Objective/aim Growth-differentiation-factor 15 (GDF15) has been suggested to improve or protect beta-cell function. During pregnancy, beta-cell numbers and function increase to overcome the natural rise in insulin resistance during gestation. In this study, we longitudinally measured serum GDF15 levels during and after pregnancy in women of normal weight (NW) and in women with obesity (OB) and explored associations between GDF15 and changes in beta-cell function by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). Methods The cohort participants were 38 NW (BMI 22.3±1.7) and 35 OB (BMI 35.8±4.2). Blood was sampled and body composition measured at each trimester (T1, T2, and T3) and at 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum. Fasting glucose, insulin, and GDF15 were measured, and HOMA for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell function (HOMA-B) determined. Results GDF15 levels increased significantly each trimester and were ~200-fold higher at T3 than in the nonpregnant postpartum state. GDF15 was higher in NW than OB in T3, but was lower in NW at 18 months after pregnancy. GDF15 correlated inversely with BMI and fat-free mass at T3. Low GDF15 in T1 was associated with lower incidence of nausea and with carrying a male fetus. GDF15 at T2 and T3 and the increases between trimesters associated with increased HOMA-B over the course of pregnancy. Increases in GDF15 either early or late in pregnancy were associated with a reduction in blood glucose between T2 and T3. Conclusion Large gestational upregulation of GDF15 levels may help increase insulin secretory function to overcome pregnancy-induced insulin resistance.

A document by Anupama Ivaturi. Click on the document to view its contents.

Study aim: To determine the relationship between surgeon and hospital procedural volume, and mitral valve repair rates and 30-day mortality for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR), in Australian cardiac surgical centres. Methods: 4,970 patients who underwent surgery for degenerative MR between January 2008 and December 2017 in the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) Database were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses examined surgeon and hospital procedural volumes for associations with repair rate and mortality. Results: Repair rates varied widely by caseload; from 56.7% to 80.4% for lowest to highest volume surgeons; and from 52.0% to 76.1% for lowest to highest volume hospitals. Compared to surgeons performing ≤5 procedures/annum, surgeons performing 10.1-20/annum were more likely to repair the valve (OR 2.91, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.50-5.64, p=0.002), particularly if performing >20/annum (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.62-9.37, p=0.002). Compared to hospitals performing ≤10/annum, those performing any number of procedures >10 demonstrated increased likelihood of repair (caseload 10.1-20/year OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.30-3.20, p=0.002) though odds did not increase above this threshold. Low incidence of 30-day mortality (83 of 4,964, 1.67%) limited analysis of contributing variables; procedural volume did not confer a survival benefit, though mortality rates were lowest for highest volume proceduralists and hospitals. Conclusions: Surgeon and hospital caseload were significantly associated with repair rates of degenerative MR. A threshold minimum of 10 procedures annually for surgeons and hospitals should be utilised to maximise repair rates, and ideally of 20 for surgeons. Mortality was low and may not be significantly impacted by procedural volume.

Objectives To identify the novel pathogenic genetic variants associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) disease by whole-exome sequencing (WES) approach. Design WES the DNA, and conduct association between genetic variants and total bile acids. Setting Jiangxi. Samples 151 ICP patients. Methods DNA samples from 151 ICP patients were subjected to WES. Rare novel exonic variants (minor allele frequencies: MAF < 1%) were performed for subsequent analysis. Main outcome measures Association of genetic variants with ICP and other clinical disorders. Results We detected 42 were novel. We classified these loci as four panels according to the prediction results, of which, 7 novel possible pathogenic mutations were identified which located in the known functional genes including ABCB4, ABCB11 and ABCC2 for first reported in damaging group. Besides, compare to reference, ABCC2 Ser1342Tyr modified protein structure showed a slight change in the chemical bond lengths of ATP-ligand binding amino acid side chains. And in placental tissue, the expression level of ABCC2 gene in ICP patients was significantly higher than healthy pregnant women. Moreover, the patients with two mutations in ABC family genes have higher average value of TBA, AST, DBIL, CHOL, TG and HDL compared to the patients which have one mutation, no mutation in ICP and local controls. Conclusion Our results provide new insights into the genetic architecture of ICP disease. They may contribute to genetic diagnose of ICP disease, and provide new treatment for ICP patients. Keywords WES, TBA, ABC transporters’ genes, novel variants, ICP, ABCC2 gene, Ser1342Tyr mutation

A document by Xinyi Wang. Click on the document to view its contents.

The skin is a unique immune organ that constitutes a complex network of physical, chemical, and microbiological barriers against external insults. Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. These cells form the physical skin barrier and represent the first line of the host defense system by sensing pathogens via innate immune receptors, initiating antimicrobial responses and producing various cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobial peptides, which are important events in immunity. A damaged epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis allows the penetration of potential allergens and pathogens to activate keratinocytes. Among the dysregulation of immune responses in atopic dermatitis, activated keratinocytes play a role in several biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the innate immune functions of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, with a special emphasis on skin-derived antimicrobial peptides and atopic dermatitis-related cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. An improved understanding of the innate immunity mediated by keratinocytes can provide helpful insight into the pathophysiological processes of atopic dermatitis and support new therapeutic efforts.

Psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology (PNEI) is an integrative discipline studying the processes by which mental events modulate immune functions and how the immune system in turn can alter brain function. The central nervous system (CNS) is the only system in the body lacking its own anatomically defined lymphatic vessels. The glymphatic system is an adaptation mechanism developed by the CNS for fluid balance and waste clearance. Prolonged exposure to stress – chronic stress, can be detrimental for the functioning of the central nervous system and the glymphatic system. Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched for original articles examining stress and its effects on the glymphatic system.Results: Numerous everyday situations can be defined as “stressful” – work environment, exams, physical and psychological stress due to illness, trauma, etc. The body’s response to stress is a combination of adjustments known as “fight-flight-freeze” response – hormonal and physiologic changes helping the body fight a threat or flee to safety. Increase in stress is associated with impaired sleep and considering that the brain’s waste clearing system is shown to be active during sleep, it can be suggested that this is a mechanism in which stress affects glymphatic function.Conclusion: The research on the impact of stress on the glymphatic function is still lacking, but there are clear indications that researching the topic is valuable. It is promising to evaluate if through stress management there can be an improvement in waste-clearing in the brain and the prognosis of diseases characterized by accumulation of metabolites.

Background: Increased risk of thromboembolism during COVID-19 disease is confirmed. Case: A 40-year-old hypertensive otherwise healthy male with COVID-19 disease, presented with exacerbating dyspnea, demonstrated two large mural thrombus in right atrial appendage and right ventricular apex accompanied by pulmonary thromboembolism in imaging studies. He underwent anticoagulant therapy with significant reduction in thrombus sizes. Conclusion: Hypercoagulation state of COVID-19 disease may lead to serious cardiopulmonary injury.

Introduction: Ventricular fibrillation ECG is characterized by the presence of irregular QRS complexes, with variable morphology, amplitude and frequency. Aims: Analyze the electrocardiographic characteristic of induced sustained VF (ISVF) . Methods: The 12 lead ECG of ISVF was analyzed in 8 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 7 with Brugada Syndrome (BS). The ECG was divided into triggers and two tachysystolic and sinusoidal phases, based on Wiggers’ stages. Results: Triggers: Four QRS morphologies: similar to stimulated (IR); LBBB with superior axis (SA) (suggesting origin in moderate band of the right ventricle (MB); RBBB with superior left axis (SLA) (suggesting origin in posteromedial papillary muscle (PPM) predominant in CAD; and LBBB with inferior axis (IA) (suggesting origin in RVOT) predominant in BS. Tachysystolic stage: there is a predominant morphology with RBBB and SA in CAD; and morphologies with LBBB and IA in BS. Sinusoidal stage: Complexes of small amplitude with notches appeared in SVF, but not in non-sustained VF. Conclusions: The ECG at the onset and tachysystolic stage of ISVF shows morphologies which may be related to the activation of MB, PPM and RVOT. The notches could be a predictor of SVF .

Introduction: Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is characterized by patchy fibrotic thickening of the endocardial and myocardial layers of the heart. Although Sinus node dysfunction and tachyarrhythmia - atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, have been commonly reported, complete heart block complicating EMF is rare. Transvenous pacing is technically limited by fibrotic obliteration of the affected ventricle that results in poor lead parameters, and alternative pacing strategy like epicardial pacing may be required in many. Methods and Results: We present two cases of EMF with complete heart block that were managed by left ventricular pacing through the coronary sinus. Conclusion: EMF provides unique challenges to endocardial pacing. Transvenous epicardial pacing through CS tributary using an LV lead can provide a safe and effective alternative mode of pacing with optimal long-term pacing outcome.

The star barnacle, Chthamalus stellatus Poli, populates the Mediterranean Sea, the North-Eastern Atlantic coasts, and the offshore Eastern Atlantic islands. Previous studies have found apparent genetic differences between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean populations of C. stellatus, suggesting possible geological and oceanographic explanations for these differences. We have studied the genetic diversity of 14 populations spanning from the Eastern Atlantic to the Eastern Mediterranean, using 63 genomic polymorphic sites. We have found that these populations form four distinct clusters: Eastern Atlantic, Western Mediterranean, Mid-Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean, with evident connectivity between them. We examined here environmental conditions like surface currents, water salinity and temperature as probable factors that have formed the population structure. We suggest that C. stellatus is a suitable marine animal for studying how geological events and hydrographic conditions shape the fauna in the Mediterranean Sea.

Protein Secondary Structure (PSS) prediction is crucial for examining and studying the protein structure and its function. PSS helps to predict the tertiary structure and offers to understand about its structures, which in turn helps to design various drugs. The existing PSS prediction techniques are capable of achieving Q3 accuracy of nearly 80%, and there has not any improvement till now. In this paper, we propose a novel technique that uses amino acid sequences alone as an input feature, and the respected feature vector matrix is given through the deep learning model (DLM) for PSS prediction. Apart from all deep learning methods, we use OneHotEncoding and LSTM (Long short term memory) technique to forecast PSS that helps to give more accuracy. The one hot encoder is used to extract the local contexts of amino-acid sequences, and BLSTM (Bi-directional LSTM) captures the long-distance interdependencies among amino-acids. LSTM is one of the new deep learning models successfully applied in the field of bioinformatics to solve problems. LSTM is very efficient in mapping the long term dependencies of sequence information, which is more capable than the convolutional neural networks (CNN’s). The performance of the proposed system is estimated on the openly available datasets such as CullPDB, CASP10, and CASP11. Results show that the performance of the proposed technique achieved superior outcomes than the existing approaches on the three similar datasets.

In this paper, wave dispersion analysis of lipid tubules is presented by using the first-order shear deformation (FSD) shell theory. The small-scale effect is revealed explicitly based on the nonlocal strain gradient theory (NSGT). Different types of lipid tubules with size-dependent material properties are taken into account. Hamilton’s principle is utilized to derive the equations of wave motion. The analytical solutions of phase velocity and wave frequency of propagated waves are obtained. In addition, detailed investigations are implemented to highlight the effects of the types of lipid tubules, the longitudinal and circumferential wave numbers, the material length scale parameters and the nonlocal parameters on the wave dispersion characteristics of lipid tubules.

1. The metric of functional evenness FEve is an example of how approaches to conceptualizing and measuring functional variability may go astray. 2. The index of functional evenness FEve has critical conceptual and practical drawbacks: a) Different values of the FEve index for the same community can be obtained if the species have unequal species abundances; this result is highly likely if most of the traits are categorical. b) Very minor differences in even one pairwise distance can result in very different values of FEve. c) FEve uses only a fraction of the information contained in the matrix of species distances. Counterintuitively, this can cause very similar FEve scores for communities with substantially different patterns of species dispersal in trait space. d) FEve is a valid metric only if all species have exactly the same abundances. However, the meaning of FEve in such an instance is unclear as the purpose of the metric is to measure the variability of abundances in trait space. 3. We recommend not using FEve metric in studies of functional variability. Given the wide usage of FEve index over the last decade, the validity of the conclusions based on those estimates are in question. 4. Instead, we suggest three alternative metrics that combines variability in species distances in trait space with abundance in various ways, and more broadly recommend that researchers think about which community properties (e.g., trait-distances of a focus species to the nearest neighbor or all other species, variability of pairwise interactions between species) they want to measure and pick from among the appropriate metrics.

Background: The association between arginase I (ARG1) and arginase II (ARG2) genes and asthma has been reported in previous studies, but associations between polymorphisms in ARG genes and preschool wheezing (PSW) phenotypes are unknown. Objective: To examine the association between genetic variation in ARG1 and ARG2 genes and PSW phenotypes and to compare results with asthmatic patients. Methods: We enrolled 102 patients and 86 healthy controls. The patient group included three subgroups: episodic wheezing (EW) (n = 42, median age 41 months), multiple-trigger wheezing (MW) (n = 41, median age 39 months), and asthma (n = 19, median age 72 months). We genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ARG1 and six SNPs in ARG2. Eighteen haplotypes for ARG1 and 31 haplotypes for ARG2 were constituted, and the distributions of SNPs and haplotypes in patients and controls were analyzed. Results: The frequency of homozygote cytosine-cytosine genotype of the ARG1 rs2781667T>C SNP in the EW group was significantly lower than controls (p = 0.006) [OR (95% CI): 0.26 (0.10-0.66)], the MW group (p = 0.002) [OR (95% CI): 0.19 (0.06-0.52)], and asthmatics (p = 0.025) [OR (95% CI): (0.22 (0.06-0.75)]. ARG1 haplotype 4 was more frequent in the MW group, asthmatics, and controls than in the EW group (p < 0.0001) [OR (95% CI): 7.77 (2.54-23.7)], (p = 0.036) [OR (95 %CI): 4.31 (1.15-16.15)], and (p = 0.030) [OR (95% CI): 3.44 (1.20-10.0)]. Conclusion: Variations in ARG1 gene may be useful in discriminating PSW phenotypes.

The paper is concerned with the multiple solutions of a nonhomogeneous elliptic system with critical exponent over a non-contractible domain, precisely, a smooth bounded annular domain. We prove the existence of four solutions using variational methods and Lusternik-Schnirelmann theorey, when the inner hole of the annulus is sufficiently small.

A generalized variable-coefficient nonlinear Schr\”{o}dinger equation is investigated through the Riemann-Hilbert approach based on inverse scattering transformation with zero boundary conditions at infinity, and its various soliton solutions are successfully derived. To derive the eigenfunction and scattering matrix, and reveal their properties, the direct scattering problem is studied. Then based on inverse scattering transformation, a Riemann-Hilbert problem is constructed for the equation. For both cases of single and double poles, the Riemann-Hilbert problem is solved, and the formulae of soliton solutions are displayed. Finally, via evaluating the impact of each parameters, the soliton solutions are analyzed graphically involving $1$-, $2$- and $3$-soliton solutions.

Objective Polypharmacy is common in people with diabetes and associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). This study aimed to assess trends in prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM in older and middle-aged people with diabetes. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study using the University Groningen IADB.nl prescription database was conducted. All people ≥45 years treated for diabetes registered in the period 2012-2016 were included. PIMs were assessed using Beers criteria for people ≥65 years old, and PRescribing Optimally in Middle-aged People’s Treatments (PROMPT) criteria for 45-64 years old. Chi-square tests and regression analysis were applied. Results The prevalence of polypharmacy increased from 56.5% to 58.2% during the study period. In 2016, the prevalence of polypharmacy was 36.9% in the group of 45-54 years old, 50.3% in 55-64 years old, and 66.2% in ≥65 years old. All age-groups showed significant increases. The prevalence of older people with at least one PIM decreased around 3%, while in the middle-aged group this prevalence increased around 1% with a highest level in 2015. The most common PIMs in both age groups were the use of long-term high-dose proton-pump-inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and strong opioids without laxatives. Of those, only benzodiazepines showed a decreasing trend. Conclusions Polypharmacy increased in older and middle-aged people with diabetes. While the prevalence of PIM decreased over time in older age, this trend was not observed in middle-aged people with diabetes. Efforts are needed to decrease the use of PIMs in populations already burdened with many drugs, notably at middle age

Objective: The aim of this study is to show another possible cause of oropharyngeal fibrosis causing breathing difficulty and dysphagia, and to demonstrate the possible effects of Khat chewing on the pharynx and larynx. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all patients using Khat referred to Phoniatric Unit, Oto-Rhino-Laryngology department[removed for blind peer review] due to different reasons during the period of March-2017 and September-2019. A nine-question self-administered structured questionnaire was developed to covers all the socio-demographic factors in addition to Khat chewing habits. Full endoscopic evaluation was made and biopsies were obtained whenever possible. Patients were grouped into two groups; one using hot Khat (insecticide-irrigated) and the other using cold Khat (not insecticide-irrigated). Results: The overall sample was 120 cases; 22 are using hot Khat and 98 cold Khat. Both groups are comparable with regard age, gender, smoking, duration of using Khat as well as its frequency. Reasons for referral for clinic were different between groups (p<0.001). Oropharyngeal stenotic lesions are (p< 0.0001) more frequent in the hot Khat group (77.3%) than in the cold Khat group (0%). In addition, chronic non-specific inflammation is significantly (p<0.0001) more frequent in the hot Khat group (68.2%) than in the cold Khat group (0%). Conclusion: The relation between Khat chewing and oropharyngeal fibrosis can be proposed with strong relation to the use of pesticides. Further studies are recommended to confirm this relation. Succinct Key points: Khat chewing, oropharyngeal fibrosis, dysphagia, nasal obstruction, Yamen

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the accuracy of two different approaches; trans-oral versus trans-nasal office-based laryngeal biopsy. Methods: The study was a cohort-selection cross-sectional study that included all patients aged 18 years or more with suspicious lesions of the larynx or the oropharynx who came to the outpatient clinic [removed for blind peer review], due to different reasons during the period of March 2017 and March 2020. Full evaluation was done using Flexible naso-endoscope with distal chip. Patients with suspicious lesions were referred for office-based-based biopsy; either trans-nasal biopsy or trans-oral biopsy; to determine whether the lesion was malignant or benign. Then, all patients were referred for subsequent direct laryngoscopy for definitive diagnosis. Both groups were compared for all demographic variables as well as clinic-pathologic variables and for diagnostic accuracy. Results: The overall sample was 60 cases; 30 in each group. Both groups are comparable with regard the age and gender (p-values > 0.05). The majority in both groups are smokers (83.3 & 76.7%). The most frequent cause of referral for biopsy was suspicious laryngeal mass in both groups; mentioned in 80.0% of both groups (p-value 0.736). The number of biopsies obtained was significantly higher in the trans-oral group (3.7 ± 1.0) than in the trans-nasal group (3.1 ± 0.9), (p-value = 0.013). Both approaches were tolerated by all patients with few limited aspiration or epistaxis. The trans-oral approach has a higher Chohen kappa index (0.79) than the trans-nasal approach (0.14). Also, it has got higher diagnostic accuracy (93.3%) than the trans-nasal approach (50.0%). The sensitivity of trans-oral approach biopsies compared with that of direct laryngoscopy biopsies was 95.8% and the specificity was 83.3%. On the other hand, the sensitivity of trans-nasal approach biopsies compared with that of direct laryngoscopy biopsies was 26.3% and the specificity was 90.9%. Conclusion: The trans-oral approach to obtain a biopsy from the upper aero-digestive tract has better diagnostic accuracy than the trans-nasal approach. When combined with trans-nasal visualization and transcricothyroid anesthesia. Succinct Keypoints: Trans-nasal approach; trans-oral approach; office-based laryngeal biopsy; sensitivity; specificity; diagnostic accura

Abstract: Objective: Pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is one of the most curable subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia of childhood. But it may have many early complications, especially in developing countries. This study aims to describe the early course of disease and adverse events in the management of pediatric APL cases in Bangladesh. Method: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from September 2017 to March 2019. The study included twenty PML:RAR-α (ProMyelocytic Leukemia-Retinoic Acid Receptor-α) positive APL cases. After taking informed written consent from the parents, patients were treated with risk directed ATRA (All-trans-retinoic acid) based chemotherapy. Results: The mean age was 6.8 years with male-female ratio of 1:1.2. Hemorrhagic manifestations were observed in 95% of patients, with mucosal bleeding in 55% and CNS hemorrhage in one patient. Fever was the present in 95% of children. Most of the children (65%) were in the high risk group. DIC was present in 90% cases and mean D-Dimer was 4.1 µg /ml. Overall 90% (18/20) patients achieved clinical and peripheral remission with resolution of coagulopathy. But only 75% patients (15/20) reached maintenance therapy in bone marrow remission. Causes of deaths were neutropenic sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, complicated differentiation syndrome and stroke. Neutropenic sepsis was the most common adverse event. Conclusion: In Bangladeshi pediatric APL patients, neutropenic sepsis is the most common and also the most severe adverse event. Key words: acute promyelocytic leukemia, children, response to treatment

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Food allergies are usually managed by food avoidance. Hidden allergens in food, due to cross-contamination and/or allergenic additives added during production, place an important concern in today’s increasing food allergy cases worldwide. Previous studies showed that introduction of new food components, in an inflamed intestine, results in sensitization to this food. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the kinetics of multiple food allergy induction. METHODS: Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups, four of which were submitted to an intestinal inflammation induction protocol to peanuts. Egg white (OVA) diluted 1:5 v/v in distilled water was instilled by gavage 6h-before (EXP-1), concomitant (EXP-2) and 6h-after (EXP-3) the onset of the peanut challenge diet. Positive control (POS CONT) and NEG CONT received saline per gavage. Finally, animals were challenged with subcutaneous injections of OVA. RESULTS: No changes in diet intake were observed. Anti-OVA total IgG antibody titers significantly increased in EXP-2. Flow cytometry revealed significant decrease in CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and significant increase in TCD8+ in EXP-2. Histomorphometrically, EXP-2 and EXP-3 were classified as Infiltrative and Partial Destruction stages. EXP-1 was classified as Infiltrative, while POS CONT was classified as Partial Destruction. NEG CONT was classified as Normal. CONCLUSION: The introduction of a new food only a few hours before the initiation of a gut inflammation is able to induce oral tolerance, however the introduction of a new dietary protein concomitant to the onset or during an ongoing gut inflammation may induce multiple allergies.

Background: There is strong evidence of the link between asthma and occupational exposure to pesticides and glyphosate in agricultural workers, but it is limited on environmental or residential exposure to these chemicals. Methods: We analyze asthma prevalence in an agricultural town with high use of pesticides, mainly glyphosate with an ecological study conducted in Monte Maíz, Argentina, composed of a chemical and environmental analysis to determine the burden of exposure to glyphosate and pesticides in general, and a cross-sectional asthma study that uses the methodological criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC); the prevalence’s found in Monte Maíz are compared with the results of ISAAC in Argentine cities with low exposure to pesticides. Results: In Monte Maíz high and preponderant levels of glyphosate were found in the soil and in corn husk and soybean powder. The environmental exposure burden to pesticides was 121 kilos, for glyphosate 81 kilos per person per year, while this burden in the entire country is 7.9 and 6 kilos respectively. The found asthma prevalences were several times higher than those of reference in all ages, the risk of asthma in children of 13 and 14 years old, with respect to those of three large Argentine cities is: OR of 4.64 (CI: 3, 26 - 6.60). Conclusion: These results highlight a relationship between environmental and residential exposure to glyphosate and high prevalence of asthma, while experimental studies support the biological plausibility of this association.

Populations of invasive species that colonize and spread in novel environments may differentiate both through demographic processes and local selection. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to New York in 1890 and subsequently spread throughout North America, becoming one of the most widespread and numerous bird species on the continent. Genome-wide comparisons across starling individuals and populations can identify demographic and/or selective factors that facilitated this rapid and successful expansion. We investigated patterns of genomic diversity and differentiation using reduced-representation genome sequencing (ddRADseq) of 17 winter-season starling populations. Consistent with this species’ high dispersal rate and rapid expansion history, we found low geographic differentiation and few FST outliers even at a continental scale. Despite starting from a founding population of approximately 180 individuals, North American starlings show only a moderate genetic bottleneck, and models suggest a dramatic increase in effective population size since introduction. In genotype-environment associations we found that ~200 single-nucleotide polymorphisms are correlated with temperature and/or precipitation against a background of negligible genome- and range-wide divergence. Local adaptation in North American starlings may have evolved rapidly even in this wide-ranging and evolutionarily young population. This survey of genomic signatures of expansion in North American starlings is the most comprehensive to date and complements ongoing studies of world-wide local adaptation in these highly dispersive and invasive birds.