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ABSTRACT Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion Conclusion This paper is aiming to present an experiment involving odontology students, teachers and pupils in elementary grades to investigate the potential benefits of co‐design activities to create preventive materials to promote oral health in schools.A total of, 110 fourth‐year students, 47 volunteers teachers and 698 pupils in Grades 1 and 2 participated in the study. This work led to the creation and distribution to teachers of appropriate tools on the dental health. We wanted to assess how the odontology students felt during this co‐design project. Each of them was asked to complete the same questionnaire twice, at the beginning and at the end of the project.Our results show that they consider that the children and their parents' knowledge of oral health is largely inadequate. Moreover, a large majority of them (75%) felt that their participation would have a positive impact on the children's future behaviour and on their own future professional practice.The students' participation in this experiment in co‐designing with teachers shows that offering odontology students a different kind of learning, along the lines of what is being done in the United Kingdom with service‐learning, can be beneficial both for them and for the end‐users.The participation of dental students in the specific educational training activity has a positive and significant impact of their mental representation and we can hope that the emergence of this paradigm of participatory design, also known as co‐creation, can lead to strong and lasting changes in health behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 14‐year‐old, female, blue‐fronted Amazon parrot was referred for episodes of regurgitation. The differential diagnosis mainly included bornavirus infection, infectious or traumatic ingluvitis, gastro‐oesophageal reflux, gastritis/enteritis, heavy metal poisoning, metabolic disease (severe hepatic or renal disease), coelomitis, digestive neoplasia, extra‐digestive masses, organomegaly or foreign body. No improvement was noted with symptomatic treatment. Radiographs, avian bornavirus polymerase chain reaction and serology, biochemistry, haematology, crop cytology and ultrasonography failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. Lethargy, weight loss and crop stasis after 1 month motivated computed tomography, which revealed focal thickening of the oesophageal wall. Fine‐needle aspiration under computed tomography guidance of the mass was non‐diagnostic, and the bird died during recovery from anaesthesia. Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathology. This case illustrates the benefit of advanced diagnostic imaging to investigate chronic refractory regurgitations and describes the use of computed tomography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration in an avian patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4‐month‐old male domestic shorthair cat with a 36‐h history of acute and progressive painful paraplegia was referred. The neurological examination was consistent with T3‒L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracolumbar region revealed an extradural mass at the level of T12‒T13 that caused moderate spinal cord compression. The cat underwent T12‒T13 dorsal laminectomy decompressive surgery, and its neurological signs improved shortly after surgery. A diagnosis of epidural spinal steatitis was reached based on histopathological examination of the compressive mass. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first description of the magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic findings of histopathologically confirmed idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation of epidural fat in a cat. Epidural idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous steatitis should be included as a possible differential diagnosis in young cats with acute and progressive T3‒L3 myelopathy signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synthetic protocol for the preparation of novel 3,4‐pyrrolidine‐fused β‐lactams was developed. The proposed 2,6‐diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan‐7‐one scaffolds were constructed through an amido group‐induced, potassium tert‐butoxide‐promoted intramolecular ring closure of 3‐acylamino‐4‐oxiranyl‐β‐lactams as the key reaction step. Alternatively, the desired cyclization was also effected by means of a scandium triflate‐mediated catalytic approach. In this way, a set of stereodefined 3,4‐pyrrolidine‐fused β‐lactams was synthesized, which were preliminary evaluated as β‐lactamase inhibitors. These first‐line biological assessments led to the identification of a 2‐benzoyl‐6‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐substituted diazabicyclo structure as an eligible starting point for further β‐lactamase inhibitor optimization studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant research efforts have been made to uncover links between biodiversity and biomass productivity in forest ecosystems. However, the causal link between these two ecosystem components, and the underlying mediation role of disturbance, are yet poorly understood for hyper‐diverse tropical forests, because multiple ecological mechanisms are sequentially or simultaneously in play, leading to contradictory results in observational studies.Here, we introduce a novel framework for inferring the expected effects of evolutionary diversity on biomass stocks and productivity within forest ecosystems using observational field data. This framework involves an analytical decomposition of stand biomass into three key components: the number of trees, the mean size of trees and the mean wood density. Through this approach, we can distinguish structure‐ and compositional‐based diversity effects, which likely have distinct ecological origins. We tested this framework in one of the oldest tropical forest experiments, where different levels of silvicultural disturbances were applied in the 1980s, with regular monitoring since then.Our results revealed that disturbance history mediates the effect of evolutionary diversity on forest biomass dynamics and that several Biodiversity Ecosystem Function (BEF) relationships may be hidden behind the composite biomass variable. We specifically found an overall significant negative relationship between evolutionary diversity and biomass productivity soon after disturbances (~5–8 years), mostly via mean tree size, despite a positive evolutionary diversity effect on mean wood density. This result reflects that the productivity of disturbed forests is driven by a few dominant and disturbance‐prone species with low wood density and large potential stature, and not by niche complementarity among species. However, these effects rapidly vanished with time, with non‐significant overall effect of evolutionary diversity on productivity both ~30 years after disturbance and in the undisturbed plots.Synthesis. By disentangling the effects of evolutionary diversity on the different components of forest biomass, our framework unveiled how evolutionary diversity impacts forest productivity through different ecological mechanisms, and suggests that it plays a major role, albeit mainly negative, only soon after a disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Resource scarcity in health professions education (HPE) demands rigorous consideration of costs. Yet, thus far, we have been unable to completely and consistently identify the costs of HPE. To address this knowledge gap and enable use of economic evidence in decision making, a detailed overview of all existing costs and approaches to cost identification in HPE is needed. Objectives: This review summarises the diversity of costs, cost perspectives and cost identification methods used in economic research of HPE to answer the following questions: which educational topics, costs, cost perspectives and cost identification methods are being investigated in HPE literature? Methods: This investigation followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews. PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL and PsycINFO were iteratively searched for English language publications between 2012 and 2022 that reported costs of HPE. Data was extracted for study characteristics, educational context and economic methodology. Results: A total of 136 articles of original research on the costs of educating all major licence healthcare professionals were included. A diffuse interest in costs is reflected in publications from 93 distinct journals and by the diversity of educational topics and cost types explored. However, the majority of investigations failed to define the cost perspective (86, 63%) and cost identification methods (117, 86%) and did not demonstrate common reporting structure or cost terminology, all of which contribute to persistent inconsistencies in cost identification. Conclusion: The source of disharmonious cost identification in HPE is fuelled by diverse interests and divergent concepts of costs and costing methodology. Left in its current state, disharmonious cost identification will continue to limit transparency, comparison and synthesis of evidence, hamper objectivity in implementation and policy decisions and impede the efficient and sustainable allocation of resources. A research agenda must be developed, prioritised, and validated by the broader community to develop a theoretical framework for HPE cost research, define stakeholders, elicit values and preferences and chart a path toward harmonised costing. To enable better use of economic evidence in health professional education decision‐making, a detailed overview of all existing costs and approaches to cost identification in health professional education is provided [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significance: Multilesional basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are spread on sun exposed skin areas, including arms, face and back. The first‐line treatment remains the surgical resection or Mohs surgery. Despite its high complexity, Mohs surgery is well practiced in USA and Germany and presents very good results both in esthetic and in carcinology point of view. Large lesions more than 2 cm remain challenging to remove by topical cream used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). If these larger lesions are not treated in less than 1 month, they could grow deeply in the skin, thus enhancing the risk of reoccurrence and the severity of the disease. Despite this model herein studied, that is non melanoma skin cancer is a good prognostic cancer, the therapy aims to be applied to more aggressive melanoma skin cancers. Aim: Total regression of large cutaneous lesions less than 1 month with no reoccurrence. Approach: Tumor induction on murine model bearing a 500 mm3 subcutaneous lesion. Increasing dose of gold nanoparticles at fixed initial concentration C0 = 0.3 mg/mL, infused into the tumor then exposition of the region of interest to NIR medical laser to assess the therapy. One or two intratumoral administration(s) were compared to surgery and control, that is no treatment, laser alone or nanoparticles alone. Results: Gold nanoparticles alone or the NIR laser alone did not induce the tumor regression. The combination of laser and nanoparticles called plasmonic nanophotothermal therapy induced apoptosis. Derma and hypoderm do not show any visible gold nanoparticles and demonstrated a good cicatrization process. Conclusion: Plasmonic nanophotothermal therapy using two doses of gold nanoparticles was the only protocol that proved its efficacy on large lesions in 14 days, that is 500 mm3 on a murine model bearing human basal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Whole‐genome duplication (WGD, polyploidization) has been identified as a driver of genetic and phenotypic novelty, having pervasive consequences for the evolution of lineages. While polyploids are widespread, especially among plants, the long‐term establishment of polyploids is exceedingly rare. Genome doubling commonly results in increased cell sizes and metabolic expenses, which may be sufficient to modulate polyploid establishment in environments where their diploid ancestors thrive. Methods: We developed a mechanistic simulation model of photosynthetic individuals to test whether changes in size and metabolic efficiency allow autopolyploids to coexist with, or even invade, ancestral diploid populations. Central to the model is metabolic efficiency, which determines how energy obtained from size‐dependent photosynthetic production is allocated to basal metabolism as opposed to somatic and reproductive growth. We expected neopolyploids to establish successfully if they have equal or higher metabolic efficiency as diploids or to adapt their life history to offset metabolic inefficiency. Results: Polyploid invasion was observed across a wide range of metabolic efficiency differences between polyploids and diploids. Polyploids became established in diploid populations even when they had a lower metabolic efficiency, which was facilitated by recurrent formation. Competition for nutrients is a major driver of population dynamics in this model. Perenniality did not qualitatively affect the relative metabolic efficiency from which tetraploids tended to establish. Conclusions: Feedback between size‐dependent metabolism and energy allocation generated size and age differences between plants with different ploidies. We demonstrated that even small changes in metabolic efficiency are sufficient for the establishment of polyploids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: In plants, whole‐genome duplication (WGD) is a common mutation with profound evolutionary potential. Given the costs associated with a superfluous genome copy, polyploid establishment is enigmatic. However, in the right environment, immediate phenotypic changes following WGD can facilitate establishment. Metabolite abundances are the direct output of the cell's regulatory network and determine much of the impact of environmental and genetic change on the phenotype. While it is well known that an increase in the bulk amount of genetic material can increase cell size, the impact of gene dosage multiplication on the metabolome remains largely unknown. Methods: We used untargeted metabolomics on four genetically distinct diploid‐neoautotetraploid pairs of the greater duckweed, Spirodela polyrhiza, to investigate how WGD affects metabolite abundances per cell and per biomass. Results: Autopolyploidy increased metabolite levels per cell, but the response of individual metabolites varied considerably. However, the impact on metabolite level per biomass was restricted because the increased cell size reduced the metabolite concentration per cell. Nevertheless, we detected both quantitative and qualitative effects of WGD on the metabolome. Many effects were strain‐specific, but some were shared by all four strains. Conclusions: The nature and impact of metabolic changes after WGD depended strongly on the genotype. Dosage effects have the potential to alter the plant metabolome qualitatively and quantitatively, but were largely balanced out by the reduction in metabolite concentration due to an increase in cell size in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although regular health screening is recommended, long‐term follow‐up data in healthy aged cats are lacking. Objectives: Determine the most common conditions in a large group of apparently healthy older cats and which diseases are manifested within 2 years in cats confirmed to be healthy based on extensive health screening. Animals: Client‐owned cats. Methods: Prospective study. Thorough history, physical examination, blood tests, and urinalysis were performed in 259 apparently healthy mature adult (7‐10 years) and senior (>10 years) cats. Semi‐annual follow‐up examinations were performed in 201 confirmed healthy cats. Results: At baseline, 21% of apparently healthy cats were not considered healthy but were diagnosed with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) ≥ stage 2 chronic kidney disease (CKD; 7.7%) or hyperthyroidism (4.6%), among other disorders. Disease occurred significantly more frequently in senior cats compared with mature adult cats. In addition, 40% cats were overweight, 35% had moderate to severe dental disease, and 22% had abnormal cardiac auscultation findings. Within 2 years, 28% of mature adult and 54% of senior cats that were confirmed healthy at inclusion developed new diseases, most commonly IRIS ≥ stage 2 CKD (cumulative incidence, 13.4%), hyperthyroidism (8.5%), chronic enteropathy, hepatopathy or pancreatitis (7.5%), or neoplasia (7%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The high prevalence and 2‐year incidence of physical examination abnormalities and systemic diseases in apparently healthy older cats argue for regular health screening in cats ≥7 years of age. Although more common in senior cats, occult disease also occurs in mature adult cats, and owners should be informed accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The understanding of tree growth processes is crucial for promoting sustainable forest management strategies. This is a challenging task in highly biodiverse ecosystems where many tree species are observed on very few individuals and the small sample sizes hinder a good fit of species‐specific models. We propose the use of finite mixture of random coefficient regression models with multilevel nested random effects to infer guild specific fixed and random effects while evaluating the relative importance of the nested sources of variability on goodness‐of‐fit. This approach extends finite mixture of linear mixed model used for longitudinal or single group structured data contexts. A dedicated expectation–maximisation algorithm is introduced for parameter estimation. Simulations are performed for the evaluation of the misspecification of nested‐grouping structures. This work has been motivated by data collected biennially in Central African rainforests from 1986 to 2010. We show the accuracy of the proposed approach in successfully reproducing individual growth processes and classifying tree species into well‐differentiated clusters with clear ecological interpretations. Moreover, results confirm that interindividual variability appears as the most important factor to explain tropical tree species growth process variability from Central Africa forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploidy, resulting from whole‐genome duplication (WGD), is ubiquitous in nature and reportedly associated with extreme environments and biological invasions. However, WGD usually comes with great costs, raising questions about the establishment chance of newly formed polyploids. The surprisingly high number of polyploid and mixed‐ploidy species observed in nature may be a consequence of their continuous emergence or may reflect stable polyploid persistence and even coexistence with the ancestral ploidy under certain circumstances. However, empirical studies on contemporary polyploid establishment often neglect the cost–benefit balances of polyploid characteristics, tradeoffs between phenotypic characteristics, intercytotype interactions, recurrent polyploid formation, and stochastic processes. Here, we advocate for considering population‐level success, combining the aforementioned factors that affect polyploid establishment and long‐term coexistence with their ancestors. We approach the paradox of polyploid establishment despite high costs from a modern coexistence theory perspective and give an overview of the diversity of mechanisms and their timing that may potentially enable stable rather than transient persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The diagnosis of pyelonephritis in cats is challenging and development of a noninvasive and accurate biomarker is needed. Hypotheses: Serum amyloid A (SAA) is increased in cats with pyelonephritis, but not in cats with other urinary tract diseases. Animals: A cohort of 125 cats (149 observations). Methods: This was a prospective study. Group 1 included cats with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis either confirmed by bacterial culture of pelvic urine (Group 1a) or presumed (1b). Group 2 included cats for which pyelonephritis was ruled out (with certainty: Group 2a or judged unlikely: Group 2b). SAA concentration was compared between groups, and accuracy of SAA for the diagnosis of pyelonephritis was calculated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Median SAA concentration was significantly higher in Group 1a (86.8 mg/L [73.3; 161.5]; n = 8) than in Group 2a (4 mg/L [1.8; 5.6], n = 19; P <.001) and in Group 2b (5.4 mg/L [3.1; 9.7], n = 113; P <.001). It was also significantly higher in Group 1b (98.8 mg/L [83.1; 147.3]; n = 9) than in Group 2b (P <.001) and Group 2a (P <.001). Optimal diagnostic cut‐off for SAA concentration was 51.3 mg/L. yielding a sensitivity of 88% (95% confidence interval: [64%; 99%]) and a specificity of 94% (95% confidence interval: [88%; 97%]). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Measurement of SAA could be used to rule out pyelonephritis in the case of low suspicion of the disease. Increased SAA concentration is suggestive of pyelonephritis despite a lack of specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What can be done to promote the academic success of learners? More than a question, it is a major challenge of our time. In this perspective, metacognition seems to be a way to empower learners to take ownership of their academic success. Considering the recommendations established in the literature, we co‐constructed with teachers a metacognitive educational program, called Cogni'Scol, based on brain functioning in learning. Its benefits were determined through a longitudinal study focusing on the academic success of French students. We followed sixth grade students over a two‐year period who either benefited or not from a weekly session of the Cogni'Scol program. Results showed a significant effect on students' knowledge and representations of brain functioning but not on the students' academic performances mediated by improvements in their metacognition. We conclude with pragmatic reflections for researchers and educational professionals interested in the implementation of educational programs based on brain functioning in learning. We co‐constructed with teachers a metacognitive educational program aimed at empowering learners to take ownership of their academic success. We conducted a longitudinal study to assess the benefits of this program on students' academic success. Results showed a significant effect on students' knowledge and representations of brain functioning but not on the students' academic performances mediated by their metacognition. We discuss the impacts of such programs and provide future opportunities for educational neuroscience research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metaphyseal dysplasia with maxillary hypoplasia with or without brachydactyly (MDMHB) is an ultra‐rare skeletal dysplasia caused by heterozygous intragenic RUNX2 duplications, comprising either exons 3 to 5 or exons 3 to 6 of RUNX2. In this study, we describe a 14‐year‐old Belgian boy with metaphyseal dysplasia with maxillary hypoplasia but without brachydactyly. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed mild facial dysmorphism, dental anomalies, enlarged clavicles, genua valga and metaphyseal flaring and thin cortices with an osteoporotic skeletal appearance. Exome sequencing led to the identification of a de novo heterozygous tandem duplication within RUNX2, encompassing exons 3 to 7. This duplication is larger than the ones previously reported in MDMHB cases since it extends into the C‐terminal activation domain of RUNX2. We review previously reported cases with MDMHB and highlight the resemblance of this disorder with Pyle disease, which may be explained by intersecting molecular pathways between RUNX2 and sFRP4. This study expands our knowledge on the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of MDMHB and the role of RUNX2 in rare bone disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Most research studies on the effects of repeated plasma donation are observational with different study limitations, resulting in high uncertainty on the link between repeated plasma donation and health consequences. Here, we prospectively investigated the safety of intensive or less intensive plasma donation protocols. Materials and Methods: Sixty‐three male subjects participated in this randomized controlled trial and were divided into low‐frequency (LF, once/month, n = 16), high‐frequency (HF, three times/month, n = 16), very high‐frequency (VHF, two times/week, n = 16) and a placebo (P, once/month, n = 15) groups. Biochemical, haematological, clinical, physiological and exercise‐related data were collected before (D0), after 1½ months (D42) and after 3 months (D84) of donation. Results: In VHF, red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels decreased while reticulocyte levels increased from D0 to D84. In both HF and VHF, plasma ferritin levels were lower at D42 and D84 compared to D0. In VHF, plasma levels of albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) dropped from D0 to D42 and remained lower at D84 than at D0. In HF, plasma IgG, IgA and IgM were lower at D42, and IgG and IgM were lower at D84, compared to D0. Few adverse events were reported in HF and VHF. Repeated plasma donation had no effect on blood pressure, body composition or exercise performance. Conclusion: VHF plasmapheresis may result in a large reduction in ferritin and IgG levels. HF and VHF plasmapheresis may result in little to no difference in other biochemical, haematological, clinical, physiological and exercise‐related parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Count data are omnipresent in many applied fields, often with overdispersion. With mixtures of Poisson distributions representing an elegant and appealing modelling strategy, we focus here on how the tail behaviour of the mixing distribution is related to the tail of the resulting Poisson mixture. We define five sets of mixing distributions, and we identify for each case whenever the Poisson mixture is in, close to or far from a domain of attraction of maxima. We also characterize how the Poisson mixture behaves similarly to a standard Poisson distribution when the mixing distribution has a finite support. Finally, we study, both analytically and numerically, how goodness‐of‐fit can be assessed with the inspection of tail behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) often present with microscopic signs of gut inflammation, a risk factor for progressive disease. We investigated whether mucosal innate‐like T cells are involved in dysregulated interleukin‐23 (IL‐23)/IL‐17 responses in the gut‐joint axis in SpA. Methods: Ileal and colonic intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs), and paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from treatment‐naive patients with nonradiographic axial SpA with (n = 11) and without (n = 14) microscopic gut inflammation and healthy controls (n = 15) undergoing ileocolonoscopy. The presence of gut inflammation was assessed histopathologically. Immunophenotyping of innate‐like T cells and conventional T cells was performed using intracellular flow cytometry. Unsupervised clustering analysis was done by FlowSOM technology. Serum IL‐17A levels were measured via Luminex. Results: Microscopic gut inflammation in nonradiographic axial SpA was characterized by increased ileal intraepithelial γδ‐hi T cells, a γδ‐T cell subset with elevated γδ‐T cell receptor expression. γδ‐hi T cells were also increased in PBMCs of patients with nonradiographic axial SpA versus healthy controls and were strongly associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. The abundance of mucosal‐associated invariant T cells and invariant natural killer T cells was unaltered. Innate‐like T cells in the inflamed gut showed increased RORγt, IL‐17A, and IL‐22 levels with loss of T‐bet, a signature that was less pronounced in conventional T cells. Presence of gut inflammation was associated with higher serum IL‐17A levels. In patients treated with tumor necrosis factor blockade, the proportion of γδ‐hi cells and RORγt expression in blood was completely restored. Conclusion: Intestinal innate‐like T cells display marked type 17 skewing in the inflamed gut mucosa of patients with nonradiographic axial SpA. γδ‐hi T cells are linked to intestinal inflammation and disease activity in SpA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory results are influenced by presence and severity of disease, as well as preanalytical factors, analytical variation, and biological variation. Biological variation data for urinary protein: creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG) in cats are lacking. Objectives: Determine the biological variation of UPC and USG in cats. Animals: Eighty healthy client‐owned cats. Methods: Prospective study. Urine was collected on days 0, 14, and 56 from all 80 cats to investigate the persistence of borderline or overt proteinuria or suboptimal urine concentration. In 15 of these cats, urine was collected weekly from day 0 to 42 to calculate the index of individuality (II) and reference change value (RCV), and on days 56 and 57 to evaluate day‐to‐day variability of UPC and USG. Results: Borderline or overt proteinuria (UPC ≥0.2) was present in 18/80 (23%) cats at baseline and persisted on 3 occasions in 2 months in 8/18 (44%) cats. Urine concentration was suboptimal at inclusion (USG <1.035) in 8/80 (10%) cats and at all 3 time points during 2 months in 3/8 (38%) cats. The II of UPC and USG indicated intermediate individuality. The 1‐sided RCV was 82% for UPC and 36% for USG. Proteinuria substage was identical on 2 consecutive days in 13/15 (87%) cats, and urine concentrating ability remained the same in all 15 cats. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A >82% increase in UPC in a healthy cat is not solely attributable to physiological and analytical variation. For USG, a decrease of >36% is considered clinically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the current global outbreak of mpox (formerly monkeypox), atypical features were frequently described outside endemic areas, raising concerns around differential diagnosis. In this study, we included 372 adult patients who had clinical signs consistent with mpox and who were screened using non‐variola orthopoxvirus specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) between 15 May and 15 November 2022 at the University Hospital Institute Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. At least one clinical sample was positive for 143 (38.4%) of these patients and 229 (61.6%) were negative. Clinically, patients who had mpox presented more frequently with systemic signs (69.9% vs. 31.0%, p < 10−6) including fever (51.0% vs. 30.1%, p < 10−3), myalgia (33.5% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.002), and lymphadenopathy (38.5% vs. 13.1%, p < 10−6). Among the patients who were negative for the non‐variola orthopoxvirus, an alternative diagnosis was identified in 58 of them (25.3%), including chickenpox (n = 30, 13.1%), syphilis (n = 9, 4%), bacterial skin infection (n = 8, 3.5%), gonococcus (n = 5, 2.2%), HSV infection (n = 5, 2.2%), and histoplasmosis (n = 1, 0.4%). Overall, in the current outbreak, we show that mpox has a poorly specific clinical presentation. This reinforces the importance of microbiological confirmation. In symptomatic patients who are negative for the monkeypox virus by PCR, a broad differential diagnosis should be maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several published studies have described the success and satisfaction of residents enrolled in human radiology training programs, however comparable studies for veterinary radiology residents are currently lacking. The purpose of this descriptive, survey study was to evaluate resident perceptions of the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI) residency training programs. A web‐based survey was sent to all listed 114 ECVDI residents and received a 57.0% response (65/114). Of these, 88% of respondents enjoyed their training and 73.5% of finishing respondents agreed they felt ready to work as a veterinary radiologist. First‐time pass rates for the theoretical and practical components of the board certifying examinations were >80%. Regarding research and exam preparation, 41.5% and 49.2% of respondents, respectively, did not feel they received appropriate guidance. Eleven percent of respondents felt a lack of mentoring and 7.7% reported not receiving annual appraisals. Findings from this study can be used as background for future studies on perceptions of ECVDI residents and ECVDI residency program directors and for future policy decisions regarding ECVDI residency training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stability of serum symmetric dimethylarginine (sSDMA) during short‐ and long‐term storage has not been assessed for the immunoassay of the Point‐of‐Care IDEXX Catalyst DX (POC) analyzer and the Enzyme Multiplied Immunoassay Technique of IDEXX commercial laboratory (CL). Also, the agreement between both analyzers is questioned. Objectives: To determine (a) the effect of storage time and temperature on sSDMA measured by POC and CL; (b) the agreement between sSDMA measured by POC and CL; and (c) the imprecision of the POC. Animals: Serum of cats (n = 17) and dogs (n = 18) with a range of SDMA concentrations (6 to >100 μg/dL). Methods: Based on an equivalence trial with predefined equivalence range (−3.0 to +3.0 μg/dL) and using T0 as baseline, stability was evaluated after 24 hours at 22°C and 4°C (POC); after 7 days at 4°C (POC and CL) and after 10 and 24 months at −24°C and −80°C (CL). Bland‐Altman plots enabled method comparison. Imprecision of the POC was assessed by duplicate sSDMA measurements at T0. Results: The POC analyzer produced equivalent sSDMA measurements if samples were stored for 24 hours at 4°C (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.5‐2.0 μg/dL), but not when stored for 24 hours at room temperature (RT; 95% CI: −4.1 to 0.5 μg/dL) or after 7 days at 4°C (95% CI: −3.6‐1.0 μg/dL). The CL analyzer was less affected by preanalytical variation with clinically similar results obtained when samples were stored for 7 days at 4°C (95% CI: −2.2 to 2.4 μg/dL) and for at least 24 months at −24°C (95% CI: −1.7 to 2.9 μg/dL) and −80°C (95% CI: −1.5 to 3 μg/dL). A relevant mean difference of −2.3 μg/dL between both analyzers was found. Duplicate POC measurements were equivalent (95% CI: −2.6 to 2.0 μg/dL). Conclusions: Delayed analysis may significantly change sSDMA depending on storage and measurement conditions. Interchangeable use of assays should be done with caution because analytical variation could be interpreted as clinically relevant change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study evaluated success rates of surgical treatment of head and neck abscesses and draining tracts for suspected migrating vegetal foreign body and oropharyngeal penetrating injuries, and compared the outcomes according to whether a vegetal foreign body was identified in preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved 39 dogs that underwent CT and subsequent surgical exploration of abscesses and/or draining tracts in the head and neck, in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. Recorded data included signalment, history, physical examination, CT and surgical findings. The postoperative follow‐up period was at least 8 months. Cases were classified according to whether a foreign body was identified on CT or was only suspected because of the presence of cavities and/or draining tracts on CT. Results: A vegetal foreign body was identified on CT in 11 of 39 cases and later confirmed at surgery in 10 cases. In 28 of 39 cases, a vegetal foreign body was not identified on CT, but in seven of these 28 cases it was found at surgery. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved in 11 of 11 cases when a vegetal foreign body was identified on CT and in 26 of 28 cases without a foreign body identified on CT. Two cases of recurrence were observed in animals in which no foreign body was detected. Clinical Significance: In this population of dogs undergoing surgery after preoperative CT scan, we observed resolution of clinical signs after a single surgical procedure in 95% of the cases. All animals in which a foreign body was identified were cured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinalysis is necessary for the diagnostic evaluation of chronic kidney disease in cats. Performing cystocentesis is not always feasible, but data comparing urine obtained by cystocentesis in the clinic with voided samples collected at home are lacking in cats. Objectives: To compare urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) and urine specific gravity (USG) and to detect clinically relevant changes in proteinuria substage or urine concentration between urine collected at home and in‐clinic by cystocentesis in cats. Animals: Ninety‐two healthy and diseased client‐owned cats. Methods: Prospective study. Owners collected voided urine at home and within 1 to 15 hours, cystocentesis was performed in the clinic. Results: In a subset of motivated owners, 55% succeeded in collecting urine at home. Overall, UPC was higher (mean ±SD difference = 0.09 ±0.22; P <.001) and USG was lower (mean ±SD difference = −0.006 ±0.009; P <.001) in cystocentesis samples than in voided urine. Substantial agreement existed between sampling methods for UPC (weighted к = 0.68) and USG (к = 0.64) categories. A different proteinuria substage (UPC < 0.2, 0.2‐0.4, >0.4) was present in paired urine samples from 28% of cats. In 18% of cats, urine concentrating ability (USG < or ≥1.035) differed between both samples. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Home sampling of urine is a valid alternative to cystocentesis in cats. However, because clinically relevant differences in UPC and USG were present in 28% and 18% of cats, respectively, by the same collection method for monitoring each cat is advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment of nasal tumors in dogs is associated with high morbidity and reliable prognostic factors are lacking. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (DCECT) can be used to assess tumor perfusion. Objectives: To assess perfusion parameters of nasal tumors (correlating with tumor type) before and during radiotherapy (RT) and find potential correlation with survival. Animals: Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs with nasal tumors, including 16 epithelial tumors and 8 sarcomas. Methods: Prospective cross‐sectional study. All dogs had baseline DCECT to assess fractional vascular volume (BV), blood flow (BF), and transit time (TT). Thirteen dogs had repeat DCECT after 12 Gy of megavoltage RT. Survival times were calculated. Results: Median BV was 17.83 mL/100 g (range, 3.63‐66.02), median BF was 122.63 mL/100 g/minute (range, 23.65‐279.99), and median TT was 8.91 seconds (range, 4.57‐14.23). Sarcomas had a significantly lower BF than adenocarcinomas (P =.002), carcinomas (P =.01), and other carcinomas (P =.001), and significantly lower BV than adenocarcinomas (P =.03) and other carcinomas (P =.004). Significant associations were found between epithelial tumors and sarcoma for change in tumor volume (P =.01), width (P =.004), and length (P =.02) in that epithelial tumors decreased in volume whereas sarcomas increased in volume. Perfusion parameters were not correlated with survival. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Nasal sarcomas have lower BV and BF than nasal carcinomas, and sarcomas have a lower size reduction than carcinomas early on during RT. Baseline results and changes in perfusion parameters may not be correlated with survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) results affect the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of chronic kidney disease in cats. Objectives: To investigate the interlaboratory and intralaboratory variability and the effect of storage on UPC and International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) proteinuria substaging in cats. Animals: Healthy and diseased client‐owned cats. Methods: Prospective study. Urine of 60 cats was randomly sent to 4 (of 9) participating laboratories (to assess interlaboratory variability) and per cat, 2 laboratories each received 2 aliquots (to determine intralaboratory variability). Samples of 23 cats were analyzed in the same laboratory the day of collection, after preservation at 22°C for 1 day and at 4°C during 1‐7 days (short‐term storage) and at −24°C and −80°C for 6‐12 months (long‐term storage). Storage conditions were compared by equivalence testing. Results: UPCs showed good interclass correlation (ICC‐inter, 0.90) and excellent intraclass correlation (ICC‐intra, 0.99). However, in 30/60 (50%) cats at least 1 of 4 laboratories assigned a different IRIS proteinuria substage. Urinary protein:creatinine ratio remained stable with short‐term storage, but not after 6 months storage at −24°C and after 12 months storage at −24°C or −80°C. Long‐term storage caused a change in IRIS proteinuria substage in 27% of cats, whereas a shift occurred only in 4% of cats during short‐term storage. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Laboratory choice for UPC measurement can result in different IRIS substaging for the same cat, whereas urine storage at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days does not clinically affect UPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "Nosology of genetic skeletal disorders" has undergone its 11th revision and now contains 771 entries associated with 552 genes reflecting advances in molecular delineation of new disorders thanks to advances in DNA sequencing technology. The most significant change as compared to previous versions is the adoption of the dyadic naming system, systematically associating a phenotypic entity with the gene it arises from. We consider this a significant step forward as dyadic naming is more informative and less prone to errors than the traditional use of list numberings and eponyms. Despite the adoption of dyadic naming, efforts have been made to maintain strong ties to the MIM catalog and its historical data. As with the previous versions, the list of disorders and genes in the Nosology may be useful in considering the differential diagnosis in the clinic, directing bioinformatic analysis of next‐generation sequencing results, and providing a basis for novel advances in biology and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe computed tomographic (CT) findings in dogs diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and to assess for any correlation with patient outcome. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 38 cases with a presumptive diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia at two UK referral centres. Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, physical examination and clinicopathologic data. CT examinations of the thorax were reviewed by the European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging board‐certified radiologist for all dogs to describe the characteristics and distribution of the pulmonary lesions. Results: The most common CT findings were lung lobe consolidation associated with air bronchograms (100%) followed by ground‐glass attenuation (89.4%), bronchial wall thickening (36.8%), bronchiolectasis (31.5%) and bronchiectasis (15.7%). Large‐breed dogs were overrepresented. Duration of hospitalisation ranged between 0 and 8 days (mean 3 days). Overall, 89.4% of dogs survived the aspiration event and were discharged from the hospital. The four dogs that did not survive to discharge had five or more lobes affected on CT. Clinical Significance: CT findings in dogs with aspiration pneumonia are described. CT is a useful imaging modality to diagnose aspiration pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human enteroviruses (HEVs) belong to the very diverse I Picornaviridae i family and are categorized according to their species and genotypes.[1] Clinically, HEVs cause mostly asymptomatic or mild disease in immunocompetent adults, but severe and chronic forms have been described in immunocompromised patients.[2] Factors associated with these severe enteroviral diseases include B-cell depletion that occurs especially during severe combined immunodeficiency or anti-CD20 therapy,[[3]] and organ/tissue transplantations.[5] While severe forms of enterovirus infection with hepatic involvement are well described in the pediatric population, representing 40% of neonatal forms,[6] they are much less described in adults, whether immunocompetent[7] or immunocompromised.[8] To increase awareness of this type of infection in the medical community, we report here a case of severe hepatitis associated with an echovirus 9 infection in a heart transplant recipient treated with a combination of immunosuppressant. Indeed, this type of infection is frequently observed in agammaglobulinemia patients or in patients treated with rituximab, a powerful antilymphocytic B agent.[12] In our case, the patient, treated with immunosuppressive drugs at the time of the infectious episode, had received his last course of rituximab more than one year earlier, which could explain the spontaneous resolution of the infectious episode. More broadly, a thorough enterovirus screening should be performed on blood, stool, and throat swabs during any infectious episode in such patients, especially during the annual peak of enteroviral infections, usually occurring during summer and fall in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Urinary liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (uL‐FABP) is a promising biomarker to detect early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. Few healthy cats show increased uL‐FABP for unknown reasons. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate uL‐FABP in a large healthy elderly cat population comparing cats with and without International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1 CKD and with and without borderline proteinuria. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study. One hundred ninety‐six clinically healthy client‐owned cats of ≥7 years old were subdivided based on two criteria: (1) having either IRIS stage 1 CKD or no evidence of CKD and (2) having borderline proteinuria or no proteinuria. Urinary L‐FABP was measured using a validated commercially available feline L‐FABP ELISA. Results: Overall, uL‐FABP was detectable in 6/196 (3%) healthy elderly cats. For the first subdivision, nine (5%) cats had IRIS stage 1 CKD, 184 cats had no evidence CKD and three cats were excluded. All cats with IRIS stage 1 CKD had uL‐FABP concentrations below the detection limit, whereas 6/184 (3%) cats without IRIS stage 1 CKD had detectable uL‐FABP concentrations (median 1.79 ng/ml, range 0.79–3.66 ng/ml). For the second subdivision, 47 (24%) cats had borderline proteinuria, 147 cats had no proteinuria and two cats were excluded. One of the borderline proteinuric cats had a detectable uL‐FABP concentration, whereas the other five cats with detectable uL‐FABP concentrations were non‐proteinuric. Conclusion: With the current assay, the screening potential of uL‐FABP as an early biomarker for feline CKD is limited as uL‐FABP was rarely detected in clinically healthy elderly cats independently of the presence of either IRIS stage 1 CKD or borderline proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3‐year‐old female German Shepherd dog was presented with generalized tonic‐clonic epileptic seizures, right‐sided central vestibular syndrome, and right trigeminal nerve dysfunction. Acute lacunar ischemic strokes within both thalami, right side of the mesencephalon, left side of the myelencephalon, both sides of the cervical spinal cord, and acute hemorrhagic strokes within the rostral part of the right cerebellar hemisphere and right rostral colliculus were identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Additional evaluation identified multiple renal infarcts and complete splenic torsion, with entrapment of the left pancreatic lobe. Medical management, splenectomy, partial pancreatectomy, and intensive physical rehabilitation led to clinical improvement. The histology of the spleen was consistent with hemorrhagic infarction. Three months after onset, neurological examination identified only mild vestibular sequelae. The final diagnosis was multiple ischemic strokes secondary to primary splenic torsion. Spontaneous early hemorrhagic transformation, a well‐known condition in human medicine, also was found in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetives: This study aims to validate that haptic simulator assistance could improve drilling ability in implantology and that the repetition of training session could highlight a learning curve. Methods: This work was carried out with 88 first‐year dental students. After randomization, students were divided into two groups. Group 1 was assigned to prepare an implant site for a left first mandibular molar (36) on haptic simulator with assistance provided by simulator. Group 2 had to perform the same exercise without assistance. Whatever the group, the maximum time for each reparation was restricted to 5 min. An interval of 1 week was done between each session. For each test, different objective parameters provided by the simulator were recorded and analyzed. Results: This study showed that the presence of virtual aids led to quickly obtain better results, and the training led to gradually acquire sufficient competence to do without virtual aids. Conclusion: By associating virtual assistance and repetition, the student will acquire more quickly the skills allowing to carry out his clinical gestures in real conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors of the neuroendocrine system. Only a few canine case reports are available with rare descriptions of their imaging features. The objectives of this multi‐center, retrospective case series study were to describe the diagnostic imaging features of confirmed retroperitoneal paragangliomas and specify their location. Medical records and imaging studies of 10 affected dogs with cytological or histopathologic results concordant with retroperitoneal paragangliomas were evaluated. Dogs had a median age of 9 years. Four of them had clinical signs and laboratory reports compatible with excessive production of catecholamines. Six ultrasound, four CT, four radiographic, and one MRI studies were included. The paragangliomas did not have a specific location along the aorta. They were of various sizes (median 33 mm, range: 9–85 mm of length). Masses had heterogeneous parenchyma in six of 10 dogs, regardless of the imaging modality. Strong contrast enhancement was found in all CT studies. Encircling of at least one vessel was detected in six of 10 masses, clear invasion of a vessel was identified in one of 10 masses. In five of 10 cases, the masses were initially misconstrued as lymph nodes by the on‐site radiologist. Retroperitoneal paragangliomas appear along the abdominal aorta, often presenting heterogeneous parenchyma, possibly affecting the local vasculature, and displaying strong contrast enhancement on CT. Clinical signs can be secondary to mass effects or excessive catecholamine production. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of this tumor are suspected as they can be silent, of small size, or confused with other structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, asymptotic‐preserving Monte Carlo simulation methods have been developed to simulate the Boltzmann‐BGK equation with advective–diffusive limiting behaviour over a broad range of regimes. These simulation methods hybridize a particle tracing Monte Carlo scheme for the kinetic equation and a random walk (RW) Monte Carlo simulation for the advection–diffusion limit, combining the precision of the former with the efficiency of the latter. In the RW part of the simulation, details of the travelled path are absent. This complicates the extraction of integral quantities of interest such as mass, momentum, and energy sources. Here, we present a new estimation strategy that couples the RW parts of the particle trajectories with a deterministic simulation of the corresponding fluid model. The contributions of the RW parts to quantities of interest are then computed from a single time step of this fluid model in a post‐processing step. We illustrate this new estimation strategy for a fusion‐relevant test‐case and focus on the bias and variance present when using this estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4‐year‐old, female Malinois shepherd dog was presented for chronic repetitive episodes of severe pain for over a year. Medical imaging findings and a positive blood culture were suggestive of a L2 vertebral bacterial osteomyelitis, most likely of haematogenous origin. The dog responded well to treatment with antibiotics and analgesia. A repeated computed tomography scan 6 months after presentation (and 3 months after antibiotic discontinuation) showed a clear improvement of the vertebral lesions. The dog is still clinically normal and pain‐free at the time of writing (3 years after diagnosis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have reported evidence that thoracolumbar articular process hyperplasia and degenerative joint disease may be a cause of stenotic myelopathy in large breed dogs; however, detailed descriptions of imaging characteristics are currently lacking. The aim of this retrospective, multi‐center, case series report was to describe imaging findings in six large breed dogs diagnosed with thoracolumbar articular process hyperplasia and degenerative joint disease causing vertebral canal stenosis. All dogs presented with progressive paraparesis, proprioceptive ataxia of the pelvic limbs, and neuroanatomical localization of T3‐L3 myelopathy. All dogs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracolumbar spine and had articular process malformations at T13‐L1 (three German Shepherd dogs (GSD) and a Boxer dog) or T12‐T13 (two mixed‐breed dogs). Five cases were managed surgically. Findings provided more detailed imaging descriptions and supported previously published studies indicating that maldevelopment of articular processes and secondary degenerative changes can be a cause of thoracolumbar spinal stenosis and myelopathy in large breed dogs. While uncommon, this condition should be included as a differential diagnosis for large breed dogs presenting with a T3‐L3 myelopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum creatinine concentration, the classical biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, has important limitations that decrease its value as a biomarker of early CKD. Recently, serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentration was introduced as a novel glomerular filtration rate biomarker for the early detection of CKD in cats. However, data on its specificity are still limited. The limitations of conventional biomarkers and the desire for early therapeutic intervention in cats with CKD to improve outcomes have prompted the discovery and validation of novel renal biomarkers to detect glomerular or tubular dysfunction. Changes in the serum or urinary concentrations of these biomarkers may indicate early kidney damage or predict the progression of kidney before changes in conventional biomarkers are detectable. This review summarizes current knowledge on renal biomarkers in CKD in cats, a field that has progressed substantially over the last 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in the detection of lymphomatous infiltration of the liver and spleen in a population of dogs and cats with lymphoma. To determine if specific ultrasonographic features of the liver and spleen in dogs are associated with lymphomatous infiltration or a specific immunophenotype of multi‐centric lymphoma. Materials and Methods: A blinded retrospective evaluation of ultrasonographic images of the liver and/or spleen in dogs and cats with cytologically or histologically confirmed lymphoma was performed by two board‐certified veterinary radiologists. Results: A total of 161 animals met the inclusion criteria, comprising 132 dogs and 29 cats. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 16.7%, 91.0%, 55.9%, 62.5% and 55.0% for the detection of lymphomatous infiltration of the liver, and 73.1%, 93.9%, 82.6%, 93.4% and 74.7% for the spleen. In dogs, an ultrasonographically normal liver was associated with not having lymphomatous infiltration, leopard‐spotted splenic parenchyma and splenomegaly were independently associated with lymphomatous infiltration and leopard‐spotted splenic parenchyma was also associated with the B cell immunophenotype of multi‐centric lymphoma. Clinical Significance: Ultrasonography of the spleen and liver is specific but not sensitive in the detection of lymphomatous infiltration. A leopard‐spotted splenic parenchyma in dogs is highly specific for lymphomatous infiltration and in this population predicted a specific immunophenotype of multi‐centric lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autonomous and cabled platforms are revolutionizing our understanding of ocean systems by providing 4D monitoring of the water column, thus going beyond the reach of ship‐based surveys and increasing the depth of remotely sensed observations. However, very few commercially available sensors for such platforms are capable of monitoring large particulate matter (100–2000 μm) and plankton despite their important roles in the biological carbon pump and as trophic links from phytoplankton to fish. Here, we provide details of a new, commercially available scientific camera‐based particle counter, specifically designed to be deployed on autonomous and cabled platforms: the Underwater Vision Profiler 6 (UVP6). Indeed, the UVP6 camera‐and‐lighting and processing system, while small in size and requiring low power, provides data of quality comparable to that of previous much larger UVPs deployed from ships. We detail the UVP6 camera settings, its performance when acquiring data on aquatic particles and plankton, their quality control, analysis of its recordings, and streaming from in situ acquisition to users. In addition, we explain how the UVP6 has already been integrated into platforms such as BGC‐Argo floats, gliders and long‐term mooring systems (autonomous platforms). Finally, we use results from actual deployments to illustrate how UVP6 data can contribute to addressing longstanding questions in marine science, and also suggest new avenues that can be explored using UVP6‐equipped autonomous platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thallium was commonly used as a rodenticide in the past. It acts as a cellular poison and interferes with the functioning of various enzymes. This report describes a fatal case of thallium intoxication in a dog with gastrointestinal and neurological signs as well as dermatological lesions. Cutaneous histopathology and serum spectrometry confirmed thallium toxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence rates of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an uncommon skin cancer with an aggressive disease course, have increased in recent decades. Limited treatment options are available for patients with metastatic MCC (mMCC). Avelumab, an anti‐programmed cell death‐ligand 1 monoclonal antibody, became the first approved treatment for mMCC after the results of the phase 2 JAVELIN Merkel 200 study. Prior to its regulatory approval, an expanded access program (EAP) enabled compassionate use of avelumab in patients with mMCC. Here we report findings from patients enrolled in the EAP in Europe and the Middle East. Efficacy and safety data were provided at the discretion of treating physicians. Between March 2, 2016, and December 22, 2018, 403 requests for avelumab were received from 21 countries, and avelumab was supplied to 335 patients. Most patients (96.7%) received avelumab as second‐line or later treatment. In 150 patients for whom response data were available, the objective response rate was 48.0%, and in responding patients, median duration of treatment was 7.4 months (range, 1.0‐41.7 months). The most common treatment‐related adverse events were infusion‐related reaction (2.4%) and pyrexia (2.1%), and no new safety signals were observed. Overall, results from European and Middle Eastern patients enrolled in this EAP confirm the efficacy and safety of avelumab treatment observed in previous studies in patients with mMCC. What's new? Patients with the aggressive skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) have few treatment options. The first approved treatment for metastatic MCC, the anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody avelumab, was made available through an expanded access program (EAP) prior to regulatory approval. Here, the authors analyze data from 150 patients in Europe and the Middle East enrolled in that EAP. Avelumab's efficacy and safety in this real‐world population of patients, they found, confirm the findings reported from the JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had an immense and worldwide impact. In light of future pandemics or subsequent waves of COVID‐19 it is crucial to focus on the ethical issues that were and still are raised in this COVID‐19 crisis. In this paper, we look at issues that are raised in the testing and tracing of patients with COVID‐19. We do this by highlighting and expanding on an approach suggested by Fineberg that could serve as a public health approach. In this way, we highlight several ethical issues. As regards testing, questions are raised such as whether it is ethical to use less reliable tests in order to increase testing capacity or minimize harm for patients. Another issue is how wide testing should be and whether selective testing is in accordance with principles of social justice. Patients who have recovered from COVID‐19 might have some degree of immunity but attributing certain 'immunopriviliges' raises ethical questions. The use of various tracing methodologies (mobile apps or databases and trained tracers) raised evident questions of social justice and privacy. We argue why it is key to always uphold a test of proportionality where a fair balance must be sought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lobar emphysema in dogs and cats is caused by bronchial collapse during expiration and subsequent air trapping. Congenital causes such as bronchial cartilage defects or acquired causes such as compressive neoplastic lesions have been reported. Morbidity results from hyperinflation of the affected lung lobe and compression of adjacent thoracic structures. Objective: To describe patient characteristics and imaging findings in dogs and cats with lobar emphysema. Animals: Fourteen dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema diagnosed by imaging findings were retrospectively identified from veterinary referral hospital populations over a 10‐year period. Methods: Cases that included thoracic radiography, thoracic computed tomography (CT), or both were included. All images were reviewed by a European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging diplomate. Relevant case information included signalment, clinical findings, treatment, and histopathology where available. Results: Ten of 17 (59%) patients were presented for evaluation of dyspnea and 6 (35%) for coughing. Eleven (65%) patients were <3 years of age. The right middle lung lobe was affected in 12 cases (71%) and multiple lobes were affected in 7 cases (41%). Congenital lobar emphysema was suspected in 14 cases (82%). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Lung lobe hyperinflation, atelectasis of nonaffected lung lobes, mediastinal shift, and thoracic wall and diaphragmatic wall deformation were common findings. Lobar or multilobar emphysema should be considered in patients with dyspnea or coughing, particularly younger patients. Although radiography is useful, CT provides better detail. In older patients, acquired causes of bronchial compression should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population spread from a limited pool of founding propagules is at the basis of biological invasions. The size and genetic variation of these propagules eventually affect whether the invasion is successful or not. The inevitable bottleneck at introduction decreases genetic diversity, and therefore should affect population growth and spread. However, many heavily bottlenecked invasive populations have been successful in nature. Negative effects of a genetic bottleneck are typically considered to be relaxed in benign environments because of a release from stress. Despite its relevance to understand and predict invasions, empirical evidence on the role of genetic diversity in relation to habitat quality is largely lacking. We use the mite Tetranychus urticae Koch as a model to experimentally assess spread rate and size of genetically depleted inbred populations vs. enriched mixed populations. This was assessed in replicated linear patch systems consisting of benign (bean), challenging (tomato), or a gradient (bean to tomato) habitat. As expected, we found no effect of genetic diversity on population size in benign habitat but found that it increased population size in challenging habitat. However, we found that population spread rates were increased due to genetic diversity in the benign but not in the challenging habitat. Additionally, variance in spread was consistently higher in genetically poor populations and highest in the challenging habitat. Our experiment challenges the general view that a bottleneck in genetic variation decreases invasion success in challenging but not benign environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective observational study aimed to determine the effectiveness, safety and patterns of the use of nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma in real‐world clinical practice in France using data from a Temporary Authorization for Use Program (ATU). Data were collected from patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma enrolled in a French national database (Réseau pour la Recherche et l'Investigation Clinique sur le Mélanome: Ric‐Mel) and treated with nivolumab during the ATU program (12 September 2014 to 31 August 2015). The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of patient characteristics on clinical response and overall survival (OS). Among 400 included patients (median age 66 years), the majority (83%) received nivolumab as second‐ or subsequent‐line therapy. The median durations of progression‐free survival and OS were 3.3 and 14.1 months, respectively, and 31.6% of patients achieved an objective response with a median duration of 20.1 months (range: 0‐34.7). The safety profile of nivolumab was manageable and consistent with those of previous clinical trials, with an incidence of grade 3‐5 adverse events of 13.8%. The safety and effectiveness of nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma in real‐world clinical practice in France were in line with the data reported in the Phase 3 trials CheckMate 066 and 037 of nivolumab in this patient population. What's new? Clinical trial data support the use of nivolumab in melanoma patients, and the drug received a Temporary Authorization for Use in France. Here, the authors present real‐world clinical data on the safety and efficacy of nivolumab collected from 400 patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. They found that the safety and efficacy in the real world context was consistent with the profile reported in phase 3 trials. The study also includes data from some sub‐populations that may have been underrepresented in the clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]