention (2022) Jun 2024This study aimed to evaluate the association between Quality of Life (QOL) and independent factors, emphasizing Socio Economic Status (SES) in northwestern Iran. A...
This study aimed to evaluate the association between Quality of Life (QOL) and independent factors, emphasizing Socio Economic Status (SES) in northwestern Iran. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed within the Persian Traffic safety and health Cohort in 2020. Participants were chosen using stratified random sampling method. The majority of participants (69%) were aged between 30 and 65. Around half of the participants were males (54.44%). Most of the female respondents were categorized as very low and medium levels of SES Based on multiple linear regression analysis, the QOL among females was lower compared to males (β: - 0.92, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.22). There was a negative association between SES and QOL; individuals with low and very low levels of SES had a lower QOL than those with a medium level of SES (β: - 4.38, 95% CI - 5.9 to - 2.86) (β: - 2.65, 95% CI - 4.08 to - 1.22). The current study highlights that higher SES and educational levels are positively associated with higher QOL. Conversely, older age, females, and widowed individuals are linked with lower QOL.
PubMed: 38916839
DOI: 10.1007/s10935-024-00786-y -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024Marital status has been shown to be associated with mortality, but evidence in critically ill elder intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cerebrovascular diseases...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Marital status has been shown to be associated with mortality, but evidence in critically ill elder intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CeVD) is limited. This study was to explore the correlation between marital status and the prognosis of patients with CeVD aged 65 years and over in the ICU.
METHODS
In the present study, 3564 patients were enrolled in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (version 2.2). Patients were divided into four groups based on marital status: married, single, divorced, and widowed. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality as patients were followed up for 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month. All-cause mortality risk for patients with different marital status was compared. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, survival curves and stratified analyses were performed to determine the correlation between marital status and mortality in critically ill patients with CeVD aged ≥65 years.
RESULTS
Of the patients, 51.2% (1825/3564) were married, followed by 23.8% (847/3564) were widowed, 18.2% (647/3564) were single, and 6.9% (245/3567) were divorced. Compared with the married, the unmarried had a higher proportion of female ( < 0.001), older ( < 0.001), and less proportion of mechanical ventilation ( = 0.045). Multivariate analyses showed that no differences were observed for mortality risk among different marital statuses ( > 0.05), while at late follow-up, widowed had a significance higher mortality risk than the married (9-month: odds ratio [OR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.61, = 0.02; 12-month: OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12-1.71, = 0.003). Stratified analyses indicated a stable correlation between marital status and 12-month mortality rate in sub-analysis for gender ( = 0.46) and age ( = 0.35).
CONCLUSION
Marital status is associated with long-term prognosis in older patients with CeVD admitted to ICU. Widowed people should receive more societal attention irrespective of sex or age.
PubMed: 38915359
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2177 -
Rivista Di Psichiatria 2024Mental health disorders and chronic health diseases are highly prevalent and impactful consequences of distressful experiences among refugees, yet a comprehensive...
INTRODUCTION
Mental health disorders and chronic health diseases are highly prevalent and impactful consequences of distressful experiences among refugees, yet a comprehensive conceptual model encompassing biopsychosocial factors is lacking. This study aims to assess the relevance of widowhood to PTSD and major depression maintenance as well as to adverse health outcomes in a cohort of Bosnian refugees.
METHODS
This longitudinal study included 526 subjects followed up for 3 years. The interviews were conducted in refugee camps in Varaždin, Croatia, in the Bosnian language. Data were collected using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Hopkins Checklist-25, respectively. Physical health disorders were self-reported.
RESULTS
Both at baseline and endpoint female gender and marital loss are associated with a statistically significant higher burden of psychological and physical health outcomes. This group showed higher rates of PTSD and major depression disorders, as high comorbidity with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and arthritis.
DISCUSSION
The results of the present study align with a wealth of literature studies linking marital loss to shifts in mental health and impaired physical health. A conceptual framework is provided for understanding how both mental health and physical health outcomes are highly dependent on social phenomena.
CONCLUSIONS
This investigation reinforces the hypothesis of the role of social bonds and marital support in recovery from trauma experiences. Further studies are, however, needed for a better understanding of the consequences of adverse events on trauma-exposed subjects from a holistic bio-psycho-social point of view.
Topics: Humans; Female; Refugees; Male; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Longitudinal Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Depressive Disorder, Major; Mental Health; Health Status; Croatia; Sex Factors; Widowhood
PubMed: 38912760
DOI: 10.1708/4288.42699 -
Cureus May 2024Loneliness is often associated with behavioral, psychological, social, and mental and physical health aspects, while the relationship between trust and loneliness is...
INTRODUCTION
Loneliness is often associated with behavioral, psychological, social, and mental and physical health aspects, while the relationship between trust and loneliness is still challenging in terms of research. The present study aimed to investigate to what extent loneliness and trust interact and if there is any association between loneliness and routine events or behaviors that affect overall well-being.
METHODS
This cross-sectional sample of 120 participants, aged between 40 and 75 years, was collected from an urban Primary Health Care Unit, between May and July 2023, in a consecutive manner, after criteria application. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (Version 3) and the Personal Trust and Connections Scale (PerTC) were completed. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis in steps and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed.
RESULTS
The mean age of the participants was 59.8 years and the majority were females (73.3%). Only 10.8% were found to have no Behavioral Risk Factors (BRFs). A higher sense of loneliness was associated with being widowed/unmarried/divorced (unstandardized β=-4.10, p=0.045), not having children (β=-2.80, p=0.038), having more BRFs (β=2.03, p=0.032), or being in contact with fewer friends (β=-0.56, p<0.001). A higher sense of loneliness was related to lower levels of trust (β=-1.29, p=0.032). Lower odds of demonstrating high levels of loneliness were found among married individuals (odds ratio (OR): 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15, 0.95; p=0.039) and those who reported six or more routine contacts or meetings with friends (OR: 0.31; 95% CI 0.13, 0.74; p=0.008). A lower score on the total PerTC scale was related to higher odds of increased loneliness (OR: 2.78; 95%CI 1.01, 7.62; p=0.048).
CONCLUSION
Being married and coming in contact or meeting with more friends was associated with lower odds of reporting high feelings of loneliness, while lower trust was correlated with increased odds of loneliness. Also, persons with more BRFs were found to have a higher loneliness score. Given their inverse correlation, tools that measure levels of loneliness and trust, like the UCLA and PerTC scales, may be used within primary care consultation to offer new insights on health risk behaviors and their possible synergistic influences.
PubMed: 38910642
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61019