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Background: Papillary craniopharyngiomas harbor the BRAF V600E mutation, which paves the way for using BRAF inhibitor molecules to treat tumors refractory to standard therapies. Single case reports confirmed the efficacy of targeted therapy. However, most reports were limited by the short follow-up. We describe the long-term course of a patient treated with dual-agent BRAF and MEK inhibitors and review the available literature. Case report: A 75-year-old male patient had recurrence of a papillary craniopharyngioma after transsphenoidal surgery and Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Review of the pathologic specimen confirmed the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation. Because of the few therapeutic options, we decided to initiate BRAF/MEK inhibitor combined therapy for six months. Rapid reduction of the tumor occurred, but three months after quitting combined medical therapy the tumor recurred. BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy was resumed and the tumor again showed a marked reduction. The second course was maintained for 20 months and the tumor showed another recurrence within three months, which, again, responded to a third course of targeted therapy. Conclusions: Our study confirms the excellent response of papillary craniopharyngioma to combined BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, rapid tumor recurrence is the rule when medical therapy is stopped. Resistance to a second and third course of targeted therapy did not occur, suggesting that tumor mutations affecting the response to drugs seems an uncommon event in papillary craniopharyngioma. The exact role of targeted therapy in the treatment algorithm of papillary craniopharyngiomas has still to be refined.

Abstract:To assess the reception in the American Catholic Church of the significant shift in Catholic doctrine on Jews and Judaism since the promulgation of Nostra Aetate at Vatican II, a study was conducted of a dataset of thirty-two Catholic Good Friday homilies from a sermons database that the Pew Research Center collected from the Internet in 2019. Relying on conciliar and post-conciliar Catholic teaching documents and using deductive qualitative content analysis, the survey analyzed the texts based on their treatment of six issues: (1) the Jewish identity of Jesus and his disciples, (2) respect for the Jewish people and their religious heritage, (3) the role Jews had in Jesus’ passion and death, (4) the reading from the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, (5) the Pharisees, and (6) the gospel reading. The survey found that none of the homilies directly addressed the ahistorical, negative treatment of “the Jews” in John’s Gospel. None of the homilies commented on the Jewish identity of Jesus and his disciples. Only two homilies mentioned the Pharisees, one in a positive way and another in a negative way. As to respect for the Jewish people and their religious heritage, most homilists were silent on this matter, although some still trafficked in Jewish stereotypes, claiming, for example, that Jewish pride was evident at the crucifixion. As to Jewish responsibility for Jesus’ death, most homilists said that the sins of humanity brought Jesus to the cross, but some homilists still claimed that Jews were responsible for the crucifixion in direct contradiction to modern Church teaching. Of the homilists who referred to the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament, most read them in a typological way, not showing any concern for the texts in their historical context. As to the treatment of the Gospel of John, most homilists who commented on it showed little awareness of contemporary biblical scholarship, reading the text in a literalist way.

The article discusses the increasing severity of climate extremes and the emotional toll it takes on individuals, including the author. Despite efforts to reduce fossil fuel pollution, the growth of clean energy technologies may not be enough to prevent temperature increases beyond 1.5°C. The text highlights record-breaking climate events in 2023 and 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the climate crisis and create a more sustainable future. [Extracted from the article]

Tasks on multiple targets involve, to some extent, at least two capacity-limited classes of mechanisms: attentional individuation and visuo-spatial working memory (vWM). It is also known that these mechanisms tend to decline with aging. In this study, we hypothesized that if both mechanisms underlie the analysis of multiple objects, then training one task involving multiple objects should benefit other tasks requiring multiple object processing, regardless of task contents or instructions. In addition, we predicted that older adults would benefit more from the training protocol. To test these hypotheses, we trained two groups of young and older participants, one with a delayed match-to-sample (DMTS) task and one with rapid enumeration. Training effects (compared to test/re-test effects of a passive control group) were assessed on both DMTS and rapid enumeration. Results indicated a training-related benefit within and across tasks, regardless of age. Older adults’ gain from training was larger compared to the young counterpart. In addition, and irrespective of age, individual differences in baseline performance correlate with training outcomes, with compensatory activity likely occurring for low-performing individuals.

Cognitive dysfunctions are core-enduring symptoms of schizophrenia, with important sex-related differences. Genetic variants of the DTBPN1gene associated with reduced dysbindin-1 protein (Dys) expression negatively impact cognitive functions in schizophrenia through a functional epistatic interaction with Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Dys is involved in the trafficking of dopaminergic receptors, crucial for prefrontal cortex (PFC) signaling regulation. Moreover, dopamine signaling is modulated by estrogens via inhibition of COMT expression. We hypothesized a sex dimorphism in Dys-related cognitive functions dependent on COMT and estrogen levels. Our multidisciplinary approach combined behavioral-molecular findings on genetically modified mice, human postmortemDys expression data, and in vivo fMRI during a working memory task performance. We found cognitive impairments in male mice related to genetic variants characterized by reduced Dys protein expression (pBonferroni= 0.0001), as well as in male humans through a COMT/Dys functional epistatic interaction involving PFC brain activity during working memory (t(23) = −3.21; pFDR= 0.004). Dorsolateral PFC activity was associated with lower working memory performance in males only (p= 0.04). Also, male humans showed decreased Dys expression in dorsolateral PFC during adulthood (pFDR= 0.05). Female Dys mice showed preserved cognitive performances with deficits only with a lack of estrogen tested in an ovariectomy model (pBonferroni= 0.0001), suggesting that genetic variants reducing Dys protein expression could probably become functional in females when the protective effect of estrogens is attenuated, i.e., during menopause. Overall, our results show the differential impact of functional variants of the DTBPN1gene interacting with COMT on cognitive functions across sexes in mice and humans, underlying the importance of considering sex as a target for patient stratification and precision medicine in schizophrenia.

Le sommeil de l’adolescent présente des caractéristiques particulières liées à des facteurs biologiques spécifiques à l’adolescence, des facteurs liés à la socialisation très importante à cette période de la vie, aux modifications des comportements, notamment avec l’utilisation des écrans le soir, à l’organisation scolaire, et à la fragilité de la personnalité à cet âge. Le sommeil est insuffisant pour 30 à 40 % des jeunes et s’accompagne d’une irrégularité horaire entre la semaine et les jours de repos qui réalise un vrai jet-lag social répété toutes les semaines et génère une somnolence le lendemain. Les conséquences sont à la fois à court terme : troubles cognitifs et altération des performances scolaires, troubles de la mémoire, troubles de l’humeur, irritabilité, baisse de la tolérance au glucose. À long terme, les conséquences visibles touchent une moins bonne régulation du poids avec plus d’obésité, une plus grande fragilité sur le plan immunologique. Sur le plan cardiovasculaire, les conséquences mettront plus de temps pour être visibles. Les possibilités d’amélioration se situent du côté des parents qui peuvent être plus attentifs et encadrants, notamment sur l’usage des écrans : pas plus de 2h le soir et jamais dans la nuit. Du coté de l’école, ce serait d’éviter des prises de cours manifestement trop précoce, et de favoriser une éducation au sommeil dès le plus jeune âge.

Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) has unique pathogenic and clinical features with worse prognosis than other causes of heart failure (HF), despite the fact that patients with CCC are often younger and have fewer comorbidities. Patients with CCC were not adequately represented in any of the landmark HF studies that support current treatment guidelines. PARACHUTE-HF (Prevention And Reduction of Adverse outcomes in Chagasic Heart failUre Trial Evaluation) is an active-controlled, randomized, phase IV trial designed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan 200 mg twice daily vs enalapril 10 mg twice daily added to standard of care treatment for HF. The study aims to enroll approximately 900 patients with CCC and reduced ejection fraction at around 100 sites in Latin America. The primary outcome is a hierarchical composite of time from randomization to cardiovascular death, first HF hospitalization, or relative change from baseline to week 12 in NT-proBNP levels. PARACHUTE-HF will provide new data on the treatment of this high-risk population. (Efficacy and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan Compared With Enalapril on Morbidity, Mortality, and NT-proBNP Change in Patients With CCC [PARACHUTE-HF]; NCT04023227)

Free amino acid (FAA) is the important component of vinegar that influences quality perception and consumer acceptance. FAA is one of the major metabolites produced by microorganisms; however, the microbial metabolic network on FAA biosynthesis remains unclear. Through metagenomic analysis, this work aimed to elucidate the roles of microbes in FAA biosynthesis during Monascusrice vinegar fermentation. Taxonomic profiles from functional analyses showed 14 dominant genera with high contributions to the metabolism pathways. The metabolic network for FAA biosynthesis was then constructed, and the microbial distribution in different metabolic pathways was illuminated. The results revealed that 5 functional genera were closely involved in FAA biosynthesis. This study illuminated the metabolic roles of microorganisms in FAA biosynthesis and provided crucial insights into the functional attributes of microbiota in vinegar fermentation.

Although several strategies can be used for pasture recovery, pasture degradation remains an issue in Brazilian cattle raising. The use of shrub legumes can change the environment (microclimate and water consumption) and productive potential of the pasture. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two pasture recovery strategies on the microclimate, soil water dynamics, and forage accumulation of tropical pastures. The research was conducted between 2020 and 2022 in signalgrass (Urochloa[syn. Brachiaria] decumbensStapf cv. Basilisk) pastures managed under continuous and variable stocking rate throughout the experimental period in São Carlos, SP, Brazil. Three production systems were assessed: 1) degraded pasture without N fertilization (DEG); 2) recovered pasture with application of 200 kg N-urea ha−1yr−1(REC); and 3) recovered pasture by intercropping with pigeon pea (Cajanus cajanL. Millsp. cv. BRS Mandarim) (MIX). Soil moisture in the 0–60 cm layer and microclimate, which included photosynthetically active radiation and the animal thermal comfort index, were assessed. The vegetative and productive characteristics of pastures, as well as the total mass production of the production systems, were also evaluated. Overall, intercropping pigeon pea plants with tropical pasture did not significantly affect the soil water content or the animal thermal comfort index. However, it did alter the transmission of photosynthetically active solar radiation to the pasture (0%‒65%) and decreased wind speed (0%‒60%). During the 2 yr, the pigeon pea exhibited a great forage accumulation potential (12 615 kg·ha−1·yr−1). Additionally, pigeon pea provided high-quality forage available during the dry season. Forage accumulation increased in both pasture recovery strategies (REC and MIX), with a significantly greater amount of crude protein (CP) content in the MIX. Intercropping tropical pastures with pigeon pea can be used as a strategy for pasture recovery and dry season forage supplementation.

The article discusses the growing division in the United States and the potential for civil war or secession. It cites polling data that shows support for secession and expectations of national breakdown. The author explores the dangers of seeking domination and the need for unity in a diverse nation. The article also reviews books that delve into the potential for secession and offers perspectives from both progressive and conservative authors. Overall, the article highlights the deep divisions in the country and the need for peaceful resolution. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the significance of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., highlighting Abraham Lincoln's impact on the United States as the father of the modern American republic. It discusses the potential outcomes if Lincoln had not succeeded in preserving the Union and emphasizes the importance of American citizenship and leadership in areas like sustainability and global cooperation. The article also examines Lincoln's speeches, particularly the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, to understand his vision for the nation. The author reflects on their visit to various memorials in Washington D.C., including the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, and discusses the historical events and struggles these memorials represent. Additionally, the author addresses current global challenges like climate change and energy stress, calling for collective efforts to create a better world for future generations. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the ongoing climate crisis and the urgent need for action. It highlights the historical context of the issue, including the 1988 announcement by Jim Hansen about human-caused global warming. The article also mentions recent extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, that have been linked to climate change. It emphasizes the record levels of fossil fuel use and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, as well as the increasing global temperatures. The article calls for massive reductions in fossil fuel use and a shift towards renewable energy sources, along with changes in consumption and lifestyles. It suggests that a generational shift and disruptive action may be necessary to bring about the needed changes. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of cooperation and community-building in addressing the climate crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Our objective was to examine referral patterns for people with musculoskeletal complaints presenting to Australian general practitioners (GPs). This longitudinal analysis from the Population Level Analysis Reporting (POLAR) database includes 133,279 patients with low back (≥18 years old) or neck, shoulder, and/or knee (≥45 years old) complaints seen by 4,538 GPs across 269 practices from 2014 through 2018. Referrals to allied health and medical and/or surgical specialists were included. We determined the number of patients with referrals and GPs who made referrals and examined their timing, associations, and trends over time. A total of 43,666 patients (33%) received and 3,053 GPs (67%) made at least one referral. Most referrals were to allied health (n = 25,830, 19%), followed by surgeons (n = 18,805, 14%). Surgical referrals were higher for knee complaints (n = 6,140, 24%) compared with low back, neck, and shoulder complaints (range 8%–15%). The referral category varied predominantly by body region followed by gender, socioeconomic status, and primary health network. Time to allied health referral ranged between median (interquartile range [IQR]) 14 days (0–125 days) for neck complaints and 56 days (5–177 days) for knee complaints. Surgical referrals occurred sooner for those with knee complaints (15 days, IQR 0–128 days). There was a 2.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9%–2.4%) annual increase in the proportion of allied health referrals and a 1.9% (95% CI 1.6%–2.1%) decrease in surgical referrals across all sites. One‐third of patients receive, and two‐thirds of GPs make, referrals for musculoskeletal complaints. Understanding the reasons for referral and differences between GPs who refer more and less frequently may identify factors that explain variations in practice.

Whether introduced into a completely novel habitat or slowly expanding their current range, the degree to which animals can efficiently explore and navigate new environments can be key to survival, ultimately determining population establishment and colonization success. We tested whether spatial orientation and exploratory behavior are associated with non-native spread in free-living bank voles (Myodes glareolus, N= 43) from a population accidentally introduced to Ireland a century ago. We measured spatial orientation and navigation in a radial arm maze, and behaviors associated to exploratory tendencies and risk-taking in repeated open-field tests, at the expansion edge and in the source population. Bank voles at the expansion edge re-visited unrewarded arms of the maze more, waited longer before leaving it, took longer to start exploring both the radial arm maze and the open field, and were more risk-averse compared to conspecifics in the source population. Taken together, results suggest that for this small mammal under heavy predation pressure, a careful and thorough exploration strategy might be favored when expanding into novel environments.

In this article from CounterPunch, the author discusses the recent wave of student protests in support of Gaza at universities across the United States and other countries. The protests have resulted in over 1,000 student arrests and have been met with violent police crackdowns. The author highlights the contrast between the genocidal actions in Gaza and the justifications given by university administrators for the crackdowns. The involvement of Jewish students in the protests is particularly notable, as it challenges the pro-Israel narrative. The author suggests that the protests may have a significant impact, as seen in past movements such as the Vietnam War protests. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of compassion and supporting the students in their activism. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the revolution of empathy taking place on college campuses and in encampments around the world. Students are rising up to protest the genocide in Palestine and calling on their institutions to divest from Israel and corporations that support it. The crackdown on these protests by university administrators and police reflects the challenge they pose to the dominant narrative. The article also highlights the importance of social media in shaping the narrative and mentions comments by Palantir CEO Alex Karp and Senator Mitt Romney regarding the impact of social media on public opinion. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for empathy and peaceful coexistence in order to address the injustices in the world. [Extracted from the article]

Slow pyrolysis of a pellet of pistachio waste was studied using a macro-thermogravimetric analysis. Experiments were conducted at different heating rates (5, 10, and 15 K/min), measuring the evolution of mass weight loss and CO release. Based on a dimensionless number analysis, a numerical model was formulated, comprising heat and mass balances. A kinetic expression for the release of CO was proposed. Additionally, a 3-E (environmental, exergetic, and energetic) analysis for the processing of 20 kg/h of bio-waste (case study) was applied. Experimental results showed that biochar and gas yields decreased with an increase in the heating rate (43 to 36% and 28 to 24%, respectively), while the bio-oil yield increased (29 to 40%). The slow pyrolysis model presented a good agreement with experimental results of weight loss. Furthermore, a comparison with the contracting volume model showed that internal heat transport should control the global process. The proposed kinetic model for CO release showed a good fit to experimental data, where activation energy values were 29.88 (5 K/min), 17.44 (10 K/min), and 28.79 kJ/mol (15 K/min). Finally, from the 3-E analysis and the experimental results, it can be suggested that an increase in the heating rate resulted in a higher pyrolysis exergetic efficiency (70%). It is due to an increase in the bio-oil yield with high-energy content.

To identify components of an online education intervention to improve preference for, and uptake of, long‐acting reversible contraception in women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD). Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have greater rates of unintended pregnancies than those born locally and are less likely to use long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which are highly effective at reducing unintended pregnancy. Increasing the uptake of LARC in women from CALD backgrounds may reduce the burden of unintended pregnancy in this high‐risk group. An online education intervention has been shown to be effective at increasing preference for and uptake of LARC in young women. We aimed to describe what women from CALD backgrounds thought were the potentially effective components of an online education intervention to increase preference for, and uptake of, long‐acting reversible contraception. This qualitative study involved semi‐structured interviews with six Australian English‐speaking women from each of Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern cultural backgrounds. Women were recruited through targeted Facebook advertising. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis. A total of 18 participants were interviewed. We have demonstrated the importance of messages tailored to cultural values, translating the video, widening the target audience to both men and women and using specific social media platforms. For all women, the video needs to highlight the covertness of contraceptive methods, alongside stating cost and approach to access. For Indian women, the video needs to highlight the effect of LARC methods on the menstrual period for Indian women and include basic information on women's health. For Middle Eastern women the video should be explicit about LARC not equating to abortion and emphasise the low efficacy of natural contraceptive methods. For Chinese women, the video should address the misconception that hormones damage the body. Regarding delivery of the video, it should be translated and delivered by a female doctor from the same culture. For Chinese women, the video should include women from the same culture sharing anecdotes and use WeChat and Chinese schools as a platform for dissemination. For Middle Eastern and Indian women government websites should be used for dissemination. The video should be made available to all decision‐makers in the reproductive planning process including male partners of Middle Eastern women, parents and peers of Chinese women, and for Indian women the male partner, family, and community leaders. There is a wide range of cultural adaptations that can be made to the online education videos about LARCs to improve uptake of LARCs and hence reduce the burden of unintended pregnancy in women from CALD grounds. Our findings will be used to modify an online education video about LARCs so that it is culturally appropriate for women from CALD backgrounds.

The article discusses the ongoing issue of healthcare in the United States and the movement towards universal healthcare at the state level. Despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, millions of Americans still lack health insurance and struggle to afford necessary medical care. Many states, including Oregon and California, are taking steps towards implementing single-payer healthcare systems, but federal waivers are required to pool funds from Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurance programs. In Washington state, grassroots organizations like Whole Washington are working to build support for a universal healthcare initiative through town meetings and community organizing. The article emphasizes the importance of local action in addressing systemic failures in healthcare and building a future with affordable and accessible healthcare for all. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACTIntroductionSuicidal behavior is relatively frequent in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and constitutes their most frequent cause of death. Suicide rates remain high in patients with BD despite adherence to guidelines recommending lithium as first line, and/or antidepressants, antipsychotics, psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and electroconvulsive therapy. Hence the need to identify more effective and rapid anti-suicide interventions.Areas coveredTo tackle the unmet needs of pharmacotherapy, we investigated the PubMed database on 24–25 January 2024 using strategies like (‘acute suicid*’[ti] OR ‘suicide crisis syndrome’ OR ‘acute suicidal affective disturbance’) AND (lithium[ti] OR clozapine[ti]), which obtained 3 results, and (‘acute suicid*’[ti] OR ‘suicide crisis syndrome’ OR ‘acute suicidal affective disturbance’) AND (ketamine[ti] OR esketamine[ti] OR NMDA[ti] OR glutamat*[ti]), which yielded 14 results. We explored glutamatergic abnormalities in BD and suicide and found alterations in both. The noncompetitive NMDS antagonist ketamine and its S-enantiomer esketamine reportedly decrease acute suicidality.Expert opinionIntranasal esketamine or subcutaneous ketamine, single-bolus or intravenous, and possibly other glutamate receptor modulators may improve suicidal behavior in patients with unipolar and bipolar depression. This may be achieved through prompt remodulation of glutamate activity. The correct use of glutamatergic modulators could reduce acute suicidality and mortality in patients with BD.

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we use the essential dichotomy between independent venture capital (IVC) and corporate venture capital (CVC) to investigate the investment mechanisms that lead venture-backed companies to take different successful exit routes, that is, an initial public offering (IPO) or an acquisition. Through an analysis of a sample of 4206 US companies, we find that CVC-backed companies have a longer investment duration and a larger investment amount than IVC-backed companies. Our analysis reveals that geographic distance and industry-relatedness are influential for the success of the company. We show that industry-relatedness is more likely to lead to an acquisition exit while geographic proximity rather fosters IPO exits.

Background: Catheter implantation techniques for peritoneal dialysis (PD) have advanced significantly in recent years. We aimed to analyze the survival and associated complications of catheters inserted using a new technique that is guided by ultrasound and fluoroscopy and requires minimal tissue dissection. The procedure was performed by nephrologists in the outpatient basis, we compared these results of the minimally invasive insertion with traditional implantation using trocars.Methods: A total of 152 PD catheters were placed in 152 patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease; 62.5% of the patients were men, with a mean age of 56.6 ± 18.5 years. The following two methods were used: minimally invasive insertion (MI group, n= 73) and trocar insertion (T group, n= 79). Patients in both the groups were followed prospectively for 26 months from the date of the first implantation.Results: Gender, age, and prevalence of diabetes mellitus were not significantly different between the groups, while the body mass index, presence of obesity, and abdominal scars from previous surgeries were higher in the MI group (p= 0.021). The incidence of catheter dysfunction was lower in the MI group compared to group T (6.8% vs 20.3%; p= 0.019). Exit site infection was also lower with the new technique (4.1% vs. 18.9%; p= 0.005). Further, the cumulative incidence of peritonitis also reduced with MI (p= 0.034). Finally, the overall catheter survival at 1 year was 89%, which has been shown as higher in group MI (95% vs 82% in group T; p= 0.025).Conclusion: The MI technique for catheter insertion showed low complication rates and excellent catheter survival as compared to traditional implantation methods; thus, it may be an alternative method for PD catheter placement.

The article discusses multiple global crises that are currently taking place. It highlights the record-breaking temperatures and the continuous increase in global warming. The article also mentions the alarming decrease in Antarctic sea ice cover and the potential consequences it may have on weather patterns and ocean currents. Additionally, it addresses the escalating conflicts between major world powers and the risk of nuclear war. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of not losing hope and working towards building a future centered on community and the common good. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the systemic roots of the converging crises facing the world today, particularly focusing on the climate crisis and ecological overshoot. It emphasizes the need for transformative change in economic and political systems to address these issues. The article also highlights the accumulation of wealth among the top 1% and record military spending as indicators that the world is moving in the wrong direction. It suggests that restoring the common good and rebuilding communities are essential for creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The article proposes leveraging local and subnational governments, creating community assemblies, and establishing public banking systems as strategies for transformative change. [Extracted from the article]