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ABSTRACT The Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, and ocean quahog, Arctica islandica, are biomass dominant bivalve species on the eastern North American continental shelf, both supporting lucrative commercial fisheries in the Mid‐Atlantic with a combined value of about $53.6 million in ex‐vessel revenue per year. The thermal tolerance of Atlantic surfclam is generally below 20 °C, whereas the boreal ocean quahog resides in colder waters maintained by the Mid‐Atlantic Bight Cold Pool. Climate‐induced warming of bottom water temperatures is thought to be linked to the observed distributional shift of the Atlantic surfclam population into waters historically dominated by ocean quahogs. As climate change is expected to continue, this study investigated the future distributions of the two species from years 2016 to 2095 using projected bottom water temperatures and a temperature‐dependent population dynamics model. Simulations show the progressive colonization of Atlantic surfclams offshore into the region earlier occupied by the Cold Pool throughout the 79‐year projection, beginning between the mid‐2040s and mid‐2050s, effectively compressing ocean quahog habitat on all sides. Ocean quahogs are shown to be vulnerable to climate‐induced warming on both the southern, inshore, and offshore portions of the continental shelf, ultimately restricting their habitat by the end of the 21st century to the remaining core of the Cold Pool off Long Island. Atlantic surfclams, however, are likely to be less vulnerable to climate‐induced warming, ultimately increasing their geographic footprint across the MAB. Model projections indicate a large‐scale reorganization event of the continental shelf benthic community structure throughout the remainder of the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima supports a lucrative commercial fishery in the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB) worth roughly $30 million in revenue per year. Rapid climate change is expected to modify the geographic range of the Atlantic surfclam, with consequences for the surfclam fishery. This study evaluated fishery‐based indicators projected from 2020 through 2095 based on anticipated changes in the geographic range and biomass of the Atlantic surfclam, using a Spatially Explicit, agent‐based Fisheries and Economics Simulator (SEFES). Simulations generally showed a positive trend in Atlantic surfclam biomass throughout the next three‐quarters of the 21st century as the clam's range continues to shift offshore and northward along the continental shelf. A general decrease in fishing mortality rate is projected given the present fleet capacity, with a simultaneous increase in catch and landings per unit effort (LPUE), signaling future potential growth in the surfclam fishery. Regionally, forecasts show biomass expanding into deeper waters particularly off New Jersey, Long Island, and southern New England starting in the early 2050s, whereas populations on Georges Bank and off Delmarva gradually decline. Trends in time spent fishing, catch, and LPUE parallel those of biomass in each region. These results can inform managers and business interests that rely on this fishery, as well as other users of the continental shelf, to provide a basis for the development of anticipatory management for the socio‐ecological and economic impacts that may result from future changes in the Atlantic surfclam range and carrying capacity consequent of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new Ni16 molecular wheels with the general formula [L4Ni16(RCOO)16(H2O)x(MeOH)12‐x] (where H4L=1,4‐bis((E)‐((2'‐hydroxybenzyl)imino)methyl)‐2,3‐naphthalenediol, and R=H or Me) have been isolated and structurally characterised. Complexes C1−C3 (R=Me) were formed using nickel (II) acetate and presented as polymorphs with the same formulation of charged components. The same wheel‐like architecture was observed in C4 (R=H), which was prepared using nickel (II) formate, demonstrating the potential for further versatility of the system. In contrast to similar four‐fold symmetric Ni(II) wheel clusters, measurements of the static magnetic properties of C1 indicated the presence of dominant antiferromagnetic interactions and an S=0 ground state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by de novo hypertension (HTN) and is often associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Hallmarks of PE are placental ischemia, decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative stress (OS), and organ damage in the kidneys and brain. This study aims to characterize a new model of PE using pregnant IUGR rats from hypertensive placental ischemic dams. It is hypothesized that pregnant IUGR rats from hypertensive placental ischemic dams will have elevated blood pressure (BP), OS, and organ damage. In this study, pregnant rats are divided into two groups: normal pregnant (NP) and hypertensive placental ischemic dams (RUPP). Offspring from NP and RUPP dams were mated at 10 weeks of age to generate pregnant IUGR (IUGR Preg) and pregnant control (CON Preg) rats. BP and other markers of PE were evaluated during late gestation. Pregnant IUGR rats had elevated BP and systemic OS. The maternal body weight of pregnant IUGR rats and their pups' weights were decreased, while the brains were enlarged with elevated OS. In summary, pregnant IUGR rats, born from hypertensive placental ischemic dams, have HTN and increased systemic and brain OS, with larger brain sizes and smaller pups. Furthermore, this study shows that pregnant IUGR rats exhibit a preeclamptic‐like phenotype, suggesting a new epigenetic model of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect biodiversity and abundance declines have been reported widely and are expected to alter ecosystem functions and processes. Land use change has been recognised as a major cause of such declines.However, variation in local environmental drivers and the scale of available monitoring data have left large knowledge gaps in which taxa are declining, where declines are the greatest, and how these declines will impact ecosystems.We used 11 years (2006–2016) of monitoring data on 40 farms distributed over ~10,000 km2 in southern Québec, Canada, to quantify the impact of agricultural intensity on temporal trends in abundance and biomass of Diptera (true flies).There was a large difference in temporal trends between farms, which we found to be driven by agricultural landcover.Contrary to expectation, increases in Diptera abundance over time were greater in areas with higher agricultural intensity, especially with an increase in cereal crops. In contrast, declines in biomass were steeper in areas of higher agricultural intensity, although only with greater maize and soy production rather than cereals such as wheat.Variation in forest cover around farms had the least effect on trends.We found steeper declines in biomass per total number of Diptera with increasing agricultural intensive cover, suggesting the presence of community turnover towards smaller bodied flies with lower individual biomass.Our results imply that land use may not only alter abundance and species composition of insect species assemblages but also the distribution of key functional traits such as body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there have been some studies of counterfactual analysis in history and other academic disciplines, there are very few studies in social policy and health policy. This paper explores a major critical juncture and counterfactual in the creation of the NHS. In particular, it explores the critical juncture of the discussion in the Labour Cabinet involving Bevan's proposal for nationalising the hospitals and Morrison's alternative proposal based on local government, and the counterfactual of Prime Minister Attlee summing up in favour of Morrison. It reviews the literature on the criteria for counterfactuals, and justifies the focus on the Cabinet Discussion, as this was a considered option which, with minimum change, might have led to significantly different outcomes. We consider how such an event could have come about, how credible that alternative was, and what its implications might have been. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Nursing home (NH) residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD) are at high risk for hospital transfer. We aimed to (1) describe characteristics and predictors of avoidable transfer of residents with ADRD and (2) explore how "what matters" influences the decision to transfer. METHODS: We applied an exploratory, mixed methods design using data collected as part of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services demonstration project. Advanced practice registered nurses documented retrospective details about nursing home (NH)‐to‐hospital transfers (n = 3687) from 16 NHs. RESULTS: NH residents with ADRD had 1.22 times higher odds of having an avoidable NH‐to‐hospital transfer (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.45). Factors contributing to avoidable transfers were age, stage of ADRD, what matters to the resident and their family, changes in condition, and resources available in the NH. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the need for enhanced specificity in the discussion and documentation of resident and family preferences and continued investments in the NH workforce. Highlights: This article reports on factors contributing to avoidable nursing home (NH)‐to‐hospital transfer of residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The mixed methods design used in this study offers insight beyond what is possible using a single‐method design.Using data collected from a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services demonstration project, advanced practice registered nurses documented retrospective details about NH‐to‐hospital transfers (n = 3687) of residents.NH residents with ADRD were more likely to have an avoidable NH‐to‐hospital transfer. Factors contributing to avoidable transfers were age, stage of ADRD, what matters to the resident and their family, changes in condition, and resources available in the NH.These findings highlight the need for enhanced specificity in discussion and documentation of resident and family preferences and continued investments in the NH workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of targeted therapies has transformed ovarian cancer treatment. However, biomarker profiling for precision medicine is limited by access to quality, tumour‐enriched tissue samples. The use of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in ascites presents a potential solution to this challenge. In this study, next‐generation sequencing was performed on ascites‐derived cfDNA samples (26 samples from 15 human participants with ovarian cancer), with matched DNA from ascites‐derived tumour cells (n = 5) and archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue (n = 5). Similar tumour purity and variant detection were achieved with cfDNA compared to FFPE and ascites cell DNA. Analysis of large‐scale genomic alterations, loss of heterozygosity and tumour mutation burden identified six cases of high genomic instability (including four with pathogenic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations). Copy number profiles and subclone prevalence changed between sequential ascites samples, particularly in a case where deletions and chromothripsis in Chr17p13.1 and Chr8q resulted in changes in clinically relevant TP53 and MYC variants over time. Ascites cfDNA identified clinically actionable information, concordant to tissue biopsies, enabling opportunistic molecular profiling. This advocates for analysis of ascites cfDNA in lieu of accessing tumour tissue via biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsustainable harvesting of orchid species is a critical, global threat to orchid diversity and abundance, fueled by domestic and global demand. However, drivers of demand continue to be under‐explored, despite opportunities for proactive engagement and/or behavior change strategies with and/or directed at orchid collectors. In this study, we surveyed self‐identified Vietnamese orchid collectors, some of whom were also known to engage in wild harvesting of endangered species, to understand sociological dimensions including motivations, knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and conservation ethos. We found that knowledge about domestic and international regulations was low, and that orchid collectors were likely to believe that Vietnam has plenty of orchids left in the wild. Orchid collectors were highly willing to share their expertise and collections with international NGOs, and receive advice on propagation of orchid species. Through Bayesian logistic regression, we found no statistically significant influence of demographic attributes on the behavior of harvesting from the wild; however, having access to propagation equipment and supplies increased the likelihood of wild harvest. Accurate knowledge (awareness) is a key first step in the behavior change process. We suggest the implementation of awareness‐raising campaigns targeted at Vietnamese orchid collectors, which communicate domestic and international restrictions about orchid harvest and trade, as well as the known status of orchid species in the wild. Additionally, we suggest that an opportunity exists to recruit Vietnamese orchid collectors into a formal network for knowledge‐sharing and the co‐creation of sustainable guidelines around keeping and propagating orchids. Abstract in Vietnamese is available with online material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D co‐cultures are key tools for in vitro biomedical research as they recapitulate more closely the in vivo environment while allowing a tighter control on the culture's composition and experimental conditions. The limited technologies available for the analysis of these models, however, hamper their widespread application. The separation of the contribution of the different cell types, in particular, is a fundamental challenge. In this work, ORACLE (OvaRiAn Cancer ceLl rEcognition) is presented, a deep neural network trained to distinguish between ovarian cancer and healthy cells based on the shape of their nucleus. The extensive validation that are conducted includes multiple cell lines and patient‐derived cultures to characterize the effect of all the major potential confounding factors. High accuracy and reliability are maintained throughout the analysis (F1score> 0.9 and Area under the ROC curve ‐ROC‐AUC‐ score = 0.99) demonstrating ORACLE's effectiveness with this detection and classification task. ORACLE is freely available (https://github.com/MarilisaCortesi/ORACLE/tree/main) and can be used to recognize both ovarian cancer cell lines and primary patient‐derived cells. This feature is unique to ORACLE and thus enables for the first time the analysis of in vitro co‐cultures comprised solely of patient‐derived cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curbing global wildlife population declines will necessitate the protection of their habitat, and subsequent robust baseline information about wildlife that use and occupy it. Collating such information, however, remains a challenging and costly endeavour. Little did we know that traces of wildlife presence float in the air and can be detected through traces of DNA.Here, we deployed samplers to test the applicability of collecting airborne eDNA for the detection of a threatened species, the koala, and its co‐occurring terrestrial mammalian community.We develop a novel species specific qPCR assay to detect the presence of koalas and applied this in concert with a meta‐barcoding approach to detect the co‐occurring mammalian community.Through sampling of airborne particles, we successfully detected koala presence accurately to habitat patch level, alongside 16 unique taxonomic assignments, successfully assigning 11 of these to species level including detections belonging to the wallaby, antechinus, members of possum family and invasive species such as foxes, domestic dogs and hares.Synthesis and applications: We demonstrate the potential of airborne eDNA for the detection of threatened terrestrial wildlife and their surrounding ecological community under natural conditions. With achievable optimisations we detail how airborne eDNA may be applied for the management and monitoring of threated species for enhanced conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assisted migration consists of the introduction of a species to previously inhabited areas or to new suitable regions. Such introductions have been touted as a viable tool for conserving the earth's biodiversity. However, both the likely success of assisted migrations and the impacts on local communities are hotly debated. Empirical data on the local impacts of assisted migration are particularly lacking. We examined the short and long time‐scale effects of herbivory on Lonicera involucrata (Richards) Banks ex. Spreng (Caprifoliaceae) after an introduction of Euphydryas gillettii Barnes (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Melitaeini) to Gunnison County, Colorado, USA, via an assisted migration in 1977. The plant is the primary larval host plant for the butterfly. We quantified plant seed production, plant survival, and population stage structure in two sets of observational experiments. We found that herbivory by E. gillettii increased L. involucrata reproduction on an annual time scale, independent of plant size and local microhabitat characteristics. Over the time since the butterfly's introduction, herbivory by E. gillettii resulted in a plant population structure biased toward smaller plants in the butterfly introduction and satellite sites compared with sites without the butterfly. Our results highlight the importance of studying the effects of assisted migrations on native populations at different temporal scales. As assisted migration becomes an indispensable tool for species conservation, our work adds to the understanding of the multi‐trophic impacts of assisted introductions on local populations and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in Clinical Otolaryngology, discusses the safety and effectiveness of day-case tonsillectomy for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study found that age, weight, and comorbidities are important risk factors for post-operative complications. However, if a child does not have any of these risk factors, they can safely undergo day-case tonsillectomy regardless of the severity of their OSA. The use of pre-operative pulse oximetry to screen for OSA does not provide additional value in predicting complications. Further research is needed to determine the exact age and weight criteria for safe day-case adenotonsillectomy. The study also found that the post-operative bleeding rate for intracapsular coblation is low. [Extracted from the article]

Societal Impact Statement: Research efforts in plant biology have often been focused on sequenced and well‐studied 'model' organisms. Despite the advent of relatively inexpensive genome sequencing, most plant taxonomic groups are underrepresented, with few species that 'represent' the diversity of whole genera. This study describes an economical guide to sequencing a non‐model organism, which may be useful in reducing the cost of sequencing more species within genera and across plant life. This method was used to develop Kalanchoë blossfeldiana as a resource for comparing C3 and the water‐conserving mode of photosynthesis known as Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) within the same plant. Summary: Despite the increasing number of well‐studied plant species with well‐annotated genomes across plant life, there are few densely sampled genera with more than a couple of genome sequences representing the diversity of whole genera. Here, we develop an economic approach to full‐genome sequencing that could be used to sequence many species within a genus. We made use of the Nanopore rapid sequencing kit to assist in plant genome assembly, dramatically reducing the cost.Here we applied this method to cost‐effectively develop genomic resources for Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, a commercially important ornamental, in which Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a water‐conserving mode of photosynthesis can be induced. We present a physiological and biochemical characterisation of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana with its nuclear and chloroplastic genome and a comparative C3, CAM dusk transcriptome.We apply this approach to a complex tetraploid genome, making use of a relative species for chromosomal scaffolding to reduce assembly ploidy, we provide a resource for future gene expression studies. We highlight its limitations, e.g. the need for deeper sequencing to accurately resolve genome structure and haplotypes without using a relative species for scaffolding.The study demonstrates the merits of K. blossfeldiana as a comparative system for studying C3 and CAM within a plant and has identified substantial changes in the dusk transcriptome between young C3 and mature CAM K. blossfeldiana leaves in response to age‐induced CAM, and shows that in the absence of abiotic stress, CAM induction still involves the engagement of drought and abscisic acid (ABA) response pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Knowledge of differential life‐history strategies in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is relevant for understanding the ecology of this group and its potential role in sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration. At present, AM fungal life‐history theories often focus on differential investment into intra‐ vs extraradical structures among AM fungal taxa, and its implications for plant benefits. With this Viewpoint we aim to expand these theories by integrating a mycocentric economics‐ and resource‐based life‐history framework. As in plants, AM fungal carbon and nutrient demands are stoichiometrically coupled, though uptake of these elements is spatially decoupled. Consequently, investment in morphological structures for carbon vs nutrient uptake is not in competition. We argue that understanding the ecology and evolution of AM fungal life‐history trade‐offs requires increased focus on variation among structures foraging for the same element, that is within intra‐ or extraradical structures (in our view a 'horizontal' axis), not just between them ('vertical' axis). Here, we elaborate on this argument and propose a range of plausible life‐history trade‐offs that could lead to the evolution of strategies in AM fungi, providing testable hypotheses and creating opportunities to explain AM fungal co‐existence, and the context‐dependent effects of AM fungi on plant growth and soil carbon dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical reduction of 2‐allyl‐substituted nitroarenes using a simple, undivided electrochemical cell with non‐precious electrodes to generate nitroarene radical anions was developed. The nitroarene radical anion intermediates participate in 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer reactions to construct quinoline N‐oxides bearing aryl‐, heteroaryl‐, alkenyl‐, benzyl‐, sulfonyl‐, or carboxyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, caused by genetic mutations that principally affect telomere biology. Approximately 35% of cases remain uncharacterised at the genetic level. To explore the genetic landscape, we conducted genetic studies on a large collection of clinically diagnosed cases of DC as well as cases exhibiting features resembling DC, referred to as 'DC-like' (DCL). This led us to identify several novel pathogenic variants within known genetic loci and in the novel X-linked gene, POLA1. In addition, we have also identified several novel variants in POT1 and ZCCHC8 in multiple cases from different families expanding the allelic series of DC and DCL phenotypes. Functional characterisation of novel POLA1 and POT1 variants, revealed pathogenic effects on protein-protein interactions with primase, CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) and shelterin subunit complexes, that are critical for telomere maintenance. ZCCHC8 variants demonstrated ZCCHC8 deficiency and signs of pervasive transcription, triggering inflammation in patients' blood. In conclusion, our studies expand the current genetic architecture and broaden our understanding of disease mechanisms underlying DC and DCL disorders. Synopsis: The evolving genetic landscape of inherited bone marrow failure syndrome dyskeratosis congenita reveals new pathogenic variants that broadens our understanding of current genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder. Several novel pathogenic variants within known susceptibility loci, as well as in the novel X-linked locus POLA1, are part of the evolving DC and DCL genetic landscape. Telomere maintenance is impacted by novel variants in POLA1 and POT1, while pervasive transcription and inflammation are caused by ZCCHC8 variants. Current knowledge on disease mechanisms beyond the regulation of long non-coding RNA TERC is extended by the clinical, genetic, and molecular similarity between DC and DCL cases. The evolving genetic landscape of inherited bone marrow failure syndrome dyskeratosis congenita reveals new pathogenic variants that broadens our understanding of current genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To define the utility of the Triage Revised Trauma Score (TRTS), GCS/Age/arterial Pressure (GAP) score, and shock index (SI) in predicting the need for in‐flight blood product administration in civilian trauma patients transported by an aeromedical platform. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 3582 aeromedical trauma cases was conducted. An initial TRTS, GAP score and SI were calculated for each patient, and the administration of in‐flight blood products was also recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to quantify the predictive discrimination of the TRTS, GAP score and SI on the need for in‐flight blood product administration. Results: The SI showed a superior predictive value compared to the TRTS and GAP score. The SI showed an area under the curve on the ROC curve of 0.85 in both primary and inter‐hospital transfer cases, indicating reasonable predictive value. Conclusion: The SI demonstrates favourable test characteristics for predicting the need for in‐flight blood product administration. Prospective validation of these results is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of reproductive healthcare advocacy and policy-making in the field of reproductive immunology. It highlights the role of the American Society for Reproductive Immunology (ASRI) in advancing research and fostering collaboration among diverse professionals. The text also addresses concerns about restrictive reproductive healthcare laws and their impact on healthcare providers, researchers, and patients, emphasizing the need for advocacy and political engagement. The authors call for proactive action, urging the scientific community to participate in elections, engage with legislators, and advocate for reproductive health rights. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Hearing loss is prevalent and consequential but under‐diagnosed and managed. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) health risk assessment elicits patient‐reported hearing concerns but whether such information affects documentation, diagnosis, or referral is unknown. Methods: We use 5 years of electronic medical record (EMR) data (2017–2022) for a sample of 13,776 older primary care patients. We identify the first (index) AWV indication of hearing concerns and existing and subsequent hearing loss EMR diagnoses (visit diagnoses or problem list diagnoses) and audiology referrals. For a 20% random sample of AWV notes (n = 474) we compared hearing loss EMR diagnoses to documentation of (1) hearing concerns, (2) hearing loss/aid use, and (3) referrals for hearing care. Results: Of 3845 (27.9%) older adults who identified hearing concerns (mean age 79.1 years, 57% female, 75% white) 24% had an existing hearing diagnosis recorded. Among 474 patients with AWV clinical notes reviewed, 90 (19%) had an existing hearing loss diagnosis. Clinicians were more likely to document hearing concerns or hearing loss/aid use for those with (vs. without) an existing EMR diagnosis (50.6% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.01; 68.9% vs. 37.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). EMR diagnoses of hearing loss were recorded for no more than 40% of those with indicated hearing concerns. Among those without prior diagnosis 38 (9.9%) received a hearing care referral within 1 month. Subgroup analysis suggest greater likelihood of documenting hearing concerns for patients age 80+ (OR:1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 2.19) and decreased likelihood of documenting known hearing loss among patients with more chronic conditions (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.9), with no differences observed by race. Conclusion: Documentation of hearing loss in EMR and AWV clinical notes is limited among older adults with subjective hearing concerns. Systematic support and incorporation of hearing into EMR and clinical notes may increase hearing loss visibility by care teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Clinical pathways have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Although patients with HF often have a cardiac implantable electronic device, few studies have reported the utility of device‐derived risk scores to augment and organize care. TriageHF Plus is a device‐based HF clinical pathway (DHFP) that uses remote monitoring alerts to trigger structured telephone assessment for HF stability and optimization. We aimed to evaluate the impact of TriageHF Plus on hospitalizations and describe the associated workforce burden. Methods and results: TriageHF Plus was a multi‐site, prospective study that compared outcomes for patients recruited between April 2019 and February 2021. All alert‐triggered assessments were analysed to determine the appropriateness of the alert and the workload burden. A negative‐binomial regression with inverse probability treatment weighting using a time‐matched usual care cohort was applied to estimate the effect of TriageHF Plus on non‐elective hospitalizations. A post hoc pre‐COVID‐19 sensitivity analysis was also performed. The TriageHF Plus cohort (n = 443) had a mean age of 68.8 ± 11.2 years, 77% male (usual care cohort: n = 315, mean age of 66.2 ± 14.5 years, 65% male). In the TriageHF Plus cohort, an acute medical issue was identified following an alert in 79/182 (43%) cases. Fifty assessments indicated acute HF, requiring clinical action in 44 cases. At 30 day follow‐up, 39/66 (59%) of initially symptomatic patients reported improvement, and 20 (19%) initially asymptomatic patients had developed new symptoms. On average, each assessment took 10 min. The TriageHF Plus group had a 58% lower rate of hospitalizations across full follow‐up [incidence relative ratio: 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23–0.76, P = 0.004]. Across the pre‐COVID‐19 window, hospitalizations were 31% lower (0.69, 95% CI: 0.46–1.04, P = 0.077). Conclusions: These data represent the largest real‐world evaluation of a DHFP based on multi‐parametric risk stratification. The TriageHF Plus clinical pathway was associated with an improvement in HF symptoms and reduced all‐cause hospitalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All fields of knowledge are challenged to adopt newer, more sophisticated methodologies to cope with growing complexity. Phenomena under study require further multidisciplinary and mixed methods collaborations to achieve expertise able to improve research strategies and practices. Furthermore, traditional methodological approaches face limits to their analytical reach. Here, we demonstrate opportunities from adopting newer, more sophisticated methodologies in the field of higher education (HE) research by comparing three case studies. We argue that such methods and data innovate the mapping and understanding of global HE. These studies uncover novel field characterizations, enabled via analysis of tens of thousands of HE authors and articles over several decades to assess how journal publication, topics, and levels of analysis (individual, organizational, and system) have evolved. Our results imply that to better understand the future of HE worldwide and to address growing challenges, newer methodological directions and data sources will be key to facilitate more comprehensive examinations of the globalizing field. However, our analysis also highlights the technical and learning challenges in implementing these methodologies; thus, we argue for the need to promote more sophisticated methodological training of current and future generations of HE researchers as well as strengthened collaborations across disciplinary, methodological, and cultural boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A method is proposed to quantify cerebral blood volume (vb$$ {v}_b $$) and intravascular water residence time (τb$$ {\tau}_b $$) using MR fingerprinting (MRF), applied using a spoiled gradient echo sequence without the need for contrast agent. Methods: An in silico study optimized an acquisition protocol to maximize the sensitivity of the measurement to vb$$ {v}_b $$ and τb$$ {\tau}_b $$ changes. Its accuracy in the presence of variations in T1,t$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,t} $$, T1,b$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,b} $$, and B1$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1 $$ was evaluated. The optimized protocol (scan time of 19 min) was then tested in a exploratory healthy volunteer study (10 volunteers, mean age 24 ±$$ \pm $$ 3, six males) at 3 T with a repeat scan taken after repositioning to allow estimation of repeatability. Results: Simulations show that assuming literature values for T1,b$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,b} $$ and T1,t$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,t} $$, no variation in B1$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1 $$, while fitting only vb$$ {v}_b $$ and τb$$ {\tau}_b $$, leads to large errors in quantification of vb$$ {v}_b $$ and τb$$ {\tau}_b $$, regardless of noise levels. However, simulations also show that matching T1,t$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,t} $$, T1,b$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,b} $$, B1+$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1^{+} $$, vb$$ {v}_b $$ and τb$$ {\tau}_b $$, simultaneously is feasible at clinically achievable noise levels. Across the healthy volunteers, all parameter quantifications fell within the expected literature range. In addition, the maps show good agreement between hemispheres suggesting physiologically relevant information is being extracted. Expected differences between white and gray matter T1,t$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,t} $$ (p < 0.0001) and vb$$ {v}_b $$ (p < 0.0001) are observed, T1,b$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,b} $$ and τb$$ {\tau}_b $$ show no significant differences, p = 0.4 and p = 0.6, respectively. Moderate to excellent repeatability was seen between repeat scans: mean intra‐class correlation coefficient of T1,t:0.91$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,t}:0.91 $$, T1,b:0.58$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,b}:0.58 $$, vb:0.90$$ {v}_b:0.90 $$, and τb:0.96$$ {\tau}_b:0.96 $$. Conclusion: We demonstrate that regional simultaneous quantification of vb$$ {v}_b $$, τb$$ {\tau}_b $$, T1,b,T1,t$$ {\mathrm{T}}_{1,b},{T}_{1,t} $$, and B1+$$ {\mathrm{B}}_1^{+} $$ using MRF is feasible in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of human illness due to Salmonella Infantis reported to Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network and the prevalence of Infantis on chicken carcasses reported by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service have increased significantly in the past decade. However, the trends do not appear coincident, as would be expected if the increased prevalence in chicken led to the increase in the incidence of human illness. Salmonella Infantis incidence and prevalence trends are analyzed using penalized B‐spline methods for generalized additive regression models. The association between the two time series is analyzed using time‐lagged rank‐order cross‐correlation. Geographic variations in reported incidence and trends are also explored. The increase in human incidence of Salmonella Infantis began circa 2011. The increase in chicken carcass prevalence began circa 2015. A 4‐year lag on chicken carcass prevalence maximizes the rank‐order cross‐correlation with the incidence of illness. While chicken consumption undoubtedly contributes to the incidence of human illness due to Salmonella Infantis, the initial increase in reported illness was likely due to one or more other transmission pathways. Other potential transmission pathways include non‐chicken foodborne, waterborne, person‐to‐person, animal contact, and environmental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is a key focus of the ASEAN Economic Community. Whereas many studies focus on modelling corporate default, this paper identifies early warning indicators of financial distress before a default, using multiple discriminant analysis (MDA) models with a sample of listed and delisted companies in the ASEAN region. The analysis examines 720 companies in 10 different industries across six ASEAN countries from 1997 to 2016. The study constructs individual models for each country as well as an overall model for the entire region, using both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample approaches. This overall model could be useful for an integrated banking system. To ensure robustness, the study also separately examines the predictive performance of the MDA models across different economic crises: the Asian financial crisis (AFC) from 1997 to 2000, the global financial crisis (GFC) from 2007 to 2009 and their pre‐ and post‐crisis periods. We find that profitability ratios are the best indicators of financial distress in the ASEAN region, followed by liquidity and leverage ratios. In addition, our findings reveal common indicators that can be used to predict financial distress across ASEAN countries. The single model performs reasonably well in predicting financial distress 1 year ahead. In addition, the model is extended to incorporate a market‐based indicator into the MDA models, the distance to default. However, the inclusion of this indicator does not significantly improve the accuracy of the models in predicting financial distress at listed firms in the ASEAN region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hawaiian Island chain lies on the southern limb of the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, an area characterized by low productivity. In this region, productivity is controlled by several factors, including the island mass effect and mesoscale eddies generated by wind stress curl in the lee of the islands. This study identifies high‐chlorophyll events that occur periodically off the northern coasts of the Main Hawaiian Islands. These events are present in the satellite record and can be reproduced using a regional dynamical model. Model results indicate events are characterized by increases in total phytoplankton and total zooplankton, and a shift in phytoplankton size structure. We show these events are uniquely driven by the presence of cyclonic mesoscale eddies located downstream, on the opposite side of the island chain. While these eddies are known to impact productivity locally, we reveal that nutrients upwelled by these eddies can also be transported around the islands, counter to the mean background flow. These results demonstrate how leeward cyclonic eddies can have far‐reaching, remote impacts on productivity around the Hawaiian Islands. Plain Language Summary: The ocean surrounding the Hawaiian Islands is a "desert" with comparatively little marine life. Biological productivity is low and is limited by the input of nutrients to the region; however, satellite observations reveal high‐chlorophyll blooms off the northern coasts of some of the islands. These bloom events can be reproduced in model simulations which show that these are significant events for biological productivity in the region. Model simulations reveal these events are caused by cyclonic eddies situated downstream, on the opposite side of the island chain. Cyclonic eddies upwell nutrients from deeper waters and impact local productivity. Our study reveals that these nutrients can also be transported in waters below the sunlit layer around the islands where local upwelling can lead to blooms. This identifies a new mechanism that can deliver nutrients around Hawai'i. Our findings highlight how eddies can have both local and far‐reaching impacts on Pacific Island ecosystems that sit in ocean deserts. Key Points: Previously unreported high‐chlorophyll events off the coasts of the Main Hawaiian Islands are observed in satellite dataEvent characteristics are reproduced in a numerical model and events are shown to be driven by nutrient supply from remote cyclonic eddiesResults reveal that remote eddies can have far‐reaching and extended impacts on productivity near Pacific Islands in oligotrophic waters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) questionnaire asks about the impact of cancer and its treatment on individuals' quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the CancerDQoL in a UK sample. Methods: Patients (n = 159) with a range of cancers, recruited from Barts Health NHS Trust and Barts Maggie's Centre, completed self‐administered questionnaires: CancerDQoL, EQ‐5D‐VAS (health status), EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 (predominantly health symptoms/functioning) and W‐BQ16 (well‐being). Based on the pre‐existing –DQoL template and Item Library (Bradley), the CancerDQoL includes 23 cancer‐specific life‐domain items and four overview items. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 22‐item, single‐factor solution. Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.94). Cancer negatively impacted all life domains: 'feelings about future' had the most negative mean weighted (by importance) impact (WI) score. 'Physical abilities' WI scores were ranked 12th. CancerDQoL Average Weighted Impact (AWI) scores were more strongly correlated with the Cancer‐dependent QoL overview item than with the General QoL or General Health overview items. As expected, the EQ‐5D‐VAS and EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 correlated together more strongly than with CancerDQoL AWI scores. Conclusions: The CancerDQoL is the first individualised questionnaire measuring the impact of cancer and its treatment on QoL. The CancerDQoL AWI score is related to, but different from, measures of health status/functioning and well‐being. Eleven CancerDQoL life‐domains were more negatively impacted/important than physical abilities which is a major focus of the EQ‐5D and EORTC‐QLQ‐C30. By revealing aspects of life most impacted by cancer and its treatment, efforts can be prioritised to improve QoL for people with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mRNA display is a powerful technology to screen libraries of >1012 cyclic peptides against a protein target, enabling the rapid discovery of high affinity ligands. These cyclic peptides are particularly well suited to challenging protein targets that have been difficult to drug with small molecules. However, target choice can still be limited as screens are typically performed against purified proteins which often demands the use of isolated domains and precludes the use of aggregation‐prone targets. Herein, we report a method to perform mRNA display selections in mammalian cell lysates without the need for prior target purification, vastly expanding the potential target scope of mRNA display. We have applied the methodology to identify low to sub‐nanomolar peptide binders for two targets: a NanoLuc subunit (LgBiT) and full‐length bromodomain‐containing protein 3 (BRD3). Our cyclic peptides for BRD3 were found to bind to the extraterminal (ET) domain of BRD3 and the closely related BRD proteins, BRD2 and BRD4. While many chemical probes exist for the bromodomains of BRD proteins, the ET domain is relatively underexplored, making these peptides valuable additions to the BRD toolbox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding biotic interactions is a crucial goal in community ecology and species distribution modelling, and large strides have been made towards improving multivariate computational methods with the aim of quantifying biotic interactions and improving predictions of species occurrence. Yet, while considerable attention has been given to computational approaches and the interpretation of these quantitative tools, the importance of sampling design to reveal these biotic interactions has received little consideration. This study explores the influential role of priority effects, that is, the order of habitat colonisation, in shaping our ability to detect biotic interactions. Using a simple set of simulations, we demonstrate that commonly used cross‐sectional co‐occurrence data alone cannot be used to make reliable inferences on asymmetric biotic interactions, even if they perform well in predicting the occurrence of species. We then show how sampling designs that consider priority effects can recover the asymmetric effects that are lost when priority effects are ignored. Based on these findings, we urge for caution when drawing inferences on biotic interactions from cross‐sectional binary co‐occurrence data, and provide guidance on sampling designs that may provide the necessary data to tackle this longstanding challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid development and mature of single‐cell measurements, single‐cell biology and pathology become an emerging discipline to understand the disease. However, it is important to address concerns raised by clinicians as to how to apply single‐cell measurements for clinical practice, translate the signals of single‐cell systems biology into determination of clinical phenotype, and predict patient response to therapies. The present Perspective proposes a new system coined as the clinical artificial intelligent single‐cell (caiSC) with the dynamic generator of clinical single‐cell informatics, artificial intelligent analyzers, molecular multimodal reference boxes, clinical inputs and outs, and AI‐based computerization. This system provides reliable and rapid information for impacting clinical diagnoses, monitoring, and prediction of the disease at the single‐cell level. The caiSC represents an important step and milestone to translate the single‐cell measurement into clinical application, assist clinicians' decision‐making, and improve the quality of medical services. There is increasing evidence to support the possibility of the caiSC proposal, since the corresponding biotechnologies associated with caiSCs are rapidly developed. Therefore, we call the special attention and efforts from various scientists and clinicians on the caiSCs and believe that the appearance of the caiSCs can shed light on the future of clinical molecular medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm birth (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is associated with an increased risk of adverse health and developmental outcomes relative to birth at term. Existing guidelines for data collection in cohort studies of individuals born preterm are either limited in scope, have not been developed using formal consensus methodology, or did not involve a range of stakeholders in their development. Recommendations meeting these criteria would facilitate data pooling and harmonisation across studies. Objectives: To develop a Core Dataset for use in longitudinal cohort studies of individuals born preterm. Methods: This work was carried out as part of the RECAP Preterm project. A systematic review of variables included in existing core outcome sets was combined with a scoping exercise conducted with experts on preterm birth. The results were used to generate a draft core dataset. A modified Delphi process was implemented using two stages with three rounds each. Three stakeholder groups participated: RECAP Preterm project partners; external experts in the field; people with lived experience of preterm birth. The Delphi used a 9‐point Likert scale. Higher values indicated greater importance for inclusion. Participants also suggested additional variables they considered important for inclusion which were voted on in later rounds. Results: An initial list of 140 data items was generated. Ninety‐six participants across 22 countries participated in the Delphi, of which 29% were individuals with lived experience of preterm birth. Consensus was reached on 160 data items covering Antenatal and Birth Information, Neonatal Care, Mortality, Administrative Information, Organisational Level Information, Socio‐economic and Demographic information, Physical Health, Education and Learning, Neurodevelopmental Outcomes, Social, Lifestyle and Leisure, Healthcare Utilisation and Quality of Life. Conclusions: This core dataset includes 160 data items covering antenatal care through outcomes in adulthood. Its use will guide data collection in new studies and facilitate pooling and harmonisation of existing data internationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (E/T/I) has provided life‐changing pharmacotherapy for many people with cystic fibrosis (CF), but conflicting literature exists regarding the effect on mental health. While some reports suggest E/T/I may induce adverse psychiatric symptoms, others report improvements in mental health symptoms. To add to this growing body of knowledge, we retrospectively analyzed depression and anxiety symptoms before and after E/T/I initiation in adults with CF at a single large US CF center. Method: Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) scores recorded in a database were studied. Patients with scores collected before and after E/T/I initiation were included. Regression analyses described associations between score changes and age, race, ethnicity, sex, CFTR variant, and prior depression and/or anxiety diagnoses. Secondary analyses examined possible confounding effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results: There was no change in mean GAD‐7 (0.5 ± 5.3, p = 0.41) or PHQ‐9 (−0.02 ± 6.0, p = 0.97) scores following initiation of E/T/I (N = 86). A trend between a prior diagnosis of depression and worsening in PHQ‐9 post‐E/T/I was observed (OR 3.58; p = 0.054). Conclusions: Treatment with E/T/I does not lead to changes in depression or anxiety symptoms at the population level in this single center cohort study. A prior diagnosis of depression trended towards an increased odds of worsening PHQ‐9 scores after E/T/I initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: While the number of female physicians has increased since the 1970s, there continues to be a lack of female surgeons compared to their male counterparts, with the gender gap more prominent in surgical subspecialties such as neurosurgery. While surgical subspecialities have accelerated initiatives to close the gap, potential disparities in research opportunities may position women at a disadvantage, particularly in neurosurgery, where academic publications are an indicator of residency match success. In this paper, we sought to investigate whether gender disparities exist in preresidency neurosurgery publications among current neurosurgery residents. Methods: The present study selected residency programs from the top 25 neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in US News & World Report's 2022 Ranking. A database of neurosurgery residents and their publications was created using PubMed, neurosurgery residency program websites, and supplementary search. Articles published between the time of birth and December 31st of the year of graduation (medical degree) were used to determine publications before residency. Results: Our research indicates that 25.7% (n = 135/526) of US neurosurgery residents at top 25 hospitals are women and 74.3% (n = 391/526) are men. Men (n = 391) had a median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–14.5; range, 0–129) publications before residency, and women (n = 135) had a median of 7 (IQR, 4–11.0; range, 0–74) publications before residency. There were no significant differences in the median number of publications between genders (p = 0.65). Conclusion: In conclusion, our research indicates there is no gender disparity in preresidency publications among neurosurgery residents. To improve women's representation in the field, further study is needed to better understand gender inequality among neurosurgeons, particularly in the earlier stages of medical training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modeling outcomes, such as onset of heart failure (HF) or mortality, in patients following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is challenging but clinically very useful. The acute insult following a myocardial infarction and chronic degeneration seen in HF involve a similar process where a loss of cardiomyocytes and abnormal remodeling lead to pump failure. This process may alter the strength and direction of the heart's net depolarization signal. We hypothesize that changes over time in unique parameters extracted using vectorcardiography (VCG) have the potential to predict outcomes in patients post‐STEMI and could eventually be used as a noninvasive and cost‐effective surveillance tool for characterizing the severity and progression of HF to guide evidence‐based therapies. Methods: We identified 162 patients discharged from Michigan Medicine between 2016 and 2021 with a diagnosis of acute STEMI. For each patient, a single 12‐lead ECG > 1 week pre‐STEMI and > 1 week post‐STEMI were collected. A set of unique VCG parameters were derived by analyzing features of the QRS complex. We used LASSO regression analysis incorporating clinical variables and VCG parameters to create a predictive model for HF, mortality, or the composite at 90, 180, and 365 days post‐STEMI. Results: The VCG model is most predictive for HF onset at 90 days with a robust AUC. Variables from the HF model mitigating or driving risk, at a p < 0.05, were primarily parameters that assess the area swept by the depolarization vector including the 3D integral and convex hull in select spatial octants and quadrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of multiple transdiagnostic treatments in recent decades has advanced the field of clinical psychology while also raising questions for clinicians and patients about how to decide between treatments and how to best deliver a chosen treatment. The purpose of this paper is to review two prominent transdiagnostic treatments that target emotion dysregulation: dialectical behaviour therapy and the unified protocol for transdiagnostic treatment for emotional disorders. First, we review the theoretical underpinnings, research support and proposed mechanisms of action for these treatments. Next, we discuss patient and therapist variables that might indicate which treatment is more appropriate for a given patient and discuss decision‐making guidelines to help make this determination with an emphasis on complex patients who may present with risk and/or clinical comorbidities. Finally, we discuss areas for future research that can help further ensure we work to match patients to the treatment that is most likely to benefit them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diabetes is highly prevalent worldwide, with an estimated 536 million living with diabetes in 2021, and that number projected to increase to 783 million by 2045. Diabetic bladder dysfunction is thought to affect up to 60%–90% of individuals with diabetes and can significantly impact quality of life. Despite the prevalence of diabetic bladder dysfunction, the exact pathophysiological mechanism, and resulting clinical presentation, remains debated. Our objective was to compare urodynamic parameters between diabetic and nondiabetic women, assessing the impact of various markers of diabetes severity on bladder function. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on female patients aged 18 and above who underwent urodynamic studies at a single tertiary care university hospital system from 2014 to 2020. Patients were categorized based on diabetes status, and diabetes severity including duration of disease, hemoglobin A1c levels, insulin dependence, and markers of end‐organ dysfunction. Urodynamic variables, including compliance, bladder voided efficiency, bladder contractility index, postvoid residual, maximum flow rate, capacity, voided volume, and detrusor overactivity, were assessed by two independent reviewers. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the impact of diabetes and diabetic severity on urodynamic parameters. Results: A total of 652 female patients were included in the study, of which, 152 (23.3%) had diabetes, with an average duration of diagnosis of 82.3 months. Diabetic women were older and had higher body mass index compared to nondiabetic women. Diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy were present in 18% and 54.6% of diabetic patients, respectively. Significant differences in urodynamic parameters were observed between diabetic and nondiabetic women, with diabetic women showing higher rates of detrusor overactivity (p = 0.01), particularly associated with increasing BMI (p = 0.03). However, classic markers of diabetes severity including duration, as well as markers of end‐organ damage, showed mixed associations with urodynamic changes. Conclusions: Despite the prevalence of diabetic bladder dysfunction and its impact on patient quality of life, the exact mechanisms and clinical presentation remain elusive. Our study highlights the significant differences in urodynamic parameters between diabetic and nondiabetic women, emphasizing the need for further research into the relationship between diabetes and diabetic bladder dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) involves both nonsurgical and surgical management. Views on best surgical approach for apical prolapse is an evolving field based on recent evidence and events related to transvaginal mesh. Methods: At the 97th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section of the American Urological Association (Scottsdale, AZ, USA), this topic was discussed and debated. The following article summarizes the concepts presented that day as well as the interactive debate with three perspectives on apical prolapse surgeries. The authors were asked to support their approach in various scenarios including: extremes of age, prior hysterectomy and intact uterus, desire to avoid mesh, sexual activity, and presence of comorbidities. Results: Surgical approaches for POP have evolved and is a popular topic for debate, particularly when discussing apical prolapse. Transvaginal native tissue repairs remain the mainstay of POP surgeries; however, transabdominal approaches continue to evolve. Use of interposition material, such as synthetic polypropylene mesh, is the standard when performing an abdominal sacrocolpopexy, however, use of autologous fascia can be considered. Small series have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of autologous fascia‐based repairs; however, larger studies with longer follow‐up are needed. Conclusions: There are a variety of surgical strategies to repair POP. Ultimate decision making on specific surgeries should be determined by patient preference and goals after appropriate counseling on all options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study conducted on the pathology of the primary visual cortex in patients with C9ORF72-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (C9ALS). The study found that dipeptide repeat (DPR) pathology was more prevalent in the visual cortex of C9ALS patients compared to phosphorylated TAR DNA-binding protein (pTDP) pathology. However, there was no significant difference in the density of calcium-binding proteins (CBPs) between C9ALS and non-C9ALS cases. The study suggests that calcium homeostasis may play a role in protecting the visual cortex from ALS-related pathologies. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between pTDP and DPR pathologies and their impact on cellular injury. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Several protective factors have been identified for mental health (MH) resilience in adolescent offspring of depressed parents. However, it is unclear if these effects persist into adulthood. Methods: Depressed parents and their offspring (N = 188) from the Early Prediction of Adolescent Depression study were assessed four times (mean offspring ages 12.39, 13.77, 14.82, and 23.41). Mental health resilience was examined using residual scores (better‐than‐expected mood‐, behaviour‐, or anxiety‐related MH at mean age 23 given risk exposure), and categorically as sustained good MH across adolescence and young adulthood. Results: Only 9.2% of young adults demonstrated sustained good MH. Parents of resilient individuals showed lower comorbidity (anxiety, antisocial behaviour and harmful drinking) and higher depression remission. Considering adolescent protective factors, weak evidence was observed of associations of mood‐resilience with adolescent peer‐relationship quality (β = −0.20, 95%CI:−0.36, −0.04); friendship quality (β = −0.14, 95%CI:−0.31, 0.02); risk adjustment (β = −0.16, 95%CI:‐0.34, 0.03) and dysfunctional attitudes (β = 0.18, 95%CI:0.01, 0.35). There was weak evidence of behavioural‐resilience association with parent positive expressed emotion (β = −0.15, 95%CI:−0.31, 0.02) and offspring exercise (β = −0.37, 95%CI:−0.77, 0.03). No adolescent protective factors showed an association with anxiety‐resilience. For sustained good MH, there was weak evidence of an association with inhibitory control (OR = 0.39, 95%CI:0.14, 1.07). Strong evidence was observed for associations between young adult‐reported peer relationship quality and mood‐resilience (β = −0.35, 95%CI:−0.53, −0.17), behavioural‐resilience (β = −0.33, 95%CI:−0.51, −0.14) and anxiety‐resilience (β = −0.34, 95%CI:−0.53, −0.14), while weak evidence was observed of an association of social activities with anxiety‐resilience (β = −0.51, 95%CI:−0.97, −0.06). Conclusions: We found limited evidence for the long‐lasting effects of adolescent protective factors on adult MH resilience. Social factors remained protective into young adulthood, while family factors did not. Early preventative intervention might not be sufficient to maintain good long‐term MH, and young people will likely require more prolonged support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds time their life cycle events to favourable windows in environmental conditions. In tropical environments, where photoperiod variation is small, birds show high variability in the timing of life cycle stages, yet these species have been severely underrepresented in phenology research. Here, we investigated temporal patterns in bird life cycles and resource availability in two sites in tropical Africa: Weppa (Nigeria, 7° N) and Elat (Cameroon, 3° N). In these sites we captured common bulbuls (Pycnonotus barbatus), a widespread generalist, and recorded breeding and moult over a 12‐month period. Simultaneously, we surveyed fruiting tree and arthropod abundance. Our aim was to quantify seasonal patterns in moult and breeding in bulbuls at both sites, and link them to fluctuations in local fruit and arthropod abundance and precipitation. Moult was more seasonal than breeding in both sites, and seasonality of both life cycle events was stronger in Nigeria than Cameroon. The peak timing for moult was 1.5 months earlier in Nigeria than Cameroon. Seasonal variation in abundance of fruiting trees and arthropods was different between sites, as were the associations with breeding and moulting. In Nigeria, we found a positive association between moult and arthropod abundance, and a negative one with fruiting tree abundance. In contrast, in Cameroon moult was associated with higher precipitation, while breeding occurred at times with higher fruit abundance. Our results provide evidence that, even in similar habitats separated by four degrees in latitude, seasonal patterns across three trophic levels are variable. Understanding links between environmental conditions and life cycle events can reveal potential vulnerabilities of tropical species, and guide conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas albilineans (Xal) is a gram‐negative bacterial pathogen responsible for developing sugarcane leaf scald disease, which engenders significant economic losses within the sugarcane industry. In the current study, homologous recombination exchange was carried out to induce mutations within the virB/D4‐like type IV secretion system (T4SS) genes of Xal. The results revealed that the virB11‐deletion mutant (ΔvirB11) exhibited a loss in swimming and twitching motility. Application of transmission electron microscopy analysis further demonstrated that the ΔvirB11 failed to develop flagella formation and type IV pilus morphology and exhibited reduced swarming behaviour and virulence. However, these alterations had no discernible impact on bacterial growth. Comparative transcriptome analysis between the wild‐type Xal JG43 and the deletion‐mutant ΔvirB11 revealed 123 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 28 and 10 DEGs were notably associated with flagellar assembly and chemotaxis, respectively. In light of these findings, we postulate that virB11 plays an indispensable role in regulating the processes related to motility and chemotaxis in Xal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes lifelong physical and psychological dysfunction in affected individuals. The current study investigated the effects of chronic nicotine exposure via E‐cigarettes (E‐cig) (vaping) on TBI‐associated behavioural and biochemical changes. Experimental Approach: Adult C57/BL6J male mice were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) followed by daily exposure to E‐cig vapour for 6 weeks. Sensorimotor functions, locomotion, and sociability were subsequently evaluated by nesting, open field, and social approach tests, respectively. Immunoblots were conducted to examine the expression of mature brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and associated downstream proteins (p‐Erk, p‐Akt). Histological analyses were performed to evaluate neuronal survival and neuroinflammation. Key Results: Post‐injury chronic nicotine exposure significantly improved nesting performance in CCI mice. Histological analysis revealed increased survival of cortical neurons in the perilesion cortex with chronic nicotine exposure. Immunoblots revealed that chronic nicotine exposure significantly up‐regulated mBDNF, p‐Erk and p‐Akt expression in the perilesion cortex of CCI mice. Immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that elevated mBDNF and p‐Akt expression were mainly localized within cortical neurons. Immunolabelling of Iba1 demonstrated that chronic nicotine exposure attenuated microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation. Conclusions and Implications: Post‐injury chronic nicotine exposure via vaping facilitates recovery of sensorimotor function by upregulating neuroprotective mBDNF/TrkB/Akt/Erk signalling. These findings suggest potential neuroprotective properties of nicotine despite its highly addictive nature. Thus, understanding the multifaceted effects of chronic nicotine exposure on TBI‐associated symptoms is crucial for paving the way for informed and properly managed therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants are a progestin‐based reversible contraceptive used to manage fertility in animals. MGA implants are recommended for replacement every 2 years; however, reproduction may be suppressed longer if implants are not removed. In this study, we investigated whether the probability of reproducing (pR) differed among nonimplanted females, females with MGA implants removed, and females whose implants were not removed. In addition, since implant loss in hamadryas baboons is a concern, we explored whether female age, institution, implant placement year, implant location, or implant placement type (intramuscular vs. subcutaneous) differed for females whose implants were lost compared to those that were not. The pR differed significantly across all three treatment conditions with the nonimplanted group having the highest pR. The pR plateaued at 63% after 40 months for the implant‐removed group compared to 96% after 84 months in the nonimplanted group. There was no reproduction after contraception if implants were not removed (7.83–45.53 months). In the nonimplanted group, pR was significantly higher for older and parous females. In terms of implant loss, we found that implant placement type was significantly associated with implant loss, such that there were fewer losses when implants were placed intramuscularly (IM) as compared to subcutaneously. Our results suggest that placing MGA implants IM is likely to reduce loss. When loss is prevented, MGA implants are an effective form of contraception and are reliably reversibly in most individuals when removed. However, if not removed, they can prevent reproduction longer than 2 years. Research Highlights: Following mate access, the probability of reproducing was relatively high for nonimplanted and implant‐removed female baboons.Melengestrol acetate implants should be placed intramuscularly to prevent loss and must be removed if reproduction later is desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Prescribed opioid analgesics are frequently used to manage pain in pregnancy. However, the available literature regarding the teratogenic potential of opioid use during pregnancy has not been systematically summarised. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the quality of the evidence on these potential risks and calculate a pooled estimate of risk for any opioid analgesic and individual opioids. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and CINAHL for published studies assessing the risk of major congenital malformations in infants following first‐trimester exposure to opioid analgesics compared with a reference group, excluding studies examining opioid agonist therapy or illicit opioid use. We assessed the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Non‐Randomised Studies of Intervention tool. We pooled adjusted risk estimates from studies rated at serious risk of bias or better in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: Of 12 identified studies, 11 were at high risk of bias (eight serious; three critical). Relative to unexposed infants, those exposed to any opioid use during the first trimester of pregnancy were not at an increased risk of major congenital malformations overall (relative risk 1.04, 95%CI 0.98–1.11); cardiovascular malformations (relative risk 1.07, 95%CI 0.96–1.20); or central nervous system malformations (relative risk 1.06, 95%CI 0.92–1.21). Raised risk estimates were observed for gastrointestinal malformations (relative risk 1.40, 95%CI 0.38–5.16) and cleft palate (relative risk 1.57, 95%CI 0.48–5.13) following any opioid exposure and atrial septal defects (relative risk 1.20, 95%CI 1.05–1.36) following codeine exposure. Conclusions: Although the meta‐analysis did not indicate substantial increased risk for most malformations examined, this risk remains uncertain due to the methodological limitations of the included studies. Healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical regulators should be aware of the issues related to the quality of research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are employees more likely to identify with their organization and engage in helping behaviors on its behalf if the coworkers who make up their social networks identify and help the organization? We draw on social information processing theory, social learning theory, and research on diffusion of innovation to develop a model that predicts how relational (advice ties) and structural (structural equivalence) factors predict organizational identification and organizational citizenship. We argue that OI is neither a matter of individual perceptions generated in isolation, nor a simple function of the number of ties that an employee has, but that it is instead an outcome of relations and interactions with coworkers, as reflected in the social structure of the employing organization. We tested our model by conducting a social network study of employees in a construction company. Our findings show that (1) employees tend to have similar levels of OI to the OI of their advice ties; (2) employees who are structurally equivalent tend to demonstrate similar levels of OCB; (3) similarity in OI mediates the relationship between advice ties and similarity in OCB; and (4) advice ties with high and moderate levels of OI are most strongly associated with similarity in OCB. In a supplementary analysis we show that the social influence model that we tested offers a better explanation for the role that the social context plays in shaping OI than does a "more ties, more OI" model. We discuss implications for theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]