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Zanzibar, a low‐resource semiautonomous region of Tanzania, has an estimated prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections of 3.6%. To assess the feasibility of care and treatment, a 5‐year hepatitis B demonstration project was implemented in Zanzibar during January 2017–December 2021, following the 2015 WHO HBV care and treatment guidelines. Participants included adults (aged ≥ 18 years) who tested positive for HBV surface antigen and tested negative for HIV and hepatitis C antibody. Participants were examined for clinical signs of liver disease and testing was conducted at baseline to assess treatment eligibility and every 6–12 months thereafter. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was provided at no cost to treatment‐eligible participants. Clinical and laboratory data were analysed to assess improvement in proximal disease outcomes. Among 596 participants enrolled, the median age was 32 years (IQR 26–39) and 365 (61%) were male. Of those enrolled, 268 (45%) returned for ≥ 1 follow‐up visit, with a median of 511 days of follow‐up. Overall, 58 patients initiated treatment: 15 met treatment criteria based on liver cirrhosis alone; 13 by APRI > 1.5; among those with HBV DNA results, six met criteria based on HBV DNA levels and ALT activity; 24 met ≥ 2 criteria. Significant decreases in ALT activities, APRI scores and HBV DNA levels were observed among those treated. This hepatitis B care and treatment programme was demonstrated to be feasible in a low‐resource setting. Despite challenges, testing and linkage to care is critical to decrease the global burden of hepatitis B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) have generated volcanic ash forecasts for the aviation industry since the mid‐1990s. The excellent spatial and temporal coverage of satellite data makes them critical to the validation of ash dispersion model forecasts. This study investigates the limitations of satellite‐retrieved volcanic ash data through the production of simulated radiances for a range of ash cloud properties encompassing the satellite retrieval's sensitivity. We run a detection and retrieval algorithm (Francis et al., 2012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JD016788) on these simulated ash clouds and assess the sensitivity and performance of the algorithms. Expected limitations are highlighted, including a lack of sensitivity to particles larger than ∼10 μm in radius and challenges in accurately retrieving heights in the stratosphere. However, other previously poorly defined limitations are also constrained, such as the reduction in sensitivity as ash column loading increases in optically thick ash clouds and increasingly underestimated column loading when column loadings are >∼7 g m−2. We consider the implications of the identified limitations when using satellite‐retrieved ash column loadings to verify dispersion model output. We show that, accounting for the limitations of the satellite retrieval, a significant proportion of mass in the model output can lie outside the sensitivity range of the satellite detection and retrieval. This demonstrates the importance of understanding observations' limitations when comparing to model output. This knowledge should be used when verifying operational volcanic ash cloud forecasts. Plain Language Summary: Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) were created to forecast the location of airborne volcanic ash as it is a hazard to aircraft. These forecasts are produced by dispersion models, which combine estimates of the ash ejected by the volcano with meteorological information to forecast the location and amount of ash in the atmosphere. Observations, particularly satellite data, are required to validate the forecasts. However, satellite data also has uncertainty and this can vary significantly for different ash clouds. This paper investigates the uncertainty in quantitative satellite data, constraining previously poorly defined biases, such as limitations for larger ash particles and regions where large amounts of ash are present. These limitations are then considered when comparing quantitative satellite data to quantitative dispersion model output. This showed that significant portions of ash mass present in dispersion model output may be outside the quantitative satellite data's sensitivity range. This has important implications for the use of quantitative satellite volcanic ash data to validate dispersion model output. Key Points: A volcanic ash retrieval was run on simulated radiances produced for a large range of ash cloud propertiesThis constrained limitations on the detection and retrieval's performance at different ash column loadings, heights, and particle sizesSignificant portions of ash mass present in dispersion model output were shown to be outside the satellite retrieval sensitivity range [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the resurgence of low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) for patients with life-threatening hemorrhage, highlighting the benefits and limitations of leukoreduction (LR) in LTOWB. LR reduces febrile reactions, infection risks, and HLA alloimmunization, but may limit availability and increase costs. The article suggests that LR in LTOWB for life-threatening hemorrhage may be optional, not mandatory, based on current data. The discussion is part of a joint working group's efforts to provide guidance on LR in LTOWB for clinicians and suppliers. [Extracted from the article]

Several damaging tropical cyclones (TCs) have occurred recently over the South Indian Ocean (SIO) region, causing enormous social and economic losses. Yet, while many studies have examined SIO TC characteristics using observations and reanalysis, only a few have assessed these characteristics specifically for this region in climate models, and fewer have investigated their projections under climate change. Here we do this for a historical (1980–2010) and future (2020–2050) period, using multimodel simulations from the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project, as well as examine biases in the historical period relative to a reanalysis (ERA5). The models have horizontal resolutions of 25–50 km, which has enabled an improved ability to represent tropical cyclones globally in previous studies. TempestExtremes software is employed to detect tropical storm and cyclone tracks. In cases where TempestExtremes cannot be applied due to a lack of requisite variables in a dataset, we instead examine extreme wind speeds in that dataset. For the historical period, we find considerable variation in model biases compared to ERA5, which itself exhibits realistic spatial patterns of tracks and their monthly distribution. Models do at least agree on positive biases in track frequency east of Madagascar and somewhat in the Mozambique Channel. However, the models and ERA5 only produce Category 3 tropical cyclones at best. Wind speeds for 25 km resolution models have much larger positive biases than for 50 km ones, suggesting the former can simulate even higher‐category tropical cyclones. Considerable intermodel variation is also found in track changes between the future and historical periods. No systematic intercategory pattern of change exists, and low signal‐to‐noise may obscure any such patterns in the limited timespan of available data. Thus, no meaningful conclusions can be drawn regarding changes in track intensity. Nevertheless, track frequency broadly decreases across models for the region, as does accumulated cyclone energy. An east‐to‐west shift in track location from east of Madagascar toward the Mozambique Channel is also implied by track frequency and wind speed changes. Our findings provide information to potentially improve storm resiliency in this vulnerable region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adult‐onset Still's disease (AOSD) and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) are both hyperferritinemic cytokine storm syndromes that can be difficult to distinguish from each other in hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to compare the inflammatory markers ferritin, D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and soluble CD25 (sCD25) in patients with AOSD and sHLH. These four markers were chosen as they are widely available and represent different aspects of inflammatory diseases: macrophage activation (ferritin); endothelialopathy (D‐dimer); interleukin‐1/interleukin‐6/tumour necrosis factor elevation (CRP) and T cell activation (sCD25). Methods: This was a single‐center retrospective study. Patients diagnosed by the Hematology service at Vancouver General Hospital for AOSD or sHLH from 2009 to 2023 were included. Results: There were 16 AOSD and 44 sHLH patients identified. Ferritin was lower in AOSD than HLH (median 11 360 μg/L vs. 29 020 μg/L, p =.01) while D‐dimer was not significantly different (median 5310 mg/L FEU vs. 7000 mg/L FEU, p =.3). CRP was higher (median 168 mg/L vs. 71 mg/L, p <.01) and sCD25 was lower (median 2220 vs. 7280 U/mL, p =.004) in AOSD compared to HLH. The combined ROC curve using CRP >130 mg/L and sCD25< 3900 U/mL to distinguish AOSD from HLH had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.93–0.97) with sensitivity 91% and specificity 93%. Conclusions: These findings suggest that simple, widely available laboratory tests such as CRP and sCD25 can help clinicians distinguish AOSD from HLH in acutely ill adults with extreme hyperferritinemia. Larger studies examining a wider range of clinically available inflammatory biomarkers in a more diverse set of cytokine storm syndromes are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the interactive associations between amyloid and hypertension on the entorhinal cortex (EC) tau and atrophy and the role of cerebral blood flow (CBF) as a shared mechanism by which amyloid and hypertension contribute to EC tau and regional white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). METHODS: We analyzed data from older adults without dementia participating in the Add‐Tau study (NCT02958670, n = 138) or Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) (n = 523) who had available amyloid‐positron emission tomography (PET), tau‐PET, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A subsample in both cohorts had available arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI (Add‐Tau: n = 78; ADNI: n = 89). RESULTS: The detrimental effects of hypertension on AD pathology and EC thickness were more pronounced in the Add‐Tau cohort. Increased amyloid burden was associated with decreased occipital gray matter CBF in the ADNI cohort. In both cohorts, lower regional gray matter CBF was associated with higher EC tau and posterior WMH burden. DISCUSSION: Reduced cerebral perfusion may be one common mechanism through which hypertension and amyloid are related to increased EC tau and WMH volume. Highlights: Hypertension is associated with increased entorhinal cortex (EC) tau, particularly in the presence of amyloid.Decreased cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) is associated with higher regional white matter hyperintensity volume.Increasing amyloid burden is associated with decreasing CBF in the occipital lobe.MTL CBF and amyloid are synergistically associated with EC tau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Driven by the Lorentz force, acoustic noise may arguably be the next physiological challenge associated with ultra‐high field MRI scanners and powerful gradient coils. This work consisted of isolating and mitigating the main sound pathway in the NexGen 7 T scanner equipped with the investigational Impulse head gradient coil. Methods: Sound pressure level (SPL) measurements were performed with and without the RF coil to assess its acoustic impact. Vibration measurements were carried out on the gradient coil, the RF coil, and on the patient table to distinguish the different vibration mechanisms and pathways. Vibrations of the RF coil were modified by either making contact with the patient bore liner with padding material or by changing directly the RF shield with phosphor bronze mesh material. Results: SPL and vibration measurements demonstrated that eddy‐currents induced in the RF shield were the primary cause of acoustic noise. Replacing the conventional solid copper shield with phosphor bronze mesh material altered the vibrations of the RF shield and decreased SPL by 6 to 8 dB at the highest frequencies in EPI, depending on the gradient axis, while boosting the transmit B1+ field by 15%. Padding led to slightly less sound reduction on the X and Z gradient axes, but with minimal impact for the Y axis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential importance of eddy‐current induced vibrations in the RF coil in terms of acoustic noise and opens new horizons for mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy milk is a core food in many food‐based guides to healthy eating. However, plant‐based milk alternatives are becoming increasingly available as substitutes. While these products serve a subset of the population unable or unwilling to consume milk, plant‐based milk alternatives can be perceived by consumers as direct equivalents, or even more healthful alternatives to dairy milk. This commentary addresses the significant differences in nutrient content that may have implications for the intake of key nutrients in the case of direct substitutions. Furthermore, while there is a significant body of knowledge demonstrating the significant health benefits associated with dairy milk consumption and a small number of potentially negative associations, there is a paucity of data on the health benefits of plant‐based milk alternatives directly. A "health halo" may exist based on matching individual nutrients through fortification, lower energy levels, and the health properties of the unprocessed raw characterizing ingredients of plant‐based milk alternatives. This may mislead consumers regarding healthfulness. Similarly, environmental attributes based on volumes of production, without considering contribution to nutrients, may also skew consumer perception. Positioning of plant‐based milk alternatives in food‐based dietary guidelines, marketing, and personal recommendations should acknowledge the differences in nutritional, bioactive, and health properties between plant‐based milk alternatives and dairy milk to ensure appropriate adaptations are made to account for shortfalls in nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated preliminary feasibility of a digital, culturally‐informed approach to recruit and screen participants for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI4). METHODS: Participants were recruited using digital advertising and completed digital surveys (e.g., demographics, medical exclusion criteria, 12‐item Everyday Cognition Scale [ECog‐12]), Novoic Storyteller speech‐based cognitive test). Completion rates and assessment performance were compared between underrepresented populations (URPs: individuals from ethnoculturally minoritized or low education backgrounds) and non‐URPs. RESULTS: Of 3099 participants who provided contact information, 654 enrolled in the cohort, and 595 completed at least one assessment. Two hundred forty‐seven participants were from URPs. Of those enrolled, 465 met ADNI4 inclusion criteria and 237 evidenced possible cognitive impairment from ECog‐12 or Storyteller performance. URPs had lower ECog and Storyteller completion rates. Scores varied by ethnocultural group and educational level. DISCUSSION: Preliminary results demonstrate digital recruitment and screening assessment of an older diverse cohort, including those with possible cognitive impairment, are feasible. Improving engagement and achieving educational diversity are key challenges. Highlights: A total of 654 participants enrolled in a digital cohort to facilitate ADNI4 recruitment.Culturally‐informed digital ads aided enrollment of underrepresented populations.From those enrolled, 42% were from underrepresented ethnocultural and educational groups.Digital screening tools indicate > 50% of participants likely cognitively impaired.Completion rates and assessment performance vary by ethnocultural group and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Well‐chosen biomarkers have the potential to increase the efficiency of clinical trials and drug discovery and should show good precision as well as clinical validity. METHODS: We suggest measures that operationalize these criteria and describe a general approach that can be used for inference‐based comparisons of biomarker performance. The methods are applied to measures obtained from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from individuals with mild dementia (n = 70) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 303) enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. RESULTS: Ventricular volume and hippocampal volume showed the best precision in detecting change over time in both individuals with MCI and with dementia. Differences in clinical validity varied by group. DISCUSSION: The methodology presented provides a standardized framework for comparison of biomarkers across modalities and across different methods used to generate similar measures and will help in the search for the most promising biomarkers. Highlights: A framework for comparison of biomarkers on pre‐defined criteria is presented.Criteria for comparison include precision in capturing change and clinical validity.Ventricular volume has high precision in change for both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) trials.Imaging measures' performance in clinical validity varies more for dementia than for MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the Biostatistics Core of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) has been to ensure that sound study designs and statistical methods are used to meet the overall goals of ADNI. We have supported the creation of a well‐validated and well‐curated longitudinal database of clinical and biomarker information on ADNI participants and helped to make this accessible and usable for researchers. We have developed a statistical methodology for characterizing the trajectories of clinical and biomarker change for ADNI participants across the spectrum from cognitively normal to dementia, including multivariate patterns and evidence for heterogeneity in cognitive aging. We have applied these methods and adapted them to improve clinical trial design. ADNI‐4 will offer us a chance to help extend these efforts to a more diverse cohort with an even richer panel of biomarker data to support better knowledge of and treatment for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Highlights: The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Biostatistics Core provides study design and analytic support to ADNI investigators.Core members develop and apply novel statistical methodology to work with ADNI data and support clinical trial design.The Core contributes to the standardization, validation, and harmonization of biomarker data.The Core serves as a resource to the wider research community to address questions related to the data and study as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are important components of high‐latitude boreal and Arctic habitats. While stress tolerant, they are among the most sensitive ecosystem components to climate change, in particular, an increase in ultraviolet light (UV) arising from polar ozone depletion and deforestation. This study is the first to explore the effects of UV‐B on gene expression in lichens to predict metabolic pathways involved in tolerance. Using transcriptome profiling and bioinformatic analyses, here we studied the effects of UV‐B on gene expression in lichens using Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoff. as a model species. UV‐B exposure causes significant browning of the upper cortex of the thallus, which correlates to an increased expression of biosynthetic gene clusters involved in the synthesis of eu‐ and allomelanins and melanin precursors. Based on transcriptome analyses, we suggest that the biosynthesis of melanins and other secondary metabolites, such as naphthalene derivates, tropolones, anthraquinones, and xanthones, is a trade‐off that lichens pay to protect essential metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Expression profiles of general stress‐associated genes, in particular, related to reactive oxygen species scavenging, protection of proteins, and DNA repair, clearly indicate that the mycobiont is the more UV‐B‐responsive and susceptible partner in lichen symbiosis. Our findings demonstrate that UV‐B stress activates an intricate gene network involved in tolerance mechanisms of lichen symbionts. Knowledge obtained here may enable the prediction of likely effects on lichen biodiversity caused by climate change and pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This exploratory study described facilitators and barriers to reducing tobacco disparities in 2 small rural communities and identified ways to reduce tobacco use. Methods: This was a descriptive design using qualitative methods. We created a resource database for 2 rural Kentucky counties, using a Culture of Health Framework. We recruited 16 organizational stakeholders serving low‐socioeconomic populations and conducted focus groups and key informant interviews. We also completed key informant interviews with 7 tobacco users. Lastly, we tailored Community Action Plans for each county based on the data and then solicited feedback from the key stakeholders. Findings: The 2 counties were similar in population size, but County A had fewer resources than County B, and the stakeholders expressed differences toward tobacco use and quitting. County A stakeholders talked most about the protobacco culture and that tobacco users accept the risks of smoking outweighing the benefits of quitting; they also expressed concerns about youth use and the influences of family, society, and industry. County B stakeholders described ambivalence about the health effects of use and quitting. County A's Action Plan identified an opportunity to build Community Health Worker‐delivered tobacco treatment into a new school‐based health center. County B's Action Plan focused on reaching tobacco users by providing incentives for participation and tailoring messages to different audiences. Conclusions: Tobacco control resources and stakeholder perspectives vary in small rural communities, implying a need for tailored approaches. Tobacco users in rural areas are a critical population to target with cessation resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surgical management of intertrochanteric hip fractures is a common surgery with low rates of intraoperative complications. Vascular injuries are exceptionally rare when placing an intramedullary nail without open reduction. There are very few reported cases of direct arterial injury and active bleed at the level of the distal interlocking screw following closed reduction and intramedullary nailing of a hip fracture. We report one such case. Case Presentation: An 88‐year‐old female presented to the emergency department with a left intertrochanteric hip fracture. Closed reduction with a cephalomedullary nail fixation of the left hip fracture occurred as planned without any obvious intraoperative technical issues. The patient remained stable intraoperatively. No open reduction was required. Postoperatively, the patient developed hemorrhagic shock and required massive transfusion protocol. Angiography demonstrated an intramuscular hematoma at the level of the distal intramedullary nail interlocking screw with active extravasation. The patient subsequently required embolization. Nine days following surgery, she began Eliquis for DVT prophylaxis and was ambulating independently with signs of hematoma resolution. Discussion: Profunda femoris artery injury can stem from various mechanisms during surgery. Atherosclerosis places patients at a higher risk of complication due to rigid vessels. In this case, it is believed that drilling beyond the medial femoral cortex led to the arterial injury. Conclusion: Care should be taken to prevent drills from plunging beyond the medial femoral cortex during surgery. Cautious observation of patient's vitals and clinical course can allow for early detection of vascular complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral Health Therapists (OHTs) are a growing workforce globally, with skills in oral health prevention, treatment planning and management of disease. These professionals receive their training through a three‐year undergraduate program which leads to the Bachelor of Oral Health degree in Australia and New Zealand. The aim of this study was to describe the learning environment for OHT students in Australia and New Zealand. OHT students were requested to complete the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to indicate their perceptions of the environment of their educational program. Materials and Methods: Bachelor of Oral Health students from 10 universities in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in the survey. The analysis of the students' experiences focused on five domains of educational environment: learning, teaching, academic self‐perception, atmosphere and social self‐perception. Total DREEM scores were compared to previously published literature for other health professions students. Results: A total of 336 OHT students completed the study, which represented 30% of all OHT students enrolled in the 10 participating universities. Using the DREEM, participants perception of the environment was more positive than negative with an average DREEM total score of 141 (70.5%) out of a maximum score of 200. The model demonstrates university region to be a major predictor in the overall DREEM score, with regional universities scoring higher than urban universities (p =.012). Conclusions: The DREEM was used to describe OHT students perceptions of the learning environment in Australia and New Zealand. This study found that the university region is a significant predictor of positive experiences for OHT students. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary Oral Health programs, this study offers insights into future improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the advancements in blood transfusion practices for resuscitating bleeding patients, which have been influenced by experiences on the battlefield and later adopted in civilian settings. These changes, such as using balanced ratios of blood products and prepositioning blood in emergency departments, have improved outcomes for trauma patients and those with hemorrhagic shock. However, there are still three major changes needed for wider implementation: adopting a walking blood bank, correcting reimbursement practices for prehospital blood transfusion, and ensuring military personnel are trained in transfusion practices. The article also addresses the issue of blood shortages in the United States and suggests implementing a whole blood-based resuscitation strategy as a potential solution. The authors emphasize the importance of military-civilian partnerships and call for policy changes to support the routine use of prehospital blood products and the implementation of the whole blood-based resuscitation strategy in civilian trauma systems. [Extracted from the article]

The reinforcement of mechanically‐weak hydrogels to yield composites with increased stiffness, strength, or toughness is a well‐established approach. In particular, introducing electrospun nanofibers into hydrogels is a common strategy for biomedical applications, as the resulting hierarchical structure mimics biology and allows for control over fiber diameter and alignment and tuning of mechanical properties. However, further study of the link between the constituent materials and the mechanical properties of the composite is uncommon. One potential model to understand the mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced hydrogels involves the Halpin–Tsai equations, which relate the modulus values of the fibers and hydrogel matrix and the fiber volume fraction, to the modulus of the composite. To assess the application of this model to fiber‐reinforced hydrogels, predicted values were compared with experimental values from mechanical testing of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) matrix reinforced with an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fiber mat. Although the equations described these systems well in tension, providing a facile approach to identify a fiber volume fraction that will achieve a desired modulus, the Halpin–Tsai approach was less successful under compression. This study motivates additional investigation of the role of structural features of hydrogel composites in determining mechanical properties to enable design of materials for specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutrition science graduates contribute to the nutrition workforce by bringing specialist knowledge and skills needed to address future food challenges. This study aims to provide a snapshot of the current employment landscape for nutrition science graduates in Australia and how well their degrees prepare them for employment. Method: A cross‐sectional survey of Australian tertiary nutrition graduates was conducted to explore tertiary training, employment pathways and their perceived preparedness for practice. Results: This study included a final sample of 119 graduates from 17 Australian tertiary institutions. Almost two‐thirds of respondents had completed further training. Most graduates (77%, n = 91) had worked in a food, nutrition science or health‐related role after their degree; the most frequently cited employment settings were government or public health organisations; research, not‐for‐profit or nongovernment organisations; and the food industry. Work‐integrated learning was identified as a key predictor of graduates working in a role that differed from their expectations as a student. The skill categories developed during nutrition training that were most valued in the workplace included nutrition and scientific knowledge, and professional and communication skills. Conclusions: This study offers first insights into the current employment landscape for nutrition graduates across Australia. Findings show that current nutrition science professionals are highly qualified and prepared to navigate the evolving demands of nutrition practice. Regular review of graduate employment will inform nutrition science curriculum to enable graduates to be well equipped in the face of dynamic practice settings. Key points: The employment landscape and preparedness experienced by current Australian nutrition science graduates has not previously been examined at a national level.This study presents data from graduates representing 17 Australian tertiary institutions, who report employment in various settings, with almost two‐thirds pursuing further postgraduate studies.Graduates report valuing work‐integrated learning and highlight scientific knowledge, professionalism and communication as key development skills relevant for their nutrition employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarisation of attitudes towards dyslexia appears to be contingent upon the awareness of the implications of adopting a medical model to interpreting dyslexia (as a medical 'condition') or applying an educational overlay, based upon difficulties in certain areas, to interpreting and making provision for those with dyslexia. Specifically, it underscores the difficulties dyslexics have in reading and the comprehension of what has been read. Furthermore, it accentuates the approaches taken in the 1980s and the turn of the century to dyslexia was, for these interviewees, unfitting. However, it raises other questions about whether the current practice is suited to the needs of those with dyslexia, or whether a universal offer is made, regardless of specific need. In the wake of this research, three emergent themes occur, dyslexia and stigmatisation, the impact of stigmatisation and poorly suited provision upon self‐esteem and the stress this generates. As key practitioner points, this disquisition underlines the need to tailor provision for inclusive education based upon the needs of the individual with dyslexia. It further illumines the stress of unsuitable provision, manifesting the imperative nature of adequate training and resourcing for dyslexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examined the change in Internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with Medicare aged 65 and older in the U.S. Cited are the method used to calculate for the proportion of people with Medicare who reported ever using the Internet at home in each year, overall and by person-level characteristics, and the reasons why racially or ethnically minoritized people with Medicare may be less likely to have access to telemedicine.

Summary: During World War II, Charles H. Best utilized Charles R. Drew's plasma isolation and drying technique to lead Canada's initiative to provide dried serum as a means of primary resuscitation for British casualties on the frontlines. Serum was likely utilized over plasma for its volume expansion properties without the risk of clotting during prolonged storage. We reconstituted dried serum from 1943 and discovered intact albumin, as well as anti‐thrombin, plasminogen, protein C and protein S activity. Proteomic analysis identified 71 proteins, most prominent being albumin, and positive for hepatitis B by serological testing. Transmission of blood‐borne diseases ended the programme, until modern advances in testing and pathogen reduction revived this technology. We tested the latest iteration of Canadian freeze‐dried plasma (FDP), which was stored for 4 years, and demonstrated that its clotting capacity remained equivalent to fresh frozen plasma. We recommend that FDP is a strong alternative to contemporary prehospital resuscitation fluids (e.g. normal saline/lactated Ringer's) in managing prehospital haemorrhage where whole blood is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plant ecology, the terms growth and development are often used interchangeably. Yet these constitute two distinct processes. Plant architectural traits (e.g. number of successive forks) can estimate development stages. Here, we show the importance of including the effect of development stages to better understand size‐related trait scaling relationships (i.e. between height and stem diameter).We focused on one common savanna woody species (Senegalia nigrescens) from the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa. We sampled 406 individuals that experience different exposure to herbivory, from which we collected four traits: plant height, basal stem diameter, number of successive forks (proxy for development stage), and resprouting. We analysed trait relationships (using standardized major axis regression) between height and stem diameter, accounting for the effect of ontogeny, exposure to herbivory, and resprouting.The number of successive forks affects the scaling relationship between height and stem diameter, with the slope and strength of the relationship declining in more developed individuals. Herbivory exposure and resprouting do not affect the overall height–diameter relationship. However, when height and stem diameter were regressed separately against number of successive forks, herbivory exposure and resprouting had an effect. For example, resprouting individuals allocate more biomass to both primary and secondary growth than non‐resprouting plants in more disturbed conditions.We stress the need to include traits related to ontogeny so as to disentangle the effect of biomass allocation to primary and secondary growth from that of development in plant functional relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) face a multitude of challenges, including delayed diagnosis, low awareness of the cancer among healthcare professionals and limited access to multidisciplinary care and expert centres. We have developed the first patient care pathway for people living with NENs in England to guide disease management and help overcome these barriers. The pathway was developed in two phases. First, a pragmatic review of the literature was conducted, which was used to develop a draft patient care pathway. Second, the draft pathway was then updated following semi‐structured interviews with carefully selected expert stakeholders. After each phase, the pathway was discussed among a multidisciplinary, expert advisory group (which comprised the authors and the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust), who reached a consensus on the ideal care pathway. This article presents the outputs of this research. The pathway identified key barriers to care and highlighted how these may be addressed, with many of the findings relevant to the rest of the UK and international audiences. NENs are increasing in incidence and prevalence in England, compounding pre‐existing inequities in diagnosis and disease management. Effective integration of this pathway within NHS England will help achieve optimal, equitable care provision for all people with NENs, and should be feasible within the existing expert multidisciplinary teams across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In 2019, the Australian Academy of Science in collaboration with the nutrition community published the decadal plan for the science of nutrition. This article aims to review progress towards each of its pillar goals (societal determinants, nutrition mechanisms, precision and personalised nutrition, and education and training) and two enabling platforms (a national data capability and a trusted voice for nutrition science), prioritise actions, and conceptualise program logic implementation models. This process also brought together public health nutrition researchers to reflect on societal determinants of health, and advise how the next 5 years of the decadal plan could reflect contemporary issues. Methods: Two engagement events, in 2023, brought together experienced and mid‐ and early‐career nutrition professionals for co‐creation of implementation logic models. Results: One hundred and nine early and mid‐career professionals were involved. A revised model for the decadal plan pillars emerged from synthesis of all logic models. This new model integrated the precision and personalised nutrition pillar with nutrition mechanisms pillar. These combined pillars build towards the national data capability enabling platform and created new cross‐cutting themes for education and training. The need arose for greater focus on respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sustained effort to build cross‐disciplinary collaboration to realise the plan's societal determinants goals. A new alliance for nutrition science is proposed to become a unified advocacy voice and build trust in nutrition professionals. Conclusions: A programmatic approach provides a road map for implementing the decadal plan for the final 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coping with water stress depends on maintaining cellular function and hydraulic conductance. Yet measurements of vulnerability to drought and salinity do not often focus on capacitance in branch organs that buffer hydraulic function during water stress. The relationships between branch water relations, stem hydraulic vulnerability and stem anatomy were investigated in two co‐occurring mangroves Aegiceras corniculatum and Rhizophora stylosa growing at low and high salinity. The dynamics of branch water release acted to conserve water content in the stem at the expense of the foliage during extended drying. Hydraulic redistribution from the foliage to the stem increased stem relative water content by up to 21%. The water potentials at which 12% and 50% loss of stem hydraulic conductivity occurred decreased by ~1.7 MPa in both species between low and high salinity sites. These coordinated tissue adjustments increased hydraulic safety despite declining turgor safety margins at higher salinity sites. Our results highlight the complex interplay of plasticity in organ‐level water relations with hydraulic vulnerability in the maintenance of stem hydraulic function in mangroves distributed along salinity gradients. These results emphasise the importance of combining water relations and hydraulic vulnerability parameters to understand vulnerability to water stress across the whole plant. Summary Statement: Plasticity in hydraulic vulnerability maintained hydraulic safety margins at high salinity, while the redistribution of water from foliage to stems during extended drying buffered stem hydraulic function in the mangroves Aegiceras corniculatum and Rhizophora stylosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Very low‐calorie diet (VLCD) programs are readily available in Australia. However, there is a lack of real‐world evidence describing the characteristics related to positive outcomes. Aims: To examine the demographic, eating, self‐efficacy and program engagement characteristics of VLCD users in Australia, and the associations between user characteristics and program success, weight loss, quality of life (QOL) and health. Method: Cross‐sectional data from Australian adults: regular users (n = 189: VLCD user ≥4 days/week for >4 weeks) and intermittent users (n = 111, VLCD user <4 weeks and/or <4 days/week). Self‐reported data on demographics, VLCD program use, support, eating behavior, weight‐related QOL, mental health, physical health, self‐efficacy, and physical activity. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in R. Results: Compared to regular users, intermittent users reported lower percentage weight loss (15.1% ± SD 9.8 vs. 9.9% ± SD 6.8, relative to starting weight), fewer reported their VLCD program as very successful (44% vs. 35%), higher depressive symptom scores (8.7 ± SD 2.8 vs. 6.7 ± SD 5.1), and lower general self‐efficacy (23.9 ± SD 4.7 vs. 29.4 ± SD 5.7), nutrition self‐efficacy (11.9 ± SD 2.0 vs. 14.5 ± SD 3.1) and weight‐related QOL scores (60.9 ± SD 22.2 vs. 65.0 ± SD 11.8; p < 0.001 for all). In regular users, older age and longer program duration were associated with greater total weight loss, support, and program success (p < 0.001 for all). In intermittent users, program success was greater when dietitian support was used (odds ratio [OR] 6.50) and for those with higher BMIs (OR 1.08, p < 0.001 for all). In both groups, more frequent support was associated with better weight‐related QOL (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study provides real‐world evidence that regular VLCD users had greater success and weight loss than intermittent program users. These findings may be used to tailor and improve the delivery of VLCD programs in Australia and other countries with retail access to VLCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar water uptake can recharge water storage tissue and enable greater hydration than through access to soil water alone; however, few studies have explored the role of the bark in facilitating water uptake. We investigated pathways and dynamics of bark water uptake (BWU) in stems of the mangrove Avicennia marina. We provide novel evidence that specific entry points control dynamics of water uptake through the outer bark surface. Furthermore, using a fluorescent symplastic tracer dye we provide the first evidence that lenticels on the outer bark surface facilitate BWU, thus increasing stem water content by up to 3.7%. X‐ray micro‐computed tomography showed that BWU was sufficient to cause measurable swelling of stem tissue layers increasing whole stem cross‐sectional area by 0.83 mm2 or 2.8%, implicating it as a contributor to the diel patterns of water storage recharge that buffer xylem water potential and maintain hydration of living tissue. Summary statement: We identified a novel function for lenticels as a pathway for bark uptake of liquid water in stems of Avicennia marina. Bark water uptake (BWU) increased stem water content and was sufficient to swell stem tissues implicating BWU as a contributor to recharge of stem water storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) aims to improve Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. Since 2006, ADNI has shared clinical, neuroimaging, and cognitive data, and biofluid samples. We used conventional search methods to identify 1459 publications from 2021 to 2022 using ADNI data/samples and reviewed 291 impactful studies. This review details how ADNI studies improved disease progression understanding and clinical trial efficiency. Advances in subject selection, detection of treatment effects, harmonization, and modeling improved clinical trials and plasma biomarkers like phosphorylated tau showed promise for clinical use. Biomarkers of amyloid beta, tau, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and others were prognostic with individualized prediction algorithms available online. Studies supported the amyloid cascade, emphasized the importance of neuroinflammation, and detailed widespread heterogeneity in disease, linked to genetic and vascular risk, co‐pathologies, sex, and resilience. Biological subtypes were consistently observed. Generalizability of ADNI results is limited by lack of cohort diversity, an issue ADNI‐4 aims to address by enrolling a diverse cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We examined neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and psychotropic medication use at the midway point of data collection of the Longitudinal Early‐onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS). We compared amyloid‐positive early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) participants and amyloid‐negative early‐onset non‐Alzheimer's disease [EOnonAD]) participants across NPS domains and psychotropic medication categories. Method: 282 participants enrolled in LEADS were compared across diagnostic groups – amyloid‐positive EOAD (n = 212) and amyloid‐negative EOnonAD (n = 70). All participants were between ages 40 and 64 at baseline. NPS were measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory – Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) and Geriatric Depression Scale – Short Form (GDS‐SF). Medications were categorized into psychotropic category (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines). Groups were compared on NPI‐Q using binary logistic regression adjusting for sex and disease severity, on GDS‐SF using linear regression adjusting for sex and disease severity, and on psychotropic medication use using Chi square or Fisher's exact test. Result: Demographic data are presented in Table 1. Average total NPI‐Q score was higher in EOnonAD than EOAD (p =.002, ŋp2 =.03). Regardless of diagnostic group, informants endorsed Affective behaviors most frequently (76.2%). EOAD informants endorsed fewer Distress‐Tension behaviors (p =.02, OR =.498) and Impulse Control behaviors (p =.01, OR =.438). EOAD informants also endorsed apathy (p <.001, OR =.316), irritability (p =.02, OR =.498), and disinhibition (p =.04, OR =.476) at lower frequency than EOnonAD. GDS‐SF showed that the EOnonAD participants self‐reported more symptoms of depression than the EOAD group (p =.002, ŋp2 =.03). (Table 2A). A minority of participants, regardless of diagnostic group, reported psychotropic medication use (35%). There was higher use in EOnonAD (38%) than EOAD (24%) (p =.03, Cohen W =.14) (Table 2B). Conclusion: NPS burden and psychotropic medication use were higher in EOnonAD than EOAD participants, despite EOnonAD being less severely impaired. LEADS continues to collect data. Future studies will examine etiologies that may be larger drivers of NPS than AD neuropathology, mediators (e.g., race, ethnicity) in the association between NPS and diagnostic group classication, compare NPS in EOAD vs. LOAD, and examine longitudinal changes in neuropsychiatric profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR's) such as N95s have become widely used in appropriate settings for personal respiratory protection and are increasingly used beyond workplace settings. Concerns about possible adverse effects have appeared in many publications, particularly since the COVID‐19 pandemic led to much more widespread use. This paper synthesizes known effects based upon review of publications in PubMed since 1995, addressing effects other than pulmonary and cardiovascular (reviewed elsewhere). Findings: (1) Subjective discomfort is very frequently reported; this includes general discomfort or organ‐system‐specific complaints such as respiratory, headache, dermatologic, and heat. Research methods are widely divergent, and we propose a taxonomy to classify such studies by methodology, study population (subjects, experimental vs. observational methodology, comparator, specificity, and timeframe) to facilitate synthesis. (2) Objective measures of increased heat and humidity within the mask are well documented. (3) Frequency and characteristics of dermatologic effects have been insufficiently evaluated. (4) Physical mask designs are varied, making generalizations challenging. (5) More studies of impact on work performance and communication are needed. (6) Studies of effect of FFR design and accompanying training materials on ease and consistency of use are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A 128‐channel receive‐only array for brain imaging at 7 T was simulated, designed, constructed, and tested within a high‐performance head gradient designed for high‐resolution functional imaging. Methods: The coil used a tight‐fitting helmet geometry populated with 128 loop elements and preamplifiers to fit into a 39 cm diameter space inside a built‐in gradient. The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and parallel imaging performance (1/g) were measured in vivo and simulated using electromagnetic modeling. The histogram of 1/g factors was analyzed to assess the range of performance. The array's performance was compared to the industry‐standard 32‐channel receive array and a 64‐channel research array. Results: It was possible to construct the 128‐channel array with body noise–dominated loops producing an average noise correlation of 5.4%. Measurements showed increased sensitivity compared with the 32‐channel and 64‐channel array through a combination of higher intrinsic SNR and g‐factor improvements. For unaccelerated imaging, the 128‐channel array showed SNR gains of 17.6% and 9.3% compared to the 32‐channel and 64‐channel array, respectively, at the center of the brain and 42% and 18% higher SNR in the peripheral brain regions including the cortex. For R = 5 accelerated imaging, these gains were 44.2% and 24.3% at the brain center and 86.7% and 48.7% in the cortex. The 1/g‐factor histograms show both an improved mean and a tighter distribution by increasing the channel count, with both effects becoming more pronounced at higher accelerations. Conclusion: The experimental results confirm that increasing the channel count to 128 channels is beneficial for 7T brain imaging, both for increasing SNR in peripheral brain regions and for accelerated imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One goal of the Longitudinal Early‐onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) is to investigate the genetic etiology of early onset (40–64 years) cognitive impairment. Toward this goal, LEADS participants are screened for known pathogenic variants. Methods: LEADS amyloid‐positive early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) or negative early‐onset non‐AD (EOnonAD) cases were whole exome sequenced (N = 299). Pathogenic variant frequency in APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, GRN, MAPT, and C9ORF72 was assessed for EOAD and EOnonAD. Gene burden testing was performed in cases compared to similar‐age cognitively normal controls in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study. Results: Previously reported pathogenic variants in the six genes were identified in 1.35% of EOAD (3/223) and 6.58% of EOnonAD (5/76). No genes showed enrichment for carriers of rare functional variants in LEADS cases. Discussion: Results suggest that LEADS is enriched for novel genetic causative variants, as previously reported variants are not observed in most cases. Highlights: Sequencing identified eight cognitively impaired pathogenic variant carriers.Pathogenic variants were identified in PSEN1, GRN, MAPT, and C9ORF72.Rare variants were not enriched in APP, PSEN1/2, GRN, and MAPT.The Longitudinal Early‐onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) is a key resource for early‐onset Alzheimer's genetic research [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research has advanced our understanding of neurodegeneration in sporadic early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) but studies include small samples, mostly amnestic EOAD, and have not focused on developing an MRI biomarker. METHODS: We analyzed MRI scans to define the sporadic EOAD‐signature atrophy in a small sample (n = 25) of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) EOAD patients, investigated its reproducibility in the large longitudinal early‐onset Alzheimer's disease study (LEADS) sample (n = 211), and investigated the relationship of the magnitude of atrophy with cognitive impairment. RESULTS: The EOAD‐signature atrophy was replicated across the two cohorts, with prominent atrophy in the caudal lateral temporal cortex, inferior parietal lobule, and posterior cingulate and precuneus cortices, and with relative sparing of the medial temporal lobe. The magnitude of EOAD‐signature atrophy was associated with the severity of cognitive impairment. DISCUSSION: The EOAD‐signature atrophy is a reliable and clinically valid biomarker of AD‐related neurodegeneration that could be used in clinical trials for EOAD. Highlights: We developed an early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD)–signature of atrophy based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.EOAD signature was robustly reproducible across two independent patient cohorts.EOAD signature included prominent atrophy in parietal and posterior temporal cortex.The EOAD‐signature atrophy was associated with the severity of cognitive impairment.EOAD signature is a reliable and clinically valid biomarker of neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Longitudinal Early‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) seeks to provide comprehensive understanding of early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD; onset <65 years), with the current study profiling baseline clinical, cognitive, biomarker, and genetic characteristics of the cohort nearing the data‐collection mid‐point. Methods: Data from 371 LEADS participants were compared based on diagnostic group classification (cognitively normal [n = 89], amyloid‐positive EOAD [n = 212], and amyloid‐negative early‐onset non‐Alzheimer's disease [EOnonAD; n = 70]). Results: Cognitive performance was worse for EOAD than other groups, and EOAD participants were apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 homozygotes at higher rates. An amnestic presentation was common among impaired participants (81%), with several clinical phenotypes present. LEADS participants generally consented at high rates to optional trial procedures. Conclusions: We present the most comprehensive baseline characterization of sporadic EOAD in the United States to date. EOAD presents with widespread cognitive impairment within and across clinical phenotypes, with differences in APOE ε4 allele carrier status appearing to be relevant. HIGHLIGHTS: Findings represent the most comprehensive baseline characterization of sporadic early‐onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) to date. Cognitive impairment was widespread for EOAD participants and more severe than other groups.EOAD participants were homozygous apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers at higher rates than the EOnonAD group.Amnestic presentation predominated in EOAD and EOnonAD participants, but other clinical phenotypes were present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence and severity of global mangrove mortality due to drought is increasing. Yet, little is understood of the capacity of mangroves to show long‐term acclimation of leaf water relations to severe drought. We tested for differences between mid‐dry season leaf water relations in two cooccurring mangroves, Aegiceras corniculatum and Rhizophora stylosa before a severe drought (a heatwave combined with low rainfall) and after its relief by the wet season. Consistent with ecological stress memory, the legacy of severe drought enhanced salinity tolerance in the subsequent dry season through coordinated adjustments that reduced the leaf water potential at the turgor loss point and increased cell wall rigidity. These adjustments enabled maintenance of turgor and relative water content with increasing salinity. As most canopy growth occurs during the wet season, acclimation to the 'memory' of higher salinity in the previous dry season enables greater leaf function with minimal adjustments, as long‐lived leaves progress from wet through dry seasons. However, declining turgor safety margins ‐ the difference between soil water potential and leaf water potential at turgor loss ‐ implied increasing limitation to water use with increasing salinity. Thus, plasticity in leaf water relations contributes fundamentally to mangrove function under varying salinity regimes. Summary statement: Legacy of severe drought enhanced salinity tolerance in Aegiceras corniculatum and Rhizophora stylosa through coordinated adjustments in leaf turgor loss points and cell wall elasticity. Nevertheless, declining turgor safety margins may increase the vulnerability of mangroves to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A shared care model was implemented in 2006 in Queensland to facilitate paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients receiving care as close to home as possible. Following initial diagnosis, care planning and treatment at the tertiary children's hospital, appropriate local care was coordinated by Regional Case Managers (RCMs) established at each of 10 Shared Care Units (SCUs). This enabled safe and quality regional care supported by a statewide network providing clinical governance and education. This paper examines learnings from 15 years of this shared care. Setting: Ten hospitals throughout Queensland facilitated a statewide model of shared care for paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative care patients, supported by a tertiary hub in Brisbane. Participants: Regional Case Managers in Shared Care Units and their supporting staff. Design Staff from SCUs were surveyed and focus group interviews conducted. Results: The paper reviews the attributes, knowledge and experience required for RCMs. Standards of care were supported through education workshops, clinical placements, chemotherapy credentialing, guidelines and standards. RCMs facilitated communication and information sharing with the tertiary centre, advocated for their cohort of patients locally and streamlined and supported the family's experience of care. Conclusion: The RCM role provided invaluable clinical leadership for the care of paediatric oncology, haematology and palliative patients across Queensland. As new treatments evolve, the expertise and coordination provided by the RCMs will be even more critical. Achieving high‐quality shared care outcomes is underpinned by the RCMs drive to achieve statewide safety and support for this cohort of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and even more in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The symptom‐based cluster including nighttime disturbances, depression, appetite changes, anxiety, and apathy (affective and vegetative symptoms) was associated with an increased risk of dementia in MCI and has common neuroanatomical associations. Our objective was to investigate the differences in brain morphology associations with affective and vegetative symptoms between three groups: cognitively normal older adults (CN), MCI and AD. Material and Methods: Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data of 223 CN, 367 MCI and 175 AD, including cortical volumes, surface areas and thicknesses and severity scores of the five NPS were analyzed. A whole‐brain vertex‐wise general linear model was performed to test for intergroup differences (CN‐MCI, CN‐AD, AD‐MCI) in brain morphology associations with five NPS. Multiple regressions were conducted to investigate cortical change as a function of NPS severity in the AD‐MCI contrast. Results: We found (1) signature differences in nighttime disturbances associations with prefrontal regions in AD‐MCI, (2) signature differences in NPS associations with temporal regions in AD‐MCI for depression and in CN‐AD for anxiety, (3) decreased temporal metrics in MCI as nighttime disturbances and depression severity increased, (4) decreased pars triangularis metrics in AD as nighttime disturbances and apathy severity increased. Conclusion: Each NPS seems to have a signature on brain morphology. Affective and vegetative NPS were primarily associated with prefrontal and temporal regions. These signatures open the possibility of potential future assessments of links between brain morphology and NPS on an individual level. Key points: Signature differences in nighttime disturbances associations with prefrontal regions in Alzheimer's disease mild cognitive impairment (AD‐MCI).Signature differences in Neuropsychiatric symptoms associations with temporal regions in AD‐MCI for de‐pression and in cognitively normal‐AD for anxiety.Dreased temporal metrics in MCI as nighttime dis‐turbances and depression severity increased.Decreased pars triangularis metrics in AD as nighttime disturbances and apathy severity increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fewer than 5% of patients with Alzheimer's disease are diagnosed between 40‐64 years old, making "early‐onset Alzheimer's disease" (EOAD) an uncommon phenomenon (Zu et al., 2015). To date, only basic knowledge on EOAD is known, no uniform criteria for EOAD have been implemented, and sample sizes in research have been small. The Longitudinal Early‐Onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of EOAD symptomology, with the current project profiling baseline clinical, cognitive, and basic genetic characteristics of the cohort nearing the data‐collection mid‐point. Method: Data from 371 participants undergoing the LEADS protocol were compared based on diagnostic group classification (cognitively normal [CN], amyloid‐positive EOAD, and amyloid‐negative Early‐Onset non‐Alzheimer's disease [EOnonAD]). Because LEADS focuses on sporadic early‐onset dementia, impaired individuals with genetic mutations in Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), Presenilin‐1 (PSEN1) or Presenilin‐2 (PSEN2), Microtubule Associated Protein Tau (MAPT), Chromosome 9 Open Reading Frame 72 (C9ORF72), or Granulin Precursor aka Progranulin (GRN) were excluded. Result: Demographic characteristics for each group are shown in Table 1. After adjusting for age, education, and sex, EOAD performed worse than CN for all domains (ps<.001, η2s = 0.05‐0.66), and worse than EOnonAD for all domains except language (ps<.001, η2s = 0.06‐0.29). As shown in Table 2, EOAD showed worse performance on Episodic Memory (z = ‐2.38), followed by Speed Attention (z = ‐1.93) and Executive domains (z = ‐1.43) relative to CN. An amnestic presentation was common among impaired participants, with several clinical phenotypes present. The EOAD group possessed a significantly greater proportion of apolipoprotein ε4 homozygous participants than the EOnonAD group (p =.01, Cohen's w = 0.15), and a trend of greater proportions of ε4 heterozygous participants than both CN and EOnonAD (ps =.05‐.07, Cohen's ws = 0.11; Table 3). Finally, LEADS participants generally consented at high rates to optional trial procedures like lumbar puncture (60%) and genetic disclosure (89%). Conclusion: This work represents the best baseline characterization of sporadic EOAD in the U.S. to date. Early‐onset dementia presents with widespread cognitive impairment, characterized by several known clinical phenotypes. Apolipoprotein ε4 allele carrier status appears to remain important in EOAD. Future investigation will explore many potential associations between EOAD and cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, genetics, and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the rarely considered role of friends and peers supporting young people after sexual abuse experienced in adolescence, drawing on participatory research with 32 young people in the UK with lived experience. The article considers ways in which relationships with friends and peers interplay with recovery from abuse. This includes friends and peers as recipients of disclosure, conduits to professional support, sources of emotional support and distraction, and being embroiled in often challenging, precarious peer cultures that young people navigate post‐abuse. The article explores young people's rationale for, and experiences of, reaching out to friends and peers. It considers what young people seek and gain from these relationships in the aftermath of abuse, while acknowledging complex risks and precarity of these relationships. It argues that support from friends offers something distinct to family and professionals. It explores benefits of these relationships, but also potential for peer responses to undermine wellbeing if not sufficiently supportive or informed. The article ends by arguing for professionals to better recognise and respond to these relational contexts and consider whether there are safe and appropriate ways to 'support young people to support' without responsibilisation, and recognising welfare needs of those providing such support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Not all patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) who are eligible for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following upfront surgery appear to receive it. Methods: Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Selected patients from 2009 to 2018 had locally advanced HNC, underwent upfront surgery, and were eligible for adjuvant RT. Multivariable logistic regression and chi‐squared test were used to analyze available patient and tumor characteristics. Results: Of 12 549 patients, 84.5% underwent adjuvant RT, 15.5% did not. Characteristics associated with lowest adjuvant RT utilization included cancers of the larynx (p < 0.0001) and gingivae (p < 0.0001), age 80 and above (p < 0.0001), unpartnered status (p < 0.0001), and residence within a nonmetropolitan area (p < 0.0024). Conclusions: Tumor subsite, age, partnered status, and rural/urban residence correlate with omission of adjuvant RT in locally advanced HNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photosynthetic apparatus of lichen photobionts has been well‐characterized by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis (e.g., by pulse amplitude modulation [PAM]), which provides a proxy of the activity of photosystem II (PSII) and its antenna. However, such kinetics are unable to directly characterize photosystem I (PSI) activity and the associated alternative electron pathways that may be involved in photoprotection. Instead, PSI can be probed in vivo by near‐infrared absorption, measured at the same time as standard chlorophyll fluorescence (e.g., using the WALZ Dual PAM). Here, we used the Dual PAM to investigate cyclic electron flow and photoprotection in a range of mostly temperate lichens sampled from shaded to more open microhabitats. Sun species displayed lower acceptor side limitation of PSI (Y[NA]) early in illumination when compared to shade species, indicative of higher flavodiiron‐mediated pseudocyclic electron flow. In response to high irradiance, some lichens accumulate melanin, and Y[NA] was lower and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH‐2)‐type cyclic flow was higher in melanised than pale forms. Furthermore, non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) was higher and faster relaxing in shade than sun species, while all lichens displayed high rates of photosynthetic cyclic electron flow. In conclusion, our data suggest that (1) low acceptor side limitation of PSI is important for sun‐exposed lichens; (2) NPQ helps shade species tolerate brief exposure to high irradiance; and (3) cyclic electron flow is a prominent feature of lichens regardless of habitat, although NDH‐2‐type flow is associated with high light acclimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) were introduced to protect the wearer by removing small particles from inspired air. FFRs are now also used to reduce the spread of transmissible agents from the wearer and are worn outside traditional healthcare and other workplaces. The COVID‐19 pandemic increased concerns about potential adverse effects on wearers. A PUBMED query retrieved articles through June 2022. Abstracts and selected full‐text articles were systematically reviewed by the authors. This article focuses upon cardiopulmonary physiologic effects (e.g., ventilation, CO2 elimination, oxygen uptake, and respiratory control) with emphasis upon current and potential research methods as well as summarizing results. 1985 records were identified, of which only 26% were published before 2020. FFR effects on CO2 elimination appear more likely to be significant than effects on oxygenation or cardiovascular function. While FFRs appear well tolerated by healthy persons, more research is needed for those with pulmonary or cardiac disorders, and for children. Many traditional pulmonary exercise study methods require special care when applied to filtering facepiece respirators. Studying additional parameters may explain the paradox of many subjective discomfort reports despite very limited physiologic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repurposing drugs capable of extending lifespan and health span has a huge untapped potential in translational geroscience. Here, we searched for known compounds that elicit a similar gene expression signature to caloric restriction and identified rilmenidine, an I1‐imidazoline receptor agonist and prescription medication for the treatment of hypertension. We then show that treating Caenorhabditis elegans with rilmenidine at young and older ages increases lifespan. We also demonstrate that the stress‐resilience, health span, and lifespan benefits of rilmenidine treatment in C. elegans are mediated by the I1‐imidazoline receptor nish‐1, implicating this receptor as a potential longevity target. Consistent with the shared caloric‐restriction‐mimicking gene signature, supplementing rilmenidine to calorically restricted C. elegans, genetic reduction of TORC1 function, or rapamycin treatment did not further increase lifespan. The rilmenidine‐induced longevity required the transcription factors FOXO/DAF‐16 and NRF1,2,3/SKN‐1. Furthermore, we find that autophagy, but not AMPK signaling, was needed for rilmenidine‐induced longevity. Moreover, transcriptional changes similar to caloric restriction were observed in liver and kidney tissues in mice treated with rilmenidine. Together, these results reveal a geroprotective and potential caloric restriction mimetic effect by rilmenidine that warrant fresh lines of inquiry into this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nylon‐6 is selectively depolymerized to the parent monomer ϵ‐caprolactam by the readily accessible and commercially available lanthanide trisamido catalysts Ln(N(TMS)2)3 (Ln=lanthanide). The depolymerization process is solvent‐free, near quantitative, highly selective, and operates at the lowest Nylon‐6 to ϵ‐caprolactam depolymerization temperature reported to date. The catalytic activity of the different lanthanide trisamides scales with the Ln3+ ionic radius, and this process is effective with post‐consumer Nylon‐6 as well as with Nylon‐6+polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate mixtures. Experimental kinetic data and theoretical (DFT) mechanistic analyses suggest initial deprotonation of a Nylon terminal amido N−H bond, which covalently binds the catalyst to the polymer, followed by a chain‐end back‐biting process in which ϵ‐caprolactam units are sequentially extruded from the chain end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) aims to validate biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. To improve generalizability, ADNI4 aims to enroll 50‐60% of its new participants from underrepresented populations (URPs) using new biofluid and digital technologies. ADNI4 has received funding from the National Institute on Aging beginning September 2022. Methods: ADNI4 will recruit URPs using community‐engaged approaches. An online portal will screen 20,000 participants, 4000 of whom (50‐60% URPs) will be tested for plasma biomarkers and APOE. From this, 500 new participants will undergo in‐clinic assessment joining 500 ADNI3 rollover participants. Remaining participants (∼3500) will undergo longitudinal plasma and digital cognitive testing. ADNI4 will add MRI sequences and new PET tracers. Project 1 will optimize biomarkers in AD clinical trials. Results and Discussion: ADNI4 will improve generalizability of results, use remote digital and blood screening, and continue providing longitudinal clinical, biomarker, and autopsy data to investigators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apathy is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Research that helps define the apathy phenotype is urgently needed, particularly for clinical and biomarker studies. We used latent class analysis (LCA) with two independent cohorts to understand how apathy and depression symptoms co‐occur statistically. We further explored the relationship between latent class membership, demographics, and the presence of other NPS. The LCA identified a four‐class solution (no symptoms, apathy, depression, and combined apathy/depression), reproducible over both cohorts, providing robust support for an apathy syndrome distinct from depression and confirming that an apathy/depression syndrome exists, supported by the model fit test with the four‐class solution scores evidencing better fitting (Bayesian information criterion adjusted and entropy R2). Using a data‐driven method, we show distinct and statistically meaningful co‐occurrence of apathy and depressive symptoms. There was evidence that these classes have different clinical associations, which may help inform diagnostic categories for research studies and clinical practice. Highlights: We found four classes: no symptoms, apathy, depression and apathy/depression.Apathy conferred a higher probability for agitation.Apathy diagnostic criteria should include accompanying neuropsychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]