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Grade retention is at the core of the education debate in Spain, to the extent that its impact on students' competences has not been assessed beyond correlation. Because of that, in the present study, we analyse the influence of grade retention on students' competences, using more than 146,000 students from 6 PISA cycles (2003–2018) and an instrumental variable approach, in order to approach a causal influence. Our results show that repeating a grade in Spain seems to reduce students' competences between 1.5 and 1.7 standard deviations. Based on these results, we conclude that the Spanish educational authorities should find an alternative to grade retention, in order to prevent students from attaining a lower competence level due to repetition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gut microbiota and its by‐products are increasingly recognized as having a decisive role in cardiovascular diseases. The aim is to study the relationship between gut microbiota and early vascular ageing (EVA). Methods: A cross‐sectional study was developed in Salamanca (Spain) in which 180 subjects aged 45–74 years were recruited. EVA was defined by the presence of at least one of the following: carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV), cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) or brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba‐PWV) above the 90th percentile of the reference population. All other cases were considered normal vascular ageing (NVA). Measurements: cf‐PWV was measured by SphygmoCor® System; CAVI and ba‐PWV were determined by Vasera 2000® device. Gut microbiome composition in faecal samples was determined by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing. Results: Mean age was 64.4 ± 6.9 in EVA group and 60.4 ± 7.6 years in NVA (p <.01). Women in EVA group were 41% and 53% in NVA. There were no differences in the overall composition of gut microbiota between the two groups when evaluating Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio, alfa diversity (Shannon Index) and beta diversity (Bray‐Curtis). Bilophila, Faecalibacterium sp.UBA1819 and Phocea, are increased in EVA group. While Cedecea, Lactococcus, Pseudomonas, Succiniclasticum and Dielma exist in lower abundance. In logistic regression analysis, Bilophila (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.12–2.6, p =.013) remained significant. Conclusions: In the studied Spanish population, early vascular ageing is positively associated with gut microbiota abundance of the genus Bilophila. No relationship was found between phyla abundance and measures of diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is involved in different liver diseases, but little is known about the significance of COX‐2 in cholestatic injury. This study was designed to elucidate the role of COX‐2 expression in hepatocytes during the pathogenesis of obstructive cholestasis. Methods: We used genetically modified mice constitutively expressing human COX‐2 in hepatocytes. Transgenic mice (hCOX‐2‐Tg) and their wild‐type (Wt) littermates were either subjected to a mid‐abdominal laparotomy or common bile duct ligation (BDL) for 2 or 5 days. Then, we explored the mechanisms underlying the role of COX‐2 and its derived prostaglandins in liver function, and the synthesis and excretion of bile acids (BA) in response to cholestatic liver injury. Results: After BDL, hCOX‐2‐Tg mice showed lower grades of hepatic necrosis and inflammation than Wt mice, in part by a reduced hepatic neutrophil recruitment associated with lower mRNA levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, hCOX‐2‐Tg mice displayed a differential metabolic pattern of BA synthesis that led to an improved clearance after BDL‐induced accumulation. In addition, an enhanced response to the BDL‐induced oxidative stress and hepatic apoptosis was observed. In vitro experiments using hepatic cells that stably express hCOX‐2 confirmed the cytoprotective role of prostaglandin E2 against BA toxicity. Conclusions: Taken together, our data indicate that constitutive expression of COX‐2 in hepatocytes ameliorates cholestatic liver injury in mice by reducing inflammation and cell damage and by modulating BA metabolism, pointing to a role for COX‐2 as a defensive response against cholestasis‐derived BA accumulation and injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous authors have reported a positive relationship between preschool enrolment and academic performance in later years, even helping to reduce the academic gap existing between students from different socio‐economic backgrounds. In this context, this paper goes further by analysing the impact that early childhood education (from 3 to 6 years) has on Spanish boys' and girls' reading achievement when they are in fourth grade (10 years). For this purpose, we take advantage of the 2006 Spanish education reform that promoted free second stage preschool education by using data from Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2011 and 2016 and an instrumental variable approach, in order to get closer to causality than previous literature for Spain. We find that attending preschool has a positive influence on reading achievement, well above the impact found when using simple ordinary least squares estimates, being higher for girls than for boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The BIN1 coding variant rs138047593 (K358R) is linked to Late‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD) via targeted exome sequencing. METHODS: To elucidate the functional consequences of this rare coding variant on brain amyloidosis and neuroinflammation, we generated BIN1K358R knock‐in mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. These mice were subsequently bred with 5xFAD transgenic mice, which serve as a model for Alzheimer's pathology. RESULTS: The presence of the BIN1K358R variant leads to increased cerebral amyloid deposition, with a dampened response of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but not microglia, at both the cellular and transcriptional levels. This correlates with decreased neurofilament light chain in both plasma and brain tissue. Synaptic densities are significantly increased in both wild‐type and 5xFAD backgrounds homozygous for the BIN1K358R variant. DISCUSSION: The BIN1 K358R variant modulates amyloid pathology in 5xFAD mice, attenuates the astrocytic and oligodendrocytic responses to amyloid plaques, decreases damage markers, and elevates synaptic densities. Highlights: BIN1 rs138047593 (K358R) coding variant is associated with increased risk of LOAD.BIN1 K358R variant increases amyloid plaque load in 12‐month‐old 5xFAD mice.BIN1 K358R variant dampens astrocytic and oligodendrocytic response to plaques.BIN1 K358R variant decreases neuronal damage in 5xFAD mice.BIN1 K358R upregulates synaptic densities and modulates synaptic transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low toughness under the tension of cement and concrete materials has been a long‐standing issue for decades and it has become increasingly urgent to address in modern society due to the growing demand for the development of high‐performance and sustainable constructions. Manipulating calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H), the main hydration product of Portland cement, which determines the mechanical properties of cementitious materials, is an attractive method for improving their toughness following a bottom‐up approach. Inspired by the microstructure of nacre, a high energy absorption C‐S‐H‐based composite with a highly ordered structure is fabricated by a designed ternary building block, in which exfoliated montmorillonite provides a template for the nucleation and growth of C‐S‐H generating the "brick", and polyvinyl alcohol acts as a "mortar" binding all the building blocks together. With the hierarchical toughening strategy explored here, the obtained C‐S‐H composite achieves a remarkable energy absorption of 16.2 ± 2.6 MJ m−3, which surprisingly outperforms the ultra‐high toughness cementitious materials by a factor of 20–60 and is even higher than that of natural nacre and other nacre‐like composites. These findings not only provide valuable insights into enhancing the toughness of cementitious materials but also open possibilities for broadening potential applications of C‐S‐H. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence keeps increasing worldwide. The management of these patients usually requires renal replacement therapy (RRT). However, the complexity of patients' profiles comprises a great challenge to overcome. During the last decades, CKD units have been developed to offer multidisciplinary and coordinated attention to patients, helping in the decision‐making of the RRT. Nevertheless, there is a huge variability in the performance and organization of care practice, implying an existing necessity to homogenize the RRT modality chosen. We propose a test composed of two parts: one to be completed by the medical staff (to evaluate contraindications for the different RRT techniques) and another by the patient or nursing staff (to consider patients' preferences). In this sense, it would be possible to have a common and useful tool to complement patient education in RRT, as well as sharing decision‐making in the ACKD units taking into account patient preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial symbiosis (IS) is a strategy that focuses on the exchange of resources between colocated industries. Despite the benefits of IS, companies often face challenges in implementing it, primarily due to technical, economic, and information barriers. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing IS among Brazilian companies. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with 201 colocated companies using a previously developed instrument to assess their levels of symbiotic readiness. The findings resulted in the creation of a typology of symbiotic readiness levels, accompanied by practical recommendations for each level. In general, the surveyed companies are making progress toward implementing IS, as evidenced by their attempts to exchange waste and by‐products with other colocated industries. However, overcoming barriers related to information sharing, trust‐building, access conditions, infrastructure, and partnership formation remains challenging. This study provides valuable evidence from an emerging country regarding the readiness levels of companies to implement IS, offering insights and recommendations for managers and public authorities to promote IS. It is important to note that as companies reach mature stages of IS implementation, they can collaborate to transform the conditions of the industrial parks, ultimately fostering future industrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing proportion of head and neck cancer (HNC), especially oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several markers for HPV‐driven HNC, one being HPV early antigen serology. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of HPV serology and its performance across patient characteristics. Data from the VOYAGER consortium was used, which comprises five studies on HNC from North America and Europe. Diagnostic accuracy, that is, sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's kappa and correctly classified proportions of HPV16 E6 serology, was assessed for OPC and other HNC using p16INK4a immunohistochemistry (p16), HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) and HPV PCR as reference methods. Stratified analyses were performed for variables including age, sex, smoking and alcohol use, to test the robustness of diagnostic accuracy. A risk‐factor analysis based on serology was conducted, comparing HPV‐driven to non‐HPV‐driven OPC. Overall, HPV serology had a sensitivity of 86.8% (95% CI 85.1‐88.3) and specificity of 91.2% (95% CI 88.6‐93.4) for HPV‐driven OPC using p16 as a reference method. In stratified analyses, diagnostic accuracy remained consistent across sex and different age groups. Sensitivity was lower for heavy smokers (77.7%), OPC without lymph node involvement (74.4%) and the ARCAGE study (66.7%), while specificity decreased for cases with <10 pack‐years (72.1%). The risk‐factor model included study, year of diagnosis, age, sex, BMI, alcohol use, pack‐years, TNM‐T and TNM‐N stage. HPV serology is a robust biomarker for HPV‐driven OPC, and its diagnostic accuracy is independent of age and sex. Future research is suggested on the influence of smoking on HPV antibody levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conventional right ventricle (RV) pacemaker stimulation has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Left bundle branch area pacing (LABPP) has been suggested as a promising alternative. We sought to assess the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of LABPP in patients with CA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed echocardiography and pacing parameters and clinical outcomes in 23 consecutive patients with CA and LBBAP implanted from June 2020 to October 2022. Results: LBBAP was successfully performed in 22 over 23 patients (19 male, 78.6 ± 11.7 years, 20 ATTR, mean LVEF 45.5 ± 16.2%). After the procedure, 9 patients showed Qr pattern and 11 a qR pattern in V1 on ECG. Average procedure time was 67 ± 28 min. After 7.7 ± 5.2 months follow‐up, no procedure‐related complications had occurred. Although, a significant reduction in QRS width (p =.001) was achieved, we did not observe significant changes in LVEF and Nt ProBNP at 6 months of follow‐up. Pacing parameters were stable during follow‐up: LBB capture threshold and R wave amplitude were 1.0 ± 0.5 V and 10.6 ± 6.0 mV versus 0.8 ± 0.1 V, p =.21 and 10.6 ± 5.1 mV (p =.985) at follow up. Conclusion: LBBAP is safe and feasible pacing technique for patients with CA. LBBAP is associated with significant narrowing of QRSd without worsening in LVEF and Nt‐proBNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to determine the antitumor and antioxidant activities of the seaweed Durvillaea antarctica. Extraction and purification of polysaccharides from D. antarctica were performed. They were characterized by FT‐IR and GC–MS, identifying isomers of arabinose, fucose, mannose, and galactose. The antioxidant capacity of polysaccharides was analyzed using the ABTS method (14.3 ± 0.5 μmol TE g−1 PS) and the DPPH method (21.82 ± 0.32 μmol TE g−1 PS). The antitumor capacity of polysaccharides was studied by MTT colorimetric assays in human leukemia, colon, breast, and lung cancer cell lines, obtaining the lowest IC50 in colon cancer (19.99 μg mL−1). In the line of healthy human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐1), an IC50 of 444.39 μg mL−1 was obtained. Flow cytometry in the HL60 cell line showed that polysaccharides at concentrations higher than IC50 inhibited cell proliferation, demonstrating a possible antitumor capacity in vitro. In the proteomic analysis with HGF‐1, nine proteins involved in different biological processes were identified. In conclusion, polysaccharides from D. antarctica could be considered powerful nutraceuticals, mainly against colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) may be achieved in various anatomical sites within the interventricular septum (IVS), thus influencing paced QRS duration (QRSd).The purpose of this study was to determine whether paced QRS axis (QRSâ) and predominant polarity in inferior leads could be associated with a shorter paced QRSd. Methods: We analyzed paced QRSd, QRSâ, polarity in inferior leads, and IVS thickness in patients referred for LBBP. Three paced morphology patterns in the inferior leads were considered: All positive (P), all negative (N) and intermediate (combination of isoelectric, positive, and negative complexes, (I). Patients were divided into two groups according to a paced QRSd < 120 or ≥ 120 ms. Results: A total of 125 patients were included (age 76 ± 10 years, 46% female). Mean baseline QRSâ was 8 ± 37°. Paced QRSd was significantly shorter as compared to baseline (120 ± 10 vs. 127 ± 33 ms; p =.017) and significantly different according to paced QRS morphology pattern in the inferior leads (P 49%, 119 ± 9; N 30%, 126 ± 12; I 21%; 113 ± 10 ms; p <.001) or paced QRSâ (Normal 59%, 116 ± 1; Right 6%, 129 ± 1; Left 35%, 124 ± 11 ms; p <.001). On multivariate analysis, a QRSâ > −30°(OR 5.79 [2.40–13.93; 95% CI] p =.001), an Intermediate pattern in inferior leads (OR 3.00 [1.67–8.43; 95% CI] p =.037), and an IVS thickness ≤ 10 mm (OR 2.59 [1.10–6.10; 95% CI]; p =.029) were significantly associated with a paced QRSd < 120 ms. Conclusions: During LBBP, a QRSâ > −30° and intermediate final polarity in inferior leads are associated with a shorter paced QRSd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Embolic cerebrovascular events that remain of unknown etiology after a thorough diagnostic evaluation, are known as Embolic Strokes of Undetermined Source (ESUS). Subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a significant underlying cause of ESUS. Our aims were to examine the overall diagnostic yield of a prolonged cardiac monitoring wearable system (PCMw) after an ESUS to detect AF and factors associated with it, including the time frame from the ESUS event to PCMw initiation. Additionally, to evaluate the frequency of unexpected arrhythmic events (UAE) and their prognostic implications. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 200 ECG recordings (3‐leads, 30 days duration) by means of a PCMw in patients with an ESUS to detect AF lasting longer than 30 s, between 2017 and 2021. UAE were defined as arrhythmia events that were not correlated to the main reason of prolonged cardiac monitoring. Results: AF was detected in 21 patients (10.5%). Patients with AF had more left atrial enlargement (OR = 4.22 [1.59–6.85]; p =.01) and atrial arrythmias in the initial 24‐h Holter during hospitalization (OR = 5.73 [2.03–16.49]; p =.001). The detection of AF was significatively higher if the PCMw was worn within the first 30 days after the ESUS compared to beyond 30 days (17% vs. 10.3%; p =.002). Fifty three patients (26.5%) had UAE during PCMw. In six of them these findings led to targeted treatment. Conclusion: PCMw represents a feasible non‐invasive device that could reliably detect subclinical AF episodes after an ESUS. Diagnostic yield was significatively higher when used within the first 30 days after the event, especially in selected patients. UAE were common, but did not impact prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monforte de Moyuela dam, also known as Ermita de la Virgen del Pilar dam, is a Roman reservoir built on a tributary of the Aguasvivas River (Ebro basin, Spain). A multidisciplinary study has been carried out to investigate this kind of Roman water infrastructure. It is the fifth‐highest dam (16.8 m) in the Iberian Peninsula and the seventh in the Roman Empire. The initial dam was built ca. 100 B.C.–10 A.D., probably in the period of Augustus, like other nearby Roman dams. It was quickly filled due to the extreme and generalized anthropic degradation in the basin during the Roman period. During the mid‐2nd century, the wall was increased in height and its final silting was dated to the early 7th century. The study of the opus caementicium mortars shows constructive differences between the initial and subsequent phases of the wall. These mortars provided charcoal for dating the two phases. In addition, the stratigraphic and edaphological study of the reservoir's sedimentary fill, together with the 14C ages, allowed us to reconstruct the two main activity cycles and the final siltation of the dam. Subsequently, the dam broke in two phases, which created the two stepped sections located on the current valley bottom. The data obtained allowed the creation of a geomorphological map and an evolutionary model of the valley showing the main differentiated stages, from the initial construction of the dam to its final opening. Although some remains of canals downstream of the dam have been identified, the use of this dam, which remained active for several centuries, still needs to be investigated in greater detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The common practice after atrial fibrillation ablation is to admit patients for an overnight stay. The aim of this study was to compare a strategy of vascular suture mediated closure system utilization and early discharge (strategy A) compared to traditional closure and overnight hospitalization (strategy B) regarding feasibility, safety, quality of life and health care cost effectiveness. Methods and Results: Hundred patients were randomized to compare both strategies. No clinical differences were reported except diabetes mellitus. Six patients (6%) had and emergency visit or were admitted in the first 30 days after procedure. Three occurred in strategy A versus three in strategy B (p = 1) (p <.005 for non‐inferiority). Forty out of 50 patients (80%) were safely discharged in a time frame of 3 h and 42 patients (84%) were discharged in the same day of the procedure in strategy A. Time to discharge was shorter in strategy A compared to strategy B. (5.89 ± 7.47 h vs. 27.09 ± 2.29 p <.005). No differences were obtained in quality‐of‐life outcomes. Mean (95% CI) euros cost saving per patient in strategy A was 379.16 ± 93.55 p <.001. Ten acute complications (10% patients CI 95% 4.02%–15.98%) were reported during the trial. Seven (14% CI 95% 4.04%–23.96%) occurred in strategy A patients versus 3 (6% CI 95% 0.8%–12.8%) in strategy B. (p =.182) Conclusion: A strategy of vascular suture mediated closure system utilization and early discharge was feasible, reduced time to discharge, saved costs and was not associated with more complications or admissions/emergency visits in a 30‐day time frame after procedure compared to a strategy of regular admission and discharge after overnight stay. There were no differences regarding quality‐of‐life parameters between both strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Predictive tools for major bleeding (MB) using machine learning (ML) might be advantageous over traditional methods. We used data from the Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) to develop ML algorithms to identify patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) at increased risk of MB during the first 3 months of anticoagulation. A total of 55 baseline variables were used as predictors. New data prospectively collected from the RIETE were used for further validation. The RIETE and VTE‐BLEED scores were used for comparisons. External validation was performed with the COMMAND‐VTE database. Learning was carried out with data from 49 587 patients, of whom 873 (1.8%) had MB. The best performing ML method was XGBoost. In the prospective validation cohort the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and F1 score were: 33.2%, 93%, 10%, and 15.4% respectively. F1 value for the RIETE and VTE‐BLEED scores were 8.6% and 6.4% respectively. In the external validation cohort the metrics were 10.3%, 87.6%, 3.5% and 5.2% respectively. In that cohort, the F1 value for the RIETE score was 17.3% and for the VTE‐BLEED score 9.75%. The performance of the XGBoost algorithm was better than that from the RIETE and VTE‐BLEED scores only in the prospective validation cohort, but not in the external validation cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EarlyCDT‐Lung test is a blood‐based autoantibody assay intended to identify high‐risk individuals for low‐dose computed tomography lung cancer screening. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the performance of the EarlyCDT‐Lung test in ever‐smokers. We conducted a nested case‐control study within two prospective cohorts to evaluate the risk‐discriminatory performance of the EarlyCDT‐Lung test using prediagnostic blood samples from 154 future lung cancer cases and 154 matched controls. Cases were selected from those who had ever smoked and had a prediagnostic blood sample <3 years prior to diagnosis. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between EarlyCDT‐Lung test results and lung cancer risk. Sensitivity and specificity of the EarlyCDT‐Lung test were calculated in all subjects and subgroups based on age, smoking history, lung cancer stage, sample collection time before diagnosis and year of sample collection. The overall lung cancer odds ratios were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.34‐2.30) for a moderate risk EarlyCDT‐Lung test result and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.48‐2.47) for a high‐risk test result compared to no significant test result. The overall sensitivity was 8.4% (95% CI: 4.6‐14) and overall specificity was 92% (95% CI: 87‐96) when considering a high‐risk result as positive. Stratified analysis indicated higher sensitivity (17%, 95% CI: 7.2‐32.1) in subjects with blood drawn up to 1 year prior to diagnosis. In conclusion, our study does not support a role of the EarlyCDT‐Lung test in identifying the high‐risk subjects in ever‐smokers for lung cancer screening in the EPIC and NSHDS cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We analyzed the pooled case‐control data from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium to compare cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption risk factors for head and neck cancer between less developed and more developed countries. Subjects and Methods: The location of each study was categorized as either a less developed or more developed country. We compared the risk of overall head and neck cancer and cancer of specific anatomic subsites associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Additionally, age and sex distribution between categories was compared. Results: The odds ratios for head and neck cancer sites associated with smoking duration differed between less developed and more developed countries. Smoking greater than 20 years conferred a higher risk for oral cavity and laryngeal cancer in more developed countries, whereas the risk was greater for oropharynx and hypopharynx cancer in less developed countries. Alcohol consumed for more than 20 years conferred a higher risk for oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx cancer in less developed countries. The proportion of cases that were young (<45 years) or female differed by country type for some HNC subsites. Conclusion: These findings suggest the degree of industrialization and economic development affects the relationship between smoking and alcohol with head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of social media is rather new and unexplored in comprehending how this capability can improve effectiveness in emerging economies, in particular, that of the companies classified as micro, small and medium‐sized (MSMEs). It is argued that some company and manager characteristics may affect the role of social media in business performance, therefore this research attempts to answer the following questions: Does the use of social media contribute to improving performance of MSMEs? How does the relationship behave according to the characteristics of the company and those of the manager? For this purpose, the resource‐based view of the firm is used as a framework of the analysis, which was carried out with data collected before the COVID pandemic. To validate the proposed hypotheses, we used Structural Equation Model (SEM) with a sample of 229 Mexican enterprises. The main contribution of this study is twofold: providing empirical evidence on the existence of influence from social media capability to the business performance and effectiveness of MSMEs in a Latin American emergent economy, even before the imposition of radical constraints by the pandemic; and the key theoretical implication is a better understanding of the nature of this influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between protein intake and prostate cancer risk remains unclear. Aims: To prospectively investigate the associations of dietary intakes of total protein, protein from different dietary sources, and amino acids with prostate cancer risk and mortality. Methods: In 131,425 men from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, protein and amino acid intakes were estimated using validated dietary questionnaires. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: During a mean follow‐up of 14.2 years, 6939 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 914 died of the disease. Dairy protein was positively associated with overall prostate cancer risk in the three highest fifths compared to the lowest (HRQ3=1.14 (95% CI 1.05–1.23); HRQ4=1.09 (1.01–1.18); HRQ5=1.10 (1.02–1.19)); similar results were observed for yogurt protein (HRQ3=1.14 (1.05–1.24); HRQ4=1.09 (1.01–1.18); HRQ5=1.12 (1.04–1.21)). For egg protein intake and prostate cancer mortality, no association was observed by fifths, but there was suggestive evidence of a positive association in the analysis per standard deviation increment. There was no strong evidence of associations with different tumour subtypes. Discussion: Considering the weak associations and many tests, the results must be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: This study does not provide strong evidence for an association of intakes of total protein, protein from different dietary sources or amino acids with prostate cancer risk or mortality. However, our results may suggest some weak positive associations, which need to be confirmed in large‐scale, pooled analyses of prospective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: The interfertile species Anacyclus clavatus, A. homogamos, and A. valentinus represent a plant complex coexisting in large anthropic areas of the western Mediterranean Basin with phenotypically mixed populations exhibiting a great floral variation. The goal of this study was to estimate the genetic identity of each species, to infer the role of hybridization in the observed phenotypic diversity, and to explore the effect of climate on the geographic distribution of species and genetic clusters. Methods: We used eight nuclear microsatellites to genotype 585 individuals from 31 populations of three Anacyclus species for population genetic analyses by using clustering algorithms based on Bayesian models and ordination methods. In addition, we used ecological niche models and niche overlap analyses for both the species and genetic clusters. We used an expanded data set, including 721 individuals from 129 populations for ecological niche models of the genetic clusters. Results: We found a clear correspondence between species and genetic clusters, except for A. clavatus that included up to three genetic clusters. We detected individuals with admixed genetic ancestry in A. clavatus and in mixed populations. Ecological niche models predicted similar distributions for species and genetic clusters. For the two specific genetic clusters of A. clavatus, ecological niche models predicted remarkably different areas. Conclusions: Gene flow between Anacyclus species likely explains phenotypic diversity in contact areas. In addition, we suggest that introgression could be involved in the origin of one of the two A. clavatus genetic clusters, which also showed ecological differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the research themes that are addressed in studies on industrial symbiosis (IS), from the perspective of theories. The paper method is a longitudinal analysis of retrospective nature from 1998 to 2021. This approach allowed to detects the main drivers and associated themes that structured researches on IS in the period. In general, Industrial Ecology Theory, Network Theory, Systems Theory and Organizational Theory were present in a considerable part of research themes on IS. It was observed that the IS research themes moved over the period analyzed to nine areas of study: (1) Waste as a resource, (2) development industrial symbiosis network, (3) circular economy and industrial symbiosis, (4) industrial co‐localization, (5) energy innovations, (6) closed loop chains, (7) IS's social aspects, (8) regional‐level metabolism, and (9) waste knowledge. In summary, the contributions of this paper are the thematic proposition of IS from the perspective of theories, pointing out the key‐aspects; and presentation of a research themes' diagram towards the IS buildup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Loa loa and Mansonella perstans are two very common filarial species in Africa. Although microscopy is the traditional diagnostic method for human filariasis, several polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods have emerged as an alternative approach for identifying filarial parasites. The aim of this study is to compare three molecular methods and decide which is the most suitable for diagnosing human loiasis and mansonellosis in non‐endemic regions using dried blood spot (DBS) as a medium for sample collection and storage. Methods: A total of 100 DBS samples, with their corresponding thin and thick blood smears, were selected for this study. Microscopy was used as the reference method to diagnose and calculate the microfilaraemia. Filarial DNA was extracted using the saponin/Chelex method and the DNA isolated was assayed by Filaria‐real time‐PCR, filaria‐nested PCR, and cytochrome oxidase I PCR. All PCR products were subsequently purified and sequenced. The statistical values for each molecular test were calculated and compared. Results: Overall, 64 samples were identified as negative by all tests and a further 36 samples were positive by at least one of the methods used. The sensitivity and specificity were similar for the different molecular methods, all of which demonstrated good agreement with microscopy. Conclusions: Based on this study, and from a practical point of view (single and short amplification round), the optimal technique for diagnosing filarial infection in non‐endemic regions is filaria‐real time‐PCR, which presents high sensitivity and specificity and is also able to detect a wide range of human filariae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rusts and powdery mildews are severe fungal diseases of major crops worldwide, including cereals and legumes. They can be managed by chemical fungicide treatments, with negative consequences as environmental pollution and risk for human and animal health. Bioactive natural products could be the safest alternative for pest control. The family of anthraquinones, as well as analogue compounds containing an anthraquinone moiety or some modified anthraquinone rings, has been reported to exhibit certain antibiotic activity. Thus, the potential antifungal activity of some anthraquinones isolated from Ascochyta lentis, was assayed in this study for their effectiveness to reduce rust and powdery mildew diseases on pea and oat. Their effect on fungal development was macro‐ and microscopically assessed on inoculated leaves, and compared to the control achieved by the chemical fungicide (Tetraconazol 12.5% and Azoxystrobin 25%). In addition, the most promising compound was also tested at different concentrations in inoculated whole plants in order to evaluate its preventive and curative potential against fungal infection. Results: All metabolites studied strongly reduced the development of rust and powdery mildews in both pea and oat, being pachybasin and lentiquinone C the most effective ones in hampering fungal spore germination and appressoria formation. Some of them also affected post‐penetration events reducing colony size and number of haustoria per colony. Results were confirmed for pachybasin in whole plants assays, showing an efficacy similar to the commercial fungicide to control fungal diseases, both in preventive and curative applications. Conclusions: Some fungal anthraquinones and close metabolites, especially pachybasin, could be very promising molecules with effective potential as antifungal agents against both rust and powdery mildew of both pea and oat. Some structure activity‐relationships feature have also been evaluated. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 75‐year‐old woman with severe aortic stenosis and moderate left ventricular dysfunction, who underwent elective transcatheter aortic valve replacement. After the procedure, the patient developed a left bundle branch block and a long PR interval. For this reason, a dual chamber pacemaker with pacing in the left bundle branch area was implanted. On device interrogation, we confirmed the presence of functional atrial undersensing causing loss of ventricular electric resynchronization. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this problem and, by means of device reprogramming and pharmacological intervention, suggests a stepwise approach to solve it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the link between the language in which pupils take the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) test and the scores they achieve in this assessment, focusing upon the case of Wales. Using five rounds of PISA data and an instrumental variable approach, we show how pupils who took the test in Welsh score around 0.3 standard deviations (30 PISA test points) lower in reading, mathematics and science than their peers who took the test in English. This finding is robust to different model specifications and statistical approaches. We argue that this may indicate that the academic performance of teenagers in Wales may be underestimated in PISA – particularly amongst those who take this test in Welsh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges to use more varied fuels at medium and high temperatures above 500 °C need to be addressed by tuning the materials toward a better resistance against increased corrosion. As a first step the corrosion processes need to be better understood, especially in the case of the unavoidable and highly corrosive sulfur‐based gases. Herein, oxidation/sulfidation of an equimolar CrMnFeCoNi high‐entropy alloy is studied at an early stage after hot gas exposure at 600 °C for 6 h in 0.5% SO2 and 99.5% Ar. The oxidation process is studied by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and supported by thermodynamic calculations. It is found that the sulfur does not enter the bulk material but interacts mainly with the fast‐diffusing manganese at grain boundary triple junctions at the alloy surface. Submicrometer scaled Cr–S–O‐rich phases close to the grain boundaries complete the sulfur‐based phase formation. The grains are covered in different Fe‐, Mn‐, and Cr‐based spinels and other oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the 3D nature of the melt pool boundaries (MPBs) in a 316 L austenitic steel additively manufactured by laser‐based powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) is investigated. The change of the cell growth direction and its relationship to the MPBs is investigated by transmission electron microscopy. A hitherto unreported modulated substructure with a periodicity of 21 nm is further discovered within the cell cores of the cellular substructure, which results from a partial transformation of the austenite, which is induced by a Ga+ focused ion beam. While the cell cores show the modulated substructure, cell boundaries do not. The diffraction pattern of the modulated substructure is exploited to show a thickness ≥200 nm for the MPB. At MPBs, the cell walls are suppressed, leading to continuously connecting cell cores across the MPB. This continuous MPB is described either as overlapping regions of cells of different growing directions when a new melt pool solidifies or as a narrow planar growth preceding the new melt pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of optically active β‐hydroxy sulfones has been obtained through an oxosulfonylation‐stereoselective reduction sequence in aqueous medium. Firstly, β‐keto sulfones were synthesized from arylacetylenes and sodium sulfinates to subsequently develop the carbonyl reduction in a highly selective fashion using alcohol dehydrogenases as biocatalysts. Optimization of the chemical oxosulfonylation reaction was investigated, finding inexpensive iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3 ⋅ 6H2O) as the catalyst of choice. The selection of isopropanol in the alcohol‐water media resulted in high compatibility with the enzymatic process for enzyme cofactor recycling purposes, providing a straightforward access to both (R)‐ and (S)‐β‐hydroxy sulfones. The practical usefulness of this transformation was illustrated by describing the synthesis of a chiral intermediate of Apremilast. Interestingly, the development of a chemoenzymatic cascade approach avoided the isolation of β‐keto sulfone intermediates, which allowed the preparation of chiral β‐hydroxy sulfones in high conversion values (83–94 %) and excellent optical purities (94 to >99 % ee). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeydew is the sugar‐rich excretion of phloem‐feeding hemipteran insects such as aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and psyllids, and can be a main carbohydrate source for beneficial insects in some ecosystems. Recent research has revealed that water‐soluble, systemic insecticides contaminate honeydew excreted by hemipterans that feed on plants treated with these insecticides. This contaminated honeydew can be toxic to beneficial insects, such as pollinators, parasitic wasps and generalist predators that feed on it. This route of exposure has now been demonstrated in three plant species, for five systemic insecticides and four hemipteran species; therefore, we expect this route to be widely available in some ecosystems. In this perspective paper, we highlight the importance of this route of exposure by exploring: (i) potential pathways through which honeydew might be contaminated with insecticides; (ii) hemipteran families that are more likely to excrete contaminated honeydew; and (iii) systemic insecticides with different modes of action that might contaminate honeydew through the plant. Furthermore, we analyse several model scenarios in Europe and/or the USA where contaminated honeydew could be problematic for beneficial organisms that feed on this ubiquitous carbohydrate source. Finally, we explain why this route of exposure might be important when exotic, invasive, honeydew‐producing species are treated with systemic insecticides. Overall, this review opens a new area of research in the field of ecotoxicology to understand how insecticides can reach non‐target beneficial insects. In addition, we aim to shed light on potential undescribed causes of insect declines in ecosystems where honeydew is an important carbohydrate source for insects, and advocate for this route of exposure to be included in future environmental risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this work was to analyse the association of the retinal arteriolar calibre and the arteriole/venule index (AV index) with vascular ageing in a general population without previous cardiovascular disease. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross‐sectional study. A total of 482 individuals without cardiovascular disease (mean age: 55.6 ± 14.2 years) were selected by random sampling, stratified by age and sex. The retinal arteriolar calibre was measured using digital fundus images of the back of the eye captured with a validated, semiautomatized and computer‐assisted software (Index calculator). Vascular ageing was defined using three criteria based on the values of: (1) Carotid‐femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV), (2) Brachial‐ankle Pulse Wave Velocity (baPWV) and (3) Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness. Results: The AV index and arteriolar calibre show a negative correlation with age, arterial pressure, cardiovascular risk and parameters of vascular structure and function (p < 0.001 in all cases). We found lower mean values of the AV index and arteriolar calibre in the individuals with early vascular ageing compared to those with healthy vascular ageing. AV index was negatively correlated with cfPWV ((β=−2.9; 95% CI (−4.7; −1.1)), baPWV ((β=−3.2; 95% CI (−5.4; −0.9)) and vascular ageing index ((β=−1.7; 95% CI (−2.7; −0.7)). Arteriolar calibre showed a negative correlation with baPWV (β=−0.1; 95% CI (−0.2; −0.1)). In the logistic regression analysis, lower values of AV index ((OR=0.01; 95% CI (0.01–0.10), OR=0.03; 95% CI (0.01–0.11) and OR=0.09; 95% CI (0.01–0.67)) were associated with EVA defined with cfPWV, baPWV and vascular ageing index respectively, and lower values of arteriolar calibre ((OR=0.71; 95% CI (0.55–0.91)) were associated with EVA defined with vascular ageing index. Conclusions: Lower values of AV index and retinal arteriolar calibre were associated with vascular ageing in a general Spanish population without previous cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Ecological drivers for genetic differentiation in Mediterranean climates are still underexplored. We have used the strictly Mediterranean endemic Odontites recordonii as a model species to address this question. This species is one of the three Iberian representatives of the O. vernus group, which are morphologically similar. Thus, it was additionally necessary to clarify their phylogenetic relationships. Methods: We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms to reveal phylogenetic relationships within O. vernus group, and to reconstruct the phylogeographic patterns within O. recordonii. Additionally, ecological niche models were generated to detect refugia along the Quaternary climatic oscillations. And finally, alleles under natural selection were identified, and correlations between allele presences and environmental variables were calculated in order to shed light on the ecological drivers promoting differentiation. Results: The three species from the O. vernus group were recovered as distinct species. Three genetic groups were found within O. recordonii and a putative refugium was detected for each one. Eighty‐one alleles could be under diversifying selection, and 58 alleles showed significant correlations with environmental variables, especially with temperature and precipitation seasonality and summer drought. Conclusions: The three Iberian species of the O. vernus group are reciprocal monophyletic taxa. The three genetic groups of O. recordonii could have been restricted to narrow refugia during the Quaternary and displayed present distributions in accordance with bioclimatic conditions. Temperature and precipitation seasonality and the intensity of summer drought are definitory climatic parameters of Mediterranean‐type climates, and they could have acted as drivers of genetic differentiation on O. recordonii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weathering of primary silicate minerals under acidic conditions occurs in contexts as varied as acid mine drainage, volcanic environments, soils, stone monuments subjected to acid rain or Geological Carbon Storage (GCS). Considering the abundance of pyroxenes on the Earth crust, knowledge of their weathering kinetics and mechanisms may help to optimize carbonate yield in GCS. Here we report experimental results from the reaction of the clinopyroxenes augite and diopside in acidic solutions. Dissolution at far-from-equilibrium conditions results in the formation of etch pits where crack initiate and propagate by stress corrosion and pressure exerted by swelling of an amorphous, gel-like Si-rich phase, which precipitates despite the undersaturation of the bulk solution and whose formation is highly controlled by the heterogeneity of the mineral surface and the local transport mechanism. These precipitates are commonly localized within deep etch pits and cracks, characterized by a low fluid renewal where high Si-concentrations can be reached locally, so that supersaturation with respect to amorphous silica can occur. Cracks and silica precipitates are most abundant in the case of augite weathered in flowthrough experiments. This is related to its faster reaction rate compared to diopside, most likely due to its higher iron content. Finally, in the case of diopside an amorphous magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) precursor forms, which represents an indirect evidence of the high pH conditions prevailing at the diopside-solution interface during dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Clinical guidelines recommend psychological screening in cancer patients. However, most scales cover many items and hamper detection. In addition, patients are generally referred from routine consultations. The specific objective of the present study was to develop and validate a tool, Anxiety, Depression, Coping (ADAF), to screen for anxiety and depression and assess coping in cancer patients. Methods: Cross‐sectional, multicenter study performed in the medical and radiotherapy‐oncology services of five hospitals in Madrid and coordinated by the Medical Oncology Service of Hospital Clínico San Carlos (CEIC nº19/265‐E). To determine psychometric properties, the ADAF screening questionnaire ADAF was administered. ADAF includes five items (1 related to anxiety symptoms, 2 related to depressive symptoms, 1 for helplessness coping, and 1 for avoidance coping). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Mini‐Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale were used as the gold standards. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves constructed. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 186 patients completed the evaluation. The correlation coefficients were significant for all dimensions (anxiety, depression, helplessness coping, and avoidance coping) (p < 0.001). The statistical analysis of the ROC curves suggested that the cut‐off point for screening was >2 points (3 in the case of depression), with a sensitivity and specificity between 62% and 90%, and an area under the curve above 0.8 for the first 4 items. Conclusions: ADAF screening has adequate reliability and good sensitivity and specificity. This instrument is useful and can be easily applied to identify emotional and coping problems in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Atrial fibrillation is a major cause of death and disability due to stroke. Vitamin K antagonist drugs are effective for prevention, but they have a narrow therapeutic range and multiple pharmacological interactions. In recent years, new therapeutic alternatives have been searched to minimize complications. The main objective is to evaluate the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in anticoagulated patients and compare the classic treatment with new anticoagulants. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients treated with acenocoumarol/dabigatran/rivaroxaban, between 2012 and 2016. We compared the classic with the new anticoagulant group, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determinate the risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding. Results: A total of 1213 patients were selected, 52.7% male patients, a mean age of 72.6 years old (± 14.563). 73.6% had atrial fibrilation. 14.5% of patients used acetylsalicylic acid, and 4% clopidogrel. 67.2% had a high‐risk CHADS‐2 Score, and 36.9% a high‐risk HAS‐BLED Score. We determined a 5.6% (68) of gastrointestinal bleeding, without differences according to anticoagulant used. The multivariate model showed a greater risk for digestive hemorrhage in patients with a previous hemorrhagic event (odds ratio [OR] = 2.422 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.101–5.327) and the concomitant therapy with clopidogrel (OR = 2.373 95% CI: 0.996–5.652). Conclusions: No differences were found in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding between the different anticoagulants. A previous gastrointestinal bleeding were considered independent risk factor. The HAS‐BLED score should be taken into account to make clinical decisions about to prescribe anticoagulant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The posterior root muscle response (PRM) is a monosynaptic reflex that is evoked by single pulse transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). The main aim of this work was to analyse how body weight loading influences PRM reflex threshold measured from several lower limb muscles in healthy participants. PRM reflex responses were evoked with 1‐ms rectangular monophasic pulses applied at an interval of 6 s via a self‐adhesive electrode (9 × 5 cm) at the T11–T12 vertebral level. Surface electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles was recorded during four different conditions, one in decubitus supine (DS) and the other three involving standing at 100%, 50%, and 0% body weight loading (BW). PRM threshold intensity, peak‐to‐peak amplitude, and latency for each muscle were analysed in different conditions study. PRM reflex threshold increased with body weight unloading compared with DS, and the largest change was observed between DS and 0% BW for the proximal muscles and between DS and 50% BW for distal muscles. Peak‐to‐peak amplitude analysis showed only a significant mean decrease of 34.6% (SD 10.4, p = 0.028) in TA and 53.6% (SD 15.1, p = 0.019) in GM muscles between DS and 50% BW. No significant differences were observed for PRM latency. This study has shown that sensorimotor networks can be activated with tSCS in various conditions of body weight unloading. Higher stimulus intensities are necessary to evoke reflex response during standing at 50% body weight loading. These results have practical implications for gait rehabilitation training programmes that include body weight support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, which tends to be mild. Even in these cases, our understanding is still incomplete, particularly regarding its sequelae and long‐term outcomes. We describe 3 recovered patients who had coronavirus disease 2019, with long‐persisting symptoms after recovery, in whom chest computed tomographic and concurrent lung ultrasound examinations were performed. It is possible to correlate the findings from lung ultrasound with the symptoms and the fibrosis or residual abnormalities present on chest computed tomography. Lung ultrasound, which is easy to use, without side effects or radiation, helps monitor the disease resolution or assess early progression to lung fibrosis, as exemplified in the cases reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) may contribute to liver carcinogenesis because of their proinflammatory and prooxidative properties. Diet is a major source of AGEs, but there is sparse human evidence on the role of AGEs intake in liver cancer etiology. We examined the association between dietary AGEs and the risk of hepatobiliary cancers in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition prospective cohort (n = 450 111). Dietary intake of three AGEs, Nε‐[carboxymethyl]lysine (CML), Nε‐[1‐carboxyethyl]lysine (CEL) and Nδ‐[5‐hydro‐5‐methyl‐4‐imidazolon‐2‐yl]‐ornithine (MG‐H1), was estimated using country‐specific dietary questionnaires linked to an AGEs database. Cause‐specific hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between dietary AGEs and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder and biliary tract cancers were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. After a median follow‐up time of 14.9 years, 255 cases of HCC, 100 cases of gallbladder cancer and 173 biliary tract cancers were ascertained. Higher intakes of dietary AGEs were inversely associated with the risk of HCC (per 1 SD increment, HR‐CML = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76‐0.99, HR‐CEL = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74‐0.96 and HR‐MH‐G1 = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74‐0.97). In contrast, positive associations were observed with risk of gallbladder cancer (per 1 SD, HR‐CML = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.56, HR‐CEL = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.96‐1.40, HR‐MH‐G1 = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.54). No associations were observed for cancers of the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts. Our findings suggest that higher intakes of dietary AGEs are inversely associated with the risk of HCC and positively associated with the risk of gallbladder cancer. What's new? Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are proteins or lipids with sugars added to them, and they can form in foods during cooking. They have pro‐inflammatory and pro‐oxidative properties in the body. These authors investigated whether dietary consumption of AGEs affect risk of liver cancer, using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. Participants filled out food questionnaires to determine AGE consumption. Higher intakes of AGEs were associated with reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and increased risk of gallbladder cancer. However, it's still not entirely clear how much AGEs in the diet contribute to circulating AGE levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐polymerization modification provides an elegant way to introduce chemical functionalities onto macromolecules to produce tailor‐made materials with superior properties. This concept was adapted to well‐defined block copolymers of the poly(2‐oxazoline) family and demonstrated the large potential of these macromolecules as universal toolkit for numerous applications. Triblock copolymers with separated water‐soluble, alkyne‐ and alkene‐containing segments were synthesized and orthogonally modified with various low‐molecular weight functional molecules by copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and thiol‐ene (TE) click reactions, respectively. Representative toolkit polymers were used for the synthesis of gold, iron oxide and silica nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that young people from more advantaged socio-economic backgrounds have, on average, higher levels of academic achievement than their disadvantaged peers. Yet rather less is known about how the relative socio-economic position of students might be related to their academic progression at school. This is the issue considered in this paper, using longitudinal administrative data covering the largest region within Spain. We find evidence that the relative socio-economic position of students within their school is associated with grade retention, performance in standardized tests and attitudes towards school, even after controlling for the absolute level of their socio-economic status. Our primary conclusion is that both absolute and relative social position matters for young people's academic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) are well investigated smart materials. With their ability to memorize their original shape they are interesting candidates for a large range of applications. Certain SMPs feature triple shape‐memory behavior. In these cases, it is possible to fix two different temporary shapes. However, the exact quantification of the individual steps regarding their programming and recovery rate is difficult and has not been possible so far. In this work, a novel approach for the analysis and exact quantification of triple SMPs is presented. By applying a customized rheology protocol, it is possible to perform and to analyze torsional and tensional experiments simultaneously. Consequently, different shapes in different directions (vertical and horizontal) can be fixed and the individual steps can be investigated independently at different switching temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin forms a barrier that prevents dehydration and keeps us safe from pathogens. To ensure proper function, the skin possesses a myriad of stem cell populations that are essential for maintenance and repair upon damage. In order to protect, the skin is also an active immunological site, with abundant resident immune cells and strong recruitment of even more immune cells during wounding or infection. Such active and strong immunity makes the skin susceptible to a diverse spectrum of autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo and alopecia areata. Conversely, despite constant immune surveillance, the skin is also a tissue where frequent malignancies occur, which suggests that immune evasion must also take place. Skin stem cells play a crucial role during both regeneration and tumorigenesis. How immune cells, and in particular T cells, interact with skin stem cells and the implications this crosstalk has in skin disease (both autoimmunity and cancer) is not fully understood. Uncovering the mechanisms governing immune‐stem cells interactions in the skin is critical for the development of new therapeutic strategies to safeguard susceptible cells during autoimmunity and, conversely, to improve cancer immunotherapy. Here, I will discuss how distinct skin stem cell populations are attacked by, or conversely, cloaked from immune cells, and the implications their differences have in autoimmunity and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]