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Faith and Indigenous healing ceremonies offer spiritually oriented interventions that maintain client wellness or mitigate client existential, biopsychosocial, or spiritual distress. Mental health practitioners of all identities may ethically apply ceremony-assisted treatments with Native and non-Native populations. Three such interventions are described in this article, drawn from Indigenous traditions as practiced personally and professionally by the first and third authors. Directives for use, including populations appropriate for application, adaptations, ethical considerations, and culturally responsive competency considerations, are included.

Lydia Cassard,1 Noelle Seraly,2 Maureen Riegert,3 Aditi Patel,4 Anthony P Fernandez5 1Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; 2Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; 3Department of Dermatology, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA; 4Department of Rheumatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; 5Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USACorrespondence: Anthony P Fernandez, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue; A61, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA, Email fernana6@ccf.orgAbstract: Dermatomyositis is a heterogeneous idiopathic inflammatory myopathy associated with various cutaneous manifestations and variable presence of myositis, interstitial lung disease, and other visceral organ involvement. An accurate diagnosis of dermatomyositis requires correlating clinical examination findings with serological and histological findings. Familiarity with pathognomonic and common cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis, which are highlighted here, can be especially helpful in making an accurate diagnosis. Additionally, evaluating patients for presence of myositis-specific autoantibodies can further support or refute a dermatomyositis diagnosis. When present, myositis-specific autoantibodies can also help guide workups for various dermatomyositis-associated manifestations, as each is associated with relatively distinct clinical characteristics. Evaluating patients for various systemic manifestations often relies on expert opinion recommendations; however, societal guideline statements concerning the evaluation of some manifestations have recently been described. Although malignancy-associated dermatomyositis is a well-accepted subtype, there is limited evidence to support extensive malignancy screening has a favorable benefit–risk ratio in most dermatomyositis patients. However, recent research has uncovered novel associations between dermatomyositis and malignancy, suggesting the possibility of identifying high-risk subsets of dermatomyositis patients in whom malignancy screening may have a high value. Treatment for dermatomyositis has remained largely unchanged over the past several decades. Although many dermatomyositis patients can be effectively treated with current options, either as monotherapy or with combination regimens, there is a need for more targeted and effective DM therapies, in general, and for MDA5(+) dermatomyositis-associated rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease. Fortunately, significant current and emerging research activities evaluating various novel medications for dermatomyositis provide hope for exciting future advances in patients with this intriguing immune-mediated disease.Keywords: idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, myositis, autoantibody, malignancy, MDA-5, treatment

Abstract Illegal bushmeat trade is a significant driver of the decline in wildlife populations within the tropics. Despite the intense trade of bushmeat in Cameroon, there is dearth or no official statistics on the kind of animals sold in the markets in most parts of Cameroon. To abridge this knowledge gap, an inventory of wild animals sold in local markets was carried out. The animal taxa sold within the markets were identified, and their abundance, class diversity and conservation status according to the IUCN Red List of threatened species and Cameroon wildlife classification were assessed. Semi‐structured questionnaires were randomly administered to 200 traders randomly selected in 16 markets. Multivariate analyses were used to compare the proportions of sold taxa among the markets and the proportions of taxa based on their conservation status. Results were summarized as shown below: (1) 476 individuals of animals were recorded, covering 47 taxa, 41 genera, 33 families, 18 orders and 3 classes from bushmeat vendors. (2) Mammals dominated the trade in all markets (by a mean of 74.3% per market), followed by reptiles (16.1%) and birds (9.5%) in terms of both abundance and diversity. (3) Cane rats (Thryonomyidae) and primates (Cercopithecidae) represented the highest proportions of animal specimens recorded. (4) The diversity of mammals sold was highest in Foumbot, followed by Bangangte, Bafousam and Bangoua as the main local markets, and lowest mammalian diversity was found in Batcham and Baham village markets. (5) The most often traded animal species belonged to the least concern category, followed by vulnerable, near threatened, endangered, and critically endangered. In general, we observed that less protected species by the IUCN Red List and Cameroon wildlife classification were often found in village markets and species with higher conservation value were often sold in city markets. Similarly, the main markets hosted the highest diversity of sold animals, especially mammals. The size of the human settlement together with its location nearby protected area and/or placement of the market by the main road are the main drivers determining numbers and diversity of sold animals, and further attention to government conservation activities should be focused on these markets.

The low survival rate of leverets may significantly contribute to steep population declines and slow recovery of European hares (Lepus europaeus). However, the leveret survival rate in farmlands with different landscape structures is poorly understood, and the existing evidence comes mainly from Western Europe. In this study, we explored the survival of leveret hare dummies along linear semi-natural habitats in homogeneous Central European arable farmland during the main part of the European hare reproduction period (March–April) in 2019 and 2020. The survival rate of hare leverets during the 14-day period was only 22.2%, and all predation events were recorded during the first six days of the experiment. Mammalian predators were responsible for 53.1% of predation events, avian predators for 40.8%, and agricultural operations for 6.1%. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was the dominant predator in our study area and was the primary cause of leveret dummy mortality (32.7%), but it also had the highest use-intensity and visit frequency of all of the study plots. Predation by avian predators was associated with patches of lower vegetation height and cover (such as plowed fields) and during daylight hours, whereas the opposite was true for mammalian predators. We propose that improving the habitat quality of arable landscapes by increasing the proportion and quality of extensively used non-farmed habitats (e.g., set-asides, wildflower areas, extensive meadows, fallow land, and semi-natural habitats on arable land) providing cover and shelter for leverets could be an effective management measure for reducing predation risk on leverets.

While family work is acknowledged as relevant in the care of eating disorders (EDs), not much literature has explored it in the period of transition from adolescence to young adulthood (16–18 to 30 y.o.). Yet this period is of significant importance in the prognosis and evolution of EDs; but its particular stakes require specific therapeutic settings–especially for inpatient EDs. In this paper, we start from the paradoxical observation that some families refuse this type of work in its usual form, with a family-dedicated therapist, and require to only exchange with the psychiatrist in charge of the treatment plan. We use a psychosomatic-informed psychoanalytic approach to shed light on this refusal as a latent denial of the contribution of family dynamics to the current symptom, and an unconscious tendency to stick to a dependency-laden family scheme. We then explain the conception of a specifically dedicated therapeutic setting, designed to address this specific type of resistance, offered to families as a therapeutic compromise designed to give them a specific position in the care of their child. In our joint therapeutic consultations, family dynamics are addressed on the basis of exchanges regarding treatment and in particular feeding. While such exchanges start from medical considerations, the therapeutic couple (psychiatrist-psychologist) uses them to address the parent and patient expectations underlying the symptom. We propose to call this act “inscription”; it enables a separation from the underlying dependency-oriented family scheme, while stressing the importance to care for associated parental anxieties.

Prognosis is generally poor for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, patients with germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations (gBRCAm) may benefit from first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and maintenance therapy with the poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib following at least 16 weeks of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy without disease progression. Germline breast cancer gene (BRCA) testing is therefore important to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment. In addition, testing for other DNA damage response gene mutations beyond gBRCAm may also guide treatment decisions. However, clinical pathways for genetic testing are often suboptimal, leading to delays in treatment initiation or missed opportunities for personalized therapy. Barriers to testing include low rates of referral and uptake, delays to referral and slow result turnaround times, cost, and biopsy and assay limitations if somatic testing is performed, leading to the requirement for subsequent dedicated germline testing. Low rates of referral may result from lack of awareness among physicians of the clinical value of testing, coupled with low confidence in interpreting test results and poor availability of genetic counseling services. Among patients, barriers to uptake may include similar lack of awareness of the clinical value of testing, anxiety regarding the implications of test results, lack of insurance coverage, fear of negative insurance implications, and socioeconomic factors. Potential solutions include innovative approaches to testing pathways, including ‘mainstreaming’ of testing in which BRCA tests are routinely arranged by the treating oncologist, with the involvement of genetic counselors if a patient is found to have a gBRCAm. More recently, the utility of multigene panel analyses has also been explored. Access to genetic counseling may also be improved through initiatives such as having a genetic counseling appointment for all new patient visits and telemedicine approaches, including the use of telephone consultations or DVD-assisted counseling. Educational programs will also be beneficial, and cost effectiveness is likely to improve as the number of targeted treatments increases and when the earlier detection of tumors in family members following cascade testing is considered.

Abstract Background Pathogenic variants in AXIN2 have been associated with tooth agenesis, colon polyps, and colon cancer. Given the rare nature of this phenotype, we set out to collect additional genotypic and phenotypic information. Methods Data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Sequencing was performed in these patients mostly due to diagnostic purpose. A little more than half of the AXIN2 variant carriers were identified by NGS; other six were family members. Results Here, we report 13 individuals with a heterozygous AXIN2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant who have a variable expression of oligodontia‐colorectal cancer syndrome (OMIM 608615) or oligodontia‐cancer predisposition syndrome (ORPHA 300576). Three individuals from one family also had cleft palate, which might represent a new clinical feature of AXIN2 phenotype, also given the fact that AXIN2 polymorphisms have been found in association with oral clefting in population studies. AXIN2 has already been added to multigene cancer panel tests; further research should be conducted to determine whether it should be added to cleft lip/palate multigene panels. Conclusion More clarity about oligodontia‐colorectal cancer syndrome, about the variable expression, and associated cancer risks is needed to improve clinical management and to establish guidelines for surveillance. We collected information about the surveillance that was advised, which might support clinical management of these patients.

Abstract Nest boxes represent a popular tool to support secondary cavity-nesting species. Surprisingly, the benefits and limitations of nest boxes for target species in different environments are poorly understood. We performed a 3-years experimental study in two different Central European forests to evaluate nest box use and breeding performance of boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) — a species well known for its readiness to occupy nest boxes. Based on territorial vocalisation, two boreal owl populations 200 km apart were similarly abundant in their environments. However, only the boreal owl population in young restored Norway (Picea abies) and blue (Picea pungens) spruce-dominated forests on mountain plateaus readily occupied nest boxes with the occupancy reaching 8–15%. Nest boxes lost their supporting function for the boreal owl in mature Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)-dominated forests in the lowland, where the nest box occupancy reached 0–1%. As a result, the population of boreal owls that used nest boxes in the young restored forests produced 10 times more fledglings than the population inhabiting mature Scots pine forests. We explain the differences by the contrasting availability of natural tree cavities between the two study areas being much higher in mature Scots pine forests. For the first time, this study documents differences in nest box use despite similar food availability and population size of the target species. The study provides the findings-related recommendations for deploying nest boxes for boreal owls and points out a general lack of practical guides.

Abstract We show that a proposal by Vishwakarma to realize conformal-covariance for the Weyl-Lanczos equation is nonviable.

The distribution of birds in the tropical mountains is important not only for testing fundamental scientific hypotheses, but also for bird conservation. In order to obtain knowledge on bird community structure within the tropical highland ecosystem, we used ground-to-canopy mist nets to assess bird species distribution along a vertical ground-to-canopy gradient for two elevational bands on Mount Cameroon. The study area included lowland forest (Drink Garri, 650 m a.s.l.) and montane forest (Mann’s Spring, 2200 m a.s.l.). We mist netted a total of 2658 individuals, including recaptures, belonging to 118 species from 50 genera. NLAG (net location above the ground), vegetation cover and locality significantly affected the bird communities. The composition of avian communities strongly differed between the two elevational bands. Species diversity considerably decreased with NLAG in both localities and increased with increased vegetation cover at the low elevation site. Species dietary guilds were significantly influenced by the seasonality, elevation, NLAG and vegetation cover. For most of the feeding guilds included in the study (frugivores, omnivores, insectivores, granivores and nectarivores), we found a negative correlation between the abundances and vegetation cover. Meanwhile, percentages of abundance of frugivores, nectarivores and omnivores showed a positive correlation with NLAG. We discuss the substantial changes in feeding guild structure along a vertical gradient and between two elevational bands. In conclusion, Mount Cameroon’s forest vegetation structure differs between two elevational bands and along vertical gradients from ground to canopy, considerably affecting the bird community structure.

ABSTRACT Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an opportunistic pathogen implicated in a wide variety of human infections including the ability to colonize the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The role of A. xylosoxidans in human pathology remains controversial due to the lack of optimized in vitro and in vivo model systems to identify and test bacterial gene products that promote a pathological response. We have previously identified macrophages as a target host cell for A. xylosoxidans-induced cytotoxicity. By optimizing our macrophage infection model, we determined that A. xylosoxidans enters macrophages and can reside within a membrane bound vacuole for extended periods of time. Intracellular replication appears limited with cellular lysis preceding an enhanced, mainly extracellular replication cycle. Using our optimized in vitro model system along with transposon mutagenesis, we identified 163 genes that contribute to macrophage cytotoxicity. From this list, we characterized a giant RTX adhesin encoded downstream of a type one secretion system (T1SS) that mediates bacterial binding and entry into host macrophages, an important first step toward cellular toxicity and inflammation. The RTX adhesin is encoded by other human isolates and is recognized by antibodies present in serum isolated from CF patients colonized by A. xylosoxidans, indicating this virulence factor is produced and deployed in vivo. This study represents the first characterization of A. xylosoxidans replication during infection and identifies a variety of genes that may be linked to virulence and human pathology. IMPORTANCE Patients affected by CF develop chronic bacterial infections characterized by inflammatory exacerbations and tissue damage. Advancements in sequencing technologies have broadened the list of opportunistic pathogens colonizing the CF lung. A. xylosoxidans is increasingly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in CF, yet our understanding of the bacterium as a contributor to human disease is limited. Genomic studies have identified potential virulence determinants in A. xylosoxidans isolates, but few have been mechanistically studied. Using our optimized in vitro cell model, we identified and characterized a bacterial adhesin that mediates binding and uptake by host macrophages leading to cytotoxicity. A subset of serum samples from CF patients contains antibodies that recognize the RTX adhesion, suggesting, for the first time, that this virulence determinant is produced in vivo. This work furthers our understanding of A. xylosoxidans virulence factors at a mechanistic level.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern in human and animal health. Public discussions on these issues have contributed to an increased demand for antibiotic-free food. Studies comparing the antimicrobial resistance profiles of bacteria in foodstuffs originating from farming systems with restrictions on the use of antimicrobials are scarce. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles of generic Escherichia coli isolated from whole chickens originating from farming systems with and without restrictions on the use of antimicrobials. For this purpose, three groups of E. coli strains were formed: (GC) from chickens reared in conventional production systems, without restriction on the use of antimicrobials (n=72); (GL) from chickens reared in farming systems certified as free of any antibiotic use (n=72); and (GO) from chickens from an organic farming system (n=72). Whole chicken units were individually rinsed as recommended by ISO 17604:2015, and E. coli was isolated from the rinse suspension. To evaluate the resistance profile, E. coli strains were tested against 12 antimicrobials using broth microdilution or disk diffusion tests. Eighty strains (40.7%) were found to be fully susceptible to the tested antimicrobials, and 23.6% were multidrug resistant. The highest frequencies of resistance were observed to tetracycline (GC=37,5%; GL=34,7%; GO=25%) and trimethoprim (GC=27,8%; GL=34,7%; GO=22,2%). In the case of multidrug resistant strains, GC presented 32% (n=23) of strains with multidrug resistance characteristics whereas the GL and GO groups presented 22% (n=16) and 17% (n=12), respectively. As for the totally susceptible strains, a frequency of 56% of Tsus strains was observed in the organic group, whereas this frequency was 33% in the GC and GL groups. Using GC as a reference, the Poisson regression model showed a higher occurrence of fully susceptible E. coli strains, as well as lower frequencies of multidrug resistance and resistance to ampicillin and nalidixic acid in GO. The GL group exhibited the lowest frequency of ampicillin resistance. These observations suggest that the lower selection pressure for antimicrobial use in the farming system may be reflected in the resistance profile of bacteria present in foodstuffs purchased by consumers.

Abstract Due to mainly opportunistic hunting behaviour of Barn owl can be its diet composition used for assessing local structure of small-mammal community. We evaluated the structure of small-mammal communities in the Mediterranean region by analysing Barn owl diet using own pellets and literature data (85 localities comprising 182,343 prey individuals). Contrary to widely accepted macroecological theory, we found a latitudinal increase of small-mammal alpha diversity, a less distinct west–east increase and lower diversity on islands. The mean prey weight decreased with increasing latitude, while on islands it decreased with increasing island area. The mean prey weight on islands was further negatively affected by mean land modification by human and positively affected by its range. The diet diversity on islands was not affected either by island area or its distance from the mainland. Its composition largely conformed to the main pattern pronounced over whole the region: an unexpected homogeneity of small-mammal community structure. Despite high beta diversity and large between-sample variation in species composition, Crocidura (+ Suncus etruscus) and murids (Apodemus, Mus, Rattus, in marginal regions partly replaced by gerbillids, Meriones or Microtus) composed more than 90% of owl prey in 92% of samples. Peak abundances of these widespread species are associated with a dynamic mosaic of dense patches of sparse herb vegetation and evergreen sclerophyllous shrublands interspersing areas of human activity, the dominant habitat of the inner Mediterranean and richest food resource for foraging Barn owls. The respective small-mammal species can be looked upon as invasive elements accompanying large scale human colonization of the region since the Neolithic and replacing original island biota. Our study documented that desertification of the Mediterranean played an important role in shaping inverse latitudinal gradient in diversity of small-mammals that contradicts to widely accepted mecroecological theory.

Compared with other learning strategies, retrieval practice seems to promote superior long-term retention. This has been found mostly in conditions where learners take tests after being exposed to learning content. However, a pre-testing effect has also been demonstrated, with promising results. This raises the question, for a given amount of time dedicated to retrieval practice, whether learners should be tested before or after an initial exposure to learning content. Our experiment directly compares the benefits of post-testing and pre-testing relative to an extended reading condition, on a retention test 7 days later. We replicated both post-testing (d = 0.74) and pre-testing effects (d = 0.35), with significantly better retention in the former condition. Post-testing also promoted knowledge transfer to previously untested questions, whereas pre-testing did not. Our results thus suggest that it may be more fruitful to test students after than before exposure to learning content.

Abstract Background Pathogenic AXIN2 variants cause absence of permanent teeth (hypodontia), sparse hair and eye brows (ectodermal dysplasia), and gastrointestinal polyps and cancer. Inheritance is autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. Only twenty- five patients have been reported from five families. A Mayo Clinic pilot program tested 3009 newly diagnosed cancer patients for pathogenic germline variants in 83 hereditary cancer genes, including AXIN2. We found only one patient with a pathogenic AXIN2 variant. Case presentation The proband was a 49 year-old female who came to Otolaryngology clinic complaining of right-sided nasal obstruction. Biopsy of identified nasal polyp revealed olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma). Surgical resection with gross, total tumor resection was followed by radiation therapy. The patient enrolled in a clinical pilot of genetic testing and a pathogenic variant in AXIN2, c.1822del (p.Leu608Phefs*81) (NM_004655.3) was found. She was seen in Medical Genetics clinic and found to have a personal history of hypodontia. Her eyebrows, hair, and nails were all normal. She underwent upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. A four mm gastric adenoma was found and removed. Conclusions This is the first case reported on a patient with a pathogenic, germline AXIN2 variant and an olfactory neuroblastoma or a gastric adenoma. We propose that these could be features of the AXIN2 phenotype. The known association between gastric adenomas and familial adenomatous polyposis, the other Wnt/beta-catenin disorder, supports the hypothesis that pathogenic AXIN2 variants increase risk as well. As the odds of a chance co-occurrence of a pathogenic AXIN2 variant and an olfactory neuroblastoma are so rare, it is worth exploring potential causation. We are building a clinical registry to expand understanding of the AXIN2 phenotype and request any clinicians caring for patients with pathogenic AXIN2 variants to contact us.

The CERN-MEDICIS (MEDical Isotopes Collected from ISolde) facility has delivered its first radioactive ion beam at CERN (Switzerland) in December 2017 to support the research and development in nuclear medicine using non-conventional radionuclides. Since then, fourteen institutes, including CERN, have joined the collaboration to drive the scientific program of this unique installation and evaluate the needs of the community to improve the research in imaging, diagnostics, radiation therapy and personalized medicine. The facility has been built as an extension of the ISOLDE (Isotope Separator On Line DEvice) facility at CERN. Handling of open radioisotope sources is made possible thanks to its Radiological Controlled Area and laboratory. Targets are being irradiated by the 1.4 GeV proton beam delivered by the CERN Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB) on a station placed between the High Resolution Separator (HRS) ISOLDE target station and its beam dump. Irradiated target materials are also received from external institutes to undergo mass separation at CERN-MEDICIS. All targets are handled via a remote handling system and exploited on a dedicated isotope separator beamline. To allow for the release and collection of a specific radionuclide of medical interest, each target is heated to temperatures of up to 2,300°C. The created ions are extracted and accelerated to an energy up to 60 kV, and the beam steered through an off-line sector field magnet mass separator. This is followed by the extraction of the radionuclide of interest through mass separation and its subsequent implantation into a collection foil. In addition, the MELISSA (MEDICIS Laser Ion Source Setup At CERN) laser laboratory, in service since April 2019, helps to increase the separation efficiency and the selectivity. After collection, the implanted radionuclides are dispatched to the biomedical research centers, participating in the CERN-MEDICIS collaboration, for Research & Development in imaging or treatment. Since its commissioning, the CERN-MEDICIS facility has provided its partner institutes with non-conventional medical radionuclides such as Tb-149, Tb-152, Tb-155, Sm-153, Tm-165, Tm-167, Er-169, Yb-175, and Ac-225 with a high specific activity. This article provides a review of the achievements and milestones of CERN-MEDICIS since it has produced its first radioactive isotope in December 2017, with a special focus on its most recent operation in 2020.

Although terrorist attacks in Europe have increasingly been carried out on cultural targets such as media institutions, concert halls and leisure venues, most research on media and terrorism draws conclusions based on traditional hard news stories rather than on journalism specialising in cultural issues. This study explores the distinctiveness of Swedish cultural journalism by comparing it to news journalism, using the 2015 terror attacks in Paris as a case study. Our content analysis reveals that whereas news journalism is mainly descriptive, focusing on the short-term consequences of terrorism, security frames and political elites and eyewitnesses as sources, cultural journalism is more interpretive, giving a voice first and foremost to “cultural elites”. The “cultural filter” put on this event means a focus on the longer term implications of terrorism and instead of engaging in the hunt for the perpetrators, there is greater emphasis on the societal dilemmas that terrorism accentuates, especially the democratic values that are at stake. However, our results also show that the ongoing “journalistification” of cultural journalism, as defined by a stronger prevalence of descriptive style, blurs the lines between news and cultural journalism.

Abstract Evaluation of the economic benefit of field development projects in the oil and gas industry is naturally subject to subsurface uncertainties and risks. While high economic returns from produced volumes compensated for the lack of robust uncertainty estimates in the past, lower margins in tight market conditions and more complex project designs require increased efforts in delivering reliable uncertainty estimates for improving reservoir management decision support in times to come. An increasing number of field development projects include rigorous uncertainty quantification workflows based on parameterized subsurface uncertainties. Estimation and reduction of prediction uncertainty has no value unless it can potentially influence a decision process. This requires an integrated workflow design across disciplines and a proper risk mitigation plan. This work presents the implementation of an uncertainty workflow in reservoir management with a focus on reservoir modeling and simulation. Practical workflow design steps and intermediate milestones are discussed for generating alternative reservoir model realizations including historical production data. Calibrated model realizations define the basis for prediction estimates of a predefined field development plan. Practical steps are discussed with application to a complex oil rim development for an existing reservoir with long production history. This study aimed at an uncertainty assessment of a field development plan and a proposal for optimized relocations of infill wells considering multiple geological realizations. In conclusion, this work describes examples, experiences, and recommendations for an industry implementation for a risk assessment of a field development plan under subsurface uncertainties.

Globally, forests are the most threatened habitats, especially due to tree logging and other disturbances caused mainly by humans [...]

Aim: To carry out an analysis of the latest research in the field of fire hazard lithium-ion cells, which are used in accumulator batteries of electric cars. Proceeding from the obtained results of the research, to determine the direction of the subsequent research in the field of fire safety of lithium-ion ac-cumulator batteries of electric cars. Methods: This work is based on the fundamental research of scientists from the US, China and other countries of the world, the results of which were presented in a variety of world scientific journals, conferences and national reports. Results: An analysis of literature sources has shown that research in the field of fire safety of lithium-ion batteries is carried out all around the world, as this technical device is constantly being modified and improved, as dictated by today's realities. The obtained research results show that the elementary lithium-ion cell contributes during combustion to the production of 6 to 10 kW of energy and a rather large number of dangerous combustion products, especially HF, POF3. Also, the results of the studies show unambiguously that the amount of energy released by lithium-ion cells supply as well as the amount of hazardous combustion products will depend on the degree of their charge. Fur-thermore, the shown research results unequivocally confirm that the amount of energy released by the lithium-ion battery depends on the degree of its charge. Based on the results of full-scale experiments, the average amount of water necessary to extinguish the battery of an electric car varies from 2500 to 6000 litres, which can exceed the amount of water carried by a single fire truck. The amount of thermal radiation at a distance of 1.5 meters from the model of a burning car with decor elements, is between 8.1 and 11.9 kW/m2. Labora-tory analysis of samples of water, used to extinguish a car, showed the presence of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) in concentrations 2–3 times higher and more than 100 times higher, than normal registered levels, respectively. No other corrosive or toxic compounds were found in the water samples. Conclusions: Subsequent work to investigate the fire safety of electric car accumulators and their supply elements can be devoted to conducting full-scale experiments on the extinguishing of real consumer electric cars. Followed by an assessment of the problems of access to batteries and the difficulty of their extinguishing, the risk of electric shock from the battery of an electric car and the possibility of using various extinguishing media should be explored. It is also very urgent to develop a mathematical model for the heating of a lithium-ion battery that takes into account the geometric shape of the element and its chemical composition.

Biomaterial-driven modulation of cell adhesion and migration is a challenging aspect of tissue engineering. Here, we investigated the impact of surface-bound microgel arrays with variable geometry and adjustable cross-linking properties on cell adhesion and migration. We show that cell migration is inversely correlated with microgel array spacing, whereas directionality increases as array spacing increases. Focal adhesion dynamics is also modulated by microgel topography resulting in less dynamic focal adhesions on surface-bound microgels. Microgels also modulate the motility and adhesion of Sertoli cells used as a model for cell migration and adhesion. Both focal adhesion dynamics and speed are reduced on microgels. Interestingly, Gas2L1, a component of the cytoskeleton that mediates the interaction between microtubules and microfilaments, is dispensable for the regulation of cell adhesion and migration on microgels. Finally, increasing microgel cross-linking causes a clear reduction of focal adhesion turnover in Sertoli cells. These findings not only show that spacing and rigidity of surface-grafted microgels arrays can be effectively used to modulate cell adhesion and motility of diverse cellular systems, but they also form the basis for future developments in the fields of medicine and tissue engineering.

Most of the tropical rainforests are subject to both anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) cause forest clearings within the tropics. This study was conducted at mid-elevations (1100–1700 m a.s.l.) in Mount Cameroon National Park. We assessed the difference in the structure of bird communities in the forest and areas located nearby affected by elephant activities. We used the point-count method; 22 points were established within each habitat. The vegetation was visually estimated within a 50 m radius surrounding each counting point. In total, 1603 birds from 85 species were recorded. The vegetation cover from 3 to 5 m at points with elephant activity was significantly lower compared to points without elephant activity. Bird species richness was significantly higher around points in pasture compared to points in intact forest. Habitat type and the percentage of vegetation layer from 3 to 5 m significantly impacted the bird community structure. The points in the pasture were especially characterized by the increased abundance of some open habitat species (e.g., Chubb’s Cisticola chubbi). Few studies have documented the effects of elephant activity on other species, although the effects are widely stated as important drivers of habitat diversity in tropical forests. In conclusion, disturbance caused by elephants leads to increased bird community diversity due to the increased heterogeneity of the environment, which documents the high importance of elephants as ecosystem engineers.

Introduction: Depressive symptoms predominate in the course of bipolar disorder (BD) and there is an urgent need to evaluate novel application of repurposed compounds that act on pre-specified treatment targets. Several lines of reasoning suggest that nitrous oxide (N2O) is an ideal medication to study as a potential treatment and as a strategy to identify the underlying pathophysiology of bipolar depression. N2O is a potent cerebral vasodilator and there is compelling evidence of reduced frontal cerebral blood flow (CBF; i.e. hypoperfusion) in depression. Therefore, N2O may increase CBF and thereby improve symptoms of depression. The goal of this randomized, double-blind trial is to study the effect of a single administration of N2O versus the active comparator midazolam on mood and CBF in adults with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Methods: Participants with BD-I/-II currently experiencing a major depressive episode will be randomized to one of two conditions (n = 20/group): 1) inhaled N2O plus intravenous saline, or 2) inhaled room air plus intravenous midazolam. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores will serve as the primary endpoint. CBF will be measured via arterial spin labelling magnetic resonance imaging. Conclusions: N2O is a potential novel treatment for bipolar depression, as it causes cerebral vasodilation. This proof-of-concept study will provide valuable information regarding the acute impact of N2O on mood and on CBF. If N2O proves to be efficacious in future larger-scale trials, its ubiquity, safety, low cost, and ease of use suggest that it has great potential to become a game-changing acute treatment for bipolar depression.

Background and study aims The demand for screening colonoscopy has continued to rise over the past two decades. As a result, the current workforce of gastroenterologists is unable to meet the needs for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Therefore, solutions are needed to improve this disparity, with non-physician endoscopists being a potential option. However, current literature on the performance of non-physicians in endoscopy is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of colonoscopy performed by three gastrointestinal fellowship-trained nurse practitioners (NPs). Methods This was a retrospective study performed at a single tertiary academic medical center. Colonoscopies performed by three gastrointestinal-specialized NPs after having completed training of at least 140 supervised colonoscopies were reviewed for analysis. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening purposes. Outcomes included colonoscopy quality indicators as defined by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy/American College of Gastroenterology Taskforce (ASGE/ACG) Taskforce. Results The study included 1,012 subjects (mean age 56.2 years, female 51.5 %, African American 73.9 %) who underwent screening colonoscopies by three NPs. Cecal intubation was successful in 997 subjects (98.5 %). Mean adenoma detection rate was 35.6 %. Mean withdrawal time was 18.9 minutes. There were no adverse events including colonic perforations or delayed post-polypectomy bleeding. Conclusions Three fellowship-trained NPs in colonoscopy in the United States satisfied the quality indicators proposed by the ASGE/ACG Task force, demonstrating that adequately trained NPs can perform colonoscopy safely and effectively. With the demand for colonoscopy exceeding the supply, non-physicians could be part of the solution to meet the demands for CRC screening.