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Modern agriculture faces conflicting objectives—increasing agricultural production while preserving and fostering biodiversity. As intensive agricultural management threatens biodiversity, legal obligations aim to halt biodiversity loss and safeguard threatened species. In Switzerland, agricultural priority species have been defined to set environmental goals for biodiversity, with limited success so far. This study spatially defines farmland focus zones with potential for the promotion of priority species for conservation in agricultural landscapes. We overlaid information about field‐level impact of agricultural activities using the Swiss Agricultural Life Cycle Assessment (SALCA‐BD) as “impact of agricultural activities” with the potential distribution of Swiss priority birds. The potential distribution was assessed by aggregating predictions from species distribution models of 27 bird priority species. We identified significantly high/low values for management impact and potential distribution using hotspot analyses. Multivariate clustering was used to identify zones that should be preserved (low management impact, high bird potential) and zones where conservation measures could be promoted (high management impact, high bird potential). Zones which were minimally impacted by management and had a high potential for birds included grassland with structures, covering ca. 18% of the studied farmland. Zones with high management impacts consisted mainly of arable land with little structures, covering ca. 31% of the studied farmland, occurring mainly in the Swiss lowlands. Our results help to assess and visualize the intertwined links between agricultural management and the species inhabiting these agricultural landscapes in a spatially explicit manner. This can help to identify zones and regions for ecological promotion and set priorities for action within future agricultural policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Interpretation Intravascular lymphoma is a rare subtype of B‐cell lymphoma characterized by a clonal proliferation restricted to the lumen of small vessels. Over 50% of patients exhibit central nervous system (CNS) involvement, but diagnosis is often delayed due to the lack of distinctive features. We aimed to identify key phenotypic features for early diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma with CNS involvement through an in‐depth cohort study.We built up a multicenter retrospective cohort of 17 patients recruited in collaboration with the French Expert Network for Oculo‐Cerebral Lymphomas (LOC network), and retrospectively analyzed data from medical records.In this cohort, 15 of 17 (88%) patients developed focal neurological episodes, often fluctuating and/or recurrent, with a sudden onset in 68% of episodes, suggesting a vascular origin. Rapid cognitive deterioration occurred in 15 of 17 (88%) patients, psychiatric manifestations in 8 of 17 (47%), and “B signs” in 14 of 17 (82%). Brain MRI showed polymorphic FLAIR hyperintensities in 14 of 16 (87%) patients, and DWI‐positive lesions in 13 of 16 (81%) of patients, which accumulated over time and had unusual characteristics for ischemic lesions (progressive growth, persistent DWI‐hyperintensity over 1 month, surrounded by a wider FLAIR hyperintensity). Early‐onset inflammatory syndrome, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were observed in over 90% of cases. Mild and inconsistent meningitis contrasted with a nearly‐constant hyperproteinorachia. An increased interleukin 10/6 ratio over 0,7 was found in 4 of 7 (57%) patients, and skin biopsy led to a pathological diagnosis in 3 of 6 (50%) patients.The results of this study highlight “red flags” that could help accelerate the diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma involving the CNS. ANN NEUROL 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate projections for continental Europe indicate drier summers, increased annual precipitation, and less snowy winters, which are expected to cause shifts in species' distributions. Yet, most regions/countries currently lack comprehensive climate‐driven biodiversity projections across taxonomic groups, challenging effective conservation efforts. To address this gap, our study evaluated the potential effects of climate change on the biodiversity of an alpine country of Europe, Switzerland. We used a state‐of‐the art species distribution modeling approach and species occurrence data that covered the climatic conditions encountered across the full species' ranges to help limiting niche truncation. We quantified the relationship between baseline climate and the spatial distribution of 7291 species from 12 main taxonomic groups and projected future climate suitability for three 30‐year periods and two greenhouse gas concentration scenarios (RCP4.5 and 8.5). Our results indicated important effects of projected climate changes on species' climate suitability, with responses varying by the taxonomic and conservation status group. The percentage of species facing major changes in climate suitability was higher under RCP8.5 (68%) compared to RCP4.5 (66%). By the end of the century, decreases in climate suitability were projected for 3000 species under RCP8.5 and 1758 species under RCP4.5. The most affected groups under RCP8.5 were molluscs, algae, and amphibians, while it was molluscs, birds, and vascular plants under RCP4.5. Spatially, by 2070–2099, we projected an overall decrease in climate suitability for 39% of the cells in the study area under RCP8.5 and 10% under RCP4.5, while projecting an increase for 50% of the cells under RCP8.5 and 73% under RCP4.5. The most consistent geographical shifts were upward, southward, and eastward. We found that the coverage of high climate suitability cells by protected areas was expected to increase. Our models and maps provide guidance for spatial conservation planning by pointing out future climate‐suitable areas for biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Accumulating data has shown the rising incidence and poor prognosis of early‐onset gastrointestinal cancers, but few data exist on biliary tract cancers (BTC). We aimed to analyse the clinico‐pathological, molecular, therapeutic characteristics and prognosis of patients with early onset BTC (EOBTC, age ≤50 years at diagnosis), versus olders. Methods: We analysed patients diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder adenocarcinoma between 1 January 2003 and 30 June 2021. Baseline characteristics and treatment were described in each group and compared. Progression‐free survival, overall survival and disease‐free survival were estimated in each group using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Results: Overall, 1256 patients were included, 188 (15%) with EOBTC. Patients with EOBTC demonstrated fewer comorbidities (63.5% vs. 84.5%, p <.0001), higher tumour stage (cT3–4: 50.0% vs. 32.3%, p =.0162), bilobar liver involvement (47.8% vs. 32.1%, p =.0002), and metastatic disease (67.6% vs. 57.5%, p =.0097) compared to older. Patients with EOBTC received second‐line therapy more frequently (89.5% vs. 81.0% non‐EOBTC, p =.0224). For unresectable patients with BTC, median overall survival was 17.0 vs. 16.2 months (p =.0876), and median progression‐free survival was 5.8 vs. 6.0 months (p =.8293), in EOBTC vs. older. In advanced stages, fewer actionable alterations were found in EOBTC (e.g., IDH1 mutations [7.8% vs. 16.6%]; FGFR2‐fusion [11.7% vs. 8.9%]; p =.029). Conclusions: Patients with EOBTC have a more advanced disease at diagnosis, are treated more heavily at an advanced stage but show similar survival. A distinctive molecular profile enriched for FGRF2 fusions was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical impact of individual dose adjustment of mycophenolate mofetil is still debated, due to conflicting results from randomized clinical trials. This retrospective study aimed to compare 3‐year rejection‐free survival and adverse effects between adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with or without mycophenolate mofetil model‐informed precision dosing (MIPD). MIPD is defined here as mycophenolic acid area under the curve (AUC0–12h) estimation using a limited sampling strategy, pharmacokinetic models and Bayesian estimators; dose recommendation to reach AUC0–12h = 45 mg.h/L; using a widely used online expert system. The study, nested in two multicenter prospective cohort studies, focused on patients who received a mycophenolate drug and were followed up for 1–3 years. Mycophenolate mofetil MIPD was prescribed as per local practice, on a regular basis, when deemed necessary, or not at all. The MIPD group included 341 KTRs and the control group 392. At 3 years, rejection‐free survival was respectively 91.2% and 80.6% (P < 0.001) and the cumulative incidence of rejection 5.08% vs. 12.7% per patient × year (hazard ratio = 0.49 (0.34, 0.71), P < 0.001), corresponding to a 2.5‐fold reduction. Significant association with rejection‐free survival was confirmed in patients at low or high risk of rejection (P = 0.017 and 0.013) and in patients on tacrolimus, but not on cyclosporine (P < 0.001 and 0.205). The mycophenolate mofetil MIPD group had significantly more adverse effects, but most occurred before the first AUC0–12h, suggesting some may be the reason why MIPD was ordered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid loss of biodiversity in freshwater systems asks for a robust and spatially explicit understanding of species' occurrences. As two complementing approaches, habitat suitability models provide information about species' potential occurrence, while environmental DNA (eDNA) based assessments provide indication of species' actual occurrence. Individually, both approaches are used in ecological studies to characterize biodiversity, yet they are rarely combined. Here, we integrated high‐resolution habitat suitability models with eDNA‐based assessments of aquatic invertebrates in riverine networks to understand their individual and combined capacity to inform on species' occurrence. We used eDNA sampling data from 172 river sites and combined the detection of taxa from three insect orders (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera; hereafter EPT) with suitable habitat predictions at a subcatchment level (2 km2). Overall, we find congruence of habitat suitability and eDNA‐based detections. Yet, the models predicted suitable habitats beyond the number of detections by eDNA sampling, congruent with the suitable niche being larger than the realized niche. For local mismatches, where eDNA detected a species but the habitat was not predicted suitable, we calculated the minimal distance to upstream suitable habitat patches, indicating possible sources of eDNA signals from upstream sites subsequently being transported along the water flow. We estimated a median distance of 1.06 km (range 0.2–42 km) of DNA transport based on upstream habitat suitability, and this distance was significantly smaller than expected by null model predictions. This estimated transport distance is in the range of previously reported values and allows extrapolations of transport distances across many taxa and riverine systems. Together, the combination of eDNA and habitat suitability models allows larger scale and spatially integrative inferences about biodiversity, ultimately needed for the management and protection of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing body of research on algorithmic management (AM), but the field lacks measurement tools to capture workers' experiences of this phenomenon. Based on existing literature, we developed and validated the algorithmic management questionnaire (AMQ) to measure the perceptions of workers regarding their level of exposure to AM. Across three samples (overall n = 1332 gig workers), we show the content, factorial, discriminant, convergent, and predictive validity of the scale. The final 20‐item scale assesses workers' perceived level of exposure to algorithmic: monitoring, goal setting, scheduling, performance rating, and compensation. These dimensions formed a higher order construct assessing overall exposure to algorithmic management, which was found to be, as expected, negatively related to the work characteristics of job autonomy and job complexity and, indirectly, to work engagement. Supplementary analyses revealed that perceptions of exposure to AM reflect the objective presence of AM dimensions beyond individual variations in exposure. Overall, the results suggest the suitability of the AMQ to assess workers' perceived exposure to algorithmic management, which paves the way for further research on the impacts of these rapidly accelerating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Grasses (Poaceae) comprise c. 11 800 species and are central to human livelihoods and terrestrial ecosystems. Knowing their relationships and evolutionary history is key to comparative research and crop breeding. Advances in genome‐scale sequencing allow for increased breadth and depth of phylogenomic analyses, making it possible to infer a new reference species tree of the family.We inferred a comprehensive species tree of grasses by combining new and published sequences for 331 nuclear genes from genome, transcriptome, target enrichment and shotgun data. Our 1153‐tip tree covers 79% of grass genera (including 21 genera sequenced for the first time) and all but two small tribes. We compared it to a newly inferred 910‐tip plastome tree.We recovered most of the tribes and subfamilies previously established, despite pervasive incongruence among nuclear gene trees. The early diversification of the PACMAD clade could represent a hard polytomy. Gene tree–species tree reconciliation suggests that reticulation events occurred repeatedly. Nuclear–plastome incongruence is rare, with very few cases of supported conflict.We provide a robust framework for the grass tree of life to support research on grass evolution, including modes of reticulation, and genetic diversity for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Genome merging is a common phenomenon causing a wide range of consequences on phenotype, adaptation, and gene expression, yet its broader implications are not well‐understood. Two consequences of genome merging on gene expression remain particularly poorly understood: dosage effects and evolution of expression.We employed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model to investigate the effects of asymmetric genome merging by crossing a diploid with a haploid strain to create a novel triploid line. Five independent clonal lineages derived from this triploid line were evolved for 425 asexual generations in a laboratory natural selection experiment.Utilizing fitness assays, flow cytometry, and RNA‐Seq, we assessed the immediate consequences of genome merging and subsequent evolution. Our findings reveal substantial alterations in genome size, gene expression, protein homeostasis, and cytonuclear stoichiometry. Gene expression exhibited expression‐level dominance and transgressivity (i.e. expression level higher or lower than either parent). Ongoing expression‐level dominance and a pattern of 'functional dominance' from the haploid parent was observed.Despite major genomic and nucleo‐cytoplasmic disruptions, enhanced fitness was detected in the triploid strain. By comparing gene expression across generations, our results indicate that proteostasis restoration is a critical component of rapid adaptation following genome merging in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and possibly other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Social insects form complex societies with division of labour between different female castes. In most species, a single queen heads the colony; in others, several queens share the task of reproduction. These different social organisations are often associated with distinct queen morphologies and life‐history strategies and occur in different environments. In the ant Temnothorax rugatulus, queens are dimorphic. Macrogynes and microgynes reside in mono‐ and polygynous colonies and at lower and higher elevations, respectively. We analysed plastic changes in brain transcriptomes in response to the social environment in these queen morphs and their workers. We manipulated the number of queens over 4 months to investigate whether transcriptional activity is influenced by queen morph, social environment or their interaction. Changes in gene expression in the queens' brains in response to our manipulations were largely influenced by the interaction between social environment and queen morph, rather than independently by these factors. Macrogynes and microgynes thus adjust differently to their social environment. Similarly, worker transcriptomes were influenced by an interaction between behavioural type, that is, nurses or foragers, and queen morph. Nurses differentially regulated genes related to nutrition depending on queen morph, suggesting a link between social environment and metabolic dynamics in ant colonies. Overall, our study sheds light on how the social environment influences the molecular physiology of social insects. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in this ant with two queen morphs, worker physiology depends on queen morph and their role in the colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amnesia is a memory disorder marked by the inability to recall or acquire information. Hence, drugs that also target the neurogenesis process constitute a hope to discover a cure against memory disorders. This study is aimed at evaluating the antiamnesic and neurotrophic effects of the aqueous extract of Parkia biglobosa (P. biglobosa) on in vivo and in vitro models of excitotoxicity. For the in vivo study, 42 adult male rats were divided into six groups of seven rats each and treated daily for 30 days as follows: normal control group (distilled water, 10 mL/kg, po), negative control group (distilled water, 10 mL/kg, po), positive control group (piracetam, 200 mg/kg, po), and 03 test groups (extract, 44, 88, and 176 mg/kg, po). Scopolamine (0.5 mg/kg, ip) was administered once daily, 45 min after these treatments, for 14 days, except in the normal control group. The animals were then subjected to short‐term memory (new object recognition and T‐maze) and long‐term memory (radial arm maze) tests for 15 following days. Animals were then euthanized, and biochemical analyses (neurotransmitters, oxidative status, and neuroinflammation) were performed in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and serum. Histological analysis of these organs was also carried out. In the in vitro study, the effect of the extract (5, 10, 19, 40, 77, 153, 306, 615, 1225, and 2450 μg/mL) was assessed on the viability of primary cortical neurons exposed to L‐glutamate (0.1 mg/mL). Scopolamine induced memory impairment and increased oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss. P. biglobosa extract (44 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.001) short‐ and long‐term memory deficit. It also increased (p < 0.01) the concentration of acetylcholine, reduced (p < 0.001) that of malondialdehyde, and limited (p < 0.001) neuroinflammation and neuronal loss (p < 0.001). In addition, the extract (2450 μg/mL) increased (p < 0.001) the percentage of viable cells. These results suggest that the extract has effects on amnesia and neurogenesis. These effects seem to be mediated by antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory modulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum (Mo) has a high potential of becoming the material of choice for sub‐10 nm scale metal structures in future integrated circuits (ICs). Manufacturing at this scale requires exceptional precision and consistency, so many metal processing techniques must be reconsidered. In particular, present direct wet chemical etching methods produce anisotropic etching profiles with significant surface roughness, which can be detrimental to device performance. Here, it is shown that polycrystalline Mo nanowires can be etched uniformly using a cyclic two‐step "digital" method: the metal surface is first oxidized with isotropic oxygen plasma to form a layer of MoO3, which is then selectively removed using either wet chemical or dry isotropic plasma etching. These two steps are repeated in cycles until the intended metal recess is achieved. High uniformity of plasma oxidation defines the etching uniformity, and small metal recess per cycle (typically 1–2 nm) provides precise control over the etching depth. This method can replace wet etching where high etching precision is needed, enabling the reliable manufacturing of nanoscale metal interconnects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions In older people, medications with anticholinergic or sedative properties are associated with falls, frailty, and functional and cognitive impairment. These medications are often described as a subset of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). We examined the prevalence of anticholinergic or sedative medications to avoid in older people in France in 2023.This cross‐sectional study used anonymized data from a large electronic healthcare database, the French National Health Data System (Système National des Données de Santé, SNDS). All people aged 65 years or older from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, were included in this study. Dispensations of anticholinergic and sedative medications were identified according to PIM criteria (2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria and REMEDI[e]S tool). The prevalence of anticholinergic or sedative medications was assessed for the study population and by age (65–84 and 85 or older) and living place (home and institutionalized patients) subgroups in terms of number and percentage of patients.This study included 16,938,152 patients aged 65 years or older (55% women). Among all patients, 79.8% were aged between 65 and 84 years and 20.2% were aged 85 years or older. Most patients lived at home (97.0%), and 3.0% were institutionalized. The prevalence of anticholinergic or sedative medications was 32.8% among all patients, 32.3% among 65–84 patients, and 34.8% among 85 or older patients, 32.1% among home patients, and 54.5% among institutionalized patients. The most commonly dispensed anticholinergic or sedative medications were oxazepam (5.27%), alprazolam (5.27%), zopiclone (4.85%), bromazepam (4.23%), metopimazine (2.88%), paroxetine (2.70%), nefopam (2.57%), and hydroxyzine (2.17%).This study highlighted that anticholinergic and sedative medications to avoid in older people are still frequently prescribed despite the development and regular updating of PIM criteria. Future studies are needed to assess whether this has led to worsened outcomes among older adults who utilized these medications, and new initiatives should be developed to further promote deprescribing by prescribers and pharmacists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of oocytes from pluripotent cell cultures in a dish represents a new paradigm in stem cell and developmental biology and has implications for how we think about life. The spark of life for the next generation occurs at fertilization when sperm and oocyte fuse. In animals, gametes are the only cells that transmit their genomes to the next generation. Oocytes contain in addition a large cytoplasm with factors that direct embryonic development. Reconstitution of mouse oocyte and embryonic development in culture provides experimental opportunities and facilitates an unprecedented understanding of molecular mechanisms. However, the application of in vitro gametogenesis to reproductive medicine or infertility treatment remains challenging. One significant concern is the quality of in vitro‐derived oocytes. Here, we review the current understanding and identify limitations in generating oocytes in vitro. From this basis, we explore opportunities for future improvements of the in vitro approach to generating high‐quality oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence is absent in the legal, policy and programmatic landscape of online child sexual exploitation in countries in the Global South. Our work begins to contribute to filling this literature gap, drawing evidence from Tunisia, one of the least studied countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We reviewed legal and policy documents directly or indirectly connected to online child sexual exploitation, complemented with interviews from diverse actors in the child protection space at the national and sub‐national levels. We note that Tunisia is a signatory to several international and regional treaties and conventions that can be leveraged to tackle online sexual exploitation of children. Still, these have yet to be fully exploited for the benefit of children. Furthermore, we observed several disparate laws at the country level. These laws are scattered in many legal documents, and some aspects could be more specific, but currently not, which poses significant legal challenges to protecting children. Finally, many institutions implementing programmes in this space create less coordination and sometimes confusion. At best, interventions seem ad hoc without any clear mandate of specificity in institutional leadership. The implications of the findings for policies and programmes are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the serendipitous discovery of intermolecular anionic mixed‐valence (MV) and π‐dimer species in ortho‐pentannulated BisAzaCoroneneDiimides (BACDs) during their electrochemical reduction in a non‐aqueous solvent. A library of nitrogen‐containing extended PDIs was synthesized via an aza‐benzannulation reaction followed by a Pd‐catalysed ortho‐pentannulation reaction. Ortho‐pentannulated BACDs revealed strong aggregation abilities in solution. Concentration‐dependent UV/Vis absorption spectra, variable temperature 1H NMR experiments, and atomic force microscopy coupled to molecular dynamics support their self‐assembly into columnar aggregates. Cyclic voltammetry experiments in dichloromethane reveal prominent splitting of the first reduction wave, attributed to the formation of unprecedented intermolecular anionic MV and π‐dimers in organic solvent. These species were thoroughly characterized by real‐time spectroelectrochemistry, electrochemical simulations and theoretical calculations. Remarkably, this work underscores the tuneable nature of AzaBenzannulatedPerylene Diimides (AzaBPDIs) and BACDs, emphasizing their potential as a promising scaffold for designing supramolecular materials with long‐range radical anion delocalization. The observation of this phenomenon provides insights into the fundamental behaviour of supramolecular organic semiconductors, thereby paving the way for the development of novel electronic devices and electron‐deficient materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of ultrashort laser pulses is presented by using the plasma‐induced frequency‐resolved optical switching technique, implemented in ambient air. The recently developed method allows for a temporal reconstruction of a pulse at its focal spot by utilizing a moderately intense pump laser pulse for generating a ionization‐induced ultrafast defocusing lens. When propagating through the produced plasma lens, the probe beam to characterize experiences an increase of its size in the far field. The spectrum of the defocused probe field, measured as a function of the pump‐probe delay, allows for a comprehensive characterization of the temporal and spectral attributes of the pulse. Herein, the ability of this technique, initially designed for use in rare gases, is reported to operate in ambient air conditions with similar performance. The method is remarkably straightforward to implement and requires no additional optical component other than a focusing mirror while delivering laser pulse reconstructions of high reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prognostic factors for the long‐term evolution of chronic hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may vary depending on local epidemiology. We aimed to identify these factors in France, where the epidemiology is influenced by diverse immigration. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive, HBeAg‐negative adults with normal transaminase levels and viral loads < 20,000 IU/mL for 1 year, without viral co‐infection or advanced liver disease, were enrolled for a 5‐year follow‐up. A total of 564 patients were recruited from 23 centres (54.4% women, mean age 42.3 ± 12 years, 47.7% from sub‐Saharan Africa). HBV DNA was detectable but < 2000 IU/mL for most (71.3%). Genotypes E (27.8%) and A (20.0%) were predominant. The mean HBsAg titre was 3.8 ± 3.4 log IU/mL, > 1000 IU/mL in 60% of cases, and higher in genotype E (p < 0.0001). During follow‐up, 18 patients received antiviral treatment, 9 for viral reactivation (0.3% per year) and 9 preemptively. HBsAg loss occurred in 39 patients (1.4% per year). These patients were older (p < 0.0001), more frequently treated for dyslipidemia, hypertension or diabetes (p < 0.05), and had lower baseline HBV DNA (p = 0.0112) and HBsAg (p < 0.0001), but similar levels of HBcrAg compared to those who did not clear HBsAg. Baseline HBsAg was the only independent predictor of HBsAg loss (p = 0.009). In this cohort, HBsAg < 153 IU/mL predicted clearance with 87% sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, baseline HBsAg accurately predicted seroclearance at 5 years in patients with chronic HBeAg‐negative infection, regardless of genotype, sex, or geographical origin, indicating that this marker is widely applicable for reducing the frequency of patient monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Numerous plant species are expanding their native ranges due to anthropogenic environmental change. Because cytotypes of polyploid complexes often show similar morphologies, there may be unnoticed range expansions (i.e. cryptic invasions) of one cytotype into regions where only the other cytotype is native.We critically revised herbarium specimens of diploid and tetraploid Centaurea stoebe, collected across Europe between 1790 and 2023. Based on their distribution in natural and relict habitats and phylogeographic data, we estimated the native ranges of both cytotypes.Diploids are native across their entire European range, whereas tetraploids are native only to South‐Eastern Europe and have recently expanded their range toward Central Europe. The proportion of tetraploids has exponentially increased over time in their expanded but not in their native range. This cryptic invasion predominantly occurred in ruderal habitats and enlarged the climatic niche of tetraploids toward a more oceanic climate.We conclude that spatio‐temporally explicit assessments of range shifts, habitat preferences and niche evolution can improve our understanding of cryptic invasions. We also emphasize the value of herbarium specimens for accurate estimation of species´ native ranges, with fundamental implications for the design of research studies and the assessment of biodiversity trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early‐phases clinical trials (Phases 1 and 2) have evolved from a traditional assessment of toxicity to an adaptive approach based on patients' medical needs and access to effective new therapies. The global risks, benefits, and relevance of early‐phases clinical trials participation for patients with hematological malignancies remain poorly evaluated. Patients and Methods: All early‐phases clinical trials participations for patients with hematological malignancies, from 2008 to 2023, in a tertiary academic center in Europe, were reviewed. Patient's demographics, tumor type categories, therapeutic responses, mortality, overall survival (OS), and investigational product (IP) were assessed. Results: Over the period 2008–2023, 736 patients participating in 92 different early‐phases clinical trials, were analyzed. The most common tumor categories were diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (n = 253; 34.4%), acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 164; 22.3%) and multiple myeloma (n = 100; 13.6%). The median OS was 14.8 (95% CI: 12.4–17.9) months and response rate 31.9%, including complete responses in 13.5% of patients. By tumor categories, the highest and lowest median duration of OS were observed for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (99.8; [95% CI: 47.0‐not reached] months) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (8.9 [95% CI: 5.3–12.0] months), respectively. The on‐protocol and treatment‐related mortality rates were 5.43% and 0.54%, respectively. Overall response rate was 29.1% including 13.5% of complete response. Overall, 202 (27.5%) patients received an IP later approved by the health authorities, and those patients had better OS (18.2 months vs. 12.1 months HR: 1.160 [95% CI; 0.6977–1.391], p = 0.0283). Conclusion: In conclusion, patients with hematologic malignancies who have participated in early‐phases clinical trials over the past 15 years have achieved variable therapeutic response rates, acceptable risk/benefit ratio and potentially significant therapeutic advantages. This study provides framework material for hematologists to further discuss clinical trial participation with their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthquake ruptures produce fault slip and kilometer‐wide diffuse deformation of the host rocks. However, the origin of the diffuse deformation and its role in the rupture process are debated. We produce a refined slip model for the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquakes, and analyze the relations between down‐dip rupture process, and surface diffuse deformation. We show that the decrease in coseismic slip toward the ground surface, also known as shallow slip deficit (SSD), correlates with the occurrence of diffuse deformation at the surface, which is not accounted for by models assuming elastic host rocks. Hence, we suggest that a significant part of the SSD in earthquake source models could be interpreted as a proxy for shallow diffuse inelastic deformation around faults. Revisiting earthquake source models for 28 continental earthquakes, we discuss the controlling parameters of the SSD and diffuse deformation, and propose a conceptual model of the near‐field coseismic surface deformation. Plain Language Summary: Earthquakes can rupture up to the ground surface, generating displacements along faults and fractures that are visible in the field. This surface deformation can also be accompanied by diffuse deformation that occurs at a wider, >0.5 km, scale around the faults, and is imperceptible from a field perspective. Here, we use numerical modeling combined with detailed surface observations for the 2019 Ridgecrest, California, earthquakes to show that reduction in fault slip near the surface correlates with the occurrence diffuse deformation at the surface. Therefore, the reduction in shallow slip suggested in earthquake rupture models could be interpreted as a proxy for non‐elastic diffuse deformation around the faults. Compiling data for worldwide earthquake ruptures, we show that this process occurs similarly for other events, and we analyze the controlling parameters. Key Points: Refined slip model for the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence from the inversion of InSAR, optical, and GNSS dataShallow slip deficit is partially accounted for by diffuse deformation which likely involves bulk elastoplastic yieldingA compilation of published data on strike‐slip earthquakes highlights possible controlling parameters of the SSD and diffuse deformation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of ML2 homoleptic copper(I) and copper(II) complexes from bidentate chiral ligands with C2 symmetry, comprising three types of substituents (namely benzyl, indanyl and phenyl groups), was investigated. The formation of homochiral or heterochiral complexes can be influenced by the nature of the substituents and the geometry induced by the oxidation state of the metal. All the complexes were isolated and characterized, in particular in the solid state by X‐ray diffraction studies. In solution, cyclic voltammetry was used to study ligand association and discrimination induced by the CuI/CuII transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total syntheses of the C‐glucosidic ellagitannins (−)‐punicacortein A, (−)‐epipunicacortein A and (+)‐castalin were accomplished for the first time, and those of the glucopyranosic ellagitannins (+)‐tellimagrandin I and (+)‐pedunculagin were revisited. The atroposelective construction of their characteristic hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP) and nonahydroxyterphenoyl (NHTP) units relied on the use of different cupric‐amine complexes under different reaction conditions to mediate the intramolecular dehydrogenative coupling of galloyl groups at different positions of glucose cores. In particular, the monodentate n‐butylamine and the bidentate (−)‐sparteine were found to be complementary in their capacity to promote the regio‐ and atroposelective coupling of galloyl groups on a 4C1‐glucopyranosic core into 2,3‐O‐(S)‐ and/or 4,6‐O‐(S)‐HHDP units. Furthermore, replacing (−)‐sparteine by its optical antipode not only counteracted the substrate‐controlled induction of atroposelectivity to forge a 4,6‐O‐(R)‐HHDP unit, but it also enabled a 4C1 to 1C4 ring flip of the glucopyranosic core and hence the formation of 2,4‐O‐(R)‐ and 3,6‐O‐(R)‐HHDP units, such as those featured in the glucopyranosic ellagitannins phyllanemblinin B and geraniin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorocarbon oils are uniquely suited for many biomedical applications due to their inert, bioorthogonal properties. In order to interface fluorocarbon oils with biological systems, non‐ionic fluorosurfactants are necessary. However, there is a paucity of non‐ionic fluorosurfactants with low interfacial tension (IFT) to stabilize fluorocarbon phases in aqueous environments (such as oil‐in‐water emulsions). We developed non‐ionic fluorosurfactants composed of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) segment covalently bonded to a flexible perfluoropolyether (PFPE) segment that confer low IFTs between a fluorocarbon oil (HFE‐7700) and water. The synthesis of a panel of surfactants spanning a molecular weight range of 0.64–66 kDa with various hydrophilic‐lipophilic balances allowed for identification of minimal IFTs, ranging from 1.4 to 17.8 mN m−1. The majority of these custom fluorosurfactants display poor solubility in water, allowing their co‐introduction with fluorocarbon oils and minimal leaching. We applied the PEG5PFPE1 surfactant for mechanical force measurements in zebrafish, enabling exceptional sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Controlled experiments were conducted to enrich our knowledge on the transmission of different grapevine leafroll‐associated ampeloviruses (GLRaV‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐4) by Parthenolecanium corni scale insect and to look for vector ability of Parthenolecanium persicae. GLRaV‐1 and the vitivirus GVA were transmitted by P. corni to healthy plants after acquisition on GLRaV‐1 and GVA‐infected grapevines (Vitis vinifera); however, GVA was not transmitted after acquisition either on GVA singly infected vines or Nicotiana benthamiana, or on purified GVA virions. These results support the hypothesis of ampelovirus assistance towards vitivirus during transmission. Transmission experiments with P. corni and different GLRaV‐4 strains showed a single transmission of strain 5. No transmission was observed with P. persicae after acquisition on GLRaV‐1, ‐3 and GVA coinfected source vines. P. corni L2 collected from an infected vine and placed on a nonhost plant tested positive for GLRaV‐1 and ‐3 until at least 30 and 50 days, respectively. These results contrast with the few days retention times generally reported in mealybugs. More work is needed to determine whether virions are conserved and, if so, their location inside the insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African grasscutter (AGC) (Thryonomys swinderianus) is the second largest rodent in sub‐Saharan Africa. It is bred for its organoleptic and culinary properties but also serves as a research model. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between age‐related changes in brain weight, brain volume, and spatial and nonspatial memory performance in the AGC. A total of forty‐two (42) captive‐derived AGCs were divided into seven age groups: 6 neonates (6 days), 6 juveniles (1 month), 6 pubertals (3 months), 6 subadults (8 months), 6 young adults (2 years), 6 middle adults (4 years), and 6 old adults (5 years). The subjects were given a series of tests to assess their spatial memory (location test) and their nonspatial memory (object recognition test). Brain samples were then collected using basic neuroanatomical techniques. The weight and volume of the brain samples were determined and their encephalization quotient (EQ) was also calculated. The results showed that spatial and nonspatial memory in AGC develops into adulthood and then declines with age. Mean brain weight increased from neonates to mid‐adulthood (5.20 ± 0.31 g–11.76 ± 0.23 g) and decreased in older AGC (11.75 ± 0.22 g). In contrast, the mean weight of the olfactory bulb (OB) increased from neonates to young adults (0.28 ± 0.02 g–0.80 ± 0.03 g) and the cerebellum increased from neonates to older (0.59 ± 0 0.01 g–1.86 ± 0.06 g). Finally, the EQ decreased with age (0.73 ± 0.05–0.29 ± 0.01). Mean brain volume increased with age from neonates to young adult (5 mL–11.25 mL). Conversely, the mean volume of the OB and cerebellum increases from neonates to older age (0.33 ± 0.03 mL–0.95 ± 0.04 mL). This study shows that spatial and nonspatial memory declines during the aging process in AGC. Neonates and juveniles have higher cognitive abilities than adults and older AGC. The weight of the brain, OB, and cerebellum increases from neonates to adult and decreases slightly from middle to old adults. However, the volume of the OB and cerebellum increases with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLP) have found exciting access in catalysis and small molecule activation. Here, we describe the potential of two vanadium(V) oxido complexes with monoanionic bidentate N,O donors, [VOCl(LCF3)2] (1 a), [VOCl(LH)2] (1 b) as bases in FLPs. Upon reaction of 1 a with the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 the FLP [VOCl(LCF3)2]/B(C6F5)3 (1 a/B(C6F5)3) was observed. Addition of Ph3SiH led to the reduction of VV to VIV under formation of the adduct [V{OB(C6F5)3}(LCF3)2] (2 a) while FLP reactivity was not observed. Dissolving 2 a in CH3CN leads to the VIV oxido complex, [VO(LCF3)2] (3 a). In contrast, when 1 b was reacted with B(C6F5)3, a VIV oxido complex [VO(LH)2] (3 b) was obtained. Upon addition of B(C6F5)3 to 3 b no reaction leading to the expected adduct such as 2 a could be observed. Only few crystals deriving from a disproportion reaction could be identified as an adduct dimer [V{OB(C6F5)3}LH(μ‐O)]2. While FLP reactivity could not be found yet with the described systems, the redox labile nature and versatility of the metal complexes are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enantioselective synthesis of chiral compounds containing multiple stereogenic elements via a single catalytic step is a challenging process. In the presence of α‐chloronitrostyrenes and a chiral squaramide catalyst, C−C or C−N pro‐axially chiral 2‐naphthol substrates, featuring low barriers to enantiomerization, underwent a remote diastereo‐ and enantioselective domino Michael/O‐alkylation. It provided the desired benzodihydrofurans bearing two stereogenic carbon atoms and a configurationally stable C−C or a C−N bond, thanks to a high increase of the barrier to rotation upon dihydrofurannulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This works describes a new step into the assembly of molecular textiles by the use of covalent templating. To establish a well‐founded base and to tackle pre‐mature obstacles, expected during the fabrication of the desired 2D‐material, we opted to investigate the in‐solution synthesis of molecular patches e. g. cut‐outs of a textile. A bi‐functional cross‐shaped monomer was designed, synthesized and was in‐detail characterized by means of 1H‐NMR and chiro‐optical spectroscopy. In addition, x‐ray structure crystallography was used to assess the absolute configuration. The monomer was used in an in‐solution oligomerization to assemble the molecular patches via imine condensation, which revealed the formation of predominately dimeric patches. The imine‐oligomer mixtures were further analyzed by reduction and cleaved to investigate the conditions required post mono‐layer assembly. All reaction stages were followed by FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR analysis. Finally, we address the adsorption of the cross‐shaped monomer onto a Au(111) surface, via high vacuum electrospray deposition. The subsequent annealing of the interface induced the on‐surface imine condensation reaction, leading to unidimensional oligomers co‐adsorbed with clusters of cyclic‐dimers. Nc‐AFM analysis revealed the tridimensional molecular structures, and together with electrospray deposition technique showed to be a promising pathway to investigate potential monomer candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for the purple sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus has led to the decline of its wild populations, increasing interest in cultivating this species for commercial purposes and ecological restoration purposes. Consequently, there is a need to expand knowledge about the optimal conditions for sea urchin aquaculture, particularly regarding food regimes. Here, we evaluate the effects of several vegetable diets on the survival and growth of early juveniles of P. lividus. Using an outdoor experimental assay, we fed early juveniles (5–6.5 mm) various diets: fresh algae (Ulva sp.), aquaculture pellets, and vegetables (carrot, spinach, and maize) presented as individual or mixed diets (equal mass proportions). All diets were provided ad libitum in equal mass proportions. After 120 days, the pellet‐fed urchins showed good growth but a high mortality rate (>40%). The Ulva sp. diet, considered the control regime mimicking wild sea urchin diet, resulted in low mortality but poor growth performance (maximum of 10.92 ± 1.94 mm in diameter and 0.68 ± 0.26 g in weight). In contrast, plant‐based diets, especially those containing maize, led to the highest growth and lowest mortality rates (<5%). Notably, the triple mixed diet (carrot–spinach–maize) resulted in a threefold size increase, as the P. lividus juveniles reached 15 mm in 4 months. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of inexpensive, ready‐to‐use vegetable‐based diets in optimizing rearing protocols for early juveniles of P. lividus. It offers preliminary insights into dietary preferences to rapidly attain an adequate release size for purple urchin aimed at restocking wild populations and balancing aquaculture and ecological restoration needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric palatal fractures are rare clinical presentations owing to the relative plasticity of their bones. We present a case of a 3‐year‐old pedestrian struck male patient presenting with a mid‐sagittal palatal fracture which corresponds to a Hendrickson class II fracture. Diagnosis and treatment of these rare cases are very critical to ensuring proper manducatory functions and normal facial growth in these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic fiber‐reinforced composites exhibit enhanced physical properties and eco‐friendliness, which has resulted in extended application of these biocomposite materials in important engineering sectors. In this study, we investigated the synergistic impacts of dune sand (DS)‐based silica (SiO2) and alkali‐treated date palm fiber (ADPF) fillers on the thermophysical and viscoelastic characteristics of epoxy (EP) hybrid composites. A hand layup procedure was employed to produce EP hybrid composites reinforced with 20 wt.% ADPF as well as 5, 7, and 10 wt.% DS. Compared to the other composite samples, the EP matrix reinforced with 20 wt.% ADPF and 10 wt.% DS (HC5) exhibited better thermal (Tmax = 380°C, Tg = 63.13°C) and dynamic mechanical properties (storage modulus = 2700 MPa). Additionally, Cole–Cole plots revealed the excellent interaction between ADPF, DS, and epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements further confirmed that the development of an effective interface between DS particles, ADPF fiber, and epoxy matrix caused a decrease in water absorption (1.5%). The best wetting conditions with the lowest thickness swelling (2.8%) were obtained by increasing the DS content up to 10 wt.%. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that, owing to their superior dynamic mechanical characteristics, hybrid composites containing 10 wt.% DS may be employed in important aircraft and aeronautic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid Polymer electrolytes are versatile, highly processible and electrochemically compatible with solid electrode materials. The versatility of these materials is a result of the existence of many possible conductive polymer‐salt, polymer‐polymer and salt‐salt combinations. Despite the wide array of available lithium salts, most polymer electrolyte materials are made using lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) due to its long history of achieving relatively high ionic conductivities in polymer electrolyte systems with the most famous being poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). It is however possible that better ionic conductivities can be achieved with different salts and/or in polymer matrices containing different functional groups. This is because ionic conductivity in polymer electrolytes is partially based on the ability of the polymer matrix to dissolve and bond to the salt. These interactions impact local‐scale ion mobility which can be measured via NMR spectroscopy using pulsed field gradient experiments. In this work, polymer electrolytes are prepared using PEO, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and poly(propylene) carbonate. Ion mobility, lithium conductivity and salt‐polymer interactions are investigated to compare interactions between LiTFSI and lithium cyano(trifluorosulfonyl)imide in polymers with common salt‐dissociating functional groups such as ethyl, nitrile and carbonate to determine the impact of these interactions on ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Termite restore plant diversity and soil on altered lands in West Africa with particular abundance of small mound made by Trinervitermes trinervitus, Trinervitermes geminatus, Cubitermes spp. or Microcerotermes spp. The particular abundance of small mounds on altered lands suggests the existence of underlying abiotic and biotic factors. This study investigated the spatial patterns of termite mounds on the altered lands and its relationship with tree distribution in order to sustain the ecological restoration of the altered lands. Thus, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to collect images on three different altered land sites of 18 ha characterised with termite mounds. The images were ortho‐mosaicked with Pix4D Mapper software. Termite mounds and trees were digitalised on these images in ArcGIS software. The Ripley's pair correlation function using spatstat package was applied to assess the spatial pattern and association of mounds and trees. An aggregative pattern (g(r) > 1) was revealed in the spatial distribution of both termite mounds and trees across all sites. Furthermore, a positive clustered association between termite mounds and trees was noted at two study sites, likely due to the absence of human disturbance. Therefore, this interaction should be vital for assisted ecological restoration and can be factored into efforts to accelerate the restoration of soils and plants on degraded lands. The authors then recommend future research to explore the specific role this attractive relationship plays in ecosystem restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at leveraging data from phase I/II clinical trials to build a nonlinear joint model of serum M‐protein kinetics and progression‐free survival (PFS) accounting for the effects of isatuximab (Isa), pomalidomide (Pom), and dexamethasone (Dex) in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. Serum M‐protein levels and PFS data from 203 evaluable patients, included either in a phase I/II study (n = 173) or in a phase I study (n = 30), were used to build the model. First, we independently developed a longitudinal model and a PFS model. Then, we linked them in a nonlinear joint model by selecting the link function that best captured the association between serum M‐protein kinetics and PFS. A Claret tumor growth‐inhibition model accounting for the additive effects of Isa, with an Emax function, Pom, and Dex on serum M‐protein elimination was selected to describe serum M‐protein kinetics. PFS was best described with a log‐logistic model and associations with baseline beta‐2 microglobulin level, age, and coadministration of Dex were identified. The instantaneous change in serum M‐protein level was found to be associated with PFS in the final joint model. Using model simulations, we retrospectively supported the Isa 10 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks, then biweekly (QW/Q2W) dosing regimen of the ICARIA‐MM phase III pivotal study, and validated it using the same phase III pivotal study data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Canada, as many as 24% of mothers are deferred from cord blood (CB) donation due to risk factors for Zika virus (ZIKV). However, the ZIKV epidemic has waned considerably since 2016, and there has not been any report of ZIKV transmission by CB transplantation, which questions this policy. Thus, we performed an analysis of the risk of introducing ZIKV in the CB supply maintained by Héma‐Québec (HQ) and Canadian Blood Services (CBS). Study Design and Methods: This simulation considered the following parameters: the risk of travel exposure in a high‐risk ZIKV country, the duration of travel, the daily risk of acquiring ZIKV in a high‐risk country, the probability of materno‐fetal ZIKV transmission, the probability of asymptomatic fetal viremia, and the probability of sexual transmission. A hundred million Monte Carlo simulations were run. Results: In the most‐likely scenario (probability of traveling to a high‐risk ZIKV country while pregnant = 0.178), the risk was estimated at 0.9 ZIKV‐positive donations per million donations (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4–1.6)—or one every 868 years at HQ and one every 453 years at CBS. In the pessimistic model (probability of traveling to a high‐risk ZIKV country while pregnant = 0.240), the risk was estimated at 1.2 ZIKV‐positive donations per million donations (95% CI = 0.6–2.1)—or one every 644 years at HQ and one every 340 years at CBS. Discussion: We conclude that the risk of introducing ZIKV in the Canadian CB supply is too small to justify maintaining the current policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) shortage represents an emerging issue in transfusion medicine. Limited data are available to determine effective strategies for optimal use. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to determine the impact of institutional measures on IVIG use at a large academic center. Methods: IVIG infusions from November 26, 2018 to September 25, 2022 were categorized according to their appropriateness (Recommended, Option of treatment, or Unrecommended), based on provincial guidelines, and separated into three phases: Reference, Transition, and Post‐Implementation phases, the latter following the adoption of restrictive measures, including mandatory standardized order forms, a blood bank gatekeeping strategy, and the creation of a stewardship committee. Results: A total of 5431 IVIG infusions were administered to 544 patients, accounting for 295,033 g. The most common indication categories were neurology (30.4%), immunology (29.0%), and hematology (17.4%). From Reference to Post‐Implementation phase, IVIG infusions decreased from 2275 to 2000 with unrecommended indications dropping from 9.5% to 7.4% (p = 0.01), and a global reduction of 23.0% (from 131,163 g to 100,936 g of IVIG). Decrease in chronic immunomodulation accounted for 48.3% of total reduction (14,610 g of 30,227 g), whereas single‐use immunomodulation, 40.5% (12,237 g of 30,227 g). Moreover, an absolute reduction of 16.9% was observed in orders exceeding the recommended doses (20.8% to 3.9%; p < 0.0001). Together, the unrecommended and excessive IVIG doses decreased from 19,975 g (15.2%) to 6670 g (6.6%). Conclusions: A global reduction in IVIG use and a preferential decrease in the unrecommended orders were observed, most likely attributable to the bundle of restrictive strategies implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with substance use disorders present with many risk factors for liver disease—including alcohol, hepatitis C virus infection, and obesity—and should thus be screened for compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD). Such screening could potentially be performed by outpatient addiction clinics. In this study, we aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and results of cACLD screening using transient elastography (TE) among all patients attending routine follow‐up visits at addiction clinics, regardless of their liver disease risk factors. Methods: Liver fibrosis evaluation using TE was offered to every patient consulting two different addiction clinics in France, between December 2020 and September 2021, during dedicated half‐day screening sessions. The screening was proposed during the patient's routine care and was performed immediately after the scheduled consultation. Patients with a liver stiffness measurement over 8 kPa were referred to a hepatology visit in the addiction clinic within 2–4 weeks. Results: Screening was offered to 227 patients and was accepted by 116 (51%) patients. Twelve patients had a liver stiffness over 8 kPa, and nine of these patients attended the recommended specialist hepatology visit. Five patients (4.3% of those screened) were diagnosed with cACLD. Patients' acceptance of the screening was associated with older age, being on one's own or professionally inactive, and presenting with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion: Overall, our results demonstrated that opportunistic cACLD screening using TE in outpatient addiction clinics was feasible and acceptable, with good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep is a prominent physiological state observed across the animal kingdom. Yet, for some animals, our ability to identify sleep can be masked by behaviors otherwise associated with being awake, such as for some sharks that must swim continuously to push oxygenated seawater over their gills to breathe. We know that sleep in buccal pumping sharks with clear rest/activity cycles, such as draughtsboard sharks (Cephaloscyllium isabellum, Bonnaterre, 1788), manifests as a behavioral shutdown, postural relaxation, reduced responsiveness, and a lowered metabolic rate. However, these features of sleep do not lend themselves well to animals that swim nonstop. In addition to video and accelerometry recordings, we tried to explore the electrophysiological correlates of sleep in draughtsboard sharks using electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography, and electrooculography, while monitoring brain temperature. The seven channels of EEG activity had a surprising level of (apparent) instability when animals were swimming, but also when sleeping. The amount of stable EEG signals was too low for replication within‐ and across individuals. Eye movements were not measurable, owing to instability of the reference electrode. Based on an established behavioral characterization of sleep in draughtsboard sharks, we offer the original finding that muscle tone was strongest during active wakefulness, lower in quietly awake sharks, and lowest in sleeping sharks. We also offer several critical suggestions on how to improve techniques for characterizing sleep electrophysiology in future studies on elasmobranchs, particularly for those that swim continuously. Ultimately, these approaches will provide important insights into the evolutionary confluence of behaviors typically associated with wakefulness and sleep. Research Highlights: Some fishes need to swim to breathe, which makes it difficult to identify sleep because the animal is continuously moving. Here, we present relaxed muscle tone as an electrophysiological characteristic of sleep in draughtsboard sharks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Interactions between plants and microorganisms are pivotal for plant growth and productivity. Several plant molecular mechanisms that shape these microbial communities have been identified. However, the importance of nitric oxide (NO) produced by plants for the associated microbiota remains elusive.Using Arabidopsis thaliana isogenic mutants overproducing NO (nox1, NO overexpression) or down‐producing NO (i.e. nia1nia2 impaired in the expression of both nitrate reductases NR1/NIA1 and NR2/NIA2; the 35s::GSNOR1 line overexpressing nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) and 35s::AHB1 line overexpressing haemoglobin 1 (AHB1)), we investigated how altered NO homeostasis affects microbial communities in the rhizosphere and in the roots, soil microbial activity and soil metabolites.We show that the rhizosphere microbiome was affected by the mutant genotypes, with the nox1 and nia1nia2 mutants causing opposite shifts in bacterial and fungal communities compared with the wild‐type (WT) Col‐0 in the rhizosphere and roots, respectively. These mutants also exhibited distinctive soil metabolite profiles than those from the other genotypes while soil microbial activity did not differ between the mutants and the WT Col‐0.Our findings support our hypothesis that changes in NO production by plants can influence the plant microbiome composition with differential effects between fungal and bacterial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major health burden and may become the second cause of death by cancer in developed countries. The incidence of early‐onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC, defined by an age at diagnosis <50 years old) is increasing. Here, we conducted a study of all PDAC patients followed at our institution. Patients were classified as EOPC or non‐early onset (nEOPC, >50). Eight hundred and seventy eight patients were included, of which 113 EOPC, exhibiting a comparable performance status. EOPC were more often diagnosed at the metastatic stage (70.0% vs 58.3%) and liver metastases were more prevalent at diagnosis (60.2% vs. 43.9%). The median overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was 18.1 months, similar between EOPC and nEOPC. Among patients who underwent surgery, recurrence‐free survival was similar between age groups. Among metastatic patients, first line progression free survival was similar but EOPC received more treatment lines (72.3% vs. 58.1% received ≥2 lines). Regarding molecular alterations, the mean tumor mutational burden (TMB) was lower in EOPC (1.42 vs. 2.95 mut/Mb). The prevalence of KRAS and BRCA1/2 mutations was similar, but EOPC displayed fewer alterations in CNKN2A/B. Fifty eight patients (18.6%) had actionable alterations (ESCAT I‐III) and 31 of them received molecularly matched treatments. On the transcriptomic level, despite its clinical aggressiveness, EOPC was less likely to display a basal‐like phenotype. To conclude, EOPC were diagnosed more frequently at the metastatic stage. OS and 1st line PFS were similar to nEOPC. EOPC displayed specific molecular features, such as a lower TMB and fewer alterations in CDKN2A/B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiation by energetic ions, electrons, and UV photons induces sputtering and chemical processes (radiolysis) in the surfaces of icy moons, comets, and icy grains. Laboratory experiments, both of ideal surfaces and of more complex and realistic analog samples, are crucial to understand the interaction of surfaces of icy moons and comets with their space environment. This study shows the first results of mass spectrometry measurements from porous water ice regolith samples irradiated with electrons as a representative analogy to water‐ice rich surfaces in the solar system. Previous studies have shown that most electron‐induced H2 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O radiolysis products leave the ice as H2 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and that O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ can be trapped under certain conditions in the irradiated ice. Our new laboratory experiments confirm these findings. Moreover, they quantify residence times and saturation levels of O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ in originally pure water ice. H2 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O may also be released from the water ice by irradiation, but the quantification of the released H2 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O is more difficult and the total amount is sensitive to the electron flux and energy. Plain Language Summary: The surface of any airless body exposed to space is irradiated by charged and neutral particles. This irradiation can alter the surface and trigger chemical reactions (so‐called radiolysis) and is an important factor in the context of icy satellites and their environment in the solar system. This paper presents one approach to better understand these irradiation processes by irradiating porous water ice samples with electrons at laboratory conditions representative of the icy moons of Jupiter. We find that most of the radiolysis products of water leave the ice as H2 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, while some of the produced O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ remains trapped in the irradiated ice. This could help explain remote measurements of the surfaces of Europa and Ganymede. Water may also be released from the irradiated ice. Key Points: Laboratory irradiation experiments are crucial to understand the surfaces of icy bodies in spaceFirst mass spectrometer results from water ice regolith samples irradiated with electrons are shownThe dominant radiolysis products released from the ice samples are H2 ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, with a fraction of the O2 ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ being retained in the ice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphatic mapping with SPECT–CT has been demonstrated to accurately define lymphatic drainage patterns in oropharyngeal cancer but there has yet to be a study demonstrating its feasibility across multiple institutions. Methods: Twelve adult patients with lateralized oropharyngeal carcinoma (T1‐T3) who were planned for definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy without contralateral nodal disease underwent injection of 99‐m technetium sulfur colloid followed by static planar lymphoscintigraphy to verify tracer migration, and SPECT–CT acquired at 30 ± 15 min (optional) and 3 h (±1 h) (mandatory time‐point). Results: All 12 patients completed the study with 7/12 patients having the injections performed under local anesthetic and 5 patients requiring general anesthetic. There were no tracer migration failures and there were no serious adverse events or complications encountered. Four out of 12 patients (33%) showed contralateral drainage patterns. Conclusions: Lymphatic mapping with SPECT–CT of lateralized oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma can be performed safely across multiple institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adverse metabolic effects related to dolutegravir (DTG) are increasingly reported as countries are adopting DTG‐based regimens as first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART), but there is limited data from sub‐Saharan Africa. We explored changes in body weight pre‐ and post‐switch to a DTG‐based regimen and assessed the association between DTG switch and significant weight gain (SWG) defined as a ≥10% increase over a 12‐month period in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in West Africa. Methods: We first included all PLHIV followed in the IeDEA West Africa cohorts between January 2017 and June 2021, with a documented switch to DTG during 2019–2021 and in care ≥36 months at the day of switch. Weight change was estimated using a two slope piecewise linear mixed model with change point at the switch date. Secondly, we emulated a sequence of target trials (ETT) based on the observational data, performing pooled logistic regression analysis to compare SWG occurrence between PLHIV who switched to DTG and those who did not. Results: We first included 6705 PLHIV from Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria. Their median age at the time of switch was 48 years (IQR: 42–54) with a median follow‐up of 9 years (IQR: 6–12), 63% were female. Most patients switched from efavirenz (EFV)‐based ART (56.6%) and nevirapine (NVP)‐based ART (30.9%). The overall post‐switch annual average weight gain (AAWG) was significantly elevated at 3.07 kg/year [95% CI: 2.33–3.80] compared to the pre‐switch AWG which stood at 0.62 kg/year [95% CI: 0.36–0.88]. The post‐switch AWG was greater in patients previously on EFV and protease inhibitor (PI)‐based ART compared to those on NVP‐based ART. The pooled logistic regression analyses of a sequence of 24 ETT, including 9598 person‐trials, switching to DTG was significantly associated with an SWG (aOR = 2.54; 95% CI = 2.18–2.97). Conclusions: In West Africa, a 12‐month DTG exposure was associated with substantial weight gain, especially in PLHIV previously on EFV and PI‐based ARTs. Continuous weight monitoring and metabolic profiling is imperative in HIV cohorts to delineate the long‐term cardiometabolic impact of DTG as patients with, or at elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases might benefit from alternative ART regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft tissue vibrations (STV) can generate discomfort during running. Recent research has shown that footwear affects the amplitude of STV differently across runners but no studies have linked human characteristics and footwear construction yet. The purpose of this study was to investigate the runner specific STV responses to various midsole hardness and to identify functional groups, that is, groups of runners responding similarly to a given intervention. A total of 133 runners (56 females) with a wide range of anthropometrics and running habits performed an 8.5‐min trial at a self‐selected speed with three different midsole hardness (soft i.e., 46 Asker C, medium i.e., 58 Asker C and hard i.e., 71 Asker C). STV, kinetics, kinematics and electromyographic activity of gastrocnemius medialis muscle were recorded at minute 8. Mechanical properties of calf muscles were obtained through a standardized impact test on the calf muscles. An ascendant hierarchical clustering was computed to cluster individuals based on their STV amplitudes in the three conditions. Three functional groups with distinctive STV responses were identified. STV amplitude decreased for 61% of runners with the soft condition (SOFT group) and for 11% of runners with the medium condition (MED group), whereas 28% of runners demonstrated greater STV amplitude in the hard condition (HIGH‐HARD group). The findings revealed differences between groups in term of body fat percentage, running volume per week, foot/ground angle at initial contact, ankle plantarflexion and flight time. It provides guidelines to recommend footwear reducing STV amplitude based on anthropometrics, running practice and biomechanical characteristics of the runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]