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Food diversity is a challenging issue for sustainable agrifood systems. Diets are increasingly dependent on branded packaged foods. Therefore, the crop diversity offered in the food market through these products is of particular importance. We scrutinize this diversity for some crops under great societal challenge: pulses. Based on the product launches referenced in the Mintel database over the last decade, we compare the food products containing pulse crops with those containing another legume—soy. From the 350,000 products analyzed, our results show that soy is mainly used but reveal some progress in the use of pulse species, particularly in Europe. The position of the examined species in the list of ingredients and in the product description allows us to assess its importance. The text-mining methods used usefully enable the monitoring of crop usage in the food market. We discuss several perspectives, notably how to deepen these results regarding consumer choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of lung ultrasonography (LUS) performed by novice users' general practitioners (GPs) in diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in primary health care settings. Design: A prospective interventional multicenter study (December 2019–March 2020). Settings and subjects: Patients aged >3 months, suspected of having LRTI consulting in three different general practices (GPs) (rural, semirural and urban) in France. Main outcome measures: Feasibility of LUS by GPs was assessed by (1) the proportion of patients where LUS was not performed, (2) technical breakdowns, (3) interpretability of images by GPs, (4) examination duration and (5) patient perception and acceptability. Results: A total of 151 patients were recruited, and GPs performed LUS for 111 (73.5%) patients (LUS group). In 99.1% (n = 110) of cases, GPs indicated that they were able to interpret images. The median [IQR] exam duration was 4 [3–5] minutes. LRTI was diagnosed in 70.3% and 60% of patients in the LUS and no-LUS groups, respectively (p =.43). After LUS, GPs changed their diagnosis from 'other' to 'LRTI' in six cases (+5.4%, p <.001), prescribed antibiotics for five patients (+4.5%, p =.164) and complementary chest imaging for 10 patients (+9%, p <.001). Patient stress was reported in 1.8% of cases, 81.7% of patients declared that they better understood the diagnosis, and 82% of patients thought that the GP diagnosis was more reliable after LUS. Conclusions: LUS by GPs using handheld devices is a feasible diagnostic tool in primary health care for LRTI symptoms, demonstrating both effectiveness and positive patient reception. Trial Registration Number: Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT04602234, 20/10/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the first COVID-19 pandemic wave (1st CoPW), nursing homes (NHs) experienced a high rate of COVID-19 infection and death. Residents who survived the COVID-19 infection may have become frailer. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of having a COVID-19 infection during the 1st CoPW for 2-year mortality in NH residents. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted in three NHs. Residents who had survived the 1st CoPW (March to May 2020) were included. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on the results of a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test. The collected data also included age, sex, length of residence in the NH, disability status, legal guardianship status, nutritional status, need for texture-modified food, hospitalization or Emergency Department visits during lockdown and SARS-COV2 vaccination status during the follow-up. Non-adjusted and adjusted Cox models were used to analyse factors associated with 2-year post-1st CoPW mortality. Results: Among the 315 CoPW1 survivors (72% female, mean age 88 years, 48% with severe disability), 35% presented with COVID-19. Having a history of COVID-19 was not associated with 2-year mortality: hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval] = 0.96 [0.81–1.13], p = 0.62. The factors independently associated with 2-year mortality were older age (for each additional year, HR = 1.05 [1.03–1.08], p < 0.01), severe disability vs. moderate or no disability (HR = 1.35 [1.12–1.63], p < 0.01) and severe malnutrition vs. no malnutrition (HR = 1.29 [1.04–1.60], p = 0.02). Considering that vaccination campaign started during the follow-up, mortality was associated with severe malnutrition before and severe disability after the start of the campaign. Vaccination was independently associated with better survival (HR 0.71 [0.55–0.93], p = 0.02). Conclusions: Having survived a COVID-19 infection during the 1st CoPW did not affect subsequent 2-year survival in older adults living in NHs. Severe malnutrition and disability remained strong predictor of mortality in this population, whereas vaccination was associated to better survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The advent of anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) has revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, susceptibility to active tuberculosis (TB) is associated with this therapy and requires its discontinuation. The risk of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in this population is poorly understood, as is the safety of resuming anti-TNFα. Methods This French retrospective study (2010–2022) included all TB cases in patients with IBD who were treated with anti-TNFα in 6 participating centers. A systematic literature review was performed on TB-IRIS and anti-TNFα exposure. Results Thirty-six patients were included (median age, 35 years; IQR, 27–48). TB was disseminated in 86% and miliary in 53%. IRIS occurred in 47% after a median 45 days (IQR, 18–80). Most patients with TB-IRIS (93%) had disseminated TB. Miliary TB was associated with IRIS risk in univariate analysis (odds ratio, 7.33; 95% CI, 1.60–42.82; P =.015). Anti-TB treatment was longer in this population (median [IQR], 9 [9–12] vs 6 [6–9] months; P =.049). Anti-TNFα was resumed in 66% after a median 4 months (IQR, 3–10) for IBD activity (76%) or IRIS treatment (24%), with only 1 case of TB relapse. Fifty-two cases of TB-IRIS in patients treated with anti-TNFα were reported in the literature, complicating disseminating TB (85%) after a median 42 days (IQR, 21–90), with 70% requiring anti-inflammatory treatment. Forty cases of TB-IRIS or paradoxical reaction treated with anti-TNFα were also reported. IRIS was neurologic in 64%. Outcome was mostly favorable (93% recovery). Conclusions TB with anti-TNFα treatment is often complicated by IRIS of varying severity. Restarting anti-TNFα is a safe and effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a mixed porcine–human bioengineered liver (MPH-BEL) was used in a preclinical setup of extracorporeal liver support devices as a treatment for a model of post-resection liver failure (PRLF). The potential for human clinical application is further illustrated by comparing the functional capacity of MPH-BEL grafts as assessed using this porcine PRLF model with fully human (FH-BEL) grafts which were perfused and assessed in vitro. BEL grafts were produced by reseeding liver scaffolds with HUVEC and primary porcine hepatocytes (MPH-BEL) or primary human hepatocytes (FH-BEL). PRLF was induced by performing an 85% liver resection in domestic white pigs and randomized into the following three groups 24 h after resection: standard medical therapy (SMT) alone, SMT + extracorporeal circuit (ECC), and SMT + MPH-BEL. The detoxification and metabolic functions of the MPH-BEL grafts were compared to FH-BEL grafts which were perfused in vitro. During the 24 h treatment interval, INR values normalized within 18 h in the MPH-BEL therapy group and urea synthesis increased as compared to the SMT and SMT + ECC control groups. The MPH-BEL treatment was associated with more rapid decline in hematocrit and platelet count compared to both control groups. Histological analysis demonstrated platelet sequestration in the MPH-BEL grafts, possibly related to immune activation. Significantly higher rates of ammonia clearance and metabolic function were observed in the FH-BEL grafts perfused in vitro than in the MPH-BEL grafts. The MPH-BEL treatment was associated with improved markers of liver function in PRLF. Further improvement in liver function in the BEL grafts was observed by seeding the biomatrix with human hepatocytes. Methods to reduce platelet sequestration within BEL grafts is an area of ongoing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The advent of new therapeutic agents and the improvement of supporting care might change the management of acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and avoid colectomy. Aims: To evaluate the colectomy‐free survival and safety of a third‐line treatment in patients with ASUC refractory to intravenous steroids and who failed either infliximab or ciclosporin. Methods: Multicentre retrospective cohort study of patients with ASUC refractory to intravenous steroids who had failed infliximab or ciclosporin and received a third‐line treatment during the same hospitalisation. Patients who stopped second‐line treatment due to disease activity or adverse events (AEs) were eligible. We assessed short‐term colectomy‐free survival by logistic regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models were used for long‐term assessment. Results: Among 78 patients, 32 received infliximab and 46 ciclosporin as second‐line rescue treatment. Third‐line treatment was infliximab in 45 (58%), ciclosporin in 17 (22%), tofacitinib in 13 (17%) and ustekinumab in 3 (3.8%). Colectomy was performed in 29 patients (37%) during follow‐up (median 21 weeks). Of the 78 patients, 32 and 18 were in clinical remission at, respectively, 12 and 52 weeks. At the last visit, 25 patients were still on third‐line rescue treatment, while 12 had stopped it due to clinical remission. AEs were reported in 26 (33%) patients. Two patients died (2.6%), including one following colectomy. Conclusion: Third‐line rescue treatment avoided colectomy in over half of the patients with ASUC and may be considered a therapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social change movements may take years or decades to achieve their goals and thus require ongoing efforts from their supporters. We apply the insights of self-determination theory to examine sustained collective action over time. We expected that autonomous motivation, but not controlled motivation, would predict sustained action. We also examine whether autonomous motivation shapes and is shaped by social identification as a supporter of the cause. Longitudinal data were collected from supporters of global poverty reduction (N = 263) at two timepoints 1 year apart. Using latent change score modeling, we found that increases in autonomous motivation positively predicted increases in opinion-based group identification, which in turn predicted increases in self-reported collective action. Controlled motivation (Time 1) negatively predicted changes in action. We concluded that autonomous motivation predicts sustained action over time, while promoting controlled motives for action may backfire because it may undermine identification with the cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The systematic use of susceptibility testing and tailored first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori eradication has yet to be established. Aim: To compare 14‐day tailored PCR‐guided triple therapy to 14‐day non‐Bismuth concomitant quadruple therapy for first‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication. Patients and Methods: We performed a multicenter, parallel‐group, randomized noninferiority controlled trial. Naive adult patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were treated with 14‐day tailored PCR‐guided triple therapy (esomeprazole 40 mg and amoxicillin 1000 mg b.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg or levofloxacin 500 mg b.d. according to clarithromycin susceptibility) or 14‐day non‐Bismuth concomitant quadruple therapy (esomeprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg b.d.). The primary endpoint was H. pylori eradication. Results: We screened 991 patients for eligibility and randomized 241 patients. The first‐line eradication rate was 99.2% in the tailored PCR‐guided group and 95.9% in the control group (ITT population; absolute difference of +3.30%, with a lower bound of CI at −0.68%). Both first‐line therapies were well tolerated, with a formally significant difference in favor of the tailored PCR‐guided group (61.4% vs. 41.2%, p = 0.003). Economic analyses revealed a lower cost of the tailored PCR‐guided arm, with a 92% chance of being jointly more effective and less expensive than the control arm in the ITT population. Conclusion: In a country with a high level of clarithromycin resistance, the results of our study demonstrated the noninferiority of 14‐day tailored PCR‐guided triple therapy as a first‐line H. pylori eradication therapy compared to 14‐day non‐Bismuth quadruple therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02576236). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The development of animal models of chronic liver disease via diet modification is a promising avenue for translational research but can lead to unexpected side effects that impact model adoption. While these side effects are well characterized in rodent models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), limited knowledge of these effects exists for novel porcine models of NASH. To close this gap, the present study investigates the side effects of diet-based NASH induction in pigs, with a systematic analysis of the pathologic mechanisms underlying dermatitis development and evaluation of treatment approaches. Method: Twelve pigs (10 large domestic pigs, 2 Goettingen minipigs) were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient, high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce NASH. A retrospective review of each animal’s clinical record was performed to identify the side effects of the diet. Following the identification of diet-associated dermatitis, severity was judged by using a novel gradation system that characterized the individual lesions and body regions resulting in a cumulative evaluation. In addition to this clinical assessment, the etiology of the dermatitis was investigated via histopathologic and microbiologic testing. Furthermore, the success of prophylactic and therapeutic treatment approaches was evaluated by considering dermatitis development and clinical course. Results: All study animals demonstrated unexpected side effects of the methionine- and choline-deficient, high fat diet. In addition to marked dermatitis, study pigs showed impaired weight gain and developed steatorrhea and anemia. Based on the skin gradation system, five animals developed severe dermatitis, four animals moderate dermatitis, and three animals mild diet-associated dermatitis. Histological and microbiological evaluation of the affected skin showed signs of a hypersensitivity reaction with secondary infection by bacteria and fungi. The analysis showed that preemptive bathing extended the lesion-free duration by nearly 20 days. Furthermore, bathing in combination with a targeted antibiotic treatment represented a helpful treatment approach for diet-associated dermatitis. Conclusion: The provision of a methionine- and choline-deficient, high fat diet represents an effective approach for inducing NASH liver disease in pigs but predisposes study animals to multiple side effects. These side effects are universal to animals on study but can be adequately managed and do not represent a significant limitation of this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the nutritional quality and environmental impact of self-selected diets of adults in France in relation to their fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes. Methods: Estimates of food and nutrient intakes were taken from the national INCA3 Survey on food intakes carried out in France in 2014–2015. The population (n = 2121 adults) was split into five quintiles of FV intakes, in g/d (Q1 representing the lowest intake, and Q5 the highest). The nutritional quality of diets was assessed through 4 indicators: mean adequacy ratio (MAR), solid energy density, mean excess ratio (MER) and Programme National Nutrition Santé guideline score 2 (PNNS-GS2). The environmental impacts were measured with environmental footprint (EF) scores and 4 additional indicators: climate change, ozone depletion, fine particulate matter and water use. Indicators were compared between quintiles. Analysis was conducted on diets adjusted to 2000 kcal. Results: MAR and PNNS-GS2 increased with increased FV quintiles, while solid energy density decreased. Fibre, potassium, vitamin B9 and vitamin C densities increased with increasing FV intakes. Climate change, ozone depletion and fine particulate matter impacts of diets decreased with increasing quintiles of FV consumption. Conversely, water use impact increased. Conclusion: Higher intake of FV is associated with higher nutritional quality of diets and lower environmental impact, except for water use. Given the benefits of fruit and vegetables for human health and the environment, their negative impact on water use could be improved by working on the agricultural upstream, rather than by changing individuals' food choices and reducing their consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on a rarely addressed aspect of the link between diaspora and memory construction: the use of historical analogies, i.e. the way in which the memory of a past event (the 1933 famine in Ukraine, known as the Holodomor) is used by diasporic entrepreneurs to frame current violent events (the Russian–Ukrainian conflict). Based on fieldwork conducted among the Ukrainian diaspora in France, I show that the critical juncture of 2014 was a key moment in the reinterpretation of the present through the past (and vice versa), and identify three core-framing mechanisms that construct the historical analogy: parallelism, causality and implication. This framing activity contributed to the reconstruction of the imagined Ukrainian community and its radical separation from the Russian one. More generally, the article highlights the need to understand memory and nation-building as transnational processes that are not necessarily tied to the personal histories of diasporic entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two plant production-based strategies – biofortification and dietary diversification – have been advocated to overcome micronutrient deficiencies, which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The respective benefits and effectiveness of these two strategies are the subject of controversy. Expanding the scope of this debate beyond the sole nutritional outcomes, and using a food system approach, this interdisciplinary review aims to providing a novel and holistic perspective on the ongoing debate. The literature shows that biofortification can be an effective medium-term strategy to tackle nutritional risk in vulnerable populations in some contexts, but that it also may have negative environmental, economic, and social impacts. Dietary diversification, on the other hand, is known to be a sustainable way to overcome micronutrient deficiencies, bringing with it long-term benefits, including nutritional, and beyond, the provision of ecosystem services. Dietary diversification is however challenging to implement, with benefits that are not immediate. Biodiversity as a basis of human diets is critically important to improving both human and environmental health. Diet diversification through increased mobilisation of biodiversity in food systems deserves much more attention and support in policies for food and nutrition in low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The development of animal models of chronic liver disease via diet modification is a promising avenue for translational research but can lead to unexpected side effects that impact model adoption. While these side effects are well characterized in rodent models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), limited knowledge of these effects exists for novel porcine models of NASH. To close this gap, the present study investigates the side effects of diet-based NASH induction in pigs, with a systematic analysis of the pathologic mechanisms underlying dermatitis development and evaluation of treatment approaches. Method: Twelve pigs (10 large domestic pigs, 2 Goettingen minipigs) were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient, high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce NASH. A retrospective review of each animal's clinical record was performed to identify the side effects of the diet. Following the identification of diet-associated dermatitis, severity was judged by using a novel gradation system that characterized the individual lesions and body regions resulting in a cumulative evaluation. In addition to this clinical assessment, the etiology of the dermatitis was investigated via histopathologic and microbiologic testing. Furthermore, the success of prophylactic and therapeutic treatment approaches was evaluated by considering dermatitis development and clinical course. Results: All study animals demonstrated unexpected side effects of the methionine- and choline-deficient, high fat diet. In addition to marked dermatitis, study pigs showed impaired weight gain and developed steatorrhea and anemia. Based on the skin gradation system, five animals developed severe dermatitis, four animals moderate dermatitis, and three animals mild dietassociated dermatitis. Histological and microbiological evaluation of the affected skin showed signs of a hypersensitivity reaction with secondary infection by bacteria and fungi. The analysis showed that preemptive bathing extended the lesion-free duration by nearly 20 days. Furthermore, bathing in combination with a targeted antibiotic treatment represented a helpful treatment approach for diet-associated dermatitis. Conclusion: The provision of a methionine- and choline-deficient, high fat diet represents an effective approach for inducing NASH liver disease in pigs but predisposes study animals to multiple side effects. These side effects are universal to animals on study but can be adequately managed and do not represent a significant limitation of this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean diet is often proposed as a sustainable diet model. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and sustainability domains in a cohort of French adults, using multiple criteria including nutritional quality, environmental pressures, monetary cost and dietary pesticide exposure. Food intakes of 29 210 NutriNet-Santé volunteers were assessed in 2014 using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the validated literature-based adherence score (MEDI-LITE). The associations between the MEDI-LITE and various sustainability indicators were examined using ANCOVA models, adjusted for sex, age and energy intake. Higher adherence to the MEDI-LITE was associated with higher nutritional quality scores, better overall nutrient profile as well as reduced environmental impact (land occupation: Q5 v. Q1: −35 %, greenhouse gas emissions: −40 % and cumulative energy demand: −17 %). In turn, monetary cost increased with increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (Q5 v. Q1: +15 %), while higher adherents to the Mediterranean diet had overall higher pesticide exposure due to their high plant-based food consumption. In this large cohort of French adults, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with nutritional and environmental benefits, but also with higher monetary cost and greater exposure to pesticides, illustrating the necessity to develop large-scale strategies for healthy, safe (pesticide- and contaminant-free) and environmentally sustainable diets for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analytical models of Single Fiber Transverse Compression Tests (SFTCTs) are commonplace for the identification of a fiber's apparent transverse elastic modulus E T by inverse method. Compression platen misalignment however, has been shown to induce important identification errors due to the change in the platen-fiber contact surface compared to the parallel platen configuration. Nevertheless, methods to minimize this misalignment experimentally are sparse in the literature and no existing analytical models take it into consideration. In this paper the development of such a model is presented, which accounts for the angle around the fiber's pitch axis, named "tilt" angle. The predictions of this analytical model are shown to closely match the results of an equivalent Finite element model. Using force and displacement data resulting from this Finite element analysis, along with fiber's material and geometric properties and the value of the tilt angle, the proposed analytical model produces very low identification errors of E T , independently of the tilt angle. The proposed model can thus be used to reliably identify a fiber's transverse elastic modulus even for SFTCTs where a tilt angle is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While pet ownership is normative in many occidental countries, whether humans' proximal contacts with pets have implications for attitudes and behaviors toward other (non pet) animals, nature, and fellow humans, has received limited empirical attention. In a large representative sample, we investigate whether pet ownership and positive contact with pets are associated with more positive attitudes and heightened concerns for non-pet animals, nature, and human outgroups. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among Canadian adults (619 pet owners, 450 non-pet owners). Pet owners reported more positive attitudes toward non-pet animals (e.g., wild, farm animals), higher identification with animals, more positive attitudes toward human outgroups, higher biospheric environmental concerns, higher human–environment interdependence beliefs, and lower usual meat consumption. Positive contact with pets was also associated with most of these outcomes. Solidarity with animals, a dimension of identification with animals, emerged as a particularly clear predictor of these outcomes and mediated the associations between positive contact with pets and positive attitudes toward non-pet animals, biospheric, egoistic, and altruistic environmental concerns, human–environment interdependence beliefs, and diet. Our results provide support for the capacity of pets to shape human consideration for a broad range of social issues, beyond the specific context of human-pet relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hépato-Gastro & Oncologie Digestive is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Veterinarian work may take an emotional toll on practitioners and their mental health, potentially driving premature exit from the profession. Performing animal euthanasia is frequently identified as a potential risk factor for sustainable mental health. Yet, research has demonstrated mixed results between euthanasia performance and detrimental mental health outcomes, suggesting the potential for factors that moderate this association. In this three‐wave longitudinal survey study, including 110 currently practicing veterinarians (88% female), we examined whether the type of empathy experienced by these practitioners plays a role in the association between performing animal euthanasia and career sustainability. Two types of empathy, cognitive empathy (i.e., understanding the affective experience of another) and emotional empathy (i.e., experiencing another's emotional state) were assessed. Job disengagement at 12 months was predicted by the interaction between animal euthanasia frequency in the past 12 months and emotional empathy in the past 6 or 12 months. Perceived resilience at 12 months was predicted by the interaction between animal euthanasia frequency in the past 12 months and emotional empathy a year prior. For these outcomes, the effects of performing animal euthanasia on career sustainability were moderated by emotional empathy. Higher levels of emotional empathy were associated with worse outcomes. Veterinarians may seek to understand the affective experience of the client or patient and provide compassionate care in a sustainable way. However, they should do so while avoiding the costs of emotional empathy. This work has implications for veterinarian training to support career sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of MEDISAN is the property of Centro Provincial de Informacion en Ciencias Medicas de Santiago de Cuba and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While pet ownership is normative in many occidental countries, whether humans' proximal contacts with pets have implications for attitudes and behaviors toward other (non pet) animals, nature, and fellow humans, has received limited empirical attention. In a large representative sample, we investigate whether pet ownership and positive contact with pets are associated with more positive attitudes and heightened concerns for non-pet animals, nature, and human outgroups. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among Canadian adults (619 pet owners, 450 non-pet owners). Pet owners reported more positive attitudes toward non-pet animals (e.g., wild, farm animals), higher identification with animals, more positive attitudes toward human outgroups, higher biospheric environmental concerns, higher human–environment interdependence beliefs, and lower usual meat consumption. Positive contact with pets was also associated with most of these outcomes. Solidarity with animals, a dimension of identification with animals, emerged as a particularly clear predictor of these outcomes and mediated the associations between positive contact with pets and positive attitudes toward non-pet animals, biospheric, egoistic, and altruistic environmental concerns, human–environment interdependence beliefs, and diet. Our results provide support for the capacity of pets to shape human consideration for a broad range of social issues, beyond the specific context of human-pet relations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hépato-Gastro & Oncologie Digestive is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We describe the endocranial structures of Hamadasuchus, a peirosaurid crocodylomorph from the late Albian‐Cenomanian Kem Kem group of Morocco. The cranial endocast, associated nerves and arteries, endosseous labyrinths, and cranial pneumatization, as well as the bones of the braincase of a new specimen, are reconstructed and compared with extant and fossil crocodylomorphs, which represent different lifestyles. Cranial bones of this specimen are identified as belonging to Hamadasuchus, with close affinities with Rukwasuchus yajabalijekundu, another peirosaurid from the 'middle' Cretaceous of Tanzania. The endocranial structures are comparable to those of R. yajabalijekundu but also to baurusuchids and sebecids (sebecosuchians). Paleobiological traits of Hamadasuchus, such as alert head posture, ecology, and behavior are explored for the first time, using quantitative metrics. The expanded but narrow semi‐circular canals and enlarged pneumatization of the skull of Hamadasuchus are linked to a terrestrial lifestyle. Continuing work on the neuroanatomy of supposedly terrestrial crocodylomorphs needs to be broadened to other groups and will allow to characterize whether some internal structures are affected by the lifestyle of these organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Réunion harrier is an endemic raptor on Réunion Island. Several threats endanger its population, poisoning by rodenticides being considered as the main one currently. No information is available on its exposure to other chemicals notably trace metal elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd). The Réunion harrier is still a victim of poaching nowadays. When shooting is not lethal, animals may carry embedded shot in their body and thus be exposed to toxic level of Pb as demonstrated for other raptors. Moreover, recent monitoring suggests a decrease of its breeding success over time. It is known that Hg and Cd could impair reproduction and disturb embryo development in birds. The aim is to measure metal concentrations in the tissues of 30 carcasses of harrier collected from 2016 to 2021. Lead was analyzed in the liver and humerus, while Hg and Cd were measured in livers. Concentrations were compared to toxicological reference values. Overall, the Réunion harrier was not exposed to toxic levels of Pb or Cd. For Hg, 53% of the individuals have residues higher than the threshold compatible with oxidative stress, and 13% have liver concentrations above those compatible with reproduction impairment. A positive correlation was found between the proportion of urban habitat in a 55 km2 area centered on the location where the harrier was found and the concentration of Hg in the liver. We conclude that Hg exposure could be a threat for the Réunion harrier population and recommend monitoring the exposure of the most sensitive stages, i.e., embryos and nestlings, to this metal with non-invasive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether pet owners experience higher psychological wellbeing compared with non-pet owners remains contested. Going beyond a comparison of pet vs. non-pet owners, the current study investigated the nature of the psychological link that operates between humans and pets and tested which specific psychological factors, experienced specifically in the human–pet relationship, predict pet owners' psychological wellbeing. The following factors were put to the test: Unconditional support and acceptance, mindfulness, and social connections with fellow humans. Data from a diverse sample of Canadian pet owners (n = 1,220) were analyzed. Mindfulness felt in the presence of one's pet predicted more positive wellbeing on each wellbeing outcome. Perceiving that one's pet encourages social connections with fellow humans and accepts us unconditionally also predicted more positive wellbeing on some of the wellbeing outcomes. In contrast, feeling authentic in one's relationship with a pet predicted lower wellbeing, while perceiving that pets are less accepting of one's negative emotions predicted higher wellbeing. Most of these associations held when accounting for the impact of these psychological factors when they are experienced in the context of human–human relations. These findings confirm the importance of investigating the nature of our psychological links to other animals, namely pets; they also provide nuances regarding the specific benefits associated with pet ownership and how the presence of pets can be beneficial to human wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary plasma cell leukemia (sPCL) is a rare form of aggressive plasma cell malignancy arising mostly at end-stage refractory multiple myeloma and consequently presenting limited therapeutic options. We analyzed 13 sPCL for their sensitivity to BH3 mimetics targeting either BCL2 (venetoclax) or BCLXL (A1155463) and showed that 3 sPCL were efficiently killed by venetoclax and 3 sPCL by A1155463. Accordingly, BH3 profiling of 2 sPCL sensitive to BCLXL inhibition confirmed their high BCLXL primed profile. While targeting BCLXL using BH3 mimetics induces platelets on-target drug toxicity, the recent development of DT2216, a clinical-stage BCLXL proteolysis targeting chimera PROTAC compound, provides an alternative strategy to target BCLXL. Indeed, DT2216 specifically degrades BCLXL via VHL E3 ligase, without inducing thrombocytopenia. We demonstrated in human myeloma cell lines and sPCL that sensitivity to DT2216 strongly correlated with the sensitivity to A1155463. Interestingly, we showed that low doses of DT2216 (nM range) were sufficient to specifically degrade BCLXL after 48 hours of treatment, consistent with VHL expression, in all cell lines but irrespectively to DT2216 sensitivity. In myeloma cells, DT2216 induced apoptotic cell death and triggered BAX and BAK activation. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that patients with sPCL addicted to BCLXL, a small but a very challenging group, could potentially receive therapeutic benefit from DT2216. Clinical trials of DT2216 in this subset of sPCL patients are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In nursing homes, where residents are at elevated risk for malnutrition, the specific additive effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on weight loss has not yet been adequately evaluated. This study aimed to determine the factors independently associated with weight loss in nursing home residents who survived the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not. Methods: This research was a retrospective study conducted in three nursing homes. Residents who survived the first French COVID-19 lockdown (March to May 2020) were included, provided their weight records were available. Baseline data included the body mass index (BMI), capacity to self-feed, need for texture-modified food, disability, and legal guardianship status. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on the results of a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate associations between resident characteristics, COVID-19 status, and at least 5% weight loss. Results: Of the 316 included residents (72% female, mean age of 88 years, 48% severely disabled, and 38% under legal guardianship), 111 (35%) contracted COVID-19 and 102 (32%) lost at least 5% of their body weight. No difference was observed between the baseline characteristics of residents subsequently affected or unaffected by COVID-19. In the univariate analysis, old age, severe disability, texture-modified food, the need for close mealtime supervision, and COVID-19 were significantly associated with at least 5% weight loss. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, COVID-19 (p = 0.02) and the need for close mealtime supervision (p = 0.02) were associated with weight loss in a model that also included age, BMI, texture-modified food, disability, and nursing home. Conclusion: For nursing home residents, COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for weight loss. Weight loss was most common in residents needing close mealtime supervision, suggesting that organizational issues may have affected the quality of the nutritional care provided during the lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoamines like serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline/noradrenaline (epinephrine/norepinephrine) act as neuromodulators in the nervous system. They play a role in complex behaviours, cognitive functions such as learning and memory formation, as well as fundamental homeostatic processes such as sleep and feeding. However, the evolutionary origin of the genes required for monoaminergic modulation is uncertain. Using a phylogenomic approach, in this study, we show that most of the genes involved in monoamine production, modulation, and reception originated in the bilaterian stem group. This suggests that the monoaminergic system is a bilaterian novelty and that its evolution may have contributed to the Cambrian diversification. Monoamines act as neuromodulators in the nervous system, but their evolutionary origins are unclear. Here, the authors examine the evolution of genes involved in monoamine production, and processing suggesting that the monoaminergic system evolved in the bilaterian stem-group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : People with obesity have varying degrees of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal dysfunction that affect aerobic exercise testing variables. Short time after bariatric surgery, these dysfunctions could affect both peak oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O2 peak), the gold standard for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and aerobic capacity evaluated with ventilatory threshold (VT1). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of bariatric surgery, i.e. before the resumption of physical activity, on submaximal, at VT1 and maximal cardiorespiratory responses in middle-aged women with severe obesity. Materials and Methods: Thirteen middle-aged women with severe obesity (age: 36.7 ± 2.3 years; weight: 110.5 ± 3.6 kg, BMI: 41.8 ± 1.1 kg/m2) awaiting bariatric surgery participated in the study. Four weeks before and 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance. The participants performed an incremental cycling test to V ˙ O2 peak. Results: After bariatric surgery, all body composition parameters were reduced, absolute V ˙ O2 peak and peak workload decline with a lower VT1. Relative V ˙ O2 at peak and at VT1 (ml/min/kg or ml/min/kg of FFM) remained unchanged. Ventilation was lower after bariatric surgery during exercise with no change in cardiac response. Conclusion: Our results showed that weight loss alone at short-term after bariatric surgery decreased CRF as seen by a decrease in absolute V ˙ O2 peak, and peak workload with lower VT1, whereas relative V ˙ O2 (ml/min/kg or ml/min/kg of FFM) during exercise remained unchanged in women with obesity. Rapid FFM loss affects cardiorespiratory responses at submaximal and maximal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hépato-Gastro & Oncologie Digestive is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gentle algebras are in bijection with admissible dissections of marked oriented surfaces. In this paper, we further study the properties of admissible dissections and we show that silting objects for gentle algebras are given by admissible dissections of the associated surface. We associate to each gentle algebra a line field on the corresponding surface and prove that the derived equivalence class of the algebra is completely determined by the homotopy class of the line field up to homeomorphism of the surface. Then, based on winding numbers and the Arf invariant of a certain quadratic form over Z 2 , we translate this to a numerical complete derived invariant for gentle algebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk of small bowel neoplasia (SBN). We aimed to assess preoperative predictors of SBN in CD patients. We conducted a retrospective case-control study including CD patients who underwent surgery: cases were diagnosed with SBN on histopathological analysis in 12 tertiary centres and controls had no neoplasia. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging was reviewed by a panel of blinded expert radiologists. Fifty cases were matched to one hundred and fifty consecutive controls. Old age, long small bowel CD duration, and stricture predicted the presence of SBN, particularly adenocarcinoma when patients have digestive wall thickening > 8 mm on preoperative imaging. Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk of small bowel neoplasia (SBN). We aimed to assess preoperative predictors of SBN in CD patients. We conducted a retrospective case-control study including CD patients who underwent surgery: cases were diagnosed with SBN on histopathological analysis and controls had no neoplasia. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging was reviewed by a panel of blinded expert radiologists. Fifty cases were matched to one hundred and fifty consecutive controls. In multivariable analysis, predictors of SBN were age ≥ 50 years (OR = 28, 95% CI = 5.05–206), median CD duration ≥ 17.5 years (OR = 4.25, 95% CI = 1.33–14.3), and surgery for stricture (OR = 5.84, 95% CI = 1.27–35.4). The predictors of small bowel adenocarcinoma were age ≥ 50 years (OR = 5.14, 95% CI = 2.12–12.7), CD duration ≥ 15 years (OR = 5.65, 95% CI = 2.33–14.3), and digestive wall thickening > 8 mm (OR = 3.79, 95% CI = 1.45–11.3). A predictive score based on the aforementioned factors was constructed. Almost 73.7% of patients with a high score had SBA. Old age, long small bowel CD duration, and stricture predicted the presence of SBN, particularly adenocarcinoma when patients have digestive wall thickening > 8 mm on preoperative imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Movement & Sport Sciences / Science & Motricité is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Dinosaur eggshell fragments attributed to the oofamilies Spheroolithidae and Prismatoolithidae and recovered from the latest Cretaceous Kakanaut Formation of North-eastern Russia (Chukotka) constitute one of the northernmost records of dinosaur reproductive behaviors. The high palaeolatitude of the locality (~75° N), as well as the cool near-polar climate, where summer temperatures only averaged 20 °C during the warmest month, dark near-freezing winters and egg incubation that could have lasted several months, raise questions about dinosaur reproductive strategies, particularly in terms of the timing of egg laying. In order to investigate seasonal aspects of Kakanaut dinosaur reproductions, carbonate from eggshell fragments have been analyzed for their oxygen and carbon isotope compositions, along with the oxygen and carbon isotope compositions of apatite phosphate and structural carbonate of associated theropod, hadrosaur and ankylosaur teeth as well as lepisosteid fish scales. Stable oxygen and carbon isotope compositions of eggshells from the Kakanaut Formation together with those of associated adult dinosaur teeth and fish scales reveal differences in mineralization timing between eggshells and teeth and show that eggs were laid at the very beginning of spring when snowmelt drained from nearby highlands. We propose that Kakanaut dinosaurs laid their eggs at the very beginning of spring in order to accommodate an incubation period that lasted several months. This timing would also benefit from mild temperatures and increasing food availability when the eggs hatch, allowing the hatchlings to grow large enough to survive the next winter or perhaps follow adult animals in their migration southwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background and Aims: Dual blockade of BRAF and MEK kinases is a standard of care for metastatic V600E/K BRAF mutant melanoma. This study reports the first systematic description of colitis due to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Methods: We studied consecutive patients with melanoma, treated with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, who had colitis requiring hospitalisation. Electronic files were studied; endoscopic biopsies and colectomy specimens were read centrally. Results: Between January 2021 and March 2022, nine women and one man, aged 50–90 years, were studied. Nine patients received encorafenib and binimetinib; one patient received dabrafenib and trametinib. The main symptoms were diarrhoea, haematochezia, abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction. Blood tests showed anaemia, increased CRP and low serum albumin levels in most patients. All patients had ulcerations of the right colon with (2/10) or without (8/10) stenosis of the ileocecal valve, and 4/10 patients also had ulcerations distal to the right colon. Histopathological findings were suggestive of ischaemia and mild inflammation. Nine of the 10 patients discontinued BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Drugs were reintroduced in four patients, three of whom had a severe relapse of diarrhoea. Two patients required surgery and underwent intestinal resection. One patient died of enterocolitis. Conclusion: BRAF/MEK inhibitors can induce severe colitis characterised by ulcerations of the right colon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to learn and form memories allows animals to adapt their behavior based on previous experiences. Associative learning, the process through which organisms learn about the relationship between two distinct events, has been extensively studied in various animal taxa. However, the existence of associative learning, prior to the emergence of centralized nervous systems in bilaterian animals, remains unclear. Cnidarians such as sea anemones or jellyfish possess a nerve net, which lacks centralization. As the sister group to bilaterians, they are particularly well suited for studying the evolution of nervous system functions. Here, we probe the capacity of the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis to form associative memories by using a classical conditioning approach. We developed a protocol combining light as the conditioned stimulus with an electric shock as the aversive unconditioned stimulus. After repetitive training, animals exhibited a conditioned response to light alone—indicating that they learned the association. In contrast, all control conditions did not form associative memories. Besides shedding light on an aspect of cnidarian behavior, these results root associative learning before the emergence of NS centralization in the metazoan lineage and raise fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of cognition in brainless animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Data comparing tofacitinib and vedolizumab in ulcerative colitis (UC) are lacking. Aims: To compare the effectiveness of tofacitinib and vedolizumab in patients with UC who had prior exposure to anti‐TNF therapy Methods: In this multicentre study, we included consecutive patients with UC ≥18 years old with partial Mayo score >2 and prior anti‐TNF exposure, who started tofacitinib or vedolizumab between January 2019 and June 2021. Comparisons were performed using propensity score analyses (inverse probability of treatment weighting). Results: Overall, 126 and 178 patients received tofacitinib and vedolizumab, respectively. Intensified induction (vedolizumab infusion at week 10 or tofacitinib 10 mg b.d until week 16) was performed in 28.5% and 41.5% of patients, respectively. After propensity‐score analysis, corticosteroid‐free clinical remission (partial Mayo score ≤2) was achieved at week 16 in 45.1% and 40.2% of patients receiving tofacitinib and vedolizumab, respectively (aOR = 0.82 [0.35–1.91], p = 0.64). Endoscopic improvement (corticosteroid‐free clinical remission and endoscopic Mayo score ≤1) (aOR = 0.23[0.08–0.65], p = 0.0032) and histological healing (endoscopic improvement + Nancy histological index ≤1) (13.4% vs 3.2%, aOR = 0.21[0.05–0.91], p = 0.023) were higher at week 16 in patients treated with tofacitinib. No factor was predictive of tofacitinib effectiveness. At least one primary failure to a biologic (OR = 0.46[0.22–0.99], p = 0.049), partial Mayo score >6 (OR = 0.39[0.17–0.90], p = 0.029) and CRP level > 30 mg/L at baseline (OR = 0.08[0.01–0.85], p = 0.036) were associated with vedolizumab failure. Conclusion: Tofacitinib and vedolizumab are effective in UC after failure of anti‐TNF agents. However, tofacitinib seems more effective, especially in severe disease and primary failure to biologics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graft rejection is a critical risk in solid-organ transplantation. To decrease such risk, an understanding of the factors involved in low immunogenicity of liver allografts could potentially make it possible to transfer this tolerogenic property to other transplanted organs. HLA-G, a natural physiological molecule belonging to the Human Leukocyte Antigen class (HLA) Ib family that induces tolerance, is associated with fewer rejections in solid-organ transplantation. In contrast to HLA-G, HLA antigen incompatibilities between donor and recipient can lead to rejection, except in liver transplantation. We compared HLA-G plasma levels and the presence of anti-HLA antibodies before and after LT to understand the low immunogenicity of the liver. We conducted a large prospective study that included 118 patients on HLA-G plasma levels during a 12-month follow-up and compared them to the status of anti-HLA antibodies. HLA-G plasma levels were evaluated by ELISA at seven defined pre- and post-LT time points. HLA-G plasma levels were stable over time pre-LT and were not associated with patient characteristics. The level increased until the third month post-LT, before decreasing to a level comparable to that of the pre-LT period at one year of follow-up. Such evolution was independent of biological markers and immunosuppressive treatment, except with glucocorticoids. An HLA-G plasma level ≤ 50 ng/ml on day 8 after LT was significantly associated with a higher rejection risk. We also observed a higher percentage of rejection in the presence of donor specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) and an association between the increase in HLA-G plasma levels at three months and the absence of DSA. The low immunogenicity of liver allografts could be related to early elevated levels of HLA-G, which lead, in turn, to a decrease in anti-HLA antibodies, opening potential new therapeutic strategies using synthetic HLA-G proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconciling the use of space and the production of low‐carbon electricity is a key challenge in the face of changing human needs. In this context, floating photovoltaics (FPV) is proving to be a key application to colocate energy production with several activities (hydroelectricity and aquaculture). A major benefit of FPV technologies is the reduced module temperature. However, the causes of this thermal observation are still unknown. The density of the distribution of the floaters and the thermal behavior of the waterbody are two postulated roots that show positive correlations with regard to the module temperature. Therefore, there is interest in identifying precise thermal features in the application because the yield surplus promised in FPV technology is based on this cooling effect. This research aims to understand the heat mechanisms that arise in this application in comparison with ground‐mounted photovoltaics (PV). A special framework based on 1‐D thermal modeling and statistical classification of the results by dimensionless related features is proposed. This strategy offers a possibility to differentiate the influence of the thermal modes separately over the module temperature. First, a gain of 20% to 50% in the convective transfers is demonstrated for FPV compared with ground‐mounted applications. Data exploitation associates these gains with the forced convective effects of the wind blowing on the front of the modules. Gains in free convective transfers are associated to the airflow around the module rear face, reducing the phenomenon of thermal buffering. The framework also demonstrates that the emissivity‐based correlations for the radiative boundaries are in good agreement with the radiative phenomena involved in FPV. When convection preferentially cools down the module, the participating media nearby acts as a heat source, warming the installation. Thus, understanding these mechanisms in the FPV application would provide opportunities for improved temperature management through floats or array‐scale optimizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peirosaurids form an extinct clade of terrestrial crocodylomorphs from the Cretaceous of Africa and South America. Here, we describe a new mandibular ramus attributable to Hamadasuchus cf. rebouli from the Albian–Cenomanian of La Gara Samani (Algeria). We propose an emended diagnosis for this taxon, originally described from a left dentary fragment from the Kem Kem Group of Morocco and discuss the assignment of the specimens currently referred to it. Using ontogenetic series of extant crocodylians, we show that several mandibular characters commonly used to differentiate between close taxa instead record intraspecific or ontogenetic variability. In contrast, reliable mandibular characters enable us to propose that the current taxonomic content of Hamadasuchus rebouli should be reduced to three specimens, pending future description of relatable cranial remains. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of mandibular characters in phylogenies, by recovering the new specimen from La Gara Samani as closely related to North African peirosaurids on the basis of a data matrix designed solely on mandibular characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gériatrie et Psychologie Neuropsychiatrie du Vieillissement is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)